Review ~ Jack & Coke ~ Lani Lynn Vale #AudioChallenge #TakeControl

Jack & Coke by Lani Lynn Vale
Uncertain Saints #2
Narrated by: Mason Lloyd and Kendall Taylor
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 3 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove, #TakeControl
Goodreads

Synopsis
Lies

Mig's wife is a bitch.

How else do you describe a woman that lies, cheats and steals to get what she wants?

That's exactly what happens when she traps him into a marriage he wants nothing to do with, saddling him with a kid that he knows doesn't deserve to be in a world like his.

He's doing a pretty bang-up job at ignoring everything but his responsibilities as a DEA officer and a member of The Uncertain Saints MC.

Deceit

Annie teaches Mig that not every woman is out to get him.

Her love for Mig stretches past what's appropriate for two friends, and Annie soon straddles that invisible boundary between appropriate and inappropriate.

Annie's not a cheater, though.

When she tries to say goodbye, Mig won't let her leave, and soon the tiny town of Uncertain blows up with the news of Annie and Mig's innocent friendship.

Betrayal

Matters of the heart are foreign to Mig, and it takes Annie being gutted for him to see the wrong he's done.

He waits too long, though, and Annie's heart is broken.

She wants it all, or she wants nothing. She can't take anymore half-hearted attempts at being just friends.

The heart wants what it wants, and it doesn't take long for Mig to realize that.

But just when Mig finally has it all in the palm of his hand, his life is ripped to shreds by a new player in the game, and it takes all of Annie's love and devotion, as well as help from the men of The Uncertain Saints MC, to put Mig back together again.

Jack & Coke pulled me in a bit quicker than its predecessor and seemed to have resolved some of the editing issues that took away from my enjoyment of Whiskey Neat. While I still felt some of the plot threads were too over-the-top, and the storyline a bit formulaic, I did like Mig and Annie's story. There were elements that kept me engaged - mostly the suspense part because I wanted to know who was behind things and how it would work out. And I liked Mig and Annie - they were decent people who both worked to help others although through vastly different means. I liked meeting/spending more time with some of the other characters. However, as I was writing this review and thinking about the story I realized these things:

• the story is predictable - following a similar outline to the first book
• the characters were a bit morally questionable and suffered traumas and tragedies that were too far-fetched for me
• the plot had promise but also had quite a few elements that were too over-the-top

Does this all add up to a bad story? No. It had its moments. But I think the narrators are the best part. Mason Lloyd and Kendall Taylor do a stellar job with what they have to work with and that is admirable.

I have two more from this series in audio but I don't know if I'll continue. I'm definitely going to take a break though.

As an aside, I saw quite a few people were upset by a certain plot element...it is not described/detailed in the story, just stated. It didn't bother me and was explained in a way that made sense and developed another part of the plot. But just so you know - date rape drugs/date rape (perpetrated by a female) is a part of the story.

My TBR List Review ~ December ~ Reapers Legacy ~ Joanna Wylde #MyTBRList #ShelfLove

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 



Reaper's Legacy by Joanna Wylde
Reaper's Motorcycle Club #2
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, MC Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #MyTBRList, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart - and her virginity - to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn't have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach's step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he's never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious - her son, Noah. Unfortunately, Zach's a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah's only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands - with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club - to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn't Sophie's plan for her son, but Ruger isn't giving her a choice. He'll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she'll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way...

I read the first two chapters of Reapers Legacy before it released and I was so upset I couldn't immediately go to buy it and finish it. Yep, it was that good. So it's hard to believe I've had it since right after its release without reading it. The good news? It was worth the wait. *grins*

Reapers Legacy made me think about things like family and loyalty. It incorporated elements I love about the MC genre like the brotherhood of the club and the dynamics between the guys and their women...and children. And where Reapers Property, the first book in the series, had more humor, violence, and grittiness, Reapers Legacy had more emotion. All this made for a satisfying read.

Sophie, bless her heart...she got pregnant at 17. Her family disowned her for wanting to keep the baby and her baby daddy - well, he was far from being a decent human being so he certainly wasn't into being a dad. The only person who's been there for her throughout is Ruger - baby daddy's step brother. Sophie's done an excellent job as a mom to Noah, always putting him first. But in a moment of desperation, Noah is endangered and Ruger comes to the rescue.

Ruger's never understood how his step-brother scored Sophie or what she could have possibly seen in Zack. He's done all in his power to protect and provide for her and Noah. When he finds the condition they're living in he resolves to move them in with him where he can ensure their safety and maybe, their happiness. Naturally though, Sophie took exception to Ruger making decisions for her despite her knowing it was needed. This led to some saucy interactions between her and Ruger.

