[Book Review] The Emperor of Evening Stars – by Laura Thalassa

Published on October 18, 2017 by Tracey-JLeave a comment

Synopsis

In the beginning, there was darkness.
Before he met Callie, before he became the Bargainer, there was Desmond Flynn, the bastard son of a scribe. A boy born to a weak mother, cursed with little magic, and destined to marry a slave.

But fate had something else in mind.

Till darkness dies.
From the barren caves of Arestys to the palace of Somnia to the streets of earth, this is how Desmond Flynn, a fairy who began with nothing, became the Emperor of Evening Stars.

More Details

Genre: Paranormal
Page Length: 186
Characters: Desmond Flynn
Publication Date: 15^th October 2017
Format: eBook

Review

The Emperor of Evening Stars is a Novella that accompanies The Bargainer Trilogy. So if you if you’ve not read Rhapsodic or A Strange Hymn then I advise you to stop reading now and go read them because they are awesome!

This novella was perfection, this is the story of Desmond Flynn and what a story it is and it all starts with his mother’s escape from his father. I really really love this story, my only complaint is that it wasn’t longer because I could read about Des all day.

I love how deeply complex he is and learning more about his background homed that in more than ever. I love how he switches from good guy to bad ass motherf*#cker in 0.5 seconds!

“Coldly, I break his femur. While he’s still screaming, I crush his kneecap. His shrieks are the sweetest music”

And let’s not forget his love for Callie, some of the passages where he is describing his love for her are so swoony.

The Bottom Line:

If like me you are Desmond Flynn fan then this is a must – Dear gods I love him 😍

My Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

That Man Next Door by Nadia Lee

Published on October 16, 2017 by Tracey-JLeave a comment

Synopsis

I’m a twenty-two year-old virgin who’s had five one-night stands. How’s that possible? Easy. I’ve never gone all the way. I just chicken out and bail. Thank God, I’ve always selected men I’ll never run across again…

…until that sexy-as-sin Matt from last weekend moves in next door…

…then shows up as a new in-house counsel at Sweet Darlings Inc. where I work.

Oh…crap.

But it was dark in the hotel room. If I put on a boring office outfit and Clark Kent glasses, he won’t recognize me…

Right?

More Details

Genre: Romance
Page Length: 320
Characters: Jan and Matt
Publication Date: 24^th October
Format: eARC

Review

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book by Nadia Lee so I wasn’t sure what to expect but this book turned out to be a great little read.

Jan has had 5 one night stand and is still a virgin, how? because she runs out on the guy before going through with it and thankfully never sees them again. That’s until Matt who is the latest guy she bails on, he moves in next door and then shows up as the new guy where she works!

The book is told in the first person from almost entirely Jan’s perspective. The last chapter is from Matt’s and its so swoon worthy!

The story really sucked me in, I started this last night and finished this afternoon because I enjoyed reading it so much. The pace of the relationship was a little faster than I would normally like, but there was no insta love, just lots and lots of lust and steaminess.

I found myself relating Jan quite a lot because she is very overly critical of herself and I’m largely the same way. I found her very enduring and easy to connect too. Matt was lovely, perfect guy next door material.

The Bottom Line:

This is a feel-good romantic story – a perfect light read. I would recommend.

My Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

About the author

Nadia Lee

Bilingual former management consultant Nadia Lee has lived in four different countries and enjoyed many adventures and excellent food around the globe. In the last eight years, she has kissed stingrays, got bitten by a shark, ridden an elephant and petted tigers.

She shares an apartment overlooking a river and palm trees in Japan with her husband, winter white hamsters and an ever-widening pile of books. When she’s not writing, she can be found digging through old Asian historical texts or planning another trip.

Visit Nadia on her website or her blog. You can also say hello on Facebook or Twitter.

THAT MAN NEXT DOOR IS RELEASED ON THE 24TH OCTOBER 2017 – PRE-ORDER HERE:

Bountiful (True North #4) – Sarina Bowen

Published on October 15, 2017October 14, 2017 by Tracey-JLeave a comment

Synopsis

No last names. No life stories. Those were the rules.

Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on.

Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life.

Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave No-Last-Name will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.

Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.

Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful.

