Series Spotlight: Darkest Powers Series by Kelley Armstrong

When I was looking through my reviews I wanted a young adult/fantasy type book and this is one of my favorites. it has a little bit of everything in it. I always wanted this to be a TV show or movie. I see there are some additions to the series in the .5 format will have to check out.

cThe Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chloe is your average fifteen your old teenager, until the day her body changes and she beings seeing ghosts. Sent away to the Lyle House to treat what she has been diagnosed with “seeing things that aren’t there”. Chloe finds the house holds secrets of it’s own and as she begins to get to know the other teens at the house she finds they have more in common than she thinks.

A fantastic read, difficult to put down.

**reread this is a terrific series. Very unique.

View all my reviews The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second in the Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong. Chloe Saunders has been locked away by the Edison Group wanting to find the two boys she had runaway with. When her nemesis Tori helps her escape they set out to find Derek and Simon and figure out the next step in rescuing their dad and getting the answers she needs about herself.

Fantastic follow up book, loved every minute of it.

View all my reviews The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The finale to the Darkest Powers series.

Chloe and friends find themselves in danger as the man they sought for protection is not all that he seems. As their powers are revealed, enemies line up wanting to take them down.

Loved this series, sad to see it is done. Loved the Chloe-Derek storyline.

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Series Spotlight: Bound by Cage by Brittany Crowley

I enjoyed this series by Brittany Crowley. The first book is my favorite but the rest are just as good. I know my review on #4 is not the highest rating but worth reading. I think for me I was just surprised by the 4th book because all the characters are showcased in each book and it was different then the rest in series.

This series is filled with laugh out loud moments, kooky characters and surprising twists. Savannah’s Dad particularly is a hoot. Definitely worth checking out if you like sports romance.

Caged by Brittany Crowley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savannah is going nuts with all the construction for a gym next door, it is slowing her business at the bar she owns with her best friend. Deciding to take matters into her own hands she tries to meet with the owner but is out of luck since he is not there, but she does leave him a note.

Zander sees Savannah once in a wacky way and he knows she is different than the other women he has been with. Zander is a MMA fighter known as “The Hitman” who is ramping up to his next bout for the title, he really doesn’t need the distraction but he knows Savannah is worth taking the chance. However, her ex is still trying to win her back but Zander does not plan on letting her go.

Loved this, I thought it was really funny and can’t wait to read next in series. All the characters are fun in this and the story had some really funny laugh out loud moments. Definitely one to reread again.

View all my reviews Rampage by Brittany Crowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashlyn believed all the words Josh told her about building a future together, she gave him everything she had to offer only to have him walk away. Now pregnant, she knows she needs to tell Josh but she is still smarting over the reason he left.

Josh knows he screwed up, he believed he was doing the right thing only to have it blow up in his face. He wants Ashlyn back but once he finds she is pregnant he is even more determined to win her back. Can Ashlyn trust Josh again and what happens when a threat she didn’t see coming turns up and threatens to ruin everything?

This was fantastic. I wanted to kick Josh initially but he redeems himself and understand why he did what he did. Ashlyn was a favorite from the first book, she is a strong woman and I admired her strength. Great series, no cheating.

View all my reviews Chaos by Brittany Crowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Georgie was sheltered her whole life in a cult, she escaped once but didn’t get much chance for freedom until she was rescued again. Now trying to find her path in life, Georgie’s naivety has put her in a bad situation.

Jayden has rules where women are concerned and it is mainly one and done, no attachments, and certainly no idea of a relationship in the future. Georgie though has Jay confused, he wants to keep her but isn’t sure how to go about it. When he steps in to save her though he gets a chance on trying to build something with Georgie.

Pretty funny book. Jay is completely clueless on dating and it leads to some really hilarious moments. Liked Georgie she was interesting and you could see how she got herself in the situation she is in. Great read, very fun series.

