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I fell in love with Helen the first paragraph I met her. She had spunk, wouldn't back down from what she wanted, and was willing to totally embarrass herself to get it. This company is her baby and there's no way she's going to let some corporate pirate steal it from her - or so she thinks. What she doesn't expect is a near-naked first encounter with a guy she could dream about for ages.
But Simon doesn't care about her company - although her tactics make her quite interesting and he agrees to a second meeting. Well, each time they meet more sparks seem to fly. But they Helen has some serious issues she's trying to deal with. I have to say that Simon's reaction and "therapy" for these issues was brilliant and I loved him all the more for it.
I loved that Simon stays true to his ruthless business self throughout the whole story. There's no huge change of personality or lifestyle, just subtle alterations that make him a bit more reasonable. These were two of the most believable characters I've seen in awhile. Well, at least as believable as any billionaire romance can be.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
But Simon doesn't care about her company - although her tactics make her quite interesting and he agrees to a second meeting. Well, each time they meet more sparks seem to fly. But they Helen has some serious issues she's trying to deal with. I have to say that Simon's reaction and "therapy" for these issues was brilliant and I loved him all the more for it.
I loved that Simon stays true to his ruthless business self throughout the whole story. There's no huge change of personality or lifestyle, just subtle alterations that make him a bit more reasonable. These were two of the most believable characters I've seen in awhile. Well, at least as believable as any billionaire romance can be.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
I have a problem with lies - especially from my main characters. But I get this one!!! It did not bother me at all. His lie was not an attempt to trick the girl into thinking something else, but a way to stay under the radar while he was on vacation. But of course, one thing lead to another and now how do you tell her who you really are??? Nic was a pretty good guy. A little too caught up in work - but it seems like that's what makes a man rich. I loved his passion for art. It was something a little different than what I see in a lot of characters.
Gia was a little less likable for me. She had some self-esteem issues that just didn't fit in with the rest of her out going personality. She just didn't believe in herself as an artist. Nic sees her talent immediately though (and that leads to another lie that I wasn't as forgiving of) and tries to help her with an art show.
There's a lot of on again off again in this story. Some of it was believable and some of it wasn't. What really drew me into the story was Gia's traditional family and their expectations of her. The setting was also amazingly beautiful. I really want to go to Tuscany now - take in the sites, eat some food, and meet a millionaire.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Gia was a little less likable for me. She had some self-esteem issues that just didn't fit in with the rest of her out going personality. She just didn't believe in herself as an artist. Nic sees her talent immediately though (and that leads to another lie that I wasn't as forgiving of) and tries to help her with an art show.
There's a lot of on again off again in this story. Some of it was believable and some of it wasn't. What really drew me into the story was Gia's traditional family and their expectations of her. The setting was also amazingly beautiful. I really want to go to Tuscany now - take in the sites, eat some food, and meet a millionaire.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Mine to Spell is book two in the Mine series set in Chardonia - a country whose women are slaves and must obey every whim of their warlock masters. I briefly met Cynthia in the first book, she is Serena's younger sister and next in line to be sold. Seeming to accept her fate, she launches herself into the process only to find herself becoming a victim to one of the warlock's darkest secrets.
Using a secret of her own, she manages to gain her freedom - and lands herself in another mess. Cynthia seems to be great at finding herself in a mess. But she's determined to prove she can find her own way out.
Most of the story revolves around the quickly disintegrating situation for women in Chardonia and Cynthia's fight to prove they are just as good as the warlocks. But along the way she does find a bit of romance. It's not the main part of the story, but an important element as Cythina grows and develops her secret - I really want to tell you all what it is, but that would completely ruin the big reveal in the book.
I'm excited to see what happens next to the women of Chardonia. I saw that book three, Mine to Fear, is coming out this month, and I think it will going into my cart as soon as I see it in paperback. While each individual story may not have a 5 star rating, this world Janeal Falor has created is addictive.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2015/08/mine-to-spell-by-janeal-falor-review.html#sthash.ZLuoIFem.dpuf
Using a secret of her own, she manages to gain her freedom - and lands herself in another mess. Cynthia seems to be great at finding herself in a mess. But she's determined to prove she can find her own way out.
