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Showing posts with label edelweiss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label edelweiss. Show all posts

Monday, November 25, 2013

Review: Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye

Title: Hard As It Gets
Series: Hard Ink #1
Author: Laura Kaye
Published: November, 2013, Avon Books
Format: Galley (Thank you Avon, Laura Kaye and Edelweiss!)

Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...


“…brotherhood is a two way street. You have to let me walk it with you.”

I was so excited to read this book!! I mean, it sounded perfect for me; jaded but sexy military guy, caring and in trouble heroine, tattoos… Hard As It Gets was so much more than all of that. Laura Kaye has written a book full of compelling characters that I will be sad to see go as each book in the series ends. At least, that’s how I felt when this book ended – I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet. Let me tell you why!

First we have Becca. She seemed just alright at first. She’s in trouble; it seems her brother is missing. He’s managed to get her a very cryptic message that leads her to the Hard Ink tattoo studio. It took me a couple chapters to warm up to Becca, but once I did, I was so fully on her team I could have had pompoms. She’s a nurse, which is good, because she has a natural caregiver instinct in her. But what I also loved about Becca is that she is a fighter. I mean, her dad was a big tough guy in the Army, so somehow that had to have been passed down to her a little bit, right? When her world starts deteriorating right before her eyes, she doesn’t crumble with it. No, she stood tall, rallied her forces, and fought back. I was right behind her with a resounding “yeah!”

And then Becca meets Nick, and it doesn’t go well. He turns down her plea for help, and she leaves feeling angry and let down as anyone would. And at first you’re all like, “hey Nick, WTF is that about? You’re supposed to be the hero!” Then it happens. She’s on his mind. He’s on her mind. A little of this, a little of that, and their lives are inexplicably changed forever. Nick turns out to be this caring and touching man, a man who protects what is his. A man who stands up for what’s right. A man who knows how it feels to lose the things that you hold dear and will fight until his last breath to make sure that you don’t ever have to feel that despair and that grief… A man who will draw the sweetest piece of art for you, and love you all night long in the best of ways. A man who you will fall for in this book every bit as much as I did.

So what happens in this book? Well, Nick ends up agreeing to help Becca. Then a lot of bad things happen back to back. But there are also some good things. Like a little pup, and some sexual tension that could peel paint from the walls. And a bunch of hugs with apologies and thank yous that will bring a tear to the toughest eye.

She gripped the collar of his coat; half afraid her knees would go soft and give out. Nick pulled his body away just enough to tear the coat off his arms and throw it to the floor. Geez, the gun holster was sexy hugging tight over his shirt, but he slipped out of it, too, and eased to the floor with a thunk. Then his hands were back on her breasts and his tongue was back in her mouth, stealing her breath and convincing her she could live without it.

God, this kiss. It was the kind she’d remember forever, that would invade her dreams and haunt her quiet moments. The kind her older self could look back on and know, once, she’d really lived. The kind that, no matter what, she could never, ever regret.

But wait. I said sexual tension. You didn’t think I would let this review go without talking about the sex, did you? ‘Course not!! The heat in this book was freaking awesome! Laura Kaye definitely knows how to write a toe-curler. There was a ton of teasing and false-starts that had me ready to chuck my kindle to the wall and curse the day Laura wrote this book, but I kept reading cause I knew she would bring it home perfectly. And that she did. What Becca and Nick share is emotional and raw and beautiful and sexy and hot and sweaty. It’s terrific. I loved every minute they shared together, and that is why I am a bit sad for this book to end. I loved this couple so much; I don’t want to see them go.

But let’s talk about some of the other characters. There is Jeremy, who is Nick’s brother. I seriously hope this guy gets his own book. He totally deserves it!!! He is charming, sexy, and every bit the man his brother is. And then there is Nick’s Army team, who are all completely endearing and sexy too.

The only thing that keeps this book from being a complete five star read for me is that I felt like some situations just got taken care of a bit too easily. They felt a bit rushed at times, and some questions were not really answered for me. Hopefully that will get cleared up in the next book. And of course, I am eagerly awaiting that one!



