Shameless

Archives: Reviews

  • McFarland’s Farm by Cardeno C.

    McFarland’s Farm is a sweet and sexy audio-read. The narrator made for easy listening and I found myself savoring this book and only listening to it when I could really pay attention. The characters are fun and engaging, the premise is a favorite trope of mine and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves audiobooks, or who’d like to try one for the first time. [December 2014]

  • It Ain’t Me, Babe by Tillie Cole

    Tillie Cole holds no punches — literally — with It Ain’t Me, Babe. Many of the books I read skim over the gory and violent activities of the bad guys, but not here. We read it all in this book: the good, the bad, and the disturbing. I enjoyed reading about Mae and Styx’s story and being introduced to the Hades Hangmen, the most hardcore of all motorcycle clubs. And then there’s Styx’s mouth. That. Mouth. I stand up and applaud the talent of that mouth. I absolutely recommend It Ain’t Me, Babe, and I’ll definitely pick up Heart Recaptured when I recover from the darkness of the Hades Hangmen.

  • Enforce by Rachel Van Dyken

    I have a love/hate relationship for alternate POV books. I mean, why do I need the story again? But I’m feeling the love for Enforce. Being inside the minds of a Mob Boss and his three best friends is scary, but it made me finally understand why they did the things they did. Knowing why Nixon could be such an ass then so loving to Trace…knowing everyone’s back-story…seeing it through their eyes really brings the series full circle. Brilliant! [December 2014]

  • Kaleidoscope by Kristen Ashley

    Once one of Kristen Ashley’s alphas recognizes his life-mate, he holds on tight and doesn’t let anything come between them. Deck works hard on breaking down Emme’s walls, it’s almost painful watching her close up and try to push him away, especially when her version of their future comes out and is vastly different from his. Kristen Ashley does let us reminisce with most of the characters (especially the women) from the previous Colorado Mountain books, so it’s a nice reunion and of course, the women give Emme advice as she navigates her new relationship. I love this series, I want a mountain man of my own, and trying to find a Gnaw Bone type of town is totally on my bucket list.

    This book is quintessential Kristen Ashley. It has the hot alpha man, the cool, sweet, quirky but damaged heroine, KA’s detailed descriptions of everything and we get glimpses of some old friends from Denver. There’s some mystery, but it did not take up a lot of the story. This story was built around Emme’s past and what happened to her as a child, and how that shaped the adult she became. Just a beautiful story. I loved every word.

  • A Desperate Man Volume 1 by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine

    Oh, Evan James is a dirrrty-dirrty boy. His sex obsession has derailed his life and he chases it like a heroin addict. Working the male point of view, I could really see his angst and really live through the clutches of his addiction. I can’t wait for the next installment. [December 2014]

  • The Ex (The Boss Book 4) by Abigail Barnette

    Rarely is there a series that can hold my interest through 4+ books. Either it hits a point of me being annoyed that the characters can’t get their ish together 3 books later, or there is no longer any real meat to the story, just reading like: “sex, passing of time, big obstacle, sex, more time passes, sex, misunderstanding, sex.” Not so with The Boss series.

    Four books later, this is still one of my absolute favorite stories. Not because it’s hotter than hot (which it is) and not because it’s unique (which it is), but because it is written with such a terrifically intimate sincerity. Look, I’m no authority on the BDSM community. I am not — nor have I ever been — in a D/s relationship. But to me, Neil and Sophie have such an honest mutual vulnerability and respect that really appeals to me. Exploring and pushing boundaries together with an indelible thick-and-thin love. A gorgeous, deliciously erotic, responsible portrayal of life and love within dominance and submission, that doesn’t strip itself of substance, or give me the this-doesn’t-feel-quite-right heebie-jeebs. Abigail Barnette not only engages and entertains me with her writing, but she impresses me tremendously. I can not wait to read what 2015 has in store for Neil and Sophie. [December 2014]

