Wednesday 31 October 2012

Review: Unfed - Kirsty McKay

They're back . . . and this time they're hungry.

The good news: Bobby survived her unreal school trip. 
The bad news: Her best bud Smitty is missing, there are undead everywhere and they're getting hungrier . . .

It's a no-brainer. Somehow she must find some living friends - and the antidote - before everyone's toast.

The Undead Series:
Undead
Unfed

Visit Kirsty McKay's website for more information

Review:
I loved Kirsty McKay's debut Undead and I was hoping we'd get to see a sequel so as soon as I found out that Unfed was being published I couldn't wait to read it. Once again the author has hit the ball out of the park and created a fabulous read that is perfect for zombie fans.

The story continues right after the end of Undead, Bobby and her friends have been picked up by another school bus and think they've managed to leave the zombies far behind them but when the bus crashes they quickly find themselves back in danger. With Smitty missing it is up to Bobby, Alice and Pete, along with newcomer Russ, to find him using the clues that Bobby's mum has left for them. Even if they do manage to get the group back together can they find a way to get out of Scotland now that the country has been overrun by zombies and officially quarantined from the rest of the world?

Bobby is exactly how I remembered her - she is strong, resilient and knows how to kick zombie butt, there is no way she is going to give up on Smitty and she will do whatever it takes to find him. Pete tends to be the brains behind the operation and is great when it comes to figuring out the clues they have been given even when he isn't the best at physically fighting. Alice can be a bit hopeless but she always manages to look perfect and I have to admit to laughing at some of the things she gets up to. I did find myself missing the banter between Bobby and Smitty during the first half of the book but that was more than made up for when they finally catch up with him. Smitty manages to come up with such completely crazy ideas but they wouldn't have got as far as they did without him that's for sure. Newcomer Russ is a bit of a wild card, I was never quite sure what to make of him but there is no doubting that the others needed his fighting skills.

All the things I loved about Undead are back in Unfed - the black humour has a real British flavour to it and the book made me laugh out loud numerous times as I was reading. You also have all the blood and gore you'd expect from a zombie horror story. Anyone who loved the first book will enjoy this one just as much and if you haven't started the series yet then it's one I'd highly recommend.

Source: Received from Chicken House in exchange for an honest review

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Paperback

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Review: Seduced by a Pirate - Eloisa James

Sir Griffin Barry leapt out of the bedchamber window at age seventeen after a very disappointing wedding night, drank a bit too much at the pub and woke to find that he'd joined the crew of a pirate ship! Years later, he has become one of the most feared pirates on the high seas, piloting the Flying Poppy, a ship he named after the wife whom he fondly (if vaguely) remembers.

What happens when a pirate decides to come home to his wife - if she is his wife - given that the marriage was never consummated? And what happens when that pirate strolls through his front door and is met by . . . well, that's a surprise!

Happily Ever Afters Series:
A Kiss at Midnight
Storming the Castle (Novella)
When Beauty Tamed the Beast
Winning the Wallflower (Novella)
The Duke is Mine
The Ugly Duchess
Seduced by a Pirate (Novella)
Once Upon a Tower (2013)


Visit Eloisa James' website for more information

Review:
I love this series and have enjoyed all of the previous companion novellas but I have to admit that I was nervous about picking up Seduced by a Pirate because I didn't enjoy The Ugly Duchess as much as the previous novels. Thankfully I enjoyed the story a lot more than I expected to even though it has the same issue of a cheating hero as The Ugly Duchess did.

I think that the cheating issue bothered me less this time around because Griffin didn't claim to have been in love with his wife before he left. In fact, they only met at their wedding and Griffin was so intimidated by his beautiful and slightly older bride that he was unable to consummate their vows. By the next day Griffin is out of the country and he doesn't see his bride again for 14 years. Now, I still don't think that excuses his cheating or the fact that he didn't come home to her sooner but it did make me find it a bit easier to forgive him for it. Particularly when he is willing to accept that Phoebe cheated on him and had three children while he was gone! I don't want to say too much about the story because it is always too easy to spoil a novella but I found myself giggling out loud at the misunderstandings between the couple as I was reading.

As a short story this has a satisfying ending, I did feel that Phoebe goes from wanting an annulment to the marriage to trying to seduce her husband a little too quickly though. I also felt that she forgives him a bit too easily for spending the last 14 years away from her but at least he had let her know that he was still alive and had been providing for her financially while he was away which is more than can be said for James in the last book. I find it easier to forgive things moving too quickly when I'm reading a novella because I know that the author doesn't have as much time to go into as much depth that I'd expect from a full length novel.

Seduced by a Pirate is a fun and entertaining read that is sure to appeal to fans of this series. It's perfect for reading in one sitting and left me looking forward to reading Once Upon a Tower when it publishes next year.

Source: Received from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

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Review: The Ugly Duchess - Eloisa James

Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke's passion. Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months. Theo would have given it a lifetime . . . until she discovers that James desires not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry.

Society was shocked by their wedding, but scandalised by their separation. James heads out to sea where he becomes a notorious pirate, and Theo builds their estate into a flourishing concern. Back from the seas, a scandalous tattoo of a poppy under one eye, James now faces the battle of his lifetime: convincing Theo that he loved the duckling who blossomed into the swan. Theo will quickly find that for a man with the soul of a pirate, all's fair in love - or war.

Happily Ever Afters Series:
A Kiss at Midnight
Storming the Castle (Novella)
When Beauty Tamed the Beast
Winning the Wallflower (Novella)
The Duke is Mine
The Ugly Duchess
Seduced by a Pirate (Novella)
Once Upon a Tower (2013)


Visit Eloisa James' website for more information

Review:
I'm a massive fan of Eloisa James's Happily Ever Afters series, I have enjoyed all of the previous books and novellas so couldn't wait to get started on The Ugly Duchess. Unfortunately I was really disappointed with this book, it just didn't meet up with the standards of the earlier stories and I think that is mainly because I have such an issue with people who cheat on their partners. I'm afraid that this review will contain spoilers because I don't think I can fully explain my issues with the book without going into more detail than I usually would so consider yourself warned before you continue reading.

