K.C. has just returned to her hometown, when she found herself arrested for threatening her ex when she found him cheating on her. Now her community service is to tutor students. She left two years ago to go away to college, and didn't think she would be back this soon and would have to run into the one man she fears the most: Jaxon who happens to currently live next door to her. Oh the joy of it. He is also the one man she has wanted more than anyone and knows she can never have. He is the greatest temptation, but she also knows that he is dangerous and mysterious. But fate has a way of messing with people, especially Jaxson and K.C. Jaxon, has always wanted K.C. ever since high school. But she never gave him the time of day, but he has always been intrigued by her, and wants to unravel her and see her hidden depths. Misunderstands occur, tensions rise and the chemistry between Jaxon and K.C. is flammable, but can their tenuous relationship stand the tide of what is to come or will it crumble?
The Hero
Jaxon Trent, is a man of influence, money and power. Many fear and respect him. Jaxon however had to learn at a very young age, that you have to take care of yourself or others will use you and discard you at a drop of a hat. Jaxon refuses to feel helpless or weak ever again. He has an in with the police, he does favors for certain people, and can hack just about anything with his fancy computer network. He loves what he does because its his safety net. Jaxon never had a nice childhood like his brothers did. His mother abandoned him when he was just a child, and his father was cruel and evil, addicted to drugs and used Jaxon for his own evil purposes. Jaxon was a hero that just about broke my heart in this book. As you enter in the story, you start to see his flashbacks to when he was a child and a young teenager, and oh my has he been put through the ringer. No wonder he has such an alpha personality, we see how his past has made him into what he is now. A man who only wants safety and love and to be accepted for who he is.
The Heroine
K.C. is a young woman that struggles with self security and confidence. She has learned the hard way of trust. After being with her boyfriend for years and having him constantly cheat because she was not good enough; definitely puts a wrinkle in her. K.C. didn't have an easy childhood. K.C. had a sister that died, and her father suffered from mental instability and she was forced to act the part of a sister she never knew, and never be her own person. She was constantly abused by her mother in some of the worst ways that tore down any confidence she might have had. K.C. was a heroine that we see grow quite a bit into herself. She is very shy at times, and fearful of the hero. I think mostly due to the way he makes her feel. But she really learns to stand on her own and try new things.
Plot and Story Line
Falling Away is the third book in the Fall Away series and boy was I hooked from the start with this one. I will say that the narrators were so brilliant in this story. They just pulled me into every scene, every moment....every emotion was displayed so vividly. I just never wanted to put this audiobook down. This story however wasn't easy to read though. Penelope Douglas isn't a light and fluffy author....she portrays realistic stories with tough emotions and scenarios. What I enjoyed most was the interactions between K.C and Jaxon.
“Driving a stick is like sex,” he stated. “Every person you’re with is different. They’re like a code that needs to be broken.” He turned and ran his hands up both sides of the steering wheel, slow and smooth. “What parts like to be touched.” His sensual voice started stirring its way through my body. “Licked. Sucked. Bitten.”
Man was it an adventure with these two together. I never knew what to expect, because there were quite a bit of twists and turns in their relationship.
It sets off when they have their first intense interaction when they are both in high school. We see the chemistry between them but there is also something MORE that you can't quite put your finger on yet. But its way more than just wanting sex with these two. There is real emotion that vibrates between Jaxon and K.C. But K.C. is loyal even to those that hurt her. So she stays with a boyfriend she doesn't even truly want to be with, and leaves the one man she knows could steal her heart. Now its two years later, and the emotion between these two is so strong. Jaxon is a bit of a jerk at times....well alot. But you can tell he is just trying to push her buttons to make the real K.C. come out.
“Bite me, hit me, scream at me. I don't care. I want to feel it. Fucking hurt me, K.C. Let me see you.”
He wants her out of her shell and he knows anger is one trigger he can bring out of her. And do these two go at it. hehe And their relationship is never easy, even once they start "officially"...they are faced with some tough issues they learn the hard way at times to work through. But with the "help" of their mutual friends, they chug along and figure things out. But what a road they have to journey in order to find their HEA.
“He gave us three irrefutable pieces of advice about the male species: 1. Boys will lie, cheat, and steal to get into your pants. A man will stand the test of time. Make him wait, and you'll see which one he is. 2. They will try to tell you that it feels better without a condom. You just tell me where they live. 3. And relationships are supposed to make your life better. You don't drag each other down. You hold each other up."
The Cover
I like the cover, because the hero is exactly how is is portrayed in the book so I do like that. I do love dark backdrops though---adds mystery.
Overall View
Falling Away is a tough and emotional nail biting romance that will have you on the edge of your seat and guaranteed to tug at those heartstrings in an almost brutal way but will leave you wanting to do a jig for these two by the end!! A SUPERB ROMANCE!!
Miss Minerva Dodger, has watched six full seasons go by without many good offers for her unless its from fortune hunters. She wants what her parents have found and is set on not marrying. She wants adventure and passion. When she hears about a club, The Nightingale, that hosts exclusive sensual parties, she attends. She knows it will be exactly what she needs. Upon arrival, she meets the Duke of Ashebury who shows her true desire and affection. Ashe, has just returned from a trip to Africa and has a passion for photography and most especially taking pictures of sensual women and his "white swan" is just the ticket. She is everything perfect and beautiful that he wants.
"Our bodies are personal, private."
"I won't take that from you. All I want is your legs."
As though he were a schoolboy in need of having his knuckled rapped with a ruler, she narrowed her eyes. "A lady's ankles are not to be shown"
"And yet at this very moment you're barefoot."
But he finds that he want more than just one or two nights at the Nightingale....but the real test will be when he finds her true identity. He finds himself wanting even more. But when he suddenly learns of his financial situation, he realizes he has to marry for money...but can he show Minerva he isn't like the others....that he wants her for herself and not just her dowry?
The Hero
The Duke of Ashebury, when he was a boy, was taken to a stranger's home, a close friend of his fathers, to be raised and where he and his close friend Edward and the Earl of Greyling....became hellions of the first order. Allowed to roam free on the estate, and become wild and free. Now the Earl of Greyling has married, and Ashe and Edward are rakes of the first order. But upon meeting Minerva, Ashe was lost. From his meeting with her, he realized how rare she is....a unique gem and he only wants more. Ashe was quite a fun hero to know. Unlike his friend Edward (whom I can't wait for his story let me tell ya), he was quite more settled....a bit. He is quite talented with being a photographer and likes to take risks especially out in the wilds of Africa, he loves women and all the other pursuits that are available to a gentleman of the Ton. But I really liked how loyal he is, he doesn't hide behind pretense and defends those he cares for.
The Heroine
Minerva Dodger is the daughter of Jack Dodger and Oliva. She has been raised with just brothers and is quite a hellion like her brothers. She has learned to climb trees, fight a pistol and even smoke a cigar. She speaks her mind and desire a love match like her parents. Her father has settled a very high dowry on her, and all the offers she has received over the years has been from fortune hunters who only see her dowry. She realizes that its time after six seasons to set her desire for marriage because she wants to feel desire and passion. She knows she isn't a beauty but wants more than what she has currently. I couldn't get enough of Minerva....she is one of my favorite heroines that Heath has ever written. She is outspoken, driven, unconventional, intelligent and seeks to find her own way in life.
Plot and Story Line
Falling Into Bed With A Duke is the first on the latest series by Heath. And what a beginning....simply wonderful in every way. I just couldn't get enough of this story and wanted more. The first thing that I loved seeing is more of the family of Jack and Olivia. Because quite frankly they were one of my favorites to read in the "Scoundrels of St. James series" and so it was such fun to see them again and their kids. Minerva is quite unique and its no surprise considering who her parents are. She is one of two people her father doesn't scare off...so she is definitely a daddy's girl (which I felt I could relate with personally). I liked seeing her relationship with her parents and her brothers. She is also not afraid to be herself and considering the restrictions that surrounded women back then was very impressive.
