Review of Baby, Don’t Go by Stephanie Bond
Published: July 26, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Southern town seeks single women. Though they're nothing but trouble...
The hardheaded Armstrong brothers are determined to rebuild their tornado-ravaged hometown in the Georgia mountains. They’ve got the means, they’ve got the manpower…what they need are women! So they place an ad in a Northern newspaper and wait for the ladies to arrive…
Eldest brother Marcus Armstrong considers the estrogen-influx an irritating distraction. He’s running a town, not a dating service!
Reporter Alicia Randall thinks the Armstrong brothers are running a scam and she intends to prove it—even if it means seducing oh-so-sexy Marcus in the process. Sizzling sex and a hot story? Win-win!
At least it is, until she falls for the guy. Will love trump betrayal when the truth comes out?”
Baby, Don’t Go by Stephanie Bond is a wonderful story about finding trust and love in the last place you ever thought you would find it. I have been waiting weeks to read this story capping out finally with the oldest Armstrong brother Marcus. Marcus is a character who is so surly and in charge that it’s hot and when he finally shows interest in a woman, readers will breathe a sigh. Alicia is a lot like Marcus himself, always working and taking care of others before taking care of herself. Once they meet they almost have an instant connection to one another because they recognize themselves in each other. Baby, Don’t Go by Stephanie Bond is a great story that will have readers laughing, crying, and rooting for an H.E.A. I give Baby, Don’t Go by Stephanie Bond 5 smirks because it is a must read and must own book with a lot of personality.
Review of A Just Deception by Adrienne Giordano
Published: September 5, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “The protector: Peter Jessup, former Navy SEAL, currently employed by Taylor Security. He likes being the hero-in charge and in control.
His client: Lawyer Isabelle DeRosa. The sexy brunette is the personification of Peter's fantasies. She's willing to get physical but nothing more serious.
The assignment: When Isabelle becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her cousin, Peter is there to protect her and help her find the real killer. Their investigation leads to a big-name charity that seems to draw cultlike followers. Isabelle manages to infiltrate the group and become close to their leader, leaving Peter both jealous and worried for her.
As their search leads to danger, Peter realizes he's falling in love with Isabelle. He wants all of her, but she's too used to guarding herself to let him in...”
A Just Deception by Adrienne Giordano is an addictive story about letting go of the past to make way for the future. I found myself unable to stop reading A Just Deception because the story takes unexpected twists and turns, I just know readers will be on the edge of their seats trying to figure out what happens. The main characters Izzy and Peter fit so right with each other, being both insane and all, I found it hard not to fall in love with them. Readers will laugh along with Izzy and brood along with Peter, they are just characters who demand to be noticed. I give A Just Deception by Adrienne Giordano 5 smirks because the story takes readers on a roller coaster ride, the characters are irresistible, and the ending is heartwarming.
Review of A Vampire For Christmas by Michele Hauf, Laurie London, Alexis Morgan & Caridad Pineiro
Published: October 25, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “’Tis the season…for these darkly sexy tales.
All they want for Christmas is you…
It’s the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow.
And they don’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice.
Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there’s no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can’t wait for an invitation.”
A Vampire For Christmas is a collection of short stories by Michele Hauf, Laurie London, Alexis Morgan & Caridad Pineiro and I can tell you that each one is amazing. What I love most about these short stories are the vampires all these authors have created and how intense and instant their connections are with the other main characters. It also helps that all the vampires in this book are gorgeous and hard to resist. I found myself changing all the things on my Christmas list to something like this: Eagan, Damien, Trace, any other hunky vampire available who is honorable and broods…a lot. I give A Vampire For Christmas by Michele Hauf, Laurie London, Alexis Morgan & Caridad Pineiro 5 smirks because the vampires draw readers in, the stories are fun and romantic, and all these authors created different worlds of vampires and supernatural’s that is creative and will linger in readers minds.
Review of Second Guessing Fate by Claire Robyns
Published: September 26, 2011
4 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Gemma is on a collision course with heartbreak. At least, according to the fortune-teller her best friend drags her to see. Gemma doesn't believe a word of it, but when other predictions start to come true, she begins to suspect that gorgeous, gray-eyed Nick is the man foretold to break her heart before she can find her soul mate. Too bad she's never met a man she's wanted more, because now she has to get him to dump her before she falls too hard.
Nick has plans of his own. He's ready to settle down with Ms. Right, and everything points to the beautiful Gemma. He's determined to prove to her that he's the perfect boyfriend-even if she does seem to be trying her best to scare him off...”
Second Guessing Fate by Claire Robyns is a story about taking your life into your own hands and following your heart (not tarot cards). I just love the way Nick and Gemma have a very simple and easy banter to their relationship which works well on the simple level they both desire. I found myself laughing along with Nick and Gemma; being pulled in by their friends’ advice and ultimately falling in love with all the characters this story has to offer. I give Second Guessing Fate by Claire Robyns 4 smirks because the characters are extreme and instantly draw you in, the story is to the point, and readers will laugh throughout the ridiculousness of it all.
