Title: Poison Kisses Part 2 Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Poison Kisses #2 Genre: romantic suspense Heat: 3/5 Rating: 3/5
The suspense picked up in this Title: Poison Kisses Part 2 Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Poison Kisses #2 Genre: romantic suspense Heat: 3/5 Rating: 3/5
The suspense picked up in this second instalment, and I started to find myself caring more about the characters. However, I still found myself rushing to get to the end rather than truly enjoying the storyline. Ending, as ever, on a gross cliffhanger typical of Jones, I did enjoy the final build up and the horror as the plot came together. I hope the final instalment really grabs my attention as there is a lot of potential here; it's just a shame the serial format prevents such development....more
Title: Falling Under Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Walker Security #3 (can standalone) Genre: romantic suspense, crime Heat: 3/5 Rating: 4/5
Another of LTitle: Falling Under Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Walker Security #3 (can standalone) Genre: romantic suspense, crime Heat: 3/5 Rating: 4/5
Another of Lisa Renee Jones' wonderful romantic suspenses, with a twist of the psychological thriller in there for added measure.
This was a slightly shorter read from Jones, and a standalone, so a little different to what I'm accustomed to (her Dirty Money series being the most recent, but she is very much known for her series, layering intrigue). I wasn't disappointed—there was enough detail and complexities to the characters to keep me wanting more, with the usual thick chemistry this time woven into a hate/love / enemies-to-lovers theme. With the perfect balance of sex to action (sometimes a sticking point for me with this author), I found myself invested in the story, pulled in my the mystery and the developing relationship between hard-as-nails detective Jewels and green beret alpha Jacob.
With twists and turns and a supporting cast to please readers who have invested in this series, this read is sure to please fans of Lisa Renee Jones, as well as being light enough on the intrigue to ease new readers in.
A great book to get stuck into on a cold winter's day....more
Title: Murder Notes Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Lilah Love #1 Genre: mystery, suspense Heat: 2/5 Rating: 4/5
This is Lisa Renee Jones back to her very Title: Murder Notes Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Lilah Love #1 Genre: mystery, suspense Heat: 2/5 Rating: 4/5
This is Lisa Renee Jones back to her very best.
I've read a lot from this author this year, and have found that some of her stories draw me in more than others. Her intermediate series tend to be fairly generic, but it's releases like this that make me excited. Weaved throughout with mystery and strong characters, my brain was working overtime to unravel the difficult relationships and past of Lilah Love, establishing how the events of this lead's past formed the flawed character we follow.
It was refreshing for less of the emphasis to be on the BDSM-lite erotica which pads out some of Jones' other works; rather, there was just a touch of romance here, the focus being on the mystery and relationships between this group of characters. Something to suck one in on a winter's day by the fire—and a sequel to look forward to....more
Title: Road to Ruin Author: Callie Hart & Jonny James Series: New Orleans Nights #1 Genre: erotic suspense, crime Themes: return to hometown Heat: 4/5 RatinTitle: Road to Ruin Author: Callie Hart & Jonny James Series: New Orleans Nights #1 Genre: erotic suspense, crime Themes: return to hometown Heat: 4/5 Rating: 4/5
A massively promising start to a new joint venture between one of my top favourite authors, Callie Hart, and the debut from model Jonny James, this first instalment injects the typical grit of a Callie Hart novel into a new setting: New Orleans.
Although the promise was that this would be dark to a new extreme, I've either read too much from that genre recently and have thus become desensitised, or this fell a little flat of that. Either way, it didn't stop me grimacing at some of the gore and brutality - though nothing I wouldn't already expect from something written by Hart.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel was the character development. Tommy and Nikita are both incredibly strong, independent characters; deadly, dangerous, and able to hold their own. And when they come together (which, by the way, was done in a way that felt massively refreshing in comparison to many of the other novels I've read recently - I love a no-excuses-necessary woman who knows exactly what she wants), they really do make something fierce. Even the supporting cast was perfectly formed: brutal, but three-dimensional. There are no caricatures here.
This is a relationship to get behind, characters to follow and grow attached to, and a plot full to the brim of intrigue.
