Tag: Love

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

 +++ Image and blurb from Montlake Romance+++

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)

 

An Heir of Uncertainty | Book Review

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19304924Yorkshire, 1820

Lina, Lady Radbourne, thought being a countess would rescue her from poverty. Unfortunately, her young groom failed to plan for the future, and his drunken accident left her widowed and pregnant. Now Colonel Winstead Vaughan—Win—will inherit her late husband’s fortune…unless she gives birth to a boy. Win is her natural enemy, so why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Win is stunned to learn he stands to inherit a vast fortune. He’s even more surprised to find himself falling for the beautiful, spirited Lady Radbourne, who is the one woman who stands in the way of a life he’d only imagined.

When someone tries to poison Lady Radbourne, suspicion falls on Win. There’s a clever killer in their midst, and if Win doesn’t solve the mystery fast, Lina may perish. He needs to win her trust, but how can he prove it’s she he wants, and not the fortune?

+++ Image and blurb from Harlequin Publishing+++

Net Galley ARC received from Carina Press for an honest review

3.75 Suspicious yet Sexy Stars

I was uncertain when picking up this romance, as the cold Yorkshire countryside did not fit in well with the summer weather I have been experiencing. Thankfully the weather cooperated and it has become wet and grey, giving the read a relatable backdrop. Weather aside, I was pleasantly surprised by the mystery and twists of the plot, as I was not expecting a quality murder mystery alongside an excellent romance.

Lina only had a few months with her new husband Edward and as Lady Radbourne before he dies in a foolish dare – and the executor of the estate quickly contacts a long distance relative and heir presumptive. However, when the heir to the estate, Colonel Winstead ‘Win’ Vaughan arrives with his young daughter and eccentric younger brother, it is to discover that the widow Lady Radbourne is expecting and her child could result in his disinheritance. Tensions run high from the awkward situation, but also from the unexpected attraction Win and Lina feel toward each other. Attraction wars with suspicion as several attempts are made on Lina’s life close after Win and his family arrive, but there are so many distrustful local figures that the culprit could be anyone.

The murder mystery was well crafted and acted as a catalyst for Win and Lina’s romance, forcing their hand in desperate times. As a fond reader of crime novels, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the mystery and did not guess the murderer until the author intention let slip a few details to raise suspicion. The romance was also wonderfully crafted, as it did not easily develop from suspicion or from the stubborn natures of both characters but more from mutual respect and the slow burning passion that simmered beneath their concern for each other. Win’s nineteen-year-old pigeon-obsessed brother, Freddie, added wonderful comedic relief and had me hoping for him to find someone that shared his love of birds.

If you are looking for a murder mystery with slow-burn romance set in a Yorkshire winter, then you should definitely pick up An Heir of Uncertainty.

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.

Hooker, Ebook

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