Release Day Review ~ Sure Thing ~ Jana Aston (@JanaAston) #2017NewRelease

Sure Thing by Jana Aston
Release Date: October 10, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Source: I received an ARC from the author which had no influence on my rating and my review is provided voluntarily. I also purchased my own copy on Kindle. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Have you ever set out to have a one night stand with a sexy stranger?
No? I'm the only one?
Just kidding, I would never.
Ever.
Not usually.

But then I figured, why not? My entire life I've been good and it's gotten me nowhere.
No job.
No apartment.
No boyfriend.

I'm owed a little fun, aren't I? A reward for being good.
Sure, a new pair of shoes would be more appropriate, by Mr. Sexy Stranger is more appealing. And when he speaks - in that British accent - it's a done deal. Every American woman has a hot British guy fantasy. Well, most do. I haven't taken a poll or anything, but I'm pretty sure it's a fact.

Except...
You know that saying about best-laid plans?
Good, because I don't either, but I assume they go awry.
Like my one night stand...

Omigosh! Sure Thing was a proper bit of fun (said with a British accent)! Aston combines a twin-switcheroo, an awkward Anglophile of a girl, and a sexy British man and it all combined for a genuinely captivating story!

Violet (aka Daisy) is a bit down on her luck. She lost her job, her boyfriend, and her home in one fell swoop. In an attempt to get her groove back, she's reluctantly agreed to switch places with her twin at her job as a tour guide for a week AND she's decided to have a one night stand. Her one night stand just happens to be British, can turn her on by simply uttering any British expression...oh, and he just happens to be booked on her tour.

Jennings is immediately smitten with this girl who shyly smiled at him in the hotel bar before brazenly declaring she was a "sure thing". The chemistry between them exploded so he's thrilled she's going to be his guide for the next week.

Violet/Daisy, endeared herself to me, and Jennings, right off the bat. As Jennings said, she has no game, and the things that come out of her mouth. I was giggle-snorting! And they shouldn't have been so endearing but she's such a rule-follower, planner, and is in way over her head. She's just so darn cute!

Jennings - well, he's not only British and finds Violet/Daisy adorable. He also is on vacation with his Nan. He was batting 500 with just those attributes. ;) Then there's the fact he's handsome, has a magic mouth (according to Violet), and *gasp* he listened to her. It was obviously about more than sex for him.

Of course, it's not all roses. There's the fact Violet isn't Daisy although Jennings thinks she is, and he has a secret of his own. It all added up to such a fun and entertaining read. Aston seems to have a knack for romantic comedy and I'm eager to see what comes next. *cough* Daisy *cough*

#OctobeRecFest Review #2 ~ The Angel ~ Tiffany Reisz #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

The Angel by Tiffany Reisz
The Original Sinners #2
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Genre: Adult, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, BDSM
Source: Puchased paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #OctobeRecFest, #ShelfLove
Recommended by: Lexxie @unConventional Bookviews, among others
Goodreads

Synopsis
No safe word can protect the heart
Infamous erotica author and accomplished dominatrix Nora Sutherlin is doing something utterly out of character: hiding. While her longtime lover, Soren - whose fetishes, if exposed, would be his ruin - is under scrutiny pending a major promotion, Nora's lying low and away from temptation in the lap of luxury.

Her host, the wealthy and uninhibited Griffin Fiske, is thrilled to have Nora stay at his country estate, especially once he meets her traveling companion. Young, inexperienced and angelically beautiful, Michael has become Nora's protege, and this summer with Griffin is going to be his training, where the hazing never ends.

But while her flesh is willing, Nora's mind is wandering. To thoughts of Soren, her master, under investigation by a journalist with an ax to grind. And to another man from Nora's past, whose hold on her is less bruising, but whose secrets are no less painful. It's a summer that will prove the old adage: love hurts.

I've been ruminating on The Angel for several days now and I still can't quite come up with the words to articulate how I feel about it... But here it goes...

That The Angel is superbly written, well that goes without saying. That it's the most provocative book (and series) I've ever read is also near the top of the list. Reisz created in Nora, Soren, Michael, Griffin, Wes, and Kingsley, characters that burrowed under my skin...that will never leave me...characters that I'm tied up in knots over. *grins* Just the way they'd like me.

I'm one of those readers who is always looking for the deeper meaning. Whether the author intends it or not, stories and characters speak to me - in a well-written story anyway - and I figure they have something to teach me. I'm barely scratching the surface with this series so I eagerly await the lessons to come but here's what I think was the message in The Angel.