The first I've read in a while which has made me disappointed when I've reached the final page. I want more, and boy, am I excited to see what this duo will bring us in part two....more
A frustrating mix of satisfying and over the Title: Wicked Things Author: Callie Hart Series: Chaos & Ruin #3 Genre: crime Themes: mob Heat: 2/5 Rating: 3/5
A frustrating mix of satisfying and over the top, Hart's third instalment in Zeth and Sloane's sequel series, Chaos & Ruin, doesn't quite manage to live up to its predecessors.
Regardless of its flaws, indulging in this world, these characters, is always a pleasure. Yet, despite my enjoyment, I was left feeling largely dissatisfied.
Detective Lowell, who has been at Zeth and Sloane's backs for a while now, suddenly seems to have become a caricature of a formerly developed, interesting character, over the top and losing the traits which made her an intriguing villain. Fortunately, the inclusion of the Barbieri brothers was excellent, and I am excited to see the direction in which this storyline goes.
For me, the main issue is that this instalment was just a little too short. I love the chapters from Mason's point of view, but there simply weren't enough. Aside from one or two chapters, Hart opted to gloss somewhat over his grief and rehabilitation back into society and life, in favour of skipping forward with Zeth and Sloane's own storyline. Similarly, this instalment seemed to be lacking a little in the grit I expect from this world, or even just from a Callie Hart work in general.
Exciting and pleasurable to continue Zeth and Sloane's journey, Wicked Things feels rushed, incomplete - and could have done with a thorough proofread, too....more
Title: Vice Author: Callie Hart Series: spin-off of Dead Man's Ink series Genre: suspense, crime Themes: bikers, forbidden love, military Heat: 3/5 Rating: Title: Vice Author: Callie Hart Series: spin-off of Dead Man's Ink series Genre: suspense, crime Themes: bikers, forbidden love, military Heat: 3/5 Rating: 4/5 See more of our reviews: www.summersevereads.wordpress.com
This is a standalone spin-off of the Dead Man's Ink series, which I would highly recommend you read before this (it's well worth it).
She isn't "morning-sunrise" kind of beautiful. She's "out-of-control-burn-your-fucking-house-down-forest-fire" kind of beautiful.
As ever, Hart delivers a dark, gritty read with just enough sex to complement the darkness and characters. This was probably one of her most original storylines, with enough depth and strings to the rest of the world to feel fully-fledged (and, frankly, fucking dangerous and bat-shit crazy). These stories, and this world, keep me entertained and occupied for hours at a time, and it remains a top favourite.
"It's gonna be intense, and it might make you nervous, but it'll never be more than I think you can handle. And I will never hurt you. Do you trust me enough to hand yourself over to me?"
Where I felt this book was a little disappointing was actually due to Cade feeling like more of a generic character this time. Zeth and Rebel are both gorgeously characterised, easily recognisable, but Cade faded a little into the background for me - apart from during the super hot sex scenes, which were right up my street, even if not so prominent as in Hart's other releases.
Regardless, it was still super-fun, a bit grittier than Hart's other work (and that's saying something!) and wonderful to finally be able to explore Cade's character and get to the bottom of this plotline....more
Title: Darkest Before Dawn Author: Stevie J. Cole Series: standalone Genre: dark romance Themes: forced slavery, kidnapped Heat: 2/5 Rating: 3/5
This may be Title: Darkest Before Dawn Author: Stevie J. Cole Series: standalone Genre: dark romance Themes: forced slavery, kidnapped Heat: 2/5 Rating: 3/5
This may be the first book I've read by Cole, but I definitely won't be the last. I really did enjoy immersing myself in this one, though I have to admit I was slightly disappointed in the dark factor, expecting something a lot grittier and more brutal. Maybe I've just read too many dark books recently and I'm now broken inside. I was also hoping for a little more on the erotica side, too, but these sex scenes didn't quite do it for me.
Abuse cracks the mirror of self-perception, causing flaws in the way you view yourself and the way you accept how others view you.
Aside from these slight disappointments, I thought Cole weaved a highly intriguing story with a clear message about loving the darkness inside others, or indeed loving them because of their darkness. This shone through and gave the story a much deeper focus than I'm used to reading in the dark genre.
I feel much like Lucifer luring an angel from the realms of heaven; however, the devil wouldn't feel guilt pressing down on him like I do.
