Brutal Game Review

Title:  Brutal Game
Series:  Flynn & Laurel #2
Author:  Cara McKenna
Release Date:  Nov. 22, 2016
Preorder Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  4 Erotic, Dark Fantasy ♥'s

*Many thanks to the author for an ARC of this book.

My Review of Willing Victim


Synopsis:
Nine months ago Laurel walked into an underground boxing gym and found herself mesmerized by a stranger named Flynn—a man who fights hard and loves harder. Since then he’s taken her places where fear and curiosity clash in exquisite pleasure, where trust is the price of ecstasy, and in time their brutal games have become her kink as much as his.

But when real life intrudes and hard decisions demand action, will these two whose bond is rooted in fantasy take shelter in each other’s arms, or discover that lust is no substitute for a lasting commitment?

Review:

It's been nine months since Laurel took a chance and followed Flynn home to discover what turned this dark, brash sex god on - and to decide if she was strong enough, fearless enough, to star in his darkest fantasies. What she discovered was a burning desire to play this man's games as Flynn took her to the edge of fear, pain, and pleasure, and as fans of Willing Victim know, then took possession of her heart while giving his own in return.

Brutal Game continues Flynn & Laurel's story, and while they still live in separate residences, Laurel spends most nights in Flynn's home & bed as they continue indulging in their dark, raw, sometimes fearful sexual fantasies.  In this book, the story is told from both character's point of view, allowing readers a chance to get inside Flynn's head and experience what he thinks and feels as he battles some pretty heavy emotions.  With a very real dose of reality knocking on the door, Laurel has a big decision to make, and Flynn is trying to support her in every way.  Sexual role-playing is forced to take a backseat as this couple works to figure out what they need and want - both individually and as a couple hoping for a long future together.  And when Flynn suddenly withdraws calling "time-out", Laurel is left wondering if they even have a future.  Do they?

Watching Flynn & Laurel function in different roles outside the bedroom as they are confronted with a new challenge in their relationship is intriguing.  It raises questions about expectations, trust, and the importance of family.  I appreciate the way this author handles taboo subject matter - not only the sexual fantasy role-playing, but also Laurel's struggles with depression along with another situation that occurs in Brutal Game.  Allowing readers inside Flynn's head as he struggles to understand and come to terms with his own feelings later in the book lends an air of sincerity and sympathy while building empathy for him  -  making the ending that much sweeter.  At the same time, this book delivers the hot, erotic, raw, sometimes brutal sex that one would expect as Flynn & Laurel indulge their fantasies.  And as always, it is perfectly clear that all of it is consensual.  As with Willing Victim, my only issue is the short length of this story. It left me wanting more!  A Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Erotic, Dark Fantasy ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

Dirty (Raw Family #2) Review

Title:  Dirty
Series:  Raw Family #2
Author:  Belle Aurora
Release Date:  Oct. 31, 2016
Buy Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  4 Graphic, Brutal, Raw ♥'s






Synopsis:

My marriage seemed perfect from the outside looking in. 
People envied me. They wanted my life, wanted to be me. 

Mrs Alejandra Gambino. 
Wife of Dino Gambino. Daughter of Eduardo Castillo. 
Respected. Loved. Mob royalty. 

They had no idea of the horrors that lurked behind closed doors. 
They didn't know I was at the lowest point a person could reach. 

Enter Julius Carter.  
Aloof, handsome, blue-eyed Julius Carter. 

He saved me. 
I screwed him over. 

Now everybody was after me. My life was forfeit. 
It was only a matter of time. I was a dead woman walking. 

The question was, who would get to me first?

Review:
It's a pretty safe bet that most readers (like me) left hanging & shedding tears at the end of Raw are anxious to get their hands on this sequel, Dirty.  Everyone needs/wants/deserves more TWITCH!  He was/is just one of those once in a blue moon characters that captures readers hearts and leaves them crying for more - needing closure in the form of a hea for Twitch & Lexi.  Lord knows, I'm one of them!  I'm going to say up front that I will not discuss any part of the story that may or may not involve Twitch in this review.  To do so would spoil this book for too many readers who deserve to experience this ride on their own.  

