Furious Rush
By C.S. Stephens
SUMMARY
For Mackenzie Cox, racing motorcycles is in her blood. Born into a family legacy, she's determined to show the world that she has inherited her father's talent in this male-dominated sport. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonised by her rival team's newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Hayden, exceedingly arrogant and outrageously attractive, immediately gets under Kenzie's skin and she can't help but be distracted.
As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense - and strictly forbidden - attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie needs a win, and she also needs to stay away from Hayden. Unfortunately for her though, one thing has become all too clear: she can't.
Fuelled by passion, driven by desire, Hayden and Mackenzie both want to win more than anything else. Except for, maybe, each other. But anger, jealousy and extreme competitiveness aren't their only obstacles . . .
REVIEW
Couldn't put this one down at all. I sure hope there is a sequel to this because a great deal was left up in the air.
Wow what a tangled web was weaved in this one. Kenzie was a very strong character. She wants to be loved deep down inside and her family just cannot give it to her. Her father is bitter and being vengeful doesn't get you what you want. The family's enemy is despicable in every way and shows his true colors at the end....I hope there is a way Kenzie gets back at him. Everyone seems to turn on Kenzie friends and family. I felt like she truly didn't get a HEA. There has to be more to it,
Hayden is a mystery and I am truly not sure who he is even after the whole book. He has secrets and I think he is Keith's son. There were too many references of how they look the same.
The sex is hot and lots of attraction between Hayden and Kenzie. But again the end was lacking something to make me feel good about the story.
Received a ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for a honest review.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Monday, August 1, 2016
The Perfect Horse
I
received a free copy of this book from NetGalley exchange for an honest review
Summary:
In
the chaotic last days of the war a small troop of battle-weary American
soldiers captures a German spy and makes an astonishing find—his briefcase is
empty but for photos of beautiful white horses that have been stolen and kept
on a secret farm behind enemy lines. Hitler has stockpiled the world's finest
purebreds in order to breed the perfect military machine—an equine master race.
But with the starving Russian army closing in, the animals are in imminent
danger of being slaughtered for food.
With only hours to spare, one of the Army's last great cavalrymen, American colonel Hank Reed, makes a bold decision—with General George Patton's blessing—to mount a covert rescue operation. Racing against time, Reed's small but determined force of soldiers, aided by several turncoat Germans, steals across enemy lines in a last-ditch effort to save the horses.
Pulling together this multistranded story, Elizabeth Letts introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters: Alois Podhajsky, director of the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna, a former Olympic medalist who is forced to flee the bomb-ravaged Austrian capital with his entire stable in tow; Gustav Rau, Hitler's imperious chief of horse breeding, a proponent of eugenics who dreams of genetically engineering the perfect warhorse for Germany; and Tom Stewart, a senator's son who makes a daring moonlight ride on a white stallion to secure the farm's surrender.
A compelling account for animal lovers and World War II buffs alike, The Perfect Horse tells for the first time the full story of these events. Elizabeth Letts's exhilarating tale of behind-enemy-lines adventure, courage, and sacrifice brings to life one of the most inspiring chapters in the annals of human valor.
With only hours to spare, one of the Army's last great cavalrymen, American colonel Hank Reed, makes a bold decision—with General George Patton's blessing—to mount a covert rescue operation. Racing against time, Reed's small but determined force of soldiers, aided by several turncoat Germans, steals across enemy lines in a last-ditch effort to save the horses.
Pulling together this multistranded story, Elizabeth Letts introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters: Alois Podhajsky, director of the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna, a former Olympic medalist who is forced to flee the bomb-ravaged Austrian capital with his entire stable in tow; Gustav Rau, Hitler's imperious chief of horse breeding, a proponent of eugenics who dreams of genetically engineering the perfect warhorse for Germany; and Tom Stewart, a senator's son who makes a daring moonlight ride on a white stallion to secure the farm's surrender.
A compelling account for animal lovers and World War II buffs alike, The Perfect Horse tells for the first time the full story of these events. Elizabeth Letts's exhilarating tale of behind-enemy-lines adventure, courage, and sacrifice brings to life one of the most inspiring chapters in the annals of human valor.
Review:
This
is my first non-fiction review I’ve every done.
