Immortal Unchained - Lynsay Sands

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group

Pubished: March 2017

ISBN: 9781473221536

Ever since Domitian Argenis recognized Sarita as his life mate, he's been waiting for the perfect moment to claim her. Those fantasies did not include him being chained to a table in a secret lab, or both of them being held hostage by a mad scientist. Somehow, they have to escape...

Sarita has seen some crazy things as a cop, but nothing to rival Domitian. A vampire? Seriously? But his healing ability, incredible powers, and their mind-blowing physical connection-none of it should be possible, yet her body knows differently. Now, not only do they have to save each other, but other innocent lives are at stake. Failure is not an option, for Sarita intends for Domitian to show her exactly what an eternity of pleasure feels like...

My review
Since I accidentally stumbled across the 7th book of the Argenau series of Lynsay Sands (The Accidental Vampire, what's in a name...), I was sincerely spoiled. Ever since, all vampire books I read are measured against the Argenaus... So when I saw Immortal Unchained (# 25 in the series) on Netgalley, I just had to request it. And yay, I received the ARC. I was a little hesitant, because after more than 20 books on the Argenau family, the action seemed to be getting a little less in the books 21 and 22. The yummie Notte twins (Dante and Tomasso) fortunately had more action in books 23 and 24. And in this book, Lynsay picks up the pace. We had already seen, that there were some immortals disappearing in those books. And although Lucian (my absolute favourite Argenau) was trying to find them, he was not able to. 
Enter Domitian. We start the book with Lucian growling (when is he not growling...) into Domitian's earpeace, not to go on board of the helicopter. But of course, Domitian gets on the helicopter... and ends up chained to a table in a secret lab.
Fortunately, Domitian is untied by Sarita, his life mate. If you haven't read any of Lynsay's books: she is THE ONE for him. But since she is a 'normal' mortal woman, she knows nothing of vampires (excuse me: immortals). However, she gets a crash course in vampires by Dr. Dressler, a mad scientist doing gruesome experiments on them. 

Of course there is this undeniable attraction between Sarita and Domitian, which will lead to some hilarious and also steaming scenes. But, as a true Argenau story, there is a lot of action, some unexpected turns and some very intriguing characters. For instance, we meet Thorne, the son of Dr. Dressler and Asherah, the assistant of Dr. Dressler. Right untill the end, you don't know who will be part of the good guys or part of the bad guys. With the exception of Dr. Dressler of course, who is just pure evil.

Furthermore, we re-unite with some of the characters of the earlier books, like Victor (my first Argenau encounter), Nicholas and Jo (The Renegade Hunter, #12), Decker and Dani (The Immortal Hunter #11),  Lucern (Single White Vampire #3), Eshe (Borne to Bite, #13) and Mirabeau (Bitten by Cupid, #12,5). And of course Lucian (Bite me if you can, #6).
So of course, five out of five stars from me! And looking forward to book 26! Keep up the good work, Lynsay.
 

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place - Terry Spear

Publisher: SourceBooks Casablanca

Published: April 2017

ISBN: 9781492645115

Wooing a she-wolf isn’t as easy as it looks in this bold paranormal romance from USA Today bestseller Terry Spear
In Silver Town, the secrets run deep…

Alpha werewolf Brett Silver has an ulterior motive when he donates a prized family heirloom to the Silver Town hotel. Ellie MacTire owns the place with her sisters, and he’s out to get her attention. 
Ellie is even more special than Brett knows. She’s a wolf-shifter with a unique ability to commune with the dead. Ellie has been ostracized, so she protects herself and those she loves by revealing nothing—not even when strange and dangerous things begin to happen in Silver Town. And especially not to the devastatingly handsome and generous wolf who’s determined to win her over…