Dirty is an intriguing, tightly woven story involving two mob families that seal an alliance between them by forcing a marriage between Alejandra (Ana) Castillo and Dino Gambino.  A reluctant, innocent Ana, an eighteen year old who has been protected all her life by her father & brothers, does her family duty with fear & trepidation . . . and is pleasantly surprised when her marriage turns into a fairy tale with an attentive, loving Dino.  But then - something happens causing the other shoe to drop, and Ana's life turns into one horrid, abusive nightmare with no end in sight.  Until - one day (six years later) when two strangers attend a meeting between the Castillo's & Gambino's, and she meets Julius Carter and his partner, Ling . . . and suddenly discovers her way out. Ana commits an ultimate sin among mob families and then escapes - alone & on the run.  It's now Julius's job to find and return her to face certain death as mob justice demands "an eye for an eye".  Her family will do nothing to save her.  

As this story plays out, several plot lines intertwine with the main one involving Ana, Julius, and Ling.  Most will remember Ling from Raw - she is an extremely damaged, dangerous, and obsessive woman/killer who resents Ana's presence between her & Julius.  I will say she is one of the best written characters in this story as I found myself swaying back & forth between sympathy, like, and hate for her.  She plays a major role as this story nears the end.  

I found Dirty to be an intriguing, brutal, raw, gut-wrenching read where it all comes down to survival - both lives & hearts depend upon it. Definitely not for the weak of heart, note the blood splattered all over Julius's shirt on the book cover and beware that this is a gory read.  While I can't say that every aspect of the book worked for me, I can say I found it hard to put down, especially near the end.  There are a couple of things I didn't quite buy into as it touches on the old "captive to lover" theme, but the writing is excellent, the action non-stop, and it answered some of my questions from book 1 while leaving me, yet again, dying to get my hands on the next book.  Another Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Graphic, Raw, Brutal ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

Aden (Vampires In America #7) Review

Title:  Aden
Series:  Vampires in America #7
Author:  D.B. Reynolds
Publisher:  Imajinn Books
Released Date:  Nov. 26, 2013
Buy Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  5 Dark, Damaged, Dominant, "Yes Please!" ♥'s





Synopsis:
She was seeking revenge. What she found was a vampire who swept her into the darkest depths of passion.

Chicago, Illinois... the windy city. Home to football greats, dinosaurs named Sue, and, when the sun goes down... powerful vampires battling for the right to rule the city and beyond.

Born into slavery, Aden is one of the most powerful vampires in North America, waging war on others of his kind in a struggle to become the next Lord of the Midwest. But in the midst of the deadliest fight of his long life, the ghosts of his past have come back to haunt him. Slavery still exists, and Aden is hellbent on destroying it and the vampires who profit from it.

Sidonie Reid is an investigative reporter in pursuit of the biggest story of her career, until that story costs the life of a friend and Sid realizes she has to do much more than write about it. Intent on bringing down the vampires and their slave network, Sid gains entry to the highest levels of vampire society, where she finds herself confronting the raw sexuality that is Aden.

Caught up in a dark passion that neither can resist, Aden and Sidonie join forces, determined to defeat the old regime and everything it stands for. The dangers are beyond calculation, but the ultimate reward is worth the risk. If they survive...

Review:

With each Vampires In America book, I think they just can't possibly get any better. Wrong! I enjoyed this series in the beginning, but the last couple of books have just blown me away. I keep expecting to get tired of bossy, dark, baggage toting, alpha vampires, but let me tell you - it just ain't happening. Aden is absolutely magnificent in this book as he battles all competitors for the title of Lord of the Midwest territory. Big, bad*ass, dark, but melt your panties gorgeous - he is one stone cold, powerful dude. I really loved getting his heartbreaking backstory in "real-time" through his flashbacks. But, it seems Aden's come up against a raging force to be reckoned with in Sidonie Reid, a human investigative reporter out to revenge her friend's death at the hands of slave/sex traffickers. She believes vampires are behind the sex ring, and nothing and no one - not even the soon-to-be Lord Aden - will stop her from seeking vengeance. When these two meet in one of the vampire blood clubs, sparks fly as both are shocked to feel such an intense physical attraction radiating between them. As the story unfolds, this couple goes toe-to-toe in a dance in which Sid holds her own, often defying Aden who is most certainly not accustomed to being told "No". Both are strong, stubborn, and determined to "lead" this dance while guarding their heart and refusing to lose. They make a formidable team in both battle & the bedroom, but will either survive the darkness?

