Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!
The Conviction by John Matthews
Vigilante, thriller
Two criminals are responsible for an innocent man getting sentenced to life for murder. An inept defense attorney and a crooked prosecutor are the other players in this case of egregious American corruption.
The four of them have been lured into a trap in an abandoned warehouse. Someone wants vengeance. This is a story of vigilante justice for the wrongfully convicted. Marked doors lead to four locked rooms, one where each of them will have to pay a price for what they have done. What will they be required to do in order to survive?
Rating - 
I was definitely surprised!
The crime: 4 boys enter a home. A robbery is committed. The homeowner defends his property and shoots and kills one of the boys. And since they were there to commit a felony, all of the surviving boys were charged with the murder. Only one went away for life.
The justice: the boy serving time wasn't actually part of the crime and was a pawn. It's time for those who took part in his punishment to feel some of that themselves.
My verdict: at first, I thought it was something like Saw. No joke. I'm still not sure if I'm disappointed that it wasn't. There were enough mind games and deceptions to make this exciting and I was glad that I couldn't guess what was really happening or predict what was next. I recommend this short read to anyone looking for a quick thrill.
I was definitely surprised!
The crime: 4 boys enter a home. A robbery is committed. The homeowner defends his property and shoots and kills one of the boys. And since they were there to commit a felony, all of the surviving boys were charged with the murder. Only one went away for life.
The justice: the boy serving time wasn't actually part of the crime and was a pawn. It's time for those who took part in his punishment to feel some of that themselves.
My verdict: at first, I thought it was something like Saw. No joke. I'm still not sure if I'm disappointed that it wasn't. There were enough mind games and deceptions to make this exciting and I was glad that I couldn't guess what was really happening or predict what was next. I recommend this short read to anyone looking for a quick thrill.
Property Of by C.P. Smith
Multiple POV, suspense
Author Nicola Royse dreamed of Scottish Highlanders as a teen then wrote about them as an adult. Always looking but never finding her own White Knight, she still held out hope that he would one day ride up on his trusty steed. He rode up all right, on a silver Harley with heat in his eyes and a detective's badge on his hip while she and her friends plotted her first contemporary romantic suspense. Of course, life couldn't' imitate art without a killer on the loose, one that had Nicola and her friends in his sights.
Detective Dallas Vaughn dedicated his life to catching killers. Then one day he bumped into the girl-next-door, and all that changed. Now he's her White Knight fighting against a Dark Prince—one who would love to see her dead.
Rating -
I ended up liking many things in this story... and not liking others.
Heroine - Nicola was a historical romance author who seemed to be more comfortable with fiction than reality. In a current situation, she would find ways to fictionalize it for the reader and I skimmed most of it because I'm still not sure what was supposed to be gained by this. She's decided that she wants to do a contemporary romance and then when she realizes a serial killer is targeting women in her area, she figures she should find a way to incorporate him in her book. The cop she meets, Dallas, who ends up being the hero of this story, ends up in her book. The FBI agent hunting killers... in the book. And let's not forget the crazy scenario of her and her friends creating a fake profile on POF and a BDSM website to taunt a man. With a serial killer on the loose! Clearly, Nicola wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.
I enjoyed most of how this story was written, except for the repetitive bits and Nicola's nonsense. I admired the way the author described and illustrated Nicola's friendships and her relationship with her family. I enjoyed most of what Dallas had to offer, except when he had to put up with Nicola's nonsene. I even liked the suspenseful element because of how entertaining it was. I may not have loved this particular story as much as I thought I would, but I have loved other books by this author and I'll definitely be giving her another try.
I ended up liking many things in this story... and not liking others.
Heroine - Nicola was a historical romance author who seemed to be more comfortable with fiction than reality. In a current situation, she would find ways to fictionalize it for the reader and I skimmed most of it because I'm still not sure what was supposed to be gained by this. She's decided that she wants to do a contemporary romance and then when she realizes a serial killer is targeting women in her area, she figures she should find a way to incorporate him in her book. The cop she meets, Dallas, who ends up being the hero of this story, ends up in her book. The FBI agent hunting killers... in the book. And let's not forget the crazy scenario of her and her friends creating a fake profile on POF and a BDSM website to taunt a man. With a serial killer on the loose! Clearly, Nicola wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.
