Ballybeg Bad Boys is a series of novellas that spin-off Zara Keane’s original and popular Ballybeg series. This installment was originally released as part of the Romancing the Alpha: An Action-Adventure Romance Boxed Set Anthology.
Her Treasure Hunter Ex takes us back to Ballybeg and introduces us to Katy Ryan and Declan Fitzgerald. Fans of Keane’s will notice that Declan (Dex) is the brother of Seán Mackey, the hero in Love and Shamrocks. Katy and Dex suffered a tragedy that was made worse by depression and a lack of communication. Their relationship ultimately failed and they went their separate ways. When they discover they will not only be teammates but also bunk mates, Dex and Katy set aside their animosity and focus on the job, only to discover the past has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it.
This sexy romantic suspense blends a steamy second chance romance with an interesting mystery revolving around a sunken ship, hidden treasure, and the race to find it. A steady pace with personable characters makes this an easy fun read. I have always been interested in the sinking of the Lusitania and the conspiracies that have surrounded it. Keane’s use of fact and fiction in the mystery only serves to heighten your interest as you root for this estranged couple to reconnect. My only qualm is I felt the couple reconnected too easily for the multiple issues that drove them apart. They didn’t really deal with what happened. They just apologized to one another and decided to let go and move forward from there.
Ballybeg Bad Boys is a series of novellas that spin-off Zara Keane’s original and popular Ballybeg series. This installment was originally released as part of the Romancing the Alpha: An Action-Adventure Romance Boxed Set Anthology.
Her Treasure Hunter Ex takes us back to Ballybeg and introduces us to Katy Ryan and Declan Fitzgerald. Fans of Keane’s will notice that Declan (Dex) is the brother of Seán Mackey, the hero in Love and Shamrocks. Katy and Dex suffered a tragedy that was made worse by depression and a lack of communication. Their relationship ultimately failed and they went their separate ways. When they discover they will not only be teammates but also bunk mates, Dex and Katy set aside their animosity and focus on the job, only to discover the past has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it.
This sexy romantic suspense blends a steamy second chance romance with an interesting mystery revolving around a sunken ship, hidden treasure, and the race to find it. A steady pace with personable characters makes this an easy fun read. I have always been interested in the sinking of the Lusitania and the conspiracies that have surrounded it. Keane’s use of fact and fiction in the mystery only serves to heighten your interest as you root for this estranged couple to reconnect. My only qualm is I felt the couple reconnected too easily for the multiple issues that drove them apart. They didn’t really deal with what happened. They just apologized to one another and decided to let go and move forward from there.
Favorite Quote: “Janey, you’ve been looking for trouble since the day you were born.“
Jane MacInnee has always has always had a crush on bad boy Finn Dante since childhood but she was the princess of the swamp they called home and he was from the other side of the tracks. Saddled with impossible family expectations. Jane escapes the rigid confines and expectations of her hometown and becomes an event planner to the rich. She has her life mapped out to the most minute detail. Nothing and no one is going to stand in her way.
Finn Dante, the bad boy who made good, is the only man who can upset Jane’s orderly controlled world. When he sweeps back into her life, Jane feels everything she has worked for is slipping away as he slowly works his way into her bed and life. Finn knows if he can just get her to let go and trust him to catch her as she falls, they can have a life filled with love, laughter, and fire fueled passion.
But Jane is scared and apprehensive about letting go. Finn finds himself having to spin her, confuse her, and unwind her until he can capture the heart of her and prove to her that losing control is more fun than she ever imagined.
Spin is the first book in a new erotic romance series by Bella Love. I will admit I would have preferred knowing that it was not a stand alone upfront but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. A sweet, humorous, erotic romance about a couple who, as adults, are finally able to explore the attraction that has simmered between them for years. That is, if they can overcome their fear of the unknown.
Jane, Janey Mac to Finn, might have been the princess of Dodge Run, but she didn’t have a fairytale life. A mentally ill mother and class distinctive father led Jane to become a what Finn calls “an annoyingly cheerful control freak.” She lived her life struggling to live up to her family’s expectations and the result has locked her down emotionally. Stay happy and in control is what keeps Jane from going insane. Though Jane annoyed me at times with her almost bipolar emotional state, watching her come into her own was gratifying. She’s scared of life but is willing to try and let go if Finn is her reward.
Finn is a delicious bad boy. Labelled white trash from childhood, Finn has managed to escape his past and go his own way, caring nothing of what people think of him. A curious but appealing mixture of alpha and beta, Finn isn’t one to overly dominate and control but rather help lead you (Janey) in the right direction. He has Janey’s number from the get go and rather than run from her craziness, he chooses to embrace it. I found it telling that Finn, the supposed bad one, got no less than six scholarships to various colleges while Janey, the good one, didn’t have the grades to get one single offer. It just goes to show you that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I like how he grounds Janey, offering her support for her choices but also telling her the truth. She’s scared and uses control to keep people from getting too close and he calls her on it.
“I’m tired of being your dare, Janey.”
The easy banter that Janey and Finn have together is delightful. Even though the book presents in alternating POVs, you’re never lost or ejected from a scenes. Sexy and witty, they made me chuckle repeatedly throughout the book. They had a great chemistry together and it showed.
“I feel like I could do anything,’ I whispered, my wrist slung around his neck. “Go for it.” “Last time you said that, you meant for me to stick my hands down your pants.” “That’s was I mean now.”
Their romance develops slowly even though the sex is blazingly hot and gallops right out the gate. Lots of show and tell makes for some steamy scenes. Though erotic in it’s nature, it’s vanilla with a touch of wild flavoring. Use of ginger root is about as freaky as it gets. Though there is a phone scene…and let’s just say the old saying, “reach out and touch someone” gets a whole new meaning. *wink*
A few subplots work their way through the book, twisting and turning, adding tension and the means for Janey and Finn to work through their fears. I did feel that some of the story was rushed and a few scenes didn’t quite match up the way they were meant to, coming across as struggling and unfinished. The ending, while inconclusive to the romance, doesn’t leave us dangling from a cliff. Finn and Janey are happy for now. Their story continues in Dare, release date to be announced.
Favorite Quote: “Janey, you’ve been looking for trouble since the day you were born.“
Jane MacInnee has always has always had a crush on bad boy Finn Dante since childhood but she was the princess of the swamp they called home and he was from the other side of the tracks. Saddled with impossible family expectations. Jane escapes the rigid confines and expectations of her hometown and becomes an event planner to the rich. She has her life mapped out to the most minute detail. Nothing and no one is going to stand in her way.
