BookingIt

Posted By katie on May 14, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: Meeting Her Match

When her jock boyfriend broke up with her, Cherry realized it was her opportunity for more.  Much more.  She soon finds the BDSM scene her thing, even if she doesn’t really know what her thing really is.  But, balancing her work life and personal life becomes a challenge, even in the age of Internet dating.  Can she have the best of both worlds and meet her perfect match?

Meeting Her Match is like Fifty Shades of Grey to the extreme!  Luckily, Cherry knows what she wants and isn’t completely naïve to the world.

I loved Cherry.  During the course of the story, her character growth is tremendous.  At first, she is an unsure woman embarking on a new lifestyle, but her adventures result in discovery of what she likes and dislikes.  Her character grow is unprecedented because she knows little to nothing at the beginning (albeit a successful, professional woman in her own right who simply hadn’t explored much in the bedroom) to a woman who knows what she wants and who she wants.

At heart, this plot is a character study following Cherry.  Other interesting characters pop up along the way, but these characters do not have as much depth potentially due to Cherry’s first person perspective.  Honestly, I craved a bit more out of these other characters, especially the person she eventually ends up with (it’s fairly obvious who he is).  Luckily, the pacing of the story is smooth where Cherry’s adventures are spaced logically, even if I wished more from Mr. Right.

Meeting Her Match is hot and adventurous where Cherry learns more about herself through self-expression in the bedroom.  I loved her story and her many dimensions, even though I wanted more of the other characters.  Meeting Her Match is definitely worth the price for fans of erotic romance!

BookingIt Grade:  A-

• Publisher: Xcite
• Pages:  224
• Release Date:  April 12, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Meeting Her Match

Book Description

In the Internet age, it should be easy for like-minded fetishists to find and connect with each other. Or so Cherry thought. Her decision to enter the wild and wonderful world of BDSM leads her to some interesting and unexpected places. She soon finds herself on ‘the scene’ and her insatiable curiosity takes her to orgies, slave auctions and mansion houses full of trainee submissives, but where will she find her perfect dom? Will Cherry ever meet her match?

Posted By katie on May 8, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: Surrogates

Dan cares for his wife, even if he finds his sex life a bit lame.  To get the thrill he needs without breaking his marriage vows, he has an agreement with the gardener, Francie, to watch and not touch.  But, he feels sorry for Francie who doesn’t have anyone to slack her frustration (since Dan can’t touch, yet he still has his wife), so Dan asks his old friend, Simon, to sleep with Francie and act as his surrogate… while Dan watches and calls the shots.

Dan’s wife, Bel, has found her own outlet to her boring sex life.  Bel has a secret relationship with her masseuse, a woman.  In her mind, she hasn’t been cheating on Dan because she is with a woman and not another man.

When all of the secret relationships come out in the open, will everyone be able to save face?  Will Bel and Dan get divorced, or will they be able to work out their differences?

For a novella, there are a bunch of characters in this story!

Simon and Francie tie for the best characters.  Both know what they want, even if they allow themselves to be manipulated by Dan.  But, sometimes manipulation isn’t always a bad thing.  I liked how they worked together and Francie even had time to grow.

Bel is confused and disappointed with her sex life, that’s why she jumped on Ellen, the first person that expressed interest in Bel.  Although I felt uncomfortable with Bel and Ellen’s relationship since Bel is blatantly cheating on her husband, I liked how Ellen opened Bel’s eyes to other possibilities.

Unfortunately, Dan is the worst character.  He’s creepy because he refuses to touch Francie, even if they are having an inappropriate relationship in the first place.  Then, he becomes awkwardly controlling and egotistical, which adds to the creepy.

The story is jam-packed full of people where the plot is a twisted character study.  Sadly, there isn’t enough time in the story to really get the depth I craved for a character study.  Although I wanted more character growth, Surrogates balances story and characters well where I did feel the story reached a logical end without belaboring any issues.