  • The Accidental Assassin by Nichole Chase

    If you’re looking for a dark and twisted assassin tale, this is not for you. Especially since I was grinning within 3 pages and laughing after another 40 pages. Even though there are some sweet and hot moments between Owen and Ava, I’m pretty sure most of my highlights are the funny stuff. This book had such a great mix of suspense, romance under pressure, and humor, all done right. The side characters added more comic relief and substance to the plot, and everything was so interwoven beautifully, that I didn’t want the story to end. You will love Owen as a tough killer until he’s around Ava, where he gets “mushy,” as she likes to tease him. [December 2014]

  • Eskimo Slugger by Brad Boney

    No one pulls my heartstrings like Brad Boney. This isn’t a series you have to read in order really, but unless you like having your heart torn to pieces, I suggest that you do. Or at least that you read The Nothingness of Ben first. The Return is absolutely worth reading as well (in fact it may be my favorite) but you’ll need the comforting background of Nothingness before you tackle this one. And you want to tackle this one, because it hurts so good. [December 2014]

  • MVP by M Robinson

    The end of a trilogy is so very important. Book one in this series, VIP, was a blog tour and I was hesitant because I was mostly reading and reviewing erotica but thought, what the hell, reading something different might be fun.

    So glad I did.

    The journey of Ysabelle and Sebastian is multi-faceted. You begin with them as children. How they both grow up is important to this story and makes you understand how and why they make the decisions they do. One born to privilege and a loving family and one born in the gutter with trash as a parent. The backstory alone kept me interested and engaged. I gave VIP, book one in this series a 5 star rating as well as this one. I LOVE a good love story and though this one doesn’t start the most conventional way it is still an amazing journey.

    MVP was the perfect ending to their story, filled with angst, tears, joy and a whole lot of “What the FLUCK just happened?” It’s like you’re reading several books in one. The support characters in all three books will have you begging the author for their own books as well. Maybe if we all get together and beg she just might do it! Cross fingers!

    I fell in love with Ysa in VIP and wanted nothing more for her to find her happily ever after. I can’t tell you if she does. What I can tell you is she makes some REALLY bad mistakes on her journey of self discovery and finding forgiveness from the one person that loves her without conditions will be a battle that will take a miracle to win.

    Thank you for the journey Mo! [December 2014]

  • Dust of Snow by Indra Vaughn

    ‘Tis the season for warm and fuzzy Christmas stories!! I loved this book, especially Greg, from the first page. Greg is still reeling from a bad break-up that happened a year ago. He’s been spending all of his time with his Mother and his cat. Until one day a Secret Santa starts leaving sweet gifts for him. Swoon!! Enter Ash. A little older, gorgeous and sexy. Just what Greg needs to get his mojo back. Dust of Snow is sweet and oh so very sexy, the perfect Christmas HEA. [December 2014]

  • Cold Feet by Jay Northcote

    Cold Feet is exactly what I want from a Christmas story. The setting is lovely and idyllic, the guys are sweet, and the romance is heartwarming. I just cuddled up on the couch by the fire one evening and read it one sitting. All the happy feelings. ~ Solange [December 2014]

  • In Too Deep by Kate Sherwood

    Kate Sherwood is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. She’s absolutely great at developing characters and giving them real, sometimes witty, sometimes poignant dialogue. In Too Deep had my heart flip over several times while I read it. The story oscillates between touching sweetness and a level of angst that was almost hard to bear. I couldn’t put this book down. I was grateful for leftovers this Thanksgiving. [December 2014]

  • Take Me To Paradise (Sinners on Tour Encores) by Olivia Cunning

    I can’t get enough of the Sinners on Tour. Brian and Myrna’s honeymoon story totally lives up to the series’s smutty reputation. Brian and Myrna hit Aruba and bring their insatiable libidos. And thank you, Olivia for that! [December 2014]

