Maya Banks – “Understood”

51QsRAx9FeL._AA160_

This is the 1st book in the Unspoken Trilogy.  This was an unexpectedly good read.  I accidentally read the second in the series, “Overheard” first, which was outstanding.  (Maya Banks is the queen of writing menage stories) I was worried that “Understood” would not compare to “Overheard.”  Looking back, what a preposterous notion!  Maya Banks does not fail to disappoint in either book.  “Understood” gets right into the heart of the romance story between Jake and Ellie.  I was pleased that the book did not harp on the details of Ellie’s abusive past, but simply made it an element of her character.

The entire trilogy is now offered in one book, Unbroken (Unspoken #1-3).

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Maya Banks!

Laura Kaye – “Hard To Come By”

Unknown

This is Book 3 in the Hard Ink series (although don’t skip 2.5 it was really good).  This is one of those series that gets better, book by book.

I adore the character Derek aka Marz.  Derek considers himself the “brains and beauty of the operation.”  His personality is what really sets himself apart.  His ability to make others laugh during the most stressful and dangerous moments is one of his most attractive features.  Speaking of his features, more specifically his physical features, he is decorated with many tattoos, not all of which are shown on the cover.  To quote the character Emilie, “Holy Shit, Derek.”  I guess I’ll have to use my imagination to picture all of his other tattoos.

Check out my other post for “Hard to Hold On To.” (Book 2.5 in Hard Ink series)

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Laura Kaye!

Laurelin Paige – “Forever With You”

41gP9eMPxEL._AA160_

I mentioned in my last comment about this series, that I found myself cheering for Alyana and Hudson like I’m at a sporting event.  So it made me think, if their relationship were a sport, what sport would it be?

It’s not baseball, because the game is too slow.  But, at the end of the this book, I kind of felt like a Cubs fan if the Cubs were to win the World Series.  It’s not tennis, because too many other characters get involved.  It’s not basketball, because the entire book is dramatic, not like the mere last few minutes of a basketball game.

I would compare it to football.  First, as much as they love each other, they seem to work against each other.  Second, they both seem to gain yardage, make a first down, but then get knocked back downfield.  Just as in a football game, you don’t know Alayna or Hudson’s next play.  Nor do you know if they will fumble or score a touchdown.

Without a doubt, this is a winning book!

Can’t help but note my favorite quote:

“The man couldn’t say I love you, but somehow he knew how to make declarations that struck right into the core of my heart.”

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Laurelin Paige!

J.C. Reed – “Treasure Your Love”

517IMVsYttL._AA160_

This is the third in the Surrender Your Love Trilogy.  While some series tend to fizzle, this one sizzles until the end.  First of all the criminal/mystery plot line is dark and keeps you guessing.  One part is extremely intense.  It made me wish I knew how to speed read so I could see how the situation got resolved more quickly.  Getting to know more about Jett’s bad boy past makes him even hotter in this story.

“No Exceptions” is an addition that explains what happens to the characters after the trilogy’s conclusion.

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to J.C. Reed!

Meredith Wild – “Hardpressed”

51jn9Qt6oIL._AA160_

This is the second book in the Hacker Series.  It’s the best kind of romance novel.  Meredith Wild made my insides ache like when you watch a video clip of someone suddenly falling onto the pavement and you can sympathetically feel their pain.  That’s how I felt for Blake.

Besides being a great romance, there’s a story line that is full of shocking surprises that makes the novel very fresh in an unpredictable kind of way.

I just found out that the 4th in the series, Hard Limit, is available for pre-order today.

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Meredith Wild!

Sylvia Day – “Captivated by You”

51zFdfbe1KL._AA160_

Eva finds Gideon’s most fabulous attributes to include his beauty, stamina, size, and prowess, which can make for an entertaining relationship.  More importantly, those traits make for a captivating book!  In “Captivated by You” I found Gideon’s character to be even more compelling than in the previous novels, which were undeniably amazing.  In this book, more of Gideon’s weaknesses are revealed and he becomes a more interesting character, in which the reader cannot help become invested.  My interest in Gideon solidified in Chapter 11, when Sylvia Day writes:

“Gideon…”  The way she said my name was a plea, as if I wouldn’t get down on my knees and beg for the privilege of having her.

Gideon and Eva’s story continues in “One With You”

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Sylvia Day!

Christina Lauren – “Dirty Rowdy Thing”

21411902

 

“Dirty Rowdy Thing”  #2 in the Wild Seasons Series

Christina and Lauren did again – they made me put my life on hold so that I could finish reading one of their books.  What else did they do?  They made me ruin my copy of the book.  I dog-eared so many pages where I absolutely loved the lines that now my copy is an absolute mess.  Unfortunately, I’m not going into detail about some of the non-PG rated quotes – you have to read the book.

Just as Harlow says “I think I have you locked down pretty tight”  Christina and Lauren have a lock on what love is about.  Harlow thinks to herself, “I realize while I’m watching him struggle with this that I sincerely just want Finn to be happy.”

I most adore the characters’ sarcastic use of nicknames and references to pop culture media.

All in all, a fun, hot, must-read book!

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Christina Lauren!

 

 

Adele Allaire – One Night Three Hearts

51Wh9KmnJ3L._AA160_

Jason is either completely nuts or the the most selfless husband ever.  He’s willing to give his wife what she’s wanted for years – a baby and his best friend.  What’s the consideration and who will pay the highest price of admission for their one night of ecstasy?  Notwithstanding, Jason, Matt, and Rose’s fulfillment is undoubtably and enthusiastically conveyed in what amounts to a fun quick bedtime read.

Looking forward to answers in “One Week Three Hearts” (Three Hearts Trilogy, #2).

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Adele Allaire!

Lorelei James – “Branded as Trouble”

Unknown

This is Book 6 in the Rough Riders Series.  While some series may get old after the first few books, this should be called the Series’ Sexy Sixth.  This is just as great as the earlier books in the series, which were all phenomenal and gave the reader a sneak peek at Colt and India.  Finally, it is Colt and India’s story in “Branded as Trouble.”  They both have a dark past involving an addiction to drugs and alcohol.  Their common character strength in overcoming their addiction as well as their tastes in the bedroom make them a perfect couple for each other.  I loved the scene with the caramel rolls – great combination of my two favorite guilty pleasures.

What stood out most to me in the book was the deep family bonds in the McKay family.  This is one of the perks of reading a long well-developed series.  I was very moved when Cam came to Colt’s defense.  You can check out the the whole McKay/West Family Tree at http://www.loreleijames.com/docs/mckaywestfamilytree.pdf

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Lorelei James!

Meredith Wild – “Hardwired”

51tys7PJ5RL._AA160_ 51jn9Qt6oIL._AA160_ 41KJKpiFPdL._AA160_

What a tangled web Meredith Wild weaves in “Hardwired.”  The characters become more intertwined as the book continues.  I can’t wait to see how it all sorts itself out in the rest of The Hacker Series.

Blake is wealthy business man.  But can he bring the heat?  Yes!  Here’s a favorite quote and sample of the swelter …

“I drew in a deep breath and crossed my legs, acutely aware of the sensations he inspired between them.  Get it together, Erica.  The ball of nervous energy that had resided in my stomach mere seconds ago had exploded into a blinding sexual energy that had me pulsing from my fingertips to my nethers.”

On a side note, I enjoyed the reference to dinner at Maggiano’s.  It is a popular and savory restaurant in the Chicago area (where it originated).

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Meredith Wild!