I enjoyed most of how this story was written, except for the repetitive bits and Nicola's nonsense. I admired the way the author described and illustrated Nicola's friendships and her relationship with her family. I enjoyed most of what Dallas had to offer, except when he had to put up with Nicola's nonsene. I even liked the suspenseful element because of how entertaining it was. I may not have loved this particular story as much as I thought I would, but I have loved other books by this author and I'll definitely be giving her another try.
Twisted Asphalt by Blue Remy
Dual POV, MC romance
ATF Agent Sam Dean is missing, and Mason Younger steps out of the shadows – landing right in the middle of the Six-gun Outlaw motorcycle club and the James family.
In the outlaw underworld, Mace’s past in the Marine Corps Second Force Recon impresses the MC President, Alan ‘Stone’ James, quickly sending him up the ranks. His expertise in weapons, sharpshooting, and hand-to-hand combat makes Mace an asset when it comes to the club’s illegal gun selling. This allows him to take part in jobs that prospects never get to see. But this prospect needs to go deeper. This prospect needs actual access to the MC’s gun sales.
What the SOMC doesn’t know is that a patched member ratted out the club brothers and is providing all of the intel to build Mace’s cover.
Everything is falling into place and going according to plan. After three long years, the end is finally drawing near. That is until a chance encounter with Amethyst James sends Mace reeling. As an intense relationship begins to boil, Mace struggles to maintain his undercover identity, expose the traitor within the club, and bring down the MC.
With Amy knocking him on his ass, literally, bombs, and an attempted murder, Mace’s sense of reality begins to blur as he strives to fight his rapidly growing feelings for her and the new loyalty to his brothers.
Rating -
Have you ever read a book and thought "Wow! This is going good!" and then when you get to the climax it falls flat? That's what this book did. There was so much going on, as is typical of most MC Club books. Most of the scenes, especially those dealing with fallout, were quite detailed. But then the climax towards the end was quick. A little too quick. I felt like so much was lost in translation! I wanted details and was left with dead air.
Amethyst/Amy was likable but I didn't really like her. She was one of those heroines who comes off strong, has a bold front, uses bravado and fakes aggression, but when push comes to shove, they're... just... not! She had many endearing qualities, but I didn't like how she dealt with some situations, such as those involving Demon. And I was confused by the fact that she was the victim of negative treatment, both from Demon and Tash, yet no one really said much. Wasn't she the daughter of the Prez? Doesn't that afford her some respect? Why was Tash allowed to talk to her the way she did? Maybe I need to brush up on my MC Club data because I was confused.
Sam/Mace/Maverick was pretty awesome. I love a man in uniform lol. I felt bad for him because he was in so deep. I don't really have much to say about him. He was honourable and respectful. Patient and protective.
So I enjoyed the book up until the end and would have rated it higher if the ending was more thought out.
Have you ever read a book and thought "Wow! This is going good!" and then when you get to the climax it falls flat? That's what this book did. There was so much going on, as is typical of most MC Club books. Most of the scenes, especially those dealing with fallout, were quite detailed. But then the climax towards the end was quick. A little too quick. I felt like so much was lost in translation! I wanted details and was left with dead air.
Amethyst/Amy was likable but I didn't really like her. She was one of those heroines who comes off strong, has a bold front, uses bravado and fakes aggression, but when push comes to shove, they're... just... not! She had many endearing qualities, but I didn't like how she dealt with some situations, such as those involving Demon. And I was confused by the fact that she was the victim of negative treatment, both from Demon and Tash, yet no one really said much. Wasn't she the daughter of the Prez? Doesn't that afford her some respect? Why was Tash allowed to talk to her the way she did? Maybe I need to brush up on my MC Club data because I was confused.
Sam/Mace/Maverick was pretty awesome. I love a man in uniform lol. I felt bad for him because he was in so deep. I don't really have much to say about him. He was honourable and respectful. Patient and protective.