It’s not the first I’ve read, as I’ve read many over the years. I’m a huge history fan and love to read books
written about the different wars. I took a chance on reading this book for two
reasons one it’s about WWII, and it’s about horses. I currently own four horses myself and have
dreamed of seeing Lipizzaners perform. I
knew little of what had happened to them during the war.
This
book is so well written it paints a picture in the readers mind so you see it
almost like a movie. This book even as a pre-copy is very well edited. I hate books poorly edited; it takes away
from the enjoyment you receive from reading the book. I didn’t come across any errors.
From
the very first page you feel a connection with each of the characters as well
as each of the horses we come to know and love. It’s one of those books that
once you start reading you don’t want to put it down for anything. There’s
really not much that I can say other than, it’s insightful and delightful to
read.
Conclusion:
Would
I recommend this book to others? YES
Would
I read other books written by this author? YES
Is
this book a Novel or Novella? NOVEL
Is
this book priced correctly? YES…… I don’t
say that often as I’m a budget buyer as I live on a fixed income, but after
reading this book. I know when it come
out I will buy a copy as to me it’s a must have for any history buff.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Full Heat: A Brothers of Mayhem Novel
Full Heat: A Brothers of Mayhem Novel
By Carla Swafford
SUMMARY
Forget shining armor. Motorcycle shop owner Mary Jane Parker could use a knight in black leather right about now. A local gang has been extorting her for protection money, and standing her ground would be a lot easier with the Brothers of Mayhem at her back. She just needs to convince the club’s new president to take the job. The powerful, brooding biker claims he’s not interested—but if his version of tough love is supposed to be punishment, Mary Jane would gladly misbehave for the rest of her life.
Storm Ryder has no interest in rescuing anyone but himself. He spent three agonizing years in prison, and there’s no way in hell he’s going back, not over a spoiled rich girl who’s flirting with trouble. So why does he find himself craving Mary Jane’s lips—and holding her close when he should be pushing her away? Deep down in his tortured soul, Storm knows she’ll be there for him. And when Mary Jane needs him most, he’ll find the courage to give her everything he’s got.
REVIEW
This is a very gritty and dark story. Mary Jane is the only light and she sure takes a great deal of hits throughout the book.
Storm has been through so much and is very traumatized and he had a great deal of anger in him. He doesn't really know how to cope with it all. But if you have been assaulted in many ways regularly for almost a year you can see why. He is very young and spent 3 years in jail. My heart goes out to him. Throughout the story his world crumbles and his only anchor is Mary Jane.
Storm dies treat Mary Jane badly at times, but she stands by him and forgives him. I am glad she stands up for herself though and realizes she doesn't need him to survive or live her life. She was a strong character and I liked that she stayed true the whole way.
Again a very emotional and difficult read at times, so it is not for everyone.
Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for a honest review.
By Carla Swafford
SUMMARY
Forget shining armor. Motorcycle shop owner Mary Jane Parker could use a knight in black leather right about now. A local gang has been extorting her for protection money, and standing her ground would be a lot easier with the Brothers of Mayhem at her back. She just needs to convince the club’s new president to take the job. The powerful, brooding biker claims he’s not interested—but if his version of tough love is supposed to be punishment, Mary Jane would gladly misbehave for the rest of her life.
Storm Ryder has no interest in rescuing anyone but himself. He spent three agonizing years in prison, and there’s no way in hell he’s going back, not over a spoiled rich girl who’s flirting with trouble. So why does he find himself craving Mary Jane’s lips—and holding her close when he should be pushing her away? Deep down in his tortured soul, Storm knows she’ll be there for him. And when Mary Jane needs him most, he’ll find the courage to give her everything he’s got.
REVIEW
This is a very gritty and dark story. Mary Jane is the only light and she sure takes a great deal of hits throughout the book.
Storm has been through so much and is very traumatized and he had a great deal of anger in him. He doesn't really know how to cope with it all. But if you have been assaulted in many ways regularly for almost a year you can see why. He is very young and spent 3 years in jail. My heart goes out to him. Throughout the story his world crumbles and his only anchor is Mary Jane.
