Dragonfire by Donna Grant

    Dragonfire

Author: Donna Grant

Publisher: St.Martin's Press

Publication Date: October 30, 2018

Buy it at: Amazon

Source: eBook kindly provided by

St. Martin's Press for 

an honest review

Audience: Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

My Thoughts:

Dragons have always fascinated me, whether it's the fact that could have existed at one time or just the thought that they might actually still exist. That being said when I read the synopsis for Dragonfire I knew I had to read it and I'm so glad I did. From the very beginning, I was hooked. 

Sabina is a young woman who's mother took her away from her Gypsy family at a young age and she was raised without their influence though she never forgot her history. She has kept her heritage quiet so as to keep her younger brother and herself safe from those that are biased against them. She leads a simple life supporting her brother and herself designing jewelry. All that changes when she meets Roman, one of the few remaining Dragon Kings.

Roman is bent on helping his dragon brother V find his sword. Every dragon king's sword is like an extension of them and to not have their sword is painful. Their search for V's sword takes them to where Sabina lives and it's soon discovered that she has some connection to V. She and her brother join the dragon kings in their search. 

What follows is a mystery that keeps you intrigued. I have not read any other books in the Dark Kings series, but I had not problem keeping up with the characters. If you like paranormal reads that have dragons, shifters, fae, good vs. evil, not to mention love, then you'll love Dragonfire. 

I'm giving Dragonfire 5 little birdies for grabbing my attention from the Prologue and not letting go. I truly had a hard time putting this book down. I will definitely be looking for more of Donna Grant's books.

Blurb

As a Dragon King, Roman is sworn to protect all mortals—even though they no longer believe in dragons. But deep in the Carpathian Mountains, he discovers a beautiful and mysterious gypsy who possesses the power to see into his very soul. To reignite the fire in his heart. And to help him find the long-lost sword that could save the dragons forever…

Sabina remembers the stories her grandmother told her. Legends of dragons and kings, fire and ice. And she’s never forgotten the dark prophecy that filled her ancestors with fear—a fate they tried to prevent by stealing a Dragon King’s sword. Sabina knows that helping Roman is dangerous. He is a dragon betrayed, and more powerful than any man. He could destroy her in a single fiery embrace. But how can she resist the longing in his eyes—or the feelings in her heart—when their destinies are bound by desire?

                         

Wicked S.O.B.

Author: Zara Cox

Publisher: Forever Yours

Publication Date: Aug. 8, 2017

Page Count: 135

Buy it at: Amazon

Source: eBook kindly provided by Forever  Publishing for an honest review

Audience: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My thoughts:

Quinn Blackwood is a man who has built his whole life around getting revenge on those who caused the death of his mother. Along the way he meets Elyse Gilbert. Fast forward to after Quinn has obtained his revenge. His whole life has been about making others pay and now that he has accomplished that he doesn't know how to move on. All he knows is that he can't/won't let Ellie go. It's as if he's addicted to her and every minute that she is away from him he goes through withdrawl. Ellie understands his inner demons and won't leave him alone to deal with them. She is hoping that they can move their relationship to a lifetime one, but knows that they walk a fine line with his obsession.

This is a short novella that follows up Beautiful Liar. I hadn't read Beautiful Liar before this book, but the author does a good job of referencing the first book just enough so that you are not lost in Wicked S.O.B. I really liked this book, though at first I wasn't sure if I would because of Quinn's obsession with Ellie, but Ms. Cox does a great job of moving the characters forward. Being a novella, the book is fast paced and their is some intrigue left over from the first book that adds to the story.

I give Wicked S.O.B. 5 little birdies. The book is hot, well written, and I like the way she resolved the couple's issues. I will definitely be looking for more books by Zara Cox.

Blurb:

For so long, I lived for revenge. Now I live for her. 
Ask anyone and they'll tell you that Quinn Blackwood is not someone you mess with. I see. I want. I take. And you better not get in my way. That's how I built my billion-dollar empire. That's how I made my enemies pay. That's how I won the one good, pure thing in my life, Elyse "Lucky" Gilbert. But after what I've done, my luck may have run out.