Finn Dante, the bad boy who made good, is the only man who can upset Jane’s orderly controlled world. When he sweeps back into her life, Jane feels everything she has worked for is slipping away as he slowly works his way into her bed and life. Finn knows if he can just get her to let go and trust him to catch her as she falls, they can have a life filled with love, laughter, and fire fueled passion.
But Jane is scared and apprehensive about letting go. Finn finds himself having to spin her, confuse her, and unwind her until he can capture the heart of her and prove to her that losing control is more fun than she ever imagined.
Spin is the first book in a new erotic romance series by Bella Love. I will admit I would have preferred knowing that it was not a stand alone upfront but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. A sweet, humorous, erotic romance about a couple who, as adults, are finally able to explore the attraction that has simmered between them for years. That is, if they can overcome their fear of the unknown.
Jane, Janey Mac to Finn, might have been the princess of Dodge Run, but she didn’t have a fairytale life. A mentally ill mother and class distinctive father led Jane to become a what Finn calls “an annoyingly cheerful control freak.” She lived her life struggling to live up to her family’s expectations and the result has locked her down emotionally. Stay happy and in control is what keeps Jane from going insane. Though Jane annoyed me at times with her almost bipolar emotional state, watching her come into her own was gratifying. She’s scared of life but is willing to try and let go if Finn is her reward.
Finn is a delicious bad boy. Labelled white trash from childhood, Finn has managed to escape his past and go his own way, caring nothing of what people think of him. A curious but appealing mixture of alpha and beta, Finn isn’t one to overly dominate and control but rather help lead you (Janey) in the right direction. He has Janey’s number from the get go and rather than run from her craziness, he chooses to embrace it. I found it telling that Finn, the supposed bad one, got no less than six scholarships to various colleges while Janey, the good one, didn’t have the grades to get one single offer. It just goes to show you that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I like how he grounds Janey, offering her support for her choices but also telling her the truth. She’s scared and uses control to keep people from getting too close and he calls her on it.
“I’m tired of being your dare, Janey.”
The easy banter that Janey and Finn have together is delightful. Even though the book presents in alternating POVs, you’re never lost or ejected from a scenes. Sexy and witty, they made me chuckle repeatedly throughout the book. They had a great chemistry together and it showed.
“I feel like I could do anything,’ I whispered, my wrist slung around his neck. “Go for it.” “Last time you said that, you meant for me to stick my hands down your pants.” “That’s was I mean now.”
Their romance develops slowly even though the sex is blazingly hot and gallops right out the gate. Lots of show and tell makes for some steamy scenes. Though erotic in it’s nature, it’s vanilla with a touch of wild flavoring. Use of ginger root is about as freaky as it gets. Though there is a phone scene…and let’s just say the old saying, “reach out and touch someone” gets a whole new meaning. *wink*
A few subplots work their way through the book, twisting and turning, adding tension and the means for Janey and Finn to work through their fears. I did feel that some of the story was rushed and a few scenes didn’t quite match up the way they were meant to, coming across as struggling and unfinished. The ending, while inconclusive to the romance, doesn’t leave us dangling from a cliff. Finn and Janey are happy for now. Their story continues in Dare, release date to be announced.
Favorite Quote: “Who has two thumbs and just came twice? This girl. Holy crap.”
Robin was the quintessential party girl until a onOriginally posted at
Favorite Quote: “Who has two thumbs and just came twice? This girl. Holy crap.”
Robin was the quintessential party girl until a one night stand throws her for a loop. Disgusted with herself, she has stopped drinking, stopped partying, and is looking to complete her next semester from her parents house. She doesn’t want to be “that girl” and hates that she can’t even talk to her friends about it.
Phoenix just got out of jail; broke and homeless. Crashing at his cousins’ house, he knows he needs to get a job and get out. When he meets Robin, he is instantly bowled over by how sweet and talented she is. She is the girl he always wanted but never thought he was good enough for.
As Phoenix and Robin spend more time together, Phoenix sees she is carrying a huge secret but hesitates to push her. When their pasts collide, neither are prepared for the explosive aftermath.
Believe is the third book in Erin McCarthy’s True Believers series. A new adult series that revolves around a group of friends and their issues with drugs, alcohol, and relationships. In Believe we meet Robin and Phoenix. Robin, one of Jessica’s (Sweet) and Rory’s (True) best friends, has been noticeably absent all summer. When she sleeps with her best friend’s boyfriend at the end of school, she undergoes a complete transformation and avoids everything and everybody who could trigger a relapse. Three months later, she meets Phoenix. Phoenix, Riley and Tyler’s cousin, has just gotten out of jail after a six month stint. He has anger issues and this time they landed him in jail. While he isn’t the perfect guy for her, there is a connection between them that allows them both to forget their pain and disgust for awhile.
Entertaining and emotionally satisfying, Believe doesn’t have quite the external drama the first two books had. While there is some, the conflict here is more internalized. Robin and Phoenix have issues that affect their views of themselves. McCarty’s signature clean writing style and a easy to follow storyline(s) makes it incredibly easy to become involved in this book. Heavily character driven, we easily fall in love with our hero and heroine from their first meeting.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” “What?” I almost dropped my paintbrush. “No. Why?” His phone slid across the table toward me. “Then give me your number.” “Why?” I said again, which was a totally moronic thing to say. But I didn’t get any vibe he even liked me, let alone was interested in me. For the first time, I saw the glimmer of a smile on his face. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly before he controlled it again. “Why do you think?” For a split second, I felt like myself, and I said the first thing that popped into my head. “So you can send me honey badger videos?” I joked, because it seemed like a safer response. He was just out of prison, and he had just broken up with his girlfriend ten minutes earlier. So not a good idea to get involved with him. I wasn’t up for dating anyone, let alone him. “Yes. And kitten memes.” “Well, in that case.”
McCarthy does a nice job of characterizing Robin and Phoenix as individuals and as a couple. Both protagonists are easy to sympathize with. Phoenix’s childhood involved a co dependant mother whose next fix was more important than taking care of her child. Robin, whose childhood was much better though she has a critical grandmother whose comments are nasty; uses parties and drinking to avoid dealing with her body issues and to boost her self confidence. Both learn that they are worth far more than their face value. The dual POVs enables us to see what each are feeling and thinking at pivotal moments. McCarthy takes their relationship slow, allowing them time to get to know one another and form a trust bond that supercedes their past behavior.