Find Laura Kaye Online

Also, TODAY November 26, Laura Kaye is having a Facebook party to celebrate the release of Hard As It Gets!  Come on by and JOIN THE FUN!





Hard As It Gets







Review: Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye

Title: Hard As It Gets
Series: Hard Ink #1
Author: Laura Kaye
Published: November, 2013, Avon Books
Format: Galley (Thank you Avon, Laura Kaye and Edelweiss!)

Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...


“…brotherhood is a two way street. You have to let me walk it with you.”

I was so excited to read this book!! I mean, it sounded perfect for me; jaded but sexy military guy, caring and in trouble heroine, tattoos… Hard As It Gets was so much more than all of that. Laura Kaye has written a book full of compelling characters that I will be sad to see go as each book in the series ends. At least, that’s how I felt when this book ended – I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet. Let me tell you why!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Review: The Master Undone by Lisa Renee Jones


Title: The Master Undone
Series: Inside Out 2.5
Author: Lisa Renee Jones
Published: August 12, 2013, Pocket Star
Format: Galley, Edelweiss

I told him goodbye, and I will not call him. I know if I do, it will be my undoing, and I'll once again be caught up in his spell. I will once again be...lost.

In her private journals, Rebecca laid bare her soul, revealing her obsession for the one man whose erotic demands captivated her imagination--and enslaved her forever. Now, with Rebecca no longer in his life he is lost, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself and about control he holds in such high regard. One women will reach out to heal him and then turn away, leaving him haunted. She is nothing he thought he wanted and somehow everything he needs. He tells himself to forget her but he cannot escape his desire for her. He has to have more...



The Master Undone… This was quite an intriguing look into the mindset of Mark. But I have to be honest, without Chris, this just didn’t hold the same magic for me. I liked this story, it just didn’t excite me as much as I was hoping for.


The Master Undone starts with Mark on a plane to see his mom, shortly after Being Me ends. I won’t give you any spoilers about that, just in case. But Mark’s mom is sick, and he is ever devoted to her. I like this about him. Showing a strong familial bond is important. It shows where you come from, and can often show why you might be the way you are.

Crystal meets him and tells him she is the Head Of Sales at Riptide, the New York auction house. She has certainly made herself at home with Dana, Mark’s mother. I like Crystal. She is a strong woman, and you can’t help but admire that. She comes from money, but she sees it important to make her own way. She’s an Alpha female, for sure.

But Mark, see, Mark identifies with being a Master in every aspect of his life, not just sexually. He is used to being in charge, and people following his orders. So when Crystal shows him that she is not the submissive type, he is intrigued. And sparks fly.

I liked seeing the interaction between Mark and Crystal. Sure, they don’t do it for me like Chris and Sara, but there is a certain fascination with them (Mark & Crystal). I think that this is definitely a quickie to read just because it’s some insight into the ever-elusive Mark.

Review: The Master Undone by Lisa Renee Jones


Title: The Master Undone
Series: Inside Out 2.5
Author: Lisa Renee Jones
Published: August 12, 2013, Pocket Star
Format: Galley, Edelweiss

I told him goodbye, and I will not call him. I know if I do, it will be my undoing, and I'll once again be caught up in his spell. I will once again be...lost.

In her private journals, Rebecca laid bare her soul, revealing her obsession for the one man whose erotic demands captivated her imagination--and enslaved her forever. Now, with Rebecca no longer in his life he is lost, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself and about control he holds in such high regard. One women will reach out to heal him and then turn away, leaving him haunted. She is nothing he thought he wanted and somehow everything he needs. He tells himself to forget her but he cannot escape his desire for her. He has to have more...



The Master Undone… This was quite an intriguing look into the mindset of Mark. But I have to be honest, without Chris, this just didn’t hold the same magic for me. I liked this story, it just didn’t excite me as much as I was hoping for.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Review: This Is W.A.R. by Lisa and Laura Roecker


Title: This Is W.A.R.
Series: No
Authors: Lisa Roecker & Laura Roecker
Published: Expected July 2013, Soho Teen
Format: Edelweiss Galley (Still available!)
Tour: No

This is W.A.R. begins with a victim who can no longer speak for herself, and whose murder blossoms into a call-to-arms. Enter four very different girls, four very different motives to avenge Willa Ames-Rowan, and only one rule to start: Destroy James Gregory and his family at any cost. Willa's initials spell the secret rallying cry that spurs the foursome to pool their considerable resources and deliver their particular brand of vigilante justice. Innocence is lost, battles are won—and the pursuit of the truth ultimately threatens to destroy them all.

This book is not in a genre that I usually read, but I saw it on Edelweiss and the cover instantly drew me in. Seriously, it is just gorgeous. And then I read the blurb, and it felt like something ripped from the stories on Dateline or similar news show, and I was completely interested. In fact, in my head it was kind of narrated in a way like they do on Dateline. But that’s just my own weird personality.

The introduction starts with Willa Ames-Rowan, and she is drowning. She’s not just drowning, she is being murdered, and you are along for the ride in her point of view. It is dark and haunting, and even with that being said, it’s a bit beautiful. The writing will definitely grab you right from that first page.

And then as we move into the book we get sections told in the point of view of four girls, all friends with Willa. We hear from Rose, Lina, Sloane, and Madge (who is also her step-sister). Through them we get to piece together the puzzle of events that led up to this young beauty’s demise. See, Willa was well liked by everyone. At first I thought there must be something wrong; a skeleton of evil under the skin of a princess. But no, she was just one of those rare creatures who thinks of others and befriends them. She saw people’s weaknesses and made them feel like they were something to be proud of. And through the story, you get to know Willa more with every chapter. I know I was as enamored with her as everyone else was.

First we start with Rose. Her mother is an events planner at the country club where everyone basically lives, and her father is a police detective. She is shy and quiet, and not a part of the in crowd at all. But Willa was her friend, and she wants to do by right by her. I really felt her frustration and sadness. She began to evolve through the story, too. Like how they say pink is the new black, or whatever comparison you’d like, I often felt like Rose was the new Willa.

And then you have Lina, the frumpy girl who turned into a beauty. And now she rebels against everything she can, with her platinum hair and tattoo covered skin. She’s only got a few friends, and Willa was one of her very best.

Then you meet Sloane, the Asian girl trying to live up to her parents’ – and everyone else’s expectations. But she has some secrets, just like everyone else in their group. She was shy and quiet, and every once in a while she’d surprise you with something.

And lastly, Madge. She never really grew on me as a person. She’s Willa’s stepsister, and she is the one most hell bent on vengeance. I liked her well enough, but something just seemed a little off, and I just didn’t click with her on a personal level. Even though she wasn’t my favorite, her character practically screamed at you from the pages. She is definitely interesting.

What happens at Hawthorne stays at Hawthorne. It’s attended by the wealthy and privileged. And at the helm is The Captain, who calls the shots, and his heirs, James and Trip. James and Trip are seemingly as bad as they can be, without ever paying the price. They live life the way they want, accountable to no one. And so when one of them is secretly accused of killing Willa, it is swept under the rug. Much like everything else that these boys do. Honestly, I felt both of them were very enigmatic. I did like one more than other, but it’s a secret who!

This story quickly made me feel like I was invested in the story. There were secrets everywhere. The mystery of it all was fantastic. Over and over it’s repeated that Willa is dead. It didn’t feel repetitive, but rather, it felt like it was driving it home. It was a constant reminder of everyone’s grief, and their reason for revenge. There is more than one evil genius in this book, and it’s hard at times to know who is trustworthy and who is not. The characters were fabulous and diverse. The backdrop of the country club was terrific, with lots of skeletons in the closet. If you are a fan of murder mysteries, I think you will definitely enjoy this book.

Stalking Authors Online Is Fun!


This Is WAR

Review: This Is W.A.R. by Lisa and Laura Roecker


Title: This Is W.A.R.
Series: No
Authors: Lisa Roecker & Laura Roecker
Published: Expected July 2013, Soho Teen
Format: Edelweiss Galley (Still available!)
Tour: No

This is W.A.R. begins with a victim who can no longer speak for herself, and whose murder blossoms into a call-to-arms. Enter four very different girls, four very different motives to avenge Willa Ames-Rowan, and only one rule to start: Destroy James Gregory and his family at any cost. Willa's initials spell the secret rallying cry that spurs the foursome to pool their considerable resources and deliver their particular brand of vigilante justice. Innocence is lost, battles are won—and the pursuit of the truth ultimately threatens to destroy them all.

This book is not in a genre that I usually read, but I saw it on Edelweiss and the cover instantly drew me in. Seriously, it is just gorgeous. And then I read the blurb, and it felt like something ripped from the stories on Dateline or similar news show, and I was completely interested. In fact, in my head it was kind of narrated in a way like they do on Dateline. But that’s just my own weird personality.

The introduction starts with Willa Ames-Rowan, and she is drowning. She’s not just drowning, she is being murdered, and you are along for the ride in her point of view. It is dark and haunting, and even with that being said, it’s a bit beautiful. The writing will definitely grab you right from that first page.

And then as we move into the book we get sections told in the point of view of four girls, all friends with Willa. We hear from Rose, Lina, Sloane, and Madge (who is also her step-sister). Through them we get to piece together the puzzle of events that led up to this young beauty’s demise. See, Willa was well liked by everyone. At first I thought there must be something wrong; a skeleton of evil under the skin of a princess. But no, she was just one of those rare creatures who thinks of others and befriends them. She saw people’s weaknesses and made them feel like they were something to be proud of. And through the story, you get to know Willa more with every chapter. I know I was as enamored with her as everyone else was.

First we start with Rose. Her mother is an events planner at the country club where everyone basically lives, and her father is a police detective. She is shy and quiet, and not a part of the in crowd at all. But Willa was her friend, and she wants to do by right by her. I really felt her frustration and sadness. She began to evolve through the story, too. Like how they say pink is the new black, or whatever comparison you’d like, I often felt like Rose was the new Willa.

And then you have Lina, the frumpy girl who turned into a beauty. And now she rebels against everything she can, with her platinum hair and tattoo covered skin. She’s only got a few friends, and Willa was one of her very best.

Then you meet Sloane, the Asian girl trying to live up to her parents’ – and everyone else’s expectations. But she has some secrets, just like everyone else in their group. She was shy and quiet, and every once in a while she’d surprise you with something.

And lastly, Madge. She never really grew on me as a person. She’s Willa’s stepsister, and she is the one most hell bent on vengeance. I liked her well enough, but something just seemed a little off, and I just didn’t click with her on a personal level. Even though she wasn’t my favorite, her character practically screamed at you from the pages. She is definitely interesting.

What happens at Hawthorne stays at Hawthorne. It’s attended by the wealthy and privileged. And at the helm is The Captain, who calls the shots, and his heirs, James and Trip. James and Trip are seemingly as bad as they can be, without ever paying the price. They live life the way they want, accountable to no one. And so when one of them is secretly accused of killing Willa, it is swept under the rug. Much like everything else that these boys do. Honestly, I felt both of them were very enigmatic. I did like one more than other, but it’s a secret who!

This story quickly made me feel like I was invested in the story. There were secrets everywhere. The mystery of it all was fantastic. Over and over it’s repeated that Willa is dead. It didn’t feel repetitive, but rather, it felt like it was driving it home. It was a constant reminder of everyone’s grief, and their reason for revenge. There is more than one evil genius in this book, and it’s hard at times to know who is trustworthy and who is not. The characters were fabulous and diverse. The backdrop of the country club was terrific, with lots of skeletons in the closet. If you are a fan of murder mysteries, I think you will definitely enjoy this book.

