White Hot by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
White Hot (Hidden Legacy, #2) by Ilona Andrews

Title: White Hot
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #2, Nevada Baylor Trilogy #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Strong women
Dates read: 17th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: His face was flat, his eyes bloodshot.

Synopsis

Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she’s used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family’s detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor “Mad” Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice . . .

Thoughts

Yet again, I absolutely adored this Ilona Andrews story. There is just something about her works that I find completely unforgettable. And impossible to put down. And just generally leaves me in my happy place. It’s… comforting. And enthralling. And whilst I loved the Kate Daniels books, I have a new series to heavily obsess over now… the Hidden Legacy series.

Nevada Baylor is definitely one of my favourite new characters… I started seriously falling for her in Burn For Me. But it really wasn’t until I read White Hot that I fell completely. She’s tough and independent. Driven by her love for her family and just amazingly powerful. Her power, however, doesn’t make her confident, and she’s constantly trying to train and improve. I can’t wait to see how her power evolves in the last book of this series. Especially with the cliff hanger that White Hot ends on.

Even though I am head over heels with Nevada, I think that Rogan is great. He’s obviously kind of damaged and messed up. But Nevada realises that and accepts him as he is (she also manipulates him a little knowing this, but who wouldn’t?). She also manages to completely infuriate him and constantly argue with him. Something that I think is seriously important in any good relationship. Particularly one with a strong, alpha male – we all need to remind them to keep their controlling impulses under control and Nevada does this is a way that has absolutely zero finesse.

Although I found the dynamic and relationship between Rogan and Nevada absolutely fantastic, it is the main plot line that really makes this book impossible to put down. The conspiracy that started in Burn For Me gets more complex. And I’m seriously hoping that things are solved in the final novel. You also being to discover more about Nevada’s siblings and cousins – the powers that they’ve kept hidden. And, you know, the fact that they are some seriously powerful magic users that have just been mostly ignored…

<- Burn for MeWildfire ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Temptation of Eustace Prudence McAllen by Jay Lake

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: The Temptation of Eustace Prudence McAllen
Author: Jay Lake
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Weird western, Westerns
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: His shout smoked the air blue and called dark clouds into swirling overhead.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Eustace Prudence McAllen is being blamed for the fires being set in his town. So he goes on a ride to find out what is starting the fires in Hell’s Kitchen….

Thoughts

I really liked the way that this story was told more in the traditional oral style. It was like a conversation with the narrator. Even including some not-so-veiled insults throughout for interrupting the flow of narration. It was really quite clever, and whilst not out and out hilarious, it was quite entertaining. And left me smiling throughout.

This story combines fires, the devil and cattle. Cattle rustling and cattle farming. It had all the elements of what I picture when I think Western… but included with that is also Lucifer and the problems that a conversation with The Devil come with. Actually, throughout this whole story, all I could think about was stories of deals at crossroads and the song The Devil Went Down to Georgia. There was just this great, hauntingly familiar feel to the story line. One that felt a little like coming home.

This wasn’t a hilarious short story. But it was an entertaining and slightly funny one. Mostly through the voice of the narrator – the narrator added an extra sense of flair and humour to the story line that I really wasn’t expecting. And honestly, I just really enjoyed this unique take on a Western story.

<- Westward WeirdThe Last Master of Aeronautical Winters ->

Image source: Amazon

Arresting Desire by Shayla Black

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Hot in Handcuffs - Bookshelf • Best Selling Books by #1 New York ...

Title: Arresting Desire
Author: Shayla Black
Series: Sexy Capers #2.5
In: Hot in Handcuffs (Sylvia Day, Shayla Black & Shiloh Walker)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Bondage, Contemporary, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: When he rubbed his fingertips along the bottom, the disturbance of the smooth surface made him frown.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

FBI Agent Jon Bocelli never stopped wanting beautiful professor Lucia DiStefano. She’s interested in taking her first lover, and he intends to be that man. When her past puts her life in danger, Jon risks everything to save her and prove this fling is forever.