View all my reviews Reckless by Brittany Crowley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kyle Cage is at the height of his career, he can have any woman he wants and he parties like a man with no qualms of who he hurts in the process. He knows he has been distant from his family but he doesn’t need their judgement. When he returns home, though, he finds the girl he loved once, Sophie and she has a secret she has been holding close: his son. Kyle wants to be part of his sons life and Sophie’s and he knows he has a long way to prove himself. Can Sophie give him another chance?

This one was a bit disappointing, I was very surprised by Kyle’s behavior. You’ve gotten to know him in the previous three books, and while he does redeem himself, it still takes a while to warm up to him. Not sure if this is the end of the series, although I’d liked to read more.

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Series Spotlight: Surrendering by Ahren Sanders

You know when you find a book you pick up, read and then want to reread again. Each book in the series is better then the first, this is that series. On that note I will say #1+2 are the same couple. I am not always a fan of cliff hanger books but this was an exception for me. The books have everything look for in a romance-chemistry, heartbreak, and solid characters you want to know more about. Side note – Finn is not listed as part of the Surrendering series but he is a principal character in the books so I added it to the list below.

Surrendering by Ahren Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ravenel Hayes is working to get her MBA and for the first time in her life is ready to let loose and just live her life as a college girl. Raven is a good girl who knows to have fun but also knows how to stay away from players. When she literally bumps into Declan Collins the first time she has him pegged, especially once he opens his mouth.

Rising rock star Declan can’t believe the girl he hit on and was shot down is his sisters new roommate. Declan is not a relationship type of guy, but something about Raven has him wanting to try. Declan finds the more he spends time with Raven the more he knows she is the one. When Declan’s band begins to take off he makes a choice that could destroy everything he and Raven are building.

This is a two part book. Declan is pure alpha and he has a jealous streak when it comes to Raven. Raven is a lot of fun, she can be feisty, fun, lovable, and determined. I thought this was a fantastic read, they go through growing pains as a new couple and anxious to see how it all unfolds.

View all my reviews Surviving by Ahren Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Surviving leaves off where Surrender ended. I don’t want to delve in too much into where Raven Hayes and Declan Collins are in their relationship but Declan has no plans of letting Raven get away, she is his everything. I thought this as a fantastic follow up. Has a few surprises along the way. This series is a bit of a time investment but well worth it.

View all my reviews Salvation by Ahren Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Robbie Hayes tried to stay away from Ember Walker, at first he thought she was just another random chick but after getting to know her a bit he realized she was shy and sweet. When he decides to see if there is really something there with Ember he finds that there is a lot more to Ember than he could have possibly imagined. Her past has molded the woman she is today, to Robbie she is an inspiration and deserves his protection. Everything is going better than either anticipated until Ember’s past catches up to her and threatens to ruin everything.

Beautiful story. Robbie puts Ember first, her needs and wants are at the forefront of what he does on a daily basis. Ember is blossoming as their relationship progresses and you feel like a part of the family. Couldn’t put down. Can’t wait for more.

View all my reviews Finn by Ahren Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Presley Chambers lives in a safe place. Her life has not been about taking risks, but finding a calm, no surprise lifestyle that she surrounds with her brother, father, and niece. When she meets Finn Black, that is what she sees, risk, desire, and putting her trust into the unknown. Presley is not sure she can be that girl though.

Finn though he loved once, but it was nothing like what he feels with Presley. He knows she is fragile, he knows he needs to take his time to get her to trust him. Finn will give Presley everything if she is willing to take a chance on him. Boundaries are pushed in more than one way though risking everything, can they hold on to the storm that is about to come?

I have been anxiously waiting for Finn’s story. It did not disappoint. I liked Presley and understood her reasoning for being hesitant. There was one part of the story I was stunned by, if you have read the series I think you would agree. Not going to point it out but it had a very real life situation I could easily see unfold. This is a powerful couple, I think Finn is probably the most alpha so far in this series.