Surrogates is full of unusual relationships.  Even though the characters do not have much time to grow, the story does play itself out within a reasonable amount of time.  Nothing shines about this novella, but then again, nothing is actually wrong with it, either.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Mischief
• Pages:  120
• Release Date:  April 19, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Surrogates

Book Description

Dan takes his marriage vows seriously. Until he gets the balls to ask for a divorce, watching each other fool around is all he can offer his beautiful gardener, FRANCIE. But when Dan’s friend, SIMON, agrees to be his surrogate, affairs of the heart get complicated.

Even though he’s in love with his beautiful gardener, FRANCIE CARTER, DANIEL ALEXANDER III takes his marriage vows very seriously. Until he gets the balls to ask for a divorce, watching each other fool around is all he can offer her. Then Dan convinces Francie to allow his friend, SIMON PARIS, to be his surrogate – to have sex with her while Dan watches and supervises. It’s a win-win. Dan stays faithful to his wife, and with Simon’s help, he can keep Francie satisfied until he gets the nerve to ask for a divorce.

With their yawner of a love life, Dan’s wife, ISABEL, is enjoying her own version of borderline fidelity with her massage therapist, ELLEN. Bel can’t see the harm. After all, it’s not proper sex if it’s with another woman, is it?

Dan’s discovery of Ellen and Bel trysts strangely rekindles his passion for his wife. As sex with Bel gets kinkier and better, and sex between Francie and Simon gets ever more sizzling, Dan thinks he has the best of both worlds. But secrets don’t stay secret. Substitutes aren’t the real thing. And in the end there are no surrogates for matters of the heart.

Dan’s discovery of Ellen and Bel trysts strangely rekindles his passion for his wife. As sex with Bel gets kinkier and better, and sex between Francie and Simon gets ever more sizzling, Dan thinks he has the best of both worlds. But secrets don’t stay secret. Substitutes aren’t the real thing. And in the end there are no surrogates for matters of the heart.

Posted By katie on May 5, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: Red Deception

Judith lives a hard, abusive life.  When retrieving water at a nearby stream, she discovers the dead Lady Lora Noire who is betrothed to the scary Baron Blacwin.  Seizing the opportunity to create a new life for herself, she exchanges her clothes and cloak for the dead woman and impersonates her.  She never expected to actually like the dour Baron.  Will she continue to mislead the Baron or will she return to her old life of poverty?

I’m a sucker for fairy tales and Red Deception fits the bill!

Judith’s life is horrible on every scale, but it wasn’t always the case.  She has a loving husband and a son.  Unfortunately, she and her husband lost their home and moved in with her in-laws who are degrading and controlling.  I adored Judith’s bravery and gumption to take an opportunity when presented to her, even if there is no way she can pull off the farce.

Baron Balcwin has a bad reputation.  He’s wealthy, but scary.  Luckily, Judith isn’t deterred.  I liked how he immediately saw something special in Judith, even if I found their relationship progressed laughably fast.

This short story is lightning fast!  Although the love story was incredibly quick, all of the other details about Judith’s life were presented in enough detail to really get a feel for her every day life.  I wish there was more time to spend on the Baron’s character, allowing him to grow and become more multi-dimensional.

Red Deception is a fairy tale with a gritty side.  Judith’s life is difficult and the Baron is a bit scary, but the relationship is real, even with the identification swaps.  For readers that love a good fairy tale or historical romance, Red Deception is your way to go.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Self-published
• Pages:  56
• Release Date: December 2011

Buy from Amazon: Red Deception

Book Description

Judith Timbolt lives a life of poverty and servitude until the day she finds a new beginning in the hands of the deceased, Lady Lora Noire. Donning her red cloak and identity, Judith embarks on a fairytale life she could only dream of. When she steals the heart of the powerful Baron Blacwin, her dreams become a reality.

Will Judith’s fairytale unravel or will she be able to uphold her falsehood under the cloak of deception she has woven?

Posted By katie on May 1, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: Devil’s Kiss (Hellraisers)

Book #1 of the Hellraisers series

James, the Earl of Whitney, likes to gamble, but he’s bored because gambling has lost some of its thrill.  His band of friends, the Hellraisers, found themselves at a gypsy camp.  Whit could not figure out how the beautiful gypsy girl, Zora, kept winning their bets and immediately intrigued by her mystery.  Eve though Whit was engrossed with Zora, he got roped in by his friends to check out an ancient Roman ruin against his will.  What he and his friends didn’t realize was they released an evil into the world.  Now, Whit must take the gamble of his life or lose his soul.