My review
Since the A Very Jaguar Christmas, I hadn't read anything from Terry Spear. So when I saw Between a Wolf and a Hard Place on Netgalley, I had to request it. I was curious if this book was going to give you the same cozy feeling of the jaguar christmas or not. 
And indeed, Terry just writes in a very relaxing and enchanting way. You meet Ellie and her two sisters, who are running the Silver Town hotel. In this town, there are a lot of wolf-shifters living, so alpha guys defending their territory (read: there girls) is quit normal. And since they are good looking, like Brett, I certainly have no problems with that. Ellie, however, is more hesitant to engage with the romantic guy. Because she has a little secret: she can see and communicate with the dead. And since the last guy she told her secret has been treating her horribly, she is not very open to a new relationship. 
But clumsy Brett is trying really hard and being very sweet. Makes me want to remind my husband about bringing flowers, LOL.

So in all, a very pleasant read, with some excitement here and there. You gotta love Brett's (already deceased) great aunt, because she is hilarious. If you want to have a nice and feelgood read, sit back and relax with Between a Wolf and a Hard Place. Four out of five stars from me.   

Riveted - Jay Crownover

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: February 2017

ISBN: 9780008116347

The next book in the smoking hot SAINTS OF DENVER series from NYT bestselling author of the MARKED MEN series, Jay Crownover.

Everyone else in Dixie Carmichael’s life has made falling in love look easy, and now she’s ready for her own chance at happy ever after. Which means no more pining for Dash Churchill, the moody, silent former soldier who she works with. She’s going hunting for Mr Right and a pesky little crush isn’t going to stop her…

Denver has always been just a pit stop for Church on his way home. It was supposed to be simple, uneventful, but nothing could have prepared him for the bubbly, bouncy Dixie, determined to break down his walls. Now he knows it’s time to get out of Denver, fast.

But while falling in love is easy, loving takes a whole lot more work… especially when Mr Right thinks he’s all wrong for you.
My review
Even if you have not read the first books of the Saints of Denver or the Marked Men series, you will still like this book. However, since I've read both of the series, I was (again) swept into the lives and loves of all my beloved characters. I must admit, I'm not a fan of tattoos, but ever since I met Remy and Rule in the first part of the Marked Men series, I can appreciate the artists behind the tattoos. 
And in this book we meet Church. Broody, dark and sinister, we already met Church in Asa's book. He is an army buddy of Rome (yes, the big brother of Remy and Rule) and he has some issues. Of course, there are dark secrets looming, but happy-go-lucky-Dixie does not care. She wants the big bad guy all for herself. But Church doesn't seem to want to have anything to do with her. 
So, she turns to her friendly neighbour Poppy (yes, Salem's sister from Rowdy, Marked Men #5). But Poppy doesn't want to do much with men, because of her crappy history with men. Even Wheeler, Dixie's ex-brother-in-law, scares the hell out of her. (Or maybe not, if I read the blurb of Salvaged, Saints of Denver #4). So, Dixie tries to go out with other guys, through some kind of dating app. But what a bunch of weirdos where that?! 
And then, Church asks her to come along to his home. To pretend to be his girlfriend for his family and friends. So she agrees, because she thinks this is the ultimate chance to prove Church that he is Mr. Right for her and not Mr. Wrong. But what if their pasts creeps up at them? Will they still have a future? Or was Church right in being Mr. Wrong?
Jay Crownover keeps you on edge from start to finish. Absolute wonderful story, with a smile and a tear. I'm waiting for Wheeler's and Poppy's story. Five out of five stars from me and a thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

Her True Match - Paige Tyler

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Published: March 2017

ISBN: 9781492625926

FORCED TOGETHER
When feline shifter Dreya Clark is escorted from the police interrogation by two secret agents, she thinks she's dodged a bullet. That sexy detective Braden Hayes caught her stealing red-handed. When she finds out what she has to do to stay out of jail, suddenly she's missing the hot cop with the piercing gaze. She's being recruited for her shifter abilities by the Department of Covert Operations. 

