BOOK REVIEWS, Mobster Lobsters - Mafia Romance

BOOK REVIEW- Crow’s Row by Julie Hockley

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Crow's Row (Crow's Row, #1)Crow’s Row by Julie Hockley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can you believe I’ve neglected this fantastic book for months? The poor little darling has sat on my “Want to Read” list since February 5th!!! Finally on November 27th I finally dove in head-first and within 2 days devoured every last sentence!

FAIR WARNING-
I’m going to highly recommend that you read this book but you should know going into the series that it’s INCOMPLETE! That’s right. The second installment came out back in 2014 and the 3rd book is still listed as “Untitled”. You’ve been warned.

Cameron is the top, top boss of THE underground crime ring in the US with influence in other countries. He’s cunning and every decision he makes is calculated and controlled. Cameron is described as handsome with an edge. Oh, and he’s also filthy rich from the dirty money he generates through is various illegal ventures. Emily Sheppherd…not sure how to describe her. According to the character herself she has shockingly bright red hair (natural), skinny to the point of being unattractive and lacking curves. She’s got ruddy skin that’s pale and speckled with freckles. Born into wealth she’s abandoned that life and lives in dingy group housing for college students while attending school on a merit-based scholarship. Throughout the book other characters describe Emily as strikingly gorgeous and eye-catching. Emily is a self-imposed loner and a virgin who abandons relationships the moment things get serious.

Without Cameron and the other supporting characters this book would have been a bust for me. Emily’s personality did not resonate with me and she retreats within herself whenever things get difficult.

The plot explores both the grotesque opulence of the wealthy and the desolate circumstances of the poor. Rivety tale of two individuals born into opposite worlds who find solice in each other.

Highly recommend. Dive in and enjoy this book!

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BOOK REVIEWS, Paranormal Melting Pot - Dragons, Fae, Mohiri...Oh My!

BOOK REVIEW- Penmort Castle by Kristen Ashley

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Penmort Castle (Ghosts and Reincarnation, #1)Penmort Castle by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All hail Kristen Ashley! This writer can do no wrong in my book! (yes, the cheesy pun was intended)

Cash Fraser is a drool-worthy intelligent and possessive male. He’s conquered the business world and is now poised to claim the castle his rotten uncle inhabits. Abigail Butler is a widower who’s in need of cash to turn her family’s home into something that’s actually inhabitable. Thus she poses as an escort that Cash hires to thwart his uncle’s attempts to play matchmaker with his stepdaughters. Perhaps it sounds a tad convoluted but trust me, it’s a great read. With a bat$hit crazy and vengeful ghost and a colorful cast of characters I devoured this book.

Do yourself a favor and download this book.

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BOOK REVIEWS, Furry Friends- Werewolf Romance

BOOK REVIEW- Wicked Cravings by Suzanne Wright

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Wicked Cravings (The Phoenix Pack, #2)Wicked Cravings by Suzanne Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I’ll fuck you so hard you’ll think I hate you. Beg me, Jaime.”

BOOM! After reading that I’ll assume you’re ready to download this book and start reading. Wait, what? You want more of a review than just that quote? Fine, fine! Here you go…

Wicked Cravings is the second installment of “The Phoenix Pack” series focusing on sexy shifters and their quest to find mates. I love the series because while it does contain quite a bit of steam (hallelujah) there’s still an exciting plot and the author has created an intereseting shifter culture.

While this book didn’t quite meet the perfection that was Feral Sins the line I’ve quoted at the top of my review has got to be one of the hottest thing I’ve ever read. Swoon! Dear Jesus, please at least once in my life can someone say this to me?!?

About the book:
Dante Garcea is the Phoenix Pack’s beta wolf. As second in command he’s got a a list of responsibilities that’s a mile long. And you know what they say…all work and no play makes Dante a dull boy! That is until Jaime Farrow comes around. She’s messy and spirited and I love her even more because she works with abused animals. Both characters are flawed/damaged which is supressing their true feelings for each other. Dante at least took a small break from his work to hook up with a crazy biotch who is spreading rumors trying to damage Dante’s character. Her 7 knuckle-headed brothers are buying her bull$hit and are out for blood. Further causing havoc for the couple is his former lover who pops up and does her best to rekindle their partial imprinting from several years ago.

Enjoy!

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BOOK REVIEWS, Paranormal Melting Pot - Dragons, Fae, Mohiri...Oh My!

BOOK REVIEW- The Professor Woos the Witch by Kristen Painter

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The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls #4)The Professor Woos The Witch by Kristen Painter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you’re reading this review I’ll assume you’ve already fallen in love with the quintessential “Nocturne Falls” charm that’s in-bedded in each book in this series.

