This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lightning Game is the latest in the Ghostwalker series and its so impressive the growth by which this series has developed and boy is it OLD which makes me feel OLD and Aging. Have any of you ever had that experience? When following a series and it just hits you how long you have followed it and the journey the author has taken you on through it all? There was something about Lightning Game that brought me back to the beginning of the series. This author will never cease to surprise me and I am amazed by her never ending talent to write a story that captivates me each and every time.
Lightning Game is a story that blew me away because I had NO clue where this author would lead the reader. Rubin and his brother Diego are hiking their way up to their secluded cabin. While they are part of one of the "Ghostwalker" teams, they need their privacy and time together. But when they arrive at their cabin, they find it being "lived" in and by a woman. When they locate the woman....Jonquille, they learn that she is looking for them and that she is just like them or more she is like Rubin. She has done research for years into pyschic doctoring and also has a talent for playing around with lightning but its also been a curse on her life where she can't be around people and has come to Rubin and his brother for help in saving her so she can be normal again. But what she discovers is a man that was made for her, and she for him and even though Whitney manipulated the situation she also can't help but feel a deep connection to the man. But now they are in trouble from enemies that Jonquille has accumulated--but can they find the resolving door to their issues and find peace amongst the turmoil?
Lightning Game is a story that I found to be simply delectable in so many ways. Jonquille was such a unique heroine and I really liked that she wasn't afraid to go to the source when she needed help and she desperately needed help. And she had been studying the brothers for quite some time and understood their abilities and how much they could help her. It can be so heartbreaking in reading these stories especially what the heroines go through since they never had a choice in the life they were forced into. But the men we meet have incredible courage as we especially witness within the pages of this book. We see the depths of evil that some people are capable of. .
The romance that builds between Rubin and Jonquille is so heart warming at times. I absolutely loved that Jonquille couldn't control the lightning urges and Rubin could control it and see the balance that they brought to the table. They have so much in common in many ways and their connection is deep. We don't see too much in sex scenes and I honestly have learned not to expect it too much with this series because of the outside factors--there just isn't time for the smexy stuff.
Overall I found Lightning Game to be a riveting and sensual read that will curl your toes and captivate your heart.
Ruthless Princess is a book that I have been wanting to pick up for a year now. Now I will admit that this author isn't one that truly appealed to me, I am not exactly sure why but it wasn't until this series became released that I was more and more curious about these books here. I have to say that I was completely wrong in waiting so long in reading this author, because Ruthless Princess, is a book I didn't know that I needed. It was fantastic and wild and crazy in all the fun ways. I had a blast in seeing this book grow in its intensity and seeing the rich relationships that are developed here. And as a fan of mafia romance, I knew there was something so unique about this one here.
Because if I had her love—I wouldn’t be able to become the monster my dad needed me to be—the monster she needed me to be—to keep her safe.
Ruthless Princess is a story of two young people that fell in love and their love was utterly forbidden. They grew up together and were best friends, but to fall in love wasn't okay. Their parents handed out demands and rules, and if their love affair was found out, it meant betrayal and death. The world they grew up in wasn't easy and one had to make difficult choices for the people you loved. Junior had to make a painful choice, save the woman he loved by making her hate him. And his plan worked, their hate for each other grew but even their hate for each other couldn't mask the hidden love and desire that was always beneath the surface. As the feelings of love become rekindled, so is the risk of their relationship being found out...but Serena and Junior will need to make a decision....hide what they feel and stand tall for their love even if it means ....death
Sometimes, hearts can’t help but beat for the wrong person, and who am I to deny what my heart craves even if it ends up killing me?
WHEW BOY....this book was a powerhouse of a read. I will admit that at first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, it does have a bit of a slow start so I was unsure about it, but once it kicked gears, I was all in for the wild ride this author gives us. I was completely unhinged during the whole book and once I was invested I just didn't want to let this beautiful ravaged love story go. I adored Serena and Junior together. They are such a kick ass team, even when they hate each other fiercely. Their bantering was hilarious and I loved seeing that burning connection that just builds beneath the surface throughout the story. I have NEVER read a mafia romance like this one before though. There was such a unique take on the flow of this story and the hate/love tones within the relationship.