“I want you to remember that forever. Because I will.”
Though I felt the romance happened fast-insta love is never an easy sell-a part of me understood their need to cling to one another. Neither has ever had a relationship that didn’t involve some pretending on both their ends. No game playing and prime communication between our couple made the story more enjoyable in my eyes. The sexual scenes are bittersweet and sexy. The storyline and romance blend together effortlessly, elevating each other with a few plot twists to add to the overall tension.
We see plenty of past characters-Jess, Riley, Rory, and Tyler. I enjoyed their interaction and the outside observations and influence they bring. Seeing where they were at in their relationships and the hints given towards the future assures us they are all working hard towards their HEA. We also see a deviation from the past trope of the bad boy boyfriend the parents hate. Phoenix’s mom and Robin’s parents are rarely seen and when they are, they are there only in a supportive role.. Although, we do see the love/hate dynamics that affected the first book, True. Phoenix loves his mother but realises early on he can’t protect her from herself anymore.
The climatic moment that blows everything wide open isn’t so much a shocker as it is sad. Robin pays a heavy price for her drinking problem but it also frees her to move on with her life. Her guilt was like an albatross hanging from her neck. She may have lost a friend but she gained her sense of self back. The subplot involving Phoenix and his troubles seemed to come out of left field and resolved rather quickly. It didn’t really served a purpose.
While I enjoyed the story overall, I did have a few issues with it. One, Robin’s grandmother. I don’t subscribe to the notion that advanced age allows you to be cruel and I was surprised this wasn’t explored further.
Two, Jessica. I liked her well enough in True and Sweet but she became extremely judgemental in here and I was confused where this stemmed from. She makes noises about Robin leaving their room mate, Kylie, high and dry when Jessica does the same thing. She comes off jealous of Phoenix and I wasn’t buying the custody battle excuse. She didn’t want to share her new found family and it showed. Does this mean no relatives of the boys can ever come to visit? She’s also extra harsh with Robin after the big reveal; even after seeing evidence that it wasn’t all Robin’s fault.
Three, Robin blacked out from too much alcohol and woke up in bed with Nathan. She remembers basically nothing. It was essentially date rape and that aspect is never addressed.
Regardless of my misgivings, Believe is a sweet new adult love story that takes us journey of friendship, self discovery, forgiveness, and love. McCarthy continues to entertain with the third installment of True Believers series. She also includes a brief excerpt from book four, Shatter, which releases in June 17, 2014.
Overall Rating: C+
Merged review:
Originally posted at
Favorite Quote: “Who has two thumbs and just came twice? This girl. Holy crap.”
Robin was the quintessential party girl until a one night stand throws her for a loop. Disgusted with herself, she has stopped drinking, stopped partying, and is looking to complete her next semester from her parents house. She doesn’t want to be “that girl” and hates that she can’t even talk to her friends about it.
Phoenix just got out of jail; broke and homeless. Crashing at his cousins’ house, he knows he needs to get a job and get out. When he meets Robin, he is instantly bowled over by how sweet and talented she is. She is the girl he always wanted but never thought he was good enough for.
As Phoenix and Robin spend more time together, Phoenix sees she is carrying a huge secret but hesitates to push her. When their pasts collide, neither are prepared for the explosive aftermath.
Believe is the third book in Erin McCarthy’s True Believers series. A new adult series that revolves around a group of friends and their issues with drugs, alcohol, and relationships. In Believe we meet Robin and Phoenix. Robin, one of Jessica’s (Sweet) and Rory’s (True) best friends, has been noticeably absent all summer. When she sleeps with her best friend’s boyfriend at the end of school, she undergoes a complete transformation and avoids everything and everybody who could trigger a relapse. Three months later, she meets Phoenix. Phoenix, Riley and Tyler’s cousin, has just gotten out of jail after a six month stint. He has anger issues and this time they landed him in jail. While he isn’t the perfect guy for her, there is a connection between them that allows them both to forget their pain and disgust for awhile.
Entertaining and emotionally satisfying, Believe doesn’t have quite the external drama the first two books had. While there is some, the conflict here is more internalized. Robin and Phoenix have issues that affect their views of themselves. McCarty’s signature clean writing style and a easy to follow storyline(s) makes it incredibly easy to become involved in this book. Heavily character driven, we easily fall in love with our hero and heroine from their first meeting.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” “What?” I almost dropped my paintbrush. “No. Why?” His phone slid across the table toward me. “Then give me your number.” “Why?” I said again, which was a totally moronic thing to say. But I didn’t get any vibe he even liked me, let alone was interested in me. For the first time, I saw the glimmer of a smile on his face. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly before he controlled it again. “Why do you think?” For a split second, I felt like myself, and I said the first thing that popped into my head. “So you can send me honey badger videos?” I joked, because it seemed like a safer response. He was just out of prison, and he had just broken up with his girlfriend ten minutes earlier. So not a good idea to get involved with him. I wasn’t up for dating anyone, let alone him. “Yes. And kitten memes.” “Well, in that case.”
McCarthy does a nice job of characterizing Robin and Phoenix as individuals and as a couple. Both protagonists are easy to sympathize with. Phoenix’s childhood involved a co dependant mother whose next fix was more important than taking care of her child. Robin, whose childhood was much better though she has a critical grandmother whose comments are nasty; uses parties and drinking to avoid dealing with her body issues and to boost her self confidence. Both learn that they are worth far more than their face value. The dual POVs enables us to see what each are feeling and thinking at pivotal moments. McCarthy takes their relationship slow, allowing them time to get to know one another and form a trust bond that supercedes their past behavior.
“I want you to remember that forever. Because I will.”
Though I felt the romance happened fast-insta love is never an easy sell-a part of me understood their need to cling to one another. Neither has ever had a relationship that didn’t involve some pretending on both their ends. No game playing and prime communication between our couple made the story more enjoyable in my eyes. The sexual scenes are bittersweet and sexy. The storyline and romance blend together effortlessly, elevating each other with a few plot twists to add to the overall tension.
We see plenty of past characters-Jess, Riley, Rory, and Tyler. I enjoyed their interaction and the outside observations and influence they bring. Seeing where they were at in their relationships and the hints given towards the future assures us they are all working hard towards their HEA. We also see a deviation from the past trope of the bad boy boyfriend the parents hate. Phoenix’s mom and Robin’s parents are rarely seen and when they are, they are there only in a supportive role.. Although, we do see the love/hate dynamics that affected the first book, True. Phoenix loves his mother but realises early on he can’t protect her from herself anymore.