In this “Nocturne Falls” installment we get a closer look at Pandora Williams- A top notch realtor with faulty magic and a fat cat named Pumpkin. Previous glimpses at this character alluded to a heartbreaking past that has prohibited her from finding love again. Now prepare yourselves because I’m about to drop a truth bomb on all of you – Both before and after reading this book I feel strongly that Pandora is much better suited as a supporting character. Honestly, the most compelling part of her was her chunky cat. This book is a quick read and the subject matter is light yet I found myself repeatedly putting it down in lieu of more thrilling reading material. It was difficult to scrounge up the interest to finish the book because… I just didn’t care.

Now let’s talk about the book’s heartthrob – Professor Cole Van Zant. Skeptic by nature he’s resistant to the idea of supernaturals which of course poses a problem for his adopted daughter who was recently informed (by her birth mother) that she’s a witch. Even with the book finished I’m still not sure how to classify Cole and feel that his character had too many attributes that confused me as a reader. The book and summary leads me to believe that Cole is geeky-chic. However that description doesn’t fall in line with some of his behaviors. Cole regularly exercises and runs to stay in athletic shape. He’s also flirty and sexually aggressive- making overt come-ons with Pandora that strikes me as much more alpha male than a book-worm. Let’s just say he’s not a character that’s going to be added to my list of book boyfriends anytime soon.

Alas- let’s address the question you’re all asking yourselves…”should I read this book”? To which I don’t have a definitive answer for you. First I’d ask you if you have ANY other possible books to read (or is there something enchanting enough to re-read)? Secondly, will you be disappointed with a luke-warm romance that in the last chapter seems rushed to conclude?

I haven’t given up on the series quite yet but I am disappointed in this installment.

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BOOK REVIEWS, Modern Day Heroes- Contemporary Romance

BOOK REVIEW- The Gamble by Kristen Ashley

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The Gamble (Colorado Mountain, #1)The Gamble by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I’m sorry?”

“Sorry?”

If you enjoyed reading those words and want to read them over & over again then THIS is your book!

Kidding…but not really. Our lovely leading lady (say that 3 times fast!) Nina has a penchant of responding to most situations with her signature catch phrase “I’m sorry?”. And, just to keep things interesting she sometimes throws in a shorter response of “Sorry?”.

Aside from the repetitive rhetorical questions this book was a solid 4 out of 5. Kristen Ashley delivers her signature hunky-yet-damaged love interest mixed with an equally attractive darling for him to pursue. This is the first book in her “Colorado Mountain” series. It was an enjoyable read but didn’t captivate my attention enough to jump into the second book.

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BOOK REVIEWS, Furry Friends- Werewolf Romance

Territory by Susan A Bliler

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Territory (Territory, #2)Territory by Susan A. Bliler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After sharing such high praise for Territory’s prequel I jumped into Territory #2 with high expectations! Sadly- This book did not live up to it’s predecessor.

In this installment we meet Kya Hubbard who is a shifter who was turned against her will. For the past several years her reality has been an absolute nightmare at the hands of a sadistic alpha and his pack. Upon her escape Kya runs into the North West Territory pack and meets Briggs (Dell’s brother). Over the course of the book I was forced to endure Kya’s escape attempts no less than one bazillion times. (Trust me- I counted!) The first few times were understandable based on her previous torture and treatment. But by the end I was smacking my palm to my forehead and wondering how this character made it to publication.

The next brain hemorrhage came in the form of Briggs Blackbird- Token Obtuse Male. As a fan of werewolf and shifter romance a common accepted trait of mates is their protective nature towards their female mates. Even to the male’s detriment they typically protect their beloved at all cost. How in Hades does this guy miss that key concept? He blurts hurtful things over and over again and blames it on honesty? Shouldn’t he be willing to sacrifice himself for her happiness? Possessive mate FAIL

Alas, I finished this book and my vigor to dive into the series has cooled. Such a promising prequel and then a frustration book 2. I’ve added the third installment to my “Want to Read” list but haven’t tapped into it quite yet.

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BOOK REVIEWS, Furry Friends- Werewolf Romance

BOOK REVIEW- Territory Prequel by Susan A Bliler

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Territory Prequel (Territory, #1)Territory Prequel by Susan A. Bliler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alright, gather around fellas! This prequel pretty much knocked it out of the ballpark for me! Great set up for a series! Can NOT wait for more installments in the series!!!

