Iron Crossed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs

Iron Crossed by Patricia Briggs

Book Stats:

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/PNR/Fantasy
Format Reviewed: Mass Market Paperback, 287 pages
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: January 2, 2008

Series: Mercy Thompson #3

Source: paperbackswap.com

I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator...
Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape - but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not.

Mercy's loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can't decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice for her...

Why I read this book?: I've read the last two books in this series back to back, which is an extremely rare occurrence, and I really wanted to keep up with what's going on in Mercy's life so I just kept going.  I think I'm going to keep going until I run out of books:) 2013 you can't get here fast enough!

What I liked?: As usual, Mercy!  She's got this almost obnoxious sense of loyalty and when Zee gets into deep trouble she just jumps in with both feet to clear his name. That is also the point when shit hits the fan as well.  I really liked that in this book Mercy finally chose between Adam and Samuel. I really liked that in this book we learn more about the fae and their folklore, there were some pretty interesting stories that were mentioned in this book. The action and suspense were right up there with the last two books and I really liked how we were introduced to Adam's "vengeful" side and more of the pack behaviors. Like in the first book, the bad guy wasn't obvious until the very end and I was really surprised to see that Mercy was wrong about her suspicions.

What I disliked?: This book started off slower than I really liked.  It took a fair amount of reading and setting the book down before I got to the point that things started happening and the book grabbed my attention.  I also disliked that new characters and plot points were brought into the book but once introduced where never really expanded upon.  Maybe they make appearances in upcoming books but I would have liked to see a little more detail.

Overall Impression: This book is considerably more gritty than the last two books.  Even though it isn't my favorite in the series I think it's still a really good installment and I'm off to start Bone Crossed!

Rating: Wait Until Payday!

Recommendation: I recommend this series to anyone who loves a tough as nails heroine in their reading material.

Like This, Love That (Strong Female Heroines):  The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, Beka Cooper series by Tamora Pierce, Fever series by Karen Marie Moning

Extreme Exposure (I-Team #1) by Pamela Clare

Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare

Book Stats:

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Contemporary Romance
Format Reviewed: E-Book, 298 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: August 2, 2005

Series: I-Team #1

Source: Personal purchase

It's been years since her child's father dumped her, and since then investigative reporter Kara McMillan has kept men at bay—although every day she aches more for a lover's touch. But to get that, the hard-boiled journalist must become vulnerable—a feeling she vowed never to have again.

With his dangerous good looks, charm, and power, Senator Reece Sheridan could have just about any woman he sets his piercing eyes on. But he’s intrigued by only one. This Kara, this gutsy investigative reporter, has a sensuality that arouses him to no end. If she’s a firebrand in print, he guesses, she must be just as fiery in bed…

But this is no fling. A sudden political scandal—and attempts on Kara's life—could very well drive them apart. Or maybe, just maybe, adversity could draw them into a bond even more intense than their steamy sexual embraces…

Why I read this book?: I downloaded this book onto my Nook many moons ago and I've decided that I'm going to try and read as many of my own books before I buy anymore.  I had read it once when I first downloaded it but I re-read it just to see if my feelings changed or not.

What I liked?: I really liked that Kara McMillian is a strong independent woman who is raising her four year old son, Connor, by herself.  She's worked her but off to earn the position that she's in on the I-Team at the Denver Independent.  She also doesn't take any crap off of anyone, especially her piggish boss Tom. Then she meets Senator Reece Sheridan at the Rio bar and what turns out to be a pretty intense relationship starts to blossom. Reece is the exact opposite of ALL politicians these days, he's your PERFECT fictional politician.  Then an employee at a local mining company blows the whistle on them to Kara and the story takes a dramatic turn.  The deeper Kara digs the more trouble she seems to find herself in.  Then she finds that the company that she is investigating has "bought" certain members of the state Senate. Is Reece included in those members?  I don't know, you'll have to read the book to find out.

What I disliked?: At times I felt that Kara was her own worst nightmare, not only in her professional life but also in her personal life.  Granted she's been abandoned by most of the men that have been in her life but I felt at times she lumped all men into the same category.

Overall Impression: I thought that this was a really good start to this series and I can hardly wait to read the other books that I have in this series.  It's chock full of romance and suspense and the timing and writing style I was really happy with overall.

Rating: Break the Bank!

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) by Patricia Briggs

Werewolves can be dangerous if you get in their way, but they'll leave you alone if you are careful. They are very good at hiding their natures from the human population, but I'm not human. I know them when I meet them, and they know me, too.
Mercy Thompson's sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf.

She's tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire.

But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself ... and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Book Stats:

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Fantasy/PNR/Paranormal
Format Reviewed: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: January 31, 2006

Series: Mercy Thompson #1

Source: paperbackswap.com

Why I read this book?: I've had this book sitting on my bookcase waiting to be read FOREVER!  I finally got around to it and I completely DEVOURED it.

