Review: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Published June 26, 2012 by Avon
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
She's a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

My Thoughts
Oh Vlad,
how I squee for thee,
let me count the ways...

Yes that was chessy but I had to do it because I have not stopped squeeing since I finished this book! I knew I would love this because Vlad is one of my favorite characters in The Night Huntress series and I was so ready to see more of this delicious vampire. What I didn't expect was for Vlad to almost dethrone Bones as my favorite vampire of all time! It is a very VERY close race between the two and I am not sure who will wind up on top after all the books are said and done.

I thought Once Burned was going to be told from Vlad's POV so imagine my shock when I read the first few paragraphs and realized this was from Leila's POV! Don't get me wrong I loved her voice it just took me a minute to adjust my thinking. So anyway the book is about Leila and her uncanny abilities to 1.Give somebody the electrical shock of their life and 2.to tell somebody's past, present, and future from just a touch from an object. She is definitely not your typical woman and that turns out to be just what Vlad needs. These 2 meet when Leila is kidnapped, she is ordered to find Vlad using her abilities or else face well her death. When she finds him she realizes that he is probably the lesser of the two evils at this point and strikes a deal to save her own life. You can imagine what happens next, angst, heat, spice, awesome dialogue, a cameo from Bones who is as hilarious as ever, and a very dramatic ending. I loved EVER SINGLE page of this book. Vlad and Leila had an awesome connection and it was really lovely to see her grow stronger while he let a little bit of his guard down to let her in.

I do not want to wait until next year for my Night Huntress world fix. I still have one book left and I am going to be greedy and read it soon and I know I will go into withdrawals right after I finish it. Frost has done it again with this series and I cannot wait to see what Vlad and Leila get into next.

 5 Suns

 

New Release: The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst
Published October 2nd 2012 Gallery Books
Purchase: Amazon

About the book

WIFE WANTED…

Italian billionaire seeks faux fiancée. Willing to agree to anything in return...

In order for his sister to marry, Italian billionaire Michael Conte has to find himself a bride – and fast! When he learns that photographer Maggie Ryan is going to be in Milan, Michael hatches a plan to introduce her to his family as his “fiancée.” Never mind that Maggie is confident, independent, and a control freak. Never mind that she’s everything he doesn’t want in a wife… and everything he wants in his bed!

Convinced that Michael is in love with her married gal pal, Maggie agrees to keep up the ruse if he’ll keep away from her friend. Besides, she’s not attracted to charming, ridiculously hot billionaires who drive her nuts. Once they’re in Italy, however, everything changes – and the sexual tension between Maggie and Michael goes from simmer to naked nuclear meltdown!

But have they found the perfect arrangement… or are they trapped in a make-believe marriage?

I enjoyed Jennifer Probst's first book in the Marriage to a Billionaire series quite a bit, so I'm really looking forward to this next installment. Probst does a great job with casting her books and building up the romance. Love her writing!

Review: The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst
Published February 14th 2012 by Entangled Publishing (Indulgence)
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
A marriage in name only...

To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend's older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart.

Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his father’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister’s childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he’s offers Alexa a bold proposition.

A marriage in name only with certain rules: Avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn’t be that hard to follow, right?

Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans...

My thoughts
I really enjoyed this one! So much so that I have a ton of funny quips and scenes highlighted on my eReader.

In The Marriage Bargain two childhood “friends” (and I use that term loosely), agree to enter into a marriage of convenience. Nick needs a wife as a condition to inherit some cash, and Alexa is willing to accept the terms of the bargain for a small payout of her own to help save her family’s home. When their contract requirements begin to collide, sparks start to fly and Nick and Alexa find that this marriage bargain is turning into something they didn’t expect.

Okay, let me just say… yes there’s an element of predictability to this story. I knew how it was going to end, but in all fairness when you go into a story expecting something light, romantic, funny and fulfilling that’s the perfect type of predictability an author can deliver. Jennifer Probst did a great job of blending her protags to create a perfect pair that were funny and quite entertaining.

