Legs, the Journey of an American Thoroughbred by Laura Farrar

Summary:

He was born to equine royalty in beautiful Bluegrass Country. But the bay colt known as Legs by his friends, would not enjoy a life filled with the luxury and promise expected with such bloodlines. Instead, his life would become a journey as a racehorse, eventer, and trail horse. Ultimately, Legs’ courage would be tested far beyond that of the track. This is a story of friendship, loyalty, love, and courage as told from the horse’s mouth. As in the classic horse story, Black Beauty, the reader is carried away by the story of Legs as he makes friends and enemies, is owned by people, both good and bad, and ultimately expresses views of life relevant to both humans and animals. The exciting narration of racing, dressage, jumping, and the relationships between horses is sure to captivate horse lovers of all ages. A must read for all animal lovers!

Review:

WOW, I read all sorts of books and got this one because one, I know the author and two we meet rescuing horses from an Oklahoma kill lot…  as, someone who reads and reviews books regularly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, as so many self-published books aren’t worth the money, you pay to read them.  

This book has it all… great story line, very well developed characters; the flow is perfect.  I found no errors, which is a pet peeve of mine. You become part of the story, laughing, crying, and getting angry.

This is the type of story animal lovers will enjoy reading.    I don’t give 5 star ratings often, and this one is ticks all the boxes for one. Once I started reading I didn’t want to stop reading.

Conclusion:

Would I recommend this book to others: YES!!!

Would I read other books by this author:  YES!

Was this book a Novel or Novela? Novel

Did the charters feel real? YES

Is this book priced correctly? Yes it’s at the top of my price range for e-books and right in the middle of what I’d pay for a paperback.  

The Ghost King by Jeff Altabef

The Ghost King

Summary:

An Ancient Prophecy foretold.
An Evil haunts the land.
A battle looms against overwhelming odds.

Led by a powerful witch, a wild invading army threatens to tear the Soulless lands apart. To survive, the three tribes must join together, but old grievances and hatred divide them. Only Wilky can unite them, but when he glimpses the future, he sees only a glimmer of hope; too much of the future remains veiled in darkness.

As the battle approaches, King Dermot orders his brother, Eamon, to stay behind at the Stronghold and defend against a possible siege. Eamon, who took an oath to fight the invaders, defies his brother, risks everything, and plunges into a desperate race with Aaliss and Wilky to unite the tribes.

Enemies from all sides conspire against them. Only together can they hope to succeed against the witch who will stop at nothing to destroy them. Yet even united, they will need magic to defeat this enemy at their door.

As the battle looms, only one chance at survival remains—the Ghost King—but who is he, and what will be the price of their redemption?

Review:

I’m just wow, once again I was transported to this world and felt like I was part of it. This book was even better than the first one.  The flow of the story is perfection; the characters feel so real.  Jeff captured the emotions very well.  I didn’t find any errors so once again this shows the editor and the writer both care about the quality of book they are putting out. I can’t say enough about this book to me this series has become a must read if you’re into fantasy.

Conclusion:

Would I recommend this book to other?   YES YES YES

Would I read other books by this Author?   YES YES YES

Is this book a Novel or Novela? Nice length Novel

Is this book priced correctly? I’m a budget book buyer so to me I feel this is a little over priced for the paperback, but the ebook is priced where I’d buy it.

Red Death by Jeff Altabef

I received this book free for my honest review

Summary:

What happens when everything you believed turns out to be a lie?

Every child of Eden fears the Red Death. All those afflicted with the plague die young, their souls stripped away as punishment for ancient sins long forgotten. For centuries, Guardians have protected Eden from the Red Death by killing outsiders who stray too close.

Seventeen-year-old Aaliss is a highly-trained Guardian, but when her rather odd thirteen-year-old brother, Wilky, discovers a cure to the plague, her world turns upside down. Branded as traitors by the corrupt High Priest, Aaliss and Wilky are forced to seek refuge in the last place Aaliss thought she'd ever go—beyond the boundaries of Eden and into the land of the Soulless. Here they must navigate a medieval world filled with witches, magic, and warrior kingdoms run by Elders only a few years older than her.

Aaliss yearns to return home, but when her heart tugs her deeper into the world of the Soulless, she questions everything she once believed. Has her soul been taken? Will she and Wilky fall victim to the Red Death, or might they die sooner in the center of a battle that threatens to tear apart the Soulless world? Or... might Aaliss finally find, against all odds, what her heart has yearned for all along?

Review:

There is just something about this book that captured me, and I wanted more. When reading the summary it was, it sounds alright I’ll give it a shot since it was a free book for my review.  After reading the first page I was so intrigued that I couldn’t stop. As someone who writes and dreams of being published, I’ve written many stories that switch characters. To me, this was with pure perfection.  I’m one that hates errors in my books, and I didn’t come across any, so that tells me that the writer and the editor really cared about the quality of book they put out. Each character is very believable. Jeff did a superb job at capturing the emotions along with painting a picture in my mind.

Conclusion:

Would I recommend this book to others? YES

Would I read other books by this Author? YES

Is this book a Novel or novella?  Novel

Is this book priced correctly?  The ebook is priced fare, but hard cover and paperback are a little over priced if you’re a Bergen book reader.

