Review: Blackmailed by the Hero

Author Julie Particka

Format e-ARC
Print Length ?
Publisher Entangled Brazen
Published August 11, 2015

The wrong bed. The wrong guy.

Party planner Vicky Stone is on a post-divorce mission. Not only does she intend to land her dream promotion, she's going to indulge in a night of hot hook-up sex. Preferably with the hunky actor she just met at a work function, no-fraternization rules be damned. Fortunately, his drunken directions included a right that should have been a left, landing her in bed with her brother's extra-hot, extra-off-limits best friend instead of the unemployment line.

And, oh, he feels good. Too good.

Bad boy Dante Palladino's forbidden fantasies are about to come true...until Vicky realizes who she's feeling up. And to find out she risked her job for sex with some loser? Not on his watch. Dante throws down the ultimate, albeit self-serving, blackmail. Vicky will date him-and only him-and her secret will be safe. But Vicky swore never to fall for another guy who could break her heart...and Dante's on course to do just that.

My Opinion

Holy Hotness! Blackmailed by the Hero is one smoking hot book. Never before has a wrong turned lead to such a perfect ending.

About two years ago, Vicky’s life got turned upside down- her husband wanted out. Instead of wailing in self-pity Vicky put her big gal pants on and decided to make something of herself. Sure, she could just depend on her actor brother to support her but now that she was alone she decided that she had to take care of herself. So she got an apartment and a job- she has a plan on how to get promoted within the next five years. She doesn’t mind the grunt work she is doing right now because well to be honest she feel s like she has to pay her dues. Her job has one rule no fraternizing with the party goers.

Vicky promises her bestie that she will have a one night stand within the next three months. She has been on a dry spell since her divorce and Jane is worried about her. When one hot actor hits on her, she decides why not. Too bad she ends up in another actor’s room, Dante- who just happens to be the same guy that she was enchanted with five years ago. Her brother’s best friend, who told her to stay away from him. Once Dante realizes who Vicky was trying to see, he is determined to save her from that mistake. The actor was bad-news bears.

Vicky is a determined and focused lady, I like that. She is trying hard to guard her heart and her head. I think at times she over guards herself but who wouldn’t after a devastating divorce. Her ex-hubby is a douchbag and she doesn’t want to end up with another one. She is strong even though she views herself as weak. There is a point in the story where I wanted to scream at her for being silly but I can understand where she is coming from.

Dante is one amazing guy. He really is trying to look out for Vicky. He is concerned for her, and is fearful of what would happen due to the other actor being a jerk. He tries to protect her but at times I felt that he was playing fast and furious with her job. He knows he can’t date Vicky because of the rules with her employer yet he tries anyway. Sometimes being the hero means to step away from the situation for a bit, and he needs to learn that.

I enjoyed Blackmailed by the Hero. The determination of Vicky to pull herself after her divorces is spectacular. The need of Dante to protect her is adorable. The scenes where they are together are smoking hot. I will never be able to go to the Opera again, without thinking of this book. If you are looking for a sexy love story this is the book for you.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “She doesn’t want you to rescue her. That doesn’t mean you can’t fix whatever the hell happened.”

Other People

Reed Russell- jerk actor, hate him
Jane- Vicky’s bestie, love her
Ethan- Vicky’s brother, Dante’s best friend

Review: Dream of You

Author Jennifer L. Armentrout

Format e-book
Print Length 131 pages
Publisher Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated
Published June 23, 2015

Abby Erickson isn't looking for a one-night stand, a relationship, or anything that involves any one-on-one time, but when she witnesses a shocking crime, she's thrust into the hands of the sexiest man she's ever seen - Colton Anders. His job is to protect her, but with every look, every touch, and every simmering kiss, she's in danger of not only losing her life but her heart also.

My Opinion

Abby married her high school sweetheart and had a great job in the city- New York City. Then her parents died in a car crash and her hubby died in another car crash. What are the odds? So, she did what any gal would do and moved closer to her hometown. She bought a cute town house and after four years of mourning was attempting to get her life back on track. Which is why she said yes to the date- the date that she walks out on. It is then that she sees a horrific crime and ends up running from the criminals. Enter the detectives- one of which Abby went to school with Colton Anders. He is going to protect her from the criminals, but who will protect her from him?

Abby is adorable. She is well, every gal that I have ever met. Her insecurities are real, and she owns them. She has only been with one man her entire life and that man loved her. He was gone though and there was no one to love her anymore. This can make a gal even more insecure. Abby knows that this is her problem, she openly admits it.

Colton is even more adorable. He has always been attracted to Abby but she was taken. Now, that she is in danger she is even more attractive to him. He doesn’t understand where her insecurities are coming from but he wants to help. He likes her.