Storm dies treat Mary Jane badly at times, but she stands by him and forgives him. I am glad she stands up for herself though and realizes she doesn't need him to survive or live her life. She was a strong character and I liked that she stayed true the whole way.
Again a very emotional and difficult read at times, so it is not for everyone.
Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for a honest review.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Enough: A dark, erotic motorcycle club romance
Enough: A Dark Erotic Motorcycle Club Romance
By Jade Chandler
SUMMARY
She wanted nothing to do with me. Well, that’s too f*cking bad.
My MC brothers call me Dare for a reason. I never back down from a challenge. And Lila was the sweetest challenge I ever faced.
From the moment she walked into my tattoo shop, she was going to end up in my bed. Tied up, moaning my name and begging for more.
Her past was a nightmare and I couldn’t guarantee her a future. But I could promise her a good time.
I didn't know what we would turn into, let alone how hard it’d be to stay away after my selfish ass sent her packing.
Problem is, my girl is hot, so the same men I call brothers tried to claim her.
There’s not enough bourbon in the world to help me forget the love we shared. But to get her back, to prove she's more to me then a quick lay, I'll have to tell her the secret I've been hiding from everyone.
Before she’s gone forever.
REVIEW
Not to sure what to say about this. I liked it, but then I didn't and then I did like it. Great writing and it really sucked you in,
The character development was good and interesting, but then it just seemed like a sex romp at times. Hot but sometimes a tad too much.
I like Leila she had gone through a great deal of crap and was trying to get it together. She seemed to but then just fell into Dare. I liked that she learned to live without him somewhat, but everyone took advantage of her because she just wanted to fit in and have someone really care for her.
Dare has tons of issues and they don't all come out till the very end. He is hot and the sexy times are hot, but it just got dragged out and at the end skipped some. I wish the author gave a tad more insight about what was going on with him because at times I was like total jerk and a total drunk, instead of waiting till the end for all the answers. He was hard to relate too.
Dare's friends were asses and treated Leila badly, but she always forgave. Irritating at times. The brotherhood has an interesting dynamic. Jericho is a complete ass!
Good read some parts will irritate you. I will read the next book though.
Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for a honest review.
By Jade Chandler
SUMMARY
She wanted nothing to do with me. Well, that’s too f*cking bad.
My MC brothers call me Dare for a reason. I never back down from a challenge. And Lila was the sweetest challenge I ever faced.
From the moment she walked into my tattoo shop, she was going to end up in my bed. Tied up, moaning my name and begging for more.
Her past was a nightmare and I couldn’t guarantee her a future. But I could promise her a good time.
I didn't know what we would turn into, let alone how hard it’d be to stay away after my selfish ass sent her packing.
Problem is, my girl is hot, so the same men I call brothers tried to claim her.
There’s not enough bourbon in the world to help me forget the love we shared. But to get her back, to prove she's more to me then a quick lay, I'll have to tell her the secret I've been hiding from everyone.
Before she’s gone forever.
REVIEW
Not to sure what to say about this. I liked it, but then I didn't and then I did like it. Great writing and it really sucked you in,
The character development was good and interesting, but then it just seemed like a sex romp at times. Hot but sometimes a tad too much.
I like Leila she had gone through a great deal of crap and was trying to get it together. She seemed to but then just fell into Dare. I liked that she learned to live without him somewhat, but everyone took advantage of her because she just wanted to fit in and have someone really care for her.
Dare has tons of issues and they don't all come out till the very end. He is hot and the sexy times are hot, but it just got dragged out and at the end skipped some. I wish the author gave a tad more insight about what was going on with him because at times I was like total jerk and a total drunk, instead of waiting till the end for all the answers. He was hard to relate too.
Dare's friends were asses and treated Leila badly, but she always forgave. Irritating at times. The brotherhood has an interesting dynamic. Jericho is a complete ass!
Good read some parts will irritate you. I will read the next book though.
Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for a honest review.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Bound by Temptation (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #4)
Bound by Temptation (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #4)
By Cora Reilly
SUMMARY
Liliana Scuderi has been in love with Romero from the moment she first saw him. After her sisters were married off for tactical reasons, she hopes she might be allowed to choose a husband for herself, but when her father promises her to a man more than twice her age that hope is crushed. No begging can make him change his mind.