More Details

Genre: Romance
Page Length: 315
Characters: Zara, Dave
Publication Date: 20^th October
Format: eARC

Review

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I usually avoid books with the accidental pregnancy/pregnancy storylines because in general, I’m not really interested in pregnancy and kids, but as this, by Sarina Bowen, I made an exception.

Dave meets Zara in a bar during his summer vacation. They have a brief and intense liaison. Dave goes back home and Zara discovers she is pregnant. Zara tries to track Dave down but to no avail and concludes that she will never see him again and concentrates on running her business and bring her daughter up.. Fast forward 2 years and Dave is back in town and hasn’t forgotten Zara, after walking into Zara’s coffee shop the first thing she tells him is that they have a daughter together.

I really enjoyed this story, I was really rooting for Dave the whole time and hoped that he would step up and be a father. I liked Zara’s fire, she was strong and independent and gave Dave a way out, which was pretty brave when all she wanted was him to be with her and Nicole.

The journey that characters went on was intense. I felt the love they had for one another to true and I liked that there was no insta love or that they felt the need to be together just because they had a kid together. They just genuinely loved each other and in doing so had learned how to make life work for them.

This story is told in the first person from both the perspectives of Zara and Dave. I should also point out that I haven’t read the 3 books before this one but it didn’t feel like that I would have needed to.

The Bottom Line:

I really liked this one, even though the main theme isn’t something I would normally read. I would definitely recommend it.

My Rating: 4/5 🌟 🌟🌟🌟

About the author

Sarina Bowen

Sarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of New England.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

With Elle Kennedy, Sarina is the author of the RITA award winning HIM, and its sequel, US, as well as the WAGs novels.

Sarina also has a new Vermont contemporary romance series, True North. She’s also unrolled new hockey novels from Penguin Berkley including Rookie Move.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

BOUNTIFUL IS OUT ON THE 20TH OCTOBER 2017, YOU CAN PREORDER YOUR COPY HERE:

AMAZON | iBOOKS| KOBO

Hooking Up – Helena Hunting

Published on October 14, 2017October 14, 2017 by Tracey-J4 Comments

Synopsis

Amalie Whitfield is the picture of a blushing bride during her wedding reception–but for all the wrong reasons. Instead of proclaiming his undying love, her husband can be heard, by Amalie and their guests, getting off with someone else. She has every reason to freak out, and in a moment of insanity, she throws herself at the first hot-blooded male she sees. But he’s not interested in becoming her revenge screw.

Mortified and desperate to escape the post-wedding drama, Amalie decides to go on her honeymoon alone, only to find the man who rejected her also heading to the same tiny island for work. But this time he isn’t holding back. She should know better than to sleep with someone she knows, but she can’t seem to resist him.

They might agree that what happens on the island should stay on the island, but neither one can deny that their attraction is more than just physical.

Filled with hilariously scandalous situations and enough sexual chemistry to power an airplane from New York City to the South Pacific, Hooking Up is the next standalone, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Helena Hunting, the New York Times bestselling author of the Pucked series and Shacking Up.

More Details

Genre: Romance
Page Length: 304
Characters: Amalie, Lex, Armstrong
Publication Date: 7^th November 2017
Format: eARC

Review

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Having finished Shacking Up not long ago I was super excited to receive an ARC of the book, and just like Shacking up it was just as funny.

It’s Amalie’s wedding and what should be the happiest day of her life soon turns into the worst, when her new husband is heard by her and almost the entire wedding party getting jiggy with someone else. In a moment of shock, she throws herself at the first guy she sees but Lex wants more than to become a revenge screw. In an attempt to escape all the wedding drama Amalie packs up her stuff and goes on her Honeymoon only to discover that Lex is headed in the same place for business.

– What happens in Bora Bora stays in Bora Bora right?

Realising that they are staying on the same island Amalie and Lex decide to have a fling and spend a few weeks getting to know one another very intimately. What they didn’t count on was falling in love.

Not only was this book laugh out loud funny it was also very sweet. I enjoyed the chemistry between Amalie and Lex it felt real and genuine. I loved Amalie’s resilience to all the bullshit that Armstrong threw her way, this guy is such a douche I already disliked him when he was first mentioned in Shacking Up, he had all the signs of a manipulator from early on.