Stalking Authors Online Is Fun!


This Is WAR

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Review, Darkness Becomes Her by Jaime Rush


Title: Darkness Becomes Her (Offspring #6)
Author: Jaime Rush
Publisher: Harper Collins, May 29, 2012
Genre: UF, Sci-fi, Romance (these are what I'd say!)
Format: Egalley provided by Edelweiss

They live ordinary lives, but they are extraordinary.


They are the Offspring, children of a mysterious experiment gone awry—and they are in terrible danger.


Power Junkie: Lachlan McLeod spent wild years astrally projecting himself into other times and places. But he doesn't get out much anymore—not after the fatal mistake that cost him a precious loved one.


Pixie Fugitive: Jessie isn't having a bad day. She's having a bad lifetime. After the terrifying act of supernatural violence that destroyed her family, she's been on the run for years. But now her ruthless enemy is drawing closer . . . and her own powers have finally awakened.


They're two people who don't play well with others. But they're going to have to learn to, and quickly. Because they're the only two people in the world who can save each other — and their passion is the only thing that can save the world.

This is a new to me author, and I picked this book up as a galley on Edelweiss.  This book is #6 in the series, but I didn’t really feel lost without having read the others.  With that being said, I liked this one so much that I will seek out the previous books and catch up on them.

This story starts out with what I thought was a horrifying prologue.  It really set the story up well, to get to know some of the characters.  Present day brings us to Jessie.  She’s always on the run, ready to move at a moment’s notice.  It comes to light that she is running from her uncle, Russell.  But now she is in a small town, and she meets a guy she just may like, Magnus.

Magnus is a playboy after being very sheltered for most of his life.  And now that he has freedom, he is taking advantage of it.  But then he meets Jessie, and whoa, she could be someone he could settle down with for a bit.  At least, that’s what he tells his brother Lachlan. 

Lachlan and Magnus are very different as far as brothers.  Where Magnus is a playboy sowing his wild oats, Lachlan has pretty much made himself a monk, punishing himself for a mistake he’d give anything to take back.  But no matter what powers you have, some things you just can’t undo.


Edit:5-29-12 (Had to reformat this paragraph after realizing I said the exact same thing in every sentence...do'h!)
That’s right, these people have powers.  They are all very different and pretty neat if I do say so myself.  And even more on top of that, they are different from the usual powers we see, which I liked.  But hey, I am a sucker for super powers!

Then Lachlan astral projects to the future, and he sees Jessie standing over Magnus’ dead body, and now he wants answers.  But fate is not on their side that day, and Magnus ends up in a coma of sorts and Lachlan has charged himself with protecting Jessie.  Whoooaaa, flip!

                “She smelled good, the clean scent of her sweat and the sweetness of shampoo.  She hadn’t almost gotten him killed, but she was killing him now.”

Lachlan and Jessie soon realize there are sparks between them.  But they both have good reasons to douse those flames.  This was constantly leaving me in a sense of frustration, good frustration, but still frustration nonetheless.  I thought their pairing was so perfect, these two belonged together, and I wanted it to happen now now now!   Lachlan was constantly making me swoon with his behavior.  I mean, hermit tendencies and alleged psychosis aside, the man sounded pretty damn perfect to me.  He is caring, strong, tough and best of all – honorable.  But his personal code of honor was really becoming a road block.

            “I didn’t want to kill you, but I would have, to save Magnus.  Now I’ll kill to save you.”

Seriously?  Lachlan, I’m already falling for you, you don’t need to seal the deal – I’m yours!! 

What? He wasn’t talking to me?  Dang!  Not again!

Ok, funniness aside.  There is definitely so much more to Lachlan than meets the eye.  Don’t get me wrong, I really liked Jessie too, but at times she became a bit too much for me.  She was a runner, running her whole life.  And now here was her chance to stay and fight, and I just wanted to get on with it already.