The chemistry between Sophie and Ruger is explosive. It's a wonder it hadn't combusted sooner - burning them both. But Noah was always their first concern. Watching them try to navigate figuring out how they can get what they each want - and getting to where that's the same thing - without negatively affecting Noah was impressive. And then there was the danger posed by a rival club - something Sophie vehemently did not want touching her or her son. 

Reapers Legacy, of course, has a large supporting cast since the story revolves around a motorcycle club. Wylde brilliantly weaves these characters in, adding depth to the story as well as ensuring I continue the series *wink* because I must know everyone's story.

Reapers Legacy was an awesome read and I'm eager to move ahead in this series.

Review Redux + Review ~ Undeniable & UnBeautifully ~ Madeline Sheehan #ShelfLove

Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan
Undeniable Series #1
Release Date: October 7, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, MC Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Warning: This is not a "typical love story." This is an all-consuming, soul-crushing, tear-your-heart-into-piece story. It's intense, gritty and raw, dark and disturbing, and it doesn't happen overnight. This is an epic love story that knows no boundaries and has no time limits. It grows and develops - with hurt, sacrifice, and heartache - over the span of a lifetime.

Eva Fox is the princess of the Silver Demons Motorcycle Club. Growing up with bikers in the club lifestyle is all that she knows. When she's a young girl, Eva meets the reason for her existence. Deuce West is the sexy, biker bad-ass of the Hell's Horsemen Motorcycle Club. Like Eva, he was born and raised in the club - but that's where the similarities end. Their first meeting is innocent, but as Eva matures into a woman, their chance reunions evolve into a fit of lust and love. Fate continues to bring them together time and time again, but their twisted journey is filled with pain, betrayal, and bloodshed that could tear them apart. Eva sees in Deuce what he cannot see in himself - a man worthy of love - and Eva spends her lifetime proving to him that her undeniable love is the one thing he can't live without.

This is Eva and Deuce's story.

It wasn't easy.
Nothing worth doing ever is.
And love is worth everything.

I first read Undeniable back in late 2012. (If you want to see what my first reviews looked like you can find that review here but don't go in with high expectations. =) It was my first MC book and it made quite an impression. When I decided to re-read it prior to continuing the series, I wondered a few things. 1) Why, if I found the story for unforgettable - and I totally did - did I not continue the series and/or read more from Sheehan? And 2) Would it have the same impact on me how that I have a few MC books under my belt as well as having seen some episodes of SoA?

After my re-read, my answers are: 1) Who the heck knows?!? and 2) A resounding YESSSS!!!

UnBeautifully by Madeline Sheehan
Undeniable Series #2
Release Date: May 13, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, MC Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Warning: This is not a story about fate or destiny. This is a story about pain, sorrow, and suffering. This is an impulsive whirlwind romance between two lovers that are not meant to be together. Theirs is not a world with sunshine and roses. Instead, their love blossoms in a secret world of crime, violence, and death. Their story is about what can be born from nightmares.

Danielle "Danny" West is the daughter of Deuce West, President of the Hell's Horsemen Motorcycle Club. A sweet and beautiful girl, she loses her way, searching for things that are always out of her reach. Erik "Ripper" Jacobs is the Sergeant of Arms in the Hell's Horsemen. Once a man who always had a smile on his face, his life takes a turn for the worst when a tragedy befalls him, leaving him scarred and broken. During a midsummer night, Danny and Ripper's paths cross, forever changing their lives. Hastily, their lust turns to love until another tragedy forces them apart. On a journey that is marred in ugliness and chaos, Danny and Ripper must discover if their unforeseen connection can find the beauty in their world.

This is Danny and Ripper's story.

Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Especially the ugly.
Because without ugly, there would be no beauty.

I immediately dove into UnBeautifully after having finished Undeniable for the second time. I loved being completely immersed in this world, continuing the stories of these character I'm captivated by.

UnBeautifully is the story of Deuce's daughter, Danny, and his Sergeant at Arms, Ripper. Their story develops over a number of years and it's not always pretty. Ripper used to be a player of sorts, until he was used as a pawn in the game played by a rival MC trying to exact revenge against Eva and Deuce. Ripper was left terribly scarred, both outside and inside. He was left with a self-image issue, to say the least, and he doesn't feel worthy of anyone, least of all Danny. Danny has issues of her own being raised by Deuce and her mom, who ends up having little presence in Danny's and her brother's lives. Deuce isn't going to win Dad of the Year, which I found ironic since he preaches respect for women and seemed to show little to his own daughter. Anyway, the romance that blossoms between these two broken souls was beautiful, even when it wasn't, because they so deserved love despite not believing in it.

