Beauty Awakened- Gena Showalter

Koldo- a strong, scarred, powerful warrior who seeks vengeance for the angel who ruthlessly removed his wings.  He fights for the army of good, called Unsent Ones, with the help of his leader Zacharel and several other warriors.  He has never known desire… until he meets Nicola Lane.

Nicola Lane- human with a heart defect, and although her body is weak, her spirit is strong.  Koldo falls hard for Nicola, this fragile human and will do anything to keep her by his side. She is Koldo’s salvation as well as his downfall.  But, just how far will he have to go to ensure that Nicola will stay with him forever? What sacrifices will he have to make to keep her with him? 

 

Okay, let me just be brutally honest here.  What happened to this series?  This is only the second book, and I’m already so disappointed.  This didn’t even read like a Gena Showalter book, AT ALL.  I thought the story itself was good. Very tortured hero, who feels unworthy of love and will do anything to make sure his woman is happy.  He’s also able to overcome his need for vengeance because of his love for his lady, so she heals him in not just body, but mind too.  Nicola was probably my favorite of the couple. I wasn’t sure if she was going to succumb and be the whiney, wimpy female or be “the I’m now a bad ass and can take any of you suckers down” type. I thought she grew into her own person, accepted her issues and fought for what she wanted.  Now, notice I said above that I thought the story itself was just good, not phenomenal because it didn’t blow me away or anything.  I liked it..that was all.

 Now, my real complaint is how preachy the love part is. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s very admirable that Koldo hadn’t succumbed to his desires and bedded every female around unlike his fellow warriors.  Honestly? I loved that quality about him, and how unsure he was when it came to the love part.  But, and it’s a big but, I had a hard time following their “almost” experience and the real thing.  I had a hard time deciphering what they were even doing half the time.  I know the caliber of writing Ms.Showalter can do, and this just wasn’t up to par.  They only had 2 sexy scenes in the whole almost 450 page book.  Some kissing here and there, but that was it. So, I warn you now, don’t go into this book thinking you’re going to get something even close to sexy times, because all you’re going to be left with is confusion.    

I gave it a 2 out of 5.

Play to Him by Wendi Zwaduk

So first off, I know this is a rather short review, but sometimes there's only so much I can say.  I really liked this book even though I hadn't been introduced to these characters before. 

 

I have to admit, I’m always a little skeptical when reading a BDSM book.  I blame the whole 50 shades fiasco for my fear.  However, I should’ve known that Wendi wouldn’t let me down.  

I was pleasantly surprised when reading this.  I didn’t feel like the BDSM aspect was one sided, and really felt a connection between Rhiannon and Sebastian. Rhiannon is lonely and unsure about relationships due to her past and Sebastian doesn’t really know how to express his love for her.  I felt bad for Rhiannon because of what happened in her previous relationship (no spoilers) but it made my heart go out to her.   Overall, I was really impressed with how these two came together. So please check this book out and help support a good BDSM writer. :)

 

Wendi can be found at:

Wendi Zwaduk Website

Wendi Zwaduk Blog

So be sure to drop her a line!

 

Giveaway winner and update!

Just wanted to post a brief update since the blog hop is over. Sarah G is our winner for the author swag bag.. so thank you Sarah! Also, thank you to everybody who participated in both giveaways.  It means a lot to us that you guys took the time out to enter and help spread the word about the blog! :)  I plan on doing another giveaway when we reach 50 followers, so only 9 more people to make that happen! I think the 50 followers giveaway will be a little bit bigger than this one, but not sure yet what it will be. 

Also, I have my friend Wendy here helping me run the site and reviewing some books. So, make sure to show her some love. :)

I'll be back tomorrow with a review of Play to Him by Wendi Zwaduk.  I'm a little late on that. :(

A. B McKinley/Scott McKinley Blog Hop and Giveaway Post!

The author A.B. McKinley aka Scott McKinley has donated 5 free ebooks in connection with this blog hop.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sammy's Sweet Reads Blog is also doing a giveaway for some author swag.  Please like us on Facebook/Follow us on Twitter and/or Tweet the giveaway to be entered. I will mail out of the U.S if necessary. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've already reviewed Sands of Betrayal, you can click on the link to be taken to my review.  However, I am attaching the blurb and buy link for y'all to easily check out the book. 

Blurb:

Sensual! Exciting! Passionate!

Scott Maclaren, a strong, Special Forces Scotsman, terribly injured during his tour of duty in Afghanistan. His journey begins with a broken heart after his wife leaves him for another man during his time in the hospital. Traveling across the Atlantic to visit family, his story now begins.

After years of physical therapy and being alone, things were about to look up. Katie Johnson, a beautiful Ohio schoolteacher, was where his ‘dream’ of passion and love were to become reality. Smoldering embers became a passionate, raging fire between them. A wanting and desire that burned for one another as neither had ever experienced before.

Scott’s love for Katie and her two girls would lead him to great lengths to make all their dreams come true, including a six-month security contract in the Middle East. The money would ensure financial security for life.

