Monday, November 27, 2017

Amy's 4 star ARC Review of Castle of Kings (A Kings MC Romance ) by Betty Shreffler



ake F*cking Castle
When he walks into a room, he owns it. He consumes my very breath and melts my delicate little panties. From the moment he set eyes on me, he decided I was his. No one – not even my brother, Nix – was going to tell him otherwise. It doesn’t matter that Nix is President of the Kings MC Club. Jake wants what he wants, and he’ll set out to get it, whatever the cost.
Jake may be an arrogant asshole, but there’s no denying the hold he has over me. His fierce, carnal need to make me his, and his alone, is a snare I can’t escape. And truth be told, I don’t want to. 
But when my life becomes threatened, Jake Castle is the only man my brother trusts to protect me. He knows Jake will do anything to keep me safe.
Anything.






Jake Castle wants me but I’m not about to be another notch in his belt. 

Liz is the sister of Nix - the MC President. Freshly graduate from nursing school she has a bright future and brilliant head on her shoulders. But ... this man ... he is something else .. yet she refuses to be another no name to him so turning him down is the only thing to do. 

Jake isn’t used to women saying no to him in any capacity. This is new to him. But he always gets what he wants. This should be easy right? Nope ...

Nix needs shake to protect his sister. He’s the only one he trust. In all the danger will Liz keep her distance or fall - will Jake change his ways or will he get the girl and walk away - none of this matters if he can’t keep her safe .. 

Thank you for the ARC. I enjoyed this read. Characters were strong and the strong line wasn’t super gory - those of you wanting an MC read with a more tame plot this is it. Meaning the plot is great but the detailed gore isn’t there. Super start to a new series 

Amy's 4 star ARC Review of Fighting 'round the Christmas Tree by Nikki Ash




On the tenth day of Christmas, the Fighting series gave to me... One grown child in another state, two teenagers about to graduate, and seven more kids growing up way too quickly. 

Join the Fighting gang along with their families, as they celebrate Christmas in Breckenridge under the same roof, one last time in a Fighting Series Christmas novella: Fighting 'round the Christmas Tree.








So I have not read this series, but the novella was very good. I based my review on the writing and the strength and interest factor of the characters due to that fact. I didn't feel it was fair to give the book a low rating because I had not read the series. The characters are very well written. There is a ton of kids -- a ton of characters and in fact I wish I had known them. Chances are during the holidays I will go back and grab the books up. Christmas together all in one house -- seems it could be crazy? Actually it was perfect. Loved the read -- thank you for the ARC and the chance to get to know these excellent characters. Cooper, Liz, Kayla, Hayley, Kaden, Caleb, Ashley, Bentley, and the one who there is certainly something going on with .. Bella. 

I'm always happy to read a holiday story and this one didn't disappoint. 

Amy's 4 star ARC Review of Love Notes In Christmas Falls (Book 6) by Beth Labonte





When Caitlin Cook left the small town of Christmas Falls, Tennessee to attend Harvard University, she left behind the burden of her parents’ slowly increasing hoard of antiques, a much younger brother, and Shane Mitchell—the boy who blindsided her with the news that he loved her on the night before she left. 

Shane Mitchell spent his high school years fascinated by Caitlin Cook. The quiet flute player with her nose always in a book, he wanted desperately to find out what made her tick. 

Eight years later, Caitlin returns to Christmas Falls—unemployed and newly single—after receiving a devastating letter from her beloved high school mentor. Caitlin is shocked to find her childhood home in disarray, and her little brother in desperate need of his sister. With Shane’s help—now a pillar of the community rather than the carefree teenager Caitlin once knew—she begins to rediscover her love for music, antiques, and possibly even Shane. When faced with the choice of rebuilding her life in Boston, or giving love a second chance in Christmas Falls, will Caitlin be able to decide on the true meaning of home? 

Seven fabulous authors bring you this holiday romance series about a group of special friends returning to their hometown at the request of their high school mentor. Each book is a standalone, but read them all to fully enjoy the journey of these remarkable women and their emotional reunion with their mentor, an incredible woman who changes their lives and helps save a small town community forever.






This is my first read with Beth Labonte and it didn't disappoint. I love my Christmas reads and it was a good one. The characters are very well written and they served as a nice curl up by the fire and drift away ..

