Review: Holiday Heat by Jaci Burton & Lauren Dane

 

Description:

Unraveled by Jaci Burton
Mitch is always on the lookout for the next great spot to build one of his Famous hotels, and he's found it- right on the white, sandy beach where he grew up. The only thing standing in the way is Greta.
The ramshackle beachfront motel her father left her means everything to Greta, and no amount of money- or hot nights of passion- will entice her to sell. No matter how much Mitch's touch shreds her defenses.

For once, Mitch finds himself thinking about settling down with the right woman. Now if only he can convince her he wants more than her body- and her hotel…

Sweet Charity by Lauren Dane

After years of pretending a one-night stand never happened, Charity has finally coaxed Gabriel back into her bed. It's not just good, it's fanfreakingtastic! Except he still insists he's not good enough for her.
Watching charity not just endure but enjoy his darker urges is better than Gabriel ever imagined. She deserves candlelight and roses, though. He'll let go when she finds the right man.
Charity's not having any of it. She knows what she wants, and she's willing to play rough to get him…

(blurb)

 

Review:

I won this one in a twitter contest. I read it first and as you can see I bought the first one the same night. II really enjoy these Xmas themed books and they always help to get in the mood for the holidays! Both stories are connected to the first book but they can be read as standalone. I didn't even notice that they weren't. I only discovered the first book cuz of the mention inside this one.

Unraveled by Jaci Burton

This was a very touching and lovely story. Greta had a horrible past with an asshole husband and still struggles a bit with emotion and sexual interaction. She loves her motel and things her dad gave it to her for a reason. She knows it's not the best but it's her fathers work and her own now too. She just don't want to lose it. 
Mitch is some hot guy and he's really successful in everything he does. He's a former professional surfer and has the body to confirm that! He wants the motel but what he wants even more id Greta. Now he just has to convince her of that fact.

I loved the way the relationship between these two developed. Not only did they learn to trust each other they also involved her kids. That was heartbreakingly sweet to watch. Mitch puts so much time and effort into the kids and all out of his own volition. Great is a skeptic from the start and can't believe that Mitch does all this without a hidden agenda.

These two can also turn the pages on fire and I loved each word of those scenes. Very hawt!
Wonderful love-story with a lovely family and the nicest and most thoughtful kids inside.

Sweet Charity by Lauren Dane

Gabriel is one of these guys you want to slap silly cuz he believes in some things that are just not true and he's too stubborn to change his mind. Reminded me a bit of Todd of Laid Bare but Gabe doesn't want to hurt Charity and thinks she deserves something better. Sometimes guys have some ideas, huh?
Charity can't forget Gabe after her one-nightstand with him. It was nothing good- really not- but he seemed to be holding back and she knows that he still wants her. So why doesn't he do something about that? Time to take that problem in her own hand. She wants him and she will get him. Way to go Girl! I loved her character. She's strong and knows what she wants- a great heroine.

The sex in this book was scorching hot with a little BDSM put in for good measure.
No need to turn the heater on while you read that. Believe me!

I enjoyed all the family ties in this book and how welcoming they were. This one really started my Xmas mood.

I recommended these books(Holiday Heat and Seduction) for everyone who likes to get warm inside before Xmas.
 

To learn more about Jaci Burton visit her website here and you can look at Lauren Dane's website here.

Holiday Series:

1. Holiday Seduction: my review here, reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Holiday Heat: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

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Short Review: Holiday Seduction by Jaci Burton & Lauren Dane

Description:

UNWRAPPED by Jaci Burton
Amy Parkers kind of fantasies wouldn't cut it in the straight-laced law firm where she's fought her way to partnership. And she refuses to let a younger man use her to advance in the firm. Justin Garrett might be brilliant, gorgeous and sexy, but he's firmly implanted in the look-but-don't-touch realm. Until a corporate acquisition in Hawaii over Christmas gives Justin the opportunity to show Amy he's interested in her as a woman, not as a way to advance his career. And he has the ideal plan to help unwrap the perfect Christmas gift for Amy.