What’s to love?
Chloe Lott is a fiesty gal who’s loyal to the core. Her dedication to her family and friends is admirable and she’s not a wallflower that will wilt in difficult situations. Sadly the story starts with Chloe in the midst of an emotional landslide- Her beloved brother was murdered and his wife committed suicide. Doing her best to shoulder her own pain and that of her grieving mother set us up for a lot of emotional development throughout the story. Another bonus? Chloe is Native American and I have to admit I don’t stumble upon too many romance novels featuring that ethnicity. Loved that!

Dell Blackbird is everything I look for in an Alpha male romantic character. Loved the dynamic between Dell and his family and pack mates. As someone with very little family of my own I devoured the warm banter and teasing between the characters. Who wouldn’t want to join this pack?!?

Only complaint- (In fairness I’ve never been propositioned by a sexy alpha shifter) BUT even if I was I’d like to think I’d control myself enough not to screw in the bushes outside of a restaurant parking lot. Especially for the first encounter AND with their family members inside! Alas, if the day ever comes that I’m in the position (fingers crossed) I’ll update my review if I succumb to temptation. 😉

In summary- three hip hip hoorays for Territory Prequel. Now please excuse me while I attack the next book!

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BOOK REVIEWS, Modern Day Heroes- Contemporary Romance

BOOK REVIEW- Educating Emma by Kat Austen

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Educating EmmaEducating Emma by Kat Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ll make this review short & sweet…just like the book!

Educating Emma is a salacious little story that was (in my humble opinion) completely implausible until the plot twist towards the end and the epilogue that brought everything together. With that being said it was still a cute, fun read that I enjoyed. Be warned- Lots of dirty talk and explicit scenes.

For more reviews visit me at sufferingsexlexia.com

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BOOK REVIEWS, Modern Day Heroes- Contemporary Romance

BOOK REVIEW- For You by Kristen Ashley

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For You (The 'Burg, #1)For You by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars for Kristen Ashley‘s “For You” – the first installment of “The ‘Burg” series. For those faint of heart OR easily spooked this is NOT the book for you. I’m not ashamed to admit that two nights in a row I found myself huddled in a ball afraid of a hatchet-weilding maniac to come bursting from my closet.

Meet our female protagonist:
February Ownes is a blonde, curvaceous woman with a penchant for Harley Davidson tanks who’s saddled with a broken heart and plenty of emotional baggage. She’s caring, feisty when necessary and staunchly loyal to her family and friends. Plus- let’s all give Kristen Ashley 3 cheers for writing a sexy, confident love interest who just-so-happens to be 42 years old. Yep, not what society would necessarily coin as “young” but she’s still rocking with confidence and I LOVE that!

Now ladies- I’ll understand if you drool while I describe our next male protagonist. Lieutenant Alexander Colton AKA “Colt” is the stuff dreams are made of. He’s tall and fit, quick and athletic, handsome and strong. Oh, and he’s also chalk full of integrity and has dedicated his life to giving back to the community as a police detective. What did I say??? SUPER FOXING HOT. Oh, and he’s also 44 and still turning heads. Yum.

To avoid spoilers I’ll mention but won’t go into details about the vengeful menace that haunted my dreams. Let’s just say the serial killer uses a hatchet to hack into his victims in the most heinous way possible. Then to further abuse them post mortem he poses them in humiliating ways. This individual is one sick SOB.

My only complaints were:
-The sheer number of murders. Truly, how many people can one individual of normal stature and strength hack to death? Certainly at least one of his victims would have been able to escape or overpower them? Not to mention the lack of witnesses???
-Romance angst – Seeing as how this is a romance novel I’m not giving away any spoilers with this next complaint. In the beginning February and Colt do their best to fight their attraction to each other. Needless to say when they eventually succumb to their desires they have to confirm it approximately one-fu%&*ing million times. AND- get this! Each time they act surprised at their commitment and love from each other. What the fu#$ chuck?!? Haven’t we already established that you are soul mates who were made for each other? For two intelligent individuals in sync with each other these declarations annoyed me. Plus her dad gets super pushy and insists they tell him how “solid” their relationship is. REALLY?!? What normal 40 year olds need to explain themselves to their parents? *ends rant*

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BOOK REVIEWS, Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Fantasy Worlds

BOOK REVIEW- The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

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The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy, #3)The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final installment of The Winner’s Trilogy! I imagine myself with the same level of satisfaction one might find in a fat cat lying beside a recently consumed bowl of warmed milk.

The Winner’s Kiss was the perfect ending to a fantastic series. The plot was heavy with bloody battle scenes, gambling analogies and tactical war strategies. Once again I’m delighted to share that Kestrel’s intelligence and loyalty proved to be her strongest attributes. So refreshing to see positive attributes for leading female characters.

This more than satisfied my craving for a solid YA novel.

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