Re-release of Elle Kennedy’s Out of Uniform

Three sizzling-hot stories from New York Times and international bestselling author Elle Kennedy!

Give a SEAL an inch, and he’ll take your heart.

Heat of the Moment

For almost a year Shelby has lusted over swoon-worthy Garrett, but she can’t figure out why he’s not interested… until she overhears him saying she’s too vanilla for his taste. When a heat wave sends the sexy Navy SEAL into her bakers, she finally has the opportunity to show him exactly what he’s missing…

Heat of Passion

Holly has too much on her plate to think about a series relationship. A hot fling with a SEAL, though, is the perfect way to take the edge off. The last thing she expects is to run into her gorgeous one-night stand weeks later, and to discover that Carson wants the one thing she doesn’t: more. In the face of his methodical seduction, her resistance is crumbling…

Heat of the Storm

Will has waiting fifteen years for the storm that sends Mackenzie into his arms. He’s the one man not scared of her psychic gift, and their one night of passion is enough to convince this tenacious SEAL that they are much, much more than friends. Now he just has to convince her of that…

Warning: Contains dangerously hot Navy SEALS, and heroines not afraid to take them on one—or two—at a time.

Available at:

Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Find out more about and follow Elle Kennedy at:

website | facebook | twitter | goodreads

Book Review 31: The Roman by Sylvain Reynard (The Florentine Series #4)

Title:The Roman
Author:Sylvain Reynard
Release Date:06 December 2016
Publisher:EverAfter Romance

Raven and her sister, Cara, are at the mercy of a small detachment of Florentine vampyres, who are delivering them as a peace offering to the feared Curia in Rome.

Though she’s unsure William survived the coup that toppled his principality, Raven is determined to protect her sister at all costs, even if it means challenging Borek, the commander of the detachment.

In an effort to keep Raven from falling into the hands of his enemies, William puts himself at the mercy of the Roman, the dangerous and mysterious vampyre king of Italy. But the Roman is not what he expects …

Alliances and enmities will shift and merge as William struggles to save the woman he loves and his principality, without plunging the vampyre population into a world war.

This stunning conclusion to the Florentine series will take readers across Italy and beyond as the lovers fight to remain together. Forever.

Rating: 5/5
Review:
I didn’t want to read The Roman when it finally downloaded to my Kindle because I didn’t want Raven and William’s story to end so soon. However, my curiosity won out and I finished it in less than a day.

Giving a thorough review would lead to spoilers so let me just say that The Roman was a seamless, breathtaking, heartbreaking, swoon-inducing, and thrilling read. Sylvain Reynard really knows how to wield a pen. SR can make you feel as if you were right next to Raven and William as they fought their battles. All of the characters, both old and new, are far from one-dimensional and very easy to envision – meaning that some other characters are downright bone-chilling (Yes, that character. And that. And that…). I love how the book was written and I can’t wait to get my hands on the paperback (I’m counting on you, Book Depository!) to read it again. I was a bit uncertain about the twist in the end but I came to the conclusion that I wouldn’t want the story to end any other way. Although, I do have a question which I can’t ask without giving anything away… Drat.

To anyone looking for something different, I highly recommend Sylvain Reynard’s works. I look forward to reading more of SR’s works in the future.

Disclaimer: I received an eGalley of this book from the author/publisher for an honest review.

Book Review 30: Darkest Before Dawn (KGI # 10) by Maya Banks

Title: Darkest Before Dawn 
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date:27 October 2015
Publisher: Berkley

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they’ve known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock’s true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he’s been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She’s the only woman who’s ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he’s spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

 

Rating: 5/5
Review:

I enjoyed reading the KGI series but I have to admit that Darkest Before Dawn has to be the best of the series so far. Nothing cheesy about this book (then again, this is Hancock’s story). Hancock has been portrayed as someone KGI does not and cannot trust in the past books so I was curious to see how his story would turn out. I finally got ahold of a paperback (because ebooks are wrecking my eyes) and I couldn’t put it down once I started reading.

Hancock met his match in Honor, the girl that was supposed to be just a pawn for achieving “the greater good.” They go through so much downs in their relationship but each still had hope although Hancock had to go and mess things up onemore time… He paid for it eventually.

For me, their story beats the other KGI stories in that it could be real and could happen to anyone given what’s going on in the world these days.

The book is very well written and the characters aren’t one-dimensional. I think Maya Banks outdid herself this time and Darkest Before Dawn is going to be hard to top. Nevertheless, I look forward to the next KGI book Brighter than the Sun (it’s Joe’s turn, and he thought his day would never come) coming out early 2017.

Book Review 29: The Progeny by Tosca Lee

Title: The Progeny
Author: Tosca Lee
Release Date: 24 May 2016
Publisher: Simon and Schuster

New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee brings a modern twist to an ancient mystery surrounding the most notorious female serial killer of all time. A fast-paced thriller for fans of Lee’s Books of Mortals series with Ted Dekker, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, and BBC America’s hit series Orphan Black.

