Cover Me by Margaret Watson

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Romance
Author: Margaret Watson Website  :: Facebook :: Goodreads
Series: The Donovan Family #5
Publication Date: April 28, 2015

Summary

Chicago cop Brendan Donovan loves the adrenaline rush of his role on a tactical team. So when he's assigned to an undercover job to ferret out the supplier of a new and deadly sex drug, he's thrilled. His partner is Cilla Marini, a detective he'd met recently during a traffic stop. He's intrigued by Cilla, but his sister told him that Cilla doesn't date cops. Which is exactly what they have to pretend to do. Brendan loves a challenge. 

Cilla is shocked to find out that Brendan is her mystery partner. After an incident that forced her to transfer from her district and isolated her from her fellow cops, Cilla knows relationships with cops are off the table. But she's spent far too much time thinking about Brendan since he pulled her over for speeding. Now, not only are they working together, they have to pose as a couple to find the source of the sex drug that's already killed several men. 

As the action heats up, Cilla and Brendan don't have to pretend they want each other. But when secrets put them both in danger, will they have each other's back? Or will their quarry divide and conquer them before they can find their way to happily ever after? 

When Margaret Watson reached out to me to review Cover Me, I was more than happy to jump back into my love of reading and enjoyment of reviewing after having my first child. I swear, I've been reading so many parenting books and on Mommy Blogs by brain NEEDED this like my cup needs another refill of coffee. Although I never read books out of order, I didn't do any research other than reading the blurb emailed to me and easily decided that Cover Me was exactly what I needed to get over my new Mama reading slump.

Review: Double Click (Click, Book 2)

Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Chick Lit
Author: Lisa Becker Facebook :: Goodreads
Series: Click, An Online Love Story Sequel
Publication Date: March 27, 2013

Summary

Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. 

Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? 

Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends. 

I read Click: An Online Love Story quite some time ago and was very pleased with the format and hilarity that ensued. When Ms. Becker asked me to review Double Click, I was so excited and couldn't wait to catch back up with the girls (and Mark...and Ethan). :) 

Review: Rule (Marked Men, Book 1)

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Romance
Author: Jay Crownover Website :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter
Series: Marked Men
Publication Date: December 30, 2012

Summary
Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters.

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight--A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want--and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen. 

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess-and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw-even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is. 

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.

Being the rebel and disappointing his family was common place for Rule. But when his best friend and twin brother died in a terrible accident the bridge tying him to his family crumbled. Living his life the way he pleased and keeping emotions hidden was the only way to survive. As a tattoo artist, he heals other's pain with his tools. But his wounds are scarred over now and the life he lives is his own...except for on Sunday's when Shaw wakes his lazy butt up and takes him to family brunch.

Shaw's life has never been the same since that night. She's kept all of his secrets even in death as she would never hurt him, even if it kills her. Shaw has always been able to balance the "look" of perfection, simply because there is no other option. With parents like hers you would think she would be strong but she's too tired to care really. Honestly? Being in love with Rule is pointless and she knows it. He sees her as his brother's girl, and she was...but she was also his, and he never knew it.

Slow-building, sexy and addicting, Rule is one of those novels that readers can easily identify with. Jay Crownover writes with perfect pace, humor and honesty - and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read about the other's in the Marked Men series. Tattoos, alpha males and the women who tame them? Sounds perfectly delicious to me!

Review: Gone Girl

Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Author: Gillian Flynn Website :: Facebook
Publication Date: May 24, 2012

Summary

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. 

Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. 

Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer? 

 As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? 

And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

This was a different genre choice for me. I wanted something to break up the fantasy and paranormal's I've been devouring recently and Gone Girl was suggested to me by a friend.

Review: A Tale of Two Kingdoms (Black Swan, Book 6)

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Victoria Danann
Series: Knights of Black Swan Book 6
Publication Date: January 6, 2014

Summary

Love is the exception to every rule. 

Duff Torquil is heir to Scotia, the kingdom of Fae, who have been at war with the Elves for two thousand years. Fae and Elves are both species who have evolved to respond to one fated lover with whom they will mate for life. Duff Torquil’s predestined mate is perfect for him in every way: beautiful, smart, polished, strong willed and a talented psychic who works for The Order of the Black Swan. 

The only problem is that she’s Aelsong Hawking, the only daughter of the royal house of Elves.

AHHH! I have been waiting and waiting for Song and Duff's novel and now, I can wait no longer!

If you haven't read the first 5 novels in the Black Swan series, please do. Ms. Danann is a compelling writing that keeps the reader engaged from the first to the last page. She builds believable yet fantastical worlds, relationships worthy of envy with beautiful editing that makes the read smooth and distraction free. Now on to a bit about A Tale of Two Kingdoms.

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Shine (Mageri Series, Book 5)

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Dannika Dark
Series: Mageri Series, Book 5
Publication Date: December 20, 2014

Love is infinite. 
Hate is absolute. 

In the short span of a year, Silver has gone from becoming a Mage to discovering the truth about her unique genetics. Logan Cross went from her mortal enemy to her immortal lover, but a threat is fast approaching like an inevitable storm. Attacks are underway against the Mageri and one man is behind it—an elusive foe who is an unstoppable force. Nero is not Silver’s only concern as someone close to her is arrested for treason. In the midst of chaos, Silver discovers she cannot protect everyone from the wrath of fate, including her own Ghuardian. 