What I liked?: Mercy herself is now an addition to my "favorite heroine" list.   She's a walker, who shifts into a coyote.  She was raised for the most part by a werewolf pack from Montana which explains why she knows so much about werewolves.  I also LOVED Adam, he's the Alpha who has a "thing" for Mercy and routinely threatens to eat her cat.  Then craziness runs rampant and bad things happen to good people/werewolves.  I also loved the host of secondary characters that made this book chock full of AWESOME!  My personal favorite was Warren, you'll have to check out this book to learn more about Warren.  Even with all the high pressure situations that all the characters kept finding themselves in there was plenty of humor.  I was very pleasantly surprised at how fast paced this book was.  I really didn't want to put it down at all.  It sucks when real life gets in the way of my reading!

What I disliked?: I got nothing!

Overall Impression: I am kicking myself that I have waited as long as I have to read this series!  It is full of AWESOME!

Favorite Quotes:

“A werewolf tossed me against a giant packing crate while I was trying to rescue a frightened young girl who'd been kidnapped by an evil witch and a drug lord.”

“MS. THOMPSON, it said in heavy block letters, PLEASE KEEP YOUR FELINE OFF MY PROPERTY. IF I SEE IT AGAIN, I WILL EAT IT.”

“I don't like it when I outweigh my men.”

Rating: Hand Over The Paycheck!

Against the Wind (Raines of Wind Canyon #1) by Kat Martin

Against the Wind by Kat Martin

Book Stats:

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format Reviewed:  Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Mira
Release Date: December 28, 2010

Series: Raines of Wind Canyon #1

Source: Swap

They were known as the "no-account Raines boys" but they've grown into successful, honorable men and everything they have, they've fought for tooth and nail. Now each of the three brothers has one last obstacle to overcome to claim what's eluding them: love.
 
Secrets don't stay buried long in cattle country. Sarah Allen, the beautiful girl who humiliated Jackson Raines in high school, is back in town. Not so long ago, she couldn't wait to leave Wind Canyon, Wyoming, in her dust. But, recently widowed, she has nowhere else to go and finds herself on Jackson's ranch. And despite everything, Jackson's finding himself reluctant to get rid of her.

Why I read this book?: I got this book in a swap on the former bookswap on Goodreads.  I wanted to read this series when it first came out and was able to get a copy of the first 3 books in the series.

What I liked?: I really liked all the suspense that was in this book.  It starts right away, basically on the first page and continues on full speed ahead through the course of the book. I really liked Sarah and Jackson as a couple.  They have history and it was nice to see them grow past their troubling pasts.  I also really enjoyed Jackson's little brothers, while they don't play a huge part in the first book the little bit that they were in the book they made things interesting. Sarah's little girl Holly was so cute too. What I really liked about this book was that the REAL bad guy wasn't obvious.  You think you know but then something happends that makes your assumption completely wrong.  LOVED that part.

What I disliked?: At times I felt that some of the things that Jackson and Sarah took part in were borderline vigliante.  I also disliked Detectiver Mercer AND Sarah's deceased husband Andrew.

Overall Impression: I think that this book was really good beginning to this series. I wish Jackson's brothers were in it a little more but they get their own stories, which I can hardly wait to read.

 

Rating: Break the Bank!

Recommendation:  I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic suspense novel or anyone who enjoys a good Western romance.

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

Book Stats:

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format Reviewed: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Pocket Books
Release Date: November 24, 2009

Series: Charlie Madigan #1

Source: Personal book purchase

Atlanta: it's the promised city for the off-worlders, foreigners from the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. Some bring good works and miracles. And some bring unimaginable evil....

Charlie Madigan is a divorced mother of one, and a kick-ass cop trained to take down the toughest human and off-world criminals. She's recently returned from the dead after a brutal attack, an unexplained revival that has left her plagued by ruthless nightmares and random outbursts of strength that make doing her job for Atlanta P.D.'s Integration Task Force even harder. Since the Revelation, the criminal element in Underground Atlanta has grown, leaving Charlie and her partner Hank to keep the chaos to a dull roar. But now an insidious new danger is descending on her city with terrifying speed, threatening innocent lives: a deadly, off-world narcotic known as ash. Charlie is determined to uncover the source of ash before it targets another victim -- but can she protect those she loves from a force more powerful than heaven and hell combined?

Why I read this book?: I wanted to broaden my horizons and try reading Urban Fantasy.  I saw the cover for this book on Goodreads and really liked it.  Then I read the synopsis and I was hooked.

What I liked?: Charlie!  Charlie Madigan is the epitome of kick-ass heroine!  She's a single mom who doesn't take any crap off of anyone...including her partner Hank, who happens to be a siren.  The world that the author created in The Better Part of Darkness in my opinion is just chock full of AWESOME. Since this is my first adult Urban Fantasy series ever, AWESOME is a good thing.  I really thought that part of the storyline where Charlie was killed and then brought back to life was very interesting and worked well into the plot of the book.  This book is so full of action that it was VERY difficult for me to put down.  I had to know what was going to happen next.  Besides Charlie, there is a host of characters that bring a vibrancy to the book, even the bad guys, who knew!?  I think the most interesting part of the whole book for me was that there was ABSOLUTELY NO romance what-so-ever.  Since I've been reading a fair amount of romance lately this was a refreshing sight.

What I disliked?: The only thing that I can come up with at this time is that it took me forever to find this series much less become interested in this genre.

Overall Impression: CHOCK FULL OF AWESOME!  Thank goodness I have the other 2 books in my possession as well.

Rating: Hand Over The Paycheck!

