Tag: arc

Fierce Obsessions | Book Review

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fierce-obsessionsWhen raven shifter Riley Porter was given sanctuary by the Phoenix Pack, she let them believe she had left her flock. Reluctant to divulge the secrets of her past, she was still embraced as family. Only Tao Lukas, the protective and passionate Head Enforcer of the pack, was resistant to the enigmatic shifter. Until Riley started to arouse in him something other than suspicion. Tao doesn’t trust lone shifters, especially ones so guarded—and tempting. But the sexual tension between them is making them both come undone, and vulnerable to more than desire. All Tao wants is for Riley to stay with him and to trust him with the truth of her past. As Riley’s mysteries come to light, so does a danger that threatens not only her life but the safety of the entire pack. For Tao, keeping Riley safe means keeping her close—forever—as his mate.

Net Galley ARC received from Montlake Romance for an honest review

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4 ‘Borrowed not Stolen’ Stars

Let’s be honest here. I am a fan of the Phoenix and Mercury Pack, as I have read every title in the series and I am always in a state of anxious anticipation for the next release. Needless to say, I gracelessly leapt on the opportunity to read the advanced copy of Fierce Obsessions from Net Galley. And this book did not disappoint, filled with sassy characters, interesting shifter dynamics and – of course – hot sex.

Riley Porter is a raven shifter and protector of the adorable shifter children, Savannah and Dexter. She was first introduced in Savages Urges as Makenna’s fellow worker at the lone shifter shelter, and circumstances lead her to seek refuge for the children at Phoenix pack territory. The only problem she faced from being fully accepted by the pack was Tao Lukas, head enforcer and incredibly suspicious of outsiders. He wanted her gone. So not the best start but interesting enough to find her waking up after a tequila-drenched party to have Tao naked in her bed. The two move quickly from fling to ‘something more’ as Tao is not one to avoid a problem and Riley appreciates upfront behaviour.

The romance was refreshing after so many of the other couples had a long, slow road to romance – often hindered by their own omissions and hesitancy to bonding. This couple pulled no punches, their blunt natures fuelled their passion which sped into a devoted relationship. Riley and Tao natures perfectly suited, as Tao would bluster and Riley would just roll her eyes and ignore the ranting. Another refreshing development was their pasts were not something hidden or not spoken of, as they maintained an open channel of communication and respect. So, I was not surprised when the mating bond snapped into place fully formed, it was great to have a couple already so in tune with each other that they didn’t have to prove anything more.

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring deeper into the shifter world, as the raven shifter mentality and customs differ to the wolves. Riley’s past, which shaped her approach to relationships, was curious as she was affected by two tragic events but was still surrounded by loving friends and family. I like that true mates can be found across species as it opens the field for so many other shifter species to be introduced into both packs.

Another excellent addition to the Phoenix pack series to be released June 13th and the perfect romance to spice up your summer/winter reading. (Or indulge your sultry senses upon the entire series)

 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne| Book Review

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UK/AUS Cover from Hachette

4.25 Bedroom Blue Stars

 

The game is afoot, or at least they have been for Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, ever since the merger of the two publishing companies they work for. Dangerously competent assistants of the two CEOs, Lucy and Joshua compete against each other in staring matches, skirmishes of wit and brawls of banter waiting for the other to crack. However, the stakes are raised when they now must compete for a lucrative promotion and the games become heated, but not in the direction Lucy predicted.

If you love Shakespeare’s Beatrice and Benedict, like I do, then you will love this delicious romp of a Rom-Com. Lucy is a refreshing modern woman, as she is not one dimensional but kind, passionate, ambitious, quirky, lonely, clever and a little crazy. And you get to discover new facets to her personality at every turn of the page. Only a multi-faceted man can balance her out, and at first, Joshua is aloof, sarcastic and pretty much an a-hole. But, as Lucy begins to recognise his moods as easily as his daily shirt patterns, she discovers that underneath all those barbs is a nice guy with unknown depths of emotion.

 

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US Cover from William Morrow

 

Whilst the ambiguity of the city and settings can be initially disconcerting, it allows the reader to focus primarily on the characters (and could be set in any English speaking country). The supporting cast often pushes Lucy and Joshua out of their comfort zones, forcing the games to the next level or allowing them to test theories. The lack of friendship circles for both Joshua and Lucy did not seem unusual given their dedication to work, but it helped to intensify the desire for a connection between each other.

A wonderful debut from Sally Thorne, I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a good laugh and fuzzy feelings.

Released on 9th August 2016 by Hachette Australia
ARC received from Hachette Australia for honest review

 

Hooker by J.L. Perry | Book Review

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If you are expecting a modern twist on the classic Pretty Woman film where a wealthy man meets a pretty hooker, then be prepared because this book is so much more.

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Hooker opens with the story of Jade, a high-end escort, who has endured a harsh orphaned childhood only to be adopted by M – the Madame who primps and primes Jade throughout her teens to become a hooker in her employ. From this devastating home life Jade emerges strong, independent, resilient and determined to escape M and the profession she despises. Since she cannot escape her contract to M she escapes on holiday to New York, but the fun begins in Sydney Airport when she collides into Mr Delicious – enter Brock Weston.

Move over Richard Gere, Brock exudes charm, wealth, privilege and a tendency of getting exactly what he wants – and after the first brief encounter with Jade, he wants more. A chance encounter in New York has the sexual tension crackling, reaching fever pitch in one night of wild abandon. Brock is charmed by the combination of her sweet, down-to-earth nature and incredible sexual prowess, but he is left with desire and memories. As Jade hastily returns to Sydney with her heart aching from the knowledge that the cherished care Brock showed her could never continue while she remains locked in contract to M. However, Brock is a man who rises to a challenge, and Jade is a woman who deserves the love he can provide – if he can find her again and look beyond her past she wants to hide.