“As long as we both shall live,” I swore. “As long as we both shall live,” she repeated.
Also as a side note the world building on this one is fabulous. It actually had me eager to try out the connecting series to this one. The family connections are wild and crazy yet fun. I adored what we see built here and what the previous series set up this wonderful wild world. The relationship between all these friends was pure perfection. This story had me laughing and crying and experiencing a whole range of emotions that knocked my socks off.
Because… I choose you.” I held her hand tightly. “Because you own my heart.” She started sobbing quietly. “Because as Ash said, we’re only given moments, and I’m choosing to live mine with the truth.
Overall I foundRuthless Princess to be a fun and crazy story that was pure indulgence and I can't wait for more and seeing what this author gives us in this series....bring on the wild and crazy!!
Not The Duke's Darling is the first book in the latest series from Elizabeth Hoyt. I have to admit I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, I have been such a fan of this author for so many years, and I have adored the way she has grown in her writing (although I still say her earlier books are pure gold) and even though I was very curious about this series I wasn't quite sure that I wanted to try this out because of all the mixed reviews of this one. I was actually disappointed it didn't receive a more positive feedback but finally I saw this available at my library and knew that I needed to grab it up and yeah this audio took almost a week to forge through. Quite frankly I wasn't sure that I wanted to stick with this one. I struggled so much with wanting to listen to it. Now at first I found the story highly engaging but man this heroine was a struggle for me to like at all. Which is probably why it took so long to get this listened to.
Not The Duke's Darling is a story of a young woman, Freya, who is on the run in the efforts to save an innocent child and return her to her mother. And is saved by Christopher, the Duke of Harlowe. Christopher is a man that Freya once considered a childhood friend but then blames him for what happened to her brother and his downfall. Now Freya is part of the "Wise Women" which is a group of women residing in Scotland in efforts to keep a bill from passing in England's parliament about burning and witches. Freya is determined to do whatever it takes to keep that from happening despite the distraction that Christopher is to her, but life tends to get complicated when you least expect it.
I will say that while there were some pivotal plot points that I had a blast with, I really struggled with this story. It had its entertaining value at some points, but quite frankly, the heroine was very prickly and bitter at times and that aspect just really turned me off from the story. She is a character that I wanted to really like but I just couldn't in many ways. It was highly disappointing though because in the beginning of the book you are highly intrigued by her drive and passion but it just flames out quickly and I just couldn't like her even in the end.
The romance was quite interesting, I did find that part enjoyable especially in Christopher's part, in just seeing the good parts of her. I really admired him as the hero of the story, he tends to not get turned off by her frosty exterior that is meant to push him away. I liked that he didn't let that deter him and never gives up on Freya and what they have together. He just has a solid character and was gold for me and to be honest he is the reason the rating of this book isn't lower. He really makes up for the negative feelings I had on this story.
Overall, despite some issues I had with the story, I found The Duke's Darling to be an interesting beginning to the series, it has a unique take on culture and society and some plot twists that leaves you wanting to know more.
Colin Bridgerton, has returned home from his world travels, and his family is much relieved to having him home, not knowing if he will stay this time, or like all the other times, just leave once again. Penelope Featherington, has resigned herself to being a spinster, even though she has always been fond of Colin...ever since she met him years ago. When Colin returns, he expects life at home to be the same as it always is, but this time its definitely different, and he starts noticing Penelope in a way very not brotherly like but more like he wants her desperately. But they both have secrets and when they are discovered with that only destroy their feelings for each other....or make their bond of love that much stronger?.....Romancing Mister Bridgerton, is the fourth in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. I just love Colin and Penelope's story. I don't even know how many times I have read this one, I just enjoy reading it every time. Romancing Mister Bridgerton is a witty, and memorable story that will pull at your heartstrings. Such a charming tale of two people, that both have secrets of their own, but yearns for acceptance and for a chance at love that has alluded them, but will find it in each other. I truly enjoyed this one, and I was completely satisfied by the time I reached the end. From the very beginning of the story, the reader will be taken on a emotional yet fun filled ride that Julia Quinn takes you on, and you will never regret reading Romancing Mister Bridgerton. A Romance that will charm every readers heart!