Recommendation: If you haven't read any Urban Fantasy and are looking to get into the genre I highly recommend this book.  It's full of action, engaging characters and there is a fair amount of humor as well.  READ THIS BOOK NOW!

A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang

A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang

Book Stats:

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format Reviewed: E-Book
Publisher: Pocket Books
Release Date: January 25, 2011

Series: Abby Sinclair #1

Source: Personal Purchase



The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.

Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn’t at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as- sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus’s whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there’s no one she can trust to save her.


Why I read this book?: I saw a review for this book on Mindful Musings and decided that it was something that I wanted to try.

What I liked?: Abby Sinclair!  She's just full of awesome as well as piss and vinegar.  Abby is the TouchStone to the Protectorate and is suddenly put in charge when Moria, the Protectorate, goes missing.  I also enjoyed all the mystery that was included in the book.  When Moria goes missing more disappearances are brought to light AND THAT is when things get a little crazy. Oh and let's not forget all the humor that is through out this book as well.  I really enjoyed the host of secondary characters as well.  Especially Phineas, the horny little unicorn.

What I disliked?: I didn't really care for Brystion.  I don't know what it was exactly about him that I didn't like but it definitely had an impact on my overall feel for the book.  As a result of me not really liking Brystion, I really did "feel" the romance between Abby and Brystion.  I also didn't care for how Moria really let Abby down. I didn't really like how certain characters in the book treated Abby at the beginning of the book and then had a complete turn about at the end either.

Overall Impression:  I really enjoyed this book.  It's chock full of humor and mystery.  This book from what I can tell is classified as a Paranormal Romance but to me it read more like an Urban Fantasy.  It just didn't read like a PNR, if that makes sense at all.

Rating: Wait Until Payday!

Recommendation: The Better Part of Darkness (Charlie Madigan #1) by Kelly Gay

Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton (Play by Play #3)

Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton

Book Stats:

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format Reviewed: E-Book (251 pages)
Publisher: Penguin Group
Release Date: March 6, 2012

Series: Play by Play #3

Source: Personal Purchase

If you want to score, you have to get in the game...

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she’s stuck running the family’s sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she’s vowed to never fall for a jock—even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty’s insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too…

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all—including Ty…

Why I read this book?:  I read the two books prior in this series and enjoyed them immensely.  This series has become an Automatic Purchase for me.

What I liked about this book?:  I really liked Tyler Anderson.  He's a professional Hockey player but he's so down to Earth it's almost unreal.  He's been hanging around the Riley families bar for months and is VERY attracted to Jenna Riley.  Mainly because Jenna is the type of woman that he is usually attracted to.  Jenna is also attracted to Tyler but because she has spent her whole life around sports, she doesn't want to be with someone who is into sports or plays sports.  Good thing Tyler doesn't take "No" for an answer!  I really enjoyed the connection between Ty and Jenna.  They each have there own demons to vanquish and it made this particular book that much better in my opinion.  I also enjoyed that there was a fair amount of humor as well.  I enjoy a good giggle every now and then when I'm reading. The characters from the 2 prior books all made appearances in this book as well as the introduction of Cole, the Riley's cousin who is the main character of the next book in the series.  The love scenes in this book were scorching hot (the sex on ice skates scene is a personal favorite) and plenty abundant as well.

What I didn't like about this book?: There were times I had a hard time connecting with Jenna.  She'd go into these "dark moments" and go from a like able character and transform into a character that I just couldn't stand.  Everyone has insecurities but I don't know many people who turn into a mean person intentionally. Another thing that I didn't really care for in this book was the over abundance (for me personally anyway) of sex in the book.  It started to feel like that was all that Ty and Jenna's relationship was based on for the most part.

Overall Impression?:  While not my favorite book in the series, it's still a really good book.  This is definitely a series that I will continue on with.

Rating: Wait Until Payday!

Recommendations:  The Perfect Play (Play by Play #1)

                                      Changing the Game (Play by Play #2)

Review ~ Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Title: Darkness Becomes Her
Author: Kelly Keaton
Series: God's and Monsters #1
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Mythology/Urban Fantasy
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Format Reviewed: Paperback
Source: Purchased at Barnes and Noble

Ari has always been a little strange. She has long, thick, silver hair that remains unchanged no matter how much she cuts or dyes it. She has teal eyes that lure people in. And growing up with bounty hunting foster parents has taught her how to kick some serious butt. When she learns that her birth mother committed suicide in "New 2," the reincarnation of hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, Ari travels there to uncover her past. New 2, it turns out, is full of unsettling entities like half-spider creatures, sword-wielding strangers, and vampires--including the supersexy Sebastian. Ari seems normal in comparison--but every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly, is afraid of her. And when she finds out why, the truth is worse than she ever imagined....

Why I read this book?:  I had been wanting to read Darkness Becomes Her for a VERY long time.  I finally picked up a copy last Tuesday when the second book in the series came out.

What I liked:  Ari.  Personally, Ari reminded me a little bit of Lara Croft.  Only in a teenage body.  Ari is different, not only because of her curse but because she's a product of "The System."  She's been bounced between foster homes and she's learned to trust no one really.  She goes on a mission to learn more about her family history and BOY does she learn some interesting things.