The story starts off well, Theo and James have been friends since they were children and I loved how close they were to each other. Theo has always been considered very plain amongst the members of the Ton but she has a sizeable dowry which has attracted her fair share of suitors. When James's father practically bankrupts the family he tells James that he must marry Theo to secure her dowry - well, what's left of her dowry because his father has been illegally spending that too. James is horrified by his father's actions and doesn't want to marry Theo, not because he doesn't care for her but because he doesn't want to lie to her.

As much as you know Theo is going to be devastated when she finds out the truth I really liked the way James comes to realise how much he genuinely does love her. They make such a sweet couple and the attraction between them is intense. There is a huge fanfare surrounding the wedding though, nobody would have expected a future Duke to marry such a plain bride and it earns Theo the title of The Ugly Duchess. Not long after the wedding Theo discovers the truth behind James's marriage proposal and is rightfully furious. Her insecurities about her looks don't help because she never felt like a deserving wife for James but I think anyone would have been as mad as she was though so I wasn't at all surprised when she tells him to get the hell out of the house and not come back. What did surprise me was that James immediately complies with her wishes, he doesn't even give her time to calm down and come back to try and talk to her - he just walks away from her and sets off to sea where he becomes a pirate.

As much as I was irritated that James wasn't man enough to fight for the woman he loved I could probably have dealt with him walking away if it hadn't been for the cheating. He is gone for nearly seven (yes SEVEN!) years during which time he has not just one but multiple mistresses. We spend the majority of the novel watching him reinvent himself as a pirate while Theo is left at home facing humiliation because she was so ugly her husband couldn't even bear to live with her. I admired Theo for how tough she was, she moves abroad and reinvents herself and I think in time she could have moved on and met someone new. Unfortunately at the point where she is about to have James declared officially dead he decides it would be the perfect time to return and try to win back the affections of his wife.

I don't think I've ever read a romance before where I wanted the heroine to tell the hero to get lost and for her to find someone else to have her happy ever after with but that is what I was desperately hoping for here. James comes back and expects Theo to welcome him with open arms, he admits to having mistresses and blames her because she is the one who told him to leave in the first place - it's not like she didn't have a reason to be mad, he knew he was in the wrong! She has remained faithful to him even when she believed he was dead, she has had her life made miserable by the gossips who love to talk about her and yet she forgives him within days. It just didn't feel believable to me, perhaps if she had made him work for his forgiveness I might have come to forgive him too but as it was I was left hating him and almost hating her for letting him walk back into her life so easily.

I was so disappointed with the way The Ugly Duchess turned out, I loved the characters in the beginning and had such high hopes but by the end I was ready to throw the book across the room. I do still love Eloisa James's writing though and I do love all the other books in this series so I'm definitely looking forward to reading Once Upon a Tower when it is published next year. I would say that if you don't have a major issue with cheating spouses then you'll probably enjoy The Ugly Duchess a lot more than I did, unfortunately for me that coloured my entire reading experience with this book.

Source: Received from Piatkus in exchange for an honest review

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Monday 29 October 2012

Review: Mystic City - Theo Lawrence

Manhattan lies underwater.

The corrupt rulers of this new city live high above the flood and survive by channelling the energy of the mystics - a magic-wielding underclass who are forced to live amongst the poor in the squalor of the Depths.

High in the Aeries, Aria Rose's fiancĂ© has promised that their marriage will unite two of the city's ruling dynasties. But the gaps in Aria's memories tell her that this romance isn't all it seems - and the appearance of Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic and passionate revolutionary, is about to change the course of her life forever.

Mystic City Series:
Mystic City
Renegade Heart (2013)

Visit Theo Lawrence's author page on Goodreads for more information

Review:
In a futuristic version of Manhattan where global warming has caused flooding the city is split in two, the Aeries - the high rise buildings that are above the flood line where only the rich can afford to live - and the Depths where the poorest members of society and the Mystics are forced to live at water level. The city is run by two powerful families - the Roses and the Fosters - and all of the elite are supporters of one of them. The two families and their supporters have been enemies for generations so it is very unexpected when the engagement of Aria Rose and Thomas Foster is announced creating a media sensation and bringing about the end of hostilities between them.

Unfortunately for Aria she doesn't remember meeting Thomas, let alone falling in love with him! After a drug overdose she has huge gaps in her memory but surely if she loved Thomas once then she can recapture those feelings and fall in love with him again? The more time she spends with him the more she begins to doubt what she is being told and then when she meets the mysterious mystic rebel Hunter things become even more confusing. Someone is lying to her but who can she trust and is there anyone who can tell her what is really going on?

I have been wanting to read Mystic City from the moment I first saw the cover and read the blurb, I have seen it described as Romeo and Juliet meets the X-Men and that is a perfect comparison to make. The story completely captivated me and I ended up devouring it in one sitting even though it has just under 400 pages! I loved the world building and found it completely believable to imagine Manhattan partly underwater due to global warming. I also loved the Mystics, it was fascinating finding out about all of the different kinds of abilities they had and I'm sure we're going to discover even more as the series continues. Mystics all have different powers, some can walk through walls, others can change their appearance to look like someone else, some are even able to heal people and do much more besides. The Mystics were the ones who rebuilt the city after the flood but they are so powerful that the elite members of society are terrified of them taking control. Forced to register with the government and allow their magic to be harnessed the Mystics have been exiled to live in the poorest part of the Depths. A group of Mystics who refused to give up their powers have formed a powerful rebellion and they are determined to fight for their rights to be treated with respect.

Aria is a great character, she is confused and at times a bit gullible but I think anyone would want to believe what their family and friends were telling them if they were in her situation. What I liked about her was that when she starts to question what is going on around her she trusts her instincts and won't go along with things just because she is told to. She is able to think for herself and put things together to uncover what is going on and you have to admire her for standing up for what she believes in. I also have to mention how much I loved Hunter, he is the kind of guy you can't help falling for - although strong, caring and protective of Aria he is also powerful, intense and at times secretive which can make it hard to tell which side he is on at times.

Mystic City is a fabulous start to this series and an impressive debut from Theo Lawrence. The story is well written, has believable world building and likeable characters and it was impossible to put down. I did manage to guess a few of the twists in advance but that didn't reduce my enjoyment of the book in the slightest and I can't wait to get my hands on the next instalment!