Bad guys are after Abby. Evil, bad guys with a gun. Evil, bad guys with a gun that are willing and ready to kill her. Holy smokes that is enough to send a gal into shock. Abby though she has already been through a lot. So she puts her big girl pants on and deals. I like that she doesn’t panic. I like that she looks at the situation as what it is a situation.

Dream of You is one of those stories that comes along and moves you. Not only does it move you but it shows you some realities of our world that we don’t want to admit. It tackles issues that we as a society hid, are ashamed of and try hard oh so very hard to not bring attention to it. I enjoyed this story. I loved getting to see how Colton and Abby hook up. I love knowing their story.

My Rating 5 stars out of 5

Favorite Quote "I always thought being told you should be more confident, because confidence is sexy, was like getting a bitch slap in the face.”

Other People

Detective Hart- Colton’s partner
Jillian- Abby’s bestie, wise beyond her years
Reece- Colton’s bother, and a cop

Book Trailer Saturday (20) Serafina and the Black Cloak

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

A spooky mystery-thriller about an unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate.

"Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there and they will ensnare your soul."

Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. 

There's plenty to explore in the shadowed corridors of her vast home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.

Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

Review: Blackmail Boyfriend

Author Chris Cannon

Format E-ARC
Print Length ?
Publisher Entangled: Crush
Published August 11, 2015

Sometimes, blackmail is the only weapon a girl has…

Haley Patterson has had a crush on golden boy Bryce Colton for ages. But when she hears a rumor that he hooked up with her she gives him a choice: be her boyfriend for a month to show other guys that she’s dateable—despite her overprotective and very intimidating brothers—or deal with the angry, cage-fighting boyfriend of the girl he actually did hook up with.

Bryce didn’t know the other Haley even had a boyfriend. He was just trying to get his ex off his back. And now, not only is he being blackmailed, he's being blackmailed by an honor student. His new “girlfriend” has two three-legged dogs, her father mows grass at the country club, and she's…well, difficult. And different.

Can something so fake turn into something real?

My Opinion

Blackmail Boyfriend starts out with a case of mistaken identity. Bryce gets with a girl at the bonfire, a Haley who gives him the wrong last name. She does this incase her on again off again boyfriend finds out. He is cage fighter so him finding out will lead to Bryce getting seriously hurt. When Haley finds out on Monday morning, by everyone pointing at her and talking about her, she confronts Bryce. Bryce agrees to pose as her boyfriend until the rumors die out and she doesn’t appear easy. Bryce agrees to this but isn’t too happy about it.

Haley has the three s’s- strength, smarts and sassy. Haley is an honor roll student with very loving family. She is very secure with her place in the world, there is no woe is me from her. She discovers the rumor and instead of crying confronts the guy. She is smart and has an easy going personality. Not your typical angst teenager.

Bryce has everything going for him- family is rich, daddy well known, a member of the country club. He is a player and he plays the game well. He can and usually does have any gal he wants. He agrees to Haley’s plan cause he knows he is at fault with destroying her reputation and wants to do right. While he has everything he could possibly want, he is missing warmth in his life. His momma is the only shining spot in his family, but even she is ruled by high society.

Blackmail Boyfriend brings all the feels- laughter, tears, love and heartache. Haley and Bryce shouldn’t be together, mistaken identity brings them together. Logic keeps them together, and then something happens. Something more but can Bryce hold on to it or will he let it slip between his fingers.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Have I mentioned dating a smart girl is a pain in the ass?”

Other People

Jane- Haley’s best friend
Nate- Bryce’s best friend
Brittney- Bryce’s cray-cray ex-girlfriend

Swoon Thursday (30) Blackmailed by the Hero

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

"I want you, Vicky Stone. I've wanted you for five years, and I sure as hell want you to know I

thought you were worth the wait."

Blackmail by the Hero Kindle Location 1283

Dante you say the sweetest things. I am telling y'all he does some swoon worthy things in this one.

Blurb Blitz: Stop at Nothing

When a high-profile investigation goes wrong, FBI Agent Kyle Dawson is transferred back home where he is forced to confront his demons…and the only woman he ever loved. Three years ago, Kyle and Abby Morrow shared a wild, passionate summer—then Abby broke his heart. 

NOW SHE NEEDS HIS HELP

Kyle never stopped loving Abby. So when Abby uncovers evidence of a human-trafficking ring, leading to her sister’s kidnapping, he swears he’ll stop at nothing to bring her sister home and keep Abby safe. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse and blindsided by their own explosive desires, they must set aside the past before it’s too late.

About the Author

Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) faithfully watched weekend monster movie marathons while growing up, each week hoping that maybe this time the creature du jour would get the girl. But every week she was disappointed. So when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed that her characters would always have a happily ever after. And, thus, her love for paranormal romance was born. 

Kate is the author of the award-winning Transplanted Tales series, available from Kensington Books. She lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project.

