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.

Review ~ Beauty from Surrender ~ Georgia Cates #TravelingtotheTerminus

Beauty from Surrender by Georgia Cates
Beauty Series #2
Release Date: May 30, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #Goodreads, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
How do you move on when he's every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer's outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career - until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it's a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she's always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott - but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn't come easy. The woman he finds isn't the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won't have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?

Beauty in Surrender continues Laurelyn and Jack Henry's story. It was heartbreaking to begin with - both of them being so unhappy apart. Things eventually took an upswing though. Here's what worked and what could have worked better, in my opinion:

What Worked

• The emotion. If there's one thing Cates is adept at it's evoking emotion! I felt Jack Henry's despair in not being able to locate Laurelyn and thinking he'd lost her. I felt Laurelyn's struggle over wanting to be with Jack Henry but also wanting the career she'd worked so hard for. I felt the elation, the passion, the fear they each experienced when they found one another and then tried to figure out if they could work things out. The feels....they packed a punch!
• The secondary cast. I enjoyed being with Jack Henry's family again. I liked seeing how close he is with his family and how their dynamics affect them. I also liked how they welcomed Laurelyn into the fold. Laurelyn's parents, on the other hand, left something to be desired and her best friend wasn't as present in this installment but I liked her. I even liked the band members who gave Laurelyn her chance.
• The story. I found myself captivated by Jack Henry and Laurelyn's story once again, reveling in their times together and despairing at the thought they wouldn't work things out.

What Could Have Worked Better

• The story. Despite my positive feelings about the story, there was something missing from this second installment. That thin was the suspense element. While one part explored in the first book was present, it was too easily resolved and never discussed again. The other part was barely given a mention. Although I feel quite certain it will have a pivotal role in the final installment, I missed the tension it provided in the first book.

Even though Beauty in Surrender didn't quite live up the the first book, I am still enchanted with and invested in Jack Henry and Laurelyn's story. I'll be finishing it sooner than later.

As an aside, I love how the title reflects what goes on in the story - Jack Henry and Laurelyn both surrender things they thought they wanted as they learn what they really need and how it defines them. It was beautiful!

My TBR List ~ September ~ And the Winner is...

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. 


And the Winner is...

The Departed
The FBI Psychics #2

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...




Thanks so much for voting. Be sure to check back on September 30 for my review!

Audio Review ~ How the Duke Was Won ~ Lenora Bell #AudioChallenge #COYER #ShelfLove

How the Duke was Won by Lenora Bell
The Disgraceful Dukes #1
Narrated by: Beverley A. Crick
Release Date: December 20, 2016
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #BloggerShame, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
The pleasure of your company is requested at Warbury Park. Four lovely ladies will arrive... but only one can become a duchess.

James, the scandalously uncivilized Duke of Harland, requires a bride with a spotless reputation for a strictly business arrangement. Lust is prohibited and love is out of the question.

Four ladies. Three days. What could go wrong?

She is not like the others...

Charlene Beckett, the unacknowledged daughter of an earl and a courtesan, has just been offered a life-altering fortune to pose as her half-sister, Lady Dorothea, and win the duke's proposal. All she must do is:

* Be the perfect English rose [Ha!]
* Breathe, smile, and curtsy in impossibly tight gowns [blast Lady    Dorothea's sylph-like figure]
* Charm and seduce a wild duke [without appearing to try]
* Keep said duke far, far from her heart [no matter how tempting]

When secrets are revealed and passion overwhelms, James must decide if the last lady he should want is really everything he needs. And Charlene must decide if the promise of a new life is worth risking everything...including her heart.

First thing, I have to confess I picked How the Duke Was Won solely because it was narrated by Beverley A. Crick. I listened to Crick once before and am a total fangirl (thanks, Berls!). Her narration is more a dramatic interpretation - a total aural delight! Her delivery is How the Duke Was Won solidified my opinion so I know I'll be seeking her out more. Her accents and range for every character plus her ability to be consistent with them is impressive. And she makes me feel as though I'm watching a play rather than listening to an audiobook. She's incredible!

As for the actual story...Lenora Bell is a new-to-me author and with How the Duke Was Won, she earned a fan in me. The story is well-constructed, flowed well, was engaging, kept me guessing, and the characters were well-drawn and compelling.