Source: Initially received from publisher via NetGalley but I also received a print copy from Random House in exchange for an honest review

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Sunday 28 October 2012

Review: Chopsticks - Jessica Anthony & Rodrigo Corral

Glory is a piano prodigy. After her mother died, she retreated into her music. Her father raised her with the goal of playing sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and across the globe. Brilliant and lonely, Glory is drawn to Frank, who moves in next door. She loses herself in his paintings and drawings, mix CDs and late-night IM conversations. Soon, Frank becomes bother her connection to the world - and her escape from reality.

Before long, Glory is unable to play anything but the song "Chopsticks"; F and G notes moving closer together, and farther apart.

Now, Glory has disappeared. But nothing is what it seems. And we must decide what is real, what is imagined, and what has been madness all along . . .

Visit the Chopsticks Novel website for more information

Review:
Chopsticks is a completely unique and unusual novel and one that I was fascinated by. This isn't your normal kind of book, in fact it's more like looking through someone's scrapbook - it is full of photos, ticket stubs, letters, postcards, newspaper clippings, paintings, sketches and much more. Individually these images would be interesting but arranged the way they are they give a wonderful insight into the life of musical prodigy Glory as she meets Frank and falls in love for the first time.

What is so clever about the book is the way everything you have read is twisted back on itself by the time you reach the end. I don't want to say much about the story because it is very open to interpretation - I borrowed the book from my friend and we both had very different opinions about what had really happened. I will say that as soon as I finished I started flicking though the book again trying to piece together the clues to work out what was real and what had been Glory's imagination and I am still left with unanswered questions. I know what I've chosen to believe but it's the kind of story that lets you come to your own conclusion.

Chopsticks is an easy read, I finished it in under an hour, but it is one that stays with you a lot longer as you try to figure things out. I love the way this novel was put together, the use of different types of images to tell the story is cleverly done and I would definitely be keen to read any other story the authors write in a similar style. After looking at the Chopsticks website I discovered that this is also available as an app that can be read on your iPhone / iPad and I love the idea of that. It includes links to videos, music & websites and I think it would be a real interactive reading experience. I'm tempted to buy the app just to see how it adds to the feel of the story. I don't read a lot of graphic novels and I have to admit I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy this book when I first picked it up so I'm pleased to be able to say how much fun it was. I'd definitely recommend giving this a try if you're looking for something a bit different.

Source: Borrowed from Kirsty at The Overflowing Library

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Saturday 27 October 2012

Review: Absolution - Susannah Sandlin

With the vampire world on the brink of civil war over the scarcity of untainted human blood, battle lines are being drawn between the once peaceful vampire and human enclave of Penton, Alabama, and the powerful Vampire Tribunal. Mirren Kincaid once served the tribunal as their most creative and ruthless executioner—a time when he was known as the Slayer. But when assigned a killing he found questionable, Mirren abandoned the tribunal’s political machinations and disappeared—only to resurface two centuries later as the protector and second-in-command of Penton. Now the tribunal wants him back on their side.

To break their rogue agent, they capture Glory Cummings, the descendant of a shaman, and send her to restore Mirren’s bloodthirsty nature. But instead of a monster, Glory sees a man burdened by the weight of his past. Could her magic touch—meant by the tribunal to bring out a violent killer—actually help Mirren break his bonds and discover the love he doesn’t believe he deserves?

Penton Legacy Series:
Redemption
Absolution
Omega (2013)

Visit Susannah Sandlin's website for more information

Review:
I enjoyed the first book in Susannah Sandlin's Penton Legacy series but I'm pleased to say that things have really stepped up a gear in this book and I loved Absolution even more! The story picks up several weeks after the ending of Redemption and this time our focus is on Mirren, Aiden's second in command at the Penton scathe but don't worry we still get to catch up with our favourites from the first book too.

Mirren was a warrior even before he became a vampire and after he turned he became an executioner for the Tribunal. He was so successful at his job that he became known as the Slayer but he has tried hard to put that life behind him now and he just wants a peaceful life in Penton. The Tribunal want him back though and one particular member will do anything to bring back his blood lust - even if it means capturing him and keeping him prisoner until he is practically starved. Mirren is weak from his hunger but he still refuses to give in to his enemies demands and he will never betray the Penton scathe.

Glory is an outcast who was turned away by her family because they refused to accept her psychic abilities. She didn't even know vampires existed until one captured her because he could sense her power. She is terrified and trapped but even when drugged she refuses to give up her secrets. Her captor becomes so frustrated that he decides she isn't worth keeping alive and decides to give her to Mirren to awaken his blood lust. Mirren is half starved but even in his weakened state he acts with honour and refuses to hurt Glory which allows her to look past the fact he is a vampire and see the honourable man underneath. When Mirren and Glory are rescued she finds herself drawn into a dangerous new world, one where their enemies will do anything to ensure she doesn't live to tell tales. Can Mirren and his scathe keep her safe when they are in the middle of their own war?

I have to start by saying how much I loved Glory, she could be considered just a weak human considering she is surrounded by so many vampires and strong, alpha, warrior vampires at that, but she isn't going to sit back and wait to be rescued by anyone. In fact what I loved most about her was the way she was so determined to rescue herself and the way she is so protective of Mirren. She is able to look past his violent past and see who he really is deep inside and she won't let him push her away to punish himself. Glory is the kind of woman who knows what she wants and when she sets her mind on something she goes all out to make sure she gets it. I have to say I loved the way she starts babbling when she gets nervous too as that is something I have a tendency to do myself!

We didn't know a great deal about Mirren in the first book but I had completely fallen for him within a couple of chapters. He is so strong and heroic, willing to do anything to protect his friends and scathe members but he struggles to forgive himself for the things he did in the past. He hates the things he has done and feels guilt over the lives he has taken. Underneath his rugged and tough exterior he really has a heart of gold but he is also sexy as hell when Glory gets under his shell. The way his relationship develops with Glory was both hilarious and sweet at the same time and I enjoyed every second of it.

