Beauty Awakened- Gena Showalter

Koldo- a strong, scarred, powerful warrior who seeks vengeance for the angel who ruthlessly removed his wings.  He fights for the army of good, called Unsent Ones, with the help of his leader Zacharel and several other warriors.  He has never known desire… until he meets Nicola Lane.

Nicola Lane- human with a heart defect, and although her body is weak, her spirit is strong.  Koldo falls hard for Nicola, this fragile human and will do anything to keep her by his side. She is Koldo’s salvation as well as his downfall.  But, just how far will he have to go to ensure that Nicola will stay with him forever? What sacrifices will he have to make to keep her with him? 

 

Okay, let me just be brutally honest here.  What happened to this series?  This is only the second book, and I’m already so disappointed.  This didn’t even read like a Gena Showalter book, AT ALL.  I thought the story itself was good. Very tortured hero, who feels unworthy of love and will do anything to make sure his woman is happy.  He’s also able to overcome his need for vengeance because of his love for his lady, so she heals him in not just body, but mind too.  Nicola was probably my favorite of the couple. I wasn’t sure if she was going to succumb and be the whiney, wimpy female or be “the I’m now a bad ass and can take any of you suckers down” type. I thought she grew into her own person, accepted her issues and fought for what she wanted.  Now, notice I said above that I thought the story itself was just good, not phenomenal because it didn’t blow me away or anything.  I liked it..that was all.

 Now, my real complaint is how preachy the love part is. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s very admirable that Koldo hadn’t succumbed to his desires and bedded every female around unlike his fellow warriors.  Honestly? I loved that quality about him, and how unsure he was when it came to the love part.  But, and it’s a big but, I had a hard time following their “almost” experience and the real thing.  I had a hard time deciphering what they were even doing half the time.  I know the caliber of writing Ms.Showalter can do, and this just wasn’t up to par.  They only had 2 sexy scenes in the whole almost 450 page book.  Some kissing here and there, but that was it. So, I warn you now, don’t go into this book thinking you’re going to get something even close to sexy times, because all you’re going to be left with is confusion.    

I gave it a 2 out of 5.

Play to Him by Wendi Zwaduk

So first off, I know this is a rather short review, but sometimes there's only so much I can say.  I really liked this book even though I hadn't been introduced to these characters before. 

 

I have to admit, I’m always a little skeptical when reading a BDSM book.  I blame the whole 50 shades fiasco for my fear.  However, I should’ve known that Wendi wouldn’t let me down.  

I was pleasantly surprised when reading this.  I didn’t feel like the BDSM aspect was one sided, and really felt a connection between Rhiannon and Sebastian. Rhiannon is lonely and unsure about relationships due to her past and Sebastian doesn’t really know how to express his love for her.  I felt bad for Rhiannon because of what happened in her previous relationship (no spoilers) but it made my heart go out to her.   Overall, I was really impressed with how these two came together. So please check this book out and help support a good BDSM writer. :)

 

Wendi can be found at:

Wendi Zwaduk Website

Wendi Zwaduk Blog

So be sure to drop her a line!

 

Giveaway winner and update!

Just wanted to post a brief update since the blog hop is over. Sarah G is our winner for the author swag bag.. so thank you Sarah! Also, thank you to everybody who participated in both giveaways.  It means a lot to us that you guys took the time out to enter and help spread the word about the blog! :)  I plan on doing another giveaway when we reach 50 followers, so only 9 more people to make that happen! I think the 50 followers giveaway will be a little bit bigger than this one, but not sure yet what it will be. 

Also, I have my friend Wendy here helping me run the site and reviewing some books. So, make sure to show her some love. :)

I'll be back tomorrow with a review of Play to Him by Wendi Zwaduk.  I'm a little late on that. :(

A. B McKinley/Scott McKinley Blog Hop and Giveaway Post!

The author A.B. McKinley aka Scott McKinley has donated 5 free ebooks in connection with this blog hop.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sammy's Sweet Reads Blog is also doing a giveaway for some author swag.  Please like us on Facebook/Follow us on Twitter and/or Tweet the giveaway to be entered. I will mail out of the U.S if necessary. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've already reviewed Sands of Betrayal, you can click on the link to be taken to my review.  However, I am attaching the blurb and buy link for y'all to easily check out the book. 