Emily Jacobs is the descendant of a serial killer. Now, she’s become the hunted.

She’s on a quest that will take her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders—one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save.

Filled with adrenaline, romance, and reversals, The Progeny is the present-day saga of a 400-year-old war between the uncanny descendants of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her descendants. A story about the search for self amidst centuries-old intrigues and Europe’s underground scene…and one woman’s mission to survive.

Rating: 4.5/5
Review:
Wow. The Progeny reads like a movie and I can actually see it all happening on the big screen. The book is about Audra who had her memory erased in order to protect something or someone. Without her memory, she has to be careful about who she trusts or else die. She meets people from her past, and it becomes her quest to find out what had caused her to erase her memories because the past was fast catching up with her and lives were at stake. The book felt quite long but every page was worth it as the author described the brutal and dark world that Audra belongs to. It ended when I didn’t want it to end so now I’m left wondering when the sequel will be coming out.

Tosca Lee is a terrific writer with a penchant for vivid details and unpredictable plot twists. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good thriller with substance.

Disclaimer: I received an eGalley of this book from the author/publisher for an honest review.

Book Review 28: Pawn of the Phoenix (Memory Collector Series #2) by Jamie McLachlan

Title: Pawn of the Phoenix 
Author: Jamie McLachlan
Release Date: 09 February 2016
Publisher: Penner Publishing

Braxton, 1903

The serial killer known only as the Phoenix continues to roam the streets and a new victim falls prey. For Moira and Detective Keenan Edwards, still on the hunt for the Phoenix, the rules have changed. The killer remains beyond their grasp.

Moira is willing to give into her fierce attraction to Keenan. However, the detective proves to be more reluctant despite a moment of heated passion. Then discovery of a secret Keenan never planned to share creates an unwelcome rift between the new lovers.

Keenan isn’t the only one hiding something. In this continuation of the Memory Collector series, Moira makes a startling disclosure about her past. This revelation will not only test the boundaries of love, but might also prove to be the clue that will finally unravel the mystery of the Phoenix.

Book Review 27: The Shadow (The Florentine 2) by Sylvain Reynard

Title: The Shadow

Author: Sylvain Reynard
Release Date: 02 February 2016

Raven Wood’s vampyre prince has returned, pledging his love and promising justice for every wrong done to her. In the wake of their reunion, Raven is faced with a terrible decision—allow the Prince to wreak vengeance against the demons of her past, or persuade him to stay his hand. But there is far more at stake than Raven’s heart…

A shadow has fallen over the city of Florence. Ispettor Batelli will not rest until he uncovers Raven’s connection to the theft of the priceless art from the Uffizi Gallery. And while the Prince hunts a traitor who sabotages him at every turn, he finds himself the target of the vampyres’ mortal enemy.

As he wages a war on two fronts, he will need to keep his love for Raven secret, or risk exposing his greatest weakness…

Rating: 5/5
Review:

The Shadow delves into William and Raven’s relationship after they’ve kissed and made up (see The Raven) and vampire politics. The romance was swoon-worthy (how else would it be?) but it was William as the prince of Florence that really blew me away. I loved how SR portrayed William as the cool prince under attack by an unknown enemy. William handled the problems intelligently and with style. SR wrote each scene in such a way that had me going, “Oh, no!” and anxious for William. The hostile takeover and confrontation was the best part – complicated, dangerous, and enlightening. It clearly showcased William as the true prince of his domain. It was like watching two master chess players with both having the opportunity to checkmate the other, and everyone knows there can only be one winner.

With once crucial part of William’s history revealed, I’m curious as to how the next book will go especially with the Curia still hanging about.

I loved reading The Shadow. SR really outdid himself with this one.

Disclaimer: I received an eGalley of this book from the author/publisher for an honest review.

Book Review 26: Beauty, Love and Justice (Spiral Wound Trilogy #1) by Alcina Faraday

Title: Beauty, Love and Justice

Author: Alcina Faraday
Release Date: 18 May 2015
Publisher: Urbane Publications

Tiago’s ruthless and rich. But he’s tired of the greed of corporate life.

The thrusting Adonis of the trading floor, he has ambitious plans that just might secure a halo to complement his angelic looks.

But poor Tiago is in love, and can’t start his quest for sainthood until he’s convinced urbane art dealer Raphael Davide they’d make the perfect power couple.

Raphael’s a slave to beauty with his own designs on the undeserving rich, and a suave exterior that belies a gentle – and recently broken – heart. But though Raphael’s in safe hands – his sister Clara and her husband Rob would lay down their lives to protect him – Tiago’s not so lucky. He’s a boy with a hidden past. And by unhappy coincidence, Raphael’s obsessive ex, cracked rocket scientist Tomas Paul Gosele, may know enough about that past to destroy everything.

