OTHERWISE UNHARMED (Evan Arden #3) by Shay Savage

Otherwise Unharmed by Shay Savage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the events of Otherwise Occupied , Evan is now with Lia. She comes to the prison where his therapist, Mark, asks her to help him sleep by staying with him. Evan is able to gain a little perspective on what happened and why he did what he did. But now he's more focused on getting out of prison and being with Lia. Before he's able to, he's approached by an FBI agent, who wants Evan to turn in evidence agains Mr. Rinaldo. Evan won't do that and tells, Trent he will go work for Mr. Rinaldo's rival, Greco, and get evidence on him.

Trent gets Evan out of jail, and Evan spends most of his time not only reacquainting himself with Lia, but trying to stay away from Rinaldo and his people so he can complete his task and take Lia away.

Quickly, things turn bad and Evan realizes that he can't keep his past from Lia, what he's up to from Rinaldo and something from his past comes to seek revenge for a perceived wrong. Soon Lia's drawn into Evan's world despite all his attempt to keep her clear of it all. But their love bridges a gap between their different worlds and they come out stronger together.

I have to admit, I couldn't see how Evan was not only going to be able to keep from going to prison, but how he was going to get out of any of it alive. I love when he thought, She was everything I needed, and I was fucking poison to her. I'd known it since the beginning, but I'd been too selfish to push her away.

I loved how the author brought these two completely different people together to heal and help each other. Lia stood by her man no matter what he threw at her about who he was, what he had endured as a child and what he'd done and continued to do as an adult. She'd been through a dysfunctional and borderline abusive relationship, but she saw a different person in Evan. She realized he was someone who would never hurt her.

The sex between the two was HOT and I thought that this relationship was interestingly woven between really getting to know the drama and the life of Evan.

The only reason I'm not giving this a full 5 stars is because I thought there were holes in the fact that Evan was never very careful about his kills the fact that the only DNA he left was on the actor, is beyond me. The fact that he never wiped anything down, yet there were no fingerprint where the police knew who he was didn't make much since to me. As a former Marine, his fingerprints should have been on file. I mean no one ever brought up the fact that after the actor was killed in the second book this guy just disappeared? All they had to do was get his prints from either his or the guys room. Anyway, I digress. I still loved and and rooted for Evan even knowing who he was and what he would continue to do if he was able. He only stopped for Lia.

That's the sign of a good story, when you are able to put aside your moral code to love the very flawed hero.

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AWAKEN (Spiral of Bliss, #3) by Nina Lane

Awaken by Nina Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 STARS

In this final installment of the marriage between Dean and Olivia West, things have definitely evolved. Olivia has a new business with her friend and Dean is dealing with a spiteful student, Maggie, who has accused him of improprieties in oder to get her own way.

Dean leaves town on an excavation in Italy, not only to give Olivia some time, but to also stay out of the line of fire from Maggie. This is the first time that he doesn't have a plan or control of the outcome in his life. But, he and Olivia seem to get closer and closer, through their "dates" over the phone and during his return trips home.

But when Olivia's very manipulative mother comes to visit, Dean is afraid she may take Olivia away. But Olivia isn't the woman who needs to be taken care of and protected anymore. She's growing into the woman she's always wanted to be, which is nothing like her mother. Her absence from Dean is allowing her to learn to stand up for herself and find out who she would have been without him and who she wants to be in their marriage.

The time in the hotel "dating" was so sweet and HOT at the same time.



Dean's desire to protect Olivia at all cost, even to his marriage made me a little nuts, but I liked how he had to learn to evolve with the relationship and even take a step back from being so over protective.

This series was hard for me because the first book was a little hard to get into . I just felt like it was all internal dialogue between the two with the back and forth between their past and present. I was most angry with Dean as I felt like half of their problems could have been resolved if he'd just spoken up and said what he felt. But I guess he behaved the way a lot of men do, which is probably why I'm still single. I need communication... LOL

But each in each book the relationship grew and matured and became what they both needed from each other, which makes this a great series and went from such a dramatic low rating to this high rating.

I would definitely recommend this series and preface to anyone to just get through the first one as it is a set up to much more emotion and drama to come, with some great and hot chemistry between this lovely couple.

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ALLURE (Spiral of Bliss, #2) by Nina Lane

Allure by Nina Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 STARS

I liked this one much better, but still annoyed with Dean's lack of communication skills. I just can't take the fact that all of this drama happens because he can't open his mouth and say what he's feeling.

Maybe that's why I'm not married ;-/

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AROUSE (Spiral of Blis, #1) by Nina Lane

Arouse by Nina Lane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm waffling between a 3 and 3.5 rating. I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Just not loving this series as much as everyone else seems to love it. But, we can't all love everything, right?

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Final Chapter in DAUGHTER OF SMOKE & BONE series

Click on the link to see all the fan art for the books.

http://daughterofsmokeandbone.com/

OTHERWISE OCCUPIED (Evan Arden Trilogy, #2) by Shay Savage

Otherwise Occupied by Shay Savage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow... All I can say is that was intense .