So, if you’re looking for a moment of reality suspension with an ending that leaves you smiling The Marriage Bargain is the perfect choice

4 Suns

Waves of Sunday #1

Welcome to our first edition of Waves of SUNday where each Sunday we'll be spotlighting a book that has been making waves in the book scene or has simply caught our attention causing a riptide on our TBR.

Today we're excited to spotlight:

Losing It by Cora Carmack
Published October 15th 2012 eBook
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

Here's what we had to say:
Arlene: So Rachel, I know you've seen me crush over book covers before, but tell me did this cover not catch your attention pretty hard? I love it! What do you think?

Rachel: I'm a sucker for an eye-catching cover, too, Arlene, and let me tell you, this one caught my eye!  That girl looks like she's in heaven!  I guess I might be, as well, if I were in her position (pun intended, lol!) I had to immediatley click on the description to see what is was all about!

Arlene:  It sounds like the genre for this book falls under the new category that's been making waves call New Adult. I'm excited to see more authors explore this genre. Have you heard about this new book category?

Rachel: Yes, I've been loving this new genre.  I think it started with the author Abbi Glines with me.  Her Vincent Boys series and Sea Breeze series started out as high school stories but moved to college age, and with each one the steam was amped up.  Easy by Tammara Webber was another "New Adult" I absolutely fell in love with.  Originally, it was self-publised, but with it's astounding populatrity, it was picked up by a big publishing house (Penguin). 

Arlene: Well, I can't wait to read Losing It. Should we make it a book date and explore the angst I predict by the excerpt alone? :)

Rachel: I would love that, Arlene! The sooner, the better! It's already clicked and loaded on my Kindle.

Well that's our pick for this week's Waves of SUNday. If you've read Losing It by Cara Carmack, be sure to tell us what you thought of it!

Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Published: August 31st 2012 by NAL Trade

Purchase: Amazon Barnes and Noble

About the book: Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.

My thoughts:
 
It was like someone had lassoed a rope around the two of us and was tugging and tugging, trying to draw us closer together.
Jocelyn lives in Dublin, Scotland after fleeing America on her eighteenth birthday, four years ago. She’s left nothing behind, being in a foster home since she was fourteen, her parents and little sister were killed in a tragic accident. When she came into her money at eighteen, she left and didn’t look back. Since then Jocelyn has turned her emotions off, she can’t be hurt if she doesn’t let anyone get close. She considers her college roommate of the last four years a friend, yet neither one of them shared any personal details of their past. This is all about to change when Jocelyn has to find another place to live when her roommate moves back to London. Her new roommate, Ellie, is unlike any other girl she’s met. She’s unorganized, energetic and sunny. Her positive attitude is infectious. Unfortunately, (in Jocelyn’s opinion) Braden, Ellie’s older brother is part of the package, and he wants Jocelyn.

Braden’s rich, handsome, charismatic, what’s not to like? Jocelyn is definitely attracted to him ”All I could think about was him shirtless with me wrapped around him like a tortilla.” but she’s scared to let anyone in, so she resists. I loved the delicious push and pull between these two in the beginning! Can you say SMOKING HOT sexual tension?! Knowing Jocelyn’s background and sensing her hesitation, Braden offers an arrangement between them: sex only, no strings attached. Braden never plans on honoring the “no strings attached” part though. He’s going to wiggle his way into her heart whether she likes it or not. I love how he kept breaking Jocelyn down bit by bit. Loved this quote:

I heard his footsteps quicken behind me and felt his arm come around me, his palm flat against my stomach as he pulled me back against him, my head resting on his chest. I was quickly getting used to Braden’s tactility. The man liked to touch me. All the time. I’d thought it would be harder to get accustomed to since I wasn’t really an overly affectionate person myself, but Braden didn’t really ask me whether I wanted to be hauled into his arms every five seconds. And the truth was, I didn’t really mind.