Chasing Wicked (Wicked Series, #1)

Chasing Wicked (Wicked Series, #1)
By Kathryn L. James

SUMMARY
Stone Mitchell was and always will be toxic.
Forbidden.
Poison.
I’d had a taste and it nearly killed me. Now, I knew better than to bite the apple.
He’d betrayed me in the worst imaginable way possible.
Six years later, I found myself riding out a dangerous storm with the cheating bastard.
Truths are uncovered. Deception unfolds. Passion ignites and chemistry explodes.
Adding to the drama? I hold a secret that’s unforgivable. I’m the one that ruined our second chance.
Yet, it’s Stone that comes for me with a vengeance.
He’s wicked. He’s wicked ruthless. Pure wicked sin.
…and I want another taste. 

REVIEW
Woah.... can you say drama or can you say drama?!? This made my head spin! I couldn't put this down and just had to keep reading to see what was going to happen,

I can't say too much or it will ruin the story. The storyline keeps you reading lots of twist and turns. We have affairs, blackmail, scandal, love, mental health issues, kidnapping, serial killers, jail time, family issues, and lots of HOT sex! Steamy sex! Yes all f this is one book!

Loved Stone he got on my nerves with his wishy washy behavior. Avery was on tough cookie, but her choices bit her in the butt, she should be very grateful that people are forgiving.

Great read, I would like to check out the next installment!

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley! 

Hard Proof (Notus Motorcycle Club, #1)

Hard Proof (Notus Motorcycle Club, #1)
By Debra Kayn

SUMMARY
Identical twin sisters move to St. John's, Oregon, buy Vavoom's Bar, and purposely put themselves into the path of Notus Motorcycle Club.

Burdened by a deep, dark secret, Clara has to be careful because one wrong step, one wrong word, could land her and Gracie in prison. Her need to stay close to the motorcycle club members backfire when Wayne Shaw throws her heart into a tailspin. There is more to the possessive biker than she originally thought. Cornered and out of options, she can only go forward and hope Wayne protects her.

Wayne Shaw splits his time between working at Port Loaders, searching for missing persons in partnership with the local police department, and keeping Notus Motorcycle Club together in hopes a brother will come home. Skilled at finding clues normal people miss, he has no trouble telling the new owners of Vavoom's apart. He only wants Clara.

When a little girl goes missing, followed by a teenager disappearing, Wayne's need to keep Clara safe while searching for a serial killer gets tested…until he's no longer sure who is the hunted and who is the hunter.

REVIEW
I will put this out there first, this is not your everyday MC story. The MC in this is 5 guys. They really don't do anything criminal, except for being a tad vigilante. They are guys they grew up together and bonded during a terrible tragedy that set them on the path to trying to find missing persons. They don't have road names or a club house. So if you are looking for all that this is not the book for you.

The story itself was good and kept you interested. I really didn't feel the pull between Clara and Wayne. They seemed more friends then lustful. Now they did have hot moments. It was interesting how the tragedies in both their lives became intertwined. Wayne was very sweet and caring and I did think he was forgiving.

I would like to read about the others in the story and was hoping Gracie would hook up with one of them. Plus I would like to hear about the one guy that is MIA.

Good read. Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

The Highlander's Vow(Loch Moigh, #4)

The Highlander's Vow(Loch Moigh, #4)
 By Barbara Longley

SUMMARYOn the eve of her wedding, Sky Elizabeth, the earl of Fife’s eldest daughter, learns of her betrothed’s murderous plot against her. As she flees, Sky falls through a mysterious portal in time, landing at the feet of a twenty-first-century American knight.

Struan, the bastard son of the earl of Sutherland, escaped death through time’s portal once. Recognizing what has befallen the frightened woman, he vows to protect her even while Sky, with a trace of fae blood in her veins, senses his resentment.

Despite their growing attraction, she’s determined to find a way home to avert a clan war. Though he cannot deny his desire, he fears that helping her return to the past will surely lead to his demise. As the two work together, passion ignites and an unbreakable bond forms—but will it be enough to sustain them through the perils they’ll face in the past? Can their love have a future?

REVIEW

Oh I don't want it to be over!

I want more! I have loved this series!

I think was the best read out of them all.

I loved Struan. He was just the right mix of all the best parts about a man. Kind, caring, sexy, alpha, strong....oh I could gush for hours! He was such a great character!

Sky was wonderful too. So steadfast almost to a fault. I am glad she found her footing and blossomed to a strong woman.

All the other characters from the series got their face time too. I just want to know more about what happens to them all. I know it might be cheesy to some, but it just was sweet time travel cheesy goodness!

Sad to see it end.

The Highlander's Folly(Loch Moigh, #3)

The Highlander's Folly(Loch Moigh, #3)
By Barbara Longley

SUMMARY
A brave fifteenth-century Highlander fiercely devoted to his foster family, Hunter of clan MacKintosh can defeat any man in battle. Thanks to his fae gifts, he can read the intent of his opponents and guess their next moves. But when the faerie Madame Giselle sends Hunter to the present day, he stumbles into a staged battle and rescues a young knight—only to discover that the knight is a woman, and she’s anything but a damsel in distress.