There is a fine line between love and obsession.
I'm not a fool. I didn't think coming back to Quinn would be easy. That we would fall into a happy future and the darkness inside him would just disappear. Still, after everything we've been through, I couldn't leave him to fight his demons alone. I've tried to convince myself nothing else matters as long as we're together. But if I give him what he needs, will there be anything left of me?

Book Review: Before The Dawn

Before The Dawn

Author: Cynthia Eden

Publisher: HQN Books

Publication Date: July 25, 2017

Page Count: 384 pages

Buy it at: Amazon & Harlequin

Source: eBook kindly provided by TLC Book tours

Audience: Adult

Genre: Romantic Suspense

My thoughts:

I was given this book for an honest review. Dawn Alexander is the only victim to have survived an attack by the serial killer known as the Iceman. Her boyfriend, Tucker Frost, was the one who saved her by killing the Iceman, who happened to be his own brother. 

Seven years after the fact, they are brought together again when someone starts killing in New Orleans and the MO is that of the Iceman. Dawn is now a private investigator and Tucker is a top profiler with the FBI. Even though the body of Jason Frost was never found, Tucker assures Dawn that he is dead, while she swears she has seen Jason.

What follows is a race against time as more bodies start piling up while Dawn and Tucker try to reconnect despite the pain of their past. The characters are well written and the author does a great job of drawing you in to both Dawn and Tucker's feelings of being in each other's lives again since they never had closure when their relationship abruptly ended seven years before.

I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. Ms. Eden kept me guessing as to who the killer was and when it's finally revealed I was blown away with the twist she put in. I give Before The Dawn 5 little birdies for being such an awesome read. I will definitely look for more books by Cynthia Eden.

Blurb:

The Killer Instinct series from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden continues as an FBI profiler tracks a case that resurrects ghosts from his past

Ex-SEAL Tucker Frost knows that the world is full of evil. He saw it in the face of his own brother, Jason Frost, a cold, methodical, sadistic killer. A killer Tucker put down with his own hands in order to save Jason's final victim--Dawn Alexander, the only girl who got away from the infamous "Iceman."

It's Tucker's up close and personal experience with evil that's made him perfect for Samantha Dark's experimental profiling division in the FBI. And when women start turning up murdered with the same MO used by the Iceman, Tucker is sent back to Louisiana to investigate.

Seven years have passed since the night that Tucker faced down his brother...and since he last saw Dawn, his one-time lover. But as Tucker and Dawn grapple with a desire that never died, they must also face the shared shadow from their pasts. Both have the same question--has Jason Frost come back from the dead to hunt again? And this time, will he succeed in killing the victim who got away?

Wolf's Mate

Author: Celia Kyle

Publisher: Forever

Publication Date: August 1, 2017

Page Count: 368 pages

Buy It At: Amazon

Source: eBook kindly provided by Forever

Audience: Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

My thoughts:

I was given this book for an honest review. The author grabbed me from the first page and never let go. If you like Alpha heroes, feisty heroines, hot sexual chemistry, action, intrigue, humor, and sexy-as-all-get-out Shifters, then this is the book for you. I loved this book and am definitely adding Celia Kyle to my Authors to Follow list.

Everything about this book appealed to me. The characters, sexual tension, intrigue, humor, and yes the story. The interaction of Declan and his team, each shifter having a unique personality, as well as the way Declan and Abby dealt with their own inner animal had me cracking up. The story, in my opinion, was a unique one of shifters against humans and while this was book one of her Shifter Rogues series, I'm eagerly looking forward to the following books as the story continues to unfold. I'm giving Wolf's Mate 5 birdies for being an awesome read that I couldn't put down.

Blurb:

Danger shouldn't be this sexy...

Cougar shifter Abby Carter always plays it safe. That's why she's an accountant--no excitement, no danger, and no cocky alpha males. She loves her quiet life, but fate has other plans. When Abby uncovers the shady dealings of an anti-shifter organization, she'll have to trust the too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind werewolf Declan Reed... or end up six feet under.