Shane and Caitlin are simply wonderful. Caitlin is home taking care of business and trying to balance the issues with her family. She was a amazing and compassionate for those that she loved. Shane was a great character. He was a perfect mix of sugar and spice. He brought a humorous mix to Caitlin's serious issues. This story line flows wonderfully and you will enjoy how everything pans out during their holiday.

Good quick and quite read. I recommend picking this one up.
Thank you for the ARC --

Monday, November 13, 2017

Amy's 4.5 star ARC Review of Shattered Souls: To Love and Serve 1 by Alison Mello




I left home a proud, strong woman, determined and eager to support my country. But I came back a completely different person. 

I’m wounded, scarred, and nothing more than an empty shell. I’ve lost my ability to open up to those closest to me. Why? Because no one understands. No one knows the hell I’ve been through.

Every time I close my eyes the nightmares are there, waiting, lurking in the shadows, ready to torment me further. My only escape is the sting of alcohol, the burn that numbs my pain. Everyone sees it as a weakness, calls it a coping mechanism. I call it survival.

I’m a lost cause…until I meet him—a Boston cop with demons of his own, who knows what it’s like to be haunted by his past. He understands my pain, knows all about the nightmares, and makes me feel less…alone.

But we are both broken, tainted by our pasts. How can we heal each other when we’re both shattered souls?










Lexi has served her country as a medic bringing home scars that no one should ever have to bear. Injured, broken and plagued by the darkness that consumes her, the only way out of her head is with alcohol. The journey home was the worst part. No one understands. 

Officer Keegan Ward has memories of his own. His mother is and was will always be a junkie. The life she provided or lack of is what drove him to be a cop. His sessions don't help - the nightmares are constant but the girl walking down the ramp at the airport ... well maybe just maybe there might be some hope and goodness in the world. 

This is a tormented souls book for sure. However, I loved the fact that the solider coming home was a female. GREAT CHOICE. This was a quick good solid read for me. A romantic climb and tread your way through hell together book with of course its ups and downs. Strong characters in the secondary as well. Very good read -- click it up for an excellent change of the hero coming home from war. 

Thank you for the ARC! 

Amy's 5 star ARC Review of He Loves Me Knot by RC Boldt



                                        


I never looked back after skipping out on my own wedding, even if it did leave me estranged from most of my family. Eight years later, I have the life I’ve always wanted. As an advertising account executive, my world is damn near perfect. 

Until I come face-to-face with my past. With the man I once loved. The man who holds my future in his hands. The man who’s hell-bent on getting even with me for leaving him at the altar. 

Even with all the unfinished business between us, I still love Knox Montgomery. The only problem? 

He loves me…KNOT.




                                        


First of all I love this author -- her characters are fantastic, witty and all around the full deal. Second I love her stories because they center in and around my stomping grounds -- The FLORIDA Panhandle. LOVE IT! I actually know where these characters are and can see them like a moving picture in my head. 

This is Emma and Knox's story with a side of Beckett. This is Emma Jane and Knox´s story.
Emma Jane Haywood walked away on her wedding day. There was no way she could marry the man she thought she loved and would spend the rest of her life with. His was supposed to be perfect .. they were perfect. The perfect man wanting to marry her. That day she also met her best friend .. Beckett. An NFL quarterback who adores her just as much as she him. 

Knox Montgomery - her past is standing right in front of her and he has an agenda. Emma Jane bolted from the altar and made a fool of him. Karma is on his side. Now all he has to do is keep hating her and the man she is constantly seen with . 

This is a truly great story -- it's not what you think -- which is beautiful and thrilling. Thank you for the ARC once again -- it was a huge honor to read. Keep writing because we all will keep reading. RC is a fabulous, all around amazing writer.

Amy's 5 star ARC Review of Love, Snow and Mistletoe Anthology




Seven of your favorite authors have come together for a holiday charity anthology!

Missing your favorite characters? Jump right back into their lives for a little Christmas fun and join your favorite beaus under the mistletoe.

Hilaria Alexander
Alexandria Bishop
Megan Green
D.B. James
Zeia Jameson
Jennifer Rebecca
Rachel Renee

have teamed up to bring you an anthology of sweet and savory tales to catch a glimpse into the worlds you've been craving more of.