So I enjoyed the book up until the end and would have rated it higher if the ending was more thought out.
Hello hello! I'm back with some more books that didn't really work for me, but might be winners for you.
Let me know if you've read any of these or plan to. I'd love to know your thoughts :)
Beautifully Cruel by J.T. Geissinger
Dual POV, contemporary
Alpha (noun):
1) Having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy
2) The most powerful man in a group
3) Liam Black
He was a stranger to me, a dark and dangerous presence who materialized from the shadows one rainy night to save me from a vicious attack. I didn’t know his name or where he was from. All I knew was that the only place I’d ever felt safe was in his arms.
But safety is an illusion.
And not every savior is a hero.
And—as I’d soon find out—having an alpha save your life comes with a price.
Liam Black wanted something from me in return.
My Rating - DNF
I had to stop reading at 47%.
She slapped him across the face. That means it's a hard pass for me. If he'd given her a solid box across the face, readers would be up in arms. We wouldn't hear the end of it. But because she's a she, no one says anything. It's okay? No. That sort of double standard doesn't work for me.
So as potentially hot as this story could be, and I'll be honest but I really wasn't getting all hot and bothered up to this point, it doesn't even matter. Because she slapped him.
I had to stop reading at 47%.
She slapped him across the face. That means it's a hard pass for me. If he'd given her a solid box across the face, readers would be up in arms. We wouldn't hear the end of it. But because she's a she, no one says anything. It's okay? No. That sort of double standard doesn't work for me.
So as potentially hot as this story could be, and I'll be honest but I really wasn't getting all hot and bothered up to this point, it doesn't even matter. Because she slapped him.
The Danger You Know by Lily White
Dark contemporary
You’ll judge me.
Hate me and tell me I’m wrong.
Refuse to see how my darkness is what she needs.
While I don’t particularly care about your feelings in the matter, and while I pursue her despite the wedding bells that rang for another, only I can see how she is drowning beneath mediocrity.
How many times must I remind her?
It can’t matter that I am the person who ruined her life.
The man who killed her father.
The constant shadow that watches her sleep.
The lover who prefers dirty alleyways to freshly laundered sheets
She’s mine. Always has been.
I'm the worst thing for her, yet I’m the only salvation she knows.
He had his chance to make her happy.
He failed.
He didn't see how she was dying inside because he couldn't know her.
Not like I know her.
I am her stalker.
Her protector.
And the only man that can bring her back to life.
My Rating - DNF
I'm so sorry. I've enjoyed this author in the past and I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy them in the future, but this book didn't work for me.
I was BORED!!
The End.
I'm so sorry. I've enjoyed this author in the past and I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy them in the future, but this book didn't work for me.
I was BORED!!
The End.
Mating Theory by Skye Warren
Dual POV, contemporary
My best friend is getting married to the woman I love. They say the nice guy finishes last. So what's the point of being a goddamn gentleman?
Maybe I should take what I want.
Even that sexy little thing on the street corner.
She needs a hot meal and a place to sleep. Instead I'm taking her home to soothe the savage beast inside me. I was born a bastard, and for the first time in my life I act like one.
Except the more I use her, the more I need her.
I didn't know I had someone left to lose.
But for a single heartbeat, I had her.
My Rating - DNF
After reading this book (and others from this author), I have decided that maybe she's not the person I should be reading from. This story was a hot mess that had some crazy potential. I was down with the 'hero' being bi. I was even down with him falling for a prostitute who couldn't sell her body and make a buck. Worst Prostitute Ever! But it was told in such a way that I didn't care.
I didn't care.
I. Didn't. Care!
Which is sad because... potential.
After reading this book (and others from this author), I have decided that maybe she's not the person I should be reading from. This story was a hot mess that had some crazy potential. I was down with the 'hero' being bi. I was even down with him falling for a prostitute who couldn't sell her body and make a buck. Worst Prostitute Ever! But it was told in such a way that I didn't care.
I didn't care.
I. Didn't. Care!
Which is sad because... potential.