Thoughts

The more romance books that fill my shelves, the more stories I seem to encounter that are a little bit more about Doms and Subs. And although it’s interesting, it is DEFINITELY not to my own tastes… I most certainly prefer stories that are a little sweeter and less intense in the sexuality department. Yet, for some reason, I still love these kinds of stories. They are turning into a pretty major guilty pleasure. One that I feel weirdly uncomfortable reading, but also seriously enjoy. And this novella really drove home that feeling.

I really like the feeling of a back story in this novella. That, alongside with Lucia and Jon as a couple made this story really work for me. I thought that they were just such a nice couple and I kind of hope that earlier books in this series will have them in the background… I want to know more about the very beginning of their acquaintance and lives together. Sure, they have slightly different interests than I do, but overall, such a sweet little couple.

I think that one of the things I loved most about this story, and what makes me want to buy the rest of this series, even if this level of BDSM isn’t really my thing… is the Mafia / FBI spin. It’s not something I’ve had the pleasure of coming across as much as I’d like, but it’s definitely a great interaction that I would definitely be happy seeing more of….

<- Hot in HandcuffsOn Fire ->

Image source: Sylvia Day

Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss) (Volume 3): Nalini Singh ...

Title: Rock Redemption
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Music
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: No photographers, no stalkers, nothing but a wild beauty that would suit Kit’s grounded nature.

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh comes the next contemporary romance in the Rock Kiss series…

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness… until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting – needing – to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful… and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.

Thoughts

Even when I sit down to write this review a few days after I finished reading Rock Redemption, I still don’t quite have the words for the absolute awesomeness that is this novel. I loved the first three Rock Kiss stories, but there was just something… extra wow about this novel. It is brilliant, complex and kind of beautiful. But also incredibly heart-rending and serious. A perfect mix in a contemporary romance novel if you ask me (which you probably didn’t, but I’m still going to give you my opinion…).

Throughout this story, my heart broke multiple times. Not just because of Kit and Noah’s different issues, but there were moments I wasn’t even sure if a happily ever after was going to be reached. Although Kit’s issues were there… it was, in particular, Noah’s that were really tragic. I kept guessing and hoping I was wrong about his past (I wasn’t). But even that moment of reveal made me gasp out loud and cover my mouth with my hand. Even when expected… that moment of reveal was so heart breaking and tragic. And enough that you truly wondered whether or not they would actually get the happy ending…

The first three Rock Kiss books have got much smaller stakes compared to this one. Not only is Noah’s past WAY more screwed up and dark, but Kit also has to contend with a stalker and someone threatening her very life. The raising of the stakes is intense and made it completely impossible to remove my nose from this book. It also made my heart palpitate in ways that I wasn’t quite expecting. But, honestly, that is just what made this story so damn good… the stakes were raised, but the eventual happily ever after moment was just that much sweeter.

One of my favourite aspects of this novel was the way in which Kit figures out how to help Noah sleep at night. The construction of the outside bed is such a great, picturesque detail. And it kind of made me want an outside bed too…

<- Rock HardRock Wedding ->

Image source: Amazon

Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Rock Hard (Rock Kiss, #2) by Nalini Singh

Title: Rock Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #2, Hard Play #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “You see why a second date would’ve been a bad idea, don’t you, Ms. Baird?”

Synopsis

In New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businesman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Barid.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO – a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake – clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

Thoughts

Charlotte’s history is alluded to in Rock Addiction, and like Rock Courtship, that little allusion in the first novel made me really, really want to find out more. And I was seriously happy that Charlotte and Gabriel get their own full-length novel. Because, wow, Charlotte’s story is seriously intense and somehow all the more beautiful for the horrors that she faces.

One of my favourite things about this novel is the dynamic between Charlotte and Gabriel. Sure, the other couples thus far have a great dynamic… but I much preferred the argumentative side of this couple. It had me laughing and grinning all throughout. And I seriously enjoyed that not matter what happened, they constantly bickered and found a place in which they could both be themselves and stand up for themselves.