Romero has always ignored Lily’s flirting. Her age and status made her off-limits but even someone as dutiful as him has only so much control. Wanting her when she’s supposed to marry another man could mean war between New York and the Chicago Outfit, and Romero has always put the Cosa Nostra first.
Lily suspects her sisters and Romero would risk everything for her, but is her happiness worth that much? Is love worth a war between the Cosa Nostra and the Outfit?
REVIEW
Great read. Had to keep reading to see what would happen. Didn't predict at all!
Lily the last sister left. All about her growing up and risking it all for love. It was interesting to see her progression.
Romero is sexy and hot. Only problem I had was he was older and he was kinda manipulated by an eighteen year old. I don't mind age differences, but for some reason this one bothered me a tad.
Lots of sexy times. Great action. Great read. Enjoy!
By Cora Reilly
SUMMARY
Liliana Scuderi has been in love with Romero from the moment she first saw him. After her sisters were married off for tactical reasons, she hopes she might be allowed to choose a husband for herself, but when her father promises her to a man more than twice her age that hope is crushed. No begging can make him change his mind.
Romero has always ignored Lily’s flirting. Her age and status made her off-limits but even someone as dutiful as him has only so much control. Wanting her when she’s supposed to marry another man could mean war between New York and the Chicago Outfit, and Romero has always put the Cosa Nostra first.
Lily suspects her sisters and Romero would risk everything for her, but is her happiness worth that much? Is love worth a war between the Cosa Nostra and the Outfit?
REVIEW
Great read. Had to keep reading to see what would happen. Didn't predict at all!
Lily the last sister left. All about her growing up and risking it all for love. It was interesting to see her progression.
Romero is sexy and hot. Only problem I had was he was older and he was kinda manipulated by an eighteen year old. I don't mind age differences, but for some reason this one bothered me a tad.
Lots of sexy times. Great action. Great read. Enjoy!
Bound by Hatred (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #3)
Bound by Hatred (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #3)
By Cora Reilly
SUMMARY
When Gianna watched her sister Aria getting married to a man she barely knew, she promised herself she wouldn’t let the same thing happen to her.
Matteo – The Blade – Vitiello set his eyes on Gianna the moment he saw her on his brother Luca’s wedding, and Rocco Scuderi is more than willing to give his daughter to him, but Gianna has no intention of marrying for any other reason than love. A few months before the wedding, Gianna escapes her bodyguards and runs away. She has enough money to flee to Europe and begin a new life. But staying undetected when the mob is searching for her is a challenge that takes everything, especially as one of their best hunters and assassins is after her: Matteo Vitiello.
After six months on the run, Gianna finally settles into a tentative routine in Munich, but then Matteo and a couple of her father’s soldiers find her with another man.
Despite her pleads they kill her boyfriend, and Gianna is forced to marry Matteo. Her emotions alternating between guilt over having dragged an innocent into her world and hatred toward Matteo, Gianna is determined to make life hell for her husband. But Matteo is a master at mind games and their struggle for power soon turns into hate-fueled nights of passion.
**Book #3 in the "Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles". This book can be read as a standalone.**
REVIEW
Much better then Luca and Aria's story.
Gianna is one tough girl. She did get a tad annoying. I felt bad for her and the way everyone treated her. The double standard at its best. Her father what an ass.
Matteo much better guy then Luca. He knew what he wanted, hunted, fought, and waited for it. I never got mad at him. I felt sorry because he was so patient with her and always stood by her.
Matteo was sexy as hell and there are lots of sexy times.
Good read!
By Cora Reilly
SUMMARY
When Gianna watched her sister Aria getting married to a man she barely knew, she promised herself she wouldn’t let the same thing happen to her.
Matteo – The Blade – Vitiello set his eyes on Gianna the moment he saw her on his brother Luca’s wedding, and Rocco Scuderi is more than willing to give his daughter to him, but Gianna has no intention of marrying for any other reason than love. A few months before the wedding, Gianna escapes her bodyguards and runs away. She has enough money to flee to Europe and begin a new life. But staying undetected when the mob is searching for her is a challenge that takes everything, especially as one of their best hunters and assassins is after her: Matteo Vitiello.
After six months on the run, Gianna finally settles into a tentative routine in Munich, but then Matteo and a couple of her father’s soldiers find her with another man.