  • Owning Violet by Monica Murphy

    There’s nothing I hate more than a whiny, wimpy heroine. There’s nothing I love more than that whiny, wimpy heroine finding her strength and backbone. And if she finds it while banging a tattooed, pierced bad boy in a suit? Even better! This book is filled with hot, dirty sex, suspense, villains you love to hate and an alpha a-hole who shows just enough of his soft side to be likable. [December 2014]

  • Mai Tai’d Up by Alice Clayton

    Do you like hot veternarians? Do you like dogs? Meee tooo! Chloe Patterson is a runaway-bride-debutante-beauty-queen with a brand dog rescue. Lucas is the hot vet in town with is own bit of troubled past. Alice brings the relaxed pace and quick wit to Mai Tai’d Up. [November 2014]

  • Forever with Me by Kristen Proby

    For me, Dominic has always been the mysterious Montgomery, the half-brother they found later in life. As it turns out, the romantic, protective alpha-ness runs in Steven Montgomery’s genes and Dominic has it just as much as his brothers. Alecia is a quintessential With Me in Seattle heroine, she’s smart and successful. She has her own life and is not waiting for a man to make it better. In fact, our Dominic has to work extra hard to break down Alecia’s defenses. I love how Kristen wraps up the series. I’ll miss them, but she gave them a beautiful goodbye. [November 2014]

    A new Montgomery Man to love, what more could a girl ask for? Like his brothers, Dominic is sexy, successful and has no trouble going after the lady he’s meant to be with. He had to work extra hard to win Alecia, but I really enjoying watching him try. Dom and Alecia’s story was the perfect ending to one of my favorite series. [November 2014]

  • Bright Side by Kim Holden

    I knew going into Bright Side that it’s supposed to be a tear-jerker, so I thought I was ready. I wasn’t ready. I’d also heard that it is a slow start to get into, and I have to agree. But then I got to the point where I couldn’t stop thinking about the story and the characters. I caught myself wondering how everything would fit together; how the details were going to work their way together into the tear-jerker I knew it was going to be. And damn you, Kim Holden, when they did, I cried my eyeballs dry. Heck yeah, this is a must-read!

  • Elect by Rachel Van Dyken

    I was hooked by the first chapter of book 1, and I NEEDED to know what happened to Nixon, Trace and Chase. I was not disappointed. So much action, suspense and romance. The Mafia has never been so sexy. [December 2014]

  • You Were Mine by Abbi Glines

    I love catching up with old friends from Rosemary Beach. Tripp’s been around off and on, but returned to Rosemary Beach for good after his cousin died. Everyone is worried about Bethy but the friends can’t figure out why Tripp is so worried because he hardly knows her. But Tripp and Bethy have a past no one knows about, and now he’s trying to win back the love of his life. Their story is heart breaking, romantic and steamy and is the perfect addition to the Rosemary Beach saga. [December 2014]

  • Falling for the Enemy by Samanthe Beck

    I love my #LikeCandy reads, but “boundary pushing” isn’t usually an apt description. It is in this case! Ginny and Wolverine have a burn up the Kindle/incinerate the panties moment that DUDE, I mean DUDE. [December 2014]

  • Ransom by Lee Rowan

    Set in the Age of Sail, this book hits every single one of my buttons. Navy officers, pirates, kidnapping, flogging *bites lip*, and forbidden romance. Well written, engaging characters, hot sex. I literally couldn’t ask for more, apart from the two books to follow. Highly recommended. [October 2014]

  • Leo Maddox by Sarah Darlington

    Leo has been in love since he was six, and now at 21, he’s ready to get his girl. I love friend-to-lovers stories, but this one is different. Leo and Clara have had a hate-hate relationship forever. Clara’s twin sister is Leo’s best friend, but he and Clara have butted heads forever. It was so sweet and funny and real watching them get together. There was a lot of (sometimes unnecessary) drama and a definite lack of communication, but that is what makes their story real. This is the perfect quick, easy, sweet read. [November 2014]

  • Hard to Come By by Laura Kaye

    I’m addicted to the Hard Ink series by Laura Kaye and Hard to Come By was the perfect addiction-feeder! Marz promised a complex story and didn’t disappoint. Danger and peril lurk at every corner for Derek/Marz and Emilie Garza and their sexy-times are HOT. I can’t wait for the next installment! ~ Nelle [November 2014]