Jocelyn was a tough nut to crack for both Ellie and Braden, but she really did have issues, and a sad story that made me forgive her reluctance. I appreciated that this author had Jocelyn doing the smart thing, by going to a therapist when she starts having panic attacks, instead of burying her head in the sand and pretending like there’s no problem. There is the inevitable drama at the end, you know when you hit the 75-80% mark of these types of books, and the usual breakup or obstacle comes up. But nothing that had me pulling my hair out. I really loved Braden and how he never gave up on her. There was a sweet and caring quality to this romance that made you feel it wasn’t just about the sex, but holy heck, THE SPICE, was amazing. I just loved this story so much, I have to say it’s in my top five favorite spice reads for this year. Here’s another quote I must share with you:

”I wasn’t judging you,” he continued as though I hadn’t said anything, skimming soft, teasing kisses along my jaw to my ear, where his voice rumbled sexily, “In public, you’re Joss Butler. Cool, self-possessed. In bed, you’re Jocelyn Butler—you’re hot, babe. Uncontrolled. Needy. Sweet,” he breathed. “I like that I know that. I don’t like the fact that other men do too.”

I’ll be checking out whatever else Samantha Young has written for sure!

5 Suns

 

New Blog Celebration & Giveaway!

Welcome to our Waves of Fiction blog! We're excited to finally get our blog off the ground after months of planning, designing and organizing our site. Take a look around and tell us what you think! :)

 

Our blog team is made up of several avid readers that have been reviewing on Goodreads for years. You can find out more about us on our About page. So be sure to head over there to meet the Waves team!

On this blog we'll be providing updates on book news for the following genres:

• New Adult
• Adult Romance
• Contemporary Romance
• Urban Fantasy
• Adult Paranormal

So as you can see, this site will host our 18 and over reading material to keep our followers updated on what we're currently reading or what's recently caught our attention.

In addition to reviews and upcoming releases, we will be hosting a weekly spotlight known as Waves of Sunday. Every Sunday we'll pick a book that's been making waves in the book scene or simply caught our attention. So, stay tuned for those updates if you're looking for the next book to fill your TBR. The easiest way to do this is to follow our site and enter your email address for automatic updates.

We're excited to share our book news with you, and we hope you have a fun time visiting us. So to kick this celebration off the right way, we're offering our new and existing followers a chance to win a $25 Gift Card to either Amazon, B&N or any eBookstore where eGiftCards are available through email. All you have to do is follow our blog, fill out the rafflecopter thingy and tell us what your favorite book or genre is! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Strangers by Barbara Elsborg

Strangers by Barbara Elsborg
Published November 2nd 2009 by Ellora's Cave
Purchase: Barnes & Noble

About the book
Kate Snow's had enough of bad boys until a one-way swim in the ocean puts her on a collision course with a man she can't resist. Charlie Storm has turned being a bad boy into an art form. Already a famous pop star, mega-success in the movie business beckons until his inner demons send him spiraling out of control and right out to sea. The last thing he expects to do before he dies is crash into a suicidal woman.When the worlds of these two strangers collide, their lives take an upward twist. In surviving the waves, they find they can't stand to be apart, in or out of bed. Kate seizes a chance for happiness, seeing in Charlie a man she can finally trust to love her. Charlie can't let go of Kate because she's the only woman able to see the man he wants to be.But the price of fame is high and when the world wants to drive them apart, life only seems safe in Kate's bed.

My Thoughts
Strangers is my first book by Barbara Elsborg and definitely not my last. What a sweet and seductive romance between two unlikely characters that meet in the most desperate of situations.

Kate Snow and Charlie Storm were an explosive pair. I loved their moments together, their witty banter and the deep love that developed between these two that really had me at the edge of my seat. I just knew this relationship stood on the precipice of destruction considering their past and present struggles that led them to the sea to end it all. Kate and Charlie’s love story put me on a sugar high! I loved.loved.loved their moments together, especially their ongoing teasing and light hearted dialog that is forever highlighted and bookmarked on my eReader.