Justus finally opens his heart, but an unexpected turn of events could darken his soul forever. Secrets are revealed that will leave you reeling from one twist after the next. Would you sacrifice everything for love? 

Destiny has set sail and once she alters her course, no one’s life will ever be the same in this explosive conclusion to the Mageri Series.

Available for purchase at 

         

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hearken (Daughters of the Sea, Book 4)

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Mature YA Paranormal Romance
Author: Kristen Day Website :: Goodreads :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest
Series: Daughters of the Sea Forsaken :: Awaken :: Chosen
Publication Date: November 9, 2013
Buy: Amazon :: Smashwords

Sometimes our souls hear what our minds and hearts refuse to accept. 

It will whisper its continuous cadence until we're strong enough to glimpse the truth. 

When the soul's whispers morph into screams, we're forced to gaze into the mirrors of time and see ourselves for who we really are. 

Would you be able to handle what gazes back?

I have been ever-so-patiently waiting for the release of Kristen Day’s newest installment of the Daughters of the Sea series, Hearken – and was it ever worth wait! All of our favorite characters are back with the addition of super sexy Sebastian – and paint has NEVER sounded so delicious! Hehe!

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Gathering Storm (Order of the Black Swan, Book 5)

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Victoria Danann Website :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter
Series: Order of the Black Swan, Book 5
Publication Date: September 19, 2013
Buy: Kindle :: Paperback

The fifth installment in the Black Swan serial saga. READING IN ORDER STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. That’s why we have a try-before-you-buy-program. The first book in the saga, My Familiar Stranger, is PermaFREE everywhere. 

THE NEWSLETTER: Z Team, a.k.a Zed Company, is transferred to Jefferson Unit, which is being temporarily retired as an active hunter facility and converted to a research / training institution. Sol takes his first vacation – ever – leaving Glen in charge with Storm supervising. Rosie is proving to be an extraordinary little girl and Deliverance is in BIG trouble with her mother. 

THE SURPRISES: Storm is really not himself. Former members of B Team must reunite to preserve his image and reputation. No one could have prepared for the surprises Rosie delivers, least of all Glen. 

THE ADVENTURE: The Ralengclan send a second wave assassination team to Jefferson Unit at the worst possible time, when it’s been left defended by only Z Team, Glen, the Lady Laiken and the trainees.

Victoria Danann is an author for the ages, creating scenes so real, so honestly hilarious one moment and heart breaking the next, readers find themselves completely immersed in Danann's world of breathtakingly sexy Knights and beautifully strong Ladies, all revolving within an intertwining universe that is uniquely her own.

Release Day Blitz: City of the Fallen (Dark Tides, Book One)

Buy: Amazon

Five years ago, vampires came out of hiding and took over the world. It was meant to be a quick enslavement but it turned into a bloody battle that brought humanity to the brink of extinction.



Isabelle Bryant is one of the “lucky” survivors, now living in hiding, scavenging for food through deserted towns. 



And she’s tired of it. 



So she’s devised a plan: find the king of the vampires and drive a stake through his heart.



Except that wickedly sensual king Marcus is nothing like the monster she expected. And while landing on his bed was part of the plan all along, discovering that he might hold the key to humanity’s survival certainly wasn’t. The catch? Saving humanity also means ensuring vampire survival. It means giving up hope for a return to a human-ruled world. 



As sparks fly and hate becomes heat, Isabelle must pick a side -- before the darkness devours them all.

I am so excited about the release of City of the Fallen. I love the idea of an apocalyptic after-the-rise take on vampire's coming out of the coffin, with them being the enslavers instead of just seamlessly integrating into society. 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: ReAwakened (Angel Creek, Book Two)

Rating: Review in Progress
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Author: Ada Adams Website :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Goodreads
Series: Angel Creek
Publication Date: November 27. 2012
Buy: Kindle :: Paperback

Becoming a vampire guardian was Dawn Fairchild’s ticket out of the Scarlet House. Fresh off a successful mission, life in Angel Creek should have been great. But when her sort-of-maybe-boyfriend, Sebastian, disappears on a quest to help a beautiful vampire from his past, Dawn finds herself amidst a web of danger, lies, and deceit. 

Joining forces with Razor, an enigmatic rebel lacking both a verbal and a physical filter, and her band of Misfits—Brooke, Sophie, Hunter, and Seth—Dawn is thrust into a race against the clock to solve the mystery surrounding brutal Born kidnappings and come to terms with the sudden discovery of her own unique powers. With time ticking away and Born vampires’ lives in jeopardy, it quickly becomes evident that someone—or something—desperately wants Dawn and is willing to shed any amount of blood to get her. 

Dawn has only one chance to face her demons and overcome all obstacles standing in her way as she embarks on the biggest mission of her life—one that threatens a deadly outcome for all involved.

I am about halfway into ReAwakened and it is just another incredible story from Ada Adams. I'm loving the twists and turns on this one, a little darker than ReVamped (you can find my review HERE) and a new sexy character that I cannot WAIT to read more about. :) I'll be reading until the wee-hours of the morning with this one and hopefully will have my review posted in its entirety tomorrow evening.