The climatic moment that blows everything wide open isn’t so much a shocker as it is sad. Robin pays a heavy price for her drinking problem but it also frees her to move on with her life. Her guilt was like an albatross hanging from her neck. She may have lost a friend but she gained her sense of self back. The subplot involving Phoenix and his troubles seemed to come out of left field and resolved rather quickly. It didn’t really served a purpose.
While I enjoyed the story overall, I did have a few issues with it. One, Robin’s grandmother. I don’t subscribe to the notion that advanced age allows you to be cruel and I was surprised this wasn’t explored further.
Two, Jessica. I liked her well enough in True and Sweet but she became extremely judgemental in here and I was confused where this stemmed from. She makes noises about Robin leaving their room mate, Kylie, high and dry when Jessica does the same thing. She comes off jealous of Phoenix and I wasn’t buying the custody battle excuse. She didn’t want to share her new found family and it showed. Does this mean no relatives of the boys can ever come to visit? She’s also extra harsh with Robin after the big reveal; even after seeing evidence that it wasn’t all Robin’s fault.
Three, Robin blacked out from too much alcohol and woke up in bed with Nathan. She remembers basically nothing. It was essentially date rape and that aspect is never addressed.
Regardless of my misgivings, Believe is a sweet new adult love story that takes us journey of friendship, self discovery, forgiveness, and love. McCarthy continues to entertain with the third installment of True Believers series. She also includes a brief excerpt from book four, Shatter, which releases in June 17, 2014.
Favorite quote: “There is much to fear in the dark. There are monsters under the bed and in the closet, and now they walk aboard at will.“
Wind witch and owl shifter, Cicely Waters, rescued her lover, Fae Prince Grieve from the Indigo Court, but not before Myst, the Queen Of Winter, turned him. The rescue destroyed Cicely’s alliance with Lainule, the Queen of Summer and destroyed any hope of cooperation from the vampires. Cicely, in desperation, appeals to the Consortium for help.
When the Queen Of Summer begins to fade, Cicely offers to find and bring back Summer’s heartstone. Cicely also has to find a way to change Grieve back and keep Lannan at arms length. As friends turn enemy and enemies become allies, Cicely will find herself standing on the edge of the precipice, her destiny unfolding before her as she fights for all she loves and believes in.
Night Seeker, the third installment of Yasmine Galenorn’s dark and sensual fae fantasy, picks up right where Night Veil left off and blows it all out of the water. Well-plotted and cast with characters that are strong and personable, Night Seeker is filled with taut suspense, delicious betrayal, and dangerous antagonists. I consider Night Seeker the turning point in this series. It’s an emotionally captivating story that throws open the doors of previously unknown and tightly guarded secrets. It doesn’t promise us that everything will be fine but it does give us hope towards the future. A strong storyline with fascinating intertwining subplots drives this story opposed to the last two installments which spent more time laying the foundation of the arc and its key players.
Ms. Galenorn’s exceptional insight into supernatural mythology is readily apparent and her added mixture of new lore produces a stunning urban fantasy world that first starts in Night Veil and continues it’s dark and dangerous journey in here. Instead of being overburdened by over detailed interpretation and world building at the sacrifice of story, or being heavy on story but leaving the world largely undefined, Night Seeker continues the arc’s perfect balance and hits all the right notes. The world building is a perfect blending of carnal passions, electrifying action, realistic characters, and stark betrayal. Well plotted and fast paced, it creates a satisfying development for the main characters and culminates in two very different sort of conflicts – one that threatens the lives of Cicely and Grieve and one that threatens their hearts.
I have loved Cicely Waters since I first met her. Loyal, intelligent, and strong willed- she has made choices that many would balk at making yet she made them without batting an eye. She has a strong moral code that shines against the manipulations of those around her. Born to a drug user with no knowledge of her father, her survival on the streets made her into the warrior we see before us. She has matured so much as a character.. We share an intimate connection with Cicely as her pain, her sorrow, and her triumphs become our own. It has been an exciting ride as we have watched her grow from a solitary figure to having friends, family, and a lover. Her personality develops more and more with each book. She is still scared but she is learning how to trust in herself and others. Though still learning of her gifts and background, she now better understands from where she has come from and what is expected from her. Finally reunited with the love of her life but bound to a man who holds her life in his hands, Cicely again finds herself crippled by past decisions.
Grieve and Lannan are the two men who are integral parts of Cicely’s life. Grieve, Fae Prince of Summer, has been a part of Cicely’s life since she was a little girl. Past installments show us that they are actually old souls who cheated death and found a way to reunite. Grieve’s love for Cicely is a physical entity. Their chemistry burns the pages with each small moment they are able to steal. With every word Grieve speaks, with every gesture he makes, you know he will do anything to be with her. Lannan, on the other hand is a distasteful, yet fascinating mixture of anger and cruelty. A sado masochist, he was able to trick Cicely into signing a contract with the Crimson Court and in doing so, now essentially owns her. He is seductively cruel in his demands of Cicely, celebrating the pain and humiliation he brings to her. His feelings for her have grown from tolerance to obsession and he is dangerously close to destroying them both. What I truly enjoyed in here was the solid support Cicely has at her back in regards to Lannan. When she first signed the contract, she was pretty much on her own. Now with her father, Grieve, and the other renegades in the war against Myst standing with her, Lannan soon learns that he may hold her contract, but there are bigger, badder entities than him who claim Cicely as their own and won’t hesitate to remove him permanently from the equation if need be.
The cast of supporting characters are a vivid and dynamic group. Each one fully capable of holding their own story. I like that each have distinct, separate personalities and substories; ensuring they are never overwhelmed by our protagonists. The main conflict of the story is a whirlwind of intrigue, tension, and action as Cicely struggles to save Summer and find away to defeat Myst.
If you enjoy noir urban fantasy that stretches all your boundaries, then Yasmine Galenorn is the author to buy and her Indigo Court is the series to read. I don’t recommend starting the series here. It has a long reaching arc and each new installment picks up at the end of the last one.