I also really enjoyed all the action that took place in this book.  It's been pretty non-stop since I started reading the book.  Ari's current foster parents are in the bail bonds business and have taught Ari how to defend herself.  Which most definately comes in handy.

Sebastion and the host of secondary characters.  They all bring a little something to the story, even the bad guys.  I'm even going to lump New 2 in as a character.  I loved the description of New Orleans after being ravaged by the hurricanes.

I really enjoyed the author's writing style and how well thought out the content of the book was. This was the debut for this author and I'm thoroughly enjoying her writing.  Another author to add to my "Auto-Buy" list.

What I didn't like: That it took me FOREVER to actually pick up a copy of this book.  There were a few times through out the course of the book where I thought that Ari was being a bit whiney but it wasn't enough to detract from my rating. Also, there is some cussing in this book.  If your not into cussing in your YA this might not be the book for you.  It didn't really bother me but I put it down here so that the information wouldn't get lost in the mix.

Overall Impression:  Yup this book was full of Awesome.  Another author added to the "Auto-Buy" list.

Rating:  Break the Bank!

Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

Title:  Blood Bound
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Unbound #1
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Source: Copy from personal library

Rating:  Paper Shredder

Synopsis:

By blood, by word, by magic…
Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special— a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.

And more blood will be spilled before it's over…'

NOTE:  This review is based on the portion of the book that I did read.

What I liked:  I liked how Oliva was written very much.  When I was reading about her I saw a female version of John McClane from Die Hard.  She's one kick ass Binder.  She's still in love with Cam and has done some pretty bad things to protect him.  She's also bound to a crime boss.

I also liked Cam a lot too.  He was tall, dark and handsome.  He's also still in love with Olivia.  He's also bound to the other crime boss.  I really liked that the book started off with some action and some ass kicking.

What I didn't like:  That each chapter is told from either Cam or Olivia's point of view but I was never quite sure who was talking until I was a good chunk of the way into the chapter.  It became a rather annoying distraction for me and a major turn off.  I also didn't care for the action tapering off.  We start off with a pretty fair amount of action in the beginning and then it flat lines.  The straw that broke the camel's back was that I wasn't able to connect with the characters (even though they were described wonderfully) or the story.

Overall Impression:  I had heard a lot of really great things about this book and I really wanted to like it.  The problem was I just couldn't connect with the story or characters.  Just remember just because I didn't care for this book doesn't mean you won't like it.

Chasin' Eight by Lorelei James

Title:  Chasin' Eight
Author: Lorelei James
Series: Rough Rider's #11
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Source: Personal e-book purchase

Rating:  Wait until payday

Synopsis:

She wants it…he’s got it…and the chase is on…

Bull rider Chase McKay has finally landed in a pile too big to charm his way out of. Caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can get his act together.

Hollywood actress Ava Cooper became the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend was outed as gay. She needs a place to lay low and a chance to prove to herself that she can satisfy a red-blooded man between the sheets. The sexy, rugged cowboy she finds holed up in her Wyoming hideaway seems like the answer to her every fantasy.

But Chase has sworn off women. Forever. Or at least a month. Whichever comes first.

When they take to the road to get Chase more hands-on bull riding experience, they have every intention of keeping their hands off each other. But the two headstrong stars quickly end up riding a hot and heady rodeo circuit all their own—until the press gets wind of their affair. When the dust clears and the lights of the paparazzi fade, are they ready to give up chasing the dream for a chance of finding forever?

Warning: Strap in, another hot McKay is about to bust out of the gate and this bull rider knows a thing or two about riding hard…

Why I read this book: My mom introduced me to this series and I've really enjoyed it very much.  I can hardly wait until the next installment is released in May.  This is one series that's VERY easy to keep going with.

What I Liked:  I really liked how this story was written from a more psyhcological side of the characters.  Chase and Ava each have their own set of demons to conqure and slowly but surely as the book progresses they do conqure those demons...Together.  Another thing that I really liked was that the main characters though madly attracted to one another started off as friends and the actual romance/relationship gradually built.  I also really liked how there wasn't instant sexy times.  Your actually a good chunk of the way through the book before there is any of that at all.  I also really enjoyed the host of secondary characters and the inclusion of characters from previous stories.

What I didn't care for: I was lukewarm on the way that Chase and Ava were written at times.  I get that they are supposed to come off as spoiled and bratty at times but there were a few moments when it was just a bit too much.  The scene in Wichita where a camera man tries to exploit an injured bull rider.  I also didn't really care for the amount of lying that Chase did.

Overall Impression:  I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to just about anyone.  It had it's flaws but it was still a really good read.  Though Chase and Ava aren't my favorite couple in this series they are near the top of the list. 

Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James

Title: Long Hard Ride
Author: Lorelei James
Series: Rough Riders #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Format Reviewed: Purchased E-Book
Release Date: February 1, 2008


Rating: Wait until Payday

Synopsis:

Channing Kinkaid itches for a wild western adventure with an untamed man. Enter Colby McKay, bull rider, saddle bronc buster and calf roper. He knows he’s found a woman who’s up to the challenge of cutting loose. Intrigued by Channing’s bold proposition to “horse around” on the road, Colby proposes sexual escapades not only in his bed, but in those of his two rodeo traveling partners. Can Channing give up total control? Especially when not all is as it seems with the sexy trio?
Review:

I love my Nook smut!  Furthermore, I LOVE this series!  I hadn’t really heard of Lorelei James until my mom told me I HAD to read this series!  Now I’m kicking myself that I waited so long to check this authors books out!