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The character of Jade is charming, with her strength and determination to survive her contract and plans for a free and independent future. Throughout the trials of the book, she remains true to her strong and sweet nature – with the occasional but well deserved tirade at Brock. Brock’s character also remains true throughout the novel, he is charming, possessive and stubborn but if often overwhelmed with responsibility and guilt.

The relationship is based on mutual attraction, and does not have any elements of love at first sight, rather their love develops over months of conversation and hot sex (of course). Even with all the steamy sex and sinister plot, there is sweetness to Brock and Jade’s relationship which is endearing and ever-present throughout the book. Also, the importance of family and love (not just desire) is explored through both characters with not only loss, but support, discovery and growth of family bonds.

The writing style in first person was occasionally jarring and took a long time to become accustomed to, but the dual perspectives was wonderful to experience the relationship from both Jade and Brock. Additionally, the sinister elements of the plot were too quickly resolved and removed the element of suspense, leaving the rest of the novel slowly resolve personal plots. Whilst I did appreciate J.L. Perry’s attention to detail in thoroughly tying up loose ends to leave the reader happy with Jade and Brock’s future, the loss of intensity and suspense made the ending anti-climactic.

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Hooker is an addictive read, with delicious characters, sizzling sex and an enduring romance that will warm your heart.

Released on 31st May 2016 by Hachette Australia
ARC received from Hachette Australia for honest review

R is for Rebel by Megan Mulry

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This is not your run-of-the-mill contemporary romance – ‘R is for Rebel’ brings a fresh view of the modern heroine against the confines of an out-dated hero. Not to scare anyone off, the romance is electric and the drama makes it well-worth the read.

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Abigail Heyworth is getting back on her feet after ending a long relationship with her girlfriend, by has been hiding out in her brother’s country house. It is at her other brother’s wedding that she meets the self-made multi-millionaire Elliot Cranbrook, and she cannot help but feel drawn to his charm and wit. I did enjoy the fact that they had been just keeping the relationship platonic and friendly for six months, before they decided on taking it further on an island beach. The intimacy is intense and moving along a lot faster than Abigail had planned for, but she was enjoying the glamour and wealth of Elliot’s world (even if she was a rebel child of a wealthy family of the English peerage).

Elliot’s intensity becomes too much for Abigail, and she decides to push away the relationship as she is not ready to take the step back into relationship (and her inner rebel wanted to disappoint her mother’s sudden hope at her involvement with Elliot). Even though, I thought she poorly communicated her feelings, it was a very rational fear that any woman would be feeling (unless you were in it for the money and sex). Elliot’s dominance and possession of her felt out-dated in the contemporary context, and really grated my nerves.

The year time lapse was unexpected, and you find little has changed between the characters. Abigail found stability in her life through family and work, and Elliot had become irritated and controlling at work and suddenly has a fiancé to mask his disappointment. As the two leads makes themselves more and more depressed, some family back story is added that slowed the narrative down and felt unnecessary. The revelation that this novel is fourth in a series did clear up some interest in the surrounding characters relationships, and gives the back story more relevance but not clarity.

Of course, they are going to meet again when Elliot is questioning his engagement and Abigail is looking for diversion at Fashion Week in Paris. However, all it took was a look, a few words, and a passionate kiss and ‘Presto!’ They are back together, very much in love, all the history and baggage forgotten, and lots and lots of sex to make up for. In the meantime, Elliot’s fiancé happens to find a really nice guy at the airport and decides to spend a weekend with him and his family in England (also Abigail family and Elliot is her guest). All ends well when everyone gets an explanation and very drunk.

‘R is for Rebel’ definitely rebels against any contemporary romance with some factors, but others fall short of the mark and my expectation, but it will keep you reading until the last page.

Ashes and Alchemy by Cindy Spencer Pape

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‘Ashes and Alchemy’ was an advance reader copy I was given and being a lover of historic fantasy, especially steampunk, I jumped at the chance to read this novella. It opens with Minerva Shaw struggling through a toxic London fog, searching desperately for a doctor. Instead she collapses on the doorstep of the intimidating Sebastian Brown, Police detective and her stoic saviour. (For some reason I do like a coupling of two strong willed leads). He aids Minnie who is searching for the decent Dr Grant (Brown’s neighbour) as her daughter, Ivy, is suffering from a deadly fever. Minnie and Sebastian return to her lodging to find that her friend and neighbour Jane has been murdered and the rooms turned up. Luckily, little Ivy was hiding behind the washstand.

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Minnie and Ivy stay in Sebastian’s home while they are seen by the doctor and Sebastian investigates the murder of Jane and why Ivy was targeted. Whilst under “Police” custody, Minnie and Sebastian quickly develop feelings for each other, but the attraction is pushed aside amid the murder investigation and Ivy’s miraculous recovery. Their romance slowly burns as they have developed fears from past lovers, but their steady comfort to each other’s nightmares leads to a more revealing affection.

The supernatural elements in the series were barely hinted at due to neither leads having any powers, but did not seem out of place in the world constructed. (Finding out that it was the sixth installment in series made a lot more sense to the surrounding characters and their powers.) The same can be said for the steam machinery that was in the domestic and transport sectors(mainly), it did not have lengthy explanation but readily associated to modern technology.

Some of the revelations in this book happened at such a speed that it almost seemed out of sync with the rest of the narrative, and I can see that it was due to a larger narrative being compressed into the novella form. The revelations did not detract from my enjoyment of the other all narrative, just made it awkward and predictable. Regardless, ‘Ashes and Alchemy’ is a great quick read for anyone in need of a bit a steampunk romance, but keep in mind that it is a novella.