Quick Reviews: The Dark Duet Series by C.J.Roberts

Captive in the Dark
(The Dark Duet #1)
by C.J. Roberts
*I Purchased The E-book*

Goodreads     Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.



My Quick Review Written Immediately Following Completion of Book 1:
Oh my gosh... I need to separate myself from reality for a little while after reading Captive in the Dark... I'm emotionally strung out right now. Never in a million years did I think that a book about such a horrible topic could draw me in and leave me emotionally attached/vunerable... AKA a WRECK! I LOVED this book even though it's such a dark, horrible topic.... abducting kids and training them then trading them as sex slaves... eeek... I need a drink - or two - after finishing this book... I honestly feel like I was broken down just like "Kitten" while reading...*inhale* *exhale* wow... I started this book last night and finished it today because I couldn't stand the thought of not knowing what was going to happen. I'm starting book 2 NOW!

5 Stars!

Seduced in the Dark
(The Dark Duet #2)
by C.J. Roberts
*I Purchased The E-book*

Goodreads      Amazon      Barnes & Noble

Synopsis from Goodreads:
The exciting, titillating, and action-filled conclusion to Captive in the Dark. What is the price of redemption? Rescued from sexual slavery by a mysterious Pakistani officer, Caleb carries the weight of a debt that must be paid in blood. The road has been long and fraught with uncertainty, but for Caleb and Livvie, it’s all coming to an end. Can he surrender the woman he loves for the sake of vengeance?  Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?
Quote:
It seemed to Caleb, the nature of human beings revolved around one empirical truth: we want what we cannot have. For Eve, it was the fruit of the forbidden tree. For Caleb, it was Livvie.




My Quick Review Written Immediately Following Completion of Book 2:
At first I was alittle distraught over the change in perspective that the story takes. I felt disconnected from the story because of what you're led to believe.... I said to myself I died a little inside when I first started it - only to be brought back to life again. I think my breathing was erratic through the majority of the novel = my stomach in my throat. The rollercoaster ride that is Caleb and his history left my heart broken and tears in my eyes. C J Roberts did an AMAZING job finishing up this story... I honestly couldn't have asked for a more emotional read that left me in tears several times from start to finish = but the funny thing is, each set of tears was brought about by a completely different emotion each time. Anger, sadness, love, defeat, happiness, relief... Amazing!! Loved it!

5 Stars!

Rambling Guest!! Deborah Palumbo - Author of The Undeparted Series

Update!! Get your copy of the The Undeparted FREE on AMAZON this weekend!! November 17 & 18 
Get Your Copy!!





Please Help Me Welcome Deborah Palumbo

Author of The Undeparted Series!

Thanks for stopping in Deborah!!

  

First of all, I want to say I'm really glad to be here!

I'm a self-pubbed fiction author now but I began as a young gal who from age 7 through 18 wrote poems for God, but I always wanted to write novels; it was something innate. That dream however, didn't happen until I was unfortunately stricken with a debilitating illness; as a result, I have 9 novels published on Amazon and many more are sitting in my file waiting to be dusted off!

I spin yarns in several genres, available as ebooks and paperback: Paranormal...laced with mystery and romance, historical, and mystery/crime...you know who dunnit with frustrated detectives who are hot on the trail of some killer. The one element they all have in common is they are all mystery based.

I also co wrote a screenplay with actor/writer Jordan Rhodes. I loved the experience immensely, but writing novels is still much preferred.

Okay so now that we've gotten my humble bio out of the way, we're ready for the meat and potatoes.

So, here we are about to discuss my vampire series The Undeparted and in particular book 3 The Banished One. Yeah, I've already finished book 3 which means you have to promise me you'll rush to Amazon and buy all 3 books and get caught up on the paranormal mystery/romance series and the characters, Quentin, the father of all vampires who is in an emotional transition, the beautiful and once mortal Cassandra, Quentin's sidekick since the 1200's the sexy and mean spirited Christian, and the vicious and evil Lucius.

If you're a prime member, my books are free to you, otherwise, the Kindle books are only $2.99, paperback are $7.95. I've gotten terrific reviews, so I hope you'll check out the series.

SYNOPSIS OF THE BANISHED ONE

For those 18+

The Banished One, a serial killer vampire also named Lucius, is still wreaking havoc on the sleepy town in Tower City, and since he's supernatural he can't be captured by normal police procedure.