Blurb:

Sensual! Exciting! Passionate!

Scott Maclaren, a strong, Special Forces Scotsman, terribly injured during his tour of duty in Afghanistan. His journey begins with a broken heart after his wife leaves him for another man during his time in the hospital. Traveling across the Atlantic to visit family, his story now begins.

After years of physical therapy and being alone, things were about to look up. Katie Johnson, a beautiful Ohio schoolteacher, was where his ‘dream’ of passion and love were to become reality. Smoldering embers became a passionate, raging fire between them. A wanting and desire that burned for one another as neither had ever experienced before.

Scott’s love for Katie and her two girls would lead him to great lengths to make all their dreams come true, including a six-month security contract in the Middle East. The money would ensure financial security for life.

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/KILTED-DESIRE-Sands-Betrayal-ebook/dp/B0082EQ762/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362446534&sr=8-1&keywords=kilted+desire

Starting Over- Barbara Elsborg Review

Pia has been unlucky in the love department since her husband died.  Not only that, but she stuck in a dead end job that she hates.  She goes to work and comes home, very little excitement in between.  She decides to answer a personal column in the newspaper one evening and meets Steve.  She and Steve pick a time and place to meet up for a little hanky panky.  However, when she gets to the hotel room ,it’s not Steve that she meets but Connor and Espen.  

Connor and Espen have decided that they need a third in their lives… and they want Pia.  After their night of fun is over, Pia is gone.   The guys aren’t sure what happened or what they’ve done but can they convince her to be with them permanently?

I honestly love Barbara Elsborg’s MMF stories.  I don’t read a lot of ménage, but I love, love, love hers.  The only complaint that I had with this story is that I wish it was longer.  I can assume that they got together at the end but it was left somewhat short in my opinion.  Either way, I still really enjoyed it and thought she did a great job with it.  Connor and Espen were probably my favorite part of the whole thing.  They were sweet and funny, and just flat out made me laugh at some parts.  I really liked Pia too, her and her “slutty feet.” Overall, just a fun and enjoyable read.  

You can find Ms. Elsborg at her website and blog:
Barbara Elsborg Website
Barbara Elsborg Blog

Edge Of Dawn Review

I am huge fan of Adrian's series and have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books.  In the last book, Darker After Midnight,  I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about moving on to the next generation.  Although, I do realize series can get stale without change, I was very weary about Edge Of Dawn.   I just wasn't ready to move on from the original members of the Order.  But I needed to know what happened to my beloved Order and their children.

Edge Of Dawn is the eleventh book in Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed Series.  It begins 20 years after the Order defeats Dragos and have been discovered by humans.  In those 20 years there has been war and violence, and the world has changed.  Now there is hope for peace among the Breed and the humans.  An organization made up of the Breed and humans attempt to work together to achieve peace and co-existence between the two.

Lucan is more of a politician than a warrior, and the next generation has stepped up to try and help maintain order in the world.  Mira, the young Breedmate most of us came to love and adore, is all grown up and has become a warrior.  We are brought into her world and learn all about her love for Kellan Archer, who has died 8 years early.  We are also introduced to many characters including the original Orders offspring.  

Mira has grieved for Kellan and hasn't been able to truly move on from his death. After Lucan assigns her a task of escorting a very important scientist to a Peace Summit, she is kidnapped and discovers that Kellan has not died.  This is where their story begins.

I prefer not to give away too much of the story since there are some unexpected twists and turns.

If you were worried at all like I was about Edge Of Dawn, relax there is definitely no need to, this book has it all.  As I started reading the first page, I quickly remembered why I enjoy Adrian's series, she had me at Hello, so to speak.  Her writing has continued to improve and her description of a new world was intriguing.  There's plenty of build up to an interesting storyline,  as well as a new villain, or I should say villains.  Adrian truly understands the love her fans have for the originals of the story, because she makes mention all the Order couples from previous, while some are mentioned a little more than others, you still get your dose of the beloved characters.