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Series Spotlight: Devils Angels by Lola Wright

This is one of my reread go to series. It started with Gunner and each book has a different feel to it and the characters are terrific. If you like MC stories that have humor and animal sidekicks, this is one to pick up. As of right now there are only 4 books in the series but I am sure there are more to come.

Gunner by Lola Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ava Beaumont has a past that she keeps safely guarded and to herself. When her crazy neighbor makes waves and calls the cops on her because of her dog Loki, she ends up receiving help from Gunner, the President of the Devil’s Angels MC. Gunner is a one and done type of man, he has enough responsibility with his club to form any attachment to a woman let alone get himself an Ol lady but one look at Ava he knows he wants her.

Ava isn’t sure she can trust Gunner but he claims he wants to try a relationship with her. Will the biker who is set in his ways be able to be trusted? Ava quickly finds herself becoming part of the MC life but a threat is out there she thought was in her past and Gunner is determined to keep her safe. Will he be able to?

Wonderful read. This author was recently recommended to me and she did not disappoint. Loved Ava, she is a terrific heroine who has risen when she could have easily failed. Gunner is pure alpha male and the others in the club are fascinating. Loved the animals in this story, they bring a lot of humor to it. Excellent read.

View all my reviews Axel by Lola Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bailey works as an accountant and believes she is helping her boss when she uncovers something sinister. Confronting him about it puts Bailey in danger and into the path of of Devils Angel MC and their VP Axel. Axel realizes quick that Bailey needs protection and he goes about protecting her but he also realizes he wants to sleep with her but Bailey is not a one night stand type of gal. Axel was not looking for long term but he quickly realizes Bailey is his for the long haul, now he just needs to find the man intent on doing her harm.

This was great had some really funny moments in it. I liked Bailey, she is an intriguing character, her mom is a hot mess and was curious how that part of the story would unfold. Unexpected treat, looking forward to more in this series.

View all my reviews Pooh by Lola Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pippa learned a tough lesson when she was in college which is why she opened a home for domestic violence victims. She takes a lot of pride in her work and when the Devil’s Angels MC donates to her cause she meets Pooh. Pooh has made his interest known but Pippa is not one to give a man a chance with old memories still haunting her. Pooh wants Pippa to give him a shot but when she is put in danger, Pooh is there by her side proving he is a man worthy of being by her side.

This was another great read from Lola Wright. Very different from the first two books but still had the same hint of humor I have come to expect from her. Loved Pooh, liked seeing his character evolve and Pippa was a terrific match. Also had a big surprise for another character which I was happy to read about.

View all my reviews Vex by Lola Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vex is a man who never planned on having a woman by his side, he is always upfront with the women he sleeps with they have their fun for the few hours they spend together and there are no repeats. When Taja begins working at the strip joint owned by the Devils Angels MC she catches the eye of Vex, but he is quickly warned off and a bit thrown off by her lack of interest in him.

Taja knows to stay away from bikers, her father is the president of a club that moved out of town years ago and they were the scum of the earth. Taja put her life on hold in order to care for her mother and help raise her sister. When her mother passes, her father reenters her life and not for anything good. She has enough on her plate without fighting the attraction to Vex and she knows from the rumors about him he is not one for relationships. The attraction though is intense and when one moment leads to another what will happen when it becomes something they cant resist.

I was torn on this one, it is a definite tearjerker and had me thinking quite a bit ab out it after I had finished it. Vex was everything and more then I expected. I loved Taja and especially her sister, she is a hoot. I could not put this book down, #2 in the series for me with Gunner story the first in my favorite list. Excellent.

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Series Spotlight: Ruin & Revenge by Sarah Castille

I liked a good mafia romance story and Sarah Castille has written three books that are all really exceptional. Well worth picking up.

