Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh

Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh

Published September 18th, 2018 by TKA Distribution

Nalini Singh is a Rockstar playing with our hearts with every novel she releases. This is my favorite of the contemporary novels she has; the second favorite is Rock Wedding.

We met Nayna and Raj in the previous book with Sailor and Isa. Honestly, with only a few scenes they had I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to read their story.

Nayna has always been the good sister, the one who always did what was expected of her from her parents. She was much more guarded against cultural views that would influence her to deviate from her family’s expectations that she makes a good marriage match. It's not like aristocracy that matches were made sometimes even against the woman’s consent but rather the family tries to make a match the will bring happiness or at least contentment to the union.

As we know from the previous book, Nayna and Raj meet at a party where things get a little heated. Afterward, they meet again when their families are considering an arranged marriage between the two.

I loved Raj, he makes it clear that he wants Nayna, but he also wants her to be happy. While their families are both pushing for a marriage to happen quickly, Raj helps her do the things she wants to do like her own apartment, and get a job she is actually interested in.

Nayna is a bit resistant to getting married, she wants to do things differently but has trouble expressing to her family what she wants out of her life. I understand, and I find her views and beliefs very relatable, I don’t want to disappoint my parents either but their views on how my life should be are different than what I want.

Overall, I loved this book!!! You can never go wrong with Nalini Singh.

*ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.

Playmaker by L.P. Dover

Playmaker by L.P. Dover

Published February 27th, 2018 by Loveswept

Lacey and Maddow got married on a drunk weekend in Vegas. The next morning Lacey left him behind without even saying goodbye. Fast-forward a couple of months, Lacey and Maddox are both guests in the same wedding. I’m sorry but I got bored with both characters within 4 chapters.

Maddox had hired a private investigator to find Lacey after she left him in Vegas. Also, the reason the Lacey left is that Maddox and her brother were not getting along at the time. Maddox is Callie’s cousin, who married Dallas, who is Lacey’s brother. So, a few weeks after the Vegas wedding and after Lacey had left Maddox she saw pictures of him with other women, but he swears that he didn’t sleep with them, but she doesn’t believe that. Well, if Lacey didn’t want Maddox to be with other women, she should not have left him in the first place.

*ARC graciously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
 

Served Hot by Marie Harte

Served Hot by Marie Harte

Published November 13th, 2017 by Entangled: Brazen

OMG
Dex is seriously and deliciously hot. He once blackmailed Maya to be his prom date and he feels no shame in blackmailing her again for another 10 dates. Only Dex can pull off blackmail without it being sleazy. He is just too cute. He is a former marine but underneath all that bulk and muscle he is a marshmallow that I just want to eat up. 

“Baby, I can handle you with one hand tied behind my back” – Dex 
 
Maya is seriously guarded. Her mother abandoned her multiple times and then she passed. Her father loves Maya but after seeing what her mother put her father through, she doesn’t want to let a man get that close to being able to hurt her. Dex is perfect for her. He is determined to not let Maya push him away and he is just too irresistible that even Maya has a very hard time coming up with an excuse not fall for him. 

“I’m glad you came back. I’m glad you forced me to go out with you.” – Maya 
 
I don’t know how Marie Harte is going to top off Dex and Maya. Although I also started to like Anson in this book, his loyalty to Dex made me like him. 

“It’s the biceps, right? Chicks dig the biceps.” – Dex

ARC graciously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken

Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken
 
Published January 9th, 2018 by Skyscape 

Okay, so Quinton and Kinsey had a night of passion in Vegas, but the next day Quinton pushed her away, encouraging her to go to Europe.

Well now she is back, and her douche ex is on the team as well. So, Jax, her brother, has a great idea, why not pretend she is dating Quinton? Of course, Jax doesn’t know what happened in Vegas otherwise he would not be happy with his idea.