Evan Arden is back in Chicago after his exile in Arizona. Though things seem to be back to normal, Evan is having problems sleeping. As this increases his PTSD is getting worse and his thoughts of his time with Lia keep entering his mind. But he knows he has no place in her life and she would only be a liability or potentially be hurt by being in his life. But little things remind him of her. A smell, a quarter, someones hair.

One of his first assignments upon his return is to rid the organization of someone a movie star that Mr. Morretti wants to use as an example. That they can't get away with owing him and not paying up. But before Evan is able to do the job, he is tasked with finding out who in the organization has a big mouth. He completes his task and we learn that you have to keep your mouth shut. Little slips can cost you your life.

Enter Bridget. Evan picks up hookers to satisfy his baser needs which keep him disconnected emotionally. But that doesn't seem to work in this case. Between trying to make sure she understands her place in his life (in his bed only) he starts to treat her more and more like a lover. But he is skeptical and tries to deter her from asking too many questions. He's good at keeping her from knowing anything he's up to, at least he thinks he is.



As his PTSD and sleeplessness start to affect him in more ways than he realizes, his grip on the here and now is slowly slipping away. He's not picking up the cues of others as easily and he's more and more agitated. And with a member of the organization trying to take Evan's place, he doesn't know who to trust. When it turns out his favorite hooker is responsible for leaks, Evan has to set things right. But he hasn't slept for almost ten days and things go from bad to worse. But did he really see her?



I really liked this book. I felt so bad for Evan. He really needed help and most likely Lia. It took me a while to figure out why his PTSD had come back, but once it became an issue, I knew exactly what was happening. So sad to think that something to benign to most of us could cause such stress to someone who had been through what Evan had. Looking forward to the next chapter in the story.

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OTHERWISE ALONE (Evan Arden Trilogy, #1) by Shay Savage

Otherwise Alone by Shay Savage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't realize how short this was until I was half way through and it didn't take me long to get there. That being said, it was HOT, literally. I can't wait to dive into the next book. Evan and Lia, wow.



Sex with a stranger has never been so sexy.

"I'm going to tear your clothes off and fuck you so hard you won't walk right for a week." ~ Evan Arden

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FIGHTING FOR IRISH (Fighting for Love, #3) by Gina L. Maxwell

Fighting For Irish by Gina L. Maxwell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It was okay. I don't know. For me it took forever to get going. Every time I thought something good would happen, it would fizzle out. I liked the characters and understood their issues. I just wanted more action, more love, just more.

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THE MANE EVENT (Pride, #1) by Shelly Laurenston

The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 ROARING GOOD STARS

I really love this series. Every time I get a book in this series, it makes me laugh so hard. And although it's probably best to read the series in order, I started with Beast Behaving Badly , which still makes me laugh to even think about it and then Wolf With Benefits .

Although there are two stories in this one book, the second is just a deviated continuation of the first. I really want to read the whole series and know all about the Smith Pack and the Llewellyn Pride and their extended families. So funny and Hot at the same time.

Love Shelly Laurenston's writing!



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GRIMM FAIRY TALES: Realm Knights by Patrick Shand

Grimm Fairy Tales: Realm Knights by Patrick Shand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ARC provided publisher through NetGalley for an honest review

5 SUPER HERO FAIRY TALE STARS

The illustrations were amazing. Clean and precise, bold and bright colors. The story was easy to follow, even with a couple of backstories from previous graphic novels involved. I want to know what happened with Hecate and what Hades is up to.

Looking forward to reading the next installment.



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MASS EFFECT: Foundation Volume 1 by Mac Walters, Tony Parker and Omar Francia

Mass Effect: Foundation Volume 1 by Mac Walters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ARC provide by Dark Horse via NetGalley for an honest review.

The illustrations were amazing. Really easy to read. I'm would have kept going if it hadn't ended. Looking forward to the next chapter in the story.

I think Kaidan has a destiny he's not aware of yet. Can't wait to find out if he's able to do more with his abilities and if his father knows what's in store for him.

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KISS ME AT MIDNIGHT by Diane Alberts

Kiss Me at Midnight by Diane Alberts
My rating: 2 of 5 stars


ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review.

This was just okay for me. I wasn't really engaged with Ash and Ethan. I didn't really get a sense of exactly why Ash needed to stay in that small town, though she didn't want to. And although I got Ethan's issue with the town, it was a little intense for someone who seemed to physically overcome his awkward stage.

It was a quick read and cute in places, but that was it for me.

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REBEL (Renegades, #2) by Skye Jordan

Rebel by Skye Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review.

4.5 REBEL HOT STARS

I liked this one much better than Reckless . There was more angst and tension between Rubi and Wes. My heart broke for her for the relationship, or should I say lack there of, with her father or anyone else to ground her. She grew up to be an incredible person despite her surroundings and lack of connection to anyone.

