Synopsis

Jolee’s husband Carlos has ordered her to be killed. Because of an accident, she survives and has to stay at Silas’ house while she recuperates.

Silas is Carlos’ brother. He knows that Carlos killed his wife and he is determined to avenge her death.

Jolee and Silas get to know each other at his cabin while they try to figure out what to do next.

Opinion

This story was darker than I anticipated. I usually like Beauty and Beast trope romances, but this one was somewhat depressing to me. It was not wicked in the sense that I was expecting either. Granted they sleep with each other before Jolee is divorced, but considering the fact that her husband tried to kill her. I did not deduct hearts for that.

There was not anything extraordinary about their romance. Silas was a “beast” because he had scarring on his face. Jolee falls in love with him despite his obvious disfigurement.

Carlos was a larger than life, evil rich antagonist that seemed to get away with killing people at his whim. For most of the book, I wondered how would Jolee and Silas be able to have their happy ending.

Should you buy? I honestly do not know what to tell you. I am sure that there are people who would love this story. I am conflicted about how I feel about this book because I was expecting a different book all together. Also, the story was too short. By the time that I finally got my head around the fact that this is different, the story was over.

Book details
File Size: 1692 KB
Print Length: 154 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Excessica Publishing (May 1, 2011)

Available on Amazon

Hard and Fast by Raven Scott #klover #romance #suspense

Dec31

I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Hard and Fast (A Fortis Novel)

Synopsis
Lucas works with a security firm that has been employed by a race car company. They have a new engine that they are trying to keep secure until they review it at a car race.
Alexandria (Alex) is the chief engineer and brainchild of the revolutionary motor the security company is hired to protect. When threats are made, Lucas has to protect her and her engine.

Opinion
I thought the story was OK. I cannot complain, but it was a little lackluster for me. Part of the reason is that it was hard for me to get into the story.

The mystery/conflict surrounding the attempted theft of the engine did not impact me because I could not understand the importance of it. I do not know much about racing even though my hubby is a Formula One fan. When they were trying to explain, I found myself more confused because exclamation seem very technical. Even so, bravo for the author doing her research so thoroughly (added a heart for this reason).

As for the main characters, Lucas seemed like a likable enough hero. Alex took a little more for me to warm up to her. She was so resistant to security even when it was evident that her life was in danger. I guess Lucas was so intrigued with her because she turned him down the first time they met. Other than that, there did not seem to be a lot of chemistry.

Should you buy? I am not the person to say. The story was fine but I could not get engaged. I think if you like racing themed stories, you will enjoy this greatly.

Book Details

Series: A Fortis Novel (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Dafina (December 29, 2015)

Fresh Temptation #romance #review #BarbozaBrothers series

Dec30

Fresh Temptation (Barboza Brothers Book 1)

Synopsis

Cara is a single mother with 3 jobs trying to pay for medical bills for her son. When she loses 2 of her jobs, Victor comes to the rescue.

Victor is a young billionaire, jaded about love since he caught his ex-fiancé with her personal trainer. There is something about Cara that attracts him. He arranges for her to work for him.

Opinion

This is I-want-her-because-she-is-not-impressed trope romance.

Victor is a typical alpha-billionaire who is able to manipulate circumstances to get close to the woman who he has been lusting after from the moment he met her.

“This sexy, luscious woman had captured his attention like no woman in years”.

Cara does her best to keep her focus and not fall into a relationship with Victor, HER BOSS, but his tenderness weakens her resolve time and time again.

“You lure me in with your kisses and those sexy Spanish words”.

Not long after they meet, they are in bed together. Soon after that, he wants her to meet his family. Considering that he was recently engaged, I think he is on the rebound because Cara is so different from his ex.

Does different mean better? Who knows? True that Cara is not shallow and superficial, but is that all Victor needs in a woman to make the relationship work?

With regards to the book’s villain and subsequent conflict, Victor’s ex does not get the hint that she messed up and is no longer wanted. She makes herself a thorn in their relationship. She was unhinged enough to cause problems that necessitated obtaining a restraining order. What Victor finally does to her was fitting and made me chuckle.

