Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Book #Review: Shadow Game by Christine Feehan

Book Title:  Shadow Game (GhostWalkers )
Author:  Christien Feehan |Website| TwitterFacebook|
Publisher:   Berkley Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone:   Series Book 1
Format: Mass Market, Ebook
Cost: $7.99
Pages: 352
How I got it: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date August 23, 2003
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
The classified experiment is the brainchild of renowned scientist Peter Whitney and his brilliant daughter, Lily. Created to enhance the psychic abilities of an elite squadron, it can transform their natural mental powers into a unique military weapon. But something goes wrong. In the isolated underground labs, the men have been dying-victims of bizarre accidents. Captain Ryland Miller knows he is next. When Dr. Whitney himself is murdered, Ryland has only one person left to trust: the beautiful Lily. Possessed of an uncanny sixth sense herself, Lily shares Ryland's every new fear, every betrayal, every growing suspicion, and every passionate beat of the heart. Together, they will be drawn deeper into the labyrinth of her father's past and closer to a secret that someone would kill to keep hidden.
For me, this is a re-read so I can launch into the rest of the series. I read this years ago when t first came out and surprisingly there was so much of the story that I still remembered. This is the story of a young woman discovering that the man she has known and loved her whole life is a flawed and immoral human being.  He's a scientist who has taken his desire to know more too far and so many people have paid the price for his knowledge.

Perhaps because I've read Lora Leigh's series this one was a little underwhelming when it came to their powers.  In reading this it's still good but not as action packed as I expected.  The first book is laying the groundwork for the rest of the series, we meet several of the men who agreed to the experiment and we get several mysteries that begin to unravel as the story progresses. We are thrust into political and military intrigue along with the desire to save the men all while acting as if we have no idea what is truly going on, which incidentally Dr. Whitney (the daughter) truly doesn't know.

As we are reading we realize that the good Dr. Whitney has played God more than once in his attempt to learn about the human brain and how to enhance it, in doing so he creates several different units of men and women who a left struggling to understand this new world. And still, he has no answers as to how the brain works. O_o bruh?!!! I was absorbed into the story, I did want more action, however, we were getting all the science of the how and the to whom Dr. Whitney did this to. We learned all about the crew Lily and Ryland rescue, we even see what happens when it goes completely wrong.  I do have to say I really love how the characters were written, especially Dr. Lily Whitney.  Unlike most of the female heroines from some of her other series, this one was the smartest person in the room, and she also wasn't street stupid. Like, she knew how to play the game and even why she had to play it, and I love that.

Christine can write the heck out of some scenes and the description of her home and how it's aided her is just so beautiful.  I loved how she used the terrain as part of their weaponry arsenal and even made the home both comforting and a bit fo a citadel itself.  I really liked the foundation she is laying down for the series and I can't wait to see some of the secondary characters that we got glimpses of seeking out and find their mates as well.

I really loved the conversations the team had as well as Lily and Ryland. I loved how she would go off into the science and he would bring her back around to talking in a way everyone could understand.  I liked their chemistry and the way they acknowledged the passage of time yet still found a way towards each other. Unlike most of the other stories Christine normally writes this time the action and the groundwork took precedence to the relationship and I really loved that. Not to say that when they got together it wasn't fireworks and everything awesome.

I'm going to enjoy diving into the second book because I remember that one fondly and can't wait to get to it.
 ★★★★☆
RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Lora Leigh's Breed Series 
  • Nalini Sing's Psy-Changeling series ( I have these but haven't read them yet, however, Sylvia Day highly recommends them and I love her so yeah I'm passing on the recommendation.)  
Happy Reading my loves, 

Monday, March 26, 2018

Book #Review: Stone Cold Surrender (Westmoreland 4) by Brenda Jackson .@AuthorBJackson

Book Title: Stone Cold Surrender (Westmoreland 4)
Author:  Brenda Jackson |Website| TwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $4.99
Pages: 192
How I got it: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 23, 2004
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Stone Westmoreland had an eye for the ladies. And charm that never failed. He was an experienced player who played for keeps. So who would have guessed that prim and proper Madison Winters could rattle his nerves without even trying? She had him feeling all protective, and all sexed up, too. Before he knew it, Stone had volunteered to help Madison find her mother, who’d gone missing in the mountains.