Meghan McGladrey learned martial arts and sword fighting from her father, a time-traveling Highlander himself. To Hunter’s surprise, Meghan is as skilled as any knight. When both of them are pulled back to the fifteenth century, Meghan becomes desperate to return to her time. Hunter, who is pledged to another, begins to fall for the beautiful, brave warrior as they fight side by side against a common enemy. Now, he must decide which matters more: his honor, or following his heart.

REVIEW
Great read...it dragged a bit and I wanted to punch a Hunter in the face throughout the story.  What a lame brained man!!

Hunter was just so stubborn not to see the truth in front of his face.  Hunter for all his strength, success, and kind hear has such issues with his upbringing and self.  Deep down he doesn't feel worthy or good enough and tends not to see the truth right in front of his face!  His family loves him no matter what.  He argues with everyone and then fate punches him right in the face!

I liked Meg and how tough she was.  I laughed out loud when she really got to see what a Scot wears under their kilts!  Meg was way different from the other female characters before her.  I liked how they brought her family back around to the story.  She I think overcame more then her counterparts True and Erin.

Our friendly gypsy/Fae had her hands all over this one...great twist and action!

Great story again started listening and then just had to read it to find out what would happen!

The Highlander's Bargain(Loch Moigh, #2)

The Highlander's Bargin(Loch Moigh, #2)
By Barbara Longley

SUMMARY
Before he can settle down, blond-haired, blue-eyed Robley of clan MacKintosh needs to taste true adventure. So when the faerie, Madame Giselle, asks him to retrieve her stolen property in exchange for two enchanted tokens that will whisk him across the centuries, he jumps at the chance.

Nurse and future midwife Erin Durie is broke and alone, thanks to a roommate who skipped town and the psychic gifts that make relationships too intense and painful to bear. Then a kilted man magically drops into her arms, looking for a guide to the twenty-first century, and she can’t deny the attraction. But magical treachery soon throws open time’s portal once more—and puts a blade to Robley’s throat. Now Erin must decide where—or when—her healing powers can do the most good…and whether she can live without her handsome Highlander.

REVIEW
Sweet read. I listened to it till it got to the end and I had to see what was going to happen and I couldn't wait till I was driving or walking.

Reverse time travel this time. More action and some twists to boot. Loved the characters and we got to meet new ones. 

Robley was so funny with his experiencing new things.  I laughed at loud.  The change for him had to be shocking and wondrous at the same time.  His experience riding in a car...had me laughing outloud.  He of course stayed true to his macho/alpha males self and fell in love with a motorcycle.  His love for Erin was sweet and he was sexy as hell!

Erin was such and independent woman who had to find out that you can be that woman, yet still love and depend on your man.  She was a good "guide" for Robley.  She found strength she never new she had!

Great read!

True to the Highlander(Loch Moigh, #1)

True to the Highlander(Loch Moigh, #1)
By Barbara Longley

SUMMARY
Treachery rules the Highlands of 1423. With their king captured by the English, Scottish nobles plot to ransom James behind the back of the brutal regent holding their land in his iron grip. But not every clan wishes to see King James back on his throne…

Sitting atop this powder keg of bloodthirsty rivalries, Malcolm of clan MacKintosh takes the mysterious, lone maiden he finds along his road as a bad omen…though an undeniably beautiful one. When he attempts to save her from a rogue within his own garrison, she deftly brings Malcolm to his knees. Who is this willful lass who has so quickly laid siege to his heart?

Alethia Goodsky has met all kinds working at the New York Renaissance Festival, but no one like the fortune-teller who tasks her with a cryptic life-saving mission and flings her into the fifteenth century. Now Alethia must rely on her wits to unravel the mystery in this violent land. Malcolm has sworn to protect her, but her gifts may soon make her his protector. With enemies closing in, Alethia must choose between finding a way home…and remaining true to her Highlander. 

REVIEW
Great story. I listened to the story on my way to work and walking.

Started slow dragged some, but overall kept me wanting to know what was going to happen.

Malcolm was humorous at times and I loved how True put him in his place.  He did only have her interest in mind.  He was steadfast with his love of her even in the face of leaving everything.  The time travel was interesting and that gypsy woman is a ton of trouble.  I am sure she will be a continuing factor in the series,

There is a ton of action.  Everyone is in peril all the time it seems.
A sweet time traveler romance.

One Taste of Angel (Iron Norsemen MC #1)

One Taste of Angel (Iron Norsemen MC #1)
By Violetta Rand

SUMMARY
A woman assumes a new identity to escape danger, but she returns home for a night of passion with the very man she fled to protect.

REVIEW
Yah! a book that finally caught my attention. I love this author and enjoyed her historical romances. I think this is her first foray to MC.

I loved the storyline. It kept you guessing on how it was all going to pan out. 

I like Serafina. She was tough and strong even when it cost her love. She risked so much to keep everyone safe.

Eagle was interesting. He was commanding enough but not a enough to be a jerk. I didn't like his reaction to things at first, but I think that it was a natural reaction. We react by what we feel at times without thinking. So a very real reaction. He is dirty talking...hot!

The sexy times are hot. 