What a perfect read that I’ll probably re-visit a few times because it truly made me laugh with giddy excitement and sigh with heartfelt emotion throughout the entire book.

4 Suns

New Release: Tempting the Player by J. Lynn

Tempting the Player by J. Lynn
Published October 23rd 2012 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Brazen)
Purchase: Amazon

About the book

Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that’s the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad’s manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn’t just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn’t easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together...or in love.

All of us here at Waves of Fiction are huge fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, aka J. Lynn, so to see her next installment in her adult series come out is pure excitement! The Waves Team is defintiely looking forward to enjoying this book!!

Review: Tempting the Best Man by J.Lynn

 

Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1) by J.Lynn
Published April 23, 2012 by Indulgence (Entangled)
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering.

Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70’s honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…

My Thoughts:
This book right here is romance at its best. You know when you read a spicy book there are always “those” words that just make you cringe?? You know the ones that for some reason every romance writer thinks we women love to read but in reality just make us cringe and giggle thinking how in the hale is that sexy?? Puckered comes to mind first not to mention well okay I am just not going to go there but you get my drift. Anyway this book delivers all that hawt and spiciness without being cringeworthy! WOOHOO!! Finally a book geared toward romantics who need a little spice in their world! Bravo Ms.Lynn!

Madison and Chase were awesome characters. From the very beginning I loved their relationship and the way they just fought for what they wanted. The whole growing up together thing was pretty awesome as well. It sorta gave them a whole other level of understanding towards each other. I am a huge sucker for weddings so the setting was amazing as well. I really got caught up in that whole part of the book.

I just don’t know what to say except that I am so happy that Jennifer has decided to write for this genre because it really needed her. I loved loved loved the whole story! I am gushing I know but really what else did you expect??!! Now we need Chad and Chandlers stories!!

5 Suns

 

Review: Unravel Me by Kendall Ryan

Unravel Me by Kendall Ryan
Published September 22nd 2012 eBook
Purchase: Amazon

About the book

Psychology student Ashlyn Drake’s neat, orderly life takes a turn for the crazy when she finds the perfect subject for her amnesia thesis – a young man without any memory of his previous life, including the murder he’s accused of committing.

Against all common sense, Ashlyn’s drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Perhaps it’s that he’s so incredibly male, and even handcuffed to his hospital bed he could pass for a cologne ad – Scent de Insanity. Or perhaps it’s because she’s spent too many lonely nights studying. Either way, she’s determined to help him solve the mystery of his past. She begins to unravel who he was before, using his cryptic tattoos, and his paintings that scream of a dark past as her only clues. When she finally learns his secret there’s no telling which one is the real him, the gentle lover she’s fallen for or the troubled man with a dark past.

My Thoughts
Unravel Me by Kendall Ryan is a perfect love story for those looking to breeze through a quick and entertaining novel. It’s filled with a few slight flaws, but overall I enjoyed the story and characters that had good chemistry coupled with a decent plot.

When Ashlyn, a psychology post graduate student, is offered an opportunity to interact with an amnesia patient for her doctorate thesis, the last thing she expected would be for her to feel an immediate attraction to him. Logan is hospitalized after a homicide incident causes him to lose complete memory of his past. He’s being investigated for a murder, and after constant surveillance and interrogation, he’s not about to cooperate with Ashlyn and her project. However, after weeks of continual contact, these two begin to form a connection leaving them to wonder where they’ll end up when he regains his memory.

Overall, Unravel Me did its job… it managed to deliver hot and steamy scenes between two characters with obvious chemistry. However, this story wasn’t without its slight issues. I felt the pace was extremely choppy and storyline would take presumptuous leaps leaving me to wonder how or where I missed a scene or two. I liked these two characters enough to keep tapping the next page on my eReader at a furious pace, but to say it’s a perfectly blended and put together novel would be giving Unravel Me more credit than it deserves.