TO DO LIST by Lauren Dane
Since she could pick up a pencil, Belle Taylor has used lists to map out her life. But now, just steps away from her highest career goal, she realizes the life she thought she wanted exacts too high a price. Exhausted, she heads home for Christmas to make a new to-do list. She didn't factor in Rafe Bettencourt, her brothers best friend kissing her under the mistletoe! Suddenly, Belle finds herself with a whole new set of goals to balance with what she thought she always wanted. Because Rafe's plan is to seduce Belle back home where she belongs. (blurb)

Review:
Technically this is the first book in this series but with me being me I read Holiday Heat first. That was also the reason I bought this book cuz I really loved it and noticed that it was book 2 after finishing it. So I searched amazon and found this beauty and had to buy it immediately.

And let me tell you this book didn't disappoint.

UNWRAPPED

by Jaci Burton
This story is about a workaholic on forced vacation and with no way to escape the offered R & R. And Amy really struggles with what she finds on the island. She's too focused on work to have a private life. I enjoyed the way Ms. Burton played with the biased view most people have of a business woman. At the beginning Amy is really inhibited and all business but she has this weak moment on the plane(a really naughty weak moment) and that gives Justin the last clue he needs to really pursuit her.
He already accidentally(yeah, sure!!!) discovered her little erotic fantasy and now his plan is to fulfill it! He is focused on work too, but he knows how to sweeten up his free time and plans to do exactly that with Amy.
Okay I will say it the way it is: this story is hot and I mean it. I just say:
"Hawaii, 2 men and a woman." A perfect way to celebrate Xmas.
The characters are very likable and OMG the men are hot! So happy that Mitch(man #2) got his own HEA in Holiday Heat cuz he is a fine specimen, athletic surfer and all.
It's a nice story and very fast read! I so had to buy a Jaci Burton book after finishing that one!

TO DO LIST by Lauren Dane
First thing I noticed in this book is "OMG Brian please go away!". I so hate people ruining a perfect situation. I really wanted to slap him silly. 
That said back to the review: Belle is very focused on her goals and determined to reach them. She realizes that perhaps she pays a too high prize to accomplish that.

She's thinking her whole life over and tries to find out what her real priorities are.
Rafe is such a funny and lovely character. He realizes what a great woman he has in front of him and how much he missed her.  So he plans to win her heart with all means. He stole MY heart at the beginning and with every thing he did he got an even stronger hold on it!
The relationship between these two develops at a nice pace. They get to know each other again and discover how good they really match(every pun intended).  
It's a really hot read but I didn't expect anything else from Lauren. We've got a bit of Dirty Talk in this book and I always notice that I'm not such a fan of it! Strange huh? Give me smexy scene to read and I'm in but let them talk about it and I'm not so happy with that. A little pet peeve of mine, I know!
The wonderful community of the small town it's set in warmed my heart and all the love you can see in these families made this story an even more wonderful Xmas read.
A very good book for the season and I will definitely read it again next year.
 

To learn more about Jaci Burton visit her website here and you can look at Lauren Dane's website here.

Holiday Series:

1. Holiday Seduction: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Holiday Heat: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

Review of Holiday Heat will be up tomorrow!

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Review: Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole & Gena Showalter

Description:

Under the cover of wintry dark shadows, passion's magic ignites a fire too hot to touch -- and too wicked to die....
Two never-before-published paranormal stories to delight the senses and tantalize the imagination!

KRESLEY COLE delivers a breathtaking tale of a brutal vampire soldier about to know love for the first time...and a Valkyrie aching to be touched.
Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden -- the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in three hundred years. Yet the exquisite Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can't be touched by anyone but her own kind without inflicting pain beyond measure. Soon desperate for closeness, in an agony of frustration, Murdoch and Danii will do anything to have each other. Together, can they find the key that will finally allow them to slake the overwhelming desire burning between them?

GENA SHOWALTER puts a daring spin on a tale of huntress and hunted...and concocts a sensual chemistry that is positively explosive.
Aleaha Love can be anyone -- literally. With only skin-to-skin contact, she can change her appearance, assume any identity. Her newest identity switch has made her an AIR (alien investigation and removal) agent and sends her on a mission to capture a group of otherworldly warriors. Only she becomes the captured. Breean, a golden-skinned commander known for his iron will who is at once dangerous and soul-shatteringly seductive, threatens her new life. Because for the first time, Aleaha only wants to be herself.... (by goodreads.com)

Review:

 

Thanks to Mandi from smexybooks I had the opportunity to read this one and I'm so happy I did. As you might have noticed this book contains to independent stories so I will talk about them separately too.