In comparison Lex was like a breath of fresh air, completely the opposite of Armstrong, I liked how from the get-go he looked after Amalie, and even though he knew he had feelings for Amalie he didn’t have any expectations and was happy to just give her what she needed, whether that was a shoulder to cry on, time or some hot and steamy sex!

This book is told in the first person from dual perspectives of Amalie and Lex. The writing was clear and easy to follow and I liked the pace at which the story unfolded. It was also lovely to see Ruby and Bane again. I loved these two in Shacking Up!

The Bottom Line

Hooking Up ticks all the boxes, it has a smoking hot love interest, romance, lots of laughs and some really hot sex scenes. Everything a good smutty romance novel needs!

My Rating: 5/5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

About the Author

NTYand USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romantic comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.

FACEBOOK | WEB | TWITTER

Hooking Up is released on 7th November 2017

Pre-Order your copy here:

Shades of Her – Ozlo & Priya Grey

Published on October 12, 2017 by Tracey-JLeave a comment

Synopsis

Will He Ever Love Me, When All He Sees Is Her?

Jackson

I had everything a man could want. Money. Status. And above all: Love. But when my wife is taken from me, my life begins to fall apart. But now she’s back. Back from the dead. I can relive our most passionate and tender moments together. I’m losing myself in her once again. But then I discover the truth about my wife. And everything I remember turns out to be a lie.

Rebecca

All I have to do is dye my hair, wear someone else’s clothes, and follow a script. What harm can come from stepping into someone else’s shoes in exchange for two hundred grand? Did I mention the deal includes sex with the hottest, most acclaimed painter of our time? It’s a no brainer, right? Especially since I’m in desperate need of cash, so I can help my parents get back on their feet after losing everything in the storm. I fully commit to the part he’s hired me to play. I never expected to uncover her secrets. And I never imagined I’d fall in love.

More Details

Genre: Romance
Page Length: 229
Characters: Rebecca, Jackson
Publication Date: 30^th May 2017
Format: eARC

Review

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I finished this one a couple of days ago and I still don’t know how to feel about it. It wasn’t bad just very strange. I’ve not ever read a story quite like this one. It’s also the first book I’ve read by Priya and Ozlo Grey.

The story follows Jack whose wife died 9 months ago in a car crash, since her death he has been unable to paint and with a gallery show coming up he decides to hire Rebecca (who happens to look just like his wife) to dress up and play the part of his wife so that he can relieve the memories he has of her and get back is spark of creativity.

This story is told from both Jack and Rebecca’s perspectives so you get a clear picture of what is happening from both characters.

I guess I enjoyed it, as I said before I did find the story a little odd. The whole getting someone to dress and act like your dead wife did not seem to be a healthy way to grieve but I guess we all get through things in different ways.

I can’t say I felt that much of a connection to either of the characters but the intriguing storyline kept me reading anyway and it didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the book.

The Bottom Line:

If you after a romance book with a bit of a difference this one is definitely worth a try.

My Rating: 3/5 🌟 🌟 🌟

The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey: Cover Reveal

Published on October 9, 2017October 8, 2017 by Tracey-JLeave a comment

We are so excited to reveal the gorgeous cover of R.S. Grey’s next release, FORTUNATE ONES! This romantic comedy releases November 1st. See the cover and find out more about THE FORTUNATE ONES below!

About THE FORTUNATE ONES

At Twin Oaks Country Club, there are the fortunate ones, and then there are the rest of us: the waiters, the caddies, the valets, and in my case, the cabana girls. Most days, I’m poolside in a pleated skirt, dishing out margaritas to tycoons and titans. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it does come with one perk…

James Ashwood.

He’s my silver lining in a custom black suit.

Besides being a legacy member at the club, he’s a tech mogul and Austin’s most eligible bachelor. Oh, and those dimples? Yeah, they make my stomach dip too.

On good days, I catch his sleek Porsche winding down the tree-lined drive. On better days, I steal a glimpse of his handsome profile as we pass in the hall. And on the absolute best day, I find him alone at the bar, looking for company.

“Come have a seat.”