There are many moments where you are on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens.  In some ways I feel like this book is similar to the 1st book of a series where there's a lot of setup, so there are unanswered questions that hopefully will be addressed in books yet to come.  Considering this is a more futuristic world, I would have enjoyed more advanced technology and science talk, just to really show you how things have progressed over the years.

Overall, I really enjoyed Edge Of Dawn.  In truth, series can become boring and repetitive (same story insert new name here), ultimately losing the readers attention.  Adrian has created a new world and a new story while including all the beauty of the original books.  She has definitely proven herself as a great story teller in the world of paranormal romance.  I can't wait for the next one.

Undone by the Duke Review

Victoria Andrews is a prisoner inside her own home.  Due to an accident, she has become a recluse and becomes psychically ill when stepping outside.  She is a dressmaker who makes seductive lingerie with her sisters in disguise.  Unlike her sisters, she doesn’t fancy getting married and is settled into her life until she meets the Duke of Worthingstone.

Jonathan Nottoway, Duke of Worthingstone, is attempting to escape a scandal that has followed his family’s name for years.  After being shot and left for dead, he ends up at the Andrews home with Victoria acting as nurse. As his wounds heal, he spends several nights with Victoria who thinks he’s the son of a baron or something lesser than a Duke.  She has no idea what the cards hold for her until Jonathan wants to marry her. Can these two overcome their issues and be together…?

 
I flat out loved this story! I found the book very well written with likeable characters to boot.  I liked that they both had issues to work through and helped each other pull through them. One theme that always gets me is unexpected love.  Victoria didn’t have a coming out or “season”  like her sisters and wasn’t worrying about love but then Jonathan came into her life.  However, I will say this, I felt like the ending was a little bit rushed.  It was all, I love you, and then boom here’s baby.  But even with that, I still really enjoyed it. Ms. Willingham also threw in little side stories to help set up for the next few books in this series.  Overall, I thought this was a great beginning to a new series. 

If you want to read more by Michelle, I've included her website and Facebook:
http://www.michellewillingham.com/
Michelle Willingham Facebook

Bad Reviews

So, while I'm attempting to finish up my current read, I came across a twitter follower who posted about writing a bad review for a book.  I didn't ask her why the book was bad or why she wrote a bad review for it.  One thing that I will say is always be honest.  If you didn't like something, you didn't like it.  You can't win 'em all.   Maybe the writing itself wasn't all that bad, but maybe there were some parts in the book that you didn't like. As I've written before, I know we all have our certain quirks that get us when we're reading.  One of mine? When my hero or heroine cheats. I absolutely hate that in my stories because it's a ROMANCE BOOK.  On top of all that? It just makes me aggravated.  I know that I'm new to blogging but I have been reading books for a loong time.  If that happens, I will usually at least finish the book, but I will definitely tell you a thing or two after.  It has to be a really, really horrible book for me to ever not finish reading it.  What are some of your aggravations when you read?  What would make you give a book a bad review?  I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.

20 Followers!! Woohoo!

I just wanted to say thank you to my 20 followers! Now, I know that doesn't seem like a lot to some people, but to me, it means the world.  I only hope to grow more and bring you guys some more reviews.  I will always try to be as truthful and honest as I can be.  Mainly because I don't want people to pay for a book and end up regretting it.  I also understand that we all differ as human beings and something that's not my thing may be yours and that's just fine with me.  So, please be patient as I learn my way around this whole blogging universe. And if anybody has any tips for me, please let me know! :)

That's all for now folks!

Kilted Desire Book 1: Sands of Betrayal

Just a brief little overview and then I’ll get into my review of the first book.

Scott Maclaren is a Scottish Special Forces soldier who has had to overcome so many tragedies in his life.  His wife divorces him for another man while he was still in the hospital recovering from injuries(including a broken back). 

He then travels overseas to visit his grandparents and that’s how his story begins.  
Luckily with three years of physical therapy, Scott was finally back to living a somewhat normal life, however a lonely life.  He takes to the internet and finds Katie Johnson, a school teacher who he falls hard and fast for.  Scott’s devotion and love for Katie will take him across the world once again to the Middle East.  He takes a bodyguard position to secure the life of Britney Parnell. Britney is of course a very young, pretty, businesswoman.  Of course, this causes problems between Scott and Katie. 

The story follows Scott and Britney’s time in Baghdad as well as his devotion to his girlfriend Katie.   The book is jammed packed with lots of action, adventure, and satisfying love scenes.

 

My thoughts...

I have to be completely honest here, this is probably the only romance book I have ever read that I skipped the biggest majority of the sex scenes.  It’s not that they aren’t well written, because they are, it’s just not what I focused on. I focused more on Scott’s story in the Middle East and how he protected Britney.  I really sympathized more with him than any other character in the story.  He was a character that you wanted to root for.  Scott had to overcome so many obstacles in his life and he never let any of them get him down.  He was a fighter!  Scott did everything he had to do to provide for his girlfriend Katie and her daughters. Now, with saying that, Katie drove me nuts.  I’ll let you have your own opinion of her, but that’s just mine. I don't want to sway your judgment at all, but let's just say that she really tried my patience. My heart really went out to Scott and ladies, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want some strong, Scottish soldier totally devoted to us? Count me in. Overall, it was a very nice, easy read.  I gave it a 4 out of 5 on Amazon.

You can find Mr. A.B. McKinley at his facebook page here:  Author A B McKinley Facebook

And his twitter: Kilted Desire Twitter

He also has a newly revamped website: http://www.kilteddesire.com/index.html

Please check him out.  He’s really a nice guy who likes to interact with his fans.  I'll be hosting him on my blog in March.  I'll also be back before then with my review of the second book.

Used book stores? Yay or Nay?

So, this is a question that has been on my mind for a little while, and I’ve finally decided to ask ya’lls opinion on it.  I sometimes visit our used bookstores, few though they may be around here.  Every time I go into one, I always think about how I would feel about them if I were an author.  Don’t get me wrong, I know that the author has received money for those books already, but it just seems like it’s stealing.  I hate that at least some of that money doesn’t go to the author. Of course, I understand that the purpose of the used bookstore is for it to make money, and they should. If there is any business making money right now, I support it.  I also understand that there really isn’t a way to monitor used bookstores, so what they have is what they have. 

But, for most of us, a used bookstore is an easy way for us to still get books without spending a fortune.  Because lets face it, sometimes a book at  $7.99 is a lot of money, especially if you’re unsure about the author and not sure how you’re going to like it.  So, at least if you buy paperback you have the option of getting a little bit of your money back at the bookstore.  I love my Kindle, but I still love the feel of a real book too.  Not only that, but sometimes a used bookstore is great for finding old books that may not be available to purchase anymore.  So, what is your take on a used a bookstore? Do you support it? Do you hate it? Thoughts anyone?

Raphael/Parish by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright

Woot Woot.. My first ever review! :) I want to say so much but then I realize that these stories are only like 50 or so pages which means that if I kept writing I would be pretty much rewriting the story.

I also realize that these two stories came out about a month ago, but hey, life gets in the way and prevents us from doing what we really want to do.  I finally got around to reading them and for the most part they were both a really quick, easy read.   These two authors have teamed up to create a new world of puma shifters who live in the bayou’s of Louisiana. 

The first story is centered on Raphael who is a diplomat for this race of shifters, called The Pantera, in the Louisiana swamps.  He met our heroine Ashe one night at the local bar and had a sexy romp with her then hides her memory of the night in question.  Then oopsie, she ends up pregnant and has no idea how that happened.  She keeps remembering tidbits here and there but can’t tell if they’re real or imagined.  Ashe goes to the bar to pay her mother’s bar tab (she’s the town drunk) and meets up with Raphael again and that is where their story begins.  He explains to her that he knows she’s pregnant with his child and wants her to be with him.  Ashe isn’t so sure of that so Raphael has to convince her that she should be with him because he can offer her a home (her mother kicks her out at the beginning of the story).  Of course, nothing is ever as simple as it seems and there’s a group of bad guys who want to kill Ashe because she carries the first Pantera child in 50 years.  She is constantly in danger and Raphael does his best to protect her from the ones who want her and the baby dead. They finally make it to Raphael’s homeland which is called the Wildlands.   

