New Release Review ~ Between Marriage and Merger ~ Karen Booth (@karenbbooth, @DesireEditors) #2018NewRelease #COYER

Between Marriage and Merger by Karen Booth
The Locke Legacy #3
Release Date: February 1, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or rating. I voluntarily provided a review. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
From boardroom to bedroom...and back?

Hotel magnate Noah Locke has worked too hard to let a PR scandal ruin the biggest deal of his career. If a fake engagement will fix his image, he's in. So is Lily Foster, his assistant - and the one woman he's wanted for years. Soon there's nothing fake about their heated kisses and steamy nights together. Can this arrangement turn real...or is Lily playing for a different prize?

Having met Noah and Lily in the previous books of the series, I'd been eager for their story. KBooth didn't let me down, delivering a fun story with a few of my favorite romance tropes. :)

Noah is the Locke sibling that's always felt the effects of living in Sawyer's shadow. With how their father treats him - and even Sawyer and Charlotte to a certain degree - Noah feels like he's never quite good enough. So when he's attracted to his assistant, Lily, from her first day on the job and Sawyer warns him away, he does his best not to let his brother down. Lily came to NYC to escape a mortifying incident - one she doesn't like to think about. She has lived the last two years determined to focus on work and creating her own security while fighting the intense attraction she feels toward Noah.

One of the best things about Noah and Lily denying their attraction is that they've spent a lot of time together and have become really good friends. So when a video showing Noah in a less than favorable light threatens an important deal for the business, Lily agrees to be Noah's fake fiancee. 

So, Office Romance? Check
Friends-to-Lovers Romance? Check, check.
Fake Engagement Romance? Check, check, check.
Which all equaled a sweet, romantic story.

My favorite parts were watching Noah and Lily's friendship blossom into more - which, honestly, didn't take much after a scorching kiss. ;) I also enjoyed seeing how they each helped the other overcome insecurities, accepting their vulnerabilities. They were both strong as individuals, whether they realized it or not, but together they were a powerhouse team!

A thing that bothered me was that Lily said she was close to her family but she never let them know about her engagement, which even if it was fake, they were sure to see on social media. Overall though, Between Marriage and Merger was a satisfying installment in the Locke Legacy.

#COYER Review ~ The Red Lily ~ Juliette Cross (@Juliette__Cross)

The Red Lily by Juliette Cross
Vampire Blood #2
Release Date: June 19, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Fairytale
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
When Red falls for the Big Bad Vampire...

The Black Lily resistance needs a larger army if they are to defeat the vampire monarchy. In order to do so, former lieutenant and traitor to the vampire Crown, Nikolai must seek help from the red-hooded temptress he needs to avoid at all costs. The secret he carries could prove dangerous for her if she gets too close...even though keeping her close - very close - is the only thing on his mind.

Sienna will do anything for the Black Lily, and when Nikolai asks for her assistance to gain the trust of the commonwealth, it's the last thing she wants to do. The thought of leaving her woods and her wolves behind is terrifying...not to mention the danger being with Nikolai poses.

I can't exactly put my finger on it - although I'm going to try - but The Red Lily had that little something that really tripped my trigger. :)

The Red Lily was inspired by Little Red Riding Hood but in my opinion was more loosely based on that fairytale than either The Black Lily or The White Lily. However, it was creative and well-written and I adored the main characters!

Highlights:

• Characters
  Sienna gave up a life in society and leisure for a solitary one in Silvane Forest. She lived with her grandmother, learning to be a healer, until her grandmother died. That she leaves her solitude and security to recruit for the Black Lily says much about her character and her belief in that cause. Nikolai was a Legionnaire for the Vampire Crown but he grew up with and views Prince Marius as a brother. So it was natural he'd follow him and fight for the Black Lily. The fact he fights for the commonwealth speaks to his character because he's vampire and could've lived with the status quo. I liked seeing them come together through attempting to do what's right and noble. They're both strong, spirited, and loyal...and they fit.
• Vampire Mythology
  JCross doesn't ever specify anything like a "true mate" but it seems her vampires have one. And in this case, Sienna was also dreaming of Nikolai - vividly - which made me believe she felt it too. We learn a bit more about the sanguine furorem - blood madness - as well as vampires in general...how they're made, their strength, and history.
• Action/Suspense
  I think this is where The Red Lily excelled. There ware more fighting, subterfuge, description of torture, viewing of torture, etc., in this installment. Since Nikolai was a Legionnaire, this fit with him as a character and made the story more authentic. JCross didn't shy away from conveying the gritty violence either and that was a positive. This is a war after all.
• Other Mythology
  The Silvane Forest holds the magic of the hartstone - the stone of making - as well as the hartwolves. There was also magic in Sienna. I'm not sure where this mythology came from - if it's inspired by a different story, if there's more to Little Red than I know or if it's a product of JCross' imagination, but it added depth and complexity and helped push The Red Lily into the favorite position - so far - for this series.