WILL DANGER RIP THEM APART?
Braden has been chasing the smart-mouthed cat burglar for years. But when Dreya's taken away, he knows their game of cat and mouse has turned deadly-serious. There's no way he'll let her go off alone. Fur flies and temperatures flare as Braden realizes Dreya is much more than she appears. Thrown together on a dangerous covert mission, this unlikely pair will have to rely on each other to make it out alive. 

X-Ops Series
Her Perfect Mate (Book 1)
Her Lone Wolf (Book 2)
Her Secret Agent (novella)
Her Wild Hero (Book 3)
Her Fierce Warrior (Book 4)
Her Rogue Alpha (Book 5)
Her True Match (coming March 2017)

My review
Her True Match was the second X-OPS book I've read. The first one for me was Her Rogue Alpha. That book I found rather 'tame', in comparison to the SWAT series of Paige Tyler. But since I had my shot of yummie werewolfs recently in Wolf Unleashed, I decided to take another shot at the X-OPS series. And boy, was I glad to have gotten my hands on this one! Dreya Clark is a feline shifter. However, growing up alone, she thinks herself a freak of nature with her claws and her scary green eyes. Since she doesn't know that there are more of her kind out there, she is sure there is no way any guy will be interested in her. Instead, she thrives on stealing and breaking and entering homes. 
Officer Braden Hayes has his eyes set on her for some time now. And not only because he wants to get her redhanded, but also because he likes the tension between them during interrogations, where Dreya stands her ground and is able to get away with most of her crimes.

So sparks are flying. But how can an abiding law officer and a cat burglar get together? When de Department of Covert Operations sweeps in, after Braden has arrested Dreya, how far will Braden go, to ensure Dreya's safety?

The story unfolds nicely, where we meet 'old' acquaintances of the other X-OPS books. And we see how there is also a second plot, in which shifters are created in a scary lab. The secondary characters, Brooklyn, Trevor and Ian, are also very interesting. Hopefully, they will get their 'own' story in the next books of the series.

So, it's safe to say, that the shifters of the X-OPS series kind of grow on you! Four out of five stars from me.With a special thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for this ARC.     

Lethal Game - Katie Reus

Publisher: KR Press, LLC

Published: January 2017

ISBN: 9781942447962

He broke her heart.

Graysen’s betrayal nearly destroyed Isa a year ago. Now that she’s working for Red Stone Security, she’s managed to piece her life back together after a rough year and a broken heart. Then he appears back in her life and makes it clear he’s not going anywhere until she gives them a second chance. A chance she refuses to take.

Now he’s back to claim what’s his.

Graysen’s never gotten over Isa and he knows he never will. It’s his fault she walked away, but he can’t seem to let her go. He quit his job with the CIA and called in every favor he had to get hired by Red Stone Security just to be near her again. But Isa doesn’t care that he’s desperate to make things right between them—she wants nothing to do with him. He doesn’t blame her, but he’s not willing to give her up. When they’re cornered by lethal terrorists, everything changes. Graysen and Isa will have to find a way to work together if they want to survive. Only then will he be able to convince her to claim the chance at happiness the past stole from them.

My review
This is the 15th (and final) book of the Red Stone Security series of Katie Reus. Not having read any of the previous 14 titles wasn't a problem though. We meet Isa, a determined, independent woman who is working undercover for Red Stone Security. We meet her as she just finishes a job. 
And we meet Graysen. A very fine specimen, who is head over heels in love with Isa. But he screwed up. Big time. And so Isa has left everything behind a year ago, to start fresh. Without Graysen. And although she doesn't want to admit that she still has some feelings for him, she is determined to guard her heart and not be involved with man ever again. 

Graysen has pulled every string to have a job together with Isa, just to be able to talk to her again. Of course, Isa is not amused and definitely not in the mood to make amends with him. But everywhere she turns, she runs into Graysen. And then their undercover job for Red Stone Security gets dangerous. Because Isa en Graysen stumble onto some very dark secrets of the company they are investigating. But the suspect isn't willing to let them reveal the truth. He will stop at nothing, not even to kill innocent people or kidnap bystanders. Like Emerson, one of the few friends Isa has left. 