At the start of this book Channing has basically run away from the pre-planned life that her parents have set up for her.  Channing’s idea of adventure is chasing the rodeo and it turns out that Channing’s first traveling partner is a slime ball.  Enter our white knight, Colby McKay and his traveling partner’s Trevor Glanzer and Edgar Mancuso.  Colby offer’s Channing the adventure that she’s been looking for and Channing, how is completely attracted to Colby, can’t help but jump at the chance.

What really attracted me to this book was that everything wasn’t what it seemed with a couple of the characters.  That and Colby McKay is a total Alpha male with a practically insatiable sexual appetite.  As the 4 amigo’s roll along everyone learns a little something about each other. Which as the story progresses makes things very interesting.

Sexually, pretty much anything goes in Long Hard Ride.  At times Colby was a little bit TO Alpha for me but it seems that just when I wanted to write him off as an ass he did something to redeem himself to me.  I will say this, it does get a little wild at times.

Overall, this isn’t my absolute favorite book in the series but it most definitely was a great start to a fascinating series.

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Title: Article 5
Author: Kristen Simmons
Series: Article 5 #1
Genre: YA/Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Dystopian
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Format:  Hardcover copy from personal library

Rating:  Break the Bank!

Synopsis:

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Review:

I've been extremely interested in reading this book since I first came across it on Goodreads.  The premise of the book really caught my attention...No Bill of Rights!?  Men are the breadwinners of the family!?  It goes on and on.  Naturally I pre-ordered this book and did a little happy dance when the UPS man left it on my doorstep for me.

Article 5 did not disappoint.  The best way for me to describe the world in which Ember and Chase live in is....Think of what the world would have been like if Germany and Japan had won WWII. If you don't follow the Moral Statues to the letter you could just up and disappear. What I really loved about this book was that it was non-stop action from the very beginning.

 Ember's mom is arrested for an Article 5 violation and Ember is sent to a reform school.  As the book progresses you learn a lot about Ember and Chase's previous relationship....The one before he was drafted into the MM (Moral Militia as the citizen's refer to the soldiers).  That Chase sounds like a really great guy, the Chase that we see in the book now has "blood" on his hands, he's hard and at times borderline animalistic. Ember I think started out the book in a pretty sheltered life.  Then things hit the fan and Ember's life is all in an upheaval.  When Ember starts learning about how things really are out there in the world in the beginning she seemed a little bit on the weak side but she did toughen up by the end of the book considerably, even though it was a slower progression that I particularly liked.

Overall, Article 5 is a great beginning to this series.  If this book isn't on your wishlist I strongly suggest adding RIGHT NOW!  I'll leave you with a couple of my favorite quotes from the book...

“He was my anchor in the hurricane, yet at the same time, the hurricane itself, so that I nearly always felt safe and afraid simultaneously. There was nothing in the world as confusing and powerful as being close to him.”

“I could not fall back in love with Chase Jennings. Doing so was like falling in love with a thunderstorm. Exciting and powerful, yes. Even beautiful. But violently tempered, unpredictable, and ultimately short-lived.”

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #2
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Release Date: July 1, 1999
Format: Paperback copy from personal library

Review's in Series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Rating: Break the Bank!

Synopsis:

J. K. Rowling continues her phenomenally popular Harry Potter series with yet another tale of magic, mirth, and mayhem. Like its predecessor, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is chock-full of fascinating characters, frightful events, and fun wizardry.p

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and WIzardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girl's bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone - or something - starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects... Harry Potter himself?

Rowling packs this tale with plenty of adventure and action, keeping the pace fast and furious. There's plenty of humor, too - both subtle and bold - as well as a few moral lessons. With overlapping themes that range from the simple to the sophisticated, Rowling's Potter tales should appeal to readers of all ages - the young as well as the young at heart.

Review:

For the longest time I felt like I was one of the only people in the world who hadn't read the Harry Potter series.  I'd heard great things about the series and then there are the movies (which I haven't seen yet) too.  So I remedied the situation.  I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it very much.  I thought it was a great beginning to the series and built up nicely to the next book.

While on summer break from Hogwarts Harry is warned not to go back to school.  That bad things will happen to him.  Naturally, Harry decides to go back to school because it's school or life with the Dursley's, which isn't a great time at all.  It isn't long after Harry and crew get back to school that Harry learns that danger is lurking in almost every corner.

The introduction of Professor Lockhart was interesting.  He definitely isn't my favorite character at all.  I thought that he was a bit of a pompous ass looking for attention.  Then there was the introduction of Ron's little sister Ginny, who is enamored with Harry.  Overall, I really enjoyed the host of new character's introduced in this second book of the series.

What I really liked about this book was that it was full of action and mystery.  Being new to the series I found these things to be very much of my liking.  Another thing that I really enjoyed was reading more of the history of Hogwart's in addition to all of the clues information that is inserted that will help build up the series as it progresses. 