Luca by Sarah Castille
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luca Rizzoli’s loyalty is to his family. He does his duty as a crime boss but he also is a man who has learned the art of seduction. Luca never expected to meet Gabrielle Fawkes or the fact that the attraction he feels for her awakens something he has never felt before and he wants to protect her.

Gabrielle is out for revenge against the gang that killed her husband. She has moved in in a sense but after a tip goes wrong, she ends up off the investigation into his death. Gabrielle feels something for Luca but she doesn’t want to jeopardize her heart again. Problems arise though when Gabrielle’s job as a cop comes into play and can she accept Luca for who he truly is?

Delicious fun. Luca and Gabrielle ignite every page they are on. The story starts off with a bang and it does not let up until the very end. You want more from this couple even as you turn the final page. Definitely reread worthy.

View all my reviews Nico by Sarah Castille
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia Cordano thought that she had distanced herself enough from her father’s mafia ties, but when her latest assignment to break in to a casino puts her in the path of a rival mafia family and Nico Toscani it puts her back on the radar. Nico has been waiting for revenge for his fathers death and when a twist of fate lands in his lap he takes it. Little does he realize that Mia has become his game changer in more ways than one.

This was quite a bit different than Sarah Castille’s other books. I liked this a lot, it gave a full picture into mafia life and had a gritty edge to it. Mia is completely different than you would expect, she is a hacker with a definite flair for originality. Nico oozes alpha male from he very beginning and you can’t wait to get to know him more. Excellent read.

View all my reviews Rocco by Sarah Castille
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rocco De Lucchi loved only one woman, Grace Mantini and when she left his heart went with him. Years later Rocco is near her again, but his bitterness for her has grown and he only focuses on his job. Thrown together by circumstance, Grace sees Rocco has changed and is not the man she remembers. When a betrayal happens and Grace is thrown into it, Rocco is again by her side but can each other put the pieces of their past together to have any hopes of a future?

This had a major twist I was not anticipating where Rocco was concerned. I like that each book in this series is so different from the first one. Rocco has a major chip on his shoulder and I liked that Grace had backbone and didn’t let him get away with his behavior. Intriguing read that captivated from beginning to end.

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Series Spotlight: The Three by Kristen Ashley

One of my favorite series to pick up when I just need a break from reality is The Three by Kristen Ashley. You have it all in these books, Vampire, Shifters, and more. Each book is excellent. If you have not read and like Paranormal, should definitely give these three a try.

Until the Sun Falls from the Sky by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Leah Buchanan grew up knowing that one day she could follow the footsteps of her families service to vampires. The Buchanan women are held in the highest regard when it comes to concubines, they allow the vampires who chose them at the Selection to feast upon their blood until they are no longer in need and released to a comfortable lifestyle throughout their days. However Leah is completely different than her family, she has temper, opinion, and isn’t quite sure she even wants to be a concubine and follow the strict rules cast upon them.

Vampire Lucien is one of the most powerful vampires out in there and he has had his eye on Leah for twenty years. He has been waiting until she was available before she was summoned to the Selection and he would enter into an agreement with her. Everything about her is different, she manages to fight him in every way possible. Lucien wants a different life with his concubine, he wants it all and plans to tame her. Causing the Vampire Dominion to come down hard wanting to intervene with the firm line Lucien is crossing with Leah. Neither Leah or Lucien realized though that their journey is only the first in three prophesies that will change everything they have known.

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a vampire story by Kristen Ashley, I am a huge fan of her books and this was a bit off the beaten track from her other stories. That said I was blown away, Lucien is a very alpha man. He says something and expects it to be done, Leah however doesn’t care and when a few well fought out fights lead to an unhappy resolution, Leah tries a different tact, driving Lucien nuts. It was like an intense chess game, game, set, match…loved this story and completely reread worthy. It was very rough in a few spots where you can’t believe what one of them did, but it perfectly blends with this mismatched couple and I think since Lucien has lived for centuries he forget the little things that make Leah tick. Another 5 stars for Kristen Ashley.