Audio Review ~ The Lawrence Browne Affair ~ Cat Sebastian #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove

The Lawrence Browne Affair by Cat Sebastian
The Turner Series #2
Narrated by: Gary Furlong
Release Date: June 20, 2017
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance, M/M Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
An earl hiding from his future...Lawrence Browne, the Earl of Radnor, is mad. At least, that's what he and most of the village believes. A brilliant scientist, he hides himself away in his family's crumbling estate, unwilling to venture into the outside world. When an annoyingly handsome man arrives at Penkellis, claiming to be Lawrence's new secretary, his carefully planned world is turned upside down. 
A swindler haunted by his past...Georgie Turner has made his life pretending to be anyone but himself. A swindler and con man, he can slip into an identity faster than he can change clothes. But when his long-dead conscience resurrects and a dangerous associate is out for blood, Georgie escapes to the wilds of Cornwall. Pretending to be a secretary should be easy, but he doesn't expect that the only madness he finds is the one he has for the gorgeous earl. 
Can they find forever in the wreckage of their lives? Challenging each other at every turn, the two men soon give into the desire that threatens to overwhelm them. But with one man convinced he is at the very brink of madness and the other hiding his real identity, only true love can make this an affair to remember.

I admit to having chosen The Lawrence Browne Affair because I was intrigued with an M/M historical romance. What a pleasant surprise this story was! 

Highlights:

• Characters/Character Development
  Man! CSebastian did an impressive job of developing both Lawrence and Georgie. Lawrence inherited an Earldom. His father and older brother were known to be mad and indluged in some wickedness (and not the good kind) as part of their madness.
  Laurence has always believed he is or would go mad himself because of his sexual preferences and due to things about his behavior that his father deemed odd. Honestly, I believe Lawrence was a genius or a savant as well as autistic or maybe agoraphobic. I adored how over the course of the story Georgie was able to figure out how to handle Lawrence's "quirks" and convince him he wasn't mad and was also worthy of people's company and care.
  Georgie is a crook. A crook with a heart though and that heart has him on the run from an associate. He comes to Penkellis to determine Lawrence's mental state for some who are questioning it. Georgie at first is thinking only of himself - saving his hide - so it was a delight to watch as he proved he was redeemable.
• Romance
  CSebastian created a compelling slow-burn romance between Lawrence and Georgie. Witnessing as they became close and came to care for one another was something I was loathe to stop listening to. As this was my first M/M historical romance, I must say I was impressed with how CSebastian crafted the story.
• Story
  Like I said, CSebastian wove a captivating story around Lawrence and Georgie - Lawrence being an inventor of sorts and Georgie generally stealing from whomever he can - until now. There was also how they learned to deal with each others' personalities, their insecurities, and the reasons behind how they were and how they lived. It was all fascinating!

Honestly, there was so much to like about this story. And the narrator, Gary Furlong, also did an excellent job. He kept the pace just right and managed the voices for each character very well - even the female ones. I will absolutely read more CSebastian and listen to more GFurlong!

New Release Review ~ The Emerald Lily ~ Juliette Cross (@Juliette__Cross) #2018NewRelease #COYER

The Emerald Lily by Juliette Cross
Vampire Blood #4
Release Date: January 29, 2018
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Fairytale
Source: I received an eARC from Entangled Publising via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease, #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
When she wakes, everything will change...

When Princess Vilhelmina Dragomire is awakened from her hellish sleep with a blood kiss from a handsome stranger, she learns that much has changed while she's been away. The armies of the Black Lily and the vampire Crown have amassed and are on the brink of war.