Get ready for the HEAT because the scenes between these two are HOT! Aden is the very definition of "sex-on-a-stick" and surprise, surprise: a bit of a dom! And my, my . . . it seems our Sid likes it a little "dirty"! What a great story! A Page Burner! A Must Read! I can't wait to continue the series.

My Rating:  5 Dark, Damaged, Dominant ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

IWSG: A Thankful Heart . . .

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a community of writers who share ideas and encourage other writers. It's a great place to express doubts and concerns as well as offer and receive tribulations and guidance from other writers. IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month. I think you'll find it to be a great writer's resource that's well worth your time. Be sure to stop by and visit with some of the other IWSG writers/bloggers at IWSG Members.

Our awesome co-hosts for October are:
Joylene Nowell Butler
Jen Chandler
Mary Aalgaar
 Lisa Buie Collard
Tamara Narayan
Tyrean Martinson
Christine Rains

A Thankful Heart . . .  
With the changing of the seasons and rapidly approaching holidays, my thoughts have turned a bit nostalgic.  Remembering past holidays with family members that are now gone makes me wish I could revisit those simpler times and once again sit around my mother's Thanksgiving table as each family member in turn offers thanks - sharing what they are most thankful for before diving into a scrumptious meal including roasted turkey with all the trimmings.  It's a tradition that I continue today with my extended family and friends as we welcome all into our home to share a traditional, Southern Thanksgiving meal and give thanks for our many blessings.  Family, friends, health - all things I give thanks for every day.  Our home in the rural southern countryside, the many sights & sounds of nature, the breathtaking view of stars twinkling in the night sky - all blessings.  Laughter, love, and yes, a few tears - truly a blessing.  

Finally having the opportunity to devote time and attention to my writing career is another thing I am so thankful for.  It's been a long time coming with many real life detours and roadblocks along the way.  It's still a journey in progress - one filled with both the thrill of success and the agony of defeat.  Which leads me to this month's question:

What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?

This is a simple question for me.  My favorite aspect of being a writer is having the ability to do what I love to do which is write!  That's the bottom line.  A person who loves their "job" is a lucky, blessed person indeed.  And while I wear many hats and titles - "writer" is the one I have dreamed of the longest, the one I knew I would own someday.  I love sitting down at the keyboard and bringing a story, article, or post to life.  And I'm so thankful that I am now at the point in my life where I get to do that.  I'm also so grateful for the amazing writers/authors I've met on this journey who have generously shared their expertise and friendship.  Both are priceless!  Thank you.

 A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart!  Writing makes me happy.  What makes your heart happy?

The Apprentice Review

Title:  The Apprentice
Series:  Rizzoli & Isles #2
Author:  Tess Gerritsen

My Rating:  4.5 Heart-Racing ♥'s







Synopsis:
The bestselling author of The Surgeon returns—and so does that chilling novel’s diabolical villain. Though held behind bars, Warren Hoyt still haunts a helpless city, seeming to bequeath his evil legacy to a student all-too-diligent . . . and all-too-deadly.

THE APPRENTICE It is a boiling hot Boston summer. Adding to the city’s woes is a series of shocking crimes, in which wealthy men are made to watch while their wives are brutalized. A sadistic demand that ends in abduction and death.

The pattern suggests one man: serial killer Warren Hoyt, recently removed from the city’s streets. Police can only assume an acolyte is at large, a maniac basing his attacks on the twisted medical techniques of the madman he so admires. At least that’s what Detective Jane Rizzoli thinks. Forced again to confront the killer who scarred her—literally and figuratively—she is determined to finally end Hoyt’s awful influence . . . even if it means receiving more resistance from her all-male homicide squad.

But Rizzoli isn’t counting on the U.S. government’s sudden interest. Or on meeting Special Agent Gabