Her Dark Half is the seventh installment in this series and I have been really neglecting this author of late. I am not sure why I have been doing it either because she really hooks me so easily. I just love how easily she draws me into her world-building plots. I really love this style of paranormal, where we get a blend of the PNR genre plus romantic suspense and some military lovin'. It's like all of my favorite aspects just thrown together into one and it's so beautiful the way that Paige Tyler really combines all of these elements. There is something so dynamic in her writing style, and even though this book wasn't right away "pull me into the story" after a chapter or so, I was really hooked into it. I did have trouble being in the mood for this book and I felt so sad about it however, I finally got my jive going with this one and it just drew me back into this world that I have missed and I can't wait to immerse myself back into more of this author's work.
Her Dark Half is a action-packed romance that features:
Alina Bosch- Ex CIA agent, working undercover, strong and vulnerable
Her Dark Half sets off with Trevor Maxwell, who is still working at the DCO, even though all of his friends have been forced on the run. But he is biding his time, trying to learn all that he can, and take down the leaders of the company who are trying to destroy everything he cares about. But now his boss is forcing him to partner with Alina, who happens to be Ex CIA. He knows that he can't trust her because he knows that she is a plant to get information on him to see if he is trustworthy or a traitor. Alina has been determined to never be deceived again. She was once betrayed while working at the CIA by someone she trusted the most and now she wants justice for that betrayal. But while on this assignment, she is asked to spy on Trevor, and see if he is hiding anything. She senses that he has many secrets and she wants to get to the bottom of those secrets. But what puts an added complication in the mix, is the intense chemistry that rises between Trevor and Alina. But when some secrets get revealed, Trevor and Alina will have to learn to trust in each other to fight the real enemy because the battle is just beginning...
Her Dark Half really picks up where the last book leaves off, but I was really surprised that I didn't need to read the previous books to remember everything that was happening. It has been about three to four years since I have read this author, so I thought I would forget everything. But it came roaring back to me the moment I started to read. And once I was about 20% in I was definitely back in love with this world and seeing all the characters in the overall plot and their involvement. I actually had such a good time with this book. I am not that surprised, because it is Paige Tyler, and she always delivers on such solid stories. I really loved the espionage feel to this story and seeing how crafty Trevor needs to be. The bond between Trevor and Alina was quite fun, and they get on so well together. And the chemistry is so flawless in this book, from beginning to end you see and feel the depths of it all and how it all comes together. There is so much emotion packed into this book and there were definitely tear-jerky moments at times and in the most unexpected ways too. My heart broke for some of the side characters and what they were facing. I would say if you are new to this author or this series, I highly recommend you read these books in order. Just due to the overall plot of the series as a whole, it is better to read them in order so you can fully understand and enjoy this world.
Overall I found Her Dark Half to be a compelling, intense-filled romance that combines so many edgy elements of the PNR and delivers in such a satisfying end while at the same time teasing you to pick up the next book.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Fire In His Kiss is the second book in the Fireblood Dragons series. And as a plus-size these books are full-length novels which is really refreshing. As much as I love this author’s “Ice Planet Barbarian” series, they can sometimes feel too short for me so these books are a nice change of pace from the one’s that she is well known for. And I am really loving this world that this author has created here. I really am fascinated by dystopian world settings and genres and so to see that this one included that within it was such a delight. And I really need to be better about reading these books because I love a sexy dragon romance but I really enjoy seeing how Dixon wrote these books and the world building involved.
Fire In His Kiss is a story that sets off with our hero, Dakh, is a yellow colored dragon and he snatches Sasha out of the air when he realizes that she is his mate. Sasha has had a rough life. In order to survive she has had to trade her body for sex and she hates having sex, it has never been something she has enjoyed actually doing. Life is different now. After so much of the human race has been killed off by the war with the dragons, now its a matter of survival for so many of them. Even though now she lives in fear over what this dragon man will do to her, she finds him intriguing. And even though there are some misunderstandings between them, she realizes what a good soul Dakh has, and as they explore this new world together, there will come upon them an enemy….one they won’t see coming. But it will give answers to Dakh’s people and his past and who the real enemy is that has made the humans and dragons enemies.
Fire In His Kiss was such a fantastic book and I loved it even more than the first book. There was so much more to the plot twists and even though the setting was probably a Walmart haha I really loved seeing Sasha make a new friend, seeing what Dakh is capable of, and his sweet way with Sasha. I adored how much more he was devoted to her. I love how focused he is on her having pleasure and enjoying sex. She has a history of hating it, and their first time together is so beautiful, because she comes to the realization what sexual intimacy is really about and what she has truly been missing. There is such humor in this book and I had a blast with seeing how Dakh comes face with so many normal human things like a shopping cart or a mirror or even a book….its pretty hilarious. I almost fell off the couch laughing hysterically reading it. Ruby Dixon definitely gave us a wonderful read here. I really enjoyed the added plot to the overall story. I am really intrigued in learning more about this Drakon culture and what happened to these dragons. There definitely is more going on for sure than we are seeing yet. Which only makes me want to read the series even more.
Overall I found Fire In His Kiss to be a delectable treat of a read, it takes the reader on one hell of an adventure and is just pure fun in only the way that Ruby Dixon delivers.
Taking It All is the final book in the Surrender trilogy, and this is the book that I have been mostly anticipating the most out of them all. This couple and their struggles is teased about in the previous two books and this is where we find everything come out in the open and boy this book was one fire hot one and I loved the crazy journey of it all and the beautiful redemption that comes when two people love each other and misunderstanding and mistakes occur. Its truly the prime example that no marriage is perfect and that sometimes you will stumble and fall and showcases that love can be enough if you are willing to fight for it.
Taking It All is a story that broke my heart into pieces and slowly put it back together. Its a journey of two people: Chessy and Tate. They have been married for years, but the magic that was in their marriage in the beginning if fazing out, and Chessy has been torn apart for a couple years over feeling like she has been losing her husband. She doesn't know what is truly happening or even if he even loves her anymore or if there is a another woman in his life. But when their anniversary goes completely wrong, Tate realizes how he has wronged his wife, the woman he loves more than life, and that his priorities must change. But even though he makes changes, there will be a turning point where he might lose it all....
Taking It All is such a beautiful story, and my heart ached for both Tate and Chessy. But most especially Chessy. We have seen her heartache over the past two books and how much she loves her husband and just wants the truth to be revealed. But their story will become so much more complex than that. And it also shows a scene that should NEVER ever happen in the BDSM world. And the importance of attentiveness and connection to each other as a Dom and Sub and how vital those moments. I love seeing the importance of this be such an important part of this story. I feel like every time I read a BDSM by Maya Banks, she shows the true reality of it and what a beautiful connection it is. She really showcases their relationship so well and I was on board completely. Loved seeing the redemption and value of open communication, and seeing Tate and Chessy find their way back together.
Your Dad Will Do is such an interesting story, and one I wasn't sure how I would feel about. Ocassionally I like to delve into the taboo topics, and this author is just brave enough to cover them. I will say that this is a story you need to be aware of that this doesn't have a ton in emotional focus on the relationship. The focus is obviously of a physical/sexual coverage but man Katee Robert definitely knows how to write a very hot "fogs up the windows" type of story. I think I just wasn't in the mood for this type of story, I was wanting more from this couple, as in I felt like it was way too much sexual focus on the pages. Now I read erotic romance and I just needed some more "heart" in the story than what I received. Now I will read more of the series, and I definitely will continue this author because I adore her, this just wasn't my favorite installment she has written.
Wicked All Night is a stunning conclusion to an edge-of-your-seat series featuring Veritas and Ian. Now I know this series has gotten quite a few mixed reviews, but to be honest, I have adored Ian and Veritas together. While they aren't my favorite couple of the world (Vlad and Leila are still reigning supreme) I had a delightful time with this one. But also this edition was the new paperback and I found it so easy to read (I personally struggle with mass markets).
Wicked All Night continues directly right after book two, so if you haven't read the previous two books I would recommend not reading this review unless you like spoilers.
Wicked All Night begins with Ian injured and Veritas working night and day for weeks to find anything to help him heal until she makes a deal with her fiancee, a man she would avoid at any cost except that he can save Ian's life and she is willing to make a bargain with the devil to get him healed and whole again. It will just cost her one night but her fiancee has his own goals and plans and she will find herself betrayed, and now she and Ian and their band of friends will have to work overtime, to defeat two great demigods who want to conquer the world and destroy much of humankind in the process of it all. Ian and Veritas will also have many challenges to overcome, in and out of their relationship, but together and united they will find the greatest power-true love
Wicked All Night was such a delicious read and love the conclusion (I think its the conclusion) to the Night Rebel series. I simple am so happy that this author wrote Ian's book and what a delightful journey it turned out to be. There were so many depths to this that I just adored. But one of my favorite aspects is seeing Veritas having to learn to work with Ian and not against him in being so independent. There are times throughout the story here, that she goes rogue and yeah Ian is having none of that and I respected that he stood up to her for it. Because they are a partnership in all things, and not just when it's convenient. And Veritas has to learn to trust in Ian, in all circumstances and to adapt to her changed relationship with Ian. Its definitely a story that shows beautiful personal growth and I had a blast in seeing what Ian and Veritas are capable of as a team and as lovers.
Overall I found Wicked All Night a joy and a delight in every aspect, its an epic finale of Ian and Veritas, its a story that will keep you on edge with its plot developments, the sensual moments will place fire in your blood, and the fierce fighting love that is showcased will have you pounding the floor with thrills and excitement.
Carnal Urges is the second installment in the Queen and Monsters series and after reading the first book "Ruthless Creatures" I was definitely excited to read this one. I will be honest in that I did want to wait in the reading of this one until I saw the response to this book. After "Ruthless Creatures" I will admit in that I was apprehensive in the reading of this one, the heroine I wasn't sure would be someone I could relate with. But many readers I have come to respect and admire, fell head over heels in love with Carnal Urges, and I knew I had to pick it up. I am so glad that I did, because Carnal Urges knocked me off my feet in all the best of ways.
Carnal Urges begin with a kidnapping. Sloane, on her way to visit her friend, finds herself kidnapped and almost shot. And in her mind, well this is just another adventure, so lets have some fun with it. Sloane isn't afraid of her kidnappers, there is something she is drawn to in Declan. Declan is on order to take Sloane captive, but when he suddenly becomes the new boss, and both their lives and the lives of his men are put in danger, he continues the sharade even though Sloane is driving him nuts and he is not sure his nerves will survive her bubbly personality who has no fear of him ....at all. But Declan himself has certain secrets, and as he and Sloane are drawn together in a unconventional way, trust begins to form and Declan will have to come to terms with sharing all parts of himself with her. But they have enemies on both sides of the equation, and only by truly trusting in their love will they conquer in the end.
Carnal Urges is a fantastic book in just about every way, and I had a blast with it. I will say its a challenge to say whether this book is better than Ruthless Creatures because they are completely DIFFERENT novels and completely opposite from each other in just the vibe of the books themselves. But if I had to choose which one of these two is my favorite, I would definitely pick Carnal Urges. I am actually shocked that this heroine worked for me in EVERY way. Like honestly, she kicked booty in every aspect and I was more than happy to be along for the delicious ride. Sloane is very unique, and probably one of the most unconventional heroines I have ever come across in romance. She is bubbly, upbeat, positive, friendly but can kick ass. She has such a faceted personality that one could never just put her in one box because she fits them all. Our hero, Declan, is quite faceted himself. He is a full on alpha male, has his own kinks, is crafty and cunning, And he has zero patience for Sloane and it's highly entertaining to see these two opposites just work in such a "yin yang" manner. The writing in this book is the edge of your seat, you won't be able to put this novel down, will sweep you off your feet, and surprise you in such an emotional manner you won't see it coming.
Overall I found Carnal Urges to be a superb read that stunned me in a delicious captivating way that kept me glued to the pages, its a tale of unsuspecting passion, a perfect representation of opposites attract, and a love that is guaranteed to leave the reader breathless on every page. VIVIDLY STUNNING
Neon Gods is a book I read thanks to a few people that really made me want to grab this one up. In fact, I wanted to read it in print so badly I traveled a bit just to grab it up because I was so impatient to wait on it and boy it was worth it. If you can read this in its paperback form, I recommend it highly. Neon Gods is a story I was quickly drawn to and it's a book I know that you will fall quickly for. Its honestly quite different than what I was expecting to see from this author, especially in some of he more recent series, it was lighter-toned in certain aspects but heavier toned in others. And I found seeing this book, it just is evidence of how this author is capable of any style, no matter what she writes you can be guaranteed a ride worth indulging on.
Neon Gods is a story that begins with Persephone, who is one of the daughters whose mother has political endeavors to move up the ladder among the Olympus realm. But when her mother forces an engagement on her to Zeus who is rumored to have killed three of his wives, she runs in a panic. She is so close to freedom and refuses to be drawn into this political mess and risk losing her life so she goes on the run, but when she is being chased by Zeus men, she runs across the river Styxx and straight into the arms and territory of Hades who is Zeus enemy. Hades has his own reasons for wanting revenge against Zeus. So Hades and Persephone make a pact with each other, to suit their own purposes but along with their pact is a stunning chemistry between them that rises along with their agreement. As they explore the depths of their connection, while also showing up their fake reality to the members of the thirteen, including Zeus and her mother, Hades and Persephone find a bond that is worth fighting for
Neon Gods was such a fantastic read, and while it didn't rank up as a top favorite, I had a blast with this book through and through. It's pretty interesting to see how Katee Robert developed this world and most especially this Hades and Persephone retelling. I love these types of retellings and we just don't get enough of them in my opinion. But the way that Katee Robert built this world was superb in every way. Now if you have read her Wicked Villains series, then this type of retelling and world-building will not be a shock to you at all. But those not used to this type of world crafting might be a little confused at times because it's a unique twist on it that isn't done by many authors who delve into mythological fantasy. Another aspect of this story some readers might need to adapt to is the use of exhibitionism in this story. This is very rare in romance, even in erotic romance, it's not used that much. So to see Katee Robert use in and adapt it so well that seems to flow just right for the story and the depth of the relationship that builds between Hades and Persephone is brilliant.
Another added delight was the stream of side characters and side plot lines that just has me curious where Katee Robert will be taking the series. I am also excited to see that one of my favorite publishers is taking this series and supporting it, and man what a beautiful job they have done on the covers so far.
Overall I found Neon Gods to be a stunning foray into this marvelous and most well-loved tale of Hades and Persephone, Katee Robert delivers a beautiful fake relationship set up that builds into a deep rivaling romance that connects the essence of the fairy tale to the depths of emotion that only she is capable of. A REMARKABLE WORK!
This was actually such a beautiful romance and I couldn't keep my hands off of it. Like literally this book kept me up all hours of the night reading it because I couldn't put it down. It was pure delight and I had a blast with this story and seeing this couple explore what they had together.
“This isn’t good-bye,” he said tightly. “Just because you think you no longer need me doesn’t mean I’m going to just disappear. Prepare yourself for that, Joss.”
Its a story that features a widow, who has been grieving her loving late husband. But now she is ready for a fresh start and to explore her hidden desires. So she goes to a respectable BDSM club, and she sees none other than her husband's best friend and the man that has been her comfort and companion the last three years. And certain truths come out about his desires and his love for her that he has kept hidden even though her husband knew of his affections. And they agree to start a relationship including exploring her needs and desires.
“It’s always been what I am. And let me tell you this right now. If this is what you want. If this is what you need. Then I’m going to be the only damn man you offer your submission to.”
This story was so epically beautiful, and so emotionally intune and I loved how much "heart" was in this book despite the BDSM focus in the sex scenes. Maya Banks definitely knows how to write her stories and she did wonders on this one. I just couldn't get enough of this couple and seeing this explore their connection to each other was a majestic experience. You can't go wrong until you pick this one up.