I've already said that the story picks up not long after the ending of Redemption and that means that the Tribunal are still watching the Penton scathe and worrying that they are becoming too powerful. With one particular enemy stirring up trouble it doesn't take long before Penton comes under attack which leads to some great action scenes and one particular moment when I gasped out loud in horror. The Penton scathe may have been kicked down but I'm sure they're not out of the race and I have a feeling the next novel is going to be explosive. I will be first in the queue to get hold of Omega when it is published next year and I can't wait to see what happens next! Fans of the first book will love Absolution but if you're new to the series then I would suggest starting with Redemption. This series is sure to be a hit with paranormal romance fans though and I'd definitely recommend checking it out.

Source: Received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review

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Cover Reveal: Blood Bound by Keshia Swaim - Vote for your favourite!

Keshia Swain's debut novel Blood Bound may not be being published until September 2013 but it's a story that I'm already excited about reading! Described as similar to the Morganville Vampires series but with Fae it has definitely caught my eye and I'm looking forward to reading it. Now Spencer Hill Press have created not one but two fabulous covers for Blood Bound and are asking you to vote for your favourite. Have a look at the book blurb below and then at the two covers and let me know which one you like best. The poll below will be used to decide which cover is used when the book is printed so make sure your vote counts and keep your fingers crossed that your favourite wins!

Blood Bound Blurb:

Starting college a year early is hard. Starting fae college and learning to protect the world from the Unseelie is harder.

Brielle Reed has always been an over-achiever, but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Between her crash course in fae politics, struggles to control her new mind-reading ability, training sessions with the demanding Dr. Schwartz, and discoveries about the father who is still a mystery to her, Brielle finds herself longing for a chance at a normal life.

But she may not get that chance. Or chance at a life at all, for that matter.

Now lets have a look at the two covers you have to choose from:



So what do you think? I like both covers, I love the colouring and the font used for the title but I think the one with the hand stands out more than the one with the girl's face. I really like the effect of the electric blue around the hand and think it gives the book a magical feel. The girl on the cover is OK but I think she looks quite moody and I'd probably be less likely to pick that one up in a book store. I do like the pattern around the edge of the second cover though - I think if that was added to the first cover it would be perfect!

Which cover do you prefer? What do you think of the blurb? Are you adding this book to your wish list? Don't forget to vote for your favourite using the form below (If you have any problems with the form you can also vote at this website):


For more information about Blood Bound visit the Spencer Hill Press website or Keshia Swain's blog.

Friday 26 October 2012

Review: Storm - Brigid Kemmerer

Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming.

Elemental Series:
Elemental (Short Story)
Storm
Fearless (Short Story)
Spark
Breathless (Short Story)
Spirit
Secret (2014)
Sacrifice (2014

Visit Brigid Kemmerer's website for more information

Review:
So many of my friends have been raving about Brigid Kemmerer's Elementals series and I really enjoyed the prequel short story Elemental so I had high hopes when I picked up Storm. Thankfully the story lived up to my expectations and this is a great debut novel. I loved the fact that it was a YA paranormal book that has moved away from vampires and shapeshifters and come up with something different. Here we have people with the ability to control the elements which is definitely a power I've not seen much of but can't wait to learn more about.

The Merrick brothers are all very powerful elementals each with control over a different element. Because they are so strong they are considered dangerous by the other families in the area who have less power than they do. The others worry that the Merrick's will expose them all and they will stop at nothing to keep their secret. The boy's parents made a deal with the other families though, a deal that should have kept them protected. As long as the Merrick's don't expose their powers or harm others then the other families must leave them alone but the younger generation don't agree with the deal that their parents made and they have spent years attacking the brothers trying to get them to break the pact first.

Michael is the oldest and most powerful brother, he is an earth elemental and has had to take over the role of breadwinner and surrogate parent to his siblings since their parents were killed. I loved Michael in the prequel short story and at first couldn't understand why he was so different in this book, he comes across as very moody and uncaring but when I found out why I was completely heartbroken for him. His attitude was completely understandable and he is under so much pressure trying to keep his brothers safe, he really has the weight of the world on his shoulders and I hope we get to see things become easier for him as the series continues.

Next we have the twins Nick, an air elemental, and Gabriel who has power over fire. Nick is the peacemaker in the family, he is always trying to smooth things over between Michael and Gabriel and he is also the most easy going of the brothers. Gabriel is the troublemaker, he resents the fact that Michael is always telling them what to do and he hates the fact that he refuses to stand up for them against the other elemental families. Gabriel is an expert at flirting and has a way with the ladies but he also has a quick temper and you wouldn't want to get on his bad side. Last but by no means least you have the youngest brother Chris. Chris is a water elemental and he is only just beginning to learn the extent of his abilities, he still finds it difficult to control his powers and is the one most at risk of exposing them. Chris is a really sweet guy and I loved the way we got to see part of the story from his point of view.

Becca has been in the same class as Chris for years but they never really spoke until the day she sees him being attacked by two other students in the parking lot. Becca may be half the size of the boys attacking Chris but she can't leave him there helpless and alone and rushes to his aid. You have to admire Becca, she has been through hell at school thanks to the bullies who are making her life miserable but she refuses to let them see her cry. She holds her head up high and does her best to rise above them, it isn't easy for her but she is tough and has survived things that would have broken most people. Thanks to Becca's bravery in coming to Chris's aid she soon finds herself in a whole heap of trouble though and the bullies are now the least of her problems. Chris's whole family is under attack by an extremely powerful elemental and if she isn't careful Becca could find herself hurt in the crossfire.

I don't want to say more about the plot so you'll just have to read the book yourself to find out. With four hot brothers, a selection of kick ass characters with unusual powers, fast paced edge of your seat action and a different romance with every story this is a series to watch out for and one I can't recommend highly enough. Now I'm off to pick up my copy of Fearless!

Source: Purchased

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Review: Elemental - Brigid Kemmerer

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn't have much power. That’s okay—she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy. Dangerous. And completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn't just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

Elemental Series:
Elemental (Short Story)
Storm
Fearless (Short Story)
Spark
Breathless (Short Story)
Spirit
Secret (2014)
Sacrifice (2014

Visit Brigid Kemmerer's website for more information

Review:
Elemental is a short story set five years before events in Brigid Kemmerer's debut novel Storm. It may only be a short story but it worked well as an introduction to the series and definitely left me keen to pick up Storm as soon as possible.