In The Touch of Stone and Snow we have a story that continues in the gritty world of Milla Vane of the Gathering of Dragons series. After reading the first book "A Heart of Blood and Ashes" I have been so intrigued by this style of fantasy and quite frankly I adore epic fantasy and so happy to see more authors writing in this genre. Its definitely one we need more books in. And I have been highly impressed with Milla Vane to be honest. I just love how she developed this story and I will say that I couldn't seem to get enough of this book and it turned out so different than I expected and most especially the romance turned a road I never expected and I was all in for it.
The Touch of Stone and Snow is a story that begins with a love story of two people....Lizzan and Aerax. Lizzan and Aerax were once best friends who turned into lovers, but then in a battle that Lizzan led, all of her men were killed and she was held to blame as the only survivor and she was cast out of Koth, her family living in disgrace and losing the man she loved and the only home she had ever known. Lizzan now works as a protector to lead innocent people through the dangers of bandits, and those touched by the 'destroyer'. Aerax has never stopped loving Lizzan, and will never tell her the full story but he and his pet snow cat (a saber tooth tiger) feel the loss of Lizzan in their lives. But while on the trail sent on a mission....Aerax finds her and even though there is a tension he feels more complete with her near. As Aerax and Lizzan work together and reconnect they will also have to face a danger, one they won't be ready for and it will take the both of them to destroy it and reach the HEA they so richly deserve....
I have to say that A Touch of Stone and Snow was such a endearing read. I just fell so hard for Aerax and Lizzan. Now I will say that Lizzan isn't your average heroine and not normally my cup of tea since I do have a hard time relating with such alpha females, but boy I adored her. Because even though she has such a tough exterior, she also possesses this sweetness and charming vulnerability I wanted to see more of. Now Aerax ...*sigh* he was delicious in every way. I love that even though he made his own share of mistakes, he owns up to them and isn't afraid to go after what he really wants. He has such a protective side but also appreciates Lizzan for the woman she is and supports her in every way and I found that so sexy. I was expecting so much ANGST in this book and I was pleased to see that it didn't turn out the way I expected or last as long as I was ready for which had my heart pleased. I don't care too much for angst to be throughout the whole story so to see it resolved more earlier on was quite refreshing.
Now as a plot line this story kicks booty let me tell y'all. Because wowzers, will she never cease to surprise me in that? Because I just couldn't get enough of seeing how she just pulls you into this suspense filled story. Both Aerax and Lizzan and their group have to battle off some enemies and the intensity in some of these scenes definitely keeps one on edge all the way through. Especially in the later half of the story, that is where it really picks up speed. The first half the focus tends to be the romance between Aerax and in the second half they are pushed to the test in saving the lives of their people. I found the style of seeing the growth of the story to be one that feeds your attention in the right manner.
A side note I ADORED Aerax having a pet saber tooth tiger, so so cool!! And quite frankly the bond between the three of them was adorable and I couldn't seem to get enough of it.
Overall I found A Touch of Stone and Snow to be a fantastic addition to the series that embodies thrilling adventure, the beauty of finding love again and good conquering evil ----an edgy, keep you on your toes read that will leave you eager for the next one.
The Kiss Quotient is one of those hyped up books that I just resisted for MONTHS....I just didn't know that I wanted to pick it up to be honest. Sometimes these books just don't work for me, but while browsing the shelves at my local B&N I saw this book, I deliberated, I caved into the peer pressure and bought it. And now a week later, I have read it and this book was simply fabulous, I didn't put it down and stayed up late all friday night reading it. Yep no date night...instead I immersed myself into The Kiss Quotient. This story features a very unique couple...our hero is a male escort and our heroine has Asperger's (Autistic).
Our story thus begins with our heroine, Stella, who is very successful with her job and loves her math and science equations and she has excelled in everything in life except for one thing....relationships and sex. When her mother compells her to bring a date to a event or she will start matchmaking because she wants grandbabies...well Stella knows that she needs to change that aspect of her life. But she belives that she is horrible at sex, she has had some bad experiences when she did some "experiments" and Stella is rich and has a butload of money and so she hires a male escort, someone who can teach her to be good at sex.