Whit and Zora stole the story, gripping me from the beginning.  Immediately, the sparks flew between these two characters.  Also, early in the story, turmoil begins to boil, which kept me turning the pages.

Unfortunately, the magic waned.

Since the plot begins with a big punch, the pacing had a difficult time keeping up with the initial momentum.  Although I liked the story, I found my focus drifting because the story stagnated.  At this point, I found the characters lost and the plot hanging without any logical progression.  Luckily, the plot finds it way (even though it took awhile to get to this point) and the momentum pushes to the ending.

I liked Whit and Zora.  They are two very different characters with distinctive backgrounds.  Whit is the typical historical playboy with a gambling problem.  Zora is a woman with a mind where her culture is integral to her character.  Unfortunately, Zora and Whit do not grow much during the course of the story and I found myself craving more out of each character.

Devil’s Kiss is a pretty good start to a new series.  I liked the premise of the series and the characters, but I wished the pacing were more consistent and the characters were more multidimensional.  But, I’m interested in seeing where this series leads and plan on reading the next book.

If you want a historical paranormal romance complete with demons and ghosts, Devil’s Kiss is probably your best bet!

BookingIt Grade:  B-

• Publisher:  Zebra
• Pages:  369
• Release Date:  December 6, 2011

Buy from Amazon: Devil’s Kiss (Hellraisers)

Book Description

1762. James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, is a gambling man. Not for the money. But for the thrill, the danger–and the company: Whit has become one of the infamous Hellraisers, losing himself in the chase for adventure and pleasure with his four closest friends.

Which was how Whit found himself in a gypsy encampment, betting against a lovely Romani girl. Zora Grey’s smoky voice and sharp tongue entrance Whit nearly as much as her clever hands–watching them handle cards inspires thoughts of another kind…

Zora can’t explain her attraction to the careless blue-eyed Whit. She also can’t stop him and his Hellraisers from a fiendish curse: the power to grant their own hearts’ desires, to chase their pleasures from the merely debauched to the truly diabolical. And if Zora can’t save Whit, she still has to escape him. . .

Posted By katie on April 26, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Fifty Shades Freed: Book Three of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Book #3 in the Fifty Shades trilogy

This review may contain spoilers for the previous two books in the series.  You’ve been warned!

Young college graduate Ana and CEO Christian took the plunge and got married.  Although with a few doubts as to the speed of their relationship, Ana jumps in and thoroughly enjoys her lavish honeymoon with the man she loves.  But, the ghosts of the past are still alive-and-well for Christian.

As with any relationship, the great couples are the ones that bring out the best out of each other.  Christian and Ana help each other to grow to be fully their own selves with the help of the love and support they receive from one another.  Love. It.

As with the previous books, the story is told from Ana’s perspective.  My major complaint about the previous book, Fifty Shades Darker, was Ana’s irrational jealousy. Luckily, Ana’s misplaced jealousy calms to a normal level in this book (expect regarding Mrs. Robinson).  Most interesting is Ana experiences the most character growth in this book, mainly due to the support of Christian.  I felt she grew into her own self during the course of this story.

Christian remains an enigma, but he’s a very happy mystery.  His quirks are embraced by Ana, allowing him to be much more comfortable in his skin.  Like Ana, he becomes more self-assured in a personal/mental realm.  But, never fear, he’s still the bossy, controlling, egomaniac we have come to love.

The story is the continued relationship between Ana and Christian.  Now they have reached another level, there are doubts about their hasty decision as well as others who want to tear them apart.

Fifty Shades Freed is the end of a completely engrossing trilogy.  I couldn’t read the book fast enough.  Although I never loved Ana, she made me cry and I wanted to slap some sense into her indicating that I have an emotional response to the characters, which is a difficult feat for any storyteller to achieve.  I finished this book a few days ago and I already miss Mr. Christian Grey, but I am glad I have the books done simply so that I may stop thinking about him.  Now, dinner gets cooked.  The dishes washed.  I give my husband attention.  I can move on with my life instead of being Mr. Grey’s slave.  Which, I’m sure was his intent all along.