A Scoundrel's Kiss is the first book in the Restoration series and I have been wanting to read more of this author, I hadn't realized that she has so many books and are all non-regency and as I have been wanting to read more historical romance that is non-regency and I really like her writing, so I wanted to get more of them. Now if you look at the cover, it totally doesn't give you the "Restoration" era vibe, so I think I actually expected it to be more regency which it really wasn't. And even though physically I haven't been feeling very good, I liked this book despite the other issues that I tended to have which I think I just wasn't in the right mindset to enjoy this like I really wanted to or maybe I just wasn't into the writing, and I think part of me was confused by the focus on court politics and who the King was since I went into this book thinking it was Regency or Victorian era, so I think it was a combination of factors on why I didn't enjoy it more like I wanted to. But I did enjoy the story overall and am excited to get to the last book in the series.
A Scoundrel's Kiss is a story that focuses on our leads:
Neville Farrington-Aristocratic lord, a rake and rogue, bad reputation to being a "bad boy" but has a heart of gold and yearns to be loved secretly and lack of self worth due to his parent's treatment of him
Arabella Martin- Innocent country girl, grew up in a Puritan lifestyle, naive to the manners of the court, searching for a respectable husband
A Scoundrel's Kiss begin with Neville Farrington, who secretly has been managing his father's finances. His father likes to remain ignorant of how much he spends, and so Neville has taken the responsibility of making sure his father never goes without. But he does live a lifestyle that doesn't portray the responsibility that well and when his father sees him drunk, he makes a decision to change his son and decides to take everything away from him and give all the money and lands to Arabella Martin once he finds a respectable match for her. Neville is furious and secretly hurt that his father would take such actions against him but while drunk makes a bet to seduce Arabella and show she isn't such a Puritan or innocent as his father thinks. And even though the King is trying to get Arabella in his bed and make her one of his mistresses, Neville wants her for himself but knows he doesn't deserve to be loved by her....
You are not in sleepy little Grantham anymore. You have come to great and wicked London—my realm. It can be a very dangerous place
A Scoundrel's Kiss was such a beautiful story and I truly loved so many parts of this one. But it definitely is one of its time and of the setting. It is set in the Restoration period, so you will get plenty of court and political deceit and secrets and so know that going into it. It does have more angst feeling to the relationship but the steam in this book I felt was so well done. I loved how well-written the chemistry between Arabella and Neville is done, I really felt the heat coming off of the pages and there were moments that I was so into the story. I will say that my focus wasn't entirely on the story which it definitely affected my view of the story so I don't want to hash into that aspect too much because I think it did affect my enjoyment of the story overall. Now this isn't the best work that I have ever read from this author, and I was expecting so much more from it but I knew it had many mixed reviews so I knew going in it might be more of a difficult read to grab up. But I am so glad that I did because I truly enjoyed so many aspects of it all.
“I can think of many a worse fate than sharing my bed,” he murmured softly, reaching out to cup her chin in his hand. She was powerless to resist as he eased his mouth over hers in a slow and leisurely kiss. His gentle touch proved as thrilling as his most impassioned embrace, and this unexpected tenderness even more compelling.
The story as it stands is well-plotted and I enjoyed seeing how the story unraveled and all the political machinations that were dealt with the characters here. I do think it might have been better to have just one plot, there were multiple lines going in with this book and it didn't need to be that complex and I felt like it overwhelmed the romance too much. The romance itself while had its sexy moments, there was also quite a bit of angst all the way through the end and I do like more couple time on the page, so I was hoping for more there. But it was intriguing to see Arabella and Neville muddle their way through everything. I do think Neville was too consumed with self-pity to have him be a hero I really was drawn to. I wish he had more confidence in himself, but I understand what his parents do to him. I just was hoping for more from the hero here. He comes through in the end but just barely.
I love you. I have loved you since that day in the garden. You have always had a special place in my heart, walled up and kept secret, but always, always there.
Overall while I had some issues, I found so many good qualities to this story, it has plenty of sensual chemistry that made the book shine, and it's set in an era that is so unique and different that adds that cherry on the top vibe. So if you are wanting to explore more of this author, or just this setting and era of England, I highly recommend it.