Declan Reed is starting over. After two years with Shifter Operations Command, it's time to put his past behind him. Now Declan is the only thing standing between the gorgeous Abby and an early grave, and if he's going to have any chance of keeping her alive, he'll have to embrace the darkness he's fought to keep at bay. But first he has to convince Abby that there's no safer place in the world than the arms of a big bad werewolf.

Call to Engage

Author: Tawny Weber

Publisher: HQN Books

Publication Date: June 27, 2017

Page Count: 384 pages

Buy it at: Amazon & Harlequin Books

Source: eBook kindly provided by TLC Book Tours

Audience: Adult

Genre: Military Romance

My thoughts:

I received this book for an honest review.

Elijah Prescott is a Navy SEAL who is recovering from an injury he suffered on his last mission. Despite being physically cleared to resume his duties, he feels that maybe he's not mentally ready and takes some time off to sort his life out. He heads back home to stay with his cousin, who owns a gym, and runs into his ex-wife.

Ava Prescott has turned her life around from what it was when she was married to Elijah. She teaches numerous classes at the gym and with the discipline she's learned to get her body in shape, she's buried the pain of her failed marriage.

Proximity, as well as the rekindling of their physical relationship, makes Elijah and Ava do some soul searching in regards to their marriage, one of them being that Ava never really accepted his chosen career. When she's pulled into an ongoing mission with Elijah's team to ferret out a traitor, she finally learns to accept him for who he is.

Call to Engage will pull the emotions out of you while keeping you turning the pages. There's action, intrigue, love, humor, and heartbreak. If you like your heroes to be strong Alphas and their women strong enough to handle them, you're going to definitely want to read this book.

I give Call to Engage 5 little birdies for a superior read. Tawny Weber is an author who knows her stuff when it comes to military books and it shows.

Blurb:

The Poseidon team are hard-bodied, fiercely competitive Navy SEALs. But when a sensitive mission goes disastrously wrong, three of the team's finest will have to trust their hearts and instincts to uncover the truth… 

Lieutenant Elijah Prescott should be spending his precious leave somewhere with sun, surf and scantily clad women. Instead, he's heading home with two goals in mind. Figure out exactly how his last assignment went to hell and almost killed him—and reconnect with the woman who might offer salvation. 

Ava Monroe has streamlined her life, eliminating every source of pain—including a marriage touched by tragedy. One glimpse of her ex and those good intentions turn to bad-girl desires. Her strategy: get over Elijah by getting under him again, sating herself until she can finally let go. But as betrayal within the rank of the SEALs turns deadly, there's no denying that her heart and her life are on the line. Elijah is the only man who can protect both…

Book Review: Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn

Unbreak My Heart (Unbreak My Heart #1)
Author: Nicole Jacquelyn
Published by: Forever
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Page Count: 368 (paperback)
Buy it at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Source: eARC Kindly Provided by Publisher
Audience: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Adult


My Thoughts:
Unbreak My Heart is probably the most REAL and HONEST book that I've read in a long time. I've been stuck in a paranormal and edgy contemporary rut lately, and while I still love those books, I needed a break. Unbreak My Heart was like going home for me. I'm going to admit right now that I did not read the synopsis before jumping in. I accepted the book based on the cover alone, which was risky... but in the end, I'm so glad that I didn't read the synopsis because the surprises I was in store for only added to the heat-breaking highs and lows of the story.

Book Review: The Siren by Elicia Hyder

The Siren (The Soul Summoner Series #2)
Author: Elicia Hyder
Publication date: March 13, 2016
Print length: 314 pages
Buy it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Source: Bought by the Reviewer
Audience: Adult (18+)
Genre: Paranormal Suspense

The Siren is book #2 in The Soul Summoner series and picks up right where book #1 ends. If you haven’t read the first book of the series, you won’t be lost because Ms. Hyder does a good job of recapping without weighing down the current story.