Cole's writing style is excellent, wonderfully fluent and clear, and towards the end I absolutely became attached emotionally to the characters, and was rooting for the resolving of their issues despite the questions of morality attached to it. It was the ending which really sold me on this book; yes, I was disappointed in the lack of dark, gritty, sexy scenes, but there was an element of originality in the conclusion which I very much enjoyed, especially with the question of whether love is valid if it's the result of manipulation.
Two broken people together - that will either end in something so unreal and raw that all those fractured pieces of the two of us will fuse together or we will only break each other further until nothing is left.
This is a story of two people entangled by fate, loving one another because of their mutual scars and darkness. It may not have the gritty brutality I was hoping for, or even that much erotica, but it is still a story well worth reading....more
Title: Savage Mafia Prince Author: Annika Martin Series: Dangerous Royals #3 Genre: crime, suspense, erotic romance Themes: feral child Heat: 3/5 Rating: 4/Title: Savage Mafia Prince Author: Annika Martin Series: Dangerous Royals #3 Genre: crime, suspense, erotic romance Themes: feral child Heat: 3/5 Rating: 4/5
Reviewer's note: this is the third instalment of the Dangerous Royals series. I would highly recommend starting from the beginning with Dark Mafia Prince.
I've always admired people who decide on a direction and go for it against all odds. The rebels, the heretics, the true believers, the doomed warriors.
The final (and most eagerly awaited) book in Martin's Dangerous Royals series, this follows the third and final brother, Kiro, after he has awoken the interest of Bloody Lazarus. Although it is a departure from the darker nature of the rest of the series, I actually enjoyed this one much more, due to its originality and Martin's perfect characterisation of Kiro, and deep sensory descriptions of the forest and wildlife.
Though few, the sex scenes had enough animalism and passion in them to get my heart pounding - I just wish there had been a few more. Perhaps it's my pervy self speaking, but this series has felt like it should be super sexy, yet always slightly let itself down in that department.
He's a force of nature. Pure aliveness. Pure power. He's the most ferociously hot thing I've ever seen. The most dangerous thing I've ever seen.
I found that I could imagine Kiro's character, his quiet but brutal nature, absolutely brilliantly in my mind, the way his eyes, his face and his actions expressed much more than words, with the juxtaposition of the PTSD-suffering journalist, Ann, whose life revolved around them. This was a deeper level and I loved watching how their relationship and understanding of one another grew. I particularly enjoyed the detailed descriptions of survival methods, and learning about both characters' backstories.
I've also very much enjoyed the POV chapters from Lazarus, particularly in regards to his relationship with his business guru, and how absurdly brilliant an idea this was on Martin's part.
"I wanted to rip his face off, and then fuck you in front of everyone."
This was a satisfying, original ending to a series that has successfully changed tone and theme, from dark and mafia to more suspenseful and thoughtful. In some respects, however, the big difference between this and the others has dampened my enjoyment of the first two - now feeling like they were simply a prolonged build-up to this. Regardless, it's nice that the mystery has been solved and the loose ends come together, and this is a series I would absolutely recommend....more
The intrigue continues in book two of Lisa Renee Jones' crime thriller Dirty Money series, Damage Control.
I enjoyed this more than the first in the sThe intrigue continues in book two of Lisa Renee Jones' crime thriller Dirty Money series, Damage Control.
I enjoyed this more than the first in the series, although I have to admit I left it far too long to read this, and forgot too much of what had been built up in book one. However, I felt like I was able to catch up to the plot pretty quickly, which is a testament to Jones' writing.
Not only does this book continue the family chess game and pile on the suspense, but it also deals with the two protagonists, Shane and Emily, learning to fit with one another in the midst of the family drama—which is increased significantly, on both sides.
My only real dislike of this novel was that Jones' writing style is in the protagonists' heads a little too much. Their narrations become somewhat repetitive, and in some cases I almost felt like skimming them, but am glad I refrained from doing so. There's a lot to take in here, but a little more action and less thinking in circles might be desirable.
Although it started off on a veryTitle: Salvatore Author: Natasha Knight Series: standalone Category: crime, erotic, dark Heat: 3/5 Plot: 2/5 Rating: 2.5/5
Although it started off on a very strong note, this didn't quite meet its potential for me. The sex scenes were a little short and the plot pretty predictable, with very little character development present. For a dark read, I'd also have liked it to be even darker. Again, on this note, it started off well (with some particularly humiliating moments, which, if you follow my reviews, you'll know that I love), but petered out a little after the first third of the novel.
I'd also have liked a little less repetition about feelings and confusion, and a little more focus on the crime issues. I still enjoyed this read, however, despite these personal irritations....more
Title: Wicked Mafia Prince Author: Annika Martin Series: Dangerous Royals #2 Genre: crime, dark, romance, suspense Rating: ****
I'm very much enjoying the Title: Wicked Mafia Prince Author: Annika Martin Series: Dangerous Royals #2 Genre: crime, dark, romance, suspense Rating: ****
I'm very much enjoying the criminal world Martin has formed, fully fleshed out with brilliant characters and a fantastic plot. I just wish the instalments were a little longer, allowing the suspense to be drawn out and relationships to slowly come back together. Similarly, it would have been nice to have seen a bit more of Mira in this one. Despite this, I'm absolutely invested in these people and their darkness, the brutality and the romance and comfort found within that. I'm excited to continue within this world, as a lot more can be taken and consumed from it; this series is shaping up to be something great....more
Title: Stay Author: Karyn Lawrence Series: The Command #1 (standalone in a series) Genre: romantic thriller Rating: ***
I really enjoyed the mystery/suspenTitle: Stay Author: Karyn Lawrence Series: The Command #1 (standalone in a series) Genre: romantic thriller Rating: ***
I really enjoyed the mystery/suspense/thriller subplot of this book, which propelled me to keep reading onwards towards the conclusion. It was well-written, violent and at times pretty dark, and the way the story began was highly intriguing, particularly when it came full-circle and I was able to understand how everything fit together.
However, I felt that the relationship between L and Jason seemed a little forced, with not a lot of chemistry. It was insta-love but without really convincing me that there was a proper connection there until really the very end. I was more gripped by the mystery and the romance aspect of this novel felt almost like a distraction.
Definitely worth a read even if just for its engrossing mystery.
Title: Demand Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Careless Whispers #2 Genre: romantic thriller/suspense Rating: *****
Okay, this is one of the best series I Title: Demand Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Careless Whispers #2 Genre: romantic thriller/suspense Rating: *****
Okay, this is one of the best series I have ever read. I'm obsessed and engrossed and I really, really cannot wait to see how this all turns out! The second instalment begins exactly where the first ended, questioning Kayden's involvement with her before her amnesia.
This is fast-paced, highly suspenseful drama, with a slowly but deeply unfurling love story; every single character is immaculately created, the complexity thoroughly thought out. Kayden is already one of my favourite book boyfriends, and I am seriously falling for a fictional character right now. I need more, I need to read on and know all about Ella.
Title: Denial Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Careless Whispers #1 Genre: romantic thriller Rating: ****
This is an absolutely brilliant read, clearly thoTitle: Denial Author: Lisa Renee Jones Series: Careless Whispers #1 Genre: romantic thriller Rating: ****
This is an absolutely brilliant read, clearly thought out and planned in excruciating detail - it pays off. I couldn't put it down, and found myself a little less interested in the relationship growing between Ella and Kayden and much more engrossed in the action and storyline.
Ella's character development is intense, from waking up with no memories to beginning to remember some events towards the end - yet nothing seems forced, she becomes feistier and stronger and I really, really cannot wait to uncover her story and the extent of her involvement with Niccolo.
This book played in my head like a film - beautiful scenery, highly complex characters and relationships and the perfect amount of angst and action.
A nice wrap-up of Nic and Anna's very fast-paced insta-love storyTitle: Devotion Author: Fiona Davenport Series: Mafia Ties #3 Genre: romance Rating: ***
A nice wrap-up of Nic and Anna's very fast-paced insta-love story, the third Mafia Ties instalment was another blast of the warm fuzzies, picking off from the second ends. Where each instalment is so short, the story suffers from being too rushed and the pacing could use some work; the entire focus is on Nic and Anna's relationship and the mafia sub-plot really has no relevance at all. It would have been nice to have this aspect being given a little more focus.
Fans of the series will be satisfied with this happily ever after, and the knowledge that Brandon and Carly's story will continue the Mafia Ties series. It does what it is supposed to do: provide a fantasy of instant attraction, love, pregnancy and marriage in the space of a few weeks, with an alpha male (a little too alpha for my opinion, leaving Anna pretty docile) and a close-knit family group.
Title: Dark Mafia Prince Author: Annika Martin Series: Dangerous Royals #1 Genre: dark crime romance Rating: *****
This was absolutely brilliant. Dark, vioTitle: Dark Mafia Prince Author: Annika Martin Series: Dangerous Royals #1 Genre: dark crime romance Rating: *****
This was absolutely brilliant. Dark, violent and one of a few books which actually makes me feel concerned about the threats to the characters, like they actually may be in danger. The sex scenes were wonderfully dominant and brutal, although I wish there were more, but more than that, I was actually massively engrossed with the Mafia plot and the way the focus was not so much on the romance but on how the relationships affected the characters.
Absolutely one of the best reads of the year. Can't wait for the sequel....more
This is another very well-written instalment of the Mafia TiesTitle: Danger Author: Fiona Davenport Series: Mafia Ties #2 Genre: crime/romance Rating: ***
This is another very well-written instalment of the Mafia Ties serial, another read that takes less than an hour and is a nice short, sharp burst of action, prepping for the next and final instalment.
Although it was very enjoyable, something leaves me a little cold towards it still - and that is that I just don't like the characters. Nic is too controlling and overprotective, and whereas normally in romance this is countered by a feisty female, Anna really has no fight in her and seems to just be letting this all happen around her. And really - what relationship would ever move so fast?!
I'm looking forward to seeing how this serial ends.
This is a short, sizzling read - I finished it in less than an hTitle: Deception Author: Fiona Davenport Series: Mafia Ties #1 Genre: romance Rating: ****
This is a short, sizzling read - I finished it in less than an hour - leaving you absolutely desperate for more. This first instalment serves to establish relationships and the gang-related subplot (which at the moment seems to be pretty interesting in itself). It's well-written, Nic definitely is a man who knows what he wants, and Anna is pretty much just along for the ride right now! I can't wait to see where it goes; hopefully Davenport will be able to create significant emotional attachments to these characters, which may be difficult with such short instalments. Regardless, absolutely worth a read. Bring on #2!
I really enjoyed this book. The best part was the lack of drama between the two main characters, the straight-forwardness of their relationship, the lI really enjoyed this book. The best part was the lack of drama between the two main characters, the straight-forwardness of their relationship, the lack of petty misunderstandings that plagues many other romance stories. More than anything though, the murder subplot was actually really interesting and didn't feel like something chucked in just to pad out the book a little.
After a couple of dramatic subplots that made me decide to categorise this as a romantic-thriller, there was a wonderfully prolonged and satisfying happy ending, which, although probably unnecessary, was just delightful for my inner romantic. As a bonus, the sex scenes were deliciously steamy. I will definitely be reading the sequels....more
The best aspect of this trilogy is seeing Sophia's charTitle: Ransom Author: Callie Hart Series: Dead Man's Ink #3 Genre: biker/crime romance Rating: ****
The best aspect of this trilogy is seeing Sophia's character development, growing from a sheltered girl into a strong woman, getting in on all the action and refusing to be left behind. One of Hart's strengths is in writing interesting female characters who can hold their own in a highly anti-female world, partly through their relationships but also by their own right, too. That being said, I don't feel that anything could possibly top the climax of Rogue, although this did come close.
This world is beautifully constructed, with so many characters and interlinking plots, containing all the intricate, delicious and dangerous details. The plot of Ransom did not disappoint, based around an important character being abducted by the infamous Hector Ramirez. With some steamy moments, some heart-racing moments and some absolutely grim violent detail, Hart never holds back and this just adds to the realism of the series.
I'm sad to see the end of the Dead Man's Ink series, not least because Rebel is one of my all-time favourite book boyfriends, but I can't wait to delve back into this world, the detail of which is its greatest strength and keeps readers coming back for more. Someone really needs to give this universe a Wikia site.
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