Stone was willing to play the knight in shining armor, but only if it meant the hard days of trekking through the wilderness would result in the ultimate payoff–passion-filled nights under the Montana starlit sky with the delectable Miss Winters….
It's another of the Westmoreland Clan stories and I'm glad to be back in this world.  Although it relied heavily on Corey's story it was still a good story to read about them.  Stone is a famous author of the Westmoreland Clan, he's on his way to unwind  on his Uncles secluded mountain, post book publication. Madison is a teacher on summer break, and she's on a mission, her mother has run off recently and she needs to make sure she's okay.  They meet on the flight because Madison is afraid of flying and Stone helps to calm her down.  From there our story unfolds and boy what a story we get.

My favorite character is Stone because he's so set on not falling in love because he didn't want to lose himself in any relationship as his friends have.  As he goes down the path of love he tries to justify why he's acting like he is and keeps telling himself he's just being a good guy as if it's not love. Madison is here to find her upstanding staid mother who went on vacation with friends and never returned. She has gotten messages stating her mother is okay but this woman who is leaving the messages can't possibly be the woman who has raised her whole life.

As I was reading I kept asking myself what kind of person is so deeply involved in their parent's lives. Like girl back up and let your mother live, she's told you she is doing ok and yes it might be out of the ordinary for her but she's a grown woman trying to have some fun. Just because you don't know her to live like this doesn't mean she didn't get down when she was younger.  I can't imagine trying to tell my mama that because my father passes she has to remain a lonely widow because that's what I'm comfortable with, I can totally hear that conversation now and it wouldn't go well for me. Not.At. all!!

When Stone discovers that the man Madison is looking for is his Uncle he decides to run interference and keep Madison occupied for a while. In doing this they take the time to get to know each other and it's funny reading the parallels that their love stories run on. Except for this time, Madison doesn't have a family telling her what to do.  I liked that this couple has a second chance at love, it's sad that Corey has lived his whole life loving this one woman and never had the fulfilling life that she went on to have. She married and had a child and her family and career where he was left to pick up the broken pieces of his heart. He still succeeded in his career and was a fantastic Uncle to his siblings' children but having made the decision to love only once he wasn't able to have the family he deserved.

As the story progresses missed opportunities come to light and way more people end up on Corey's Mountain than were truly expected. And it was great seeing where the connections that come about in later books come from.  It's sad that people make decisions that benefit them but hurt so many others in the long run especially children.  But I guess we make the best choices we can at the moment and hope that the fall out isn't as deep as we fear.

I loved that this is a second chance romance along with a chance to learn from the past for another couple.  it's a sweet look at how our decisions affect even those we don't' know about. I really loved the story and can't wait to dive in deeper with the newest members of the family.
 ★★★★☆
I hope you like meeting and falling in love with another of the Westmoreland Clan. Happy Reading my loves, 


Sunday, March 25, 2018

Stacking The Shelves (8) March 2018

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page! Stacking The Shelves now has a new host and check out that new image!!

I haven't posted a stacking the shelves in a hile because I've managed to slow down on the purchaseing.  I have however had a few pre-orders come in, found a few good books on sale and had to have them and then  got invited to a few ARCs so of course I couldn't turn those don.  I share them all below:
Pre-Orders


Tomi Adyami's Children of Blood and Bone. One of my most highly anticipated books of the whole year.
Purchased:

Do Not Disturb by A. R Torre' I read a series by her last month and I can't wait to dive into this one.


Cry Wolf (Alphas & Omegas) by Patricia Briggs. I found this at the Dollar Tree and just couldn't leave it behind.
Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones. This is the only book I couldn't find hen I bought all the others last year. I've been loving the series so far, so to keep going I had to get this one.

Another Dollar Tree find, this one was a total cover by I still have no idea what it is about.  Inside Out by Lia Riley

Push by Sapphire. this was a sweet find at the Dollar Tree. I really wanted this but I'm not sure I have it in me to be able to stomach this. I still haven't seen the movie and I know the book is supposed to be more graphic.
Wayfinder by C. E Murphy I snagged this because of the author. Come to find out it's book 2 in a series.
ARCs

I got invited to read Save Me by Cecy Robson I almost screamed. I have loved this series from the very first.

A few historical romances are coming out and I one clicked these so fast when I got these emails as well.
Valerie Bowman's A Duke Like No Other

It's all about the Duke by Amelia Grey


and The Luck of the Bride by Janna Macgregor

Then for contemporary, I got offered Erin McCarthy's The Hookup and you know I had to grab that one as well.