But the girl has some baggage.  I can’t give it away, but you’ll see.  And her whole life has been based on half truths and lies, and things are about to get very bad for her.  And there were times I really felt for her.  But here she was in Sanctuary (Lachlan’s home) and she was protected.  Pretty good deal, if you ask me.  I mean, the guy fought with a giant sword for Pete’s sake!

And Lachlan says, “Protect what’s ours”.  There is something to basic and attractive about that.  To know, actually know, you are safe – and loved.  Lachlan, whether he can admit it or not, is a man to be admired.

Ok, I suppose that is enough about Lachlan.  Who’d have guessed this review would turn into an episode of “I love Locky”  Oh yeah, that’s his nickname.  Does it get any better??  Read this book, but maybe start at the beginning.  I don’t think its really required, but with any series, its always best to start at the beginning.  But hurry up and get to this book because there are some definitely some things in here you do not want to miss!  Oh, plus there are a lot of sci-fi type elements to this book (and I imagine the series) that will really appeal to lovers of sci-fi.  We’re talking portals to other dimensions, other worlds, all of it!

Find Jaime Rush

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wicked Road To Hell - Juliana Stone


Title: Wicked Road to Hell
Author: Juliana Stone

Format: ebook requested from Edelweiss

With the legions of the underworld gathering and chaos close at hand, Sorcerer Declan O’Hara’s deadly skills will be tested. But nothing will sway him from his duty, not even her…


Rescued from eternal darkness, vampire Ana DeLacrux owes her life to a mysterious stranger who asks for only one thing—her absolute allegiance. She serves this master without question until Declan, the one man who can make her forget her vow, returns. His magic is stronger, darker…more compelling than ever. His blood awakens a hunger she must resist, or risk deadly consequences.


As Ana and Declan join forces, the streets of New Orleans become a dangerous place for both humans and the otherworld. And the most dangerous place of all is a road Declan’s traveled before…the wicked road to hell.
In Wicked Road to Hell we meet Declan (awesome name, btw!), who is a sorcerer who has just been rescued from the third level of hell by Bill, a Seraph.  Yes, Bill the angel.  Awesome! In return for plucking Declan out of Lilith’s hell Declan is basically in servitude to Bill.  Declan’s current task is to find someone and bring him back.  He doesn’t know who, but of course that eventually comes to light.

Then we meet Ana.  Ana is a centuries old vampire; a royal vampire at that.  Declan and Ana have it bad for eachother, always have.  But they both think the other is dead.  Ana was brought back to life by….. Bill!  That Bill, he’s a helluva guy.  Ana’s task is to protect a young boy named Kaden, who appears to be a sorcerer.

This is a new author to me, and I must say I was totally enthralled with this entire world.  I hear there are other books, a Jaguar series to be precise.  I think I am definitely going to have to look those up and get a little bit more history on Declan and Ana.  Not to mention there is a jaguar in this story, Declan’s friend, Nico.  Nico sounds just like the type of jaguar I’d like to meet (insert evil grin here). But I digress…

                “Ana Delacrux was a fearless, tough operative.  To see her in such a vulnerable state did something to his insides.  It twisted them into all kinds of want and need and filled him with desire to protect what was his.”

Oh, how I love them alpha type males! There is a really good romantic and frustrating tension between Declan and Ana.  I couldn’t wait for them to finally get together and realize that everything is mutual.  Every turn page was agony waiting for it to happen!

Luckily for me there was a lot of other stuff happening to hold me over until that happened.  This book had werewolves that were all kinds of cool.  Demon lords…who doesn’t love a good demon lord?  And Lilith… well, Lilith’s world kind of felt like a demented version of Alice In Wonderland, so I absolutely loved that.  Sides must come together for a common goal.  What’s that saying?  The enemy of my enemy is my friend.  That definitely applies here for this story. 

I found the world the author built to be vibrant and exciting.  The characters were interesting and captivating.  This was a book that I really enjoyed, and I really look forward to seeing what’s next in the series.