Tiago clearly needs friends he can trust. His new neighbour Amelia Postthridge seems a nice enough girl, as eccentric scientists go. But Amelia is mad, bad and dangerous to know, and pursuing her own ambitious agenda. She’s going to win the Nobel Prize with the world’s ultimate apple, and she’ll happily chew Tiago up and spit out the pips to achieve her aim.

Beauty, Love and Justice may be in short supply for our hero in this climate of ambition and deceit – but when the heart speaks what’s a boy to do?

Rating: 4/5
Review:
The story started out clearly with Tiago intent on getting Raphael after years of wanting him, but things got a bit confusing when other characters’ POVs were introduced. I didn’t feel like I was reading one story until I got to the last third when the connections finally revealed themselves. The conversations about Fine Arts and philosophy were quite tedious at times but informative. The blackmail part could have been done better rather than just abstract messages to Tiago. The story got really interesting when Tiago got to discussing his plan Lux Aeterna. Raphael’s against it, and everybody else thinks it’s crazy, but Tiago believes in it. I would have enjoyed the story more if it got to show Tiago putting his plan into action though. The ending was too abrupt for me and I felt there were some loose ends. Perhaps the second book These Modern Girls (which will be out sometime this year) will explain the plan more.

This series shows promise. For those who are into Fine Art and philosophy in fiction, the Spiral Wound Trilogy is something  to include in one’s reading list.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from the author/publisher/NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Review 25: Bride by Chocolate by Alexis Lussone Montgomery

Title: Bride by Chocolate
Author: Alexis Lusonne Montgomery
Release Date: 04 January 2016
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC

She’s everything he’s not looking for in a wife…

When not-so-sweet sabotage strikes Bebe Waterston’s gourmet chocolate factory, things start looking hopeless. But she’s not a quitter. After sacrificing her personal life to prove she can run the family business, she’ll do anything to save it—including accepting help from an unlikely source: San Francisco’s high society “ Prince Charming”.

Sam Sugarman’s on a mission to marry. And in Sam’s family, finding a wife follows a recipe that starts with a box of Waterston’s Chocolates. When the supply runs out right before Valentine’s Day, the savvy CFO steps in to solve the problem, and finds the cure for his sweet tooth in the spitfire redhead. But now his dilemma is two-fold: convince Bebe he isn’t the serial-dating playboy she believes him to be and keep her safe from the person menacing her and her business.

Thrown together as the danger escalates, the mismatched duo tangles in and out of the bedroom. With a benefit gala and the fast-approaching, day-of-love deadline, they’ll need more than the gold-foil delicacies destined for a bride by chocolate.

Rating: 5/5
Review:

I greatly enjoyed reading this story mainly because of its simplicity. The story focuses on Bebe’s business problems, and Sam comes to save the day (and win her over in the process). No complicated backgrounds and dark issues to weigh them down. Besides, who doesn’t like stories with knights in shining armour once in a while? For those who are looking for a feel good read, this is one story I would greatly recommend.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from the author/publisher/NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Review 24: Defaced (The Monster Trilogy 1) by Marissa Farrar

Title: Defaced: A Dark Romance Novel (The Monster Trilogy 1)
Author: Marissa Farrar
Release Date: 30 November 2015
Publisher: WarwickHouse Press

Monster

Hidden away from society by his criminal father, there lives a man who has never entered the outside world. Now, having taken over his father’s business, he has all the money and power he could dream of, yet still he refuses to let himself be viewed by the rest of society.

Lily

Traumatised by an event in her past, Lily Drayton has a phobia of being touched. Though she helps people externally with her skills as a laser therapist, she refuses to let anyone in, emotionally or physically. When Lily is kidnapped on the way home from work one evening, she discovers she’s not the only person who keeps themselves cut off from the rest of the world.

Defaced

A man owns her now—a man both dangerous and enigmatic. Drawn by his dual beauty and hidden pain, he awakens something inside her, something she believed was long dead. Brought to a room without windows, she’s given an impossible task: to make her owner acceptable to the outside world.

Can altering his face change who he is as a man, or is he truly a monster, both inside and out?

Book Review 23: Look Both Ways (Witch City Mystery #3) by Carol J. Perry

Title: Look Both Ways (Witch City Mystery #3)
Author: Carol J. Perry
Release Date: 27 October 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books

In Salem, Massachusetts, there are secret everywhere–even in the furniture. . .

When Lee Barrett spots the same style oak bureau she once had as a child on the WICH-TV show, Shopping Salem, she rushes to the antiques shop and buys the piece. Just like the beloved bureau she lost in a fire, this one has secret compartments. It also comes with an intriguing history–it was purchased in an estate sale from a home where a famous local murder took place.

The day after the bureau is delivered, Lee returns to the antiques shop and finds the owner dead. The police suspect the shop owner’s unscrupulous business partner, but Lee wonders if the murder is connected to her new furniture. At least part of the answer may be revealed through a mirror in the bureau, tarnished and blackened, allowing Lee to tap into her psychic visions. Using this bureau of investigation, Lee may be able to furnish her policeman beau with the evidence needed to catch the killer–before the next one to be shut up is her. . .