So if you’re looking for light, romantic entertainment and you’re willing and able to have logic take a back seat, this story will surely steam your glasses. I enjoyed it for what it was worth and I’d definitely read other novels by Ryan. Fairly well done.

3 Suns

Cover Reveal: Gameboard of the Gods

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead
Expected Publication: June 4, 2013 by Dutton Adult
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense

I have been a long term fan of Richelle Mead and I can't even begin to describe how much I want this book.  Science Fiction is tricky with me, but if anyone can pull it off I know that Mead can.  Her world building is incredible in both her Vampire Academy series and in her Succubus series and that definitely needs to be strong in a sci-fi book.  Plus that cover is just screaming to be on my shelves so how can I possibly pass it up?! 

Upcoming Release: Love Irresisibly by Julie James

Love Irresistibly (FBI / US Attorney #4) by Julie James
Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Berkley
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
HE’S USED TO GETTING WHAT HE WANTS…

A former football star and one of Chicago’s top prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cade Morgan will do anything to nail a corrupt state senator, which means he needs Brooke Parker’s help. As general counsel for a restaurant company, she can get a bug to the senator’s table at one of her five-star restaurants so the FBI can eavesdrop on him. All Cade has to do is convince Brooke to cooperate—and he’s not afraid to use a little charm, or the power of his office, to do just that.

AND WHAT HE WANTS IS HER.

A savvy businesswoman, Brooke knows she needs to play ball with the U.S. Attorney’s office—even if it means working with Cade. No doubt there’s a sizzling attraction beneath all their sarcastic quips, but Brooke is determined to keep things casual. Cade agrees—until a surprising turn of events throws his life into turmoil, and he realizes that he wants more than just a good time from the one woman with whom he could fall terrifyingly, irresistibly in love.

I've enjoyed this series since book one! So exciting to see the next installment coming out in April. I'll definitely be marking my calendar for this next book in the FBI series!

Review: Down to You by M. Leighton

Down to You by M. Leighton

Published September 21st 2012 by Smashwords
Purchase: Amazon

About the book

The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not.

Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white.

But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins.
Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her.

Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together.

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them.

My Thoughts
Down to You was definitely an entertaining book! It had all of the elements of a fun and romantic read.

Olivia is just your average girl who’s trying to finish up her last year in college with one goal in mind – to head back to her father’s farm to help run the business. She comes from a small town and soon proves to be no match for the twin duo Nash and Cash. After landing a job at Dual, Olivia immediately feels a strong attraction to these two brothers. However, choosing between Cash who’s the bad boy among the two and Nash who is the clean cut, soon to be lawyer, but dating her cousin is only landing her heartache.

The book definitely kept my attention and managed to catch me off guard well past with the mid-point with the plot twist. I had to remind myself that I was reading a spicy/fun novel for pure entertainment, so logic needs to take a back seat in this adventure. I was curious how it would all come together, so that coupled with the fun, sassy banter kept me engaged all the way through to the end.

Overall, it was a fun read that served a dual purpose of delivering on steam and entertainment. After the cliffy, I would surely consider reading the next book in this series. Liked it much!

3.5 Suns

Review: Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec

Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
Published June 11th 2012 eBook
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life.

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time.

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

Warning: contains explicit sex, profanity and enough sarcasm to choke a horse. 

My Thoughts
I kept coming across all of these reviews saying how funny Seduction and Snacks is and the ratings were out of control, so I had to give it a try. AND holy chocolate lollipops were the reviews ever right!!

This book is HILARIOUS.AS.HALE!! I haven’t laughed this hard over a book… EVER!! I mean grant it some of the content is contrived and silly, but simply because Sivec catches a perfect stride in her narration does she manage to keep the reader entertained and doubling over in laughter. It’s really not a book you should read in public or while others in your family are trying to sleep because if you’re not making those cringy faces you’re guffawing like a fool because the funny just doesn’t quit.

Seduction and Snacks kicked my book slump to the curb. I finished it in two short days, and I can’t wait to read the next book. Tara Sivec commands my attention and keeps me laughing from cover to cover with her ongoing antics and great dialog.