I have already read a few of these and can't wait to share the reviews with you.  Let me know if you've gotten any of these at all.  What'd you get for your haul this week?? Share in the comments down below and I'll see you next week.

Happy Reading & Haulin' my loves

Saturday, March 10, 2018

ARC Book #Review: Rugged Texas Cowboys by Lora Leigh

Book Title:  Rugged Texas Cowboy (
Author:  Lora Leigh |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher:   St. Martin's Press
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: ebook, mass market
Cost: $7.99
Pages: 304
How I got it: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bookstore
Publication Date December 5, 2017
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Two HOT cowboys. Two tough-as-spurs heroines. These two previously published, newly revised and expanded, smoking hot stories by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh will leave readers breathless and begging for more!

COWBOY AND THE CAPTIVE
Melina is one of two gorgeous twin daughters, the clever and considerate one who always spared her parents the humiliation of what her sister Maria had wrought. But now, Melina is finally ready to stand up for herself and seize control of her life?until she is kidnapped by a cowboy, named Jardin, who is dead-set on settling the score with her family. There’s only one catch: In capturing Melina, this tough, rough, hunk of a man has actually found a way to unleash her greatest fantasies, body and soul.
. .
COWBOY AND THE THIEF
Beautiful, spirited Angel Manning has always longed to experience the power of her ancestors’ most precious heirloom. Her mother once told her that the legendary Irish torque would lead Angel to the one man worthy of possessing her heart. But when Angel learns that her father, now a widower, has sold the torque to the notorious two-timer Jack Riley, she is furious. Of course she plans to take back what is rightfully hers, by whatever means necessary. But the fate of the ancient Druids works in mysterious ways. . .Could it be that this slick, smooth-talking cowboy was destined to satisfy Angel’s deepest desires all along?
These two stories are interconnected because the men owned a business together and they took part in a job that almost got them killed. When faced with their demise they survived and Jardin seeks revenge on the woman he believes set him up, and Jack seeks out a new job in a place further from home.  In doing so both men meet the women they are fated to fall in love with. Jack's story which is the second one starts off in the UK and has quite a bit of legend & magic with it, causing the heroine to have to go after him when he leaves her historic home with a piece of her legacy.

Jardin goes after Melinda as he believes her to be the woman who set him up. Melinda has spent her whole life being the good daughter hoping that by doing so she will win her parents affections. It hasn't worked in all these years but habits are hard to break and when faced with serious consequences she doesn't know who she can turn to.



Cowboy & The Captive 3.5 Stars

This is extremely erotic, this was also very soap opera like.  Once you get moving you were sucked in. It moved pretty quickly I laughed pretty loudly as I worked my way through it.  I really loved that despite her fear Melinda challenged Jardin when she needed to.

Another of the reasons I loved this story had to do with the friends from other stories that made appearances in the story as well. There were moments when the story took turns I wasn't happy with including when Jardin threatened her not too long after kidnapping her. Also, their first few minutes of conversation after she woke, like bruh?!! WTF, how do you greet someone like that.  However, once consent and the boundaries were negotiated??!!! Then the story really flowed.

I also was hesitant about his mode of distraction. I'm freaking out from a nightmare and this is how you comfort me?? Also, Melinda was way too nice because no effing way was I going to be doing any of that shyt even if you are my twin sister.  You lost your damn mind. And her parents have some goddarn nerve asking that of her, how did you expect her twin to grow or learn??

At the end of this, I understand why her brother set this up, but he also took a big risk with her life.  Considering how great her brother is I would love to see his story. I believe it would round this out nicely.

Cowboy & The Theif 4 Stars

This story was very funny, and fun along with being very fast paced.  I really enjoyed the touch of mystery and magic. I really enjoyed the legend part of the story as this becomes the basis for why Angel must become the thief.  These two were on fire and I loved how they battled each other. This one really focused in on just these two characters, rarely was another seen. They certainly took up a lot of time. I loved how they battled and that she didn't make it easy on him. 

Angel knew her limits and when faced with being kicked over the edge tried to be sane, until he made the same moves with her. I loved it. It showed how faith in a thing matters just as much as love does. 