Most of the story revolves around the quickly disintegrating situation for women in Chardonia and Cynthia's fight to prove they are just as good as the warlocks. But along the way she does find a bit of romance. It's not the main part of the story, but an important element as Cythina grows and develops her secret - I really want to tell you all what it is, but that would completely ruin the big reveal in the book.
I'm excited to see what happens next to the women of Chardonia. I saw that book three, Mine to Fear, is coming out this month, and I think it will going into my cart as soon as I see it in paperback. While each individual story may not have a 5 star rating, this world Janeal Falor has created is addictive.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2015/08/mine-to-spell-by-janeal-falor-review.html#sthash.ZLuoIFem.dpuf
Meredith is a tough character for me to explain. I really enjoyed her - most of the time. But there were several times she drifted dangerously close to TSTL. I mean seriously, why are you not telling people your crazy ex is phone stalking you and sending you threatening messages. It'll just go away right? Ummmm.....NO - please don't be dumb.
Despite her not so smart moments, or maybe because of it, she makes a great damsel in distress figure for Gage. Gage is a swoon worthy cowboy. He's dark and a bit broody. His mysterious past has led him to swear off women (don't worry it's not because of a past love interest). His past was somewhat of a surprise and while it sucked - it really explained a lot. I also liked that it kept coming back (the past tends to do that) and actually ends up playing an important part of the story.
The story line really saved this from a worse review. It was so well put together with every element playing an important part - you just might not realize it at first. I love when all the little pieces come together so perfectly.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Despite her not so smart moments, or maybe because of it, she makes a great damsel in distress figure for Gage. Gage is a swoon worthy cowboy. He's dark and a bit broody. His mysterious past has led him to swear off women (don't worry it's not because of a past love interest). His past was somewhat of a surprise and while it sucked - it really explained a lot. I also liked that it kept coming back (the past tends to do that) and actually ends up playing an important part of the story.
The story line really saved this from a worse review. It was so well put together with every element playing an important part - you just might not realize it at first. I love when all the little pieces come together so perfectly.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
This was one of the more interesting historical story lines I've read. Julia is a mistress - a fairly famous one. But she's found herself in a rough place with a man that is not very nice. He ships her off, pregnant and a little worried, to his country estate. She hopes to find some quiet and time to think - but instead she runs into her childhood sweetheart. Uh oh! Here's where she should have been open and honest, but she neglects to tell the whole truth instead - shame on her.
Adam is a gardener - a really good one! It was fun to see our hero not part of the aristocracy, but instead, a regular guy with a job, bills, and all that jazz. He's shocked to see Julia, and things are quite tense between the two of them.
While, Julia never really grew on me, the story was developed very nicely. No great sudden bursts through the plot or into love and a relationship. It was a gradual re-development of feelings and attractions. It was a romance brought on by some sweet reminiscing and with the help of Adam's nieces. They were just adorable.
Long and short - the plot was great - Adam was great - wish I'd liked Julia a more.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Adam is a gardener - a really good one! It was fun to see our hero not part of the aristocracy, but instead, a regular guy with a job, bills, and all that jazz. He's shocked to see Julia, and things are quite tense between the two of them.
While, Julia never really grew on me, the story was developed very nicely. No great sudden bursts through the plot or into love and a relationship. It was a gradual re-development of feelings and attractions. It was a romance brought on by some sweet reminiscing and with the help of Adam's nieces. They were just adorable.
Long and short - the plot was great - Adam was great - wish I'd liked Julia a more.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Teagan is missing!!! This is not good news for the people in Lucius' territory. Orion, the fae with broken wings as distraught. Teagan was his charge and he is desparately searching for her. Lucius is slowly going crazy, and Danielle (the Hunter) finds herself stuck in the middle of it all. When her investiagion into dead humans leads her to Orion for help, she realizes that she may have just stepped into more than she can handle.