A frustrated Lieutenant Welby refuses to believe that the elusive Lucius, the one responsible for those dead bodies in his town, is a vampire; that defies logic. There's got to be another explanation for those fang marks in the victims' throats.

Welby remains a staunch disbeliever in vampires until the coroner, Doc McMahon, causes him to change his mind!

Doc shows Welby his ancestral journal from the 1700's regarding Quentin Castle, the father of all vampires.

Welby ( and the reader) is whisked back in time as he reads those yellowed pages filled with encounters of beautiful women being lured to their mortal doom and transformed into vampires by the handsome and charming Quentin. But what causes Welby to finally be convinced, is a series of preternatural events and the coroner's scientific evidence!

Welby then follows the old town rumors about vampires right to Quentin and his gothic castle to enlist Quentin's supernatural aid in capturing Lucius.

But will Quentin, the only one who can stop Lucius' vampire tirades, help the Lieutenant or make him one of The Undeparted?

Will Quentin battle Lucius and send Lucius to the bowels of hell for eternity, finally ensuring that Cassandra is safe from her old beau? Will the old coal mining town be safe at last?

EXCERPT FROM THE BANISHED ONE:

Suddenly a chemical shot through Lucius while he was watching that sexy female, similar to a feeling when he was mortal and checking out a hot babe. But this desire in his vampire state was more intense, almost electrified and mingled with this lustful craving for blood. He had to drink from her neck; taste her life's essence, and he had to get laid. There was no fighting it, no self-control. He was accustomed to indulging every desire, no matter if they were spontaneous eruptions from some surging chemical, or a well-planned rendezvous.

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did and falls in love with the series! Thanks everyone for letting me chew your ear off for a few minutes!

Deborah Palumbo

MY BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE

ebook and paperback

AND on:    AMAZON

FOLLOW ME AT THESE HAUNTS:
MY WEBSITE
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If you like my books please remember to hit the "like" button, review them and recommend them!

Review: Bonds of Trust (Wicked Play #1) by Lynda Aicher

Bonds of Trust

(Wicked Play #1)

By Lynda Aicher

Erotica/Romance/BDSM

Ebook - 280 Pages

Published by Carina Press

on November 26, 2012

 

*ARC Ebook Obtained via Net Galley*

Synopsis via Goodreads:
After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members' night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he's intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she's been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she's not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn't want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever?


Get Your Copy PRE-ORDERED for $1.99!   Amazon    Barnes & Noble


About the Author:

From Lynda's Website:
I love to read. It's a simple fact about me that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. This love of reading transferred to young romance (the early version of Young Adult when the stories weren't plagued by vampires, werewolves, and death) which hooked me on the romance genre and the fulfillment that comes with a happy-ever-after ending.

Twenty-five years later, I'm still an avid reader of all types of romance. The diversity of writing in the market ensures that there is always something new to read. I'm still a sucker for the happy-ever-after because there are more than enough not-so-happy endings in the real world that I don't need to read about them. I read a book for enjoyment and I want to feel good when the story ends.

I have the luxury of being a full-time writer, that is, a full-time writer around my duties as mom, wife, cleaner, cook, chauffeur, master scheduler, banker, cheerleader, volunteer, and tutor. Writing has to be a priority, or it would never happen.

I live in the Pacific Northwest which provides many months of rain-filled incentive to stay indoors and write. However, I'm a Mid-Westener at heart. A perfect day has the snow falling outside, a fire warming the room, a football game on the television, a roast cooking in the oven, my family hanging out around me and a good book to read.


Connect with Lynda:
Website
Goodreads
Twitter




My Review:
This is a fabulous "light" BDSM Adult Romance. I started this book last night and finished it in about 4 hours... I didn't want to stop reading... The story flowed from page to page. Yes, the setting is a typical BDSM club as many book addressing the BDSM lifestyle do BUT the emotions run so high in this book that being in a "club" is the last thing you're thinking about. You're more in tuned to what the characters need and what they're feeling to care where they are and what's going on around them.