Untouchable by Kresley Cole

This is the Story about Daniela(lovely name, made me think of my sister the whole time *grins*) half ice-maiden, half Valkyrie and Murdoch one of the famous Wroth brothers known for being vampires.
Danii had a really long(2000+ years) and very lonely life so far. She's an ice-maiden which means she will get burns when a normal person touches her. She can only be touched by her own people but these don't really like her and try to kill her every chance they get. Yep, that sounds like a real frustrating life.
Murdoch doesn't mind not being blooded cuz having a woman always is trouble in his opinion! When exactly that happens with Danii he think that is his punishment for being a lady-killer in his human days. Not being able to be with a woman for so long and now the only woman to get him on is the one he can't touch! Life can be really cruel!
These two have seriously chemistry going on. This book has the most erotic scene without touching. Really blew me away.

The side characters are hilarious as ever. I so love these Valkyrie and I have such a soft spot for the Wroth brothers.
The plot was good. I wanted to know how this whole mess would work out in the end and why she got bowling shoes from the goddess of impossibility. But the end was not what I expected and didn't really cure my curiosity. It was one of these too easy solutions and left me a bit unsatisfied.

Tempt Me Eternally by Gena Showalter
This is the story of Breean and Aleaha. We already met these two as a couple in Devyn's book. I was so curious about these two since the last installment. Aleaha was a bit different than I expected her to be. All my expectations where formed by the things Bride thought about her and Aleaha is not the small vulnerable girl I pictured.

Same is true for Breean. I expected a more nicer man. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining at all but he was a bit too animalistic. Not too animalistic for being enjoyable, that he was all right but for being a Rakan.Not sure if you get what I mean. I never thought the Rakan would be that way.
I loved to see the relationship between this two build up and loved that they're both stubborn as hell. I have to admit the book was not as hot as Devyn's but she really spoiled us with that one. I thought this resolution of this story was a bit easy too.

Considering everything I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all fans of both series! 



To learn more about Gena Showalter please visit her website here and you visit Kresley Cole's site here.

review Untouchable/Tempt Me Eternally @Smexybooks
reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

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Review: Adored by Tina Donahue

Description:

A shameless fantasy come true…
When tall, dark and delicious Adam Farrell crosses Danni’s radar at a trade show in Vegas, it’s not lust at first sight. He’s been the star of her wicked fantasies for a while, pleasuring her in acts of domination and submission that leave her breathless. Aching for his masterful touch, believing she’ll never have it, Danni indulges in a public sex act Adam alone witnesses. What follows is a night of wild and unrestrained passion in his powerful arms. It’s only the beginning.
An undisclosed business deal has turned Adam from competitor to Danni’s new boss. His hunger for her is absolute and he’ll make her fantasies seem tame as he takes her in ways she never imagined—whenever he wants, wherever he desires.
Seduced by Adam’s plan to mix exquisite control with adoration, Danni’s swept into a sensual adventure she can’t resist. Until corporate politics intrude and she learns what Adam’s been hiding to protect her…a secret he’s long feared will tear them apart. (blurb)

Review:
I have to shamefully admit as I got this book as a review copy my expectations weren't really high. Never heard something about that book or the author at all. But OMFG I was so wrong.

I started this book on my way home from one of the most boring lectures of my life. I read it in the tram and that was a huge mistake. I only read the first 2 chapters but all the other people must have thought: "What does she read that makes her blush like that?" And I was so strong and didn't start screaming some confusing things like: "Don't you dare masturbate now!" so I should be happy. The book gripped me from the start and took me on a wild and really hawt ride.

Danni is a very emotional but strong character. She got hurt in the past, not only by two asshole boyfriends but also by her cheating father. She has a few commitment issues because of that but she tries to not be too suspicious of every man and to give Adam a real chance. She trusts him not to hurt her but there is one thing she can't forgive and that is lying.

Adam always was intrigued by Danni and now he finally gets his chance to do something about it. He wants her not only for one night but for long time. He loves that she is so open about her fantasies and wants to explore how far he can go with her. He doesn't want to burden her with a few things and so he tries to solve them hinself without telling her about it. Typical man!

These two really made me sweat. Their chemistry is unbelievable hot and very imaginative. I loved the build up and the back and fourth these two experienced through the whole book.