All but one of the missing victims from the first book have been found. When a current photo of the last victim proves that she's alive, Sloan, Warren, and Nathan head to Texas to find her. While there Sloan and Warren are hoping that she can shed some light on who and what they are, as well as what her connection, if any, is to them. 

Book Review: Ride Hard

RideHard (Raven Riders #1)

Author:Laura Kaye

PublishedBy: Avon/Harper Collins

PublicationDate: April 26, 2016

PageCount: 384 pages (paperback)

Buyit at Barnes & Noble or Amazon

Source:Kindly Provided by Publisher

Audience:Adult (18+)

Genre:Contemporary Romance

If I were to write this review in only three words, it would be this: Read. It. Now! In Ride Hard, Laura Kaye brings to life the sexy world of the inked up, leather-wearing, motor-cycle riding bad boys. They are hard,and built, sexy, and sinful. Men who have lived hard lives and wear the proof on their bodies, in their walks and talks, and in the set of their eyes. The men of the Raven Riders series do not disappoint, and the main character of Ride Hard, Dare Kenyon, is as sexy as they come in all of his bad-assed glory.  He’s the president of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club, and for good reason.

Haven Randall is escaping an abusive father with the help of her best friend. She’s as cliché-ly sweet and innocent as they come, but some how manages to be likable. Violence brings her to The Raven Riders for protection,and these bad boys make it their mission to keep her safe. It’s not a new mission for them, but it becomes personal when Haven and her best friend Cora work their ways into the heart and soul of the club… and Dare finds himself unable to resist letting Haven into his own heart.

Book Review: The Soul Summoner

The Soul Summoner (The Soul Summoner Series #1)
Author: Elicia Hyder
Publication Date: November 4,2015
Page Count: 310 pages (Kindle Edition)
Buy it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Source: gift from author in exchange for an honest review
Audience: Adult (18+)
Genre: Paranormal Suspense

I was offered this book by the author for free, but before accepting I checked it out on Amazon. As soon as 
I read the blurb, I knew I had to read this. While I am a die hard romantic, I will read other genres if they catch my attention, which this book did.

Sloan Jordan is a young woman who has a unique ability. She can see peoples souls, the best and worst. She has kept her gift hidden, as it has caused her problems in the past, but when a new detective, Nathan McNamara, moves to town, she eventually tells him. Once he knows what she can do, he enlists her help with a case, which she reluctantly gives. Later he asks her to help with a cold case that he's been working on for most of his career. They work together and in the process meet Warren Parrish. Warren is quite the mystery man and Sloan finds herself in the middle of the two men. As I was reading this, I didn't know which man I hoped to win as both were characters I liked.

Blog Tour & Book Review: The Barter System

The Barter System
By: Shayne McClendon
Published By: Always the Good Girl LLC
Release Date: May 20, 2012
Buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Source: Provided by Author (digital copy) & Purchased by Reviewer (print copy)
Audience: Mature (18+) Audiences Only
NOTE: This story contains explicit sexual scenes and language and is intended for mature audiences only. Do not read this novel if intense sexual situations offend you.

First things first - Happy Birthday to Author Shayne McClendon! Now, Shayne has graciously offered to supply some delicious little gifts for YOU in honor of her birthday. I didn't get as many responses to the two giveaways as I would have liked. So instead of announcing winners today, I'm keeping the giveaways open through the week and will select winners using random.or this weekend. So click on the link that applies to you and enter to win!

1. U.S. Only Giveaway: A Swag Pack including signed print copies of The Barter System, Damaged, and Not a Bride is being provided by Shayne. It's her birthday - but you get the gifts!! Enter HERE!

2. Non-U.S. Giveaway: Your choice from the same three books (The Barter System, Damaged, and Not a Bride) provided in the eBook format of your choice. Enter HERE!