The story introduces us to powerful earth elemental Michael and air elemental Emily. Michael is so powerful that the other elemental families fear his abilities and worry that he could expose them all, they are so frightened of him that they would prefer to see him dead than let him live his life. Thanks to a deal made by his parents Michael is safe for now but only if he keeps to the conditions that his family agreed to. He doesn't want to cause trouble but the other elemental families will do anything to provoke him into breaking the truce. Emily's family have always warned her to stay away from Michael, in fact they have banned any kind of contact with him, but when they are thrown together due to circumstances out of their control the attraction between them is hard to resist.

I really enjoyed Elemental and am looking forward to continuing the series. We haven't been told much about the different elemental abilities yet so I can't wait to learn more. My main complaint about this story is that it ended on such a cliffhanger and from what I understand the story isn't picked up immediately in Storm. In fact Storm is about Michael's younger brother Chris so I'm a bit worried we won't get a full resolution to the events in Elemental. I am however looking forward to getting to know Michael's family better and I hope that we see more of him and Emily throughout the series.

Source: Purchased

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Thursday 25 October 2012

Review: Until There Was You - Jessica Scott

Though he plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed military leaders will prove that opposites attract . . . even under fire.

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. Since that brief lapse in judgement, Evan has been at odds with her. But when he is asked to train a combat team alongside Claire, battle-hardened Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to achieve her high military rank. In Evan Loehr, Claire sees a spoiled commander who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. Army orders force them together and Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye. He too has dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

Coming Home Series:
I'll Be Home for Christmas (Novella)
Because of You
Anything for You (Short Story)
Back to You
Until There Was You
All for You
It's Always Been You

Homefront Series:
(This is a spin off from the Coming Home Series but can be read completely separately)
Come Home to Me (Novella, previously published with the title All I Want for Christmas is You)
Homefront
After the War
Forged in Fire

Visit Jessica Scott's website for more information.

Review:
I absolutely loved Jessica Scott's first novel Because of You so I couldn't wait to read the second book in this series, Until There Was You. I was a little surprised to find that this story wasn't about one of the couples we got to know so well in the previous book, I had been particularly hoping to find out what is going on with Laura and Trent after the way things ended between them so it was quite a relief to know that the next book, Back to You, will be their story. I don't remember either Claire or Evan from the previous book so if they have already made an appearance then I'm pretty sure it wasn't a major one. I enjoyed their story but I have to admit that I missed the close knit friendships from the first book, we do have a supporting cast this time around but I didn't feel as connected to them as I was to all of the other characters.

Claire and Evan are both officers and they have been tasked with training a group of soldiers who are about to go on tour. They both have very different approaches to their work and often disagree with each other in regards to the best way to proceed. It doesn't help that they are on a tight time frame to get the training done and their boss has them focusing on teaching the soldiers presentation skills rather than how to survive in a combat situation. Both Claire and Evan can agree that the training plan is flawed but they can't agree on what they should do about it. Evan has been an officer since he joined the army, he sticks rigidly to the rules and wouldn't dream of going against the plan that has been set in place. Claire on the other hand was an enlisted soldier before she became an officer and thinks the rules are there to be bent if not broken completely. She is much more worried about making sure her team has the training that could save their lives than she is about keeping the commander happy.

Claire and Evan are both strong characters, they both have things in their pasts that have made them wary of relationships and despite the fact that they are attracted to each other neither of them is willing to act upon it. Although they are opposites in a lot of ways they actually have a lot in common, they care about their fellow soldiers and they both want to do whatever they can to ensure their teams are fully trained. They both love their army careers and neither of them can imagine life as a civilian. They also both have a hard time adjusting to being at home rather than on another tour of duty.

As much as I admired them both for some reason I had a hard time connecting to them emotionally. Their relationship just didn't resonate with me in the same way that Jen and Shane's did in the first book. I'm not sure if it was because the focus was more on the issues that they faced at the training centre than on them getting to know each other but it did mean that I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first one. I have to admit there were times when I found it difficult to keep track of all the military terminology and the different ranks because that is something I'm not overly familiar with. Until There Was You is still a solid story though and the fact that Jessica Scott is herself an army officer shines through in her writing as she gives you an insider look at not just how much training is required before soldiers are sent to combat but also how quickly they must prepare themselves. This is a series I'm happy to recommend and I can't wait to get my hands on Back to You when it is released next year!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Wednesday 24 October 2012

Review: Alice in Zombieland - Gena Showalter

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.

I'd tell my sister no.

I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.

I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.

Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mum and dad one last time.

I'd tell them I love them.

I wish . . .

The White Rabbit Chronicles:
Alice in Zombieland
Alice Through the Zombie Glass
The Queen of Zombie Hearts
A Mad Zombie Party

Visit Gena Showalter's website for more information

Review:
I love Gena Showalter's adult books and I love the original Alice in Wonderland story so there was no way I could resist reading Alice in Zombieland! I have to admit that I was expecting a retelling of the original tale with added zombies but I really enjoyed the way Gena Showalter has come up with something unique and original but with hints at the original story woven throughout. I love a book about scary, people eating zombies (I can't be doing with this new trend for zombie romances!) and these zombies are particularly frightening. I don't want to spoil things by explaining what makes them unique so you'll have to read the book to get the details but trust me it won't be what you're expecting!

Alice has led a very sheltered life thanks to an incredibly overprotective father who claims that there are monsters out to get them. The rest of the family think her father is crazy but they have to be very careful to stick to his rules to keep the peace. After a losing her family in a tragic accident Alice has to move in with her grandparents. She is devastated by her loss and starting at a new school where she doesn't know anyone only makes things worse. As more and more strange things start to occur around her Alice starts to question her sanity - has she inherited her fathers madness or was he right all along?

I don't want to say too much about the story so I'm going to talk about why I loved the characters instead. Alice is a great heroine, she is smart and determined and although she is devastated by her loss she picks herself up and keeps going. It isn't easy to start over but once school starts she makes an effort to find friends. She has a very supportive friendship with Kat and I loved the way they stood by each other no matter what happened. Alice's grandparents were two of my favourite characters in the book - they tried so hard to make Alice feel welcome and their attempted use of teenage slang was hilarious. They never manage to get their words quite right but their attempts were so sweet. Parents I advise you to take notes as they interview Alice's date before he takes her out - that is how you scare boys senseless!!