It did speed up and was a tad rushed at the end. We got to meet the new enforcer at the end...interesting

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

How to Lose a Highlander (MacGregor Lairds, #1)

How to Lose a Highlander (MacGregor Lairds, #1)
By Michelle McLean

SUMMARY
Forced into marriage by their king in order to stop years of inter-clan feuding, Sorcha Campbell and Malcolm MacGregor are each determined to drive the other away. Malcolm knows he can never trust his new shrewish wife, despite the fact that everything he observes seems to prove that she’s not only trustworthy, but utterly perfect for him. Sorcha knows she can never let her guard down around the man she believes betrayed her father, yet the longer she’s with him, the more she discovers he is nothing like she was led to believe. They’ll have to fight their way through past prejudices and their own determination to destroy their union in order to gain their perfect HEA in this Taming of the Shrew meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days tale.

REVIEW
This is the first time I have read this author.

The story was good and I did read it quick. It didn't bog down, but their plotting against each other got a tad dumb.

I like that he was for the most part pretty nice to her and really didn't get mean unless she was over the top. She was a definite pain and I would have choked the life out of her. I do have to give it to her though she accepted her plight and did make the best of it. The underlying plot though got pushed under the rug and we skipped over what happened when her father got there. We just went straight to epilogue. Didn't like that.

This is rated pretty much PG-13. So if you are looking for some hot highlander loving, it is not here.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Kiss of the Irish

Kiss of the Irish
By Lauren Hawkeye

SUMMARY
If Sarah Mercer had ever been asked to describe herself in one word, it would be sensible. After all, she had a steady job. Made prudent decisions. Was in what she though was a logical relationship. But when her fiance dumps her for an exotic dancer, Sarah decides it’s time to change…everything! The first thing on her agenda? To get out of town and take a three month trip to Ireland. She’d always been captivated by the Emerald Isle. And she’d heard that there was nothing like an Irishman with a sexy accent and eyes as devastatingly green as the country’s rolling hills to make a girl feel better.
 
But maybe she shouldn’t have hooked up with her new landlord on the first night in town. Cian Murphy wasn’t supposed to be her type. His arms and chest were tattooed, and he had piercings everywhere. Still, he made her feel beautiful, sexy…alive for the first time in years. Falling for the Irish hottie was as natural as breathing. But figuring out what she’d do when it came time to leave? Not so easy... 

REVIEW
Sweet little read about finding yourself and finding love!

I definitely want my own Cian. He was freaking HOT. Darn and then on top of that a really sweet guy.

Sarah was sweet, but started off such a lost soul. She sure let people tell her what to do and just went with the flow. Her progression in the book to a strong know what I want woman was really played out well and enjoyable.

Cian's sister and her friend were great side characters and helped roll the story along. The Wild Irish played a big part too.

Sweet heartwarming sexy read with little drama and lots of heart. This book isn't rocket science or life changing, but it is a sweet escape!

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. thanks! (less)

Haven (Beards & Bondage, #1)

Haven (Beards & Bondage, #1)
By Rebekah Weatherspoon

SUMMARY
A week-long getaway…

City girl Claudia Cade's carefree life is plunged into chaos when a camping trip with her brother in the national forests of Northern California turns into a deadly dash for her survival.

A solitary world turned upside down…

Nature photographer Shepard Olsen has resigned himself to a quiet existence, with only his dog by his side, until a woman in need of his protection shows up on his doorstep and throws his universe into disarray.

Two lives linked by tragedy…

Claudia is desperate to heal from her traumatic loss, but can’t stop thinking about her run-in with evil….or the grizzled mountain man whose quick thinking and good aim saved her life. When she shows up on Shep's doorstep again, she finds she isn't the only one who can't move on.

…saved by bliss.

The two begin an intense, passionate relationship of Dominance and submission, pleasure and pain, but with dark memories haunting them and decisions about the future rapidly approaching, Claudia can’t help but wonder...how long can they be each other's haven?

*** WARNING: This book contains a sexual relationship between a fashionista and a cranky mountain man who are dealing with physical and emotional trauma. And a very big, cuddly dog.***

REVIEW

I liked this book until the end and would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for the ending.

It went at a great pace that was realistic and not insta-love. Then I hit about 87% and everything happened at once and it just jumped time with no real explanation. I liked Shep and I felt sorry for him that he had to deal with the small minded people that lived in his town. He was done so wrong and he was sweet. Sexy too, a tad too much kink for me, but fit him. I like Claudia at first then she pissed me off. Shep was trying to help and she just did him wrong just like the other women in his life. I can't say much because it will give it away.... but I didn't like what she did and it ruined the story to the point where I didn't like her anymore.

Maybe I am just picky, but it was soooo good then yuk 😔

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. 

Only Her (K2 Team, #5)

Only Her (K2 Team, #5)
By Sandra Owens

SUMMARY

Former SEAL sniper Cody Roberts has returned from Afghanistan with too many demons and a simple wish: to be left alone. Working for K2 Special Services, caring for the war dogs he rescued, playing his guitar—that’s all he wants to do. But Cody is as protective as his nickname, “Dog,” suggests. A man like that can’t sit back when he realizes the beautiful veterinarian next door is being targeted by an unknown enemy.