Those four little words set me down a path I never could have imagined. Private planes, penthouse suites, and temptations around every corner make it impossible to keep my distance. His world feels decadent and wild—but overindulgence comes with a cost. Every kiss comes with strings. Every erotic encounter is a promise I’m not ready to keep.

When I pump the brakes, he hits the gas. James doesn’t want to go slow—he wants a commitment.

And the thing about the fortunate ones?

They’re used to getting what they want.

Add THE FORTUNATE ONES to your Goodreads list here!

THE FORTUNATE ONES releases November 1st – you’ll be able to preorder your copy for .99c starting October 29th!

Keep an eye on R.S. Grey’s Facebook page for the links!

About R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

Shacking Up – Helena Hunting

Published on October 8, 2017October 7, 2017 by Tracey-J2 Comments

Synopsis

Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before.

Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick.

Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet. Filled with hilariously awkward encounters and enough sexual tension to heat a New York City block, Shacking Up, from NYT and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting, is sure to keep you laughing and swooning all night long.

More Details

Genre: Romance/Humour
Page Length: 480
Characters: Ruby, Bancroft
Publication Date: 30^th May 2017
Format: eBook

Review

I freaking loved this book! It was so hilarious and just lovely!

Ruby is a struggling theatre actress looking to make her big break, the night before an audition that could turn things around she is kissed and then coughed on by a mysterious stranger at her best friend’s engagement party. Waking up the next day Ruby is so sick that she completely blows her audition, and is then hit by the news that her father has cut her off from the little money he was giving her to help pay her rent. Her best friend saves the day by finding her a job to house/pet sit for Bancroft Mills who is going out of town on business, but when the two meet Ruby realizes that he is her mystery “awesome” kisser.

This story is told in the first person, from the perspectives of both Ruby and Bane. Although the focus is predominately on Ruby.

I laughed out loud so many times, whilst reading this book. I loved Ruby her sense of humor was superb! There’s a scene where she is watching Bancroft with his ferret Francesca:

“Bancroft is stretched out on the couch watching sports with Francesca curled up in his lap. Right on top of his penis. What a whore. I wish I was her”

it’s just brilliant, her banter with Bane is really entertaining and you can really feel the sexual tension between them. I really liked how fiercely independent she wanted to be and how determined she was to make it on her own.

Bane – pretty much a perfect love interest. He was funny, charming and caring. All without being a possessive jerk which seems to be a trend in romance novels at the moment. Oh and that fact that he loves animals is the icing on the cake really.

The Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a light-hearted romance novel then this book really is a must.

My Rating: 4/5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Beat (The Beat and the Pulse #1) – Amity Cross

Published on October 7, 2017October 6, 2017 by Tracey-J2 Comments

Synopsis

Renee “Ren” Miller was five when her Dad left to go to the shops and never came back.

Left to grow up with a cancer-riddled mother, things have never been easy for a teenager who had to be wise beyond her years. Then one day they lose the battle and she’s all alone.

Now twenty-two, Ren reluctantly goes to find her estranged father. He owns the down and out boxing studio, Beat, and Ren finds herself drawn to the ring. She thrives on learning a new way of fighting a life that kept kicking her down…instead of struggling against the current, she kicks it right between the legs.

Then one day, Ash Fuller, her Dad’s star fighter comes back to town. Mysterious, handsome… Dangerous… Everything Ren doesn’t need.

But he’s got other ideas…

…and so does she.

More Details

Genre: New Adult/ Romance/MMA
Page Length: 293
Characters: Ren and Ash
Publication Date: 6^th October 2014
Format: eBook

Review

I’ve found in general that MMA books are a bit hit more miss, and this book was a miss. I think I hated everything about this book. I didn’t click with Ren or Ash. The story was boring, Ren was boring, Ash was boring. I think you get my drift.

I think the only reason I didn’t DNF this book was because I was hoping at some point it would get better, but it didn’t, if anything it got worse. Both characters are pretty screwed up in different ways. They both exhibited really unhealthy behaviors towards one another and could probably do with some intense therapy to deal with their anger issues because using a fighting to release clearly isn’t working for them!

All in there is so much hate and violence in this book that I’m not sure how it is even considered a romance book.

I don’t really have much more to say the whole book left a bad taste in my mouth.

The Bottom Line:

I wouldn’t recommend this book. It’s definitely a no from me.