The story is a nice mix between contemporary and erotica. I loved that it was not only like reading porn but more like a sweet story with many hot interruptions. *wink*

The one drawback was that I knew after the first 2 or 3 chapters how this book would end but I enjoyed it very much nonetheless.

I recommend this book to everyone who loves his contemporary romance spicy.




To learn more about Tina Donahue and her books please visit her website here.

other reviews @goodreads, buy this book @Ellora's Cave
 
Come back tomorrow: Tina will be here with a guest post and she will also giveaway a copy of Close To Perfect!

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Review: Mia's Return by Teal Ceagh

 

Description:

Ten years ago Alexander hungered for Mia Menendez and

for a single day they had indulged that passion before tragedy struck. Now Mia is back, but she thinks Alexander died ten years ago, and no man has been able to stir her heart since. The truth could kill her.
Wyatt Whitacker, demon hunter, hates Alexander and all his kind. But one look at Mia and her pulse-stopping curves and his scarred, angry heart begins to melt and his body to rouse in ways he’s long forgotten.
The bonding has begun… (blurb)

Review:

 

This is the second book in the Destinies Trinities series. The book starts a few month after the first and tells the story of Alex, Mia and Wyatt.
Alexander is an ex-small-time criminal turned vampire who's now fighting on the good side. His life changed drastically with him being turned to a vampire. He's now a successful businessman and a great fighter against the evil forces. He's a strong and unprejudiced character. He likes the way his live developed till he meets Mia again.

Mia is a girl coming out of a poor family with brothers stuck with the wrong people. She grew up with her brother's gangster buddies coming over and totally lost her heart to one of them. Alex was and still is center of her wet dreams. They got this one perfect night together and he promised her so much more but he died after he left her bed. Now, ten years later she meets him again by chance. He still looks the same and she wants him even more than all this time back. Mia is headstrong and has a quite stubborn side. She always gets what she wants and she will do everything to get him.

 

Wyatt is a vampire hunter deep down to his soul. After a critical experience in his life this is his purpose and he can't think of doing something else. His mission is his top priority. He's a very emotional character with soul deep wounds. He lived through hell and still fights. I really admired him.

So how do these three come together? I won't tell you but be sure it's a good thing they do.

These three have a few issues to get through before they can get together comfortably. Wyatt hates vampires so he needs a bit time to get comfortable with the idea that he's foretold to bond with one. The resolution of this goes real quick, perhaps a bit too quick for me.

Steamy is not enough to describe this book, the words burn your eyes. Very hawt read it is and so good for my hormones. ;)

The story in this book brings us a few revelations concerning the bad guys but leaves enough out to keep your interest. The story is fast paced, a bit rushed at some points but it totally suits the book.

Enjoyed this one and can't wait to read what happens in book 3- Sera's Gift(release day is Dec, 9th- that's next week).

To le

arn more about Teal Ceagh and her books please visit her website here.

The Destiny's Trinities Series:
1. Beth's Acceptance: my review, reviews @goodreads, buy the ebook here
2. Mia's Return: reviews @goodreads, buy the ebook here
3. Sera's Gift: release Dec 9th (!!!)

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Review: Beth's Acceptance by Teal Ceagh

Description:
For weeks, the darkly sinful Zachariah, her favorite customer at McGinty’s, has been raising NYC student Beth Siegel’s pulse, driving her crazy with need.
Neither can she keep the tall, blue-eyed mysterious Luke, who haunts the library stacks at her day job, out of her mind or her sweaty, desperate fantasies.
Fate hands Beth a startling destiny, a chance to bond with both of them—a bond formed via sex. Sex with either one of them would have been fabulous. Together? Irresistible.
Reader Advisory: This book contains hot, sexy scenes of M/M interaction. (Blurb)


Review:

This is the first book in the Destiny's trinities series. It's clearly a paranormal erotica and I quite enjoyed reading it. The story is set in a world where humans live without knowing the things that bump in the night. In this case that would be the vampires and the Fae, both not very friendly towards each other, to say at least. But an old prophecy foretells the return of an evil enemy and to fight this new threat all three parties- humans,vampires and Fae have to unite to be the victors. And yes, I do mean "unite" in every possible way. I really think this story has great potential but for my taste it was too thin. However, I have to say this book is only 100 pages so perhaps my expectations are a little high here. I would have loved to learn even more about the different species and how they ticked inside.
The relationship between Beth, Zach and Luke develops really fast and in a very hawt and steamy way. My mobile phone really began to sizzle in my hand and at some points I really regretted to read it in the train (you know me, all sweaty and so). I would have loved to get a bit more time to get a connection to the characters and to really feel for them.
The sex scene are really inventive and OMG, I never thought I would read something like that. But I don't want to spoil the fun for you so you will just have to read this one yourself.
Ms. Ceagh writing is gripping and I couldn't put this one down. It's a good fast read I enjoyed.
 




To learn more about Teal Ceagh and her books please visit her website here.

other reviews: 
– Smexy Books 4 of 5 stars
- Amberkatze's Book Blog
- Babbling About Books Grade: B
buy this ebook @Ellora's Cave here.

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Review: Hunter's Need (ARC) by Shiloh Walker

Description:

HIS CHALLENGE

Duke is bitter. A shapeshifter betrayed by the psychic powers of Analise Morell, he cannot forgive her for putting him in the clutches of a feral vampire, but he also can't shake his desire for her. And when she needs a Hunter, Duke must face his demons - and hers...

HER MISSION

Desperate voices are battering Ana's psychic shields. A serial killer with extraordinary powers is about to strike again, and the tormented souls of his previous victims are screaming for her help. But Ana can't understand why they want her...

THEIR INSATIABLE DESIRE

After what she did to him, Ana is sure Duke must be using her...but so be it. Ana can't fight her longing for him or the desire that's haunted her for years. Every fiber of Duke's soul - both the man and the cougar within - yearns to protect and possess her...(Book Blurb)

Review:

Just to warn you: this is my second attempt to write this review. After I wrote the first one the stupid program crashed and everything was lost. So sorry to say but I will keep it short this time.

This is book 10 in the Hunter series and I have to shamefully admit that I haven't read the first 9 books. I won this book in a twitter contest and realized too late what I got myself into again. But this book is written to be read as a standalone too.

Ana is one of strongest characters I every read about. She's not one of these kickass chicks ready to pull off your head in heartbeat but she's strong from within. She's not perfect and made one real mistake in her life that no-one in the paranormal world seems to be able to forget. She suffers from the judging looks she gets every day and decides to start a new life. I think that's not an easy decision to make especially because she has to leave her little brother behind. To pack all your belongings and start from scratch always sounds easier as it is. She goes far away and wants to live an ordinary life without paranormal incidents. But that doesn't work out the way she planned it.
Sometimes Ana annoyed me a bit with not believing that something good could happen to her but it was totally reasonable. After a life full of aggression and rejection, to start trusting is not an easy task. She's a very emotional and empathic character not only because of her psychic gift.

Duke burned his fingers the first time he met Ana. She played him and that's a thing he can hardly forget not to think of forgiving. Or so he tries to tell himself. He's a hunter and one of the most stubborn men I ever met. When he finally realizes that he can't ignore his attraction to Ana he so rocked my world. Have I mentioned that I so adore purring shifters? I so do and this one is so good at it.

I enjoyed the building up before they got together and loved the way the relationship developed. The whole back and fourth gripped me so much I couldn't put the book down- very steamy scenes included.

The plot around the love story was good. It was mysterious and gripping although I have to say that it was not the thing that kept me reading this book. But in my opinion this didn't make the book less wonderful. It's great the way it is and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves a steamy paranormal romance with a nice plot. The release date is December 1st. That's next week. So go and get this one!

To learn more about Shiloh Walker and her books please visit her website here. Here's the complete list of her books in this series.

Other reviews:
- Sarah @Monkey Bear Reviews Grade: B+
- Stacy @Stacy's Place on Earth Grade: 4 1/2 of 5 stars
- reviews @goodreads
- preorder it @amazon

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Review: Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur

Description:

In the darkness, demons come out to play . . .
and someone must bring their sins to light.
Part vampire, part werewolf, Riley Jenson knows what can happen when vamps don’t play well with others. But she’s never seen anything like this: a series of brutal murders surrounding the latest hot spot for vampire-human hookups—and the victims aren’t just killed, they’re beheaded. Now Riley is launching into action, toying with a seductive—and highly suspicious—club owner, and finding herself in the middle of another mystery: women being killed one by one, without a trace of violence.
For Riley, solving multiple cases—in a world going mad with human and vampire passions—would have been tough enough. Instead she has two jealous lovers on her hands: Kye Murphy, the amber-eyed werewolf who makes Riley’s wolf blood howl—and Quinn, the cool, elegant vamp who has over a thousand years’ experience at fulfilling women’s desires. While she’s busy juggling these two sexy beasts, Riley’s detective work takes a stunningly violent turn. Finding a murderer is now a matter of life and death. Especially since the killer has long since found her . . . (Book Blurb)

Review:

This is the first book I read in this series and if you take a look at the series list at the end of this post you will realize that it is book #8. But I had no problem at all with following the story or with understanding who is who.