During the blitz, I'll be giving away a paperback copy of Way of the Warrior (which contains "Torn", the prequel novella to my Protect & Serve series), a $20 gift card to Amazon or B&N (winner's choice!), and some swag. Below is the code for the rafflecopter giveaway if you'd like to use it. FYI - the giveaway is international to anywhere Book Depository ships, but the prize pack for an international winner might be slightly different due to shipping costs. I'll be running the giveaway from 8/5 to 8/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

website: www.kateserine.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kateserine

Twitter: @KateSeRine

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/kateserine

Waiting on Wednesday (30) Ungodly

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

As ancient immortals are left reeling, a modern Athena and Hermes search the world for answers in the final Goddess War novel by the acclaimed author of Anna Dressed in Blood

For the Goddess of Wisdom, what Athena didn’t know could fill a book. That’s what Ares said.

So she was wrong about some things. So the assault on Olympus left them beaten and scattered and possibly dead. So they have to fight the Fates themselves, who, it turns out, are the source of the gods’ illness. And sure, Athena is stuck in the underworld, holding the body of the only hero she has ever loved.

But Hermes is still topside, trying to power up Andie and Henry before he runs out of time and dies, or the Fates arrive to eat their faces.

And Cassandra is up there somewhere too. On a quest for death. With the god of death.

Just because things haven’t gone exactly according to plan, it doesn't mean they’ve lost. They’ve only mostly lost. And there’s a big difference.

Why am I waiting?

Only mostly lost? That means there is hope…right? Oh this one makes my tummy hurt with not knowing what is going on.

Teaser Tuesday (30) Blackmail Boyfriend

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Chocolate cake, white icing, no sprinkles."

"Thank you."

She passed a cupcake to me, set one in front of her own lunch bag, and then placed the half cupcake in front of Bryce.

"What's this?" Bryce asked.

Blackmail Boyfriend by Chris Cannon Kindle Location 509

Admit it, you want to know why Bryce got half a cupcake... Is it killing you inside to know why? Will the cupcake treatment work? This is the cutest book!

Review: Night Unbound

Author Dianne Duvall

Format e-book
Print Length 432 pages
Publisher Zebra
Published September 2, 2014

Dianne Duvall's Immortal Guardians protect humanity from unspeakable horrors--but their hearts are as fragile as any mortal's. . .

For centuries, Lisette d'Alençon has been a warrior against the dark. She fights alongside her brothers and comrades. But when the dreams start coming, she can't bear to confess them to the Immortal Guardians' command. Dreams of a dark-haired man with soft eyes and brutal wounds, a man her heart aches for--and a man she knows has been declared a traitor.

Zach is an exile, a loner. He won't defend himself against false accusations or grovel to those who should have faith in him. But he'll damn sure defend the woman who kept him sane against a plague of super-vamps that seems to have appeared from nowhere. The Guardians will blame him, and that will make Lisette suspect, too. With life, death and eternity on the line, who can they really trust?

My Opinion

Lisette has had a hard life- her husband turned her into an immortal one. Once her brothers found out they offered their blood so that others would not know. This accidently turns them into immortal ones as well. Lisette has a lot of guilt and shame because of this. Zach is part of the Others, a group of observing individuals who do not offer help to the Immortal Guardians. Yet, Zach does once and is tortured for it. As an observer he had watched over Lisette, and it is her image that keeps him from giving into the torture. The super-vamps are showing up again and Lisette is in danger. Zach will do whatever it takes to keep her save, even getting involved. Some of the Guardians think he is the one that is creating the super-Vamps. It is up to them both to prove that it is not them who are trying to take out the Guardians.

Lisette is a strong woman, who knows what she wants. She feels a lot of guilt- guilt for her husband, her brothers and now for Zach. Her leader has warned her away from him but she cannot listen to those orders. There is something about him that draws her to him. Zach is bitter, the torture and mistrust that one of his oldest friends has of him is weighing heavily on him. The only thing that keeps him going is his feelings for Lisette. The chemistry between these two is smoking hot. The threat of the super-vamps doesn’t even stop them from being together.

My favorite thing about this one though is finding out more about Seth. As their leader, he is so caring and careful with his people. He wants them to be happy and protected. At times I could not help but wonder when he and David would get their happily-ever-afters.

Night Unbound will make your heart race as the Immortal Guardians fight off the newest threat. You will cheer on Lisette and Zach all the while silently wondering if Seth is right. I mean he rarely is wrong. If you liked the first four books, you will love this one. You will get snippets of the others and how they are doing which for me is a fabulous thing.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Someone always trusts where he or she shouldn’t.”