"I'm a spinster by choice because I refuse to be burdened with a man who doesn't love me. I'm fortunate to be blessed with parents who don't believe my singular purpose in life is to be a wife."
It sets off with seeing our heroine Minerva, want more from life. So she goes after it....in the Nightingale Club. This is where she first meets the hero. Her identity is secret by a mask, but she wants to feel desire and passion and this is the best place for it. She and Ashe learn each other over a couple of nights at the club.
You were what I wanted tonight. I never settle for substitutes.
But the story really gets interesting when they meet outside the club. Ashe wants to know more and they play this little flirting game because Ashe knows who she is, but Minerva doesn't know it yet. And evades all of his unique questions but eventually the truth has to come out right? And what is quite fun was seeing how Ashe interacts with her family. Because he isn't intimidated by her father or brothers at all. But Minerva has her mother and sister in law on her side helping her with some good "alone" time with Ashe. I loved seeing Minerva stand up to her brothers who get a bit overprotective at times. She is bold and daring and I loved seeing more depth to her character as the story unravels.
The romance between Ashe and Minerva is quite sexy and delicious and I wanted more of these two. They were quite wonderful together. I really liked how Ashe sees beauty in Minerva....in ways no one does. He sees how special she is from the beginning. He isn't turned off by her talents or her ability to talk politics or any other topic. Their relationship starts off with learning each other physically but then we see them learn each other intellectually and emotionally. There were quite a few tender and sweet romantic moments but then we see a conflict in the story that adds more intricate complexities to the plot that only adds to the deliciousness of the love story.
"Working together, we can built it into something grand for our children. I want her to be my partner. My equal."
"To come to you with nothing?
"Dear God, how can you possibly believe there is any part of her that is equal to nothing?"
If you love romance especially historical romance....this is a story that is must!! Lorraine Heath is a queen when it comes to writing a wonderful love story and she conquers it with Falling Into Bed With A Duke!
The Cover
I just love this cover. I did have the opportunity to read the ARC....but I declined because I so wanted to own this in paperback because gorgeous right?? I love the mix of colors with the creams and soft green with the pop of purple lettering. And I loved the stepback....so lovely!!
Overall View
Falling Into Bed With A Duke is a stunning and riveting romance that held my attention from the beginning. A sweet and utterly captivating love story that will tug at your heart strings!!! A TRUE GEM!!
The Farthest Edge is the second book in the Honey series and whew this impressed me even more than the first book and I am so happy that I took a chance on this series. I was so dang NERVOUS before reading them because heroines like this are not even close to what I relate to on ANY level so I really was in a debate but I can say its Kristen Ashley and as long as you are open minded ---you will find that these books work for you. Because they have worked for me and she makes the alpha sub element HOT!! And I never thought that was possible to be honest, but yep it is. But another important factor to remember is Ashley really showcases this lifestyle so well, and that just because someone is submissive in the bedroom doesn't make them weak...makes them strong.
It’s absolutely right, Branch. And I’ll take what I can get of absolutely right for as long as I have it, fighting to earn more along the way, rather than not ever having it and never knowing how beautiful it feels.
The Farthest Edge takes us to our heroine, Evangeline. Evangeline is a Dominatrix and is dang good at what she does at Honey, but she is sweet and kind and driven. But when her partner and sub attacks her in a scene, all of her hopes and dreams are crashed to the ground and she has a long road of healing to do for herself. So she takes some time away from the club and those she calls "family" to heal and to focus on work and building herself up financially. Branch is a man who has a dark past, and is tormented and is a man living a dangerous secret. But he knows what he needs is Evangeline and would do anything for her. Their connection is powerful and what they accomplish in the bedroom is powerful but as their relationship deepens, Branch has a history that could tear them apart but it will take Evangeline to fight for him and what they have together...
So, my advice, Branch, just let her have a chance at the promise of a lifetime of showing it to you
The Farthest Edge is such a powerful book here and I fell so deeply for Branch and Angie. They were such a powerhouse together. We see such heartbreak for what both of these have suffered in their past but this is part of what makes them work so well. They understand the betrayal and the pain. I love how even in scenes Branch is still strong and alpha in many ways, and this is what Evangeline is actually drawn to in many respects. And these scenes are super sexy and hot but there is a level of tenderness and emotion within them. This is just evidence of what Kristen Ashley is able to accomplish in her stories.
I know that love allows you to go places you never thought you’d go and like being there a heck of a lot
Overall I found The Farthest Edge to be a stimulating and deeply entrenched story of emotion, sensuality and strength of character within its pages!
Fantastical is the third book in Kristen Ashley's infamous "Fantasyland" series and boy this book blew me away, not quite as much as the previous two books, but was such a solid read. I have to admit I have tried to read this book a few times over the past year or two and quite frankly I will say the beginning is what really turned me off. So what made this time so different? Well, one, I was actually in the mood for a good angst romance so I think when it comes to the angst I really need to be in the right mood to really enjoy it. Now Kristen Ashley doesn't do these too often, at least not in this manner but boy I fell in love with this one. Once you get past the first few chapters you quickly fall in love. So if you are like me and struggle with the beginning, keep reading, it will improve, I guarantee it.
Our heroine, Cora Goode, wakes up in a strange world, where birds talk and flowers sparkle and an angry husband is awaiting for her. Cora is downright confused by what has happened, where her normal boring life is and why this "dream" seems so vivid and real. But when a woman claiming to be her sister disappears due to her actions, and her angry husband "Noctorno" claims her and its very apparent he hates her. But Cora knows she is not the woman he believes her to be and the difficult challenge is to try to convince him she is a different woman from a different world. But that task is much more difficult and they are battling evil that is chasing them and Cora will have to face up to the fact she is stuck in this new world, with a husband who aggravates her but also tugs at her heart in other ways, but will Cora and Tor find their way to the HEA or be separated by evil workings forever?
He was watching me with a look so tender it was a shock when I felt it slice clean through me. The pain was so perfect, it felt exquisite, better by far than any orgasm he'd given me (and he'd given me lots and all of them were good) so I bit my lip and looked away.
Fantastical I will admit I have had to force myself to read, but since "Broken Dove" which is the fourth book in the series I am reading later this week is part of the Romanceopoly Reading Challenge I just knew this is one of those series I needed to read in order. So I had to force myself to get this one read, but it didn't take very long before I couldn't put this one DOWN!!! Dang this book was so so good. If you love a good angsty tension ....this is a book for you. Their bantering was so hilarious, especially the baffling differences in their cultures they have to work through. I am just loving this fantasy world that Kristen Ashley has created. Its so full of magic, unique political dynamics, and adventure. I swear this author can do NO wrong.
There are so many factors involved that really make this book just come together in so many good ways. I really loved seeing Cora really battle through her challenges to find a place beside Tor and fight for their relationship. Because they both realize that it will take BOTH of them to reach their HEA. It's not just going to be one or the other, but both working with the goal of being together and fighting for what they believe in. And honestly, the FEELS in this story is downright emotionally provoking, you will not regret grabbing up this book and falling in love with Tor and Cora who will capture your heart in the typical KA way.
"He's a warrior," I whispered. "He has scars here," I moved my finger to touch his chest where Tor's scar was, "and here," I kept whispering, touching another place on his chest, "and...here." I finished with another touch and tipped my head back to look from his chest to his eyes. "He has your eyes, he has your voice and he has half my soul"
Overall I found Fantastical to be a story full of drama, sexual tension, plenty of laughs and adventure in the lands of Fantasyland.....come with a heart of readiness and I guarantee you won't be disappointed in this shining star of a romance!