I absolutely LOVED the characters. At first, I thought it was going to be uncomfortable for me to read from the perspective of a character who is almost 20 years older than I am; however, her age was the farthest thing on my mind. Lynda writes from a perspective where you connect with Cali simply because she's a woman with the most basic needs - to be touched and overcome insecurities. She main reason she harbors these insecurities is the fact that her ex-husband didn't touch her. Their marriage had no sexual facet to it. Cali went 7 years without being touched, caressed, and loved by a man. After pushing for sex and being turned away by her husband, eventually she just gave up. She wants a man who will take control for once so she can give it up but still get the release she needs. I felt proud of Cali for going after what she was curious about and wanted to pat her on the back for doing a little research beforehand. Then you have Nick... *swoon*.... the damaged Dom with a past that haunts him. Typical you say - maybe, BUT Nick is so focused and enthralled by Cali that he's a character you automatically want to add to your "fictional boyfriend" category. He has his own past that haunts him which causes him to want to run away every few years and reestablish himself.

As a reader, I always want the best for the characters I'm reading about... I'm a sucker for a happy ending... so I was rooting for Nick & Cali the entire time. The ups and downs keep you on your toes. There's a twist towards the end that completely shocked me but left me going "Oooohhhh Okay... no wonder!"

This story has hot sex scenes that aren't really what I consider hardcore BDSM. It's lighter than most books I've read but no less hot. They're more emotional and raw... close to kinky love making really... I loved it. I felt like I was Cali - trying to overcome my emotional boundaries and learn that it wasn't my fault...

For $1.99 = PRE-ORDER this book NOW!!! It's definitely worth it!


My Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars

Cover: 4 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Climax: 4 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars


Sidenote: this is book 1 of a new series and I cannot wait for book 2! From the excerpt at the end of book one, you see that the story continues with already introduced characters which you are already connected too... Those types of series make me all happy inside :)

Review: Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance #4) by Larissa Ione

Rogue Rider

Lords of Deliverance #4

By Larissa Ione

Expected Publication Date - November 20, 2012

Published by Grand Central Publishing

ARC Obtained Via NetGalley

Synopsis from Goodreads:
"The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?"


Get Your Copy Pre-Ordered Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Powell’s | B & N | Borders


About Larissa Ione:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Larissa Ione penned her first novel at the age of 13 and hasn't stopped writing since. She has been a U.S. Air Force meteorologist, an EMT, and a professional dog trainer, and you never know when one of those interests will pop into her novels.

She lives a nomadic existence with her U.S. Coast Guard husband and son, so her writing career has been a blessing -- a job that moves easily.

She writes dark paranormal romance for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books,) and contemporary romance for Red Sage and Samhain. Under the pen name Sydney Croft, she writes erotic action adventure romance with partner Stephanie Tyler.


Connect with Larissa:
Website
Goodreads
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest



My Review:
Okay - so first off, let me go ahead and be completely honest... this is the my most precious ARC I've ever had the privilege of obtaining! I'm a HUGE fan of Larissa Ione! The Demonica Series is one of my absolute favorite series.... ever. The Lords of Deliverance series continues on with the characters from the Demonica Series and explores the lives of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. I ADORE this series and actually Pre-Ordered Rogue Rider MONTHS ago! As soon as it was out for pre-order, I had it waiting in my library.

So, with that out of the way, I'll tell you what I thought of Rogue Rider. I'm going to try not to include any spoilers because well, book spoilers suck to me... I don't want someone to ruin it for me, so I'll try not to ruin it for you...

HOLY HELL this is officially my favorite out of the LoD series... I loved the other 3 to no end but Rogue Rider knocked my socks off. I couldn't have dreamed up a better finale for LoD - especially the way that it leaves room for a new series to open right up and continue on with the story. I cannot wait to continue on with Reaver and Harvester. This is one of my favorite things about Ione's Demonica Series + LoD Series = she continues on with the same characters but adds in new ones. It's the same world, the same families... you get so attached to her characters and the great thing is, they don't disappear. You get to continue on and see how their lives continue to change and their families grow even when they aren't the "main" characters in the next book.

As with all of the other characters that Ione has created, Reseph is brilliant and Jillian is the perfect female character to fit right along side of Reseph. Every character in this series is written so perfectly and clearly that you feel like you could pick up your cell phone to give them a call. They're REAL people... at least to the reader. Rogue Rider picked up on the story where Lethal Rider leaves off.

The romance is swift but honestly, I felt the connections immediately between the two. It was one of those BAM! moments where you think "wow, they are great together" (but not annoyingly so). Both trying to overcome pasts, Reseph trying to remember his, they lean on each other even though neither wants to be left vulnerable. Rogue Rider is a great struggle between good versus evil, as is this entire series. With Reseph, it's a struggle to overcome what he once was as Pestilence. The horrible acts eat him up inside so he struggles to try and right the wrongs even though he feels he deserves the worst punishment deliverable.