Then there is the Chamber of Secrets itself.  I loved how when the student's are starting to be threatened all sorts of new and exciting questions are asked.  Does it really exist? Is it really opened?  Has it been opened before now?  Who's next? and my personal favorite...Is anyone going to die?

I've read several reviews for this book that say that this isn't the reviewers favorite book in the series. Being as I have only read 2 of the 7 books so far, I am going to say that this book is my favorite of what I have read.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Series: Harry Potter #1

Rating: Wait until Payday

Synopsis:

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley—a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry—and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable. For it’s there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him… if Harry can survive the encounter.
Review:

I feel like I’m one of the last people on the face of the planet to read the Harry Potter series.  I haven’t seen any of the movies either.  I may have to remedy that situation as well as continuing on with this book series.  I read many reviews for this book/series on goodreads and I felt that it was time for me to jump on the bandwagon.

I see all over the place that there are about a “million” 5 star reviews for this book. As much as I really liked Harry I wasn’t able to give it a 5 star rating.

Like I’ve already stated, I really enjoyed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.  I didn’t LOVE it though.  For some reason it didn’t captivate me and cause me to read it straight through. I really did enjoy the world that J.K. Rowling created.  Harry was orphaned as a baby and as a result ended up with his abusive aunt, uncle and cousin (The Dursley’s).  Then when Harry turns 11 and receives, by owl, a letter of admittance from Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.  The arrival of this letter sets off a chain reaction of events that lead up to Harry going to Hogwarts.

As this is the first book in the series I think that it did an excellent job of setting up the foundation for the rest of the books.  Everything from Harry’s relationship with The Dursley’s.  To his friendships with Ron, Hermoine, Hagrid and Neville.  The animosity between Harry and Malfoy.  His relationships with the professors that he comes in contact with at Hogwarts.  To me the world seemed vivid with TONS of interaction between all of the characters, even the minor characters.  I was pretty amazed that this entire world was built in a little over 300 pages!

Overall, I really enjoyed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and really look forward to reading the other books in the series as well.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #1
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Reviewed Format: Finished Hardcover
Source: Purchased

Rating: Break the Bank!

Synopsis:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

Review:

I had been hearing all sorts of AWESOME hype about Shatter Me all over the book blogging community.  I kept seeing the same things, “you have to read this!,”  “it’s different,”  you get the picture right?  So yet again, I put forth the big bucks to have Amazon deliver Shatter Me to my house on release day.

What really drew me into the story was Juliette.  She’s been lead to believe that she is a monster due to her “gift.”  Her family has basically abandoned her and sent her off to an asylum.  She hasn’t touched anyone in 264 days.  See Juliette’s touch is lethal in most cases.  Then Juliette is given a cellmate.  Her cellmate turns out to be someone she knows from her past, the only person in her past life that didn’t have it out to be mean or cruel to her, Adam Kent.

Adam to me isn’t your typical storybook hero.  There comes a time when Juliette is almost certain that Adam has betrayed her to the Reestablisment. You automatically want to think the worst of Adam but the further you read the more you see that “what you see” isn’t always “what you get.”  I was really impressed with Adam overall.

Warner!  I had a love/hate relationship with Warner.  In that I LOVED to HATE him.  He comes off as an overbearing ass and I really didn’t like it.  You hear rumblings about why he is the way he is but really, just because you had a crappy childhood doesn’t mean you have to be a miserable excuse for a human being as an “adult.” His obsession with Juliette just flat-out creeped me out.

I really LOVED the world that the author created.  A world where everything has fallen apart and a group has come in and says “hey we can make things better” and proceeds to make things so much worse.  A sort of creepy look at what our world could be like.  The writing style I really liked a lot.  There are portions of the text that are crossed out and I liked it, I’ve read some reviews where others haven’t liked the crossed out text, for me it worked.

The romance for me at first I thought it was a little bit too much “Insta-love” but the more I read into the book the more I realized that Adam and Juliette have a considerable amount of history.  So naturally, that shot my “Insta-love” theory all to hell.

Overall, if you haven’t added this book to your wish list do so RIGHT NOW!  It really is a touch of The Hunger Games with a little X-Men thrown in to keep things interesting.  I DEVOURED this book and now I’m very sad that I have to wait so long for the sequel.

Favorite Passage:

“H-how could you possibly care about someone…like me?”  I’m barely breathing, nervous and petrified but somehow staring at his lips, studying the shape, counting the drops of water tumbling over the hills and valleys of his mouth.

“Because I’m in love with you.”

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Title: Halfway to the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost 
Web Presence: twitter  webpage  FB  Goodreads Blog
Series: Night Huntress #1
Release Date:  November 1, 2007
Reviewed Format: E-Book
Source: Purchased

Purchase: BN.com, Amazon.com, Bookdepository

Rating: Break the Bank!

Synopsis:

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother’s life. Then she’s captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She’s amazed she doesn’t end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn’t have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Review:

Where has this series been my “whole” life?!  How come no one said before now “get your shit together and read this series?!”  I’m STILL kicking myself over not getting to this series sooner!