Favorite quote: “There is much to fear in the dark. There are monsters under the bed and in the closet, and now they walk aboard at will.“
Wind witch and owl shifter, Cicely Waters, rescued her lover, Fae Prince Grieve from the Indigo Court, but not before Myst, the Queen Of Winter, turned him. The rescue destroyed Cicely’s alliance with Lainule, the Queen of Summer and destroyed any hope of cooperation from the vampires. Cicely, in desperation, appeals to the Consortium for help.
When the Queen Of Summer begins to fade, Cicely offers to find and bring back Summer’s heartstone. Cicely also has to find a way to change Grieve back and keep Lannan at arms length. As friends turn enemy and enemies become allies, Cicely will find herself standing on the edge of the precipice, her destiny unfolding before her as she fights for all she loves and believes in.
Night Seeker, the third installment of Yasmine Galenorn’s dark and sensual fae fantasy, picks up right where Night Veil left off and blows it all out of the water. Well-plotted and cast with characters that are strong and personable, Night Seeker is filled with taut suspense, delicious betrayal, and dangerous antagonists. I consider Night Seeker the turning point in this series. It’s an emotionally captivating story that throws open the doors of previously unknown and tightly guarded secrets. It doesn’t promise us that everything will be fine but it does give us hope towards the future. A strong storyline with fascinating intertwining subplots drives this story opposed to the last two installments which spent more time laying the foundation of the arc and its key players.
Ms. Galenorn’s exceptional insight into supernatural mythology is readily apparent and her added mixture of new lore produces a stunning urban fantasy world that first starts in Night Veil and continues it’s dark and dangerous journey in here. Instead of being overburdened by over detailed interpretation and world building at the sacrifice of story, or being heavy on story but leaving the world largely undefined, Night Seeker continues the arc’s perfect balance and hits all the right notes. The world building is a perfect blending of carnal passions, electrifying action, realistic characters, and stark betrayal. Well plotted and fast paced, it creates a satisfying development for the main characters and culminates in two very different sort of conflicts – one that threatens the lives of Cicely and Grieve and one that threatens their hearts.
I have loved Cicely Waters since I first met her. Loyal, intelligent, and strong willed- she has made choices that many would balk at making yet she made them without batting an eye. She has a strong moral code that shines against the manipulations of those around her. Born to a drug user with no knowledge of her father, her survival on the streets made her into the warrior we see before us. She has matured so much as a character.. We share an intimate connection with Cicely as her pain, her sorrow, and her triumphs become our own. It has been an exciting ride as we have watched her grow from a solitary figure to having friends, family, and a lover. Her personality develops more and more with each book. She is still scared but she is learning how to trust in herself and others. Though still learning of her gifts and background, she now better understands from where she has come from and what is expected from her. Finally reunited with the love of her life but bound to a man who holds her life in his hands, Cicely again finds herself crippled by past decisions.
Grieve and Lannan are the two men who are integral parts of Cicely’s life. Grieve, Fae Prince of Summer, has been a part of Cicely’s life since she was a little girl. Past installments show us that they are actually old souls who cheated death and found a way to reunite. Grieve’s love for Cicely is a physical entity. Their chemistry burns the pages with each small moment they are able to steal. With every word Grieve speaks, with every gesture he makes, you know he will do anything to be with her. Lannan, on the other hand is a distasteful, yet fascinating mixture of anger and cruelty. A sado masochist, he was able to trick Cicely into signing a contract with the Crimson Court and in doing so, now essentially owns her. He is seductively cruel in his demands of Cicely, celebrating the pain and humiliation he brings to her. His feelings for her have grown from tolerance to obsession and he is dangerously close to destroying them both. What I truly enjoyed in here was the solid support Cicely has at her back in regards to Lannan. When she first signed the contract, she was pretty much on her own. Now with her father, Grieve, and the other renegades in the war against Myst standing with her, Lannan soon learns that he may hold her contract, but there are bigger, badder entities than him who claim Cicely as their own and won’t hesitate to remove him permanently from the equation if need be.
The cast of supporting characters are a vivid and dynamic group. Each one fully capable of holding their own story. I like that each have distinct, separate personalities and substories; ensuring they are never overwhelmed by our protagonists. The main conflict of the story is a whirlwind of intrigue, tension, and action as Cicely struggles to save Summer and find away to defeat Myst.
If you enjoy noir urban fantasy that stretches all your boundaries, then Yasmine Galenorn is the author to buy and her Indigo Court is the series to read. I don’t recommend starting the series here. It has a long reaching arc and each new installment picks up at the end of the last one.
Agent Shiloh Harrison, a federal marshal in the supernatural world, is half-djinn and half human. Part of a five-man unit that keeps the different speAgent Shiloh Harrison, a federal marshal in the supernatural world, is half-djinn and half human. Part of a five-man unit that keeps the different species on the straight and narrow, The story starts out on a high note though it levels quickly with Shiloh being called from her boyfriend’s bed to a hostage scene. Seems like a group of vampires has taken the residents of Myrtle’s Happy Acre mobile home park hostage. She and her team learn that someone or something is kidnapping various supernaturals and the vampires are demanding answers. Unable to locate her boss, Harrison becomes the lead agent and teams up with a vampire master to discover what is going on. Drawing on her investigative skills and the various supernatural talents around her. Shiloh soon learns that everyone is suspect and some secrets are worth killing for.
Fans of urban fantasy will certainly want to try Kelly Meding’s latest venture, Stray Magic. The author of the wonderful Dreg City series once again introduces the beginning of an interesting world with a strong female protagonist. The first in a new series, this story begins in the novella, Freak Show, which you can find in the anthology, Carniepunk. I would recommend picking this up before starting here as Meding starts off with the assumption you have read it. Action-packed and heavily character driven, Meding sets up this world a fast steady hand, giving us just enough background to wet our appetite. All sharp corners and angles; you really have to pay attention.
Solid characters and a strong foundation cradles the tense storyline where the suspense and mystery grip you tight as you follow the twisting and turning path that Meding has laid out for us. She takes her time fleshing out the main conflict the subplots slowly reveal the real story. Some fans may find the violence a bit graphic as Meding pulls no punches and tells it like it is. There is a low key romance in here though it is oddly laid out and feels like a major part of the storyline. It has a viable presence that simmers just below the surface and I found myself uneasy about that. The chemistry and timing felt wrong and it took away from the main conflict. Shiloh has a boyfriend yet she seems to find every man around her sexually attractive and tells us this multiple times. It looks like the beginning of a romantic quad. Sex holds a strong place in this story. I would have been more comfortable had our author spent a couple books building and solidifying the arc before investing this heavily into the romance angle.