Now this wouldn't be one of my favourite books if it didn't have an excellent romance and anyone who has read anything by Gena Showalter before will know how good she is at creating heroes to fall for! The first time Alice sets eyes on bad boy Cole something strange starts to happen to her, no it isn't a case of instant love - it's much more unusual than that! Cole is a bit of a moody bastard, he is constantly skipping school and when he does turn up he is covered in bruises from fighting. He isn't the kind of boy that Alice would usually be interested in but he might be the only person who can give her the answers she needs. I love the fact that they have such a love / hate relationship, they spent a lot of their time bickering but you just know the chemistry between them will be off the charts when they do get together. Although Cole can be arrogant and standoffish he does have a much softer and very caring side. He is protective when it comes to those he cares about and will do whatever it takes to keep his friends safe. Alice may be drawn to Cole and she may have the hots for him but that doesn't turn her into someone who is willing to go along with whatever he tells her to do, in fact there are plenty of times where she does the exact opposite. In Alice's words "I wasn't going to jump when he said jump. I was more likely to give him the finger." I do love a heroine who stands up for herself!

Although there is a hint of romance that is by no means the main focus of the book. The story is action packed and left me breathless. It's the kind of book that makes you irritated when real life intrudes and you have to put it down even for a minute. From beginning to end I was hooked on Alice in Zombieland and I will be buying my copy of Through the Zombie Glass the moment it becomes available!

Just in case my review hasn't convinced you that you need to read this book I'm going to leave you with the awesome book trailer:



Source: Received from Mira Ink in exchange for an honest review

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Tuesday 23 October 2012

Review: Calling the Shots - Chrisitne d'Abo

He's had a wild ride, and now sex club owner Josh Scott is looking for a change of scene. But first, he's determined to bring two friends together, and he's willing to be a third wheel to move things along...

Beth Norris is eager to be set up with hot bartender Oliver Stephenson, but she's equally attracted to matchmaker Josh. Soon she's fantasizing about both men at once—and about being the one to call the shots in the encounter...

Ready to move on with his life post-divorce, Oliver is conflicted by the realization that he's attracted to women and men. Or more specifically, to Beth and Josh. He tries to keep his distance, but it's not long before the chemistry between the trio combusts in a night of mind-blowing sex.

In the light of day, it's clear something deeper than desire is growing between Josh, Beth and Oliver. But though Josh has helped others find love in unconventional relationships, is he willing to take a chance on one himself?

Long Shots Series:
Double Shot
A Shot in the Dark
Pulled Long
Calling the Shots
Choose Your Shot

Visit Christine d'Abo's website for more information

Review:
I've had a bit of a crush on Josh ever since he played a starring role in Double Shot so I was incredibly excited when I found out he had his own story and couldn't wait to see him get his own happy ending. Considering I had a feeling he was half in love with Paul and Sadie it didn't come as much of a surprise to find out he was going to end up part of a permanent threesome. Calling the Shots is the longest book in the series and although it didn't quite beat Pulled Long to become my favourite it was still a fantastic read and one I'd highly recommend.

One of the things I have admired about Josh since we first met him is that he always makes sure that the people who visit Mavericks are free to indulge in their deepest and darkest desires in a safe environment. He cares deeply for his friends and put his own needs last to make sure that Paul and Sadie got their own happy ending but he has also kept a special eye on the people that Sadie cares about and has helped them all in his own way. As much as he was happy to indulge in Sadie's fantasies it was about time he got to have his own hearts desire - if he can just accept that he deserves to be happy. Josh has plans to leave Toronto to open a new club but before he goes he wants to help two of his closest friends find happiness together but can they convince him that they want him just as much as they want each other?

I really found myself liking Beth, she is so sweet and very protective of her friends that it is impossible not to like her. She had a very bad breakup with her ex that has left her confidence at an all time low and has made her wary of getting involved again but she can't help being drawn to both Josh and Oliver. I loved the way her confidence starts to come back when she is with them both and she starts to let her dominant side shine through. Oliver has also been burnt in the past and not only is he dealing with a messy divorce he also has to come to terms with the fact that he is attracted to a man for the first time. This could have made things really awkward for them but I liked the way he dealt with his sexuality and didn't find it a major issue to be attracted to both Beth and Josh. Oliver was very vulnerable because he has been so damaged by his past but I felt he coped better with things than Josh did and it was Josh who stole my heart completely. It broke my heart hearing about the things Josh had been through and I was so sad that he didn't feel like he would ever have a chance to be happy. I so badly wanted Beth and Oliver to come through for him and convince him he was worthy of being loved and I really enjoyed watching them achieve that.

All in all I found Calling the Shots to be a wonderful read, the romance was believable and cute, the characters were flawed but likeable and they really did fit together like missing pieces of a puzzle. I haven't even mentioned how hot it was, these three are seriously kinky and they weren't shy about taking what they wanted. I don't know if this is the last book in the series but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll get to see more (possibly around the opening of the new club!). Either way I'll certainly be reading more by Christine d'Abo in the future.

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Winner: Playing With Fire - Tamara Morgan


With the help of Random.org I am happy to announce the winner of an ebook copy of Playing With Fire by Tamara Morgan is:

Wanda F

Congratulations Wanda! I have forwarded your email address to my contact at Entangled Publishing so that she can send you your ebook. I'd like to say a massive thanks to Entangled for allowing me to host this giveaway for them.

Review: Long Shots: Books 1-3 - Christine d'Abo (Double Shot, A Shot in the Dark & Pulled Long)

Welcome to Pulled Long café, where the coffee is hot, and the sex is hotter! Meet your hosts:

Sadie Long has been lusting after her friend Paul for years, and when she visits him at Mavericks, the sex club where he works, she's suddenly fantasizing about being with Paul and his sexy boss Josh—at the same time.

Paige Long can't help but be attracted to gorgeous firefighter Carter, especially once she learns he's a Dom. But can she trust in her own desires and submit to happiness?

Ian Long doesn't want to be the rebound guy for a brokenhearted man—even after a little exhibitionist play with Jeff satisfies desires he didn't even know he had...