BookingIt Grade:  A+

• Publisher:  Vintage
• Pages:  468
• Release Date:  January 17, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Fifty Shades Freed: Book Three of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Book Description

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

Posted By katie on April 23, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Fifty Shades Darker: Book Two of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Book #2 in the Fifty Shades trilogy

This review may contain spoilers!  You’ve been warned.

The story of Anastasia and Christian continues after the dramatic ending of the previous book, Fifty Shades of Grey.

Ana decided her relationship with Christian was too dark, too much.  She left to pursue her career, yet sickened with the thought she’d never see him again.  When Christian returns asking for a new, different relationship, she jumps.  But, can they make this revised relationship work?

Although the characters are developed, there is some room for growth in this book.  Now that Ana and Christian have a more “normal” relationship, Ana is extremely jealous of the past women in his life.  Actually, I found her jealous annoying and over-the-top, especially since Christian is insanely protective of her.

On the other hand, Christian lightens up a bit.  A little, tiny bit.  His issues are more apparent now than ever, though.  He tries to be more of the man that would appeal to Ana and I felt he may have given too much of himself, especially since Ana did not seem to give as much.

The plot is much of the same with further study of the main characters Ana and Christian.  Although the same issues are present, the relationship pushes forward.  This may sound boring, but the book is not.  Somehow, the initial, magical spark from the first book keeps pushing the momentum of the story forward such that this book is as addictive as the first.

Fifty Shades Darker does not suffer too much from second-book-in-the-trilogy syndrome.  What I mean is that the story does push forward, even if the plot is mainly setup for the final book.  The characters become more developed (some more than others) and the story remains intriguing.  All in all, Fifty Shades Darker is a fine addition to the trilogy.

BookingIt Grade:  A-

• Publisher:  Vintage
• Pages:  544
• Release Date:  September 13, 2011

Buy from Amazon: Fifty Shades Darker: Book Two of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Book Description

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

Posted By katie on April 21, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Book #1 in the Fifty Shades trilogy

Anastasia Steele is a shy, soon-to-be college graduate.  When her best friend and roommate, Kate, comes down with the flu, Kate begs Ana to do a big interview for a school publication.  Ana had no idea her life would change the moment she fell into Christian Grey’s office for the dreaded interview.

Oh wow.  Just wow.

Don’t pick this book up if you expect to get anything else done.  Mr. Grey will take over your life!

Anastasia Steele is a normal young woman.  Although naïve, she’s smart and knows what she wants.  Enter Christian Grey who is the CEO of a huge, private corporation.  He’s young, rich, hot, and mysterious.  After their brief interview, Christian pursues Ana with single-minded intent.  What he wants, he gets.  And he wants Ana as his submissive.

The plot is told in Ana’s perspective so the reader learns about Christian as she discovers more about him.  He’s dark.  Really dark.  And, Ana isn’t sure about the whole submissive thing.  I like how something about Christian intrigues Ana, and not just his money and good looks.  She realizes the spark between them is real, at least for her.

Ana and Christian are steamy hot together.  Yes, this book has lots of sex in it and some of it is kinky, but readers familiar with erotic romances will find the bedroom aerobics par for the course (though there are some very memorable parts!)  My favorite scenes are all told through email.  Be sure to read the subject and signature lines!

Fifty Shades of Grey is, at heart, a character study between one completely engrossing character (Mr. Grey) and another who is in over her head, but not as intriguing (Ana).  Honestly, I wish the book were not told in first person because I desperately craved the occasional insight from other characters, especially since Ana isn’t the most interesting character.

As a long time reader of romantic fiction, I am tickled to death that such an erotic book has made mainstream fiction… and it started out an ebook.  So, what are you waiting for?  This is a jump-on-the-bandwagon, read-it-because-of-peer-pressure book that is actually worth reading.  And go ahead and buy the second one because you’re going to want to read it immediately after finishing.