My Rating: 1/5 🌟

The Traveling Man – Jane Harvey-Berrick

Published on October 6, 2017October 6, 2017 by Tracey-JLeave a comment

Synopsis

I was ordinary. Nice. He was extraordinary. And he wasn’t always nice.

Moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful, Kes scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me. He challenged me, he took me out of my safe little box and showed me the world could be magnificent. He was everything I wasn’t.

Aimee Anderson is ten when the traveling carnival first comes to her nice little town. She doesn’t expect her world to change so completely. But meeting Kestrel Donohue puts her life on a different path.

Even though she only sees him for the two weeks of the year when he passes through her home town, his friendship is the most important of her life. As a child’s friendship grows to adult love, the choices become harder, and both Kes and Aimee realize that two weeks a year will never be enough.

More Details

Genre: New Adult/ Romance
Page Length: 292
Characters: Aimee and Kes
Publication Date: 27^th January 2017
Format: eBook

Review

I decided at the beginning of the week to look at some of the books I have had on my kindle for ages and not yet read. This is where I came across this little gem.

This book was so addictive. When a traveling carnival comes to Aimee’s hometown. It’s there that she meets Kes and her life is forever changed, from then on every year when the carnival comes to town Aimee and Kes are reunited and what starts out as a childhood friendship soon turns to love as they grow into adults.

I really liked how this book was written, its broken into two parts. The first part of the story starts off right from the beginning when they first meet and continues to their teenage years. So you get a really nice backstory of the two characters meeting. The second part jumps ahead 8 years to the present day and the story continues.

During the first part of the book, I really enjoyed both the characters. Aimee’s family life is anything but perfect her dad is an over controlling and borderline abusive in how he treats his family, so I had a lot of empathy for her. Kes’s background, working in a carnival was really interesting and very different to anything I’ve read before.

The second part of the book both characters frustrated me a lot because of how close-minded they were in terms of how she and Kes could make things work. Neither of them seemed to want to sacrifice or compromise in any way.

The thing that I liked most was that this book had really good storytelling. I was sucked in from the first page and I devoured this book in a day. I will definitely be reading the second book.

The Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a romance novel with a twist then give this one a try.

My Rating: 3/5 🌟 🌟 🌟

Let’s Talk (18#) Gifts for Book Lovers – Adults

Published on October 5, 2017October 3, 2017 by Tracey-J4 Comments

With only a few months until Christmas I thought it would be a good time to look at some gift ideas for the book lover in your life:

1. Letter from a book character

I actually have one of these so I can vouch for the quality of the product. They are so cute, mine was part of a mystery book box that got for the release of A Court Wings and Ruin.

2. Book Quote Cushion Cover

I have one of these too, it’s just the cover though and it’s beautiful!

3. Quote Mark Earrings

I love these earrings, they are cute! I may even have to add them to my own list! Perfect someone who reads and writes!

4. Framed Book Page Prints

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of these but I’ve included them because I know that they are quite popular, I’d probably have one if I could customise the quote.

5. Book Spoon

Ok so this is more of stocking filler rather than a full-on gift, but I thought it was so unique!

6. Hot Girls Read Cup

I’m a sucker for a novelty cup, I mean who doesn’t love these? I think this one is pretty damn cool!

7. MacBook Case

Ok, so this one is only really going to work if who you’re buying it for has a Mac or if you’re buying them a Mac and you want to get them a cool case to go with it then this is perfect!

8. Personal Library Kit

If you know someone who likes to loan out their books, then this would make a great gift!

9. Coffee Mugs with Definitions

These crack me up! I think they are just so cool! Yes, this is the second cup thing I’ve put on this list, yes I do have an obsession with cups. If you’re looking for a cup for a specific then Etsy has some great ones!

10. Reading Door Mat

and to finish off my list this little beaut!

If you want to play its safe then I suggest getting vouchers from Amazon or whatever local bookstore your book-loving friend/significant other likes to shop at!

That’s it for this week, I’d love to hear your gift suggestions so please feel free to drop them in the comments. Also, keep a lookout for the next “Let’s Talk’ post because I’m going to be sharing my bookish gift suggestions for children.

Until Next Time 🤓