I found this book even more impossible to put down than most of my other Nalini Singh books. Mostly because I just HAD to find out what happened to Charlotte. What her horrifying past was. And even though there were breadcrumbs all throughout and bits and pieces, it isn’t until about three quarters of the way through that you finally find out exactly what happened. This, intertwined with the familiar scenes with Molly, but from Charlotte’s point of view… worked fantastically, unforgettably well. There is just this amazing sense of completion and wow that you get when they finally get their happily ever after… because Charlotte has been through the damn ringer.

Although it is mostly Charlotte’s past and hang-ups that get in the way of their relationship, Gabriel is in no way perfect. And I love that his own hang-ups and imperfection is represented by his workaholic tendencies. The more you get to know each of these characters, the more steadily and heavily you will fall in love with them. Although, I’m looking forward to returning to Molly and the band in Rock Redemption.

<- Rock CourtshipRock Redemption ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Rock Courtship (Rock Kiss, #1.5) by Nalini Singh

Title: Rock Courtship
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Music
Dates read: 15th – 16th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ll be your wingman.

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s new contemporary romance novella is pure hard rock and scorching heat…

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients–or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man…and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

Thoughts

David and Thea’s relationship begins to blossom and be heavily hinted at throughout Rock Addiction. But it isn’t until this novella that you get to find out the truth. Mostly, I was seriously curious about the “bad thing” that happened at some point in the timeline and their need to be together, alone for a while. Now I know. And it was a brilliant little side point in the story line.

This novella, like the first novel in this series was seriously just so damn sweet! My heart completely skipped a beat while reading this. It made me all gushy and melting-in-a-puddle. Which is exactly why I love Singh’s writing. Although, her contemporary romances are a little less conspiracy-driven (at least thus far) and the sweetness just exudes from the pages of my Kobo in this novella.

In Rock Addiction, Molly suggests to David that he use a memo to get Thea’s attention. I laughed at the idea, but honestly, wasn’t really sure how it would work out… but now… now, I also want to be seduced by a memo. They were professional, cute, and seriously hot and steamy. Exactly what I would love in a seduction… even though I can’t imagine my other half being able to write that professionally…

Alongside a great romance, this novella shows you wonderful aspects of both David and Thea’s pasts. They don’t have the issues that the other couples in this series have, but they do have a number of little hang ups that they need to get over. And that they find a great way to overcome. It’s sweet, it’s beautiful and it will definitely make you believe in true love.

<- Rock AddictionRock Hard ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Rock Addiction - Nalini Singh :: NYT bestselling author

Title: Rock Addiction
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Music
Dates read: 13th – 14th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Knuckling it away, she got up and found the phone as well as the chocolate-fudge icecream and took both back to the couch.

Synopsis

A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart…

Thoughts

There are certain authors that every time I pick up one of their books, I genuinely wonder how I forgot how damn good their writing is. And Singh is definitely one of these authors! I walk away from her books for a little while, but then I pick up the next one in my pile… and WA BAM! I just can’t forget about the story. And it makes me want to scour my shelves for all the other Singh books so that I can have that enjoyment again and again and again.

This is the first contemporary romance of Singh’s that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It is very different from her other two series; Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter. Yet, there is still that same sweetness and simplicity to the storyline that I absolutely adore. The fact that it was contemporary mostly just made it feel all that much more realistic and likely. Alright, it’s still a romance and that doesn’t mean that this is actually going to happen. But it’s still a little easier and nicer to imagine…

I love that this story combines the horrors of the past with issues in the present. That even though at the beginning it’s Molly’s issues that you think could cause issues, Fox’s also play a pretty major part in their relationship. It’s a great reminder that even if you are knee-deep, drowning in your own issues… a happily ever after is, in fact possible. And something that it is worth aspiring to. And I also love how they accept each other for those issues, and find ways to work with each other and around them. To me, that’s what true love is all about.