Let’s talk about Cat for a minute.  Umm yeah, I think after that scene with the policemen and the knives Cat has jumped to the number 1 spot on my “Badass Heroine Chick” list, sorry Katniss and Tris.  Even being just half vampire she’s still got a number of the vampire “traits,” endurance, the creepy green eyes when she gets riled and the creepy hearing just to name a couple of “traits.”  Cat’s mission in life is kill vampires.  She even has a very good reason for it but I’m not going to give that part away.  Well one night she targets this particular vampire and that’s when things take an interesting twist for Cat.

Said target happened to be Bones, orgasm God of the vampire world.  There is a slight “misunderstanding” and Cat ends up working with Bones.  Bones, I don’t even really know how to describe Bones.  He’s that vampire that’s got the good looks, Bad Ass Attitude, but still has that slight tender side that’s reserved for Cat and the ultra hot (in my opinion) accent.

Together Cat and Bones are working together to bring down Hennessey.  Who is one Bad Master Vampire who’s into the vampire equivalent of human trafficking, or that’s what I thought it equated too.
There is PLENTY of action, romance (god is Bones “gifted” in the love department) and humor to keep this book going at what I thought was a break-neck pace.  In addition to all that action, romance and humor there are a couple of heartbreaking moments.  One of these scene’s is what lead to Cat jumping to number 1 on my list.  She “manned up” and got the job done.

Basically, if you haven’t read this series do so NOW!  Add this series to your list of books to buy, swap, check out of the library.  Cat and Bones are just AWESOME SAUCE people!

Giggle-worthy Quote:

"‘No!’  My denial was so vehement she frowned.  Great, didn’t that sound nice?  No, we can’t have a relationship because he’s technically dead, but my God is he gorgeous and fucks like a Trojan.”

Legend by Marie Lu

Title:  Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend #1
Genre: YA/Dystopian
Format: Finished Hardcover copy from personal library

Release Date:  November 29, 2011

 

Rating: Break the Bank!

 

Synopsis:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.


Review:

I really LOVED this book.  What I really LOVED about this book was how it was told from dual points of view, ala Simone Elkeles books.  I really connected with the main characters June and Day.  Our hero Day is considered a fugitive by the Republic and he is homeless and lives on the streets with an orphan that he has befriended and takes care of named Tess.

Our heroine June on the other hand is sort of a child prodigy and is in the process of finding her place in the Republic.  Then her brother is tragically murdered and June goes looking for answers.  All the information that she has leads her right to Day.  And what follows is a roller coaster ride of heartache, action, betrayal, romance and so many twists and turns you won’t know up from down….I mean that in a good way of course.

There were a few things that were pretty predictable about the book but I did not feel that it detracted from the story itself at all.  I felt like the slight predictability of those few things actually heightened the anticipation and flow of the story for me personally.

Like with pretty much all (there are a few exceptions to the rule I’m sure) there is a lot of tragedy in Legend.  But you keep rooting for June, Day and a VERY select few secondary characters.

Overall, I was BEYOND extremely happy with the book.  I most definitely will be counting down the days until the sequel is released.  Is it time yet!?

Demons at Deadnight by A&E Kirk

Title: Demons at Deadnight
Author: A&E Kirk
Series: Divinicus Nex Chronicles #1
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Paranormal
Release Date: January 7, 2012

Rating: Break the Bank!

Synopsis:

For seventeen-year-old Aurora Lahey, survival is a lifestyle.

DEMONIC DESTINY
Aurora has the crappiest superpower on the planet. And it’s just unleashed a hit squad from hell. Demons are on the hunt, salivating to carve her carcass into confetti.

CHARISMATIC KILLERS
The Hex Boys—mysterious, hunky, and notorious for their trails of destruction—have the answers Aurora needs to survive. But their overload of deadly secrets and suspicious motives makes trusting them a potentially fatal move.

LETHAL ALLIES
The battle to save her family, herself, and stop demonic domination may cost Aurora everything worth living for, and force her to reveal her own dark secrets. But no worries. She needs the Hex Boys to pull this off, and, chances are, teaming up with these guys will get her killed anyway

Review:

I found out about this book because I happen to stumble upon one of the authors book review blog (Teens Read and Write).  Alyssa had posted her Book Boyfriend and "Team Buttons" for the Hex boys in addition to the first round of reviews for Demons at Deadnight.  I read the first round of reviews that were linked up on the that post and I checked out the "Team Buttons" and I decided that I NEEDED to download this book onto my Barnes and Noble Tablet.

I really enjoyed our main character Aurora very much.  She has a wicked sense of humor, sometimes under the worst circumstances .  She's smart.  She's pretty dang brave too.  She's also got a gift or possibly a curse, she can see demons.  I'll even forgive her for having legs that go on forever (I'm 5' 5"), curly auburn hair and pretty blue eyes.  And ALL of her problems seem to begin and end with a demon.  Dang those demons!  It sucks that they feel the need to try and kill her.  Aurora doesn't have many allies to begin with and is thrust into the world of the Hex Boys.  So now on top of all her demon issues she has to figure out what their intentions really are as well. There were times that I was so exhausted for Aurora while I was reading this book.  All of the non-stop action and all that thinking had to equal out to one heck of a headache?! 

Then there were the Hex boys. I'll fight Melissa and Missie for them any day.  The closest group of fictional characters that I can come up with to compare these FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC guys to are the BDB (Black Dagger Brotherhood)...Minus the whole being a vampire thing.  They've got the good looks, the bad boy attitude and as an added bonus there are 6 of them, one for each day of the week plus a day of rest. 