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Vintage
• Pages:  529
• Release Date:  May 25, 2011

Buy from Amazon: Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Book Description

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Posted By katie on April 16, 2012

Buy from Amazon: The Hunger Games

Book #1 in The Hunger Games 

In the futuristic Panem, each year a boy and girl are chosen from each District to participate in The Hunger Games held by the Capitol.  When Prim is chosen as District 12’s tribute for The Hunger Games, her older sister Katniss volunteers to take her place.  In addition, the baker’s son, Preeta, is the boy chosen.  These two are up against eleven other districts, many trained for the games, to fight to the death.  Only one wins.

The Hunger Games has taken the world by storm… and I just don’t get it.

The main character, Katniss, is told in first person.  She is really good at what she does:  hunt and provide for her family.  But, she’s cold… really cold.  Her chilly personality is probably because she has developed this personality to survive.   Although the story is told in her perspective, Katniss is not the most interesting character in the book.  Other characters, like Preeta and Gale, aren’t as well developed, but are intriguing.  I wish the story were told in third person so the readers would have some insight into other characters, even if they end up dying.

The premise of the book is really good.  The story is interesting and I wanted to know what happened.  Unfortunately, the storytelling is horrible.  I found this book to be prime example of a story that is told, not shown.  If something needs to happen in the plot, it happens right then.  No build up.  Nothing preconceived.  Extremely linear.  For example, at the beginning there is an action by the characters to place three fingers on their lips.  The impact of this action is null because there is no prior explanation of why this action is such a big deal.  Also, the writing is choppy and full of fragmented or short sentences, such that I found the book difficult to read.

I loved this new world.  I wanted more of it, specifically, more explanation.  Who are the people that run Panem?  Why are people scared of them?  Why the different standards of living between those in the Capitol versus the Districts?

The Hunger Games is a great book in that the story has gotten a bunch of non-readers to read a book.  I like any book that can accomplish this.  Unfortunately, the writing is bad and the storytelling lacking.  In general, the entirety of the book is missing depth of character and world building.  Although the storyline is intriguing, I found myself wanting much, much more.

BookingIt Grade:  C

• Publisher:  Scholastic
• Pages:  388
• Release Date:  September 1, 2009

Buy from Amazon: The Hunger Games

Book Description

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don’t live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.

Posted By katie on April 14, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Rules of Engagement

After being shot, Jake decides to take a trip into the mountains to clear his head.  But, his plans are thwarted when a well-meaning friend also rents out the same cabin to Katarzyna.

Katarzyna is recovering from her fiancé leaving her at the alter for a man.  Although Jake is unexpected, he may be just the right person for a rebound.  Soon enough, Katarzyna’s cop instincts set in when she realizes there is more to Jake that meets the eye.

The relationship between Jake and Katarzyna begins strangely with Katarzyna handcuffed to the bed.  From that point, their affair blossoms quickly and blazes.  Although steamy, I never felt the relationship grow emotionally and away from the bedroom.

The plot of this novella is mainly the relationship between Jake and Katarzyna.  There isn’t too much character development early within the story, but both characters have a past, which adds some depth.  Jake’s past comes to bite him in the butt, but his full story is never revealed.  I finished the story wondering who Jake really is.

I liked the premise of Rules of Engagement, but with little character and relationship development, I felt the story lacked the emotional intrigue I crave in a good book.

BookingIt Grade:  C+

• Publisher:  Ann Bruce
• Release Date:  November 11, 2011
• Length:  Novella

Buy from Amazon: Rules of Engagement

Book Description

After being shot three times in the chest and left for dead by his last lover, Jake Duquesne decides the middle of nowhere is a good place to recuperate. And it’s perfect, until someone tries to sneak up on him, gun drawn and cocked. Unfortunately for his would-be assailant, Jake is not one to wait around quietly while someone tries to kill him.

Waking up handcuffed to a strange bed is not part of Katarzyna Delaney’s plans after being jilted at the altar for the third time. Looking at Jake, however, makes her realize plans should be flexible. With a few simple rules, she can have her long-awaited honeymoon–and without a battery-operated device.

Then people following no rules but their own join in.

Posted By katie on April 12, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Lover Reborn: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

Black Dagger Brotherhood #10

Tohrment has not recovered from the death of Wellsie, but he doesn’t realize his actions are keeping his beloved shellan between life and death.  A woman from his past, now known as No’One, presents herself as an opportunity to help Tohr.  But, Xcor and his gang are making a move against the Brotherhood.