I’m now hanging out for the rest of these stories. I just can’t wait for the other band members to start falling head over heels in love! Actually, the moment I write the last letter of this review… I’m going to grab my Kobo and get started on Rock Courtship. Because I just have to know what happens to David and Thea…

<- More Nalini SinghRock Courtship ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Wizard Home Security by Victor Gischler

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for home improvement undead edition book cover

Title: Wizard Home Security
Author: Victor Gischler
In: Home Improvement (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Humour, Magic
Dates read: 4th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Come now, sir.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Security is important. Particularly when you’re a wizard with a number of very expensive ingredients in your house. But, when you don’t quite use the system properly and get trapped in your own security… that’s not exactly the desired outcome of home security.

Thoughts

I was laughing out loud throughout this entire short story. In fact, even a day later, when I’m writing this review, I’m still giggling. And smiling. It was just a great, humorous and fun short story. One that was funny and light. And kind of impossible to put down. Partly because of the subject matter. And partly because it was just funny.

There is something about having issues with a security system that really hits close to home. After all, everyone worries about the safety of their home. Their security. But not everyone has to deal with the issues associated with magic. And the ways in which this house is protected with a wizard home security system… that worked very well. It not only reflected issues and concerns that we all face. But it also included some great, extra aspects that are only possible in the world of fantasy.

Of everything that happened in this short story. I think that my absolute favourite was the zombie bear. Something about that imagery and battle had me seriously giggling. It was just such a random security measure and one that had a very great visual. Especially seeing as it was a second-hand zombie…

<- If I Had a HammerGray ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

That Holiday Feeling by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for that holiday feeling book cover

Title: That Holiday Feeling
Author: Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr
In: That Holiday Feeling (Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 1st – 13th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “What are you doing tomorrow?” Philip asked unexpectedly.

Synopsis

Celebrate Christmas with three store is from your favorite authors

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber
In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says “I do.” this story was also published in the anthology Christmas Kisses

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods
Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will … if Savannah Holiday’s aunt Mae as anything to do with it.

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr
When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town’s Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it’s his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues — and tails — wagging!

Thoughts

This is a great collection. I probably should have read it closer to Christmas. But, in the midst of all of the insanity, it was nice to read something so uplifting. A collection that is all about family, love and spending a holiday together. Actually, I very rarely even concentrated on the Christmas aspect of these three novellas – I just liked the family and love themes that ran throughout and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

I bought this collection because the last novella is part of the Virgin River series. So I knew that I was going to love the final story in this collection. I figured I’d probably just enjoy the first two. I was wrong. I loved all three novellas ridiculously. They made me very happy and content. And left me with that after-glow you get when you read a seriously phenomenal story. They also just left me generally happy since they were romances that featured family. Both the creation of a new one and the honouring of an old one.

If I were to imagine my ideal holiday season or Christmas… this would be it. It would be about love and family. Being grateful for the people in your life and just filling the world with love. It’s not something that I necessarily feel every year and all the time, but this is a great little reminder of the power of love and how things can be comfortably sweet and happy even in the darkest moments.

<- Under the Christmas TreeSilver Bells ->

Image source: Goodreads

At the Sign of the Last Chance by Owen Wister

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: At the Sign of the Last Chance
Author: Owen Wister
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 13th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “He oughtn’t,” said Henry.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

He’s a western cowboy who has stopped into the Last Chance. What follows is a lot of reminicsing and discussing of those that they all know.

Thoughts

This is a nice little western short story. All written in the first person POV. Something that I quite enjoy when I’m reading – after all, it helps you to situate yourself within the characters’ mindset so much quicker than any other POV.

This story is basically a huge gossip fest. It didn’t have that feeling of beginning, middle and end that I’m somewhat used to. But rather, it was a series of stories and anecdotes about the people that are known. Kind of more realistic because of this – after all, that’s how conversations go in real life. And to a degree, how stories are told.

I really enjoyed the language of this short story. It wasn’t necessarily incredibly engaging as a tale to read – but it was really approachable. It was nice to read a short story that I didn’t have to think too hard about and reread sentences to understand what was going on. It was just… simple. Pleasantly simple.

<- Wine on the DesertEarly Americana ->

Image source: Hachette Australia