View all my reviews With Everything I Am by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Callum knew there was something special about the girl he finds in the woods. Her bravery trying to protect him as a wolf radiates, but his need to protect her is intense. Realizing she is his mate has him biding his time until she is ready.

As a human, Sonia Arlington knows she is different. She senses things, has outstanding hearing, and other gifts that she keeps well hidden from others. Everything about her life is structured and overseen by her guardian and his son, but that is all about to shift when an attack in her home leaves her rescued by Callum, a man claiming she is his mate.

Callum tries his patience with courting Sonia, as she is human. His wolf wants to claim, mate, and move on but the more he gets to know Sonia the more intrigued he becomes. He has a way of getting under her skin and she is able to interact with him no way a human should. The one thing he did not know about his mate though, is she is sick and there is no permanent treatment for her. He wants to give Sonia everything and make her short life as wonderful as he can, but trying to do so is met with hurdles especially when it comes to learning to communicate with Sonia.

Loved, loved, loved. This was a powerful story, it actually brought out some tears I was so heavily invested in Sonia and Callum. Callum is bossy, big time and he is swift with his orders. Sonia is used to being independent and that Callum doesn’t seek her opinion ruffles her feathers frequently. I liked that the friction was there and you were dealing with two different lifestyles trying to mesh.

View all my reviews Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abel Jin has lived his life feeling empty, a gnawing pain in his gut knowing he is missing an important piece of himself. When he saves Delilah Johnson he knows she is the missing piece. Delilah finally feels fulfilled and now confused. Abel has told Delilah she is his, but what does this kidnapper vampire werewolf man mean, Delilah plans to find out.

Once they realize they are part of the three, a prophesied couple who joins forces with a vampire couple as well as a wolf couple, who are meant to save humanity. Abel though is overwhelmed, he lived for two hundred years feeling he was alone add to Delilah have nightmares, Abel is getting anxious. The time has come to face the enemies, but who will survive.

The finale of the Three series. I liked how it ended, Abel and Delilah are my second favorite couple. Callum and Sonia though are the hands down favorite book and couple in this series. Liked the biker element to the story . Quite a bit different then the other two books, Abel is more like Tack in Kirsten Ashley’s other books. Wonderful end to series.

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Stella Price and the Inferi Dii spotlight

 

 

 

Something Darker (Inferi Dii Book 1)

 

The one thing Syrus Alcot, the God of Death Osiris in the Egyptian Pantheon, wants in all the worlds is the woman he loved and lost returned to him. When he gave up his powers, and freedom for a life of service he was promised her return. That was over one thousand years ago. A member of a team of dark gods charged with keeping humanity safe, he leads a loveless existence in New York City, searching for the one thing that could bring his wife back to him, a lapis scarab that was lost to him ages before.

Gwen Stapleton, a mild mannered librarian, is unaware that she holds the key to not only Syrus’ happiness, but her own. Seemingly stuck in a hopeless relationship with a man she doesn’t love, she has no idea that a chance meeting in Alphabet City will start a
landslide to her heart’s content. Because Gwen is the keeper of the scarab, and is everything Syrus has ever wanted… and hes not the only one.

An Ancient evil is waking, and its servants will stop at nothing to see it seize its rightful place as the new pantheon of earth. And in order for Syrus and his team to save the world, Gwen is going to have to accept him, and show that love does make all the difference.

http://www.amazon.com/Something-Darker-Inferi-Dii-Book-ebook/dp/B00AOT77GW

 

 

 

Something Sinful (Inferi Dii Book 2)