Rejoice fans of J.R. Ward!  She has come back with a vengeance (err, Tohrment?!)

Tohrment was once the happy brother, the only with his happy ending.  Then, his entire world came crashing down around him.  The angel Lassiter brought him back, but just barely.  And, he’s been fighting every day.

No’One has a past, especially the one where she killed herself.  A second chance of life with The Scribe Virgin led her to her life with Tohr, even if he completely misunderstands her.  No’One is content with her existence, although no exactly happy.

The relationship between No’One and Tohr is odd because their affair isn’t very romantic for the majority of the book.  Sure, they like each other – a lot – but the cutsy-pie romance is not present.  Luckily, the ending makes up for any lack of sweetness.

Tohr and No’One share their story with several others.  John Matthew and Xhex continue to hash out their relationship, drawing much more on my heartstrings than No’One and Tohr.  Qhuinn and Blay have a few interesting scenes.  Also, the newish characters Xcor and Throe have a really interesting story (!!!)  Plus, Lassiter steals the show more than once and we learn more about the mysterious angel.

Like all J.R. Ward novels, the pacing is erratic.  The story started with a bang and continued at this pace for a bit.  Then, towards the middle of the book, the story slows to a crawl, except for a couple of juicy tidbits.  The last 100 pages or so fly by and are jam-packed full of everything.  Honestly, this last bit makes the entire book.

Lover Reborn is a return of JR Ward to the stories we first loved.  I laughed, I cried, and I gasped aloud.  Although the story is long and not necessarily focused on a single couple, the book works and will sure to please fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  Plus, new storylines have been added for future books.  Cannot wait!

BookingIt Grade:  A-

• Publisher:  NAL
• Pages:  593
• Release Date:  March 27, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Lover Reborn: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

Book Description

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.

When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed….

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?

Posted By katie on April 9, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: The Librarian

Adrian and Val have a history.  In college, Adrian fell for his roommate Val, but after a brief affair, the relationship ended.  Luckily, the friendship continued with Adrian having his hair cut by Val every week.  Ever since their short fling, Adrian has wanted more.

Val is tired of men and has taken a vow of celibacy.  He never imagined his old friend Adrian would be able to surprise him after all these years.  Could a relationship between these two men really happen?

Oh wow.  I loved these two guys!

Even though Val always blabs about his current conquests when he is cutting Adrian’s hair, Adrian is definitely in charge.  When Val decides to go celibate, I loved how Adrian took over the situation.  The story did not only showcase how Adrian not only nudged Val into a romantic relationship, but also how Adrian suggested potential move to benefit Val’s business.

Although the story is told in third person, the reader receives the most input from Adrian.  We understand him because he tells us why.  Val is much more subtle.  Why does he have blue hair?  Why does he date the same type of guy?  Val doesn’t tell the reader directly, but his actions eventually do enlighten the reader.  So, I absolutely loved how each character perspective was told in his personal perspective.  Adrian is inherently much more direct than Val, which translate in the storytelling.  Marvelous!

The Librarian is a must read.  This novella has seamless storytelling and memorable characters.  Anyone wanting a intriguing short story about two great guys, this is your book.  Go. Buy. It!

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Breathless Press
• Pages:  63
• Release Date:  January 6, 2012

Buy from Amazon: The Librarian

Book Description

Valentine Michaels has just taken a vow of celibacy. Adrian Grey intends to take full advantage of that vow to re-create his relationship with Val.

Val is at a crossroads in his life. A college dropout, he’s gone as far as he can in his career as a cosmetologist, owning his own style salon. He no longer finds satisfaction in it, though he’s put years into proving to his bigoted parents that a college degree and the veneer of straightness aren’t the only roads to success. They’d turned their backs on him, and he proved he didn’t need them to make it.

His love life is no better than his working life. His relationships always start with a bang and fizzle into boredom, or worse, anger.

Adrian has his own agenda for helping Val: he’s been in love with Val since they were freshmen. The intervening years of listening to Val’s gossip about his lovers and relationships have taught Adrian just what it was he did wrong all those years ago, and he thinks this time around he now knows exactly how to get—and keep—his man.