While I understand why the men felt the way they did about almost dying, revenge only works if you get the right person.  I wanted to yell at Jardin several times as he was willing to believe everyone else but Melinda. The stories were very erotic and unfolded quickly with each having their own little mysteries along the way. I enjoyed the reads and would recommend.
 ★★★1/2☆
Have you indulged in a rugged cowboy?? Share in the comments down below and of course Happy Reading my loves, 

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Waiting On Wednesday 2018: Cross Breed by Lora Leigh

Hosted by: Jill over at Breaking The Spines.  This is a weekly book lust prompt, asking for us to share our absolute can't wait to get our hands on a copy books. Swing on over to find out how to participate and to see what others are sharing.

Adult Fiction/ Romance / Erotica

Cross Breed (Breed 32) by Lora Leigh
#1 New York Times bestselling author of the Breeds series delivers the novel fans have been waiting for–mixed Coyote/Wolf Breed Cassie Sinclair finally gets her story!

It’s been over a decade since she was introduced as an unforgettable eight-year-old in Elizabeth’s Wolf. Now all grown up, Cassie is unique among the Breeds as a Coyote/Wolf mix. She has long known that her mate was somewhere out there, but he’s stayed frustratingly out of sight and beyond her senses. Cassie has decided to make her move and her mate is ready to make his. The Breed world will be rocked to its foundation as dangerous secrets are revealed.
Due Date: 03/28/18
Print: Hardcover, Ebook
Pages: 364
Publisher: Berkley
Add To Goodreads

I pre-ordered this as soon as the link went up in 2017. I CANNOT WAIT. I might actually take the day off so I can read it the day I get it.  hmmmm

Are you getting any of these?? What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!
Happy Lusting

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Stacking The Shelves (7) March 2018

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page! Stacking The Shelves now has a new host and check out that new image!!

Thriftbooks:
My Soul To Keep by Tananarive Sue

Taking Back My Yesterdays by Linda Hollies

Library Book Sale:
Secret Daughter Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Don't Expect Magic Kathy McCullough (Book 1 to a book I already owned)

I Wish I Had a Red Dress by Pearl Cleage  (Book 2 to a book I already owned)

The Seven Year Scratch by Teresa McClain Watson

Loose Lips by Teresa McClain Watson

What We Did for Love by Teresa McClain Watson

The Meltdown by L Divine

So, So Hood (Drama High) by L Divine

The House on Mango Street Sandra Cisneros

Non Fiction :

I had to read this in college for a class and I'm so glad I found this again

Dancing Skeletons by Katherine Dettwyler

Amazon Pre-Order:

A Princess In Theory by Alyssa Cole

What'd you get for your haul this week?? Share in the comments down below and I'll see you next week. Yeah so that no spend challenge was a gosh darn fail.  I still have some items coming in so I will see you next week.

Happy Reading & Haulin' my loves

Thursday, March 1, 2018

March 2018 To Be Read:

My goal this year is 150  books, if I break that down it comes out to 13 books per month, with 3 to 4  books a week. Totally doable in my books, so as the proverb says, you can eat an elephant one bite at a time, so here are my first few bites:

Read So Far this Year: 
24

TBR Pile 
150

TBR Balance:
126

I have changed my outlook on reading and even the challenges I am participating in this year, so my game plan has also changed.  I have a different plan I'm going to be working and in the past two months it worked pretty well, I'm going to use that format for the rest of the year, and tweak it as needs be.  With that in mind here are the March TBR books and prompts.

Lemonade Syllabus Books:

Perpetual Challenge Books:
  • 2-3 books from Brenda Jackson's Westmoreland Series
  •  Breathless by Beverly Jenkins
  •  Shadow Game by Christine Feehan
  • The Next Always Inn Boonsboro Trilogy Bk 1 Nora Roberts
Finish Series:
  • Third Grave by Darynda Jones
  • Midnight Sins by Lora Leigh
ARC:
  1. A Scandal, A Secret, A Baby
  2. .
  3. .
Non-Fiction Books:

  1. Financial Book
  2. Religious Studies Book
  3. Religious Studies Book
Erotica Romance:
  1. Claiming His Beauty 
  2. Their Virgin Captive by Shayla Black
  3. .
Black-Out Challenge Books:

I also will pick up whatever catches my eye throughout the month.  What are you reading this month?? Share down below and we can encourage each other this month.  

Happy Reading