Riley Austin is desperate to find out who’s poisoning her animal patients, and she’s stunned by her mysterious neighbor’s suggestion that it’s personal. But Cody makes her feel something else, too: a powerful attraction. He insists he’s no good for her, but those haunted eyes and that chiseled body tell Riley that surrendering to their mutual lust is worth the risk. And despite his conditions—no falling for each other, no regrets once it’s over—she’ll fight to love him just as fiercely as he’ll fight to save her.

REVIEW

Great ending

Great ending to the series.

Cody was so sweet yet so damaged. I really liked his character he touched my heart. It is a shame that veterans try to deal with their problems alone, feeling it is weakness to ask for help. Everyone needs help and you need to reach out and take it. I am glad Riley and the team were there for him.

You can tell the author loves animal we had some kind in all the books. My cousin trains dogs for the secret service and he was in the Air Force and trained dogs. Cody's relationship to the dogs reminded me of him. The dogs seeing action are vets too and I am glad Cody was honoring them by taking care of them.

Riley was tough and I really enjoyed her character too.

Great ending enjoyed them all. They all were similar yet original too.

Again tried to listen to it all, but had to find out what was going to happen and to wait till tomorrow....read the end again! 

Lost in Her (K2 Team, #4)

Lost in Her (K2 Team, #4)
By Sandra Owens

REVIEW
It’s been a year since Ryan O’Connor buried his wife. He was in Afghanistan as a SEAL medic when the call came that she’d been killed during a robbery. In that time, he returned home, nursed his grief, and joined his former brothers-in-arms in the K2 Special Services.

After a bad breakup with her ex, Charlene “Charlie” Morgan finds happiness only when flying the friendly skies—as an aerobatic stunt pilot. But the skies aren’t so friendly when her plane troubles turn out to be the work of sabotage.

Looking to forget their worries, Charlie and Ryan run into each other at a bar. The chemistry is instant and intense. It’s only supposed to be a one-night stand. But the memory of their passionate kiss lingers, and when Ryan shows up at Charlie’s flight school, their romance takes off. Yet the route to love has its own turbulence—secrets, lies, and danger. Can one night lead to something lasting?

REVIEW

Another great addition.

I know sometimes it is like rinse and repeat, but the author keeps coming up with some curve balls. Ryan's dilemma was for sure interesting. It definitely had huge twist and for once I was shocked by the reveal. Charlie's dilemma was very predictable though. It was a good story. The two of them are hot together. One thin Ms. Owens does know how to do is write some HOT stuff.

On to the last one.

Again I am a failure. It got to a really good point in the car on the way to work and I had to read the end during lunch.

Falling for Her (K2 Team, #3)

Falling for Her (K2 Team, #3)
By Sandra Owens

SUMMARY
Known to the K2 Special Services team as “Saint,” Jamie Turner lives by his own strict rules to compensate for his past sins and the two-ton boulder taking residence in his heart. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He never swears. And he only dates nice, safe women until he meets Sugar Darling, the fill-in receptionist at K2. She’s as sweet as her name, but this wild woman is definitely trouble, with something to hide. He knows he should avoid her…but can he?

Sugar isn’t hiding something—she’s hiding everything. And K2 seems like the perfect place to lie low, thanks to the big, protective guys who work there. The drop-dead-handsome Saint makes her heart race, yet he keeps his distance. When Sugar’s traumatic past rises up to haunt her again, she desperately turns to Saint for help, and he has to decide what’s more important: playing it safe or risking everything for love.

REVIEW
Well the series just keeps getting better.

Sexy as hell! Hot shower inducing once they get together.

I am off to the next.

Oh yeah, I failed again...I started listening then got to a point where I couldn't wait for the drive home to see what would happen so I read till the end.

Someone Like Her (K2 Team, #2)

Someone Like Her (K2 Team, #2)
By Sandra Owens

SUMMARY
Known to the K2 Special Services team as Romeo, ex-Navy SEAL Jake Buchanan may spend his downtime living up to his nickname, but there's one woman who sets his heart racing like no one else can: Maria Kincaid. Unfortunately, his boss - her brother - has made it crystal clear that she's off-limits. Jake doesn't do commitment, while Maria is the type of woman who deserves a promise of forever. Yet Maria finds herself drawn to Jake, the man who stares at her with a desire she wishes he'd act on.

Still haunted by her horrific childhood, Maria goes searching for the father she's never met and stumbles into a nightmarish experience. With her life in grave danger, she reaches out to Jake, her brother's second-in-command. Jake figures he can help Maria without giving in to temptation. But some things are easier said than done.

REVIEW
Good read

Good second book. It skipped time though from the first book, and it wasn't really clear at first so that was a tad confusing, 

Jake was hot and a tad annoying. He and his friend Logan were very similar. 

Maria was interesting and like her brother she had a ton of hang ups all thanks to her egg donor. She forgave Jake easily I would have put him through the wringer some. 

Sex was hot.

On to the next. I was a failure again and read the end instead of listening all the way through.