Numerous villains and heroes dot the landscape and nobody is what they seem. There are many players in this elaborate and complicated game and the lines between good and evil are rapidly blurring. The end comes hard, fast, and ugly; effectively closing the main conflict but leaving us with many many questions and a bit of a cliffhanger.
While I liked the story, I wasn’t engrossed by it. I enjoyed the heroine’s strength and snark but felt she wasn’t as solid as she should. Various tropes are used in building the world but the blending is clunky. It’s hard to figure out exactly what year we are in as Meding borrows from the 80s through now. There is a lot of repetition in both dialogue and scenes. We are constantly told the same information about Shiloh’s heritage, other characters heritages, and her attraction to everyone. The energy level is low and the pacing showed some fillers that weren’t needed. Not a bad start overall and I am curious about book two, Stray Moon, set to release in November.
Merged review:
Agent Shiloh Harrison, a federal marshal in the supernatural world, is half-djinn and half human. Part of a five-man unit that keeps the different species on the straight and narrow, The story starts out on a high note though it levels quickly with Shiloh being called from her boyfriend’s bed to a hostage scene. Seems like a group of vampires has taken the residents of Myrtle’s Happy Acre mobile home park hostage. She and her team learn that someone or something is kidnapping various supernaturals and the vampires are demanding answers. Unable to locate her boss, Harrison becomes the lead agent and teams up with a vampire master to discover what is going on. Drawing on her investigative skills and the various supernatural talents around her. Shiloh soon learns that everyone is suspect and some secrets are worth killing for.
Fans of urban fantasy will certainly want to try Kelly Meding’s latest venture, Stray Magic. The author of the wonderful Dreg City series once again introduces the beginning of an interesting world with a strong female protagonist. The first in a new series, this story begins in the novella, Freak Show, which you can find in the anthology, Carniepunk. I would recommend picking this up before starting here as Meding starts off with the assumption you have read it. Action-packed and heavily character driven, Meding sets up this world a fast steady hand, giving us just enough background to wet our appetite. All sharp corners and angles; you really have to pay attention.
Solid characters and a strong foundation cradles the tense storyline where the suspense and mystery grip you tight as you follow the twisting and turning path that Meding has laid out for us. She takes her time fleshing out the main conflict the subplots slowly reveal the real story. Some fans may find the violence a bit graphic as Meding pulls no punches and tells it like it is. There is a low key romance in here though it is oddly laid out and feels like a major part of the storyline. It has a viable presence that simmers just below the surface and I found myself uneasy about that. The chemistry and timing felt wrong and it took away from the main conflict. Shiloh has a boyfriend yet she seems to find every man around her sexually attractive and tells us this multiple times. It looks like the beginning of a romantic quad. Sex holds a strong place in this story. I would have been more comfortable had our author spent a couple books building and solidifying the arc before investing this heavily into the romance angle.
Numerous villains and heroes dot the landscape and nobody is what they seem. There are many players in this elaborate and complicated game and the lines between good and evil are rapidly blurring. The end comes hard, fast, and ugly; effectively closing the main conflict but leaving us with many many questions and a bit of a cliffhanger.
While I liked the story, I wasn’t engrossed by it. I enjoyed the heroine’s strength and snark but felt she wasn’t as solid as she should. Various tropes are used in building the world but the blending is clunky. It’s hard to figure out exactly what year we are in as Meding borrows from the 80s through now. There is a lot of repetition in both dialogue and scenes. We are constantly told the same information about Shiloh’s heritage, other characters heritages, and her attraction to everyone. The energy level is low and the pacing showed some fillers that weren’t needed. Not a bad start overall and I am curious about book two, Stray Moon, set to release in November....more
What a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seemWhat a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an agenda.
Merged review:
What a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an agenda....more
Two mortal enemies must work together when their lives work is stolen and sold to the highest bidder. A bidder who wants to destroy them all.
Fans of Two mortal enemies must work together when their lives work is stolen and sold to the highest bidder. A bidder who wants to destroy them all.
Fans of Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy series will love the Kinsman series. Fated Blades is an ass-kicking enemy to lovers sci fi adventure filled with humor, sacrifice, drama, suspense, and a centuries-old family grudge. You don't have to read these in order to enjoy them.
I've been a longtime fan of Jayne Castle as well as her non de plumes-Amanda Quick and Jayne Krentz. Her harmony series is a top favorite of mine. TheI've been a longtime fan of Jayne Castle as well as her non de plumes-Amanda Quick and Jayne Krentz. Her harmony series is a top favorite of mine. The 14th in this series-Guild Boss-picks up in Illusion Town and what follows is a rambunctious adventure with all the necessary componets guaranteed to entertain....more
A laugh out loud short trip back to Lake Sackett as Margot and Kyle attempt to plan the wedding they want with plenty of unwanted and unneeded advice A laugh out loud short trip back to Lake Sackett as Margot and Kyle attempt to plan the wedding they want with plenty of unwanted and unneeded advice from family, friends, and the occasional local....more
When prima ballerina Emily Charles receives an invitation to the most exclusive BDSM club in New Orleans, Noire House, she is positive she will finallWhen prima ballerina Emily Charles receives an invitation to the most exclusive BDSM club in New Orleans, Noire House, she is positive she will finally get to explore her kinks and find the release she has craved all her life. Meeting the elusive Sam Roche only sweetens the deal. As Emily and Sam grow closer and the spark that fuels their chemistry deepens the ties that bind them, Emily is convinced she has found the dominant meant to be her master. But there are factors in play that Emily is unaware of and when she learns who Sam really is, she will have to decide which is more important…Sam or her hard-won career.
Thorne’s debut erotic romance is a female-centric promises an enticing premise that explores a young woman’s sexual fantasies and the reasons behind them. And almost succeeds. The set up is solid with the attention firmly on the heroine and her issues but I felt that Thorne never seems to go beyond the exploratory stage of BDSM and it’s many facets. The insta-love rushes over the romance’s development and left little to the imagination. The initial meeting of the heroine and the hero creates a vacuum that Thorne is forced to fill with unnecessary conflict while Emily’s aura of innocence comes off childish at times. My main concern was that Sam and Emily never discussed any true limits and her refusal to use her safeword. She had no sense of preservation and Sam, as an experienced Dom should have been more proactive in her safety and mindset. The end is an emotional finale used to force the hero to accept the relationship but leaves us with a slight cliffhanger for a secondary character. All in all a good start, just needs some tightening up and a better balance in the subject matter and deeper character dynamics.