AND....Here is the Rafflecopter Link for the Blog Tour Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Thoughts:
I have followed Shayne McClendon's facebook page, Always the Good Girl, for a few years now and become addicted to not only the amazing pictures she finds and edits but especially to her writing. When she started talking about The Barter System, I hit her up immediately and begged for a copy to read and review. Shayne didn't hesitate, she sent it to me immediately. That was two summers ago. *hangs head* Yes, it has take me that long to get my review done and the blog tour promoting the book is what pushed me to do it because I wanted desperately to be part of the blog tour. So THANK YOU Shayne, for the book and to Mackable Book Babes for letting me be part of the blog tour. 

Aside from having a bit of a fan-girly crush on Shayne, what drew me to The Barter System was the concept of the book. Riya plans to conduct research on male sexuality...by traveling across the nation and indulging in mini-relationships of sorts with eight different men. I was fascinated and curious to say the least. And for a girl like Riya, who is the farthest thing from a promiscuous and much closer to a "good girl", would she be able to keep up with her self-imposed guidelines? How would it change her? And most importantly, how could she NOT fall in love with each and every one of her subjects? I was a little apprehensive and beyond anxious to begin this book.

Book Review: Blood Myth

Blood Myth
(Blood Myth Series Vol. 1)
By: Stacy A. Moran
Published by: The Art of Safkhet
Release date: Arpil 9, 2013
Genre: Erotic Fiction/BDSM
Source: Owned by Reviewer
Buy it on Amazon

My Thoughts:
Blood Myth is an intense and thrilling paranormal romance that will leave you breathless for more. The story and stage are set, a timeless battle between good and evil, parent and child, with free will the final arbiter of fate. The characters are rich and passionate, carrying you along with them through the setting of the stage into the first meeting of the hero and heroine of our tale.

Zak is a cocky, arrogant male with a violent past whose domineering attitude makes you hate him and shiver in delight at the same time. His need for control and domination to tame his darker nature extends into his interactions with those around him, especially those who shared his bed. Sorina is a fiery, independent woman of the world with a powerful destiny and the voice of an angel who fears the very thing she yearns for, the domination of a soul-consuming passionate love.

Short Story Revew: The Cafe'

The Cafe' 
(Temptation Tuesday)
By: Niki Becker
Published by: The Art of Safkhet
Release Date: May 5, 2013
Genre: Erotic Fiction, Short Story
Source: Purchased/Owned by Reviewer
Buy it on Amazon

Rambling Thoughts of Me, Your Reviewer:

This is my first erotic short story, and I have to say it entranced me. I usually read paranormal romance, fiction, or even history, but not anything erotic. I first picked up my Kindle to read this story with the suggestion of a friend, after I purchased it and had it whispernetted away to my Kindle; I picked the book and began to read. Before starting I had told myself that I would read a few pages before I went to bed. By the first paragraph in I was hooked. I found myself pressing the button to go to the next page, then the next, and the next after that. The way Niki injects the reader into the scene with her wording is breathtaking.

Book Review: Being Me

Being Me
(Inside Out #2)
By: Lisa Renee Jones
Published by: Gallery Books
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Genre: Erotic Fiction
Source: Purchased/Owned by Reviewer
Buy it on Amazon or Barnes & Nobel

My Thoughts:
This book is the second book in the Inside Out Trilogy for Lisa Renee Jones. I immediately bought book two after finishing book one just yesterday. It left me hungry for more and book two did not disappoint. It picked up where book one left the reader hanging. I will say thank you to the author right now for that. As a reader, it made me very pleased to see no time jump and a quick continuation into where I was left at the edge of my seat.

Book Review: If I Were You

If I Were You
(Inside Out #1)
By: Lisa Renee Jones
Published by: Gallery Books
Release Date: September 13, 2012
Genre: Erotic Fiction
Source: Purchased/Owned by Reviewer
Buy it on Amazon or Barnes & Nobel

My Thoughts:
I am a first time reader of Lisa Renee Jones, and after this book I can guarantee you it will not be my last book of hers--in fact, before attempting to write this review, I had placed my order for book two. Immediately from the start I was pulled into the mystery entwining Rebecca and how the author had woven the tale of pulling Sara McMillan in it. I won't lie, throughout the book I found myself measuring it against Fifty Shades of Grey. It was more of the style of writing for me that was similar than the story itself, but let me add that LRJ is leaps and bounds by far the better writer in comparison.

