ARC BOOK REVIEW...Dragon Mine (The Hidden 0.5) by Jaime Rush

His Dragon, her magick, a dark mystery, and hot sparks!

Kirin is summoned home to Miami when his father goes missing--the man who ruined his life, and his relationship with Elle, by being a suspect in her mother's disappearance. When he runs into Elle, sparks fly, especially when he discovers her father is missing, too. Suspecting that their disappearances are linked, they must combine his Dragon power and her magick to find the truth in the darkest shadows. But as their desires flare again, can their burning passion overcome their past—or the danger that the future holds?
Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Forever Yours

Talk about B.O.R.I.N.G!!!  Aside from the boring plot, pacing, the unrealistic characters and dialogue, I don't know what was worse.

This was literally my face during all but one scene in the book....

   

Then, when the love scene happened....  

And I was like "Oooh la la!!" So smexy.

 Then after that it went back to....

And,

My Rating:

-Overall : 7.5
-Plot : 7
-Writing : 8
-Characters : 7.5
-Cover : 8.5

BOOK REVIEW...The Prelude (A Musical Interlude #1) by KaSonndra Leigh

A New Adult Contemporary Romance

After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.

Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless. 

Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.

Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

This novel contains sexual situations and mature language. It is intended for an audience at 17+ years of age.

 Published March 31st 2013 by KaSonndra Leigh Books, LLC (first published March 29th 2013)

I was really "iffy" when picking up "The Prelude" due to all the hype on it.  Luckily for me, it did manage to meet it.

"The Prelude" isn't your typical new adult kind of story with all of the cliche kind of elements.  It's has more of a dark brooding type of feel filled with deep angst and a hope of redemption.

Both characters come from very tragic circumstances and come together in an intoxicating tale of love, music, betrayal, and redemption.

Over all, a great start for a book debut for Ms. Leigh!

My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 9
-Writing : 9
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8

 

ARC REVIEW...Rapture's Edge (Night Prowler #3) by J.T. Geissinger

SECRETS…In the hidden world that exists beside our own, a mirror world of ancient magic and elegant deceptions, a world of people who are so much more than they first appear, a war is brewing. Most of these Gifted people—the Ikati, a savage, sensual race of lethal predators—are content to hide behind human smiles, disguising their splendor in order to survive. But others are discontent. And they will hide no longer.

BETRAYALS…Eliana lives for two things only: vengeance on the man who killed her father and seeing her father’s dream of living in the open with humans come to pass. But that dream is far too dangerous for The Hunt, a group of elite Ikati assassins with one objective: eliminate her before she can expose their secrets to the world.

SEDUCTION…Demetrius is haunted by the memory of the woman he once loved. He will risk everything to save her from the killers on her tail…and convince her, before the ancient walls between two worlds crumble, that only together can they defeat their real enemy, a brilliant, cunning traitor far more deadly than either of them can guess.
Expected publication: June 18th 2013 by Montlake Romance

I wish I knew when I requested to review this book on NetGallery that it was actually the third book in the series.  That would have helped with understanding the whole background of what was going on.

I was honestly lost during some parts and wanted to kick myself for not researching this book on Goodreads before undertaking it and trying to understand it.  Those of you who are like me and plan on reading this book then I highly suggest you read the two books before picking up "Rapture's Edge."

Otherwise, aside from background clueless nativity, everything else was easy to understand.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself in this hidden world of love, magic, mystery, and danger.

Eliana and Demetrius' chemistry has this uncanny feeling of surrealism.  I know that description sounds weird and incomplete but that's the best that I could come up with besides using the word "soul mates".

I know that their relationship isn't a walk in the park as a war is raging and Eliana has some major trust issues towards Demetrius BUT I couldn't help but like their rifts and banters and root for them the entire time.

Another theme that highlighted "Rapture's Edge" for me was the secondary characters like Mel, Eliana's BFF and strong supporter of "Elitrus." <3

I highly recommend "Rapture's Edge" and will now go back and buy the other two previous installments while patiently awaiting for the arrival of book 4.  Bye!!


My Rating:

-Overall : 9
-Plot : 9
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8.5

ARC REVIEW...Taken by Him (The Billionaire's Club #2) by Red Garnier

The Billionaire’s Club: The wealthiest, most powerful men, not only in Chicago, but in the world.  They are used to having whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Luke Preston is the ultimate playboy among his billionaire friends.  Every bad girl in Chicago has surrendered in his bed.  Some good girls, too.  But when he ends up in the hospital after an assassination attempt, his friends suggest he take a long vacation to recoup, regroup and lay off the women until the man is caught.  However, when Luke lays eyes on the stunning brunette across the beach, she inspires every dark, erotic thought his mind can conjure.

Peyton Lane has always been serious and responsible and she’s determined to have some fun for once in her life.  And that means a deliciously, sexy affair with a stranger while she’s on vacation.  So when a blond Adonis named Luke crosses her path at the Cancun resort, she’s determined that he will be the one. But Peyton gets more than she bargained for when Luke introduces her to a passion unlike any she has ever experienced and she discovers that behind that charming smile are secrets and a beautiful, damaged soul.  

Red Garnier takes readers deep into a world of incredible emotion and undeniable power and possession.

Also, don’t miss CLAIMED BY HIM, the first unforgettable story in The Billionaire’s Club, available now.
Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

"Taken By Him" turned out to be a surprise for me.  I thought that it was going to be like any other type of billionaire sex themed read but it turned out to be a guilty pleasure in bed for me.