The climax is oh-so-nail-biting. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I started getting a little light headed. I honestly have NO nails left... The romance is breath taking/hot/amazing/perfect... I could keep going... It's not mushy and annoying... it's... great....

Umm... and Wow is there one hell of a revelation that will leave you picking your jaw up off of the floor.

Rogue Rider is definitely one of those books where you start it one day, read all night long, and finish it before you even have your first cup of coffee in your system. You can't put it down! Plus, when it's over and your last page is turned, you want the next book NOW. Not in a week. Not tomorrow. NOW! I cannot wait to continue on with the story of character's lives.

Okay - I could honestly go on and on about Rogue Rider. If I haven't spelled it out enough already - this is a GREAT read but I HIGHLY recommend starting from the beginning - pick up Demonica Book 1 NOW!!!! I promise, you won't regret it if you're a fan of adult paranormal romance. You can thank me later ^_^


My Overall Rating: 5 HUGE, WHOPPING Stars!

Cover: 5 Stars - beautiful cover yet again - I really do love all of Ione's covers
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars
Climax: 5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars

Review: Never Seduce a Scott by Maya Banks

Never Seduce a Scot

The Montgomerys & The Armstrongs Book #1

by Maya Banks

Kindle Edition 372 Pages

Published September 25, 2012

Ebook obtained via NetGalley

Synopsis via Goodreads:

"Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love."

Get Your Copy:      Barnes & Noble       Amazon         Maya's Website

About Maya Banks:

Maya Banks lives in Texas with her husband, three children and assortment of cats. When she's not writing, she can be found hunting, fishing or playing poker. A southern girl born and bred, Maya loves life below the Mason Dixon, and more importantly, loves bringing southern characters and settings to life in her stories.

Connect with Maya:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

My Review:

First off, I have a thing for Maya's books... I LOVE her work so I was really excited to have the chance to read and review Never Seduce a Scot. Not only do I like her work but I have a tiny obsession with Scottish / Highlander type characters... there's just something about that accent *swoon*

Before I even started Never Seduce a Scot I had high expectations. I wasn't let down. It definitely rose to my expectations and even alittle higher. I wasn't expecting to become as attached to the characters as I did. I cried a few tears, smiled several times, and even got fuming mad at other characters.

Graeme is the perfect male specimen. He's a warrior with a warrior's body and temperament. He's also passionate, loyal, just, honorable... overall he's a great leader. I absolutely love his brothers Bowen and Teague (love their names btw) plus his little sister Rorie. I honestly hope they continue to appear in this series. Then you have Eveline. Deaf due to an accident that occurred, she lets her family think the worst about her mental stability so she doesn't have to marry a horrible, despicable man - Ian McHugh. I can't blame her for taking the route that she took.

This story has so many highs and lows. It broke my heart when Eveline had to leave her family behind since she was forced to marry Graeme but I was excited by the story line. I knew there would be great things coming but I knew it wouldn't happen without struggles. Being judged simply based upon her lineage, Eveline has to undergo one heck of a trial while she tried to fit in with her new husband's clan. Graeme, being the leader, struggled with how to make everyone understand the situation the way he does and accept Eveline into their clan. All the while, Eveline leans on Graeme because she feels safe with him and Graeme learns his beautiful bride isn't quite what she let on to be from the start.
 

I have to say that the first love scene - and that's exactly what it was: LOVE scene - had my heart racing and overflowing because you can feel the love coming through the scene. Absolutely the most emotional love scene I've ever read... beautiful... I can't describe it any other way...
 

Maya writes in a way that makes you feel like you can reach out and feel the animosity on the pages... the mean faces and snippy remarks from characters seem to jump out at you just like you were standing there in Eveline's shoes. When Eveline puts her best face forward, straightens her back, and walks proud, you sit alittle higher in your chair as you're reading.
 

This story took me on a whirlwind of emotions - the most emotional moment being Graeme coming to terms with the fact that he is in love with Eveline. To know the emotions rolling through his mind/heart makes you shed a few tears for their relationship. It's a little like Romeo & Juliet... except in the middle of a beautiful Scottish backdrop of mountains, fresh air, warriors and their horses. Two families who have fought one another for years over deaths of important members of their families, vengeance a priority in their minds... only to be forced together by a King who seeks peace between clans. But the struggle to find peace when it's forced is a hard one... the idea of something being lost  forever is what brings people together....

 

 

I highly recommend this book to readers who want an emotional read about overcoming the worst of challenges...

My Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Cover Rating: 4.5 Stars <-I honestly saw Graeme as being a much bigger, toughing looking type than the guy on the cover but it's a beautiful cover that I would've definitely picked up had I passed it in the store.

Characters: 5 Stars

Plot: 5 Stars <- I honestly can't think of anything that I would've wanted any different...

Climax: 5 Stars <- I was honestly about to jump out of my chair during the height of the confrontation

Ending: 5 Stars <- Beautiful...I can't really say anything else that would describe it any better....

Review: Transforming Love by Debra Smith

"Transforming Love:
A Koning Clan Novel"

by Debra Smith

 

Published August 25, 2012 by Debra Smith
Kindle Edition from Amazon - ­­­­65 Pages
Nook Edition from Barnes & Noble not available at this time

Digital Copy Received Directly From Author
For Review & Discussion

 

Connect with the author
Debra Smith:

Website
Twitter
Facebook

 
Excerpt from Goodreads:
Jenny never expected her thirst for freedom to lead to her capture. Family secrets prevent her from running from the only man tempting enough to make her submit to her body's desires.

Gryph is dark, sexy, and determined to win Jenny in the Slag, a contest revered by his kind. As the leader of his Clan he's used to getting his way, until her. Can he give Jenny her freedom while winning her heart?
 

My Review:
For a short story, I really enjoyed Transforming Love. The characters are very likable and the story is easy to read. The plot is a good one and it would've made a great, more descriptive, full length novel in my eyes.

It's a really fast read so there are a few set backs that every reader has to keep in mind. Since it's such a short story, the author doesn't have time to really build a connection between the readers and the characters; however, I felt like Debra Smith did a good job for 65 pages.  I loved Gryph even though I didn't have a strong connection with him that could've been more possible with a longer novel. Jenny is a great female character. I have a hard time generally with female leads because most of them end up annoying me. Jenny didn't at all. Maybe that's in part to the story being short but the way that Debra portrays Jenny, I'm pretty sure she would've been a strong lead in my eyes even if this was a long novel. With paranormal romances, this one involving shifters, background means alot. With the story being so short, you get thrown information quickly so there isn't any "easing" you into it. It's a "BAM, BAM, BAM!" sort of novel. One hit after another.

The "bad guy" in the book isn't built upon but you still know he's a bad guy. Kane automatically gives you the creeps even though his introduction to the story is a short one.

This book is an adult paranormal read so there are sex scenes not appropriate for younger readers. These scenes were lightly hot and greatly written. With an attractive male & female character, this put the cherry on top so to speak.

The last few chapters surprised me. I enjoyed the way the story ended and it would've been quite emotional had this been a really long novel. There are time lapses between events that you have to catch quickly. For instance, Jenny has to wait on Gryph to "come back to her" for four months. This four month gap appears in a matter of 1 page.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers looking for a quick shifter romance. It's an enjoyable, short, easy-to-read romance.

 

My Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Cover Rating:  3.5 Stars (for a cover created by the author, it's pretty good) 
Main Characters: 4.5 Stars
Plot:  4 Stars
Climax: 3 Stars (since it's such a short book, there's little explanation to what's going on during the climax but had this been a fully written scene, I'm sure it would've been nail biting)
Ending:  4 Stars

 

 

IMM #3

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren that allows book bloggers to share the books we’ve received or purchased over the past week…There's no right or wrong way to go about it. For More info, go visit the Story Siren's IMM Page .

 

It's going to be a busy, busy month of October for me!!!

I'm off to a great start and it's only the 29th of September! ^_^

E-Books (Purchased):

 

 

 

 



E-Books (Gifted):

 

 

 

 

 

   For Review (Straight From The Author):

 

 

 

 

Literally In My Mailbox:

 



Whoohooo!! I'm like a kid in a candy store!! I received my signed copy of Easy by Tammara Webber! This has been one of my favorite reads of the year!  Definitely in my top 10 of all time!!    ^_^

Review: "Hyde, An Urban Fantasy" by Lauren Stewart

"Hyde, An Urban Fantasy"
by Lauren Stewart
Published July 8, 2012 by Off the Hook Publishing
Kindle Edition from Amazon - 418 Pages
Nook Edition from Barnes & Noble Coming Soon
Smashwords Edition

Digital Copy Received Directly From Author
For Review & Discussion

Connect with the author
Lauren Stewart:
Website
Twitter
Facebook

Excerpt from Goodreads:

To survive, they must embrace what they most despise . . . in themselves and each other.