No romantic entanglements, no family. Mikhail Romanov, Captain of the Bloodguard, took a vow when he joined the Bloodguard. But he never planned for the gut-punching attraction he would feel for the untouchable princess. He must keep his focus, though. In order to avenge his family, it's essential he help Mina claim her crown and keep his damn hands off of her.

But Mina sets her heart on the elusive captain, and keeping his focus on the great battle ahead becomes harder and harder. While they're making plans, the evil King Dominik has been making some of his own. This time, he will show no mercy to the Princess...

With The Emerald Lily, JCross completes an engrossing series using her own spin on four fairytales, tying them all together with an overarching plot that is both compelling and relevant despite the historical setting. And she does so with aplomb! The Emerald Lily has nail-biting suspense, gut-wrenching emotion, raw and gritty action scenes, and sigh-inducing romance. It was a spectacular ending to the series!

Highlights

• ALL the Characters
  The entire cast is present here as they gear up for the war that's been brewing - that they've orchestrated. The Emerald Lily, of course, focuses on Mina and Mikhail, but all the couples as well as secondary characters get a lot of page time and I was grateful for it as they each provide necessities for the story such as the comic relief Grant offers and the smiles little Izzy evokes. And while I'd already been introduced to Mina and Mikhail, The Emerald Lily proved they both were more than they appeared. I appreciated the character growth as we learned more about them - and they learned more about themselves and each other.
• Twists, Suspense, and Surprises
  The Emerald Lily is fairly fast-paced and kept me flipping pages as quickly as I could. JCross managed to throw in a few twists that had me gasping and more than a few shocking incidents that had me shouting out loud as well as tearing up in my disbelief. Revelations about certain characters and events only added to the tension as I powered on eager to see how it would affect current situations and the overall outcome.
• Emotions
  The Emerald Lily was a roller coaster rider, wringing so much emotion from me. There was never a dull moment and I felt fear, excitement, sadness, joy, hate, and love...my emotions ran the gamut.
• Visceral Action
  JCross didn't shy away from violence. These people were at war against an evil monarchy who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Therefore, they met the violence head on. JCross left no doubt as to whether there were limits to the violence the monarchy would inflict and it was appalling to witness. The rebellion suffered greatly but never lost focus. The action added depth to the story overall as well as keeping the tension and excitement levels high.
• Balance
  One of the best things about The Emerald Lily was how well JCross balanced all the elements. There was just enough action, just enough suspense, the right amount of character development, and the perfect amount of romance to create a superb story!

I don't think I could have asked for a more thrilling and satisfying ending. JCross has made a fan of me and I look forward to reading more from her.

Two items of note:

1) I'm not sure if I'm only familiar with Disney's versions of fairytales and there are more to the original versions, if JCross used other myths/stories for inspiration, or if the "extras" are all her imagination but I admire all the parts of these stories.

2) For those of you who are die-hard historical readers, some of the language used in this series might not be historically accurate, but don't let that deter you from enjoying this series!

My TBR List Review *January* ~ Steal the Day ~ Lexi Blake #MyTBRList #COYER #2018HW

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


Steal the Day by Lexi Blake
Thieves #2
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Challenges: #COYER, #2018HW, #MyTBRList, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
When a member of her crew is dragged to Hell by a demon, Zoey plans the most dangerous heist of her career. With her team at her side, Zoey intends to sneak onto the Hell plane and steal Sarah back.

The job seems impossible until a new client makes them an offer too good to refuse. If she can find an ancient artifact called The Revelation, she can use it to locate an angel who holds Sarah's redemption in his hands.

Surrounded by warring angels and demons, the greatest threat may come from one of her own. Torn between her Fae lover and the vampire who has always held her heart, Zoey finds that she and Dev are trapped in Daniel's web of secrets and it may be Zoey who has to pay the ultimate price.

It's a close call but I think I enjoyed Steal the Day even more than Steal the Light! Of course, being a vampire fan, it helped that Daniel held a more pivotal role here and I was able to really see him for who he is. Despite being firmly on TeamDaniel, Dev made it hard not to fall for him, especially when he proved he was more than a pretty boy out for a good time.