Famine is the third book in the "Four Horseman" series and I have to say that this author never ceases to amaze me in her powerful and provoking storytelling. I will admit that I have had this book on my kindle for quite some time and I am not sure what kept me from picking up this book right away. I think it was that it had a revenge plot and those type of plots I really NEED to be in the right mood for so I think I was honestly just waiting to be in the right frame of mind so that I could enjoy this as fully as I wanted to and man it was worth the wait on that because this BOOK was epic. And just like the previous two books Pestilence and War....I FELL hard for this one. I don't know what it is about these anti heroes that this author writes, but she just gravitates the reader to her style of writing in a way where you can't help but have that hate/love relationship and love the journey of it all.
So Famine is a story of the third horseman coming down and destroying everything in his path. At first Famine, was just doing his duty and had little care one way or another. But then the evils of humankind showed its true colors, and after he was tortured in the worst of ways, but then was rescued by a female he was drawn to his "little flower". But when he destroyed her home and family, she left him and ended up being a prostitute to survive in a world that is falling apart around her. When her madame encourages her to offer herself to save them, she goes to Famine, hoping he would recognize her and spare them. But the worst happens, he doesn't recognize her at all, and her dear friend is killed, and Ana herself is left for dead and miraculously she survives and now she is out for revenge. Both Famine and Ana are on the path to revenge but find their way towards redemption.
Pushing away from the bathroom counter, the Reaper moves to the doorway. “Tomorrow we’re heading out. If you try to escape, I won’t feed you.” He looks disturbingly delighted by that possibility. Fucking Famine.
Famine is a story that I don't think any reader can fully prepare themselves for, its a story that takes a hero that is full on anti hero, in fact, probably the most difficult of the horsemen so far to find redeemable. Unlike the previous two heroes, who had some liking for humankind....Famine is far from different. He has been around before humankind even existed, and has seen all their evils over the centuries. He has no issue playing around with humans for his enjoyment and killing them with little thought. But it is one small human woman that shifts his plan from revenge to something deeper. Its the change that we see within Famine that is wondrous to behold. Throughout the first half of the story, you don't want to like him and will even have a hate relationship with him. But then as he slowly changes, your view of him changes along the way and despite knowing what he has done, you can't help but cheer for him and his redeeming journey.
You really should’ve stayed away. You may still be that same little flower who saved me, but then, I’m not known for letting flowers grow
The heroine was one I wasn't sure about at first. But I grew to love her tenacity, stubborness and heart of gold she endeavors that no one see. She has had a tough life, and knows hardship and pain. But I liked that she isn't too bitter about it, and despite life changing in ways she never imagined, she still endeavors to have goodness. I did love seeing her creativity and her boldness in taking charge of her life. Her revenge plot against the hero was a delight to see for sure because you see how their revenge is so alike to each other and there is a depth of understanding that builds between them. The growth of these characters is what shows the true talent of this author. But seriously this ENDING....WHY???!!! LOL I need DEATH in my hands like right now. HAHA Now it had a more HFN ending, now the HEA feel but I have a feeling we will get that in the final book of the series. Definitely eager to try more of these authors books for sure.
God, but this man feels like home, and that’s more than a little wondrous to a woman like me, who’s never really had a home.
Overall I found Famine to be an intriguing story that won my heart fiercely in ways I never imagined, and what a wild ride of intense suspense, deep character growth and a dystopian fantastical world to captivate your attention and have you falling in love despite your resistance to it....STUNNINGLY DEEP!
So I can't believe I am doing this to one of my all time favorite authors, but alas, I am. I am DNF'ing this one and this breaks my heart to do so. I read the first 50 pages, and quite frankly what distracted me was the "parenthesis" mentions in the writing which is practically on every page and I just couldn't focus on the story like I wanted to. First off I have never seen this in a romance and maybe the audiobook would be a better option for me down the road, but for now I will have to put this book down.
This is my first time reading Wright’s contemporary romance and I have to say I was so SHOCKED by how much I truly enjoyed this one here. I adored it in every way and man she does contemporary so WELL!! I liked it way more than even her paranormals. Now don’t get me wrong I adore her paranormal romance series so dearly, but there is something so gravitating about this one. If you love Kristen Ashley, Meghan March, or Katy Evans…this is definitely a book for you. And its part of the KU membership, so another plus there right? And it contains one of my all time favorite tropes (and trust me there are a ton of tropes that I love) but in this one here, we see a fake engagement with a marriage of convenience match up happen and these two are on fire together. There are plenty of secrets between them, but seeing them slowly build on their chemistry and fall in love along their journey was simply beautiful to see in each and every way. The characters are so captivating in their own personalities that are so engaging and you won’t be able to get enough. I was so entrenched because you feel “all the feels” and just want them to embrace what their relationship is building towards and such a rich filled romance to curl the toes.
Graciela, has been a widow for quite some time. She never had a positive relationship with her late husband, although she hides the truth from her daughter and step children. But one day, Graciela is tired of sitting in her drawing room, sipping tea and not trying out new adventures. She figures its time to accept her best friends invitation to an exclusive club "Sodom". Ela has never done anything so daring, but she has never known true desire or pleasure to be found with a man. While at Sodom, she attracts the attention of a man who is so wrong for her, who comes in as her knight in shining armor from some not so friendly gentlemen, the best friend of her step son. Ela knows that she is in trouble from the first moment that he touches her. Lord Stricklan, has had great affection for Ela since he was a teenager. But now he is older and more mature, and is more than ready to pursue her and show her of his desire. However the number of years between them, makes Ela believe she is "robbing the cradle" as it were, and she wants more than a mere affair. She wants to feel loved, but there are times when one doesn't choose who they love, it just happens.
She felt as though she were facing a stranger, contrary to the nonsense she was spouting. A man who was stripping her of her clothes with his eyes to see all that lay beneath.
What a story, and a book that really surprised me. It has been so long since I have read a "May-December" trope and Sophie Jordan did a fantastic job with this theme and the story overall. Now I first want to clarify that the years between Ela and Collin aren't that big of a stretch...six years. It's really not that bad to be honest. But it fits the story, since Ela's stepson and Collin are similar in age. So I can understand why our heroine really struggled with this aspect. Now Ela is of spanish decent, so at first I was curious why she wasn't more energetic and really more "spirited" type of heroine. But we see how her late husband's treatment of her affects her. He put her down and emotionally abused her throughout their whole marriage and made her feel like she was a "cold fish" but she does warm up the more she is around Collin, who accepts her fully. Now Collin is a hero that really has to work through his feelings honestly about Ela. At first, he just wants a sexual affair. But Ela wants more than that, and Collin meanwhile starts looking for a future bride, but realizes that Ela is the woman he really wants in his life.
I care about you. I have never wanted a woman more than I want you.
As a couple these two are like fireworks once they get together. The chemistry is off the charts, and they really connect on more than just physically. Collin really understands Ela and doesn't expect more than she can give to him. And there are other problems that add some conflict to the story. What I found interesting was even though at a glance I wasn't sure if this type of story was one I would actually like, Sophie Jordan just makes it work in such a way that you keep reading, because this pair is unique and their relationship has some complex dynamics to it that tugs at the reader's curiosity.
Overall The Scandal Of It All was a spicy tension filled romance with interesting complexities, engaging dialogue, and a love affair to remember....guaranteed to pull at your emotions!!
Fever is Jace’s story and I can’t say which book I actually loved MORE….I think I liked both Rush and Fever the same but in different ways of course. In Fever, its Jace’s story. And boy was his book good although it does feature a menage scene in the very beginning. And it was quite interesting in seeing how this author writes it. We also see some tension build between Jace and Ash. They are closer than brothers and always share their women…but now Jace is conflicted because he is jealous of Ash even coming close to his woman. So we see how he becomes so divided. the heroine in this book is fabulous and unique in what her circumstances are….just shows the beauty in everyone being deserving of a HEA!
Summary