Mitch Turner is everything women want most in a man—charismatic, successful, drop-dead gorgeous. Except he’s not a man—he’s a monster.

The only way Mitch can protect others from his monstrous side is to stop them from getting too close…that and a 7x7 foot cage. Isolated by his genetic curse, he spends his life hurting people emotionally, driving them away before Hyde can harm them physically. But, after a night of the best sex Mitch has ever had, he realizes that might be impossible. Except the woman he was with claims she doesn’t remember any of it.

Eden Colfax is everything men want most, men other than Mitch, that is. She’s kind, honest to a fault and sickeningly sweet. To rid herself of the monsters that haunted her broken childhood, Eden doesn’t lie, doesn’t curse, and definitely never wakes up naked in strangers’ beds…until the day she does.

Then the flashbacks start—places she’s never been, people she’s never met, blood she’s never spilled. She discovers she’s split into two parts—the woman she thought she knew and another who is capable of anything. And the only person with any answers is the one man she never wants to see again.

What neither of them know is that someone is watching them both, manipulating them, determined to see just how evil the two of them really are. And when the truth begins to seep through the cracks, leaving them nowhere to turn but each other, they will be forced into a partnership neither had expected.

Because in life, who you trust is as important as who you are. And when you can’t even trust yourself, sometimes the only person you can rely on is the last person on Earth you should be falling for.

*** This novel is intended for adults only, as it includes lots of cursing, descriptive sex, biting sarcasm, and themes similar to those in Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, from which this story was inspired.




My Review:

This book was a breath of fresh air. I absolutely love paranormal romances: vampires, weres, demons, etc... I've never read something like this before though. It's hard to come across good reads that are creative and original - the likes of something I've not read before, but Lauren does it! This spin on the "Jekyll and Hyde" concept makes for such a fresh, suspenseful romance. This book could've been written wrong... but Lauren Stewart did it right.

Lauren created really strong characters. They have their own personalities and they are both strong willed when they need to be. Mitch Turner - he is the good looking guy who thinks he's a horrible monster because of his "Hyde" side but he's really the good guy. You get attached to Mitch throughout the story because he's the big, bad tough, sarcastic character who just wants to push everyone away for their own safety... who of course has a soft side that shows for brief moments at a time. Those brief moments suck you in completely. He acts like such a jerk because he thinks it helps control his, what I'll call, "Hyde outbreaks." Then you have Eden Colfax - she's the girl with the onset of problems that she needs help with and the only person who can actually help her is Mitch.  She thinks her life is working out okay until her "Hyde outbreaks" start occurring and she ends up on Mitch's doorstep a few times with only a few memory flashes that trickle in after the fact. Of course they banter back and forth... it's the hate relationship that you, the reader, just want them to get over because deep down, you, the reader, know that they should get over themselves and just be together. Then of course we have to have the "bad" guy in the story. Those characters are just beginning to become known but for this first book, you have Jolie... she's the character we all love to hate and despise because, even though it's not exposed in the beginning, you automatically get the feeling she's up to no good. Then there's Carter - who you think is a great guy but start seeing something going on behind the scenes... you don't know if he's still a good guy or if he needs to start falling in the bad guy category...

Overall, "Hyde" has paranormal characters with suspense, mystery, romance, great sex scenes that make you want to re-read before moving on to the next chapters (not to mention, make you extremely envious of Eden), confrontations, danger, death, twists, turns... There's a little of it all in "Hyde." It really makes you explore what you really think are the dark and light sides of people... those you might think are dark (or those characters who consider themselves dark), turn out to be light and vice versa... There's moments of pain and moments of passion that will leave you breathless and wanting the pages to be turned faster than your eyes can keep up with...

Needless to say, I can't wait for the next book! I hope there's more insight into their "Hyde" personalities & some scenes from their perspectives maybe? I wonder what the two "Hyde" personalities would be like together, in the same room... Hmmmmm



My Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Cover Rating: 5 Stars
(I think this is such a great artistic representation of Eden)