Friday, October 31, 2014

The Trouble With Temptation (Second Service #3) [Ty & Morgan] by Adrienne Bell

Another action pact yet sweet and romantic novella in the Second Service series which I think ends after this one (In Adrienne's website it's considered a trilogy so...). I loved both Ty and Morgan. Ty was more easy going and fun than both Alex and John (the MC in the previous installments) and Morgan was an interesting character with different kind of hobbies but mostly a strong woman who can take care of herself if she didn't tend to find more trouble that ANYONE can handle :D 

The Agent Next Door (Second Service #2) [John & Erin] by Adrienne Bell

Another sweet and action filled novella in the Second Service trilogy. We met John in the first novella as Alex's friend and a part of his Seal Team. After Alex finds his Happily Ever After John realizes he kinda wants the same. Not search for his true love as find some sort of peace. The first step is buying a house in a quite neighborhood and becoming more, well, domestic :)

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

The Wedding Trap (Second Service #1) [Alex & Beth] by Adrienne Bell

Such a sweet novella! had a great time reading this one. It was short but somehow it was a well developed love story. So much was happening you could kinda forget that the whole novella (and the love story) lasted about 3 days. 

I admit I was a bit surprised when the L word was said, after all, 3 days. But you know what? with all the action and the drama I think it was kinda fitting. 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Losing It by Audra North

Sadly this is a DNF at 36% I just didn't get invested in the story. I didn't get neither Emery nor Ryan. Emery was kind of strange. She was really emotionally detached in a way but on the other hand she was too invested in her emotions (burst out crying for no apparent reason) which didn't make any sense. Ryan's plot was uninteresting because it wasn't moving. 

Billionaire with Benefits (Romancelandia #2) [Tierney & Dalton] by Anne Tenino

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this one - to pieces! I think I enjoyed it more than the first one. But frankly I'm not sure I can be trusted with such a question.. I'll probably like the first one better if I read it second or if I re-read it. I just LOVE Anne's writing, love her characters for being FLAWED but in a loving way not obnoxious can we kill this character already kinda way. 

Finished this one tonight, meaning this morning.. early morning, late night, well, you get the point, I just COULDN'T put it down, especially so close to the ending. Even though you know that the HEA is right around the corner, and yeah, you know they already love each other, you gotta SEE it. Feel it. Read it.. 

Friday, October 24, 2014

Too Stupid to Live (Whitetail Rock #3) (Romancelandia #1) [Sam & Ian] by Anne Tenino

This one was a pure JOY to read! Such a great read! It was so different than my regular MM read and I haven't even realized how much more real the romance can be when the characters are more flawed and by that I mean - REAL. Both the main characters has their issues, yet they felt somewhat normal. Also the things there were dealing with felt like something regular people would. No more macho macho men dealing with life with a fighter's stance. Just two regular guys (even if one used to be a firefighter).

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The Fix (Whitetail Rock #2) (Pre-Romancelandia #1) [Nik & Jurgen] by Anne Tenino

This is also a free ultra short novella (Download from here) which is a "pre" read before "Too stupid to live". As I wrote in the review of the previous novella Sam, a side character here is the MC in "Too stupid to live", yet you don't have to read this one or the previous one to "get" the next one (and I'm saying that without reading it - YET) since it just gives you the background of how Nik and Jurgen came together (as I understand they are side characters in Sam's story). 

This one is a year after Nik and Jurgen met, they are now living together and Jurgen is worried that Nik is going to break up with him after hearing a phone conversation Nik has with Sam. 

Whitetail Rock (Whitetail Rock #1) (Pre-Romancelandia #1) [Nik & Jurgen] by Anne Tenino

This is a short free novella (download from here) which is a somewhat "pre" story to "Too stupid to live". Originally I just added "Too stupid to live" then I realized there are two short novella before (this one and "The Fix") so I decided to read them first. 

As I understand the main characters in this novella (and the next one) are side characters in "Too stupid to live" (Sam - the MC is a side character here, being Nik's best friend). 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

This was a sweet read. I’m not usually into the Young Adult genre mainly because I couldn't be bothered with kids.. but unlike most YA books Cayman (what kind of name is THAT?!) was really mature even if she doesn't have experience with guys and felt a little bit too insecure. She rather believe rumors or things she THOUGHT were true then confront Xander and actually ASK him if something she was thinking was true. But the bottom line is she is much more mature then most YA/NA heroines. 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights, #10) (Midnight Breed #12.5 - Lazaro Archer & Melena) by Lara Adrian

I just LOVE this series. Every novel/la is just a JOY to read. I think Lara did an amazing job with the world building especially now that the setting is so different than it used to be in the beginning of the series. My only complaint about this short novella is the "instant-love" that I actually DO get since this IS Paranormal Romance and we are talking about the sort of bonding that happens to supernatural beings who has more to them than "regular humans". It would have buged me A LOT if it would have been a Contemporary Romance novella but it's not, so I wasn't THAT bothered :)

We met Lazaro Archer a few books back when he lost his whole family (minus Kellan) to Dragos when he was trying to eliminate all Gen One vampires. Ever since then he has become an ambassador and warrior in the Order, helping out in everything he can and basically losing himself to work trying not to think about his past and mostly the people in his past he was unable to save. Yet he DID save someone in the past, not his family but a kid who came to visit him with her family 20 years ago, the stubborn wild Melena. 