When Dezi North walks into a metaphysical shop to find his date murdered, he doesn’t expect to find his Keeper standing there, asking him questions about his alibi. But the woman before him is everything he’s always secretly wanted and nothing he expected to find. 
Detective Lexington Cooper is not fazed at all by the slick suit wearing man who has just become her prime suspect. His manner and his candor don’t do anything but upset her. It surely doesn’t set her body to waken. No, not at all. 
When a second body is found, and it’s another of Dezi’s friends, her suspicions deepen, until she gets an up close and personal view of what is really killing the woman in his life. 
Struck with the realization that monsters are real, and so are gods, can she come to grips with this new information, and accept that not only is she now a part of the madness, but the man she’s not so sure about is the key to her heart’s desire? 
And what will Dezi do when Lex becomes a target? 

http://www.amazon.com/Something-Sinful-Inferi-Dii-Book-ebook/dp/B010GMZTIO/

 

 

Bi-continental, Stella and Audra break all misconceptions about siblings. Writing as a team they have produced well over twenty novels under two names: Stella and Audra Price and S.A. Price as well as several novella’s and short stories. And nary an argument has come from it.

On their off time from writing, Audra is a makeup artist and Stella is a graphic artist and web designer, as well as the convention director for the Authors After Dark convention. They both love animals and have several including snakes and a peacock.

Audra lives in Scotland with her husband and children, while Stella Lives in South Carolina with her dogs Moo and Poe and her husband.
https://twitter.com/eververse

http://stellaandaudra.blogspot.com/

Stage Dive Series Spotlight available in Audiobooks

Lick by Kylie Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas or does it. When freshly turned 21 year old Evelyn Thomas wakes up hugging the porcelain god with a stunning, size of an iceberg ring on her finger she realizes she may of partied a little too much. Finding herself married to bad boy guitarist David is a stunner, that she doesn’t remember a thing sets David off. David felt something with Evelyn and his hardened personalty has just took another hit. While he tries for a quick annulment he cant help but spar with Evelyn, who is the one of the few persons in his life who want nothing from him other than a possible friendship but as that develops Evelyn begins to hope for more.

You know when you read a book and you know, you just know something is going to take the rocky beginning that is now smooth and beautiful and then like a volcano it erupts in hot ash and you don’t know if that beautiful moment you were in while reading will come back. Lick is that type of story, your engaged, your hurt, your angry, your in love with the sinfully delicious bad boy, your hopeful and then the story takes another turn and you relive all these rampant emotions again. Excellent read.

Lick: https://soundcloud.com/macaudio-2/lick-audiobook-chapter-1

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Play by Kylie Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anne Rollins is not having a good day, her crush of two years still doesn’t seem to notice her and her roommate just took off without any notice. When her neighbor invites her to a party where rock band Stage Dive are in attendance, she agrees to go needing to get out of depressing circumstances. Anne hadn’t planned on having drummer Mal Ericson eavesdropping on her or the fact that he professes she is now his girl. Anne blows it off until she comes home the next day and finds Mal moved in, he wants a pretend girlfriend and although sex is not on the table, kissing and fondling are a much needed necessity to get people to see they are a real fake couple.

Loved this, it has a deeper story but for the most part Mal who lives in his own land of Mal keeps Anne on her toes. She doesn’t realize she does the same for him, his offbeat sense of humor and declarations are often hilarious. Not sure which of of three is my absolute favorite but right now #2 and #3 are tied for first place.

Play: https://soundcloud.com/macaudio-2/play-by-kylie-scott-audiobook

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Lead by Kylie Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lena was not the type of woman to take guff from anyone. In fact it is probably the reason she just got fired from her job, but the band watching found it entertaining and believe she is the perfect candidate to be the new assistant to lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy. Jimmy doesn’t think she will last longer than any of the rest, of course he doesn’t go about making her feel welcome or curb his tempered tongue. Lena doesn’t back down though but when her feelings begin to become something other than boss/employee she knows it is time to get out of dodge. When Jimmy finds out why she is wanting to leave, he thwarts it in a highly entertaining and innovative way.

Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=14257

Lead: https://soundcloud.com/macaudio-2/lead-by-kylie-scott-audiobook-excerpt

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