Danielle is a very strong person - and we learn more about her history and what made her this way as we go through the story. I really like how her past is tied into the future and how things will play out as the book continues. Danielle and Orion have a very strong attraction to each other - and this attractions leads to some really great things, but it also puts Danielle in the sights of Lucius.
There is a lot going on in this book. Orion's past is coming back to haunt him, Danielle's past is discovered and that could have some major repurcussions, and Teagan - well a missing Teagan means total chaos everywhere. This book really satisfied the urban fantasy fan in me, without leaving the romance hanging at all. Such a great combination of what I like best about both genres.
Danielle is a very strong person - and we learn more about her history and what made her this way as we go through the story. I really like how her past is tied into the future and how things will play out as the book continues. Danielle and Orion have a very strong attraction to each other - and this attractions leads to some really great things, but it also puts Danielle in the sights of Lucius.
There is a lot going on in this book. Orion's past is coming back to haunt him, Danielle's past is discovered and that could have some major repurcussions, and Teagan - well a missing Teagan means total chaos everywhere. This book really satisfied the urban fantasy fan in me, without leaving the romance hanging at all. Such a great combination of what I like best about both genres.
You must read book one of this series or you will be totally lost. The book picks up shortly after book one ends with Horace, Alyra, and Jirom somehow ending up on all different sides of the politics. Horace finds his loyalties split and his lack of confidence is beginning to effect his Zoana and his ability to use it. I expected a little bit more out of Horace. Throughout much of the story he is just confused and ineffective.
The slave rebellion, led by Jirom and Emanon, is finally gaining ground. But they know that eventually they will have to face their friend Horace. No one is sure how this will end up, but other political powers are set on doing anything and sacrificing anyone to put the revolt down.
Alyra is another character that seemed confused throughout the story. I loved her dedication and how set in her beliefs she was in book one, but she's changed a lot. She rides the fence a lot more often now, while somehow still seeming to be set in her ways. Towards the end I got a glimpse of the book one Alyra coming back and I really hope that carries over into book three.
Once again, Jon Sprunk has given us a very epic tale. We have magic, strange creatures, politics, and empires are competing against each other. Loyalties are not always clear, and you can never be too sure who you friends are. There are epic battles that can destroy cities, and as an empire rises and falls again, I never really knew where it was going to take me next.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2015/08/storm-and-steel-by-jon-sprunk-review.html#sthash.SBCO1DT7.dpuf
The slave rebellion, led by Jirom and Emanon, is finally gaining ground. But they know that eventually they will have to face their friend Horace. No one is sure how this will end up, but other political powers are set on doing anything and sacrificing anyone to put the revolt down.
Alyra is another character that seemed confused throughout the story. I loved her dedication and how set in her beliefs she was in book one, but she's changed a lot. She rides the fence a lot more often now, while somehow still seeming to be set in her ways. Towards the end I got a glimpse of the book one Alyra coming back and I really hope that carries over into book three.
Once again, Jon Sprunk has given us a very epic tale. We have magic, strange creatures, politics, and empires are competing against each other. Loyalties are not always clear, and you can never be too sure who you friends are. There are epic battles that can destroy cities, and as an empire rises and falls again, I never really knew where it was going to take me next.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2015/08/storm-and-steel-by-jon-sprunk-review.html#sthash.SBCO1DT7.dpuf
Another fun shifter romance from Eve Langlais. I really enjoyed Arik. He's everything I picture a lion to be - proud, arrogant, sure of himself, and used to being in charge. Watch him chase after Kira was amusing and his lion was all in a fuss about finally finding his mate. The pride's reaction to this whole ordeal was amazing! I loved the "catty" aspect of the other lions and Arik's mother was a riot.
Kira, I just couldn't quite warm up to. She had a great personality and I loved her independence, but she took that independence a little too far. She crossed briefly into the too stupid category when it came to her ex and that's something that can really be a downer in a story for me.
The romance was sweet, there were such a great example of getting everything you never wished for and loving it. There was just enough action to really push things along, but not so much that it was overwhelming. I think Eve Langlais is going to have another winner in this series.