The story is about Riley Jenson, she's part vampire, part werewolf and she won my heart with loving coffee more than anything(ok perhaps that's a bit of an exaggerated) and hating cold weather. That's a girl I can sympathize with. Riley is head strong without being unemotional and she's not perfect, another thing I can really appreciate. She's deep in love with a vampire, the really good looking Quinn but there's a problem she can't ignore: her werewolf soulmate Kye. And I have to admit this man is high on my most hated characters list. But hating the bad is okay in my opinion. The whole time I wanted to scream: "Kill him now or I'll do it myself." But there's a catch: she can't kill him or she might dies too. That's what happens to soulmates and makes a really frustrating situation. She doesn't loves him, he's a total asshole, she can't get rid of him and there is one thing that makes the mess even bigger: As her soulmate he is like a big sexual chocolate cake in her eyes. Not good combination at all.

The werewolves and shifters in this world are all sexually intense to put it nicely. I found it quite amusing to read them banter back and forth. One of my favorite characters was Kade. He's a stallion (yep, you read that one right) and he has a stable (and yep again) of women. OMFG I want to read more about that. Yeah, I know I'm dirty but I love my smut.
I love that Riley's twin brother has a boyfriend and wondered if there is a book just for these too. They are quite a couple and they stole my heart. So sweet together.

The plot is well developed. I felt like Ms. Marple while I read this book, always trying to guess who the murderer is. The story gripped me and I couldn't stop reading. The characters are likable (I'm excluding Kye here) and I loved the way they interacted. I had a problem with one thing at the end, that I really didn't like but I can't tell you what it was because that would be a spoiler. In spite of that one thing (and Kye), I enjoyed reading this book and I hunger to reading more about Riley. So I need the first 7 books. Can you hear my creditcard groaning?

The Riley Jenson Guardian Series:

1. Full Moon Rising:

reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
2. Kissing Sin: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
3. Tempting Evil: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

4. Dangerous Games: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

5. Embraced By Darkness: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
6. The Darkest Kiss: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
7. Deadly Desire: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
8. Bound to Shadows: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

This book was sent to me as a review copy from

Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. I did not receive money to write this review. All the amazon links are affiliate links.

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Review: Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk

Description:

Magic is Allison Beckstrom's blessing and curse. As a Hound, she uses her gifts to track down practitioners who abuse their power and stop them from inflicting harm on unsuspecting innocents. Unfortunately, her spells have taken their toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories—including those of the man she supposedly loves.

But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie’s thoughts. Her late father, the prominent businessman—and sorcerer—Daniel Beckstrom, has somehow channeled himself into her very mind. With the help of The Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities—and find a way to deal with her father…

(Author’s website)

Review:
This is the third book in the Allie Beckstrom series and it’s the best so far. I started the book and after a few pages I had the urge to mark a page because it was of the most hilarious scenes I ever read. *Please take note that I don’t usually put post-its in my books.Sometimes I have 2-3 post-its tops in one but only in my all-time favorites.* Considering this fact please take a look at the picture of my copy---> yep, there are many post-its. To be exact, there are 10! So yes, I really enjoyed this one.

After the last book I was a bit afraid what kind of direction the story would take but all my worries were blown away. I was afraid that the relationship between Allie and Zayvion would suffer but luckily everything is fine in this book. *whew*

I loved the characters and I don’t mean only Allie and Zayvion. This book is full of wonderful new side characters which immediately stole my heart.

I totally adore Shamus aka Shame. He has his nickname for a reason but I’m luckily not easy ashamed of someone. *wink* He is Zayvion’s best friend and these two are the perfect opposite to each other. Loved the interactions of those two.

Quote:

Zayvion to Shamus: “Remind me why I keep you around?”

”My good looks, quick wit, and, best of all, my connections,” Shamus said.” Need I say more?”
“No,” Zayvion said. “You need say less. Much, much less.”