What I really enjoyed about Demons at Deadnight was that it wasn't full of some many of the cliches' that I've been seeing in current Young Adult novels.  It's starting to get old and Demons at Deadnight was breath of fresh air for me personally.  There was also a TON of action and humor throughout this book.  If you make me laugh out loud while reading your book that wins you a TON of cool points.  Another thing that I really liked about Demons at Deadnight was that there was a hint at a romance but the way it was written didn't have me wanting to rip my hair out.  Now for the Blaspheme...There are involved parents!  Woulda thunk it!?  For the record...LOVED IT.

Overall, I LOVED this book.  It's full of action, humor with a touch of romance thrown in too.  Personally, I think this book was a great start to this series and I can hardly wait to see how Aurora grows through out.  If Alyssa and Eileen are reading this I would LOVE to read the next book in the series when it comes out.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
Genre: YA/Steampunk/Dystopian
Format Reviewed: From Personal Library
Release Date: January 3, 2012

Rating: Break the Bank

Synopsis:Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Review:
This is the first 2012 debut author that I was soooo NOT going to read but then I saw a TON of really good reviews for this book that I changed my mind and bought a copy.  Usually, I have trouble with re-tellings, I keep thinking about the original.  Which usually leads to me knitpicking the book apart.  That was not the case with Cinder.

Cinder is a super talented cyborg who is living with her step-mother and step-sisters. Cinder meets Prince Kai while working at her booth in the marketplace.  He needs his android fixed and Cinder was recommended to him by his “people.”  Then tragedy strikes.  One of Cinder’s step-sisters contracts the plague that has been taking its toll on New Beijing.  In a fit of rage Cinder’s step-mom volunteers her for scientific studies to test new plague vaccines.  A shocking revelation is learned while testing is being done on Cinder.

There is a lot of drama that takes place in Cinder.  So much so that I had to keep reading!  I had a very hard time putting Cinder down and we’re talking about a book that I wasn’t even going to read in the first place!  Since this is a re-telling there were parts that were pretty predictable, hence why I couldn’t give this book a 5/5 rating.  I loved that in addition to all the drama there was a TON of friction between Luna and the Earth.  The Queen of Luna is one nasty BEOTCH!

The romance between Cinder and Kai I thought was pretty sweet.  She keeps rejecting him, even though she doesn’t really want too and he just keeps on trying.  I’ve got to say that the fact that Kai kept pursuing Cinder even after he found out that she was a cyborg moved him up on my “Book Boyfriend List.”  I find it kinda sexy when a character accepts someone for who they are and NOT for WHAT they are.

The ending?!  Cliffhanger and ANOTHER shocking revelation!  Why do we have to wait so long for the next book in this series?!

Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend

Title: Rocky Mountain Heat

Author: Vivian Arend

Series: Six Pack Ranch #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Western Romance/Erotica

Format Reviewed: Personal E-book

Release Date: August 31, 2009

Rating: Break The Bank!
Synopsis:

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a blonde wearing a cowboy hat with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. Hell, he was the one that taught her to ride a horse and now all he can think about is riding her. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off. Jaxi has other plans for his hands, and his heart. She may have considered Blake a big brother once but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s just what he’s been waiting for.Add the complication of two sexy younger brothers who have suddenly noticed Jaxi and things heat up fast. Blake’s gonna have to decide if a little trouble is worth fighting for.

Review:

Jaxi has always had it bad for Blake Coleman. She’s pretty much been included in all Coleman family gatherings since she’s moved to town, which for her is a good thing now that she’s an adult. She couldn’t give a flip that there is a 10 year age difference between them at all.  But then there is Blake….
Blake is completely attracted to Jaxi and has been for a long time. But he thinks that the difference in their ages is a bad thing and is doing his damnedest to keep his attraction under wraps.  He thinks he can be a better “Big Brother” to Jaxi than a lover.  He also thinks that he’s going to be playing second fiddle to his brother Travis, who Jaxi has dated in the past.  On top of Travis, his youngest brothers Jesse and Joel are sniffing around and things are a bit tense around the ranch.

Oh how the mighty have fallen….

After a BIG fight between Jaxi and Blake and a CRAZY game of pool Jaxi FINALLY get’s what she wants…Blake. Jaxi 1 Blake 0!

What I really liked about this story was that it felt real all around. All the characters, dialogue and situations to me felt like they were real and not just thrown together.  Another thing that I really liked about this book was that the story wasn’t rushed.  I thought that the speed and the way the book flowed really worked for me.  Plus, as an added bonus the other brothers make appearances in the book as build up to future books in the series.

The issue that I had with the book was at some points in the book some of the “sexual” situations seemed a little rushed.  Not all the time just a few instances. Then there were some of the spelling differences, I’m from the States and I’m not sure where the author is from but some of the spellings for certain words where different from what I’m used to.  Though this is included in the “negative” section of the review it wasn’t a REAL “negative,” just different is all.

Overall, I think that this is a great beginning to this series.  I’ve already started the second book (Rocky Mountain Haven) and I’ve pre-ordered the third book (Rocky Mountain Desire) which is available March 13, 2012.