Crazy for Her (K2 Team #1)

Crazy for Her (K2 Team #1)
By Sandra Owens

SUMMARY
When his best friend and fellow Navy SEAL, Evan Prescott, died in his arms on the battlefield, Logan Kincaid gave his word to watch over Evan’s widow. But for two years he kept his distance…torn between honoring his solemn vow and succumbing to his secret love for his fallen comrade’s wife. But when Dani Prescott desperately reaches out to Logan for the help only he can give, he rushes to her side—determined to fight for her safety as fiercely as he fights against his own buried desire.

Someone claiming to be her husband is stalking Dani and her infant daughter, making them virtually prisoners in their remote country home. Logan’s elite military training and high-risk security expertise have outmatched more dangerous enemies. But the real challenge will be the burning temptation that threatens to overcome Logan whenever Dani is near…especially when she reveals her own hidden passion. 

SUMMARY

I failed again. I listened till I just had to see what was going to happen. This was the first audible that I listened to that had a man and a woman narrating.

I liked this book and it was very touching. Logan had gone through so much and just wanted to do the right thing. He got a tad annoying at times and I wanted to reach through and slap him. Honor doesn't keep you warm at night and If you are going to stand by your honor it should be for the right reasons, not ones that are based on fabricated ideas. Dani at times was so stupid and I thought she would be able to put the pieces together faster and figure out Logan's reasons faster.

The timeline boggled me at times and I wasn't sure how long Evan had been dead and the baby at times seemed to be acting too young for a year and three months. Anyway...

Good story bogged down at times, but good and the chemistry was hot! On to the next! 

Rebel Custody (Demon Horde #2)

Rebel Custody (Demon Horde #2)
By Sarah Hawthorne

SUMMARY

A son in danger 

The Demon Horde MC are no strangers to breaking the rules, but making a man pay to get his son back crosses one too many lines for Skeeter. He'll do anything, including play by the book, if it means bringing his son home. Hiring straitlaced attorney Miriam Englestein is meant to solve his problems, not create new ones. One look at her and his good-guy facade goes out the window. He wants to throw his buttoned-up lawyer onto the back of his bike and make her his. 

A woman at risk 

Miri wants nothing to do with the club. Her father may be in their pocket, but she's on the right side of the law and she intends to stay there. But there's something about Skeeter's plea—something about him—she can't walk away from. While she's tempted to let him do unspeakably wicked and delicious things to her, she can't risk her law practice, or her heart. 

A dangerous deception 

When Miriam agrees to pose as Skeeter's woman to get details they need for the case, things heat up fast—and it's not long before the lines between business and personal blur, and they're both in over their heads. In the MC world, lies have a way of coming back to you, and they put everyone at risk. 

REVIEW

Much better then the first one.  You can read this one without reading the first one and you will not be lost.

I am caught between a 3.5 and a 4 rating.  The story is  more then just the discription.  That part is only a small party of the story to get the story rolling, it just isn't the center.  That is a tad deceiving.  I liked the story and really wanted to find out what would happen. The chemistry was hot between them and the real story of uptown girl and biker how are we going to work it out.  No real MC stuff so if you are all into that you won't find it much.

  I did however get frustrated with the back and forth of Jean Luc and Miri.  It was almost teenager stuff.  I like you, but I don't know how to say it.....  Sorry I said the wrong thing it came out wrong....I didn't answer because I didn't know what to say.  Then the I only heard part of the conversation, but I will think the worst of you...even though I love and trust you...and go all crazy. The sunk my rating some.

Good read just frustrating.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Riot (Scared Souls, #4)

Riot (Scared Souls, #4)
By Tillie Cole

SUMMARY
Stolen by the Arziani Georgian crime mob as a child, 152 was raised and conditioned to be a Mona—the most subservient of the Arziani Blood Pit slaves.

Gorgeous and kind, she has been and under the imprisoning influence of the Type B drug and under the command of the Blood Pit Master’s sister, Mistress Arziani, for most of her life, until the Master calls her back home to Georgia.

He wants her under his total control, and Master always gets what he wants.

But when 152 is gifted to the Blood Pit’s fearsome champion death match fighter as a prize, 152 suddenly finds out that the men who appear most brutal, may just own the kindest hearts. And love may be found, even when living in hell.

Freedom, family, love, 152 will have to fight for what she wants and ultimately make an impossible choice.

REVIEW
What a conclusion to the series! I am glad I went back and read the other installments because I would have been lost.

This whole series has been heartbreaking. Men and women that were so evil to make people their slaves for sport and sex. Evil just dripped from the pages. Then the heartbreaking results and the fit to be free. It is amazing how the author fits in a touching romantic love story admist the pain and evil. The woman are just as strong as the men, no of course they are stronger.

Great series sorry to see it end. It does have violence and rape so if you are uncomfortable with that you may want to skip it.

Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. 

Ravage (Scared Souls, #3)

Ravage (Scared Souls, #3)
By Tillie Cole

SUMMARY
Is finding one's true love worth committing the greatest sacrifice of all?

Taken as a teen, prisoner 194 was stripped of his name and freewill, meticulously honed to be a ruthless machine. Even as he tries to fight his captors hold on him he knows that obedience is the only way to save his sister, who is the one person that keeps him from turning into a monster.

As a young girl Zoya Kostava barely escaped the brutal attack that killed her entire family. Now twenty five she lives in secrecy. That is until she hears her brother also survived and is living with their greatest enemy.