In all Soren does for Nora, in his seemingly omnipotent way, what he does for Michael and Griffin, even what he did for Suzanne...they each learned more about themselves, things everyone needs to know about themselves, and about the true nature of love - to experience the true nature of love.

Reisz's style, how she reveals important events from the character's pasts and how those events impacted who they are now...it's marvelous. The Angel, and The Original Sinners series, is not for everyone. The BDSM element is an integral part of these characters' stories. And yes, it made me uncomfortable at times. But that's another wonder of Reisz's writing...she made me think, wonder, and puzzle over these characters even as she made me flinch.

It may sound odd but this is a beautifully written, beautiful story. And I'm keen to continue with it.

My TBR List ~ #OctobeRecFest Edition ~ Polling is Open!

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)

Funny how the choices for this month are PNR/UF...perfect for October!


Your Choices Are:


Jabril
Vampires in America #2

Synopsis
Houston, Texas--Cowboy boots, baseball and journeys to the stars...right?

Wrong. Because Houston is also home to Jabril Karim, one of the eight powerful Vampire Lords who control all of North America. And as Private Investigator Cynthia Leighton will soon discover, not all Vampire Lords are created equal. For Jabril is the face of evil in the new world, a vampire who values no life but his own, who enslaves those he desires, steals whatever he covets and destroys anyone who stands in his way.

Running from L.A. and its seductive Vampire Lord, Raphael, Cyn sees the Houston job as a welcome refuge, a place to get away and heal her broken heart. But Texas will be no vacation. For in Jabril Karim, Cyn will confront a true enemy, one who will go to any lengths to satisfy his lusts, enrich his coffers and expand his power.

Fighting for the lives of two young sisters, Cyn's journey will take her through the streets of Houston and back to L.Al, where the human police are determined to bring Raphael down for the murder of one of their own. But the danger doesn't end there. For Jabril has set his sights on Cyn, and he will stop at nothing to have her.



Soul Resurrected
Sons of Wrath #2

Synopsis
As Wrath's fiercest son, Logan carries the scars of fifty years spent in the most dreaded prison of the underworld, for a sin he'd kill to keep secret. Enduring decades of gruesome torture has left Logan feared by and detached from others, until a female Alexi's blood resurrects his soul from death and, with it, the pleasures he's been denied for so long.

Plagued by shame of her own, Calla is drawn to the ruthless demon, Logan, whose insatiable craving for her touch rouses buried passions and, for once, leaves her feeling desired.

A dark and dangerous evil has been reawakened, however, and when Calla is drawn too close to its breeding grounds, Logan vows to summon the violence of Wrath in order to keep her safe. First, though, Callas must save him from a past riddled with deceit and corruption... but only if she can accept the chilling consequences of unearthing his vilest skeleton.




Lover Revealed
Black Dagger Brotherhood #4

Synopsis
Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...



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Blog Tour Review & #Giveaway ~ High Balls ~ Tara Lain (@TaraLain @VivianaIzzo @dreamspinners) #2017NewRelease

High Balls by Tara Lain
Balls to the Wall #6
Release Date: October 4, 2017
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy as part of the blog tour. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N 

Synopsis
Though only twenty-six, single father Theodore Walters lives with his head in the clouds and his feet firmly planted in reality. At the center of his life is Andy, his seven-year- old son, with whom he shares no DNA, though nobody—including his religious-fanatic in-laws—knows that, and Theodore will do anything to keep them from finding out. Theodore works hard to get his PhD and the tenure and salary that might follow to make a better life for Andy—but the head of his department thinks his dissertation on Jane Austen and romance novels is frivolous.

Theodore’s carefully planned life goes off the rails when he walks into a popular Laguna Beach bar and meets the bartender, “Snake” Erasmo, a pierced and tattooed biker who sends Theodore’s
imagination—and libido—soaring. Snake has even more secrets than Theodore and couldn’t be a less “appropriate” match, but he might be the only guy with the skills to show Theodore that happily-ever- after is for real.

I continue to enjoy this series and this group of guys but High Balls is the best of the bunch so far. Once again, Lain delivers an engaging story with characters who charmed their way into my heart as well as touching on relevant issues such as prejudice against the LGBT community.