The sexiness factor was definitely there.  For the most part, I liked Ashe and Raphael, so I gave their story a 3 out of 5.  I liked it but I didn’t love it.  Plus, it’s only 50 or so pages and it’s hard to squeeze a lot of plot and development into that short of a story.  I thought Alexandra Ivy did a good job with this one.

Second story is based on Parish, who we see briefly at the end of the Raphael.  He also has a deep hatred for humans but has a good reason (which I don’t want to spoil).  Raphael sends Parish to New Orleans to bring back a baby doctor for Ashe.   Julia Cabot is one of the best baby doctor’s in the state of Louisiana.  She’s also just had a terrible string of bad luck because she’s had to deal with her cheating boyfriend, being kicked out of her home, and then gets kidnapped by Parish.   He was only supposed to talk to her and reason with her to come be Ashe’s doctor, but one look at Julia and Parish knew she was his.  So, Parish takes her to the Wildlands and from then on out we see the relationship build between these two.  Julia didn’t want to fall for Parish because of her cheating ex and Parish didn’t want to fall for her because she was human.  Julia wants to leave but Parish convinces her to stay with him.  Of course, she decided to stay with him because she loves him.   This story is also left with a cliffhanger.  Ashe gets injected with something and now it’s a race against time to figure out what she’s been injected with and how it’s going to affect her. So hopefully, the next two stories will give us some idea as to what’s going to happen with Ashe and the baby. 

 I gave Parish a 3 out of 5 too.  Like I said earlier, I liked it but I didn’t love it.  Laura Wright did a good job with Parish as well.

If you’ve read the Breed series by Lora Leigh, I felt a similar connection to that series after reading these two stories. I liked that series so I have high hopes for this series as well.

Don't be a D-Bag!

Haven't blogged in a few days, so it's about that time again.  I went to see Steve Byrne Friday night at our local comedy club.  Now if you're not sure who that is, he has a show on TBS called Sullivan and Son and 2 other comedy specials recorded (check him out on Netflix).  He's honestly one of the most funniest people I've had the chance to see live.  But, besides that, I just want to talk about how nice he was in person.  He signed my tshirt and took a picture with me (at no charge mind you) and truly appreciated my support. One thing that will turn me against you in a heartbeat is if you don't appreciate my supporting you by spending my money on your merchandise or buying a ticket to see you.  Not only TV actors but this goes for authors too.  Because let me tell you something, I don't have to spend my money on your merchandise, DVD's, or books but I will if you treat me like a human being.  All I ask is that you show a little appreciation that I came to see you.  Plus, honestly, there is nothing more disappointing than to finally meet someone that writes a book(or is on a TV show) that you love and then they turn out to be the biggest d-bags ever.  I've had a few authors treat me that way, and I refuse to support that.  I don't ask that you do much for me.. sign my book or whatever I've brought with me and take a picture if I ask. I don't think that's asking too much, do you? 

Don't like it? Don't look at it!

Well, since I didn't have anything witty or intelligent to say yesterday, I thought I would give it a break.  Plus, I haven't been reading much lately *cries*, so I can't talk about my latest read.  I just haven't been motivated to read at all since school has been over.  I'm sure I'll recover soon though, I always go through these periods from time to time. But the real reason I've come to blog today is from something that I've been noticing on Facebook lately.  This has to do with these insane, crazy people who like a page and then want to bitch about a picture or a post that they claim "offends" them.  Well people, let me break this down nice and easy for you. It's called unlike the freaking page!  It's not a very hard concept.. here let me show you what to do if somethin offends you.


see how easy that is??