In Steal the Day, Zoey is set on rescuing her friend, Sarah, from Hell. While she's trying to figure out a plan, a customer comes to her with a job offer which will help in more ways than one. Once that is set in motion, Zoey must also deal with vampire politics, Daniel's secrets and plans, and Dev's new role in those particular proceedings.

Steal the Day had all the good stuff its predecessor did - fae, demons, vampires, witches, and weres, suspense, action, and romance. Then it upped the ante adding some crazy demon-worshipers, some angels, and even more goodness in the romance department. The action and suspense elements were all the more riveting thanks to Zoey since she always manages to get herself into some sort of trouble. Blake also did some world building with her vampires, showing us more vampire history, vampire society, and politics. Blake definitely tugged at my heartstrings with Zoey, Daniel, and Dev trying to work out a compromise in relation to their feelings for one another. Oh! And we got to meet Lucifer Morningstar!

Did I mention how much I love Zoey? She sometimes lets her mouth fly before her brain fully engages but she's a hoot and I wouldn't want her any other way. There was much talk of balance in this installment and that theme seemed to particularly apply to Zoey, Daniel, and Dev. Zoey's done some growing via accepting how she feels and what she wants out of her relationships with Daniel and Dev. But Daniel and Dev did the most maturing. Daniel admitted and demonstrated his feelings - but more than that, he proved the depth of them by agreeing to things that went against his against his vampire nature as well as admitting he has limitations due to his vampire nature. Dev, on the other hand, showed the depth of his feelings for Zoey by taking on a role in Daniel's life and being willing to sacrifice for her - even give her up because of his own limitations. Like I said, they each showed what they're really made of and that they'd sacrifice a lot for Zoey.

The ending just left me anxious for more. I'm eager to see what item Zoey will be contracted to steal next and why, as well as seeing where things go with all Daniel and Dev are plotting. Steal the Moon promises to be an exciting ride!

#COYER Review ~ Taming Cross ~ Ella James

Taming Cross by Ella James
Love, Inc #2
Release Date: August 19, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
For twenty-three years, Cross Carlson was a playboy. You know the type. Tall, dark, and wealthy. Blue-eyed. Charming. He seemed to have it all so easy. But Cross was harboring a terrible secret - one that helped ruin the life of an innocent girl and almost ended his own.

Finally out of the hospital, Cross is flailing, scarred in both body and mind and stifled by the weight of the secret he still keeps. The only way to absolution lies in a Mexican convent, and going there could cost him everything.

If there's anyone who knows what it's like to screw up big time, it's Meredith Kinsey. Just a few years ago, Merri was an ordinary girl with a job at her college newspaper and white picket fence kind of dreams. Now she's holed up in a Mexican convent, hiding from a drug lord who thinks he owns her.

What happens when the only way out of hell is with the son of the man who put you there? They say love conquers all, but does it really?

It's been awhile since I read the first in this series - where I met Cross Carlson - but WOW! EJames pulled me right back into this world. Taming Cross was gripping and suspenseful...and a little bit romantic. :)

Highlights:

• Character Development
  Cross did a lot of growing up. His dad is the governor of California and he's always lived a privileged life even if his parents didn't appreciate him. Following some events from the first book, he's changed. And his transformation continued in Taming Cross, where he risked everything to right a wrong. Meredith matured a lot as well. She'd endured quite a bit over the last several years but she realized she'd made mistakes in her past, wanted to/was making amends, and was grateful for the second chance she was offered.
• Suspense
  I was impressed with the level of suspense EJames was able to maintain. It was pretty intense and when a lull occurred I was drawn into a false sense of security...then BOOM! Something else would happen. Cross and Meredith were dealing with a Mexican drug cartel so...
• Romance
  There were reasons - very sound, logical and BIG reasons - that Cross and Meredith shouldn't even think about being together. But they couldn't seem to help themselves. Of course, there's nothing like some danger to ratchet up the sexual tension. ;) In all seriousness though, neither Cross nor Meredith felt worthy of the other and yet were constantly proving they absolutely were. There was attraction but they both denied themselves, making more of a slow-burn romance which worked so well for their story.