So now, Isa and Graysen have to work together to stay alive. Will the succeed in stopping the bad guy and will they have a shot at a second chance?
A very exciting and thrilling read. Now I still have to read all the other 14 parts, I guess. Four out of five stars from me. 

Wolf Unleashed - Paige Tyler

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Published: December 2016

ISBN: 9781492625988

SHE BRINGS OUT THE WOLF IN HIM
 
Lacey Barton can't deny her crazy attraction to Alex Trevino, but that doesn't mean she has time for the gorgeous SWAT officer. She's hell-bent on discovering who's behind the brutal dogfights sending countless mauled animals to her veterinarian office. The trail leads Lacey to a ring of vicious drug dealers and suddenly she's in way over her head-right smack in the middle of a SWAT stakeout.
With Lacey in danger, Alex's wolf side is unleashed. But when she witnesses Alex shift, she's even more terrified... Now it's up to Alex to crack the case-and earn back Lacey's trust and, ultimately, her heart.

My review
After Her Rogue Alpha, from Paige Tyler's X-OPS series, I was really looking forward to another shot of hunky werewolfs. And with Wolf Unleashed, here there are again. Yay! The story continues with Alex Travino, from Gage's pack (meet him in Hungry Like the Wolf). When he takes Tuffie, the rescued and adopted dog to the vet for her check-up, he meets dr. Barton. There is an instant attraction between the both of them, but since Lacey has only seen very crappy examples of male species in her past, she can't believe Alex is for real. He is too cute, too kind and too great to believe.

Since Alex's sniffer isn't that good, he doesn't know for sure if Lacey is 'The One' for him, as MacKenzie is for Gage and Everly for Cooper (in To Love a Wolf). Since most of his teammates are also looking forward to meeting their 'The One', this is a hot topic among them: "You think she's The One for him?" Alex asked, trying to picture the huge dark-skinned alpha werewolf with the attractive but rough-around-the-edges narcotics officer. Remy shrugged. "Maybe, but if not, there's nothing wrong with her being The-One-for-right-Now."

So Alex tries to convince Lacey, that he is the One-for-right-now. During their dates, Alex discovers why Lacey keeps man at bay, although her sister Kelsey tries to convince her otherwise. And Lacey keeps getting to know Alex better and secretly she gets her hopes up, that maybe, just maybe, he's not too good to be true.
But during a reckless action of Lacey to find out who is behind the horrible dogfights, she nearly gets hurt and Alex's wolf comes out to rescue her. Unfortunately, Lacey realizes now that he's not too good to be true: he is too furry and too scary! Can Alex convince her that a little fur and some fangs are not the end of the world? And that real monsters don't always look so scary?

I would recommend you read this book to find out if a vet can be convinced that a wolf has feelings to. Four out of five stars for Paige. I'm already looking forward to part 6, Wolf Hunt. With thanks to Casablanca Books and Netgalley for this arc.

Her Rogue Alpha - Paige Tyler

Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca

Published: September 2016

ISBN: 9781492625896

HE'LL DO ANYTHING FOR HER

Former Special Forces Lieutenant Jayson Harmon can't believe that his war scars don't matter to beautiful feline shifter Layla Halliwell. Why would she saddle herself with a broken man?
But Layla knows that Jayson is a hero to the core, and that only she can heal his wounded soul. So when Jayson is deployed on another deadly mission, no way is Layla staying behind...