Review of Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer
To Be Published: November 1, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “They are called Feral Warriors -- an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by secrecy and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release..
.
Shattered by recent nightmarish events, Hawke feels his bond with his animal spirit weakening -- and once it breaks, he's finished. The arrival of Faith sends his life spinning even further out of control, for although she delights him and enflames his deepest primal passions, she's promised to Maxim, the newest Feral Warrior.
Faith is drawn to Hawke from the start, but Maxim holds her in his thrall and has secretly bent her to his malevolent will. Though gravely damaged, Hawke is the only one who can end Faith's slavery and protect the Feral Warriors from Maxim's evil designs. But first they both must embrace the wild...and surrender body and soul to a forbidden, all-consuming ecstasy.”
Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer is an enthralling tale about finding out where you belong. I really wish I could have read the first book in this series because that would have made reading Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer all that much more important. I found myself falling in love with this story and the characters in it. I love the love triangle between Maxim, Faith, and Hawke; but more than that I love how each character fits into this ever growing story. I think the most important thing I love about this book is how Faith and Hawke always find the humor in everything they do, even during passion. I give Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer 5 smirks because Faith and Hawke are two characters who are easy to laugh with, the story is exciting, and the other characters make reading witty, funny, and entertaining.
Review of The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
To Be Released: October 25, 2011
6 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: "Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing. Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa is a lot like Ash himself. Since it is Ash’s journey, it is very action packed, with mysterious trials and crazy unimaginable creatures that haunt different parts of the Neverever. I don’t want to give any spoilers because frankly that is what makes this book so good. As I was reading I was more surprised, outraged, and hurt (in the best, most invested way possible) by all the mysterious surprises that go along with Ash’s story. I also love how Julie Kagawa describes everything in such detail that we as readers feel we are right alongside the characters.
The main characters Ash, Puck, and, of course, Grim are what make The Iron Knight such an enjoyable, thrilling read. Ash is a fantasy come to life, the bad boy prince whose heart is as cold as his icy palace. He’s every girls dream; loyal, determined, motivated, who rarely smiles but when he does the whole world melts away. In The Iron Knight we get to see more of the true Ash; the way he thinks, feels, and sees his life and those in it. It is truly an experience to cherish because as most of you know, it is hard to get Ash to say anything or show emotion. As for Puck himself, always a prankster, his sarcasm and love to joke always tugs your heart strings. Puck is reality(not in a bad way, but a way to look forward to), he is the guy who makes you laugh, is at your back at all times (even if you don’t think you deserve it), always has a witty comeback, first to smile, and sarcastic comments galore. Puck is the man you end up marrying in reality, he’s just too irresistible to let go. Grim, as always, poofs in and out, always quick with his sharp tongue, and rarely accepts or gives compliments. These characters make The Iron Knight what it is; which is a truly phenomenal story about love, friendship, loss, pain, weakness, conscience, regrets, and memories (kind of like reading what it is like to be human from a fey perspective).
The reason The Iron Fey Series is one of my favorite series is because in each book Julie pulls you into the storyline. You are invested in the characters and when they fail, you fail, their heart breaks, yours does as well. It is an emotional journey and that is why these books are so spetacular. The Iron Fey Series makes you believe in the Neverever, wars fought in distance worlds parallel to ours, love lost, pranks and magic that you didn’t think could be possible. Julie has a unique way of pulling the reader into being an additional character. You feel the emotions of the other characters and can’t help but laugh, cry, get outraged, scared, and determined. It is like visiting a world you only wished and dreamt about. The Iron Fey Series makes reading great books, a magical experience that is one of a kind.
Review of Crave by Melissa Darnell
To Be Released: October 25, 2011
7 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Savannah Colbert has never known why she’s so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It’s as if he’s a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she’s destined to fail.
For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back… different, and suddenly he can’t stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences…”
You know when you read a story that is so good you stay up half the night to finish reading it? Well Crave by Melissa Darnell is one of the few stories that have that effect on me. I am blown away by how this story pulled me in and captivated me from the very first page. I loved all the characters and the plot twists, it was everything a book should be and more. While reading the last page of this book I am reminded of a similar book which leaves off abruptly so that all I want to do is scream; The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Normally I would not even mention another book in a book review, but this book is my favorite trilogy of all time and I don’t mind saying in this review Crave by Melissa Darnell is right up there with my top book. I would hate to be a blogger who told readers everything about this story because in order to experience the wondrous, enthralling, enticing book that Crave is; readers will have to be surprised. I will say that getting to know characters like Tristan and Savannah is a delightful treat. Two characters who share such a strong connection that not even family ties can break it; with the power to see into each other’s souls is like having readers be a part of the story as well.
Crave by Melissa Darnell is a series that will grow into what I am sure will be bigger than any books out there today. I find myself liking the paranormal aspect that isn’t like any other books; it is unique and fresh in a very new and inventive way. I’m actually heartbroken the next book in this series is not out yet because I would surely have forgone sleeping if it was available. I rarely do this, but I give Crave by Melissa Darnell 7 smirks because I can’t help but be in love with this story, the characters, and all the possibilities future books can have.