These novellas are also available separately

Long Shots Series:
Double Shot
A Shot in the Dark
Pulled Long
Calling the Shots
Choose Your Shot

Visit Christine d'Abo website for more information

This is a fabulous anthology containing 3 incredibly hot erotic romance novellas guaranteed to leave you fanning yourself after reading them. I'm going to review each novella separately but I can't recommend this series highly enough so if you like your erotic romance a little on the kinky side then grab your copy now!

Double Shot

Coffee shop owner Sadie Long has been lusting after her good friend Paul Williams for years. So she's more than a little intrigued when he invites her to a business meeting at Mavericks, the sex club where he works. While catering an event at the club is not quite the proposition she was hoping for, her business could use the boost. And she can't resist the chance to work closely with Paul in such a sexually charged atmosphere. Enter the club's hot owner, Josh, and suddenly Sadie's fantasizing about being part of a threesome.

Paul has always wanted Sadie, but never thought she'd see him as anything more than a friend. On the night of the party, he and Josh tempt Sadie to reveal her deepest desire--a desire both men are eager to help fulfill.

Giving in to her sensual side, Sadie enjoys a night of mind-blowing sex. But in the light of day, will she lose Paul as a friend, or gain him as a lover?

Review:
Double Shot is a great introduction to the Long Shots series and left me keen to spend more time with the Long siblings. This is the story of middle sister Sadie who is the one in charge of the kitchen of the family cafe and catering business that they run together. We are also introduced to older sister Paige who is in charge of the business side of things and their younger brother Ian who is the coffee genius. Compared to her siblings Sadie has always considered herself the quiet one, she is happy to watch from the sidelines as they seek out the attention with their outrageous antics. Sadie has been friends with Paul for 10 years now and although she has always been attracted to him she has never even dreamed that he might share her interest. But when Paul hires her to cater an event at the exclusive sex club where he works things quickly start to heat up between them. Paul offers to help her fulfil her wildest fantasies but will Sadie dare to take a chance when she risks losing her best friend?

I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers story and this was no exception - I loved the chemistry between Sadie and Paul. I was surprised how easy it was to connect to the characters considering this was a novella and I thoroughly enjoyed watching things develop between them. Throw in Paul's very sexy boss Josh who happens to be the owner of Mavericks club into the mix and you're in for a very spicy threesome but will Paul and Sadie remain friends in the aftermath? Although the threesome takes place at the sex club there is no BDSM involved but you're still in for a very steamy read! I also enjoyed the relationship between Sadie, Ian and Paige and am going to enjoy getting to read both of their stories. Double Shot is highly recommended for when you're looking for a quick but naughty read.

A Shot in the Dark

Carter is one of the hottest men ever to walk into Paige Long's coffee shop. The attraction is mutual, and when Carter reveals himself to be a Dom, the submissive in Paige is aroused. Yet she brushes him off—her last relationship was abusive and she's unwilling to get involved with another Dom.

But when Carter returns the next day—in his firefighter uniform—Paige's fantasies really heat up. She can't resist his offer to get to know him over a drink at Mavericks, a local sex club. Their conversation quickly escalates to a session in one of the private rooms, and Paige is both thoroughly satisfied by Carter's skills in domination, and impressed with his selflessness as a lover.

Paige is ready to move on with her life. But can she trust in herself and submit to happiness?

Review:
The second novella in the Long Shot series A Shot in the Dark tells the story of the oldest Long sibling, Paige. Paige is a natural submissive but after escaping from an abusive relationship with her brutal ex she has spent the last three years avoiding the BDSM scene. When the sexy but dominant firefighter Carter asks her on a date she is wary of getting hurt again. Can she allow Carter a position of control over her and trust that he won't take things too far?

What is better than a hunky firefighter? A hunky, Dominant firefighter who swaps his uniform for leather when he's not working! Yes, Carter is one HAWT guy and that makes Paige a very, very lucky woman. Paige has been through a lot and it has left it's toll on her, she finds it hard to trust anyone and because she is denying part of herself she is no longer comfortable in her own skin. She is attracted to Carter but it takes a lot of guts for her to risk attempting a scene with him and you have to admire her for having the courage to try. Carter is a perfect Dom, he can see how damaged Paige is but he knows exactly what she needs and how to give it to her. He puts her needs above his own and works at earning her trust so that she feels comfortable with him. If you're looking for a quick read with hot sex and a little light spanking then A Shot in the Dark will fit the bill perfectly, this was a great addition to the series and one I'd recommend to fans of erotic romance.

Pulled Long

For months, coffee shop owner Ian Long has fantasized about a customer he knows only as "Blue Eyes." Until he learns Blue Eyes is in the midst of a divorce—the last thing Ian wants is to be the rebound experiment of a straight guy. Giving in to lust, he invites the man into the cafe after hours and they indulge in a little exhibitionist play, but Ian is unwilling to get involved.

But when he’s forced to see Jeff again to return his briefcase, Ian finally agrees to go out on a date. Dinner quickly becomes an erotic encounter in a special room at the sex club Mavericks, and Ian realizes Jeff satisfies desires he didn’t even know he had. The more he gets to know Jeff as a person, the harder it is to resist falling for him.

Jeff makes it clear he’s interested in more than just sex. He wants to go public with their relationship in more ways than one. But can Ian open his heart, when he fears it will be broken?

Review:
I have been looking forward to Ian's story ever since I started reading Double Shot, the attraction between him and the customer he knows only as Blue Eyes was intense from the very beginning and I couldn't wait to see how things turned out for them. I have to admit that I was a little nervous before starting the story though, mainly because I haven't ever read a M/M erotic romance before and I wasn't sure how I would find it. I needn't have worried though because this was my favourite story in the series so far!

Ian is such a fabulous character, he cares deeply for his sisters and works incredibly long hours to take the pressure off of them so that they can enjoy their new romantic entanglements. He has been drawn to Jeff (Blue Eyes) since the moment he first saw him but after finding out that Jeff is currently going through a divorce he refuses to act on that attraction. Ian has been hurt in the past and doesn't want to be anyone's rebound guy - especially not someone who is straight and will only end up breaking his heart to go back to being with women. Jeff on the other hand knows that Ian is the person he wants to be with and he is determined to prove it.