X-Ops Series
Her Perfect Mate
Her Lone Wolf
Her Secret Agent
Her Wild Hero
Her Fierce Warrior
Her Rogue Alpha

My review
Okay, I have to admit, I kind of really liked all the hot and sweaty werewolf hunks from the SWAT series of Paige Tyler (you can check my review on To Love a Wolf).
So when I saw Her Rogue Alpha on Netgalley I just had to request this one. Unfortunately, if you are hooked on those yummie werewolf shifters, you may find this story of Paige a little tame. 
Oh, sure there is a lot of action, and do not forget the claws beautiful Layla has at her disposal as a feline shifter. But this book is more about Jayson, and the extensions of not only his bodily scars, but also his mental scars. Paige does a perfect job of creating the turmoil Jayson is feeling because of his broken body. How hard it must be on a guy, who was in the Special Forces, to rely on a cane and on your - not so average - strong girlfriend. Yeah, it's not only his back which is hurting, but also his pride and ego. 
So yes, a wonderful written book, with still a lot of action. And although there is enough physical attraction, I kind of missed the playful banter and witty remarks of the SWAT serie. What can I say: I'm really a werewolf-furry-kind-of-girl. 

No less, still four out of five stars for Her Rogue Alpha. I'm not sure I will continue with her X-OPS series, but I'm keeping my eye out for the next SWAT book.    
 

Just Kiss Me - Rachel Gibson

Publisher: Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Published: July 2016

ISBN: 9780552170543 

The latest hot and funny love story from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gibson, author of RESCUE ME and NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. 


It's been years since Vivian last saw Henry. She was scrubbing houses for a living, he was the gorgeous son of rich parents, not fit for the likes of her.
She had vowed to get out of Charleston, become a big Hollywood star and stick it to the snooty girls who made her cry. Vivian got what she wanted – and more – but why does her glamorous life seem so trivial?

Henry got out too . . . making it all the way to Wall Street, until his life took an unexpected twist and he traded in his cufflinks for carpentry back in Charleston.
But escaping his heritage is nearly impossible. And now he’s come face-to-face with the one who got away. He’s not looking for love. He’s not even looking for sex . . . so why is resisting her the hardest thing he’s ever done? 

The one that got away just came back . . .

My review
Probably I've read almost every book of Rachel Gibson. Ever since her Writer Friends series I have been a big fan of her writing. I still haven't found another writer who can tell such hilarious stories with a twist, that keeps me chuckling constantly. But at about one third of this book, not even a little smile... Fortunately the famous plot twists did occur also this time in the book.

But somehow there is just no real chemistry between Henry and Vivien. Although the flash backs in the diary of Vivien are a very nice point of view, somehow Rachel doesn't convince that there is some kind of attraction between the two of them. I just can't put my finger on it, but where the sparks are flying in the Chinooks series, there's only a lukewarm feeling in Just Kiss Me. Both Henry and Vivien didn't look that friendly at all. They appear both selfish and arrogant, so especially in the first part it was very difficult to identify with the characters or feel even a glimp of sympathy.

The story is build up just fine and Rachel does an excellent job in building up the tension and sudden plot twists, so in all it is a great read. Of course there are incidents and things from the past, which makes sure you can never predict the ending. Even if you know that Rachel is a sucker for an happily ever after (just like me).

 But if you are a die-hard Rachel Gibson fan, you might be disappointed. If you are going to try a book of Rachel for the first time, I would recommend 'I'm in no mood for love' (with Mr. Right Now instead of Mr. Right) or 'Nothing but trouble'. They are just hilarious. I really love all Rachel's stories and I've re-read several of her books. But this one, I'll stick to this read only. Of course I'll be still looking out for the next novel of Rachel. But hopefully one with more sizzle. Three out of five stars this time. 

 

The Goddess's Curse - Cara Bristol

Publisher: Cara Bristol

Published: March 2015

ISBN: 9780990805281

Sharona women and barbarian Lahon men maintain separate lives until libidinal fever strikes, and the women are forced to mate.

Stricken by a mysterious terminal illness, Sharona Princess Reena jumps at the chance to accompany a cousin on her mating journey so she can at least see a male before she dies.

Garat, leader of the male Lahon, has only hatred for the Sharona because of the woman who birthed and killed his son years ago. Now that a massive earthquake has left his people with precious little water, he has the perfect excuse to avenge his son’s death by driving the Sharona from their homeland to acquire what the Lahon need. When he encounters Reena on the mating journey he takes her hostage to force the Sharona to capitulate to his demands, but finds himself drawn to her instead. As his desire rises, lust for revenge wanes. But after what he’s done, can he convince her of the evil that lives in the palace in time to save her life?