I liked that Sheehan also continued Eva and Deuce's story - its affect on Ripper and Danny included - as well as other character's we'd met previously. It was fascinating seeing all these added details and gave Danny and Ripper's story that much more depth. Danny and Ripper not only have to deal with self-doubt but also Ripper's position, murder, and mayhem. It was an action-packed and emotionally charged read that kept me reading til well past my bedtime. And I'm eager to continue.

Audio Review ~ One Ride ~ Chelsea Camaron

One Ride by Chelsea Camaron
The Hellions Ride #1
Narrated by: Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden
Release Date: April 26, 2016 (audio)
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Roundman, president of the Hellions Motorcycle Club, has kept the chaos surrounding the Hellions contained for the last thirty years. When the dangerous side to their business comes knocking on his only child's doorstep, he realizes that his precious daughter-Delilah ("Doll")-isn't safe anymore. With Doll in danger from the association she has with him and his club, Roundman makes the only decision he feels he can-send her away. Calling on the one charter club president he trusts, he sets up a ride to keep her safe, all in hopes that trouble won't follow. Talon "Tripp" Crews has been ordered to take Doll on one ride away from the dnager while the club handles the threat. She's off-limits. His head knows this, but his body can't deny the attraction. She's feisty, fierce, and fearless. Constantly in close confines together, will they give in to the desire? Can one ride turn lust into love? Contains mature themes.

I picked One Ride because I was in the mood for an MC story. While One Ride didn't deliver exactly what I was looking for, it was still an enjoyable story.

Delilah "Doll" Reklinger is the daughter of the President of the Hellions. As such, she's treated as precious. Even though the MC life is all she's known and is what she wants for herself, her daddy isn't so sure he wants this life for her. He's done a good job of keeping his club clean and Doll safe but when trouble shows up at Doll's desk, invasive action is required.

Enter Tripp Crews. Tripp is a trusted member of the Hellions and Roundman's first choice in carrying out his plan to protect Doll. If only Tripp wasn't so attracted to her. If only she wasn't off-limits.

Overall, I liked this story. The characters were relatable and I did immerse myself in their story. But here's the thing - I felt Doll acted bratty quite often and it bothered me. Also, I would have liked more exploration of and dealing with the danger. It would have given the story more depth. And I was looking for the dynamics and camaraderie within an MC but it wasn't here in the detail I was hoping for. Of course, that's what I get for going in with expectations.

Mitchell and Arden were excellent though! They kept me engaged despite the story not delivering all I wanted. I will continue the series - I have to know what happens with a few of the secondary characters.

New Release Blitz ~ Cocky Biker ~ Faleena Hopkins (@faleenahopkins)

Cocky Biker - A Stand Alone MC Romance Novel My father is Congressman Michael Cocker. He f*cking hates that I live outside the law. I'm Jett. I don't care that I come from old money. The Ciphers MC - they're my chosen family. We are servants ONLY to our code, our mission. We live it. Breathe it. Search for it. The same force that drives storms, tornadoes and hurricanes, propels us. Like them we arrive without warning and level sh*t, to erect something superior. A loner, I never expected on the most dangerous of our missions to meet an irresistible feral cat. I nicknamed the kitty, Sunshine, and she is anything but. My name is Luna, not Sunshine. I am darkness. Only one thing matters to me...killing the man who murdered my mother when I was ten. I don't have time for Grey Eyes - a f*cking biker named Jett Cocker. No matter how ridiculously hot he is, or how skilled at playing my emotions like a violin. My WHOLE LIFE I've been gearing up for this. I've finally found the murderer. Now. Is. My. Moment. So why am I wasting time with Grey Eyes in this motel room...why is he making me forget my pain? _____________________ The Cocker Brothers of Atlanta, Georgia, have earned their nickname -- The Cocky Brothers. Their daddy taught them to be real men. Their momma told them, "Hold out for a different kind of woman." They have one thing in common: ARROGANCE. A brand new Bad Boy Romance Stand-Alone book series. Six brothers. Six books. Meet Jett Cocker. Book 2.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ITYED3I Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/edit/30633190-cocky-biker Author Website: http://authorfaleenahopkins.com Facebook Fan Page: http://facebook.com/authorfaleenahopkins Pinterest: (pics from the novels on here) https://www.pinterest.com/FaleenaMHopkins/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/faleenahopkins Excerpt “Neither do I,” I breathe as he leans deeper in. Grey Eyes is so dangerously close to my mouth that I can feel his heat.  “Neither do you what?”  “Have a master.” I could use a good fuck, though. “And I don’t want one, either.”  “Every woman wants a master.” “Not true,” I whisper, fighting him because I’m stubborn but inwardly knowing he doesn’t mean equality. He means in the sack. And he’s right. “Deep, deeeeeeep down, she does want a master, Sunshine. She wants him to take charge. Make her pant his name as she quivers underneath him.”  With his eyes all hooded and his naked chest lightly touching the tips of my breasts through my jacket and shirt, Grey Eyes lowers his hand. I follow it, unable not to look. He hovers thick, calloused fingers from riding, just short of my jeans’ zipper and crooks his middle finger as though it were about to be inside me. He’s almost touching me there. I’ve stopped breathing. With a low, slow rasp, he continues to tease me as we both stare at those fucking fingers of his. “Every woman wants a real man. One who knows how to touch her…here. And that man, Sunshine, that man she’d call Master.” His eyes crawl up my body, locking with mine as I press the back of my head into the door, wishing he’d touch me so I could punch him. Or grab the back of his head and eat him alive. Whichever came first. “Baby,” he murmurs, “…this is a fucked-up situation. I want you. But I’d never take you against your will.” He kisses my nose like he did this morning, but this time real slow. “However…if you gave yourself to me, you’d thank me for it.”  He leans in to kiss me but drops down without doing so, grabs my backpack and flashes away from me, pulling my gun out.  I explode, “What the fuck!?” pushing off the door and coming at him. “Give me that!” He jumps on the bed and holds it up. “Now what’s this for, huh?”  “You tricked me!”  “Yup.”  I chase him around the bed, totally helpless. I’m not about to tackle him outright. That weapon is fucking loaded. “GIVE IT BACK!” He grins. “You sound like my brother Jeremy when I found a love letter from his ex-girlfriend! Now, now, Sunshine, stop trying to grab me. You said it was never gonna happen. Can’t change your mind just because I got ya all wet, baby.”  YUP...that's me. I had a Yamaha 80 when I was 10. A Kawasaki at 22, and a Suzuki at 31. This story Is extra close to my heart because I'm a biker at heart. And damn if one day I don't buy a Triumph. ;)

Audio Review ~ Exquisite Trouble ~ Ann Mayburn

Exquisite Trouble by Ann Mayburn
Iron Horse MC #1
Narrated by: Andy E. Ross, Stephanie Wyles
Release Date: February 23, 2015 (audio), July 15, 2014 (ebook)
Genre: Adult, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Source: Audible
Rating: 2 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER Summer 2015, Erotic Romance Reading Challenge 2015
Goodreads ~ Audible

Synopsis
Before I met Smoke I'd never been kissed, really kissed, by a man, let alone a biker sex god bent on taking my virginity and my heart.

I got dragged into the deadly world of the Iron Horse MC by my crazy twin sister who is engaged to the club's President and even crazier mom who only cares about herself. Smoke has been assigned by the club to keep me safe even though he's everything that I should be afraid of. He's the kind of man who lives by his own rules and does whatever he wants whenever he wants, but he treats me like I'm something rare and precious, not a socially dysfunctional basket case who has no idea how to love, but needs him more than her next breath.

Not that my feelings matter, because if we don't find my mother soon, the only thing I'll have to be worried about is who is going to kill me first.

This book is hard for me to rate because I listened to it and although the male narrator did nothing for me, I'm not sure I'd have enjoyed the story any better had I read it. The main tension of the story is that the heroine's mom stole from the MC as well as some other bad people and while the MC is looking for her, the bad peeps are looking for the heroine and her sister. The MC is protecting the heroine because her sister is engaged to the MC President.

Now, while there are some interesting elements to the story - like the heroine, Swan, being raised in a survivalist compound - the story was mostly filled with the Swan and Smoke having sex. There's nothing wrong with that per se. Y'all know I like my steam. But I like a good story to go with my steam. In fact, I prefer it. And this story could have been good but there were many, many inconsistencies in the plot. And - yeah, it focused on the sex.

So if you're a fan of erotic romance and don't mind a flimsy story as long as the smexy is good, then this may be the read for you. I want more substance in my reads and although I enjoyed the female narrator's voice, the male's annoyed me. So this was a no-go for me.