Zoya risks her safety and anonymity to find the brother she thought dead and is captured by a beautiful, brutal man. A man who both captivates and scares her, in him she sees a soul as lost as her own.

They both have so much to lose will they be able to save each other…and survive.

REVIEW
3 1/2

Not my favorite so far. I just really couldn't relate to Zoya. I couldn't understand her reasoning. Stockholm syndrome out of control. I also got a tad upset with her when she could forgive Valentin, but get mad at Zaal and Talia. Very contradictory.

Well know I can read the next book since I put it on hold to read the rest.

Reap (Scared Souls, #2)

Reap (Scared Souls, #2)
By Tillie Cole

SUMMARY
Raised as a prototype for the Georgian Bratva's obedience drug, 221 fails to think, act, or live for himself; he's his master's perfectly-crafted killing puppet. Standing at six-foot-six, weighing two-hundred-and-fifty pounds, and unrivaled in to-the-death combat, 221 successfully secures business for the Georgian Mafiya Boss of NYC, who rules the dark world of the criminal underground. Until his enemies capture him.

Talia Tolstaia dreams to break from the heavy clutches of Bratva life. She dreams of another life--away from the stifling leash of her Russian Bratva Boss father and from the brutality of her work at The Dungeon, her criminal family's underground death-match enterprise. But when she stumbles upon her family's captive who is more monster than man, she starts to see the man underneath. A powerful, beautiful, damaged man whose heart calls to hers. But sacrifices must be made--blood for blood...life for life...souls for scarred souls... 

REVIEW
This one made me cry

Ok I cried at the end. So heartbreaking again how evil people can be for power and money.

Zaal touched my heart. Talia just took all the risks. At limes I was like this is totally unrealistic, but because the story was just so good I could overlook it.

This has a ton more sex then the first book. Less violence but way more sex. It is hot there is chemistry between Zaal and Talia. 

I hope the person at the end is who I think it is and I hope she gets her HEA.

On to the next!

Raze (Scared Souls, #1)

Raze (Scared Souls, #1)
By Tillie Cole

SUMMARY
TO TAKE BACK LIFE, ONE MUST FIRST FACE DEATH...

Conditioned in captivity to maim, to kill and to slaughter, prisoner 818 becomes an unrivaled and unstoppable fighter in the ring. Violence is all he knows. After years of incarceration in an underground hell, only one thought occupies his mind: revenge... bloody, slow and violent revenge. Revenge on the man who wronged him.
Kisa Volkova is the only daughter of Kirill 'The Silencer' Volkov, head of the infamous 'Red' bosses of New York's Russian Bratva. Her life is protected. In reality, it's a virtual prison. Her father's savage treatment of his rivals and his lucrative and coveted underground gambling ring-The Dungeon-ensures too many enemies lurk at their door. She dreams to be set free. Kisa has known only cruelty and loss in her short life. While working for her church-the only reprieve in her constant surveillance-Kisa stumbles across a tattooed, scarred, but stunningly beautiful homeless man on the streets. Something about him stirs feelings deep within her; familiar yet impossibly forbidden desires. He doesn't talk. Doesn't communicate with anyone.

He's a man beyond saving. But Kisa becomes obsessed with him. Yearns for him. Craves his touch. Needs to possess this mysterious man... ... this man they call Raze.

REVIEW

A gritty heartbreaking read

It amazes me how cruel people are to each other. This story is full of evil, but in the end good wins out.

This story is very predictable and you knew how it was going to play out. I can't believe that Kisa's father let his daughter be abused and didn't do anything about it. For heaven sake he is "the boss"

Raze went through so much and it was heartbreaking to read his story.

This story has a great deal of violence, rape, and just total evilness. So if you are not up for it pass on this. 

Soul's Fire (Northwomen Sagas #3)

Soul's Fire (Northwomen Sagas #3)
By Susan Fanetti

SUMMARY
Astrid has been a warrior since the day she was old enough to make the choice to live and die with an axe in her hand. She is strong and stoic, powerful and brave, and she has the life she desires, free of complications and distractions.

She is a shieldmaiden, and that is all she wishes to be.

She has been the strong right hand of her jarl since the day they and their allies overthrew the cruel Jarl Åke. Jarl Leif is mighty and honorable, and with Astrid’s help, he has brought great prosperity to their people. Every summer, the raiders sail into new lands, traveling farther and farther, claiming treasure to enrich their people. They meet little resistance from the rulers or the people of these strange worlds.

Until they land in a country whose king has learned the lessons of his neighbors and meets the raiders with a cunning and brutality that matches their own. In that clash, and after it, Astrid’s shieldmaiden’s strength and will is put to the harshest tests.

Leofric is the second son of a king. Without the expectations or attention imposed on his older brother, he is free to live more or less as he chooses. But he is a seasoned warrior and not half so dissolute as his reputation suggests. When his father and brother seek to salve their rage by torturing a captive barbarian woman, Leofric sees their action for the evil it is and does all he can to save her, and then to heal her.

To love her had not been part of his plan.

The captive is strong and stoic, powerful and brave. She is a marvel unlike any woman he’s ever known. But if she is to live, she must learn the ways of his world. If she is to thrive, she must cast aside what she was and become something new. Leofric would give her all that he has and more, but there is one thing he cannot offer.