Without a doubt Pulled Long is a HOT read, not only are Ian and Jeff crazy about each other and unable to keep their hands to themselves but they both have an exhibitionist streak and enjoy both watching others and being watched. This leads to some very steamy scenes at Maverick's sex club that certainly raised my temperature while I was reading! Christine d'Abo definitely knows how to write good erotic romance and I can't wait to read more of her work starting with the next book in this series Calling the Shots which stars Maverick's owner Josh who I have been crushing on since Double Shot, I have a feeling his story is going to be a good one!

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Monday 22 October 2012

Review: A Little Wanting Song - Cath Crowley

Charlie Duskin is a musician, but she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record Store. This summer, she's staying with her grandpa in the country, serving burgers to the local kids and missing her mom and grandmother, who have both died. Charlie finds comfort in her music, but she wants more: a friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.

Rose Butler lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway, hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend, and ignoring Charlie summer after summer. But Rose has just won a scholarship to a science school in the city, where Charlie lives, and suddenly it seems Charlie Duskin just might be her ticket out.

Visit Cath Crowley's website for more information

Review:
When I read Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley earlier this year I loved her descriptive writing style and the way she was able to bring the paintings in the story to life. In A Little Wanting Song she does the same again but this time with music, I love the poetic feel to her writing and the way she pulls you into the story and makes you feel emotionally connected to the characters.

A Little Wanting Song is told from two different perspectives. First you have Charlie, a lonely young girl who is trying to cope with the loss of both her mother and grandmother. Her father has become withdrawn since her mother's death and her best friend is spending all her time with someone else so Charlie has become very isolated. She always goes with her father to stay with her grandparents in the country for the summer but since the death of her grandmother nothing feels the same and she is even more lost than ever. I felt so badly for Charlie, her pain and her loneliness were heartbreaking and I was desperate for her to find a way to reconnect with her father and make some new friends. To cope with her loss Charlie loses herself in her music, she works in a record shop and has an impressive collection of Cd's but she also plays the guitar and sings although only when nobody is around to hear her.

Our other main character is Rose who lives next door to Charlie's grandfather. Rose has a pretty good life, she has a boyfriend, Luke, who she loves and they spend most of their time with their good friend Dave. The boys are happy to follow Rose and go along with anything she wants and she enjoys making fun of Charlie whenever she is visiting. Rose has big ambitions though, she doesn't want to spend her whole life stuck in a small town, she wants to make something of herself and earning a scholarship to a school in the city is the first step towards achieving her goal. She knows that her parents will never let her go to the city alone though so she decides that her best option is to befriend Charlie so that she can return to the city with her and her dad.

I have to admit that I didn't like Rose at all to start with, she is the kind of character I love to hate and I was so angry at the way she had treated Charlie in the past. The fact that she befriended Charlie just because she saw her as a ticket to the city just made me even more annoyed with her. In spite of that I found myself warming to her almost against my will as I got to know her better. She puts on a tough face to the world but deep down she can be quite nice and caring and she did genuinely come to like Charlie once she got talking to her. I really enjoyed watching their friendship develop and I loved the way Charlie's confidence grew thanks to both Rose and Dave. I don't want to say too much about Dave but I think he was one of my favourite characters and I really liked the way he supported his friends and how he eventually came to stand up for himself.

A Little Wanting Song is a beautifully written coming of age story, a story about friendships, first love and learning who you are. It's a journey of loss, grief and betrayal but also about getting past those issues and starting to live your life. I enjoyed this book even more than Graffiti Moon and I can't wait to read more from Cath Crowley in the future.

Source: Purchased

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Sunday 21 October 2012

Review: Just Gotta Say - Laura Kaye

Callie Davis stumbles upon two of her three male roommates in a surprising, molten-hot midnight tryst and discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. Desire to play with them grips her, and she can’t stop fantasizing about having multiple men, particularly her three long-time best friends.

Callie is thrilled when a guys’ night out gives her the perfect opportunity to recreate her fantasy, with the help of a threesome porn video and a bag of sex toys. That is, until Lucas, Jack and Noah return early and catch her in the act. More than anything, the guys want to make her fantasy come true. But Callie has a secret, and she can’t help wondering if being with all three men will risk the future she’s always wanted with one of them.

As three strong sets of hands caress and undress her, Callie surrenders to desire, because sometimes you just gotta say...yes.

Visit Laura Kaye's website for more information

Review:
I have really enjoyed everything I've read by Laura Kaye and Just Gotta Say was no exception to that. This novella is a fabulous, sexy, friends to lovers ménage story that had me laughing out loud one minute and fanning myself the next and it's a story I'd highly recommend to fans of erotic romance.

Callie lives with her three best friends and has a serious crush on all of them but the trouble is that they see her as one of the boys. When she accidentally catches Jack and Noah having sex it brings out all kinds of fantasies that she never knew she had. Knowing that she'll never be able to ask Jack, Noah and Lucas to join her for a night of passion she decides to act out her fantasises alone with a porn video and selection of toys. With all three of the boys on a lads night out she has the perfect opportunity to treat herself but she is mortified when they return home early and catch her in the act! Lucas, Jack and Noah have all had crushes on Callie for years but none of them ever wanted to risk upsetting the friendship that they all share. Catching her naked and watching a porn video staring more than one guy comes as quite a shock but they are more than happy to offer to help her turn her fantasies into reality.

I have to tell you Just Gotta Say was hilarious, the scene where the boys walk in on Callie had me in stitches and I could practically feel the heat of Callie's blushes as she prayed for the ground to swallow her. I don't think I've ever laughed so much reading an erotic novella but that doesn't mean the story isn't Hot with a capital H. I loved how different all three of the guys were and found it almost impossible to pick a favourite out of them. The way the three of them all cared so much about Callie was adorable but they also care about each other and don't want to step on each others toes. I really liked the fact that they discussed things between them before offering to make Callie's fantasies come true to make sure they knew how they wanted things to pan out in the future.

I don't want to say too much more but if you enjoy ménage stories and like reading about friends with scorching hot chemistry then you'll love this one. Another fabulous story from Laura Kaye and I can't wait to read more of her books!

Source: Purchased

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