  • Braydon by Nicole Edwards

    I love this series. I love sexy cowboys. I love the Walker Brothers. I love that they’re close, loyal and fiercely protective of each other. I’ve been waiting to see what would happen when the twins who shared women could no longer share. Would loyalty win out over love? Just like the other books in the series, Braydon was not short on heat. Whether it was menage or one-on-one action, Nicole Edwards brings the hotness. It’s always nice to catch up with the Walker Brothers that already have their HEA, and I’m looking forward to seeing Brendan and Sawyer each get their own. [November 2014]

  • The King by Tiffany Reisz

    Again, Tiffany Reisz puts words on virtual paper, stacks them up against all the other words on paper, and throws down the metaphorical mic. BOOM. She rocked my world with The King. Granted, I’m a big Kingsley fan, so getting to know his personal history and more depth to his relationship with Søren was a treat for me. If you’re an Original Sinners fan, you’re putting your life on hold when The King lights up your Kindle.

  • Captivated by You by Sylvia Day

    Gideon and Eva’s crazy love story picks up where we left them, together but on shaky ground. This one is focused more on Gideon and the lengths he will go to to keep Eva safe and with him. Gideon is the definition of “loving someone too much” and he knows he couldn’t live without Eva. There’s a ton of fighting and even more sex. Rough, gentle, kinky, sweet… Eva and Gideon are constantly going at it. And I loved it.
    Every.
    Freaking.
    Word.
    Now we can all (not so patiently) wait together for the conclusion of their story. I know it’ll be worth the wait! [November 2014]

  • Surviving Us by Erin Noelle

    This. This is how you do New Adult. Davis and Bristol regular college kids on a beautiful island getaway. But this getaway is for people dealing with survivor guilt from losing loved ones. They meet and have an immediate connection, pushing their demons aside for two weeks of fun. And what starts as a vacation fling turns into more. Their story is sweet and incredibly sexy. Sex-y. Their banter was fun and real, the writing stellar. It’s a must-read for all of you NA junkies. [November 2014]

  • An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

    One of my hangups with YA and NA books is that they feel phony. They read like they were written by an adult who’s forgotten entirely what it feels like to be a kid. A teen. A young adult. Wondering who you are. Where you fit. Feeling lost. Feeling insecure. Feeling exhilarated. FEELING.

    John Green remembers.

    This is a story about Colin Singleton, a young prodigy who has dated- and been dumped by- nineteen Katherines. After his latest failed Katherine, a heartbroken Colin, and his best friend hit the road with no destination in mind, for a summer of freedom.

    I fell in love with every character in this book. With honest, valuable friendships, incredibly funny dialogue, wisdom beyond its young years, and simple love, An Abundance of Katherines is perfection. ~ Kyleigh Jane [Month 2014]

  • Rebel by Skye Jordan

    Former supermodel Rubi Russo has it all: looks, brains and money. She likes to keep her love life unencumbered of romantic involvements, and indulging in one night stands keeps her to that goal. As her friendship grows closer with Renegade stuntman, Wes Lawson, she cannot deny the attraction. Wes is a nice country boy and he wants more than Rubi can give him. Rubi’s dysfunctional/non-existent family life has left her with an icy cold heart. What will it take for Wes to break through her barriers and warm her up? And extra love to the multicultural Rubi, love seeing diversity in the genre! ~ Nelle [December 2013]

  • Caged in Winter by Brighton Walsh

    Super sweet story about a girl, all alone in the world, and a guy that wants to be everyone’s hero. What I liked most about this story is that it’s real. Cade and Winter are realistic characters with realistic issues. They’re both just trying to get through College and move on with the rest of their lives. This story is about them growing as people and growing together in their relationship. No unnecessary drama. Just love and dating and sexy times. It’s the perfect NA read. [November 2014]