A Scottish hunk, a pop punk rock star, a sweet hot cop, a smooth Southern lawyer, an Irish bad boy, a football stud, and a mysterious secret agent...winter is here and these guys all want to help keep you warm and toasty this season.

Grab this LIMITED EDITION set and help donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital this holiday season.




I love this special edition and release. Not only are you getting seven authors stories and get to catch up on characters you might know and love but your purchase goes straight to St Jude Childrens Hospital -- that is a winning click right there. Regardless if you love all the stories or just one it's worth grabbing this one. 
Seven authors -- seven stories. 

Hilaria Alexander 
Alexandria Bishop 
Megan Green
D.B. James
Zeia Jameson
Jennifer Rebecca
Rachel Renee

You love the rock stars -- there is one -- or how about a Southern lawyer? Is a man in uniform more your style? Then get ready for a easy on the eyes cop -- or what about a Scottish dream, or an Irish bad boy? If you love sports -- there is a man who carries a football -- more James Bond type -- then you get a mysterious agent. Take your pick or take them all .. its your choice. This has a little bit of everything. You cant go wrong so grab this up -- fell good about your contribution this holiday season, snuggle up by the fire and read on. What a beautiful gesture and collaboration. Thank you for the ARC -- the stories and characters are strong -- the stories are touching while filled with love and dreams. GREAT GREAT READ 

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Amy's 5 star ARC Review of Max (House Of Payne, #6) by Stacy Gail




TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains flashbacks of violence, references to drug abuse, and the impact these factors have on family members. If you have issues with these elements, this book is not for you.

Chicago’s premiere tattoo studio, House Of Payne, is across the street from the Mad Cow diner, but it might as well be on another planet as far as waitress Paradise Simone is concerned. She’s a good girl from Waukegan with a past she’d rather forget, and a future that goes only as far as the next day. What does she know about superstars and paparazzi?

But Pari does know danger when she sees it, and tattooist Max Kulagin has it written all over him. A good Waukegan girl should know to steer well clear, but she can’t resist Max when he leaves beautiful, intimate art sketched out on cheap diner napkins.

Beautiful, intimate art…of her.

Max knows ugliness. He was born in it. Raised in it. Had it shoved down his throat every goddamn day. So when he stumbles across true beauty, he worships it. There’s a deep sensuality in the waitress who likes to suck on her pen whenever he’s around, and he’s just the man to bring that beauty out in her. She might be a lady in the street, but one look at Pari tells him she’s going to be a freak in the bed.

And in the shower.

And while he’s driving with her head going to town in his lap.

The life Max leads might be in the spotlight, but it’s Pari who gets caught in the glare. When her past catches up to her, it’s her life that holds all the excitement, and not in a good way. But there’s no force on earth that can take Max’s beautiful Paradise away now that he’s finally found it.


93,000 Words

***This standalone, mildly erotic contemporary romance contains a woman with an oral fixation and a man who’s happy to encourage it. There are multiple sex scenes that include oral sex. No cheating, no love triangles, no cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed. Due to adult language and sexual content, this book is not intended for people under the age of eighteen***








Holy smokes this is my first book in this standalone series and it was magnificent. If you have triggers of drug abuse and violence please consider this warning. But onward .. first of all the cover... yes. I love a cove that has just the neck to waist. Its intriguing and eye catching .. beautiful job. 

This is Max and Pari's book. I cannot comment on the other books I have not read them but the characters leave me wanting to back track and get to know them. I feel like I was missing out. Not in a bad way just missing out on previous history and stories that would have connected me more to the characters. HOWEVER don't take that is bad .. it's not .. it makes me want to go click them up which I fully intend to do. 

I loved Max -- if the other characters are anything like him then Stacy has outdone herself in the writing of strong and exceptional leading men. 

Pari is a sweet and almost innocent character in the grand scheme of things. Strong yet gentle. Her past though leaves her not trusting and being solid in what she wants for her life. Her sister is something else .. lets just leave it at that. 

Max is going to pull out all the stops to show Pari her worth and how she is the one for him. I loved his little swoonish ways and the road to breaking down Pari's walls. The banter between the two characters was comical to say the least and the pages just kept on turning well in to the night. 

What a tremendous read --- Love these and can't wait to back track along with move forward with this series. Thank you for the read.