#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! ;)

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #66 ~ Fire Inside ~ Kristen Ashley

This scene is from Fire Inside, which I re-read for #COYER over the summer. There are lots of food quotes from this book because Lanie is a heck of a Southern cook. (so you'll probably see more) But this scene was Hop taking care of his lady and it struck me in the heart just like it did her. 

***

"Pastrami," he muttered. "Provolone. Had them grill it and hold the mustard. Nothin' should mar that blouse, lady." He dipped his head to my blouse, his lips curved up in appreciation. "There's packets in the bag if you wanna go wild."
I reached for the bag thinking, yes, he was getting to me.
I mean, everyone knew you had mustard on pastrami but very few would think to hold it in case you were willing to make the sacrifice because you were wearing a nice blouse.
Thoughtful.
Sweet.

Review ~ Wild Man ~ Kristen Ashley #COYER #ShelfLove

Wild Man by Kristen Ashley
Dream Man #2
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
She's about to walk on the wild side...

While filling the display case in her bakery, the bell over the door sounds and Tessa O'Hara looks up to see the man of her dreams. Within thirty seconds he asks her out for a beer. But after four months of dating, she discovers he's an undercover DEA agent - and he's investigating her possible role in her ex-husband's drug business. For Tess, this means their relationship is over.

Brock disagrees. He's committed to his anti-drug mission, but he's fallen in love with the beautiful woman who's as sweet as her cupcakes - and he'll do anything to win her back. Standing between Tess and Brock are their own exes, one of them a drug lord who's determined to get what he wants. Now as danger threatens, can Brock break the rules he's lived by and let loose his wild side to protect the woman he loves?

Wild Man was an unusual KA read for me. She delivered on all I'm used to - a riveting story, great MCs and supporting cast, action, suspense, grit and emotion. But it was a heavy read for some reason. There's a difficult topic for starters. Brock, although I met him in Mystery Man, still took awhile to grow on me. And there was something about Tess...at the start of the story something happens and when Brock shows up, finally, to talk it out, Tess immediately forgives him and it's never brought up again. Now, this is completely in character for Tess. She's a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kinda girl. No drama. And maybe that was my issue, but I missed the playful and/or snarky banter. It was...well, she was just an unusual heroine for KA, in my opinion.

I did, however, love her anyway. And once I warmed up to Brock, I fell for him as well. Their romance is a challenge thanks to the ugliness of their pasts not to mention meddling exes. And Brock's ex is a piece of work...a nasty one!

KA included a couple of kiddos. Brock's boys not only added depth, they also added a lot of fun. I appreciated that being incorporated along with the already stellar secondary cast.

There was so much going on in Wild Man so there wasn't a dull moment. I think I finished it just a few days. I still loved it but there was just a little something missing that kept this from being the typical spectacular 5-Bookworm KA experience.

Audio Dual Review ~ Fire of a Dragon & Chosen by a Dragon ~ Alisa Woods (@AlisaWoodsBooks) #2017NewRelease #AudioChallenge

Fire of a Dragon by Alisa Woods
Fallen Immortals #3
Narrated by: Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media. This did not affect my review or my rating. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
**START with KISS OF A DRAGON (Book 1)**
Lucian is a Dragon Prince of the House of Smoke...and he's dying. He has to spawn a dragonling to uphold the treaty that keeps the mortal world safe from the immortal Dark Fae, but a dragon's mate rarely survives the birth of a young dragon... and he can't force the horror of another woman's death on his hands. When he rescues a beautiful woman from a demon roaming the streets of Seattle, he has to seduce her without losing his heart.. and before he turns into a feral dragon and breaks the treaty forever.

The FALLEN IMMORTALS series is a modern Beauty and the Beast story with flaming HOT dragon shifters, vengeful Dark Fae, and beguiling fallen angels. Only readers over 18 should embark on this epic series of dangerous love.

Fire of a Dragon was more exciting than its predecessor mainly because there's more going on than just the romance. ;) 

**There may be some minor spoilers ahead...

Lucian and Arabella have overcome all the obstacles thrown their way. They're united and now all should be good, yeah?

WRONG.

There are still forces at work against them and the treaty that would maintain peace and it was nail-biting excitement as I watched the events, trying to figure out what was going to happen, who was behind it, and why.

With danger, intrigue, and combat, oh, and some romance ;) Fire of a Dragon was a great listen.

Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell adeptly brought the story to life!

Chosen by a Dragon by Alisa Woods
Fallen Immortals #4
Narrated by: Noelle Bridges and Roger Wayne
Release Date: May 9, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media. This did not affect my review or my rating. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Leonidas: I am a Dragon Prince of the House of Smoke...and I am cursed. Falling in love was never in the cards for me. An angry witch made sure of that - if I lose my heart, I lose my life. Only now, a treaty guaranteeing peace will die with me, unless I convince some hapless human to fall in love with me and bear my child - a dragonling born of magic and a love that's true. But I know nothing of love. Five hundred years of guarding my heart and opening my bed mean I've got zero chance at this. Yet if I fail, it won't just be my death but countless others. Rosalyn: My luck has never been good. Being a witch who can't do magic sucks on most days - it's even worse when your mother's cancer can't be cured. But I'll do whatever it takes to turn our luck around, including stealing magic-healing blood from a shifter. Besides, they owe me - a hot-as-sin shifter seduced my mother, got us thrown out of the coven, and ruined my life. One of them can bleed a little to make things right. And a dragon prince with his wacky Mating Game and blood ten times more powerful? The perfect mark. My luck might just be turning good after all. Contains mature themes.

Who knew I'd find Leonidas' story so compelling?!? Maybe it was because the groundwork had been laid, and I already knew Leonidas to a certain degree. Maybe it was Roger Wayne and Noelle Bridges' engaging narration. Whatever it is, this Dragon Prince's story had me listening every chance I could.

Leonidas was cursed long ago by a witch. Should he ever fall in love, he's doomed to turn into a feral dragon. So naturally he'd pick a witch to help him fulfill his duty with the treaty. He could never love a witch after being cursed by one, right??

Roselyn is a hedge witch - a magic cripple. Her mother's powers were bound due to an affair with a shifter and she's never been able to learn how to harness her magic. She answers an ad for a shifter looking for a mate figuring she can steal a little blood to help solve a few of her problems. When she learns the shifter is a dragon? Well, she figures her luck is changing.

These two were such compelling characters. Leonidas is actually very vulnerable with the opposite sex - craving real intimacy, which he can't have - instead of the slam-bam he's partaken of since his curse. It was sweet seeing how thoughtful he was with Roselyn. I felt for Roselyn. Her predicament was frustrating and not of her doing. The unfairness of that struck a chord with me. Then seeing her try and fail at almost everything with Leonidas...it was endearing.

Bridges and Wayne were amazing. Their delivery, pacing, and range with voices really made the story vivid. I did think the recording of Bridges' early chapters was a bit "tinny" but that seemed to resolve as the recording when on.

I'm very eager to see what happens next with Leonidas and Roselyn!

Release Day Review ~ Born, Darkly ~ Trisha Wolfe (@TrishWolfe) #2017NewRelease

Born, Darkly by Trisha Wolfe
Darkly, Madly Duet #1
Release Date: September 19, 2017
Genre: Adult, Psychological Suspense, Dark Romantic Suspense
Source: I received an eARC from the author. I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
He challenged her sanity.

She shattered his reality.

They dared each other...to the brink of madness.

A dark and twisted maze awaits criminal psychologist London Noble when she falls for her patient, convicted serial killer, Grayson Pierce Sullivan. As she unravels the traps, her sanity tested with each game, she's forced to acknowledge the true evil in the world around her.

Oh, Ms. Wolfe! I've loved everything I've read from TWolfe so far and it's all had at least a little dark...but may I say how utterly thrilled I am that she's gone completely to the dark side? *shudders*

Okay, I have to say this wasn't really a shock, even though it was kinda a shock, that Wolfe went psycho...er, psychological thriller full on with Born, Darkly. She took most of the elements I've loved most from With Visions of Red and amp'd them full throttle. If y'all enjoy getting into the mind of a killer...well, one-click this baby RIGHT NOW. (Go ahead, I'll wait.)

In Born, Darkly we get to examine the mind of a killer, the mind of a doctor who enjoys digging around in killers' minds, doctor/patient relationships, and, well, the human condition. Omigosh, y'all! This is dark and lovely...well, mostly. I floved it!

In London, we have this renowned psychologist who's attempting to disengage the part of her practice that deals with criminals. But she agrees to take on one last challenge. She's brilliant really. She knows how to delve into a criminal mind - prides herself on it really - but she may have met her match in Grayson.

Grayson is referred to as The Angel of Maine. While he is a convicted killer, his victims are *not* good people. London is to help him with a new trial in a different state. Grayson's genius level intelligent and right off the bat he had me scratching my head over who had control in his sessions with London. He likes puzzles and he sees the ultimate one in London.

I can't explain what a mind f*ck this story is...in the very best of ways. It really is more of a psychological suspense story than a romance. *gasp* I know! I was hanging by a thread through most of it and it's gonna be a challenge waiting for the conclusion. However, I'm absolutely certain Wolfe will make it worth the wait.

Review ~ Tease ~ Ella Frank #2017NewRelease

Tease by Ella Frank
Temptation Series #4
Release Date: May 9, 2017
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Tease - verb: to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it....unless your name is Tate Morrison.

It's been four years since Logan Mitchell walked into Tate's life and irrevocably changed it. Four years since the sexy as sin lawyer dared him to try, and four years since Tate won his love.

Now, as they approach the next chapter of their lives Logan is determined they won't end up like many of their friends. Settled. Domestic. Boring. However, that's easier said than done. With busy careers and working odd hours, finding time for one another is becoming increasingly difficult.

But that sh*t isn't going to fly with Logan or Tate.

The two of them are determined to compromise to get what it is they want, and what they want is each other.

Tease is the sexy, tantalizing continuation of the two men who stole your heart... and popped your cherry.

If y'all have followed me for a few  years, you might remember my gushing reviews about these two guys. Quite simply, they are my favorite M/M couple. SO you may be able to imagine my reaction to finding out Ella Frank was adding to the series...

More Tate and Logan? Yessssss!

Tease picks up in Tate and Logan's life 4 years later. Tate's bar, The Popped Cherry, is a success and Logan's law firm is doing well too. Sound staid? Here are a few reasons Tease is wroth the read:

• Logan - he's HOT, charismatic, sharp-witted, and he knows how to state his case. His banter - with anyone but especially Tate - is typically snarky and fun. But while he exudes confidence, I like that he has a vulnerable side that he willingly shares with Tate.
• Tate - he's so grounded. Oh, he's hot too but he definitely is the yang to Logan's yin. I've always appreciated that Tate takes the time to analyze, think things through before making decisions, and once he makes one, he's solid.
• More than romance - despite the fact we do get to see that the spark is still very much alive between Logan and Tate, I enjoyed seeing how they've progressed in their relationship and how they deal when things from their past and present force them to handle things like bigotry and prejudice.

While Tease maybe wasn't quite as dazzling as it's predecessors, it's a worthy continuation to Logan and Tate's story.