OMG, this book was full of feels. Kinsey’s dad is sick and he’s not getting better. Quinton also lost his mom and he never really mourned her, so this is bringing back a lot of bad memories. I like the talk that Kinsey’s dad had with Quinton. I loved this book. Can’t wait to read more. *ARC graciously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Rock Wedding by Nalini Singh

Rock Wedding by Nalini Singh

Published July 19th, 2016 by TKA Distribution

Nalini Singh is an amazing writer. I had been counting down the days to read Rock Wedding. Abe and Sarah have been through so many struggles. It is worth finally reading their happy ending. Sarah loved Abe so much the first time that they were married. Abe being an addict, hurt her. There ending was bitter but I am so glad the Abe finally admitted having a problem and sought help. It was hard for Sarah to trust Abe. He shattered her heart and trust into a million pieces but Abe didn’t give up and he proved that he wasn’t the same man as before. He was better. I loved how Sarah transformed into a strong, and confident woman. I don’t want to spoil anything, but a floozy tried to intimidate her and make her feel less, and Sarah was quick to shut her up. She didn’t cower, she stood up for herself. That was my favorite scene. Out of all the Rock Kiss books, this has been my favorite. Abra <3 forever

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

Published March 21st, 2017 by Harper

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell is like Gone Girl meets Norman Bates. No one is who they seem. The narrator Stephanie is a complicated and honestly a bit disturbed woman. Her husband and her brother die in the same car accident and she is left alone with her son Miles. She is alone other than her job and her mommy blog but will often lie on it or embellish the truth. 

Emily’s life seems perfect, she has her handsome husband Sean, and a son, Nicky, the same age as Miles. One day she asks Stephanie to pick her son up from school and doesn’t come back to pick him up. A while later her body is found. After this nothing is normal. Stephanie starts getting closer to Sean. Nicky is convinced he sees his mom at school and Stephanie tries to convince him it's only his imagination. 

This book was full of mystery and thrills. I also liked that it was in different points of view. 

Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next and it did not disappoint.

Now it gets better with a movie coming out based on the book starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick.

The Perfect Duchess by Erica Taylor

The Perfect Duchess by Erica Taylor

Published April 17th 2018 by Amberjack Publishing

How many tries does it take to get Duke of Bradstone married? 3

Andrew was the second son, but after his father and older brother pass on, he inherits the dukedom. He stonewalls himself after this happens. He goes from being the second son to being flocked by people that only want the power and prestige that comes with being associated with a duke. Andrew was fond of Clara, so I don’t understand why he would let himself be arm twisted into proposing to her twin sister instead of Clara.

I have to say, I really liked Clara... at the beginning, not so much during the middle. No one of the ton liked her because of the lies her own brother spread and the scandal of her own twin sister but she was brave in defying them anyways and, I liked the way she handled Lady Laura. I would have punched that girl. I also liked the little snippets of gossip at the beginning of each chapter. Sort of like Julia Quinn novel of the Bridgertons with Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, There was even a Lady Danbury in this book but not like Julia Quinn’s Lady Danbury.

I’m not sure this is a historical romance because the way Andrew communicates so quickly about things that are going on in the story it almost seems like the have cell phones or internet. I seriously wanted to slap her a couple of times, she finally got Andrew to admit his love for her and she says she’s the one who is not sure anymore.

Other than that, this was a really great read. All the assassination attempts were getting annoying.

** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Published January 9th, 2018 by St. Martin's Press 

This is one of only 2 books that have made me read them through the night. Matter how tired I was I had to read the next page, the next chapter up until the end.

And BOOM goes the dynamite!

That’s how I felt after every plot twist. When I first read the description I thought this was going to be like the movie Unforgettable or The Girl on the Train, with Katherine Heigl and Rosario Dawson, where the new wife has to watch her back from the unstable ex-wife.

This is the book you won’t be able to put down. This novel will take you on an intense psychological thrilling journey.

*ARC graciously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Bjarni by Alexi Ferreira

Bjarni by Alexi Ferreira

Published October 15th, 2017

I wasn’t very pleased with this book. I am not a fan of Bjarni since he sort just assumes that Gabriela, his old lady/ girlfriend/ wife is going to give up all other dreams, aspirations, job or career options in order to be their devoted lover. I am all for falling in love, but not about being replaced by a pod person that only thinks about the significant other and loses all drive that made them who they were before. The possessiveness, the trying to make decisions for the other person without 1st asking if it’s okay. Okay, and what is up with the Jezebels? Like why name them Jezebels? Hey, it’s totally okay for a modern woman to like sex and not be labeled a Jezebel. They all live together. Bjarni has slept with a lot of Jezebels then brings his old Lady to live with him and all the Jezebels. And then Gabriela's the one who apologizes when it’s his freaking fault. WTF!!!

Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh

Published January 25th 2011 by Berkley

Archangel’s Consort continues the epic romance of Elena and Raphael. After surviving the events at Lijuan’s ball, they have returned to New York. The entire world is buzzing with the making of an angel. She might be an angel now, but Elena will never stop being a hunter born. Raphael however is extremely protective of his consort and she must become stronger. 

Especially now, that events all over the world suggest that an angel is awakening. It’s not just any angel, it’s the archangel Caliane, Raphael’s mother. Before she went to sleep, she almost killed her own son, and now that she is awakening, there is no knowing if she has been cured of her madness. 

This is the third book in this Guild Hunter series, and with every book that Nalini Singh writes, it is better than the last. I devour these books as they come out and am anxious to read what happens next.

Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh

 

Published February 2nd, 2010 by Berkley Sensation

In 1500 years, not once had an angel been made. Waking up a year later after Elena almost died in the fierce batter against Uram, Elena discovers she has wings! When an angel loves true, he creates a substance called ambrosia, making it possible to make an angel.

Regardless of her new immortality, Elena is still in danger. Lijuan is the next Archangel that has begun to go mad. She is much stonger, much older, and much more lethal than Uram. Not everyone in the Angelic world is fond of Elena as Raphael. Michaela is also hoping to make a new purse out of her. On top of that, an unknown angel wants to join the Cadre by using her head as an entry pass.

Everything in the angel world is new, and different and Elena has to learn fast while having a relationship with an Archangel.

This is a great continuation of the series.

Resort to Love by Priscilla Oliveras

Resort to Love by Priscilla Oliveras

Expected Publication date May 15, 2018 by Tule Publishing

Nate and Sofia let their different backgrounds come between them before. Nate let his father control his life and Sofia let her insecurities come between her and the man she loves. 

Sofia comes from a family that love and support each other very much. Nate comes from a family that barely tolerate each other. 

Years ago, they were both together when Nate told Gabby he was getting engaged to another woman to please his father. Nate’s reluctance to go against his father’s wishes and Gabby's reluctance to ask for more out of their relationship drove them apart. I really enjoyed this book although I was annoyed at their reluctance to admit their true feelings to each other that lead to them separating the first time. 

I love novels like this. The second chance at love with an ex. 

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

Beautiful Wreck by Kasey Lane

Beautiful Wreck by Kasey Lane

Expected Publication Date May 31, 2018 Tule Publishing

Beautiful Wreck is a truly compelling story. Right from the very beginning I was hooked.
Gabby is a new friend to Bowen’s little posse, and also his new neighbor. She is very guarded and has reason to be so. She hasn’t had people in her life that she can trust. Her mom has been in and out of rehab and hasn’t managed to stay clean. As a result, she grew up in foster care and had some very bad experiences that left her with no desire to ever trust a man.

Bowen is barely out of rehab and is trying to stay clean. He is doing everything he is supposed to do, go to meetings and work. He is committed to his recovery but that doesn’t mean there aren’t moments where it is the hardest thing he is doing. He is sure that he will mess up and drag Gabby down with him and he thinks she deserves better than that.

Some trouble from Gabby’s past is stalking her and Bowen sweeps in to help her. He thinks that she is too good for him but that doesn’t mean he won’t be there to protect her if she needs it. This is a really great read. It’s the story of two broken people coming together to be whole again. Their connection is genuine.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting

I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting

Expected publication: May 29th, 2018 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

I flipping love this book. The meeting between Rian and Pierce was hilarious. I was at work reading while on a break and I busted out laughing.

So, Rian with an I instead of a y, has a fraternal twin sister that damaged the paint job on Pierce’s baby Tessla. Pierce, however, doesn’t know that and while he finds her and her spectacular cleavage hot, she damaged his car or at least that’s what he thinks. 

While they are in competition for some real-estate at the Hamptons, this doesn’t really come between them. Something from Rian’s past causes some tension between them but in the end, they decide to trust each other. 

I love Helena Hunting’s writing, she makes the heroine a perfect combination or awkwardness and grace. And the hero is always as charming and witty as he is handsome. 