The second character is Stone and OMG is this one is cute. He’s a gargoyle and loves to bring chaos in Allie’s cupboards or her bathroom. This quote from Allie sums him up:

“Stone, the toilet whisperer.”

He is one of the loveliest characters ever written.

Sure I loved Allie too. She’s a real tough girl and has great priorities in life, Zayvion Jones and fresh Coffee. Nah, just kidding. Sure, she’s vulnerable but at the same times she so strong and willful that she just amazed me. She tries to do everything right but we all know that’s not as easy as it sounds. She doesn’t give up easily and tries to reach her goals on her own way despite all the voices, perhaps it’s just one, telling her what to do.

In this book we finally learn more about Mr. Mysterious- Zayvion Jones. We get to know his past and what his job as a closer really means. All this made me love him even more. He’s not always Mr. Zen and that’s kind of comforting that he loses his cool sometimes too.
This book made the impossible possible- I felt sorry for Allie’s dad. Yep, really I did and not only “Oh, the poor guy!”. I nearly cried for him. Ok, I admit nearly means I had ONE tear in my eyes but please don’t tell.

The overall plot in this book was gripping and took me by surprise at each turn the story made. At the end I guessed right about what will happen next but that didn’t make it any less good or bad in that case. That sounds confusing even in my ears. I mean bad for characters in book and good for my reading pleasure. Yep evil me!
I adore this book and can’t wait to get the next one, Magic in the Storm.

To learn more about Devon Monk and her books please visit her website here. The Allie Beckstrom Series:
1. Magic to the Bone: my review, reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Magic in the Blood: my review, reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Magic in the Shadows: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Magic on the Storm (relese May 2010)

I bought this book on my own. The amazon links are affiliate links.

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Review: Indiscreet by Carolyn Jewel

Description:

Edward, Marquess of Foye, would have been happy to continue his life as an unmarried gentleman rake. His brother's death changed everything. As the last of his line, Edward must now marry. Heart already broken by a capricious young girl, he vows to find an older woman-seasoned, mature. . .and no threat to his feelings.
Falling in love can be dangerous. . .
Sabine Godard was educated by an Oxford don beyond what was proper. Her studies became her salvation after her past left her unwilling to accept the touch of any man. Though she never intended to fall in love, when she and Edward meet, passion defies logic. Together they explore temptation and sensuality, healing old wounds. . .until events require them to risk everything for their love.

(by goodreads.com )

Review:

This was the first historical I ever read and I’m a bit at a loss of words about losing my virginity in this category.

If you ask yourself why did you start a historical now? here’s my answer: The first time I saw this book I wanted to own it. Look at this wonderful cover, it distracted me mores than once from reading. Sure, I also read so many great reviews about it so I had really no other choice as to try it.

I enjoyed reading this book but I have to admit the language confused me a bit at first. After a few pages I kind of read into it and didn’t mind it. I think this will be typical for historicals so I hopefully won’t be surprised the next time I read one.

The plot is nice developed and I loved the way Ms. Jewel described Turkey. This totally sucked me in I couldn’t put the book down. I saw everything, the country and the people and felt like being in the middle of the action.

Sabine is a wonderfully kind and smart character. I loved that she is schooled and has her own opinion about nearly everything. She knows what she wants and what not. She was raised by her uncle and feels now bound to stay with him and help him the best way she can. I loved that she cares so much for him that she ignores her own longings just to make sure he is all right.

Lord Foye is a strong character, not willing to let something happen to Sabine. He knows he wants her and treasures her more than he wants to admit at first. He knows her past and doesn’t care about it. He notices from the start that Sabine is very intellectual and that she is trying to avoid falling in love. That is one thing he cannot accept so he does everything to convince her. He’s very canny and knows his way around in life. He is a real hero and won my heart real quick.

This two are a perfect couple. Their conversations are wonderful and their connection grows with every word spoken. I loved how their relationship developed and how they got to know each other- body ;) and soul.

The story was gripping, full of suspicion, treachery and lies. The whole world seems to be against our couple. The end was a bit over the top in my opinion but perhaps I’m a little skeptical there. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read another one of Ms. Jewel’s books.

To learn more about Carolyn Jewel and her books please visit her website here.

To read other reviews take a look @goodreads
You can buy the book @amazon.

I bought this book on my own.

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