I’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compeI’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compelling story of second chance love, small-town prejudices, and redemption. A young man is released from prison after evidence is found that exonerates him only to discover his small town doesn’t care what the courts say. Throughout this series, Jordan has built vulnerable heroes and heroines who are forced to face their biggest fears in order to move forward. Not a bad trope though at times, like now, the journey is riddled with ridiculous sterotypical behavior from people 10+ years out of high school and a couple, who in my opinion, allows their bullying to go too far. We meet a man and a woman who fell for one another years ago and circumstances kept them apart. Now they have a second chance but again, their own issues block their way. The chemistry driven romance is strong but it had a hard time competing against the multitude of subplots. Especially the “reporter must lie to the man she loves to get story of a lifetime.” Plus, the constant flashbacks and certain scenes left me hard-pressed to suspend my disbelief. Or anger. Body shaming, slut shaming, prison shaming, economic shaming…so much shaming. The last quarter or so was the strongest part which helped to amp up my interest and the speed. Unfortunately, by then I was ready for the end.
Cruz Walsh has been released from prison after serving seven years for a crime he didn’t commit. But some people in town aren’t ready or willing to welcome back with open arms. Except for Gabriella Rossi. That is if she can get past her own feelings of insecurity and the tiny problem that if she doesn’t get an exclusive inside story soon, she will lose her job. In prison, Cruz learned the value of family and family. He wants a fresh start and wants Gabriella there by his side, but with all the lies, gossip, and general mayhem, this beautiful sinner may not be able to keep the only good thing in his life.
Favorite Quote: “It was good to be free. Good to be home.”
As Lyonesse is slowly being destroyed, it’s ruler, King Oberon, sleeps deep within his palacFavorite Quote: “It was good to be free. Good to be home.”
As Lyonesse is slowly being destroyed, it’s ruler, King Oberon, sleeps deep within his palace, the victim of an assassination attempt. His only chance at a cure comes in the form of the top Elder Race surgeon, Dr. Katheryn Shaw. When she arrives, her presence awakens him though he is no longer the man he was before. His only means of survival caused his emotions to be stripped from him. Now Katheryn must find a way to not only cure his body but also his soul. Because Queen Isabeau is coming to finish what she started and unless Oberon can come to care about Lyonese and his people again, it will fall forever.
The 3rd story in Harrison’s Moonshadow trilogy gives us King Oberon’s story and the final conclusion to the war between the Fae Courts. Set in the same world as her Elder Races series, the focus here is on the Fae demesnes and the ongoing war. Easily read as a standalone, you do not have to read the Elder Races to enjoy though I do recommend starting with book one of this trilogy-Moonshadow. If you have been following the series, you will remember that Oberon had vanished and Lyonesse has been shut off from the world by the Light Queen’s Hound-Morgan le Fae. Those who managed to escape are seen in book one, rallying for help while book two deals with Morgan Le Fae and his battle to escape Isabeau’s control.
Fans of the Elder Races, especially Dragos, will definitely love King Oberon (King of the Daoine Sidhe) who exhibits the same sense of power, arrogance, and all-encompassing passion. As old as Dragos, Oberon was celebrating the Winter Solace when Morgan le Fae bespelled him. Oberon was forced to put himself into a coma to save his life and the lives of those around him. Unfortunately, when he went to sleep, his power went unchecked and the city became a frozen tomb. When he realizes his domain has been breached, he awakens with a fury, seeking to destroy that which has dared to disturb him.
Pieces of dried fruit lay sprinkled over the trampled crimson-and-gold bedspread like confetti, and there was the sharp, aromatic scent of cheese. Curious, he pawed at a small, overturned tub. As he flipped it over, one of his claws sank into soft butter.
He licked it off as he took in other details. Amid the rubble was a fur-lined cloak and a strange piece of clothing that looked like a formfitting blue coat, and another odd, lightweight sheet of something that looked like metal but was pliable and made of a foreign substance he had never seen before. The interloper had planned a ravishment, and she had brought… snacks?
Dr. Kathyrn Shaw has been a mainstay throughout the Elder Races series. She has saved the day on multiple occasions and her assistance in Moonshadow opened the door to the fight that ends in here. One of the Wyn and trusted by the inner circle surrounding Dragos, she has the moxie and strength to hold her own against the bigger creatures who exist. Intelligent and witty, I found her calm demeanor, crisp mannerisms, and innovative ideas quite amusing as she pits herself against one of the most dangerous creatures in the demesnes.
Silkily, he asked, Cat got your tongue?
Very funny. Her grumpy mental voice sounded much better than her physical voice did. Okay, I apologize. I am so very sorry for what happened—
Come down here and face me properly, or are you too much of a coward to do so? He threw out the challenge carelessly. He had no real expectation she would comply. If they stood face-to-face and she was grounded from flight, he had no doubt he could easily destroy her.And she certainly didn’t seem to be motivated to continue the confrontation on the ground. Instead, she told him in a steady, crisp voice, Oberon, you’re going to die unless you consent to medical treatment.
That voice. That sounded exactly like the voice that had wound through his dreams, interrupting his nightmares of Isabeau. He snapped, I did not give you permission to address me by my name.
She retorted, I don’t really give a shit.
When Kathryn and Oberon come to an “understanding” the real work begins.
Harrison does an excellent job in here of not only expanding on the history and politics of the Fae courts without overburdening us with recaps and unnecessary information while slowly building a romance between two strong-willed people. Warriors who are honor bound to care for those around them. The enormity of their precarious situation is tempered by sharp wit and moments of compassion and sorrow. I love that Kathryn gives Oberon no quarter. She treats him like a patient and slaps him down when he gets a little too autocratic. She has served under Dragos for centuries…Oberon is a piece of cake.
“What other symptoms have you experienced since the attack?” […] I remember having the emotions, but I no longer experience them. In fact, I only feel two things anymore: anger and lust.”
She stopped writing, suddenly inundated with the memory of yesterday’s encounter. The feeling of his mouth moving so urgently over hers as he speared her with his tongue. The delicious sense of weight as he shifted to lie on top of her, and the thick, heavy feeling of his erection pressing against her hip. For one shocking, mindless moment it had been glorious.
His voice sounded softly in her ear, deep and dark as the ocean and rough with the lion’s purr. “But I do feel anger and lust very deeply, Doctor.”