Book Review : Lover At Last

Lover At Last

(Black Dagger Brotherhood Series #11)

Author: J.R. Ward

Published by: The Penguin Group

Release date: March 26th, 2013 (U.S.)

Source: E-book owned by reviewer

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google

Genre: Paranormal Fiction

Audience: Ages 18+

THE RUNDOWN:

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: it seems Qhuinn has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young. It’s hard for Blay to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. And Qhuinn needs to come to terms with some dark things before he can move forward…

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

Novella Review: Frosted

Frosted

By: Wendy Sparrow

Published By: Entangled Publishing

Publication Date: January 2013

eBook - 114 pages

Buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Source: Provided by Publisher

Paranormal Romance

The Good:

* Hot guy on the cover - yes, I'm shallow....

* Perfect wintery setting 

* This novella is the perfect sort of read for those cold winter nights. If it doesn't warm your heart and curl your toes - something is wrong.

* I love the Jack Frost lore created by Wendy Sparrow. It's an interesting take on an old tale. It also reminds me a bit of the Hades and Persephone myth. The descriptions of the winter world were vivid and gorgeous; scenes in that world were my favorite parts of the novella.

Novella Review: Highland Heart

Highland Heart

By: Heather McCollum

Published By: Entangled Publishing

Publication Date: December 17, 2012

eBook - 55 pages

Buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Source: Provided by Publisher

Historical Romance

The Good:

* Again, Entangled always lures me in with their covers. Eye candy is my downfall every time.

* Scotland + 1500's + hot men in kilts = MORE PLEASE

* Heather McCollum does a nice job of blending romance, history, and magic. I found myself caught up in this story and was upset when it ended all too soon. I also immediately put Heather's other work on my TBR list as soon as I finished this novella.

Power: Blog Tour & Character Guest Post!

Tour information can be found here:

http://www.kristiecook.com/2012/08/power-release-tour.html

 SQUEEE!!!!!!  Yes, that undignified, fangirl squee heard the blogosphere over was me, and I AM NOT ASHAMED! My love and devotion to the Soul Saver series is widely known and dearly held, so I'm not going to hog the spotlight, but I would direct you to check out my reviews and other Soul Savers related posts here, here, and here and here and here, on the off chance I haven't personally bugged you to get on this amazing series!!!

Book Review: Second Grave on the Left

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson #2)

By: Darynda Jones

Published By: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: August 2011

Page Count: 307

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: Library

Audience: Paranormal Romance, Mystery

I LOVE Charley. I don't even know how to write this review since I feel like that first sentence pretty much sums it up. This series is one of those that I would drop everything to read ASAP. Darynda Jones is a phenomenal writer and I cannot get enough of this world. Charley Davidson is one of my top 10 favorite adult characters. She is a strong, spitfire who oozes girl power. She's such a bad ass. 

This edition picks up right where book one left off. There isn't a ton of down time before Charley is thrown into her next case. I like the fast pacing of these novels - they get my adrenaline pumping and have me cracking up at the same time. Furthermore, I really enjoy that each book has a self contained mystery and it also furthers the series with the relationship between Charley and Reyes. I can't believe it took me so long to give these books a chance. My only major complaint is I have been getting from the library, but I should have been buying them. I would actually reread these just to spend some more time with Charley and co.

Book Review: Seduced By The Vampire King

Book 2 of the Vampire Warrior Kings series

By: Laura Kaye

Published By:  Harlequin  (6/1/2012)

Buy it at B&N.com or Amazon OR WIN IT HERE!

Source: Provided by the Awesomest Author Ever.

Audience: 18+ Paranormal Romance

My Thoughts:

NGH. That was my first, anticipatory thought. (For those of you wondering what in the blue perfect hell that means/stands for, it's basically a noise of feminine approval and lust.) Anything Laura Kaye writes is hot and I totally fell in love with her vampires in In The Service of the King. Her men are men without being man children. (And that, kittens, is why it's fiction!)