I loved the scenes with Amalie and Lex. They crack me up. Also, can't wait to read more on Lawson's piercings and their locations.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Head Over Heels by Serena Bell

Head Over Heels by Serena Bell

Expected Publication Date June 5th, 2018

 This read was okay but nothing to write home about.
So, Chase and Liv have been friends for a while. Both think that a relationship between them will crash and burn. Liv is about to move to Denver and Chase just fired his nanny, so Liv volunteers before she leaves in 2 weeks. 

 

It’s the same story over again. Friends realize they love each other right when one of them is about to leave. Chase’s daughter is adorable and gets along well with Liv. It was nice and sweet but sort of like a guy that you turn into a friend without ever any intention of dating seriously. 

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cowboy Up by Harper Sloan

Cowboy Up by Harper Sloan

Published December 19th, 2017 by Pocket Books

Cowboy Up is the final book in the Davis sibling trilogy by Harper Sloan. Here we meet the woman that finally get Clayton to settle down. 

Clayton is the oldest of the Davis siblings and he feels it’s his responsibility to take care of everything except his love life. He is dedicated to his ranch and he is okay with being alone. Once burned by a scorned woman, he has avoided settling down and commitments but something about Caroline intrigues him. Caroline has also avoided relationships since the only time she tried her luck and trusted a man, it ended badly. Her life hasn’t been easy, she never knew her father and her mother is not the warm and fuzzy kind. She is used to taking care of herself but as soon as she sits down next the Clayton at a bar, she is captivated by him. 

When the past keeps trying to come back up again, they face it head on and they don’t let it come between them. It was good to see all the other characters again, Quinn cracks me up. 

The epilogue was bittersweet. I had tears in my eyes while reading it. We get to see how the lives of Clayton and Caroline, Maverick and Leighton, and Tate and Quinn turned out. 

*ARC graciously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Bitten Under Fire by Heather Long

Bitten Under Fire by Heather Long

Expected publication: May 28th, 2018 by Entangled Publishing, LLC 

Talk about a vacation from hell. First Bianca boss forces her to take a 6 month leave to get some rest and relaxation. While on her vacation she gets kidnapped while trying to stop guerilla soldiers from taking a small boy. Raised by her doctor without borders parents, she is always trying to help people in need and this was no different. 

Lucky for Bianca, Carlos “Cage” Castillo (great alliteration) and his team are sent in to rescue her and the little boy. Something goes wrong, and Cage has to keep an eye on Bianca even after she returns back home. 

Bianca is very independent, she is smart, and has a great sense of humor. She is driven to help people but not a pushover either. Cage is funny, charming and takes responsibility for his actions at once. I really liked them together, I could feel the connection was genuine and not forced like in other authors. I look forward to reading more from this series. This is the first from this author and I like what I’m reading. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC provided by Netgalley. My review is my honest opinion about this book.

After the Wedding by Courtney Milan

After the Wedding by Courtney Milan

Published April 24th, 2018 by Courtney Milan

Don’t judge a book by its cover, although I also didn’t really like the cover much, I didn’t enjoy the contents. I think that both the hero and heroine lacked substance.

The hero reminded me of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a real-life person who was the first black aristocrat. I saw the movie and her situation was complicated, her family hid her during social events, but she was neither part of aristocrat social circles nor was she a slave or servant. Watch the movie, its really good, now back to the book.

Adrian is a likable character that wants his uncle, a power-hungry bishop, to acknowledge him, that where I stopped liking him. His mother was white, and his father was black. Why does he need his uncle’s approval, if what he wants is a happy life with a happy wife, he is better off without his uncle in his life?

Camilla was less likable. She left her family when they were going through a very hard time to live with her rich uncle. She goes from being an aristocrat to being a maid. Ha! She deserved that. She is constantly saying she wants love but doesn’t deserve it and soon I find myself agreeing with her.

Courtney Milan please come back and try again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC provided by Netgalley. My review is my honest opinion about this book.

Texture of Intimacy by Nalini Singh

 Texture of Intimacy by Nalini Singh

Published November 5th, 2013 by Berkley

Tall, strong, and quiet are the best words that fit Walker’s description. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that his silence is a weakness, the silence only hides the raging storm beneath his skin.

Lara is the SnowDancer’s healer. She is loved by all, but the man that she loves most is Walker, but being mated to a Psy that has lived most of his life in Silence has its challenges. She will fight to maintain their bond and claim their future together.