Charlene, the feisty and outspoken young woman who is so compassionate she'd do just about anything to secure the freedom of her mother and so many other young women desire but have not other option than to sell themselves. Charlene also was determined to protect her younger sister from the world they'd been born into. Charlene wasn't meek or docile. No, she gave her opinion freely, especially to the Duke and most especially when she felt he was doing wrong.

James, the newly-minted Duke of Harland, never wanted the title or the responsibility. His plan is to secure a respectable wife - to garner respect for himself - as well as a connected family who will solve his tax issues. However, being that James is anything but a well-mannered Englishman, he can't help but be drawn to Charlene's vivacity and impropriety. Unfortunately, she isn't who she's claiming to be and therefore doesn't suit his designs.

Oh but I had fun watching these two fall. They both tried with all their might not to, for vastly different reasons, but they couldn't help themselves. Then there was the suspense over whether James would figure out things and what his reaction would be on top of worrying over an issue Charlene and her mother were dealing with. I appreciated the history lessons on child labor laws, chocolate, and taxes on imports and exports. In all, How the Duke Was Won is a bundle of goodness delivered and brought to brilliant life by a talented author and narrator.

Review ~ A Shot of Sin ~ Eden Summers (@edensummers1) #COYER

A Shot of Sin by Eden Summers
Release Date: January 13, 2015 
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Throw back a shot of pure sin.

Leo Petrova has a dirty secret that's about to get blown wide open. The exclusive VIP area hidden beneath his night club, Shot of Sin, is short staffed a bartender. The only available replacement is Shay - his temptation, his distraction - the sole woman he refuses to escort down the secret staircase. She has no clue about the private adult club that lies beneath her feet and he'd prefer to keep it that way. The Vault of Sin is the only place he can let his sexual proclivities run wild and he's learned the hard way that Shay is too virtuous to be comfortable in the erotic environment.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what's on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the building. But she's never backed down from a challenge before. Sliding into Leo's arms and this new world of carnal exploration is addictive yet frightening. She could lose her job, her self-respect, and her heart.

Exposing a vanilla woman to a sorbet lifestyle isn't something Leo's business partners approve of. Secrets are at stake. Friendships, too. And through it all, neither one of them can ignore the wicked taste of sin threatening to tear it all apart.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government's stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

Please note: This book was previously released by Samhain Publishing. This new edition contains a few slight tweaks as well as a new setting for the series.

Eden Summers is one of those authors I've read, enjoyed, and have no idea why I haven't read more of! The Vault series is one I'd been curious about and after finishing A Shot of Sin, the introduction, I can't wait to continue it!

The series revolves around three best friends who co-own a restaurant, a bar, and a special club. A Shot of Sin is Leo's story and it was a great read. I'm also looking forward to the other two guys' stories because Summers gave me just enough about them to leave me drooling...err, eagerly anticipating their stories.

Leo is a demanding but fair guy. He's obviously loyal and absolutely handsome. He's the "people person" in the group. He's been attracted to Shay, a bartender who works for him, since she first handed in her application. The feeling is completely mutual but after a quick encounter, Leo is convinced she couldn't handle his particular tastes when it comes to sex - something he's vulnerable about. (and don't worry - it's nothing that weird)

Shay is great! She's attractive, witty, and really good at her job. All three guys adore and appreciate her. She does have a tendency to come out swinging, verbally, when she's feeling vulnerable emotionally but they all know that and deal. She's very independent and doesn't want to rely on a man but she'd give her I-teeth for another shot at Leo.

A Shot of Sin was an engaging introduction to the series, allowing me to become acquainted with Leo, as well as experience the lust between he and Shay...and they are steamy together. I think what I appreciated most was witnessing these two work at something meaningful. They supported one another, listened and were understanding of each other's feelings and vulnerabilities. Even if Shay did react immaturely at times, it made for a compelling read.

And now I'm dying to get started on Tate's and Brute's stories!

Release Day Review ~ Charmed by the Wolf ~ Kristal Hollis (@KristalHollis) #2017NewRelease

Charmed by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis
Wahyas of Walker's Run #3
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received an ARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
The Wolfan's Redemption Wolf pack sentinel Tristan Durrance firmly believes happily and mated don't go together. Until Penelope Buchanan arrives at Walker's Run Resort. Nel's undeniably gorgeous and human. Tristan should steer clear of her. But she awakens an indescribable longing in him; one he can't resist. Nel's ready to explore new things, and Tristan is one of them. But despite the visceral attraction between them, Nel sense he's keeping some powerful secrets. Tristan will do anything to protect Nel. But he also knows the beast within him won't stay hidden forever.