Posted By katie on April 7, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: Kiss of the Vampire (Warriors of the Rift)

New series!  Warriors of the Rift #1

Nix is half human/half demon and has never fit in with either humans or paranormals.  But, she uses her abilities to help solve paranormal crimes and reporting to the Council of Preternaturals.  Unfortunately, no one trusts her, especially the council.  When a new string of vampire killings begins, a blast from her past waltzes back into her life to help solve the murders.

The vampire Tobias is called in to help the humans (and Nix) solve the new murders.  He had no plans on starting another relationship with Nix, but knew she was going to be hard to resist when he first saw her after five years apart.

Can Nix and Tobias solve the murders?  Will they be able to remain apart or will their passion consume them both physically and mentally?

Being the first book in a new series, Kiss of the Vampire does a great deal of world building and the reader does have to give the author the benefit that not everything is presented at one time.  So, expect some confusion, but be patient!  Most everything will be explained.

Nix is a tough cookie and understands her situation.  She’s too demon to be accepted by humans and too human to be accepted by other paranormals.  I liked how she conquered the odds by maintaining her sanity beyond what other half demon humans have done because of her own stubborn will.  Plus, she adopted a dog (or he adopted her!), which I adore.   Tobias walks back into her life, which throws her calm and sanity to the wayside.  Luckily, Tobias is thrown for a loop, too.

Tobias loves Nix even though he left her five years previously.  I liked watching Tobias and Nix unbalanced by the presence of each other.  Plus, their relationship is immediately full of tension and passion.  Although I liked Tobias more than Nix, both characters are well developed with understandable motivations.

The pacing of the book is done well, even if a bit slow.  I found extra characters (i.e. Dante) and some plot devices (i.e. why Nix is part of the council in the first place) to drag down the pacing.  But, these hiccups are small and do not take away from the story as a whole.  Once the plot is set, the book moves smoothly towards the end… even if it takes awhile to reach that point.

Kiss of the Vampire is a must read new series!  With a twist on the normal paranormal romance, this new series is refreshing.

BookingIt Grade:  A-

• Publisher:  Forever
• Pages:  352
• Release Date:  February 1, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Kiss of the Vampire (Warriors of the Rift)

Book Description

Warriors of the Rift

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.

Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she’s more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world’s mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .

Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn’t interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

Posted By katie on March 28, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: First Bondage

Sam took the plunge and made an appointment with Mistress Raven.  His first experience in the BDSM community opens his eyes, but he knows he is learning from the best.  Will he go back for more?

Sam had enough confidence to call for an appointment with Mistress Raven.  But, I liked how he wasn’t sure what he was getting himself into when his session started. Unfortunately, other than fantasizing about a session, there is no other motivation for his actions.  Since this nano short is told in Sam’s perspective, Mistress Raven has little to no personality, expect her mistress attitude.

The plot is Sam learning the BDSM ropes.  Sadly, I felt the story read more like a draft, with bad editing and many incomprehensible sentences towards the end.

Pass on First Bondage.  With bad editing and flat characters, this nano short lacks the fun component most stories of this length possess.

BookingIt Grade:  D

• Publisher:  House of Erotica
• Pages: ~10
• Release Date:  February 15, 2012

Buy from Amazon: First Bondage

Book Description

Follow Sam down the rabbit hole as he takes his first steps into the enchanted world of BDSM, into a place where he is lucky enough to be trained by the very best, most experienced mistress that is Mistress Raven.  In this world, whips and canes may break your bones, but being called names never hurt you… until now!

Posted By katie on March 26, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: Taking the Dare

Truth or Dare #4

Actor Morgan Hawke has an odd relationship with Hollywood mogul Dan Blake.  Although Morgan is in an open marriage, Dan wants more since their relationship hasn’t changed much in three years.  But, Dan is manipulative and Morgan is confused.  Will either of these two guys be able to make a long-term commitment?

Like the characters he writes, Dan has learned to manipulate situations to get the outcome he wants.  Morgan doesn’t fall for his games, though.  Honestly, Dan is a difficult character to like because he possesses two different personalities.  Plus, he is hot and cold with Morgan.  But, Dan is the broken sort of character that I always fall for.