His world has no word for shieldmaiden.

Note: Explicit sex and violence. Dark themes.

REVIEW
Heart wrenching as always

Another bleed out of the soul book. The story is full of emotion and runs you the gambit of feelings.

Wow I never finish one of the northwomen books without being touched by the growth of each character in ways that I wish I could grow. 

Forgiveness and acceptance are very hard thing to learn and at times to put into action. Perceiving something that is unforgivable to you in so many ways, yet putting it behind you offering up clear and honest forgiveness/regret and trying to make things right in spite of yourself. That is awe inspiring to me. 

The characters put that into action throughout. They also learned that what the perceived as being weak is really being stronger then you have ever known. Also what is deemed bad or different doesn't mean evil or bad.

There are some dark things in this story and I think the author was so right when she offered at the beginning; that it isn't about the darkness that happened it is about what takes place after that needs the details.

Rough & Tumble (The Haven Brotherhood, #1)

Rough & Tumble (The Haven Brotherhood, #1)
By Rhenna Morgan

SUMMARY
A self-made man with his fingers in a variety of successful businesses, Jace Kennedy lives for the challenge and he always gets what he wants. From the start, he sees Vivienne Moore's hidden wild side and knows she's his perfect match, if only he can break it free. He will have her. One way or another. 

Vivienne's determined to ditch the rough lifestyle she grew up in, even if that means hiding her true self behind a bland socialite veneer. Dragging her party-hound sister out of a club was not how she wanted to ring in the New Year, but Viv knows the drill. Get in, get her sister and get back to the safe, stable life she's built for herself as fast as humanly possible. But Viv's plans are derailed when she finds herself crashing into the club's clearly badass and dangerously sexy owner. 

Jace is everything Vivienne swore she never wanted, but the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to see that he loves just as fiercely as he fights. He can walk society's walk and talk society's talk, but when he wants something, he finds a way to get it. He's proud of who he is and where he came from, and he'll be damned if he lets Vivienne go before showing her the safest place of all is in the arms of a dangerous man.

REVIEW
This is the first book I have read from this author.

I thought the story had an interesting plot. I wish the characters had some more background information intead of it just being told. I think the story could have been a great deal better with some flashbacks so we could live the history. There was insta-love. Wham one look and they were forever for him. 

Viv, well I wasn't all thrilled with her. I never truly understood why she made herself so reserved. I mean if you explain that your dad got shot in a bar but you weren't really emotionally involved with him as your dad...kinda contradictory. I just didn't get her at all.

Jace was hot and I liked him. I still wished we had more background and less telling about his past. I really think that stopped me from really connecting with the characters. The sex was hot though.

It just needed more. It would have been really great with how Axel and Jace started Haven and even how all the boys met up. Arghhh it could have been spectacular!

Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

Heart's Ease (Northwomen Sagas, #2)

Heart's Ease (Northwomen Sagas, #2)
By Susan Fanetti

SUMMARY
The follow-up to the bestselling Viking romance, God's Eye.

When raiders from the North land in Olga’s world and take it over, she is captured and made a slave. She and her people suffer at the hands of creatures that seem more beasts than men, and not even her talent and skill as a healer can help them.

But one barbarian, big and golden, seems different from the others. He doesn’t revel or partake in the suffering of the new slaves, and, when he learns that Olga is a healer who knows some of their words, he releases her from her bonds.

The raiders stake claim to Olga’s world and mean to settle it, and she and the rest of her people who survived make a new community with the invaders. The barbarians who destroyed her world and made her a slave grow to be her friends and her equals.

The friendship she forms with the one who cut her bonds is the deepest of them all.

Leif is a valiant and esteemed warrior who’s raided for many summers. As a leader in this new world they mean to settle, he forges deep, close ties with those who’d been only allies, and sometimes enemies, and with the native people of this new land.

In particular, he’s drawn to the dark-haired healer, whose tiny body holds the will and spirit of a mighty raider.

Leif is deeply loyal to the jarl who’s treated him as a son. When the jarl arrives to view their success, Leif struggles to understand the ways his mentor has grown cruel and deceitful and to see the man he’s loved as a father, whose sons he loves as brothers. But he recognizes the brutal lies for what they are.

Torn between the man to whom he’d long ago sworn his unconditional fealty and the friends to whom he is devoted, Leif makes a devastating choice, trying as best he can to save those he loves, at any cost to himself. Even at the cost of their love for him.

The consequences of his choice are severe. Perhaps too severe to allow forgiveness.

But until there is forgiveness, there can never be ease.

Note: Explicit sex and violence.

REVIEW
Good second part

I liked the story. It did get a little draggy because we had a review of parts of the first book. I know it was necessary, but at times I was bored.

Olga was a darn strong woman, I thought the God's Eye was strong....heck no. She went through so much pain and loss, but kept surviving. I am glad she overcame her hatred to make a happy life. 

Leif was very complicated and I did have lots of resentment towards him at the end of the first book. I always felt he could have done more. I too had a hard time forgiving. 

Good to visit Vali and Brenna in the book I loved them! There story was better, but this was good too. I couldn't put it down.