 

Please, do us all a favor and just unlike a page if you don't like what they're posting. Trust me, they won't be worried in the least to lose someone like you.  Furthermore, why waste your time messaging someone about something that you don't like? I would most definitely call you out by name and go from there.  I have no tolerance for stupidity and most of these people are stupid.  Because, I'll tell ya, if I don't like something about a page, I have no qualms about unliking it.  But I also tell you this,  I won't be emailing somebody just because I don't like it. Who has time for that?  Not this girl... ain't nobody got time for that. :)


Great Monday besides that. 

Off to the Weiner Race...

Well.. not quite "the" weiner race.. at least not the one that I'm sure you dirty minded people are thinking of.  I mean who wouldn't want to go to a weiner race, but sadly it's a race for dachshunds.I know this because all I've done this Saturday is watch Animal Planet and dog shows.. Does that scream of loneliness?  Meh, I can't say that I really care. Mainly because it's cold outside and who doesn't love puppies and kitteh's? Speaking of weiner and animals.. I give you Channing Tatum holding a chicken.


Damn.. my cock is fine!
 

Alright, this is probably the most random blog post ever... I seriously think my ADD is kicking in.  Channing Tatum is pretty fine though huh? 

I would like to say Thank You to Melinda at Beautiful Redemption for making my beautiful blog banner! That's all for now folks. 

I'll try to think of something more witty and intelligent to say tomorrow. 

Tax Season.. Oy!

Ok.. So if you follow me on Facebook and Twitter, you might have seen me make a post or two about a little business called Liberty Tax. Now, if you haven't seen my posts on either of my accounts, I will thoroughly explain why I hate them. Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this so-called establishment per say.  I'm sure they do a great job on people's taxes, I wouldn't know first hand because I've never used them... but that's neither here nor there.  Anyway, my main annoyance with them is that they like to stand in the road.  Now, the picture I'm about to show you really doesn't show the full effect because the guy is standing somewhat on the sidewalk. This is not always the case.



Alright, now I'm not saying that I completely hate the Liberty Tax workers.. but I hate the Liberty Tax workers. One wrong move and that sign blocks your vision and somehow you're on the hood of my car.  Is it my fault if you accidently fall because you have absolutely no skill at dancing and waving your sign around? No, it's not and I get tired of you trying to get my attention for something like tax preparation. Now, at least Little Ceasars is tempting me with pizza. This? You have nothing that I want Liberty Tax... Nothing at all. 

New Year's Resolution Update

I read an article last night on Yahoo! that reminded me that we’re almost a month into our New Year's resolutions.  It‘s crazy that a whole month has passed by so quickly.  To be honest, I made the age old resolution of losing weight/eating healthy again this year.  But instead of focusing totally on that, I gave myself some other options too. For example, I told myself that I was going to stop wearing my sweat pants so much when I go out.  Not just that, but also do my hair and makeup a little more as well.  I’m pretty basic when it comes to clothes, mainly because I’m too lazy to attempt to piece stuff together.  I really need to get back on the losing weight track though.  I've done pretty well with the other stuff.   I'm just now starting to feel better after having a cold for almost a week, and that's put a dent in my working out.  Training for a 5k isn't the easiest thing in the world and it's a month away.   Probably need to get on that.... 

What about the rest of ya’ll? Are you happy with where you’re at after a month?  Do you wish you’d progressed further?  Did you say screw a resolution and not give in to the hype? I wanna know.. tell me.

A little late, but better than never

Hi Ya'll,

So as many of you can tell, I've obviously created a blog.  Why did I create this blog you ask? Well, the answer is simple.  I have stuff to say... sometimes a lot of stuff.  I use the term "stuff" because at this point I'm not really sure where I want this blog to go.  From my Facebook and Twitter posts, I usually talk about random things that I encounter in my day to day life. This can range from my crazy experiences around town, going to my book con's, or just simply a book that I enjoyed.  I plan to also have some beauty/haircare posts as well.  Oh and of course, my dance and weight loss progress as well.  Bear with me while I continue to figure out this whole blog process.  I'm not sure how many of you care to read what I have to say, but I promise to make it as entertaining and informative as I can.  Thanks guys!