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/KILTED-DESIRE-Sands-Betrayal-ebook/dp/B0082EQ762/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362446534&sr=8-1&keywords=kilted+desire

Starting Over- Barbara Elsborg Review

Pia has been unlucky in the love department since her husband died.  Not only that, but she stuck in a dead end job that she hates.  She goes to work and comes home, very little excitement in between.  She decides to answer a personal column in the newspaper one evening and meets Steve.  She and Steve pick a time and place to meet up for a little hanky panky.  However, when she gets to the hotel room ,it’s not Steve that she meets but Connor and Espen.  

Connor and Espen have decided that they need a third in their lives… and they want Pia.  After their night of fun is over, Pia is gone.   The guys aren’t sure what happened or what they’ve done but can they convince her to be with them permanently?

I honestly love Barbara Elsborg’s MMF stories.  I don’t read a lot of ménage, but I love, love, love hers.  The only complaint that I had with this story is that I wish it was longer.  I can assume that they got together at the end but it was left somewhat short in my opinion.  Either way, I still really enjoyed it and thought she did a great job with it.  Connor and Espen were probably my favorite part of the whole thing.  They were sweet and funny, and just flat out made me laugh at some parts.  I really liked Pia too, her and her “slutty feet.” Overall, just a fun and enjoyable read.  

You can find Ms. Elsborg at her website and blog:
Barbara Elsborg Website
Barbara Elsborg Blog

Edge Of Dawn Review

I am huge fan of Adrian's series and have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books.  In the last book, Darker After Midnight,  I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about moving on to the next generation.  Although, I do realize series can get stale without change, I was very weary about Edge Of Dawn.   I just wasn't ready to move on from the original members of the Order.  But I needed to know what happened to my beloved Order and their children.

Edge Of Dawn is the eleventh book in Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed Series.  It begins 20 years after the Order defeats Dragos and have been discovered by humans.  In those 20 years there has been war and violence, and the world has changed.  Now there is hope for peace among the Breed and the humans.  An organization made up of the Breed and humans attempt to work together to achieve peace and co-existence between the two.

Lucan is more of a politician than a warrior, and the next generation has stepped up to try and help maintain order in the world.  Mira, the young Breedmate most of us came to love and adore, is all grown up and has become a warrior.  We are brought into her world and learn all about her love for Kellan Archer, who has died 8 years early.  We are also introduced to many characters including the original Orders offspring.  

Mira has grieved for Kellan and hasn't been able to truly move on from his death. After Lucan assigns her a task of escorting a very important scientist to a Peace Summit, she is kidnapped and discovers that Kellan has not died.  This is where their story begins.

I prefer not to give away too much of the story since there are some unexpected twists and turns.

If you were worried at all like I was about Edge Of Dawn, relax there is definitely no need to, this book has it all.  As I started reading the first page, I quickly remembered why I enjoy Adrian's series, she had me at Hello, so to speak.  Her writing has continued to improve and her description of a new world was intriguing.  There's plenty of build up to an interesting storyline,  as well as a new villain, or I should say villains.  Adrian truly understands the love her fans have for the originals of the story, because she makes mention all the Order couples from previous, while some are mentioned a little more than others, you still get your dose of the beloved characters.

There are many moments where you are on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens.  In some ways I feel like this book is similar to the 1st book of a series where there's a lot of setup, so there are unanswered questions that hopefully will be addressed in books yet to come.  Considering this is a more futuristic world, I would have enjoyed more advanced technology and science talk, just to really show you how things have progressed over the years.

Overall, I really enjoyed Edge Of Dawn.  In truth, series can become boring and repetitive (same story insert new name here), ultimately losing the readers attention.  Adrian has created a new world and a new story while including all the beauty of the original books.  She has definitely proven herself as a great story teller in the world of paranormal romance.  I can't wait for the next one.

Undone by the Duke Review

Victoria Andrews is a prisoner inside her own home.  Due to an accident, she has become a recluse and becomes psychically ill when stepping outside.  She is a dressmaker who makes seductive lingerie with her sisters in disguise.  Unlike her sisters, she doesn’t fancy getting married and is settled into her life until she meets the Duke of Worthingstone.

Jonathan Nottoway, Duke of Worthingstone, is attempting to escape a scandal that has followed his family’s name for years.  After being shot and left for dead, he ends up at the Andrews home with Victoria acting as nurse. As his wounds heal, he spends several nights with Victoria who thinks he’s the son of a baron or something lesser than a Duke.  She has no idea what the cards hold for her until Jonathan wants to marry her. Can these two overcome their issues and be together…?

 
I flat out loved this story! I found the book very well written with likeable characters to boot.  I liked that they both had issues to work through and helped each other pull through them. One theme that always gets me is unexpected love.  Victoria didn’t have a coming out or “season”  like her sisters and wasn’t worrying about love but then Jonathan came into her life.  However, I will say this, I felt like the ending was a little bit rushed.  It was all, I love you, and then boom here’s baby.  But even with that, I still really enjoyed it. Ms. Willingham also threw in little side stories to help set up for the next few books in this series.  Overall, I thought this was a great beginning to a new series. 

If you want to read more by Michelle, I've included her website and Facebook:
http://www.michellewillingham.com/
Michelle Willingham Facebook