My review

Woman and man living in different tribes, being each others nemesis, but needing each other for the species to survive? And the Great Goddess is supposed to be the mastermind behind this? And to ensure the mating, all the Sharona women can look at their precious crystal (inbedded in their arm, being born with it), to see if they have the libidinal fever (really?!) and need to find a mate. Okaaaay... There is something wrong in this equation. Why on earth would a divine goddess divide men and women, when there is obviously a need for them to procreate the new generation. And being born with a crystal in your arm? Well, that doesn't seem very logical to me. 

However, when you get past the strange notions of the Goddess and her somewhat we-are-much-better-than-those-savage-Lahon-men Sharona women, you find an easy read. Reena is a lovely character. However, she is a bit like a labrador: wiggling her tail for everybody who gives her attention. Not able to distinguish between friend or foe. A happy-go-lucky kind of girl, who keeps her faith, despite her strange illness. Although you can see the unfolding of the story coming along like a mile away, it is still entertaining and keeps you reading. Garat definitely has the 'drool-factor': I want to hug him and just swoon. 

The greatest character of the story however, was Ellynna, Reena's mother and the queen of the Sharona. Since you kind of can guess who the bad guy (or should I say bad girl?) will be in the story, the twist with the mother in the book is pretty hilarious actually. Of course, I won't go into detail to spoil the story, but I like her. A feisty little thing, that queen.

So in all, a would give three out of five stars to Cara Bristol's Goddess's Curse. A delightful read, a little predictable, but with nice characters and some steamy (but not too hot to handle) scenes. With a special thank to Netgalley for the ARC.

When I'm Gone - Emily Bleeker

Publisher: Lake Union Publisher

Published: March 2016

ISBN: 9781503953383

Dear Luke,
First let me say—I love you…I didn’t want to leave you…

Luke Richardson has returned home after burying Natalie, his beloved wife of sixteen years, ready to face the hard job of raising their three children alone. But there’s something he’s not prepared for—a blue envelope with his name scrawled across the front in Natalie’s handwriting, waiting for him on the floor of their suburban Michigan home.
The letter inside, written on the first day of Natalie’s cancer treatment a year ago, turns out to be the first of many. Luke is convinced they’re genuine, but who is delivering them? As his obsession with the letters grows, Luke uncovers long-buried secrets that make him question everything he knew about his wife and their family. But the revelations also point the way toward a future where love goes on—in written words, in memories, and in the promises it’s never too late to keep.

My review
This book is like sitting on a rollarcoaster. Your emotions will reach absolute highs and lows. You will laugh and you will cry and you definitely will be turning the pages. The story starts when Luke Richardson is returning home with his three kids after burying his wife. You can actually feel the despair and grief coming from the pages. Emily Bleeker has done an outstanding job in describing all the emotions that Natalie and Luke go through from the moment Natalie is diagnosed with cancer, right until the first months after her dead.
Since Emily has been battling her own rare form of cancer (and survived thankfully), undoubtly she has written from experience, but it was splendidly done. 

Luke starts receiving mysterious letters from Natalie. They contain directions for Luke to help him picking up his life after her death, memories from her past and she talks about a secret she needs to share with him. For Luke, the letters are a lifeline and he clings onto them. But it also makes him wonder just how good he knew who Natalie was and what she was hiding from him. Together with Annie, Natalie's best friend, he tries to find out where the letters come from and what Natalie is hiding.

You'll laugh at the tactics of Natalie to get Luke to start dating again, you'll frown on the story from the past of Luke and it makes you wonder if you'll ever understand what Natalie tries to realize from the grave. The story is well written, with enough twists in the plot to keep you wondering and turning the pages. A lovely read, highly recommended! Thank you Netgalley for this lovely ARC.