Taming Cross made for a compelling read and a worthy installment in the series. I like the common thread of redemption EJames has woven between the first two books and I'm looking forward to Unmaking Marchant to see how it's carried through there.

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #74 ~ The Red Lily ~ Juliette Cross

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is a weekly meme hosted by my blogger wife, Lexxie, @(un)Conventional Bookviews. It's a way to highlight a book using quotes that revolve around food and/or drinks. Every Thursday, post a line or two...or heck, a whole paragraph, that spoke to you in some way using food or drinks. *wink* Don't forget to link up!

My pick this week for Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is from:

The Red Lily by Juliette Cross

I chose this passage despite the fact there isn't much mentioned as far as actual food or drink besides the tea because this scene was meaningful in how Nikolai looked after Sienna. They'd had a long journey, in the rain, that day. And even though he's a vampire and doesn't need food or drink, he made sure Sienna had both to ensure her comfort.

***

"There you are, my lady. Please come and have a warm cup of tea."

She upended the teacup that was facedown across from Nikolai and poured a steaming cup as Sienna made her way to them. He rose from his seat and watched her. She thought she was accustomed to the way Nikolai tracked her movements by now, but the heat in his gaze as he followed her from the door to his table nearly buckled her knees.

She sat across from him, her eyes on the tea. He took his seat again.

"I will bring a few refreshments in a moment," said the innkeeper with a smile before leaving them alone, for there was no one else in the parlor.

#COYER Review ~ At Peace ~ Kristen Ashley

At Peace by Kristen Ashley
The 'Burg #2
Release Date: May 2, 2011
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Violet Winters once had it all but lost it when her husband was murdered by a criminal madman. During a cold winter night Violet has to leave her warm bed to tell her neighbor to turn the music down. And that's when she meets sinister, scarred, scarily attractive security specialist, Joe Callahan.

She wants to deny it, but Violet can't beat back the hunger she feels for Joe so she gives in again and again. Feeling it himself, Joe feeds Vi's hunger, breaking his own rules to keep her in his bed.

Even though Violet had only one man in her life, she's sure Joe is giving her the signals and Vi decides she's ready to take a second chance at life and, maybe, love. But Violet doesn't know the dark secrets in Joe's past, secrets so soul-wrenching, they've drained him dry. With nothing left to give, Joe's determined to live his life alone and he breaks Violet's heart.

Crushed by Joe's betrayal, Violet comes to terms with the fact that, no matter what signals he gave, Joe was not theirs to win. But Violet's husband's murderer is obsessed with her and heartbreak again haunts the door of the Winters home. When it does Joe is forced to face the knowledge that he can't fight Violet's pull, she's under his skin and filled him full to bursting.

Joe needs to win her back and put his life on the line to keep Violet safe. But, having had it all once, can Violet endure losing Joe?

After spending a little time in the world of KA's Unfinished Hero series, it was good to return to a story that gave me more of what I expect from KA. A return to The 'Burg was just what I needed.

Highlights:

• Characters
  Violet is so awesome! Not only is she a great mom to 2 teen daughters (who are equally as awesome as their mom), she's a devoted sister and friend. She's loyal, compassionate, and so resilient! I adored her outlook on life - bad things happen but you have to go on because there's just no other choice. Joe has been mostly existing for the last 17 years. He lost everything he'd ever wanted in one fell swoop and changed his goals thereafter. He never thought to hope for more. And then Vi and her girls moved in next door. As is typical with KA, she has a large secondary cast who are well-developed and engaging. Not only did I get to spend time with old friends (from For You) but I met new ones who I hope to spend more time with in the future.
• Story
  Both Vi and Joe know about loss. It broke my heart how well acquainted with it they are. Together they filled holes in each other - gave each other things they needed. Watching them fall wasn't always comfortable - I wanted to shake them both silly sometimes - but they knew they were meant to be and it was worth all they went through to get there. 
• Suspense
  The way KA incorporated the suspense element was well done. Where things came to a head might have been a little formulaic (a la KA) but I give her a pass here because she writes good suspense in her romance and doesn't really shy away from the grit.

So At Peace was that comfort read for me - what I expect from KA - and just what I needed. I'm eager to spend more time in The 'Burg and I dearly hope to get better acquainted with a few of my new friends.