Caught on Camera by Meg Maguire

This was a really nice read! I was on vocation for the past three days, and though I didn't get to read THAT much I'm happy I decided to read this one even though I originally didn't plan on reading it this month but since I've been reading like crazy I added this one and a few others to my October reading list. I started reading all of Meg's novels a while ago and actually I only have one left - Trespass - which I will be reading next month. 

I really like that every book by Meg brings us something quite different than the usual romance setting-wise. I guess we've read it all when it comes to the romance itself but plot wise and setting wise there's more room to being versatile. In this one Kate Somersby is the Personal Assistant of Dominic Tyler (Ty) who is the main and only character in a survival TV show. Kate is not only his PA she is right about everything - except his lover. The both of them go to exotic places all around the world to film survival tips and tricks and in general how to survive in the wild. 

Monday, October 13, 2014

Tied (Tangled #4) by Emma Chase

On the review of "Twisted" the last installment of Kate and Drew, I couldn't write (and spoiler) a few things that annoyed me and made me a bit reluctant to read this one. Yet we had "Tamed" in the middle so I actually forgot how much I disliked "Twisted" and just HOW MUCH I should be worried of this one.

Lets start with a side note before I forget to mention it. Tattoos. I LOVE tattoos, they're great, they're sexy, they're fun (not during, naturally.. after they are done..), I have a few myself and I'm contemplating my next ones.. YET there is nothing more terrible than a name tattoo. In "Twisted" Drew got a tattoo of "Kate". REALLY? I'll ask that again Drew style - R-E-A-L-L-Y-?

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Tamed (Tangled #3) by Emma Chase

aaaaand we're back to business! :) This book was a JOY to read, not as funny as Drew's POV but sweet and loving and FUN. Really didn't want to put this one down - and I didn't! right up until the end. 

On "Tangled" we already heard of Delores aka Dee Warren - Kate's best friend hooking up with Matthew - one of Drew's best friends but we didn't get all the "gory" details and how it all come to pass. This book tell us their story. 

I wasn't sure how this one would be because I really didn't know how or who Matthew is or was before he met Dee. I loved that he wasn't "Drew2" but someone different even if both of them were "players" and even if they share the same job and some hobbies. 

Friday, October 10, 2014

Twisted (Tangled #2) by Emma Chase

After enjoying SO MUCH the previous one, this one was a HUGE disappointment. It was angsty to death and since we got Kate's sole POV (until the Epilogue where we FINALLY got to hear Drew's POV) it was also not funny and boring to death. I'll admit I skimmed about a third of the book. I just couldn't stand her, and mostly couldn't stand her when Drew wasn't around. 

Holy Frigging Matrimony (Tangled #1.5) by Emma Chase

This one was a nice enough read, funny which isn't a surprise since it's from Drew's POV - always a joy to read. But honestly, I wasn't into the jealousy scene that we had to witness. That's a MAJOR turn down for me. You'd think Drew would be more secure with himself about his relationship with Kate 8 months after it started (considering they have been living and working together all that time..). It ended up funny enough so I'm half forgiving.. yet I wish it would have been somehow more. I enjoyed the short scenes better than I did this one (which is longer than those).

Tangled Extra Scenes (Tangled #1.1) by Emma Chase

Here we have a few extra scenes which mostly take place after the ending of Tangled and give us a feeling of their relationship.

The Honeymoon's Over
A scene from Drew's POV which is HILARIOUS! Basically it's their first fight and while it was the most "regular" fight couples might have hearing it from a guy's POV made it a LOL scene. If you've read my review of "Tangled" it's funny I wrote something in it that actually happened in this short scene.

The Bitch Strikes Back
This scene is from Kate's POV and was also really funny. They are having Mackenzie (Drew's niece) over for the weekend and we get to see what Alexandra (Drew's sister) dished for him for buying the pony for his niece :)

These two can be found in Emma's blog - RIGHT HERE.