Kira, I just couldn't quite warm up to. She had a great personality and I loved her independence, but she took that independence a little too far. She crossed briefly into the too stupid category when it came to her ex and that's something that can really be a downer in a story for me.
The romance was sweet, there were such a great example of getting everything you never wished for and loving it. There was just enough action to really push things along, but not so much that it was overwhelming. I think Eve Langlais is going to have another winner in this series.
This is one of the best books I've read all year. It's probably the best mystery/thriller I've read ever. It grips you from page one and takes you for a ride that you will never forget. I went from being suspicious of Estelle, to feeling pity for Estelle, to being convinced she was a murderer, and back through it all over again.
We watch the mystery unfold as Estelle slowly begins to remember what happened to her daughter. This is not one you will be able to solve on your own. You don't have all the information, just like Estelle doesn't have all the memories. So I was very excited every time she had even a small break through and I found out a little bit more about what happened to Mia.
This isn't just a psychological book. There are some serious more physical moments that we re-live with Estelle as she remember them. My heart races, I wanted to cry, I wanted to scream, I wanted to give her a hug and tell her to keep fighting and not give up.
It's been a very long time since I was so emotionally involved in a story. You do not want to miss one!!!
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2015/08/remember-mia-by-alexandra-burt-review.html#sthash.stCNdHLL.dpuf
We watch the mystery unfold as Estelle slowly begins to remember what happened to her daughter. This is not one you will be able to solve on your own. You don't have all the information, just like Estelle doesn't have all the memories. So I was very excited every time she had even a small break through and I found out a little bit more about what happened to Mia.
This isn't just a psychological book. There are some serious more physical moments that we re-live with Estelle as she remember them. My heart races, I wanted to cry, I wanted to scream, I wanted to give her a hug and tell her to keep fighting and not give up.
It's been a very long time since I was so emotionally involved in a story. You do not want to miss one!!!
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2015/08/remember-mia-by-alexandra-burt-review.html#sthash.stCNdHLL.dpuf
Well now! Things are really getting exciting in this one. Tegan has returned, but her memories have been royally messed with by the evil vamps. So she's starting with a sort of fresh slate. Imagine how foreign everything is to her - it would scare the crap out of me!!
Once again Kessler has managed to merge an urban fantasy style story with romance perfectly. We have our story arc that carries over book to book, bringing the world closer and closer to an apocalypse style war with every page. But we also get some incredibly sweet moments watching two people fall in love no matter how awful everything may be around them.
Kaden has known he was meant for Tegan for years...well centuries actually. He has faithfully watched over her from the shadows doing what he could to protect her. The care he took with her was so touching and sweet. It made me want to give them both really big hugs - but they both would have slapped me for it I bet. Love, betrayal, loyalty, redemption, and a scary monster dude who is the Father of vampires - there's a little bit of it all in this story and it will leave you wanting more.
We also get to meet Zaaren, Tegan's brother, who is a complete *word I won't use here - use your imagination - be creative with the insults*. I hear there is a reason for his "attitude" and I need to read the short stories to find out why. So I guess I know what I'll be buying next!
*This book was received free in exchange for an honest review - and because I begged the author nicely*
Once again Kessler has managed to merge an urban fantasy style story with romance perfectly. We have our story arc that carries over book to book, bringing the world closer and closer to an apocalypse style war with every page. But we also get some incredibly sweet moments watching two people fall in love no matter how awful everything may be around them.
Kaden has known he was meant for Tegan for years...well centuries actually. He has faithfully watched over her from the shadows doing what he could to protect her. The care he took with her was so touching and sweet. It made me want to give them both really big hugs - but they both would have slapped me for it I bet. Love, betrayal, loyalty, redemption, and a scary monster dude who is the Father of vampires - there's a little bit of it all in this story and it will leave you wanting more.
We also get to meet Zaaren, Tegan's brother, who is a complete *word I won't use here - use your imagination - be creative with the insults*. I hear there is a reason for his "attitude" and I need to read the short stories to find out why. So I guess I know what I'll be buying next!
*This book was received free in exchange for an honest review - and because I begged the author nicely*