In Theodore, I found a guy I could relate to. Not only is he a dad focused on giving his son all he can - a son by choice, not blood - but he's also finishing up a dissertation on how classic lit - Austen specifically - impacts the modern romance genre. Austen? Romance? How academia and society judge romance readers?!? I hope someone is actually working on a dissertation like this. But I digress. Theodore has been working so hard at being a dad and student that he's let his personal life slide.

Enter Snake. On the surface, Snake is nothing that Theodore thinks he should be interested in. The long-haired, tattooed, Harley-riding bartender won't fit in Theodore's staid, conservative world. But there's so much more than meets the eye with Snake that Theodore gives him a chance even if his in-laws, their church, and the head of his department would never approve.

As I'm writing this, I realize High Balls offers a little nod to Pride & Prejudice itself. No wonder I loved it!

High Balls gave me what I'd felt I'd been missing in the previous installments of this series and that is the strong connection with the MCs. Theodore and Snake fit well as a couple and it was enjoyable to watch them face and work together through some issues.

Theodore's son, Andy, was a doll! So mature for a 7 year old but seeing as he had to deal with people saying mean things and bullying him over his dad, it made sense. 

I also delighted in spending some time with the guys from the previous installments. I love that they're such a tight-knit group and always have each others' backs.

I'm not sure if this is it for the series or not but I look forward to reading any and everything from Lain!

Giveaway

Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in gay romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 40. Her best­-selling novels have Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, Best Romantic Suspense, and more. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul­mate husband and her soul­mate dog near the sea in California she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #67 ~ Steal the Light ~ Lexi Blake

This week's scene is from Steal the Light, and it did a nice job of setting the tone for the story letting us get acquainted with Zoey and how she operates...

***

Discretion was why I usually held my client meetings at Canelli's. It was dumpy and trapped in the fifties, with its retro booths and tables with red and white checkered linens. The walls were covered in wood paneling that had seen better days, and the bar had a solid, well-used feel to it. It was the kind of bar where you ordered a martini - not some fruity apple or peartini, but a solid gin martini, just like Dino liked 'em. Canelli's had no windows, so there was a perpetual gloom to the dining area. Because there were no windows, there were also no prying eyes to look inside from the safety of the street. If you wanted to know what went on in Canelli's, you had to take a chance and enter the den. It looked like the set of a Martin Scorsese crime drama, and with good reason. It really was run by the mob, and they trained their staff well. They also made a kickass chicken piccata.

#OctobeRecFest Review #1 ~ Steal the Light ~ Lexi Blake #ShelfLove

Steal the Light by Lexi Blake
Thieves #1
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #OctobeRecFest, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
When dealing with demons, the devil's in the details...

Stealing mystical and arcane artifacts is a dangerous business, especially for a human, but Zoey Wharton is an exceptional thief. The trick to staying alive is having friends in all the wrong places. While having a witch and a werewolf on the payroll helps, being partners with a vampire really opens doors.

Zoey and Daniel were childhood sweethearts until a violent car crash took his life and left her shattered. When Daniel returned from the grave as a vampire, his only interest in Zoey was in keeping her safely apart from the secrets of his dark world. He has vowed to protect her, but his heart seems as cold as the night he calls home.

Five years later, a mysterious new client named Lucas Halfer offers Zoey a fortune to steal the Light of Alhorra. The search for the Light leads Zoey into the arms of an earthbound faery prince. Devinshea Quinn sweeps her off her feet, showing her everything the supernatural world has to offer, but Daniel still calls to her heart.

As the true nature of the Light is revealed, Zoey discovers Halfer is a demon an much more than money is at stake. Per her contract, she must give him the Light or spend an eternity in Hell. What's a girl to do except fight for her soul...and her heart.

Steal the Light has it all! Vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, and fae...intrigue, politics, mystery, magic, and romance...and ti's all blended beautifully! I picked up this series on Kristen's recommendation (@Metaphors and Moonlight) and it certainly lived up to my expectations!

Note: The author's note at the beginning is definitely worth the time. It provided a little insight into the characters in the story because the circumstances in Blake's life definitely impacted this project.

I went into this story blind, not having re-read the synopsis. So finding out it was paranormal, which shouldn't have surprised me seeing as it was Kristen's rec, was a surprise...a pleasant one. :) Zoey, though, is very human. She, along with her merry band of supernatural friends/co-workers "find" things...special things...for people for a fee. Zoey grew up around, well, thievery, her father being a renowned thief. It's only natural she'd go into the family business. Her business associates include:

Daniel - her childhood sweetheart-turned vampire who she's very much still in love with but HE won't go there.

Neil - a gay werewolf who's loyal, protective, and provides comic relief.

Sarah - a witch who's a good friend to Zoey

And Dev who comes on the scene after a wacky date with Zoey. He's a half-fae prince, a successful businessman, and one very hunky dude.

Zoey is hired to steal something by a demon. Of course, that has its own ramifications but after discovering more about this object, it's revealed there are even more ramifications and possibly life-altering consequences should Zoey follow through...or not.

Steal the Light is exciting, action-packed, romantic, poignant, and at times, hilarious. The story is well-crafted and all the characters are well-developed. There's even great character growth. Really, this story has it all. I can't wait to continue the series!

4th Annual OctobeRec Fest ~ A Month of Recommendations! #OctobeRecFest

Welcome to my Fourth Annual OctobeRec Fest. 

FOURTH, y'all! I can't believe I've been doing this for four years now. Anyway, I started this as a nod to Oktoberfest and I'm once again spending a month dedicated to reading the many, many books on my ereaders and bookshelves thanks to you, my blogging friends. (and a few beers will probably be added into the mix! ;) This year, I'm switching it up just a tad. I'll be reading books from series that I started thanks to y'all and in doing so, I'm showing my digital and physical shelves love as well as moving towards finishing up those series! 

Here are a few of the books I'm hoping to get to this month. I'm sure you'll recognize your recommendations but I'll try to make sure to call you out in my reviews. ;)



Thank you all so much for sharing book love! And hopefully I can get a few of you interested in some new books to try. 

My TBR List Review ~ September ~ The Departed ~ Shiloh Walker #MyTBRL #ShelfLove

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


The Departed by Shiloh Walker
The FBI Psychics #2
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
A LIFELONG OBSESSION

FBI Special Agent Taylor Jones has made it his mission to save those in harm's way by any means necessary-including employing psychic agents like Desiree "Dez" Lincoln, who can communicate with the disembodied spirits of the dead. Taylor is haunted by his own ghost, his kid sister, gone missing at age six. For a quarter of a century he has been tortured by her loss and the mystery of her disappearance.

A NIGHT'S INDISCRETION

When Dez is seriously wounded, Taylor can no longer hide his feelings for her. Getting involved could spell disaster for both of them-not to mention those who rely on them for help-but once Dez lays her hands on him, he can't resist the fierce attraction. But after giving in to his desires, Taylor pulls back, and Dez strikes out on her own.

AN INESCAPABLE PASSION

Responding to the call of another anguished spirit, Dez is led to Taylor's old hometown. As the two are forced to come together to save a girl in peril, Dez may be able to help Taylor finally find the answers he's been looking for...

It's been a number of years since I read The Missing, the first book in Walker's FBI Psychics series, but it's a story that's really stuck with me so I was excited The Departed won the vote this month. It's a great sequel and one I was happy to get having met Taylor Jones in The Missing - I wanted to know his story. I admit that I hate that this one has been languishing on my shelf since it released but I'm happy I read it now and that there's more in the series.

Highlights

• Taylor & Dez
  Walker is rather gifted with developing complex characters whom you become very invested in. I mean, Taylor had stuck with me enough that I was thrilled he was getting a book. Taylor, on the surface, seems cold, methodical, completely able to keep his emotions in check. Finding out why he is the way he is was interesting - especially since he was far from emotionless when it came to Dez. Dez is such a compassionate person - which is a good thing considering her gift. She can communicate with the dead, helping them, in whatever way is needed, to find peace so they can move on. 
• The Paranormal Element
  Since I'm a believer in psychic abilities, that Walker created a division within the FBI that uses agents with those gifts to solve crimes is something I find very compelling.
• The Suspense Element
  Honestly, I hadn't figured out the biggest mystery when the reveal occurred. Some things became clear as hints were dropped but Walker kept me riveted. There were a few things left unanswered that I would have liked knowing but overall, the suspense was well done. The way Walker incorporated the paranormal with the suspense made it all the better.
• The Romance Element
  Taylor and Dez have ignored their feelings for one another for awhile so when they let loose, they ignited. It was a rocky road though. Watching Dez stand up to Taylor, enjoying their prickly banter, and seeing Taylor's walls come down...it was good stuff!

Walker does an excellent job of combining some paranormal with gripping suspense and a dash of romance! ;)