Despite her pleads they kill her boyfriend, and Gianna is forced to marry Matteo. Her emotions alternating between guilt over having dragged an innocent into her world and hatred toward Matteo, Gianna is determined to make life hell for her husband. But Matteo is a master at mind games and their struggle for power soon turns into hate-fueled nights of passion.
**Book #3 in the "Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles". This book can be read as a standalone.**
REVIEW
Much better then Luca and Aria's story.
Gianna is one tough girl. She did get a tad annoying. I felt bad for her and the way everyone treated her. The double standard at its best. Her father what an ass.
Matteo much better guy then Luca. He knew what he wanted, hunted, fought, and waited for it. I never got mad at him. I felt sorry because he was so patient with her and always stood by her.
Matteo was sexy as hell and there are lots of sexy times.
Good read!
Bound by Honor (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #1)
Bound by Honor (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #1)
By Cora Reilly
SUMMARY
Born into one of the leading Mob families in Chicago, Aria Scuderi struggles to find her own path in a world where no choices are given. Aria was only fifteen when her parents betrothed her to Luca – The Vice – Vitiello, the oldest son of the head of the New York Cosa Nostra to ensure peace between the two families.
Now at eighteen, the day Aria has been dreading for years is looming dangerously: her wedding to Luca.
Aria is terrified of marrying a man she hardly knows, especially someone like Luca who got his nickname ‘the Vice’ for crushing a man’s throat with his bare hands. Luca might be one of the most sought after men in New York thanks to his good looks, wealth and predator-like charisma that radiates power, but the society girls throwing themselves at him don’t know what Aria does: that the bad boy aura isn’t just a game; blood and death lurk beneath Luca’s striking gray eyes and arrogant smile.
In her world a handsome exterior often hides the monster within; a monster who can just as easily kill as kiss you.
The only way to escape the marriage to Luca would be to run away and leave everything she’s ever known behind but Aria can’t bear the thought of never seeing her family again.
Despite her fear, she decides to go through with the marriage; Aria has grown up among predators like Luca and knows that even most cold-hearted bastards have a heart and she has every intention of working her way into Luca’s.
REVIEW
Not bad interesting read.
Luca is kinda a jerk face but tends to redeem himself then is a jerk then redeems.
Aria sometimes is a pain, her sister is a REAL pain! I liked that she stood up to Lica and put him in his place. One of the villains were really good but I think they could have dealt with it differently. I would have loved to see Aria kick butt!
Hot sex. Luca is hot that way.
Good start I think I will read the series.
By Cora Reilly
SUMMARY
Born into one of the leading Mob families in Chicago, Aria Scuderi struggles to find her own path in a world where no choices are given. Aria was only fifteen when her parents betrothed her to Luca – The Vice – Vitiello, the oldest son of the head of the New York Cosa Nostra to ensure peace between the two families.
Now at eighteen, the day Aria has been dreading for years is looming dangerously: her wedding to Luca.
Aria is terrified of marrying a man she hardly knows, especially someone like Luca who got his nickname ‘the Vice’ for crushing a man’s throat with his bare hands. Luca might be one of the most sought after men in New York thanks to his good looks, wealth and predator-like charisma that radiates power, but the society girls throwing themselves at him don’t know what Aria does: that the bad boy aura isn’t just a game; blood and death lurk beneath Luca’s striking gray eyes and arrogant smile.
In her world a handsome exterior often hides the monster within; a monster who can just as easily kill as kiss you.
The only way to escape the marriage to Luca would be to run away and leave everything she’s ever known behind but Aria can’t bear the thought of never seeing her family again.
Despite her fear, she decides to go through with the marriage; Aria has grown up among predators like Luca and knows that even most cold-hearted bastards have a heart and she has every intention of working her way into Luca’s.
REVIEW
Not bad interesting read.
Luca is kinda a jerk face but tends to redeem himself then is a jerk then redeems.
Aria sometimes is a pain, her sister is a REAL pain! I liked that she stood up to Lica and put him in his place. One of the villains were really good but I think they could have dealt with it differently. I would have loved to see Aria kick butt!
Hot sex. Luca is hot that way.
Good start I think I will read the series.
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