Michale Phan, is half vietnamese, hard working and devoted to his family. He is struggling with paying bills because his mother is suffering from a bout of cancer and the treatments are expensive. So he has to resort to being a male escort to help pay the bills. He is talented and kind and caring. His family is everything to him though and he has given up his dreams for his family. You see he has some vulnerabilities that keep him from getting close, because in his line of work you can't afford to let emotion get in the way.
Stella knows that she needs to learn to be good at sex, but when she meets Michael, she is shocked one...he is gorgeous and he smells good....really really good!! And she is drawn to him, and they take it slowly. Michael can see how nervous Stella is and that she isn't ready for a full night of lots of passionate sex. He takes it slow with her, but they soon realize that there is more to Stella than meets the eye. That what she needs is practice on what a real relationship would be like and so Michael and Stella do a fake "move in" together, going out on dates and testing out the bedroom in different ways. But will Michael be able to overcome his past to find a future with Stella?
If you can’t stand being with a woman who’s more successful than you, then leave her alone. She’s better off without you. If you actually love her, then know the value of that love and make it a promise. That is the only thing she needs from you.
What an incredible read and I had such a blast with this book here. The Kiss Quotient is one of those stories that you don't expect to fall in love as much as you do. Where it contains the most perfectly flawed characters that sweep you away and into the stars. I found both Stella and Michael to be simple fantastic. They are so human and flawed in the most realistic forms but at the heart of them is true goodness.
Everything about him pleased her. Not just his looks, but his patience and his kindness. He was good. He was an obsession waiting to happen
Our Hero, Michael, is simple wonderful. One of the best heroes I have read in quite a long time. He is the type of hero that you would want to marry in real life and have babies with. He is so sweet, driven, talented, hard-working and devoted to his family. He will sacrifice anything for those he loves the most. He takes care of his body, is talented in the bedroom and knows how to please his girl and worships the ground she walks on.
Our heroine, Stella, has her own unique qualities. She is hardworking, intelligent, organize and clean. She has a system in dealing with Asperger's. She sees life in a certain way but wants to know more about life and relationships and love. She is so determined in going after what she wants and when she goes after something....watch out or she might bowl you over. I really admired Stella and her strengths and what she does to overcome her weaknesses. She is so aware of herself and what she wants to work on.
I don't want just a night or a week or a month with you. I want you all the time. I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe.
Then we get to meet the Phlan family and my goodness they were all so wonderful and we get to take a deeper look at the Vietmenese culture and I was beyond fascinated. I have always been intrigued by this culture and this author awakens your senses to it in such a eye opening way that only makes you want to know more. I love how close this family is, the way they bicker and argue and fight for each other. We see how Stella is with the Phlan family and her efforts in pleasing them and never insulting them and she tries so hard to be the perfect girlfriend they think she is. But his family, they see how Michael and Stella are together and just know they are meant to be. I love how despite the misunderstandings between Stella and Michael's family, they never give up on her and welcome her with open arms.
When you love someone, you fight for them in every way you know how.
I found their love story to be so beautifully woven. what starts out as a simple business arrangement quickly turns into something more. At first, neighter of them realize what is really happening, they know they are starting to feel something for each other. Michael is way more resistant than Stella is. Michael has a past with some bad experiences that keeps him emotionally at a distance. But Stella, is starting to fall in love with Michael and she wants him in her life and doesn't hide that fact from him. I found their story to be so sweet and endearing and poginant at times. The humor and wit introduced in the story is just perfect, it really balances everything out. I found this one of the most perfectly flawed romances I have read all year. The angst is low, a perfect light hearted read without being too fluffy so that anyone can enjoy this story with the right touch of emotion to satisfy any romance reader with a heartwarming ending to curl your toes and give you happy feels!! If you need a story to make you happy and lift your spirits....grab up The Kiss Quotient and you won't be disappointed.
Michael was mint chocolate chip for her. She could try other flavors, but he’d always be her favorite.
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