Tangled (Tangled #1) by Emma Chase

Brilliant! Though the beginning was really witty I wasn't actually sure I'll survive finishing it. That is because, Drew, the main Hero and the only POV is kinda dick.. the kind that uses woman for sex and nothing more, the too-self assured and rich as hell you wanna drop a bucket of water over his head mostly because it's the best way to see him drippin' wet.. But once you give this one a go, once you REALLY get going, you can't put it down and I can't even count how many LOL and ROFL moments I had. I'm sure my neighbors had a "run for their money" with my laughing so hard after their kiddies suppose to be asleep. Mind you, I was trying to sleep this morning unsuccessfully while the kiddies WERE awake and VERY playful so I say we're even. At least for today.. 

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Promise Me This (Between Breaths #4) [Nate & Jessie] by Christina Lee

As with the previous ones, I could have given this one a 5 star rating before opening and reading the first sentence. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book which just shows just how amazing Christina is with bringing one great story after the other and as with the previous ones I couldn't put it down. Started late yesterday read until I couldn't hold my eyes open, slept a few hours, woke up to read a bit more, fell asleep again, woken up in the morning to finish reading it. WHAT A RIDE! 

Monday, October 6, 2014

Second Chance by Audra North

This one was a sweet short story of Collin and Marnie meeting up on Halloween for the first time after 10 years. Marnie had a crush on the popular Collins back in High School while he didn't really know the shy girl existed. Well, maybe he knew but they never had any interaction back then. Now, years later when Collin is home helping out his family they meet in the Library where Marnie works and with a surprising help they find a way to one another's arms.

Not Fade Away (Hell or High Water #3.5) by SE Jakes

An easy read. Mostly sexually oriented. Tom finds out that Prophet used to and have been going with Mal to BDSM clubs and he sort of gets jealous. I guess it's also about the fact that everyone is saying how "the same" Mal and Tom are. Prophet explains to Tom in words and in actions why they aren't that alike mainly in the fact that while Tom needs surrendering to someone he trusts what Mal on the other hand needs pain so it's better having someone he trusts (aka Prophet) there seeing that nothing is getting out of hand. 

I have a feeling that this short novella was mostly to get people interested in reading more of Mal and Cillian even though it was about Prophet and Tom. Which I understand but I would still rather have something more about Tom and Prophet especially when the series is nearing it's end and Mal and Cillian are going to have their own series and they DID have enough written time on the previous novels. 

There isn't a really "story line" here. It's mostly the sex and what it means to both of them. It was nice enough but I would rather have more plot line, something more to the story especially as I'm kinda bummed that the 4th and last book in the series "If I Ever" isn't out today as it was supposed. Jakes says on her Facebook page that it's going to be out either on November or December.. Another thing I'm bummed about is the fact that Jakes doesn't remind us what happened in previous installments which means I have to think of how to remind myself enough about all the details and all the side characters BEFORE the last book.



Additional Details: Kindle Ebook, 48 pages, 6 October 2014 / On GoodReads
 
 
ABOUT THIS SERIES

Hell or High Water is a 4 book MM Romance series by SE JAKES telling us the romance between Elijah "Prophet" Drews (a former navy SEAL) and Tom Boudreaux (former FBI). As a new member of "EE" (Extreme Escapes Ltd. - A private contracting firm), Tom is partnered with Prophet who isn't into having a partner. From there you can guess what happens :) 

Each book has it's own story line / missions but there is a wider arc of story for all books. In the first book we learn more about Prophet (the case involve someone from his past) and the second gives us the background on Tom (taking place in where Tom grew up). The third build to the last novel and final confrontation of the wider story line. With the in-between novella mostly being about releasing sexual tension (which they do A LOT in this series which personally I'm less of a fan..). The fourth and last installment FINALLY deals with the big villain - Prophet's former best friend and SEAL team member John Morse ending this series with a bitter sweet note of everything that was lost, but enough that is still left to mend and heal. I can see Prophet and Tom living a long and happy life together. 

I like the series but don't LOVE it. I have a few issues with it. Firstly, you better remember all the small details and who's who and what's their agenda when you go through the series because there is hardly any explanation to things that happened in the previous books or in the past and were re-visited. Second issue is I feel this series has too many similarities in MC to the Cut & Run series by Abigail Roux. Prophet is too much of a Ty and Tom is too much of a Zane. I do feel like these two series ARE independent and there is a "place" for both of them and yet I have my misgivings sometimes. My third issue I mentioned above - there is WAY too much sex. While there's a good reason - them using sex to communicate emotionally - it was TOO DAMN MUCH for me. 

Free Falling (published 5 September 2012) ★★★★★
This is a standalone short novella telling us of Mitch and Blue, two EE Ltd. operatives. Their story line takes place before Hell or High Water. The both of them have their appearances in some of the next books but they bare no significant to the main story lines. 