Hollis' Wahyas of Walker's Run series just keeps getting better! This installment was engaging and suspenseful with a side of sweet and steamy. Here are some highlights:

• Tristan and Penelope "Nel"
  Tristan and Nel both are mostly existing. Their childhoods left scars and they're both afraid to really live. However, Nel took the leap taking a summer job in Walker's Run teaching art to preschoolers. When she and Tristan first meet, there's immediate chemistry. But the most compelling thing about them as a couple is that he supports her making changes in her life by helping her be more daring and she thereby teaches him to deal with his issues. How they help each other to experience life more fully for themselves - which aids in their romantic entanglement.
• Suspense
  While the villain wasn't ever in question, the what, why, and how was and Hollis made this element of the story riveting.
• Wahya way of life
  It's a commonly discussed element in the series that Wahyas, especially those at Walker's Run, are all about family and this installment definitely illustrated how family, friends, and pack rank in the Wahya life. I'm a fan of seeing these dynamics in wolf stories.
• Friendship & Romance
  Despite Tristan being a wolf and all that entails when it comes to mating, he and Nel had a meaningful friendship as well as chemistry that ignited their romance. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as their relationship developed.
• Checking in with old friends
  Since this series revolves around a pack living in a small town, I not only get to check in with the locals, I also get to hang out with the couples from the previous installments, and that's a pleasure.

I'm eager to see what comes next for the Wahyas of Walker's Run!

My TBR List ~ September ~ 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. ;)


Your Choices Are:


Use
Songs of Perdition #2

Synopsis
In the end, did I stab him to be free of him? And free to what? Fuck? Snort? Party? Or free to be normal?

"It was a very interesting situation, up there on Maundy," Elliott said.

"Nothing like it in the world. It's a safe place for people like me."

"People like you? Can you be more specific?" He ran his finger on the edge of his blotter, and a chill went up my inner thighs.

"People like me means, I don't know. Fuckers. We fuck because it's what we do. Bus drivers drive. Accountants account. Policemen police. I'm a fucker. I fuck."



The Departed
The FBI Psychics #2

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...




Impulse
Mageri #3

Synopsis
"You are the only female I desire, the only water that will quench my thirst, the only sun that will warm my skin, the only lips that were made for mine."

Almost a year ago, a Mage attacked Silver and changed the course of her destiny. Immortals exist, and now she is one of them.

Within the dark and supernatural city of Cognito, Silver is living under the watchful eye of her Ghuardian and dating her mortal enemy. Neither man can protect her from a dark secret, one buried within the contents of a box. As rival factions struggle to gain control, she finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old feud that threatens to drive a wedge between her and Logan Cross, the man who intends to seduce her.

In an explosive turn of events, one life is saved and another is forever altered. Can Silver trust those around her, or are they hiding a dark secret of their own?



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Review ~Infinite Possibilities ~ Lisa Renee Jones #COYER

Infinite Possibilities by Lisa Renee Jones
The Secret Life of Amy Benson #2
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Secrets and lies. They are everywhere: haunting her, tormenting her. In the midst of it all, he'd been her escape, her passion. The only person she'd trusted in six years. And then he'd made her doubt that trust, cutting her deeply. But as she'd once told him, she was damaged, not broken. She is ready to fight and not just for survival. She is fighting for the truth and she won't stop until she has it, not even for...him.

I couldn't wait to dive into book #2 of this series but I have to admit to being the slightest bit disappointed. It was only slight though.

Amy, after overhearing something that made her doubt, is on the run again. She wants to get all the answers she needs and deserves once and for all. Liam, however, isn't going to give her up without a fight. Luckily it's not a fight Amy's really interested in taking on because there are a few new players on the field and deciding who to trust - if anyone - is Amy's main goal, especially when it's revealed that something she's believed since she went into hiding may not be true.

Liam, for his part, is determined to show Amy he's the one to trust and put her faith in. He has the resources and connections to help Amy find her answers as well as keep her safe. If he can erase her doubt, that's exactly what he plans to do. 

LRJ delivers another smolderingly hot installment for Amy and Liam coupled with some nail-biting suspense. I was as eager to get answers as Amy was and the revelations made while getting them were shocking. My disappointment came as a result of how long it took for things to develop. Amy and Liam seemed to spin their wheels longer than I'd have liked but once they got traction, the story took off. I was also mildly let down at the ease in which a few things were resolved.

However, I'm chomping at the bit to continue the story!