I loved Wes for how patient he was with Rubi and her inability to understand what she wanted or needed some times. I loved how he would go with what she was willing to give him in order to just get a little part of her, knowing he could build on it.

I loved Wes' family and how they embraced Rubi and how his sister didn't judge Rubi for how she wasn't the normal girl for her brother.

This was much much better and I can't wait to read more about the Renegades.

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RECKLESS (Renegades, #1) by Skye Jordan

Reckless by Skye Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley for and honest review

4 SENSUOUS STARTS

This book was HOT HOT HOT! The connection between Lexi and Jax is palpable. But there are so many things in both of their backgrounds that has caused them not to trust, that their insecurities get int he way.

They both jump to conclusions and cause some hurt int he other. But when Jax realizes his presence could hurt Lexi's career and everything she's worked towards, he walks away. But will he be able to stay away.

This was a short and sexy. I liked the writing style, as I knew where the author was headed, yet not overtly predictable.

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BABY COME BACK LITE (Baby Lite, #3.5) by Andrea Smith

Baby Come Back Lite by Andrea Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Tristan, but almost wished he's have ended up with someone else. Gina made me angry with how treated Tylar. Yes, Tylar was more focused on her own life than her friends. That's because her life was a tragic mess. Even when she didn't know what was coming. Tylar tried to tell her she wasn't feeling well and that this woman from her husbands office was all over her. But, not Gina could only focus on the fact that Tylar wasn't jumping up and down about every little milestone in her pregnancy. Gina should have known something wasn't right and I wished she'd been a bit more contrite when Tylar lost Marley, Trey cheated on her and then was hit by the crazy woman. But she still could only think about herself.

I liked that this book gave me a little more insight into what was going on in books #2 & #3, coming from a different prospective. But I didn't like Gina so that's why I only gave it 4 stars.

Still all in all, this series ROCKED!

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BE MY BABY LITE (Baby Lite, #3) by Andrea Smith

Be My Baby Lite by Andrea Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 - 5 HEART WRENCHING STARS

Oh Trey. You bad boy. I understand that he was as devastated by the lose of Marley as Tylar was, but working more and being emotionally and physically unfaithful wasn't the way to go. When Tylar watches him do the things he does to sooth her to that horrible woman, I could feel her hurt through the pages of the book. I was so upset. I was mad at everyone for how they were treating Tylar. She kept saying she wasn't feeling well. She kept telling her friend that this woman in her husband's life was out to get him. But everyone just blew her off as if she was overly emotional and high strung. But when everything Tylar feared came to pass, my heart went out to her.

And just when things seemed to be straightening out, more tragedy rears its ugly head.

Again, I loved this series. It was different from the G-Man series in that it was more epic and all about the couple in question and the history that comes back to haunt Tylar, whether she knows its there or not.

I couldn't put the iPad down while reading this series.

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BABY LOVE LITE (Baby Lite, #2) by Andrea Smith

Baby Love Lite by Andrea Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 - 5 CRAZY INTENSE STARS

Tylar and Trey now have a beautiful little girl and are newly married when strange occurrences start to happen and Tylar begins having disturbing nightmares. First Trey just believes she needs to start her life up again. Get back into the workforce. But when the housekeeper gets hit by a car, and Susan, Trey's mother has to leave to care for his sick father, things take a terrible turn. Maggie, Tylar's mother kidnaps baby Preston and takes them on a desperate search for answers.

These answers spark more questions. Who is Tylar's father and what is her family background. Tylar discovers her family secrets, her real father and more a more disturbing history than she could have ever imagined.

I was so mad a Trey for discounting her instincts when she kept feeling that something wasn't right. I loved out Andrea brought Tylar's high school prom date back into the picture for the purposes of helping them find their child.

I loved how her search for her child ended up bringing her to father and finally having a parent who loved her.

It was so moving and lovely. The series is epic in tone.

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MAYBE BABY LITE (Baby Lite, #1) by Andrea Smith

Maybe Baby Lite by Andrea Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 - 4.5 HOT AWESOME STARS

Tylar Preston has is working her summers in college at the Sinclair family stables when she has an accident and is saved the the youngest son Trey Sinclair. Immediately there is something about this girl that draws him to her, though he's eleven years her senior. When it looks like Tylar's life is being threatened, Trey's protective instincts go into overdrive as does their romance.

Trey is her first and Tylar takes that seriously. But when Trey's past threatens their future, Tylar decides she's best dealing with the fallout on her own. Her mother has stolen her inheritance, her past has attacked her, and Trey believes she's been with another man. Taylor picks up all her marbles and goes home. Until Trey realizes his mistake and some after her.

I loved this book. It had so many twists and turns. and the sex between the two was HOT! I couldn't read this fast enough and had to wait to review in order to keep reading the rest of the series. I have to say that I was enthralled. There was drama, mystery, humor and love. It hit all the points I needed.


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