Seriously, if you’re having a bad day or simply wanted something different and funny, give this book a try. I dare you not to laugh. =]

5 Suns

Review: About that Night by Julie James

About that Night by Julie James
Published April 3rd 2012 by Berkley Sensation
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
He's Playing Games

Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face-to-face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she's stunned. More troubling to the beautiful assistant U.S. attorney is that she's still wildly attracted to him.

But She's Making The Rules

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn't thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can't say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn't mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won't give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he's never forgotten.

My Thougths
Julie James sure knows how to write contemporary romances with witty characters, plots that attract, and steam that doesn’t quit.

I loved Kyle and Rylann’s story, the third FBI installment, and my only regret is that I have just one more book of James to keep me entertained. I plowed through her series like a starving puppy and all I can say is I want more!

As with her other books, James doesn’t rely on drawn out drama, but rather perfectly timed tension. She keeps her readers on the edge of their seat, but truly delivers a satisfying conclusion every single time.

Call me a true Julie James fan and count me in for whatever this author decides to pen. I love her writing!

5 Suns

Review: A Lot Like Love by Julie James

A Lot Like Love by Julie James
Published March 1st 2011 by Penguin
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
The FBI wants her cooperation. As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city's top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there's only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother's release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her. As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This "date" with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment— one they're both determined to pull off even if they can't be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick's investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they're a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more.

My Thoughts
"Well, Ma, see… there’s this girl.”

D’awwwww!!!

Okay, I really enjoyed this second installment of the Julie James FBI series. Nick McCall and Jordan Rhodes were matched to perfection. Take a millionaire heiress with a knack for wine and an Italian, Brooklyn bred FBI agent who also happens to be tall, dark and smoldering and you’re definitely going to get some witty banter, steamy moments and plenty of action (of all sorts).

In A Lot Like Love Nick Rhodes finds himself in an undercover operation that lands him the role of boyfriend to the million heiress Jordan Rhodes. Probably not the best part for Nick to play seeing as he’s not the commitment type and has no interest in courting a rich girl. But when the operation is compromised, Nick and Jordan are forced to play out their fake relationship for a bit longer landing them both in a situation they didn’t anticipate.

Julie James sure has a keen ability to hook me in with her characters. She infuses tension and steam at just the right amounts to keep me anticipating the combustion and loving every minute of it. I adore her slow building romances that never leave me in the cold. You get to know her characters, laugh at their snarky banter, experience their resistance to each other and ultimately enjoy where it all leads them in the end. James has her timing down to perfection!

I’ll definitely fish out her other books to see what else she has up her sleeve. Loved it!

5 Suns

Review: Something About You by Julie James

Something About You by Julie James
Published March 2nd 2010 by Berkley Sensation
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
Fate has thrown two sworn enemies...

Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and for nearly ruining his career.


Into each other's arms...

Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.

My Thoughts
A list of my favorite things:

1. Spicey fun

2. Glowering men

3. Stories sans love triangles

4. Motorcyle riding men

5. Witty characters with tons of chemistry

Well look at that! Something About You clears the list! :D

This book was a perfect reading fix! I really enjoyed Cameron and Jack’s story, and let me just get this out of the way… They were HOT! I loved the chemistry and witty banter between these two protags. Their moments and conversations had me re-reading several choice scenes. ~blushes~

Also, this book was a constant high with very little downtime, which caused me to breeze right through the pages enjoying every minute of action and intrigue.

I really liked how Julie James didn’t draw out the drama, especially between Cameron and Jack’s past. It was presented and resolved pretty quickly leaving room for the good stuff, which was their off-the-charts chemistry and slow building romance.

All very well done and I can't wait to read the next book in this FBI series. Nothing better to squash the Monday blues than a good dose of smut. :D

5 Suns

Review: Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
Published October 7th 2008 by Berkley Sensation
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
No woman could resist him—except the one he wanted most...

Cool, Calm, Collected...

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her—not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she's assigned to coach People's "Sexiest Man Alive" for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob's charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

Confident, Famous, Irresistible...

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he's thrown for a loop. She's unlike any other woman he's ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She's the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize she may just be his perfect match.

My Thoughts
...I’ve realized that the one person who could break my heart is the only one who should have it...

Just the Sexiest Man Alive made me an instant fan of Julie James, and I definitely continued to explore other books by this author. Despite the fact that I had to put aside the predictable plot and twists, as well as convenient courtroom drama, I found myself giving the storyline the flexibility it needed to deliver this highly entertaining romantic comedy.

Jason Andrews and Taylor Donovan make a great pair of main characters. I enjoyed their snarky dialog and together they were both witty and charming enough to have me laughing out loud at their antics and conversations. I really liked Taylors’s ruthless nature and Jason’s melodramatic movie star tantrums where slightly charming...don’t ask...it just worked for me.^^

In this story, Taylor Donovan is temporarily relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles to work on a high profile court case for her law firm. She’s ruthless and ambitious, as well as a promising contender for a partnership in her firm. But, her goals and career trajectory take a sudden halt when her leading attorney places her on the Andrew’s Project, which involves coaching an A-list movie star Jason to help him prepare for an upcoming court based movie. The office staff is star-struck by this recently voted Sexiest Man Alive star, but Taylor sees past his invincible layers to find someone she can't help but fall in love with. Awww...  :P

I can see how some fans of James were a bit disappointed in the conclusion of this story, seeing as Taylor’s final decision seemed a bit out of character (view spoiler)[ where she quit her job and chose to forego a partnership with her law firm to remain in Los Angeles with Jason (hide spoiler)], but I can’t say that I didn’t see that coming and again I found myself giving this book the leeway it needed to move the romance along. So I was okay with her final decision. I think I was in the mood for something light and fun, so that can account for my willingness to accept the flow of the storyline. So, overall I really enjoyed this romcom and I will definitely try other books by this author. Fun read that was perfect timing for my book mood.

3.5 Suns

Review: Rules of the Game by Sandy James

Rules of the Game by Sandy James
Published April 2nd 2012 by Carina Press
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
Kathryn West has it all – she’s a confident, bestselling author living it up in New York City. Too bad she doesn’t actually exist, and is only timid Maddie Sawyer’s pseudonym. Determined to attend her high school reunion with a man right out of one of her racy romance novels, she plots to find a sexy bad boy who’s up to Kathryn’s standards.

She finds Mr. Perfect shooting pool in a biker bar. He’s a blue-collar hunk who just happens to look great in leather. But the mysterious Scott Brady has some rules of his own: he won’t agree to her deal unless she poses as his girlfriend in front of his family and friends first.

As the reunion nears, Maddie tries to maintain her carefree façade, knowing she’ll soon face some old ghosts. She’s torn between her growing attraction to Scott and the nagging feeling that he’s hiding something important. Will she still want him when she finds out his secret? What about when he discovers hers?

My Thoughts
First Half: 4 Stars
Second Half: 2.5 Stars
This was a fun and quick read that I easily breezed through in one sitting. I feel the two main characters Scott and Maddie were well crafted and their personalities blended perfectly. Scott is your typical "too-good-to-be-true" hottie that came through for Maddie more than once. I really fell for his character and enjoyed all of his moments in the book. I really like Maddie until she came head to head with Scott especially when all he was trying to do was help her out. She was a strong character, but I wish she would have given Scott more credit.

As far as the flow of the story, Rules of the Game was going so well for me and I was loving this book right until the point where Scott and Maddie get to the Reunion and all hell breaks loose, which was about mid point in the story. Too much happened to quickly and poor decisions were made only causing me to feel frustrated over the course of events.

Overall, it was a fun book that I mildly enjoyed. There were flaws, but it didn’t stop me from racing to the finish line. I enjoyed this one more so at the first half and less at the final hour.

3 Suns