In the Underground Kings series, four successful and lethal men fall in love with their damsels in distress.
All of these books are available through Kindle Unlimited.
All books are dual perspective with descriptive heat.
All of these books are available through Kindle Unlimited.
All books are dual perspective with descriptive heat.
Assumption
as·sump·tion: a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me.
Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with.
Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.
Rating -
slightly enemies to lovers
222 pages
Autumn and Kenton got off to a rocky start and that was on top of the fact that she was the only witness to a quadruple murder. Or was it five people?
Autumn was working two jobs and her job as a stripper had her running for her life. A stripper's life ain't easy. With her stripper past, Kenton made assumptions about her character and she didn't attempt to correct him. Once the miscommunication was cleared up, Kenton still had to put in work because Autumn had her walls up and was constantl reinforcing them. Too bad those walls weren't strong enough to keep a man as persistent as Kenton out.
There's a bit of OW drama and the supense of hiding out from a hitman, but it was the chemistry between these characters that really carried this story. Although I felt like I was missing a huge plot point, I found myself enjoying everything I got. With an amazing cast of side characters, I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
slightly enemies to lovers
222 pages
Autumn and Kenton got off to a rocky start and that was on top of the fact that she was the only witness to a quadruple murder. Or was it five people?
Autumn was working two jobs and her job as a stripper had her running for her life. A stripper's life ain't easy. With her stripper past, Kenton made assumptions about her character and she didn't attempt to correct him. Once the miscommunication was cleared up, Kenton still had to put in work because Autumn had her walls up and was constantl reinforcing them. Too bad those walls weren't strong enough to keep a man as persistent as Kenton out.
There's a bit of OW drama and the supense of hiding out from a hitman, but it was the chemistry between these characters that really carried this story. Although I felt like I was missing a huge plot point, I found myself enjoying everything I got. With an amazing cast of side characters, I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
Obligation
[ob-li-gey-shuh n]
An obligation is a course of action that someone is required to take, whether legal or moral.
At six years old, Myla was sent to a family her father and mother had chosen for her when they knew their time on earth was almost up. What they were unaware of was what they thought would be her safe haven would become her living hell.
Kai has been watching Myla from afar since he took over the family business from his father and inherited the responsibility of keeping her safe. When word gets back to Kai that Myla is not only in danger, but that his assets are being compromised, he immediately jumps into action and does the only thing that can be done at the time by marrying her.
Neither Myla nor Kai would have thought that something that started off as a farce would become the most important thing either of them could've ever done.
Rating -
marriage of convenience
215 pages
I'm trying to figure out why these heroines are so difficult? Their communication skills are atrocious and their denial game is strong. It's like Myla knew how much trouble she was in, the danger Kai rescued her from, the scariness he was protecting her from, the situation she was ill-equipped to handle, and she nothing to help herself or show her appreciation.
Let's just push away and hurt the one person who seems to have your best interests in mind. You know, the person bending over backwards to make sure your life is right. Every time she pushed Kai away or demeaned his feelings, I wanted to scream.
Yes, he was secretive, but no one needed to know the bad things he had to do to protect all of the good.
However, the more I read, the more I tried to understand and my patience paid off. The author gave me a story featuring a wounded woman and the man who would burn down the world to keep her safe and happy.
Once again, I felt like I picked up this book mid-story. I didn't get to witness the events that brought Myla and Kai together, but I enjoyed the rollercoaster they had me on.
marriage of convenience
215 pages
I'm trying to figure out why these heroines are so difficult? Their communication skills are atrocious and their denial game is strong. It's like Myla knew how much trouble she was in, the danger Kai rescued her from, the scariness he was protecting her from, the situation she was ill-equipped to handle, and she nothing to help herself or show her appreciation.
Let's just push away and hurt the one person who seems to have your best interests in mind. You know, the person bending over backwards to make sure your life is right. Every time she pushed Kai away or demeaned his feelings, I wanted to scream.
Yes, he was secretive, but no one needed to know the bad things he had to do to protect all of the good.
However, the more I read, the more I tried to understand and my patience paid off. The author gave me a story featuring a wounded woman and the man who would burn down the world to keep her safe and happy.
Once again, I felt like I picked up this book mid-story. I didn't get to witness the events that brought Myla and Kai together, but I enjoyed the rollercoaster they had me on.
Distraction
Distraction: The great intensity, novelty, or attractiveness of something other than the object of attention.
Sven is a man who takes pride in his ability to separate himself from his emotions. He's a man who knows who he is and where he's going in life, a man who needs no one, because needing someone, anyone, is a weakness.
His past taught him love isn't enough.
Maggie wants the happily ever after, but has never picked the right men, or stuck around long enough, to build a forever. It's always been easier to get out early, before emotions make things messy.
When Maggie wakes up naked in Sven's bed, with no memory of the night before, these two must be honest about their feelings and face their fears, so they can build a future together.
Will love be enough for them to get their happy ending together, or will a threat from outside strike them down before they ever have a chance?
Rating - 1/2
opposites attact
226 pages
What I don't like? People who preach to other people. You can have your values, but you don't need to judge people for not sharing all of them.
So Maggie... please stop!
Stop playing games. Stop trying to get people to be more like you.
Making her a curvy, plus-sized model, with a black belt in something or other didn't alleviate my stress.
Justin was the showstopper of this book and when their relationship finally took off, I didn't care anymore about how peeved I was with Maggie at the start.
1/2opposites attact
226 pages
What I don't like? People who preach to other people. You can have your values, but you don't need to judge people for not sharing all of them.
So Maggie... please stop!
Stop playing games. Stop trying to get people to be more like you.
Making her a curvy, plus-sized model, with a black belt in something or other didn't alleviate my stress.
Justin was the showstopper of this book and when their relationship finally took off, I didn't care anymore about how peeved I was with Maggie at the start.
Infatuation
in·fat·u·a·tion: A feeling of foolish or obsessively strong love for, admiration for, or interest in someone or something; a strong and unreasoning attachment.
From the moment Justin sees the beautiful blonde living in the apartment below his, he becomes curious, and over time, that curiosity turns into an obsession.
When the moment finally strikes for him to make a move, will he take it?
Rating -
instalove
117 pages
This novella was super sweet. The instalove, obsessed and possessive vibes that Justin was giving worked really well with this story. I kept cheering them on and I only wanted more.
Justin + Aubrey (and their little ones) = FOREVER!!
instalove
117 pages
This novella was super sweet. The instalove, obsessed and possessive vibes that Justin was giving worked really well with this story. I kept cheering them on and I only wanted more.
Justin + Aubrey (and their little ones) = FOREVER!!
I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago, but I remember enjoying them.
The Laid Bare series is a paranormal romance with a contemporary romance feel.
Hopefully my reviews inspire someone to give S.R. Grey books a chance.
Exposed
There’s something about Lucien Chambers. Something beyond his amazing success, his good looks, and his uncanny ability to turn everything he touches to gold.
In the eyes of the world, Lucien is a sexy and savvy business man. But when a naïve photographer, Dahlia Vaughn, is hired to take pictures of the hot entrepreneur, she discovers Mr. Chambers may be much more than what he seems.
Rating -
I'm not sure what to think of this book. The relationship that is building between the characters, Dahlia and Lucien, is still pretty vague. Even their sex scenes are brief and vague. I can see a lot of potential for this story but it's not quite connecting for me yet. It is in its early stages so maybe book two will give me some more depth. The idea that Lucien is supernatural has been planted and there are a few instances as proof, but I want more.
I'm not sure what to think of this book. The relationship that is building between the characters, Dahlia and Lucien, is still pretty vague. Even their sex scenes are brief and vague. I can see a lot of potential for this story but it's not quite connecting for me yet. It is in its early stages so maybe book two will give me some more depth. The idea that Lucien is supernatural has been planted and there are a few instances as proof, but I want more.
Unveiled
Lucien and Dahlia can’t stay away from one another, so, why fight it? Giving in to their feelings, they vow to start anew. However, a surprise visit from Lucien’s mysterious cousin, Selene, puts a damper on the passionate reunion.