Should you buy? This is a predictable, fantasy romance. The story moves quickly so there is little time to get bored. I recommend reading when you want a light romance with mild drama. This book is the first in the Barboza Brothers series, but can be read as a standalone novel.

Book details from Goodreads
Kindle Edition, 192 pages
Published November 7th 2012 by Sugar Shack Press
ASINB00A3N17MY
series Barboza Brothers #1

The Branches of Time – Luca Rossi #scifi

Dec20

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Branches of Time

Synopsis

Rocks fall from the ski and kill everyone on the island of Turios except for three people: Bashinoir, his wife Lil and the Priestess Miril. When they go to bury the dead, nothing is there as if they people were vaporized. They stay inside Temple because it seems that provides them with magical protection.

Meanwhile, in another dimension called Isk, sadistic King Beanor is looking for a way around the curse that has his kingdom trapped. If his wizard can eliminate everyone on Turios, then the shield will be removed and the curse dissolved.

Opinion

I do not know even know where to start. First off, I am not one that reads a lot of time travel, multi-dimensional stories.

The story started okay. .Everyone but 3 people are dead and the survivors have to figure what they need to do next. But then the story jumps from different dimensions and even different time periods, it was difficult for me to follow.

Concerning the characters, I did not like Beanor and could not understand why someone did not assassinate him. I would have thought one of the wizards would have done that.

Bashinoir and Lil’s relationship could have been better if they would have communicated. There were too many misunderstanding and hurt feelings because no one was talking.

Miril did her best to keep Lil informed but I think that she should have included Bashinoir as well. Considering there were only 3 of them, there did not really need to be such strict separation.

I almost DNF a couple of times (sorry Luca), but I was intrigued enough to see how it ended. By the end, I could see how the author was trying to intertwine the stories together. However, the ending was not as satisfying as I thought it would be. It almost seemed like the book ended with a cliffhanger which makes me think that there is a sequel.

Should you buy? I’m not sure. So many people have given this book 4 and 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads, that I wondered what I was missing. If you like fantasy and time travel, you might like this book. I honestly feel I am not the best person to recommend the book because I could not follow portions of the book which were probably integral to the plot.

Book details
Paperback: 158 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; First edition (June 13, 2014)
Language: English

Available on Amazon

A Slice of Honeybear Pie- #BWWM Paranormal BBW Bear Shifter #swirlromance

Dec15

A Slice of Honeybear Pie (BWWM Paranormal BBW Bear Shifter Romance) (Bearfield Book 1)

Synopsis

Mina is running from her ex-boyfriend because she saw him kill a person. In her haste to get as far away as possible, she has a car accident.

Matt is an attorney in Bearfield where Mina has her car accident. He is also a werebear.

Opinion

I liked this book. The chemistry between Mina and Matt is palpable. I think it is funny how Mina underestimated Matt from the beginning. When she finds out he is a bear? She does not even flinch.

Mina had spunk and did what she could to take care of herself. She did not sit back and wait for Matt to save her, even though that was what he wanted her to do.

In true animal shifter fashion, Matt’s inner bear knew Mina was his mate from the first meeting. I do not mind this aspect of shifter stories because even if one party thinks the other person is their mate, they still have to convince the other person of that fact. This is especially true when it is a were-animal and human couple.

I was in love with this story until the final showdown with the villain – Mina’s ex. I am sure some might roll their eyes when I say this, but I thought the final showdown was a little unrealistic and corny.

I do not want to say too much about it because I will give the story away. Yes, I do realize that bear shifters are not real and the whole story is fantasy. The book was going great and then it got silly in my opinion. I deducted a heart for that.

Should you buy? Yes! Despite the corny faceoff with the villain, the story was very entertaining. I love Mina. There is a special place in my heart for were-bears. I like the strong silent type that likes to cuddle.

Book details
File Size: 5483 KB
Print Length: 126 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Guilty Treasures Press (May 6, 2015)
Publication Date: May 6, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Available on Amazon