She had gotten so lost in her reverie she hadn’t noticed he had come around to her side of the desk, and she nearly leaped out of her skin. “For crying out loud, Oberon! Back up and give me some personal space!”
She listened to her own exclamation with deep dismay. That was supposed to have come out much more sharply than it had. Instead of sounding disapproving and offended, her voice had sounded as breathless as a gasp.
“Are you sure that’s what you really want?” Callused fingers traced the line of her jaw, down the side of her neck, and lightly pressed against the very spot where he had sucked so hungrily at her pulse. She remembered. Oh, she remembered it all too well. The shadow of his body fell over hers on the desk as he bent over her, and his lips brushed against the sensitive shell of her ear as he whispered, “Or wouldn’t you rather experiment with just how deep and hard my feelings can really go?”
Oberon had her rattled. He knew he did.
But suddenly she laughed, and the bright, carefree sound broke the sensual spell he had begun to weave over them both. “Did you really just say that to me? My lord, that line was bad.”
She wasn’t funny.
Though heavily driven, the strong narrative and steady bites of action and intrigue keep the storyline flowing at a brisk pace. Favorite characters from both series make appearances to this readers delight. I enjoy any interactions with Dragos and the New York demesne, especially when clues are given to what is coming new. We also meet back up with couples from books one and two. I was a little disappointed we did not see Queen Titania and Queen Tricks. As part of the fae demease, it was odd they weren’t a part of this trilogy. I especially loved the scenes with Robin aka Puck. Heartfelt, his journey has been a tough one and everything he went through to save his king was heart wrenching.
Your king is going to die unless something is done for him. Why didn’t you want to bring Annwyn and the troops with us?”
He stamped at the snow desultory. Other than tangling his mane and tail, the wind and the massive cold didn’t seem to affect him at all. “I wanted to judge you for myself while they weren’t around. If you were a threat, I would take care of you.” He looked at her sidelong to see how she took his words.
He might be old, unpredictable, and dangerous, but he had nothing on a cantankerous, bullheaded dragon. She said gently, “You were looking after your king.”
“He told me to guard his place and watch them. A long time ago, Isabeau took me and held me captive for years. I failed him once. I won’t fail him again.”
Lionheart leaves readers happy with it’s firm resolution to the main conflict yet just enough open to allow her back into this world again. As always, Harrison gives readers an adventure overflowing with action, suspense, humor, romance, and just enough tragedy to make the journey unforgettable.
Scott's Stage Dive series is a fav and she doesn't disappoint in this brief novella. While I enjoyed seeing another side to Martha and the band's eve Scott's Stage Dive series is a fav and she doesn't disappoint in this brief novella. While I enjoyed seeing another side to Martha and the band's ever-evolving and growing family-Mal as always steals the show. ...more
Ryan spins off another winner from her best selling Mongomery Ink Series. Whiskey Secrets revolves ard the Collins family. Fans will remember that TabRyan spins off another winner from her best selling Mongomery Ink Series. Whiskey Secrets revolves ard the Collins family. Fans will remember that Tabby Collins from Ink Exposed. Sexy and smoldering, Ryan builds a well-earned romance between two people whose lives have been rocked by tragedies of sorts. Bits of humor surface from additional family members and various external characters. A series of revelations help to push this couple towards their HEA while guaranteeing their healing. I am looking forward to the next Collins sibling to fall-Fox. ...more
Delightfully charming and deliciously wicked, Singh outshines herself in her latest romance that examines the Indian tradition of arranged marriage and one couples’ determination to find a way to adhere to their culture without losing themselves in the process. Witty, bold and oh so sexy, Singh opens up for readers a colorful family-oriented culture rich in tradition as she introduces us to a hero and heroine for whom family is everything. Brimming with laughter and love, you can’t help but cheer for the stoic hero and his heroine who just want to be loved for who they are. Raj’s and Nayna’s families only serve to add more drama and laughter to the story as they go through their own personal upheavals from grandma stepping out and a wife wanting more of a partnership to a couple on the brink of divorce and one’s man’s taste of mortality. Rebel Hard is another winner in my book.
Nayna Sharma only agreed to her family’s offers of an arranged marriage in order to heal the cracks caused by her sister’s poor choices. In an attempt to regain control of her life, Nayna decides to be the bad girl for one night, she and a friend head to a party and she find her way into the arms of a ruggedly handsome stranger. Raj Sen agrees to allow his parents to arrange his marriage because he believes in tradition and rules. When he meets Nayna he is enchanted with her beauty but when he discovers she is his intended, he finds himself reluctantly falling in love with her maddening ways and lack of rules.
Neither is what the other one wants but sometimes what you want isn’t always what you need.
A funny sexy alien romance that offers much in terms of humor and smexy times. A group of alien warriors invade an Earth space station, looking for coA funny sexy alien romance that offers much in terms of humor and smexy times. A group of alien warriors invade an Earth space station, looking for compatible women and capture more then they bargained for. Each book focusses on one warrior and his mate while furthering an underlying long reaching arc. Quick fun reads. ...more
Darby Dixon makes a run for the border when she discovers she’s pregnant on her wedding day. Unable to face being tied permanently to her abusGrade: D
Darby Dixon makes a run for the border when she discovers she’s pregnant on her wedding day. Unable to face being tied permanently to her abusive fiance, she leaves and reinvents herself as a young single mother in a small Colorado town. Picking up a job at a local hotel, she meets a man who reminds her too much of her fiance and vows to stay away but what Scott Trexler, former Marine and top security specialist wants…he gets. And he wants Darby. As Trex struggles to prove to Darby they were meant for one another, there is someone stalking Darby from afar. Someone who also wants Darby back and will kill anyone who gets in his way.
If you have read McGuire’s Maddox Brothers series then you almost for sure know how this story goes. The first in a new series, Crash and Burn, a beautiful troubled woman meets a gorgeous alpha male with a warrior complex who falls instantly in love with her and does whatever possible to make her his. I found myself torn while reading the book. I liked the subplots; Darby’s issues with her abusive ex-fiance and uninterested mother, her job at the hotel, and Trex’s secret new job. I just wasn’t a fan of the romance. Insta love bore me to death. It was predictable, cliched, and overly melodramatic. The religion overtones felt like McGuire was trying to shove a square peg into a round hole and seemed more a way to assure us of Darby’s purity than anything else. Add in the clunky dialogue and obnoxious characters and I was left rather uninspired by it all....more