Who is this disarming woman? Is she like Lucien, something . . . different? And why is she so set on getting Dahlia out of Lucien’s life?
Faced with Selene’s disapproval, Lucien finds he is forced to unveil more of his power to Dahlia, thus placing her in a perilous situation.
Rating -
With book one I demanded more. S.R. Grey gave it to me with this one. I wanted to know more about Lucien and I got it. I also got Lucien's POV which took this series from ok to great! His POV was amazing. Who doesn't want to be in the head of a supernatural being??? Now the relationship between him and Dahlia is more believable. I wanted to feel connected and boy do I. The added element of his cousin Selene, who shares the same powers, added the touch of suspense I craved. The way she manipulated/controlled Dahlia was crazy! The idea that Lucien and Selene were created as part of their parents' master plan for more power just adds more substance to this story, making it that much more interesting.
With book one I demanded more. S.R. Grey gave it to me with this one. I wanted to know more about Lucien and I got it. I also got Lucien's POV which took this series from ok to great! His POV was amazing. Who doesn't want to be in the head of a supernatural being??? Now the relationship between him and Dahlia is more believable. I wanted to feel connected and boy do I. The added element of his cousin Selene, who shares the same powers, added the touch of suspense I craved. The way she manipulated/controlled Dahlia was crazy! The idea that Lucien and Selene were created as part of their parents' master plan for more power just adds more substance to this story, making it that much more interesting.
Spellbound
With Dahlia ensnared in the clutches of Lucien’s sinister cousin, it would seem Selene’s evil plan to make Dahlia despise Lucien has been effective.
Will Selene sever their bond forever?
Not if Lucien has anything to say about it.
But when the powerful Mr. Chambers swoops in to rescue his young love, he soon discovers there’s more to Dahlia’s connection to him than he ever imagined.
Can Dahlia be saved? And if so, should Lucien save her? To do so may mean disaster.
Rating -
Another great addition to the series. I think the characters were even more interesting in this book. Lucien's love for Dahlia is much clearer here. And we get a better idea of what he is willing to do for her. His family seems reluctant to give up their quest for world domination and will stop at nothing to get rid of Dahlia to do so. First his cousin Selene who manages to put Dahlia under a hate and lust spell. Then his mother who lifts the spell but tries to harm her anyway. When will these lovers catch a break?
Another great addition to the series. I think the characters were even more interesting in this book. Lucien's love for Dahlia is much clearer here. And we get a better idea of what he is willing to do for her. His family seems reluctant to give up their quest for world domination and will stop at nothing to get rid of Dahlia to do so. First his cousin Selene who manages to put Dahlia under a hate and lust spell. Then his mother who lifts the spell but tries to harm her anyway. When will these lovers catch a break?
Sacrifice
Lucien and Dahlia… A relationship that was never meant to be. Is that why it seems so destined to fail?
Maybe. But Lucien doesn’t believe that’s the case.
Still, with all the odds stacked against this unlikely couple, Lucien sees only one way out---sacrifice himself in order to save Dahlia.
Will Lucien succeed in destroying himself? Can Dahlia stop him? Or, will their love prove strong enough to save them both?
Rating -
This conclusion to the series was fantastic! And was it ever HOT!! Lucien and Dahlia find Dunne who agrees to help them. Let's just say it involved a very sexy threesome remedy. Nice! Dahlia becomes one of them and therefore not only safe from Lucien's parents and the dark side but also a force to be reckoned with. It was nice to see that even though she got all that powered, she retained her human core. It was nice to see that Lucien retained his as well. Now they have centuries together to enjoy their HEA.
This conclusion to the series was fantastic! And was it ever HOT!! Lucien and Dahlia find Dunne who agrees to help them. Let's just say it involved a very sexy threesome remedy. Nice! Dahlia becomes one of them and therefore not only safe from Lucien's parents and the dark side but also a force to be reckoned with. It was nice to see that even though she got all that powered, she retained her human core. It was nice to see that Lucien retained his as well. Now they have centuries together to enjoy their HEA.
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