Luke Preston is a billionaire playboy hiding out on "vacation" after an assassination attempt on his life occurs.  He then meets Peyton Lane while on his holiday and what starts off as a no strings attached love affair turns out into something more.

How will things turn out for Luke and Peyton while there is a killer on the lose?

......
Again, I will say "Taken By Him" was a definite guilty pleasure for me that made my girly parts scream.  I liked both Luke and Peyton and the plot moved at decent and fluid pace.

I highly suggest this read to anyone looking for a simple read on the couch that will make your body tingle!!



My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8

BOOK REVIEW...This Man Series [Books 1-2] by Jodi Ellen Malpas

2012-2013

This Man Series has got to be one of my all time trilogies so far.  It reminds me along the lines of R.K. Lilley's "Up in the Air Series" and Raine Miller's "Blackstone Affair Series."

The plot is simple and the characters are intriguing.  Especially the Lord of the Manor, Mr. Jesse Ward himself!

Personally though, I do not see Jesse's obsessive intrigue with Ava.  I just don't get it.  I'm not hating on Ava, I like her but how can a guy who's been with a ton of women all of a sudden lay eyes on his new interior designer [Ava] and become instantly smitten?  Like I said, I do not get it.  I guess that's what they mean when they say "love at first sight."

Anyway, moving on....
Throughout both books Ava seemed to me like your average everyday type of girl trying to make her place in the world.  She is one of the leading designers in her company and has a good head on top of her shoulders. That is, until she meets new client, Jesse.  Then her practicality just went out the door! lol.

While I did understand Ava's reservations towards Jesse and starting a relationship with him, I could not help but squeal when they FINALLY did come together.  The chemistry was off the top sizzling hot!!

I love me some Jesse Ward!! Yum!!

Ava and Jesse's relationship is intoxicating yet combustible.  While they "work" as a couple when Ava isn't being skittish and Jesse isn't going beserk, there is this 'dark mysterious' aura that's lurking in the dark to tear them apart.

What will the fate of this couple come down to now that thanks to books one and two:
Jesse's occupation of  the owner of the sex is out?
Jesse's mysterious past is leaked?
Jealous lovers come out to play?
And now the couple is engaged?

I guess time will tell when book three, "This Man Confessed," the final conclusion is released on July 2nd, 2013.  Until then!!


My Rating:

-Overall : 9
-Plot : 9
-Writing : 9
-Characters : 9
-Cover : 7

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Darkness Bred (Chimney Rock #2) by Stella Cameron

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Ever since shapeshifter Elin escaped to Whidbey Island, danger has stalked her every move. Her human traits, combined with her unique supernatural gifts, make her a prized being to be possessed . . . or destroyed. It is only the passionate attraction she shares with werehound Sean Black that gives her hope for her future-if she can elude the lethal predators who are hot on her scent.

HIDES DANGER AND DESIRE

Sean knows that Elin, with her delicate beauty and seductive powers, is his one perfect mate. The woman who can restore his humanity and make him stronger than ever. He'll need that strength and more to protect her from those who wish to destroy him and everything he desires. For Sean carries a secret that binds him to an enemy from the past and to a darker, deadlier force-a malignant evil that is hunting the women of Whidbey Island . . .
Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by Forever

"Darkness Bred" was just an 'okay' kind of read.  While I did enjoy the paranormal elements tremendously, what really threw me off the the 'whacky' and crazy pacing of the entire plot line and the lack of growth and characterization of the characters.

I will admit that I was intrigued from page one due to the amount of action and sense of mystery of what was to come next.  But what really dropped it for me was the amounts of useless drama and side curbs that were thrown into the plot.  I mean come on and get on with the story!! Stop throwing in junk that doesn't make sense!!

 I was also hoping for a sexy romantic paranormal read but that too didn't happen for me either.  I did not see sparks between the characters and wondered why they were put together?  It just seemed to me as if the male lead just wandered around like a lost puppy being the 'hero' and fighting bad guys while trying to figure out the right time in which he can mate with his female. WTF?!

What a hot mess.  I'm disappointed.  YET AGAIN, SEXXXAAYY cover!! Oooh!! I spent minutes drooling over it.  ;)


My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8

BOOK REVIEW...True by Erin McCarthy

Awkward girl meets scorching-hot boy…

When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost… 

Published May 7th, 2013

Coming into reading "True" I thought that it was going to be a typical new adult fiction book but I was pleasantly surprised.

Rory Macintosh is a smart, socially award college student who like in the synopsis is still a virgin at 20 years old.

Tyler, is the popular playboy who leads a troubled life but is trying to turn himself around.  He meets Rory after being hired to take her virginity but finds himself for once wanting to have an actual relationship with someone instead of an one night stand.

.....
I really liked how in depth McCarthy goes in the growth  development in both Rory and Tyler's characters.  They really are each other's "ying to their yang" or in other words "are each other's missing puzzle pieces"= the perfect couple. <3

I know that Rory was often insecure but I liked how she was very headstrong in her ambitions.  Tyler, on the other hand, was confident on the outside but also insecure about himself in the inside.  He gave off this tough playboy kind of persona but once he meets Rory she brings out his vulnerability and we see a new side to him as well as Rory.

My only complaint about "True" would be the ending.  For me it was okay but I feel as if there could have been more.  Then again, it looks like McCarthy is going to make this into a series so perhaps we will see or feel more fulfilled as we read on into the sequels?  Only time will tell my lovelies!!


My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8