Other People

Ethan- American Immortal, Lisette was his mentor
Aidan- lonely Immortal
Cliff- reformed vampire

Review:Burned by Darkness

Author Alexandra Ivy

Format e-book
Print Length 179 pages
Publisher Deborah Raleigh, LLC
Published June 30, 2015

The Dragons of Eternity were once creatures of myth and legend. Now they’ve returned to the world, prepared to claim what’s rightfully theirs…

Tayla is desperate for a place to call home. After years on the run, the young imp impulsively buys a teahouse and is determined to build a new life. Unfortunately, she’s barely opened the doors when she’s tracked down by the dragon who purchased her from troll slave-traders. He demands she pay off her debts…in his harem.

Baine has devoted a quarter of a century to tracking down his beautiful concubine. And now that he has her in his grasp, he’s not about to let her go. But it’s soon apparent that he isn’t the only demon hunting her. He must uncover her secrets or risk losing her forever.

My Opinion

Burned by Darkness starts out with Tayla trying to make a home for herself. She has been on the run for over 20 years, ever since she escaped Baine. Baine bought Tayla from his father and she is his, his precious treasure. His to protect, and she is missing. He has been searching for her since she disappeared. Baine is not the only one that hunts Tayla, he is just the only one that hunts her because he cares for her.

Tayla is interesting. She wants to be independent, she attempts it. As much as she claims she wants to be free, I couldn’t buy into it. She flipped flopped between wanting to be with Baine and wanting to be free of him. She was whiney and I just don’t do whiney. I didn’t really connect with her, which is sad because I so wanted to.

Baine on the other hand I could connect with. Tayla was once his and he lost her. He is a dragon, so he keeps his treasures near to him. Her loss has consumed him, until nothing else mattered. He is sweet and possessive. He is kind and protective. He treats Tayla as an equal and she disdains him for it.

I had high hopes for this one. I adore a different series by this author and was extremely excited for a new one to come out by her. The best part of the story were the scenes with Levet in them- that is one funny gargoyle. Burned by Darkness was an okay read and sometimes that is what you need a book that is just okay.

My Rating 3 stars out of 5

Favorite Quote “Why would I want some arrogant, pig-headed, ill-mannered male thinking he owns me?"

Other People

Levet- gargoyle that lives in Tayla’s house
Char- Baine’s bestie and a half-dragon

Burn, Rewrite, or Re-Read

Lindy from A Bookish Escape tagged me in the Burn, Rewrite, or Re-Read Tag!

The Rules: there are three rounds, wherein I use a random number picker applied to my "read" shelf on Goodreads for three books, and then decide what I'll do to those three: burn, rewrite, or reread.

Round One 

Burn-   Savor should have been a perfect read for me.  Something was off, I just couldn't.  So this is the one I would burn.This series does male characters great!  Female characters are written as stubborn, argumentative, and whiney.  The thing I hated the most in this book was Perrin's love interest- Faile.  She was annoying, and it did not help matters when Perrin's story arc takes center state in this one.  

Rewrite-  In Wicked Widow,  Madeline and Artemis have issues admitting their feelings for each other.  So much so that the other denies that their love interest is well interested in them, even with them being together physically. 

Re-Read- Frigid, I would re-read this one in a heart beat.

Round Two

Burn- 2:32 and I just did not see eye to eye.  It was too much in the insta-department.

Rewrite-  This series does male characters great!  The thing I hated the most in this book was Perrin's love interest- Faile.  She was annoying, and it did not help matters when Perrin's story arc takes center state in this one.  So pretty much I would kill her off- harsh I know but she needs to go.

Re-Read- The Golden Lily is one of my favorite books of 2012.  How can I not re-read it?

Round Three

Burn- I am so ashamed to say this one- Miss Mayhem.  I loved Rebel Belle and this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year.  I DNF it.  Shhhh.... don't tell.

Rewrite-  Dax and the prom scene- I would rewrite it, a little more BANG, BOOM, and GLITTER.

Re-Read- Ree is such a strong female character.  Paden is a fabulous book boyfriend.  Did I mention it was set in Georgia?  How could I not want to re-read it?

Round one and Round three were a little hard for me. Round two was easy peasy. Now for the fun part!

I am going to tag 

Michelle from Michelle's Minions & 

Priyanka from A Booklion's Hideaway.

Book Trailer Saturday (19) The Nightmare Affair

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare.

Literally.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder.

Then Eli’s dream comes true.

Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target. 

The Last Book in this series The Nightmare Charade is set to release August 4.

The final installment in a thrilling fantastical mystery series.

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare. Literally. Dusty is a magical being who feeds on human dreams.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy is hard enough, not to mention the crazy events of the past year. Dusty may have saved the day, but there are many days left in the year, and with an old foe back to seek revenge, she'll need all her strength to defeat him and save her friends. 

Mindee Arnett thrills again in this stunning final installment in the Arkwell Academy series.