Dirty Deeds (published 13 January 2014) ★★★
This is an intended as a spinoff. Currently it's only a short novella of Mal, former teammate of Prophet in charge of shadowing Cillian - Prophet's neighbor and a spook who Prophet suspects knows more than he's should about their business. This one takes place in the same time line as (and a bit after) the third book of "Hell of High Water". Honestly, did really like this one so I don't think I'll continue with this one whenever the next ones are published.

Books:
1. Catch a Ghost (published 13 September 2013) ★★★★
2. Long Time Gone (published 28 October 2013) ★★★★½
3. Daylight Again (published 5 May 2014) ★★★
3.5. Not Fade Away (published 14 August 2014) ★★★
4. If I Ever (published 21 January 2019) ★★★★ 

 

Mine by Mary Calmes

Though I read my fair share of MM novels I must say, this is not my usual read.. It's mostly because the relationship between Landry and Trevan isn't my cup of tea. They have a VERY emotional and obsessed kind of relationship. They are both very possessive and jealous of one another and Landry just ISN'T emotionally stable. No matter what everyone around them are saying / thinking, to me it sounds a lot like some sort of personality disorder (maybe Borderline?). Not to mention the fact that though we meet them as an established couple their beginning (which is mentioned is details as a memory) is an absolute "insta-love" in which after seeing Landry for a few times from afar Trevan just declares Landry is now his and he'll take care of him. YET I really enjoyed this book! Sometimes you just have to take a book the way it is and give it a chance to surprise you - which it did! It's not an absolute love 5 stars review but it IS a 4 star review and my reasons for giving in 4 instead of 5 has nothing to do with what I mentioned above. 

Saturday, October 4, 2014

My Deliberate Mistake (Drowning #1) by Claire Svendsen

Sadly this book made no sense to me. I stopped reading at 49% when it was just, I don't know, silly? made no sense what-so-ever? We have Anna who is mentally unstable that's for sure though we never really get if she's schizophrenic or is her dead sister's spirit really IS there (well, up to the point I got..). The story is so stupid there is NO WAY that she's schizophrenic. There are so many things that makes no sense, all the characters are so shallow, Anna has SUCH an instant-love that there are NO WORDS to how unreal it is. She literally falls in love with a guy she didn't have a real conversation with he just got her off and then - PANG! ding-ding-ding LOVE! say WHAT? and the guy? yeah, he loves her too. WHAT? If it was all in her sick head it could have felt real but it wasn't since the guy feels the same way (?) and supposedly he isn't the only one. Two guys falls for a weird girl after the first time they meet. YEAH RIGHT.

Summer Moon (Celtic Wolves #2) [Luc & Rosa] by Jan DeLima

Oh, I enjoyed this one SO MUCH! Jan has a was with words, with romancing and with building such a complex world yet bringing us into it little by little in just the right way so we won't be overwhelmed. When I finished the first book I REALLY wanted to have my hands on the second one but more over I wanted the third one of Ellen and Cormack. After reading this one of Luc and Rosa I understand why this order was necessary and since it was such a JOY I couldn't put down I really can't complain! :) 

I loved getting Luc and Rosa's love story and how they both fell for each other little by little with that single spark from the first second they touched. I don't like intsa-love books and usually when there is a beasty theme we get those. But here is was beautiful seeing the time it took them to respect each other, trust each other while all the while being VERY attracted to each other because of their wolves. So even though we have an animalistic theme here the love felt very genuine and based on "true feelings" that built throughout the book from their joined experience with one another. Luc IS an Alpha wolf but he was so sweet and gentle and naturally a total YUM! Rosa was something to behold. While she was submissive most of her life to her late husband she has a side she hid away and when it burst out of her we see she is one HELL of a woman! and a true match for Luc who isn't afraid or intimidated by a strong capable woman (double YUM for him!) 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

The Understatement of the Year (The Ivy Years #3) [Michael Graham & John Rikker] by Sarina Bowen

I'm floored, AGAIN, by Sarina. This book was just amazing! I loved every bit of it! I loved both Michael Graham and John Rikker even though and maybe because they are so different yet perfect for each other. I really enjoyed the plot line, how their relationship was building and I would have loved another short novella or how it all worked out in the end. I might be saying that because it was somehow missing but most likely it's more about me being reluctant to leave this couple behind! 

Just a side note for those who haven't read the other books in the series, first off, this book can be read as a standalone, secondly it shares the same time line as the second book in the series which still doesn't really matter since we didn't know either Graham or Rikker in the previous books and they are mentioned in about a sentence near the ending of the second book as Bridger (the MC in the second book) is mentioned briefly in this one. The main hero from the first book - Hartley - does appear quite a lot in this one but you don't have to read his book to understand him/this book. 
Another side note concerning this book - unlike the previous ones having a M/F relationships this one is a M/M one.