Morgan is easier to like, even if he used Dan early in their relationship.  Also, Morgan is married to woman, even if their relationship is open, and he genuinely cares for her.  So, Morgan has issues of his own he brings to his relationship with Dan.

The plot is the steamy hot / ice cold relationship between Dan and Morgan.  The pacing is moderately fast where the story features continuous character growth and development.  Even though I didn’t necessarily like either character, I felt an emotional attachment to both Dan and Morgan.  Luckily, the story ends in a way both characters are redeemed.

Taking the Dare is a completely different type of love story.  The two main characters both have many personal issues and confused.  I adored the moral of the story in which love comes in a multitude of packages, none of which are “normal”.  If the reader can get past the strange characters, the story is sure to grab the reader’s attention and keep the pages turning.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Breathless Press
• Pages:  ~ 100
• Release Date:  February 3, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Taking the Dare

Book Description

Morgan Hawke is happy with the status of his relationship with Dan Blake. After three years, though, Dan’s ready to move their relationship to the next level.

Having seen his brothers find love and settle into family life, Dan Blake has realized he’s ready for change. The only problem with that is that his lover prefers to maintain the status quo. Dan’s up for the challenge of changing Morgan’s mind. He’s got plans, and he’s used to working behind the scenes to get his way.

Morgan can’t understand the changes he sees in Dan. They’ve come a long way from the office of the bar where they met, but he’s not sure he’s ready to move their relationship from the shadows to the front pages. Publicity is okay for Dan—he’s got the weight of the Blakes behind him—but the Morgan isn’t sure he’s ready to let go of the past he’s been clinging to.

Can Dan manipulate a happy ending for this script?

Posted By katie on March 24, 2012

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy from Amazon: Highland Avenger (The Murrays)

The Murray Family

Arianna married the wrong man.  When running with the two boys she considers sons, an attack at sea leads her to desperate measures to save herself and her boys.  Amazingly, Arianna and the boys make it to Scotland alive, but she must trust the unknown highlanders with her life and the lives of her beloved boys.

Brian met Arianna on the beaches of Scotland.  Knowing the boys and Arianna need help, he and his clansmen do what they can.  But, Brian never imagined the little Arianna would move him and he finds himself unable to control himself around her.  Unfortunately, Brian knows a woman of such a great family would never fall for him… or would she?

Arianna is a woman of her time.  She entered an arranged marriage at a young age with no idea what marriage entailed.  Her husband verbally abused and humiliated her.  But, her husband did not break her spirit and big heart.

Brian is a warrior, but unsure of himself around Arianna.  His uncertainties are noble (i.e. why would a well-born woman want to tie herself to a middle child whose father is notorious?)  Like Arianna, his heart is large and quickly endears the reader.

The premise of the story is intriguing, but I found the entire story too long and really, really slow.  Honestly, I felt it took forever for anything to happen.  I do appreciate the time spent developing the main characters.  Unfortunately, their backstories and personal issues were re-hashed more than a few times, leaving the plot stagnant.  I wanted to know what happened in the story, but I had no hook to keep me reading.  I think this novel should have been a novella.

Highland Avenger has great, well-developed characters.  Unfortunately, the pacing moves at a snails pace and I took two weeks to read this novel!  Usually, I adore highland romances, but his one is stale.

BookingIt Grade:  D+

• Publisher:  Zebra
• Pages:  356
• Release Date:  March 27, 2012

Buy from Amazon: Highland Avenger (The Murrays)

Book Description

Once, Arianna Murray Lucette believed she’d met the man she could always rely on. She was wrong. Now she is fleeing for her life, and when her enemies attack a ship bound for her only refuge, she believes all hope is lost. Until she awakens on Scotland’s shore to a pair of the most entrancing blue eyes she has ever seen.

When Sir Brian MacFingal first spots the sun-streaked beauty on the beach, he mistakes her for dead. Soon, however, he discovers a woman more full of life and vitality than he ever dreamed possible. But though he knows he is fit to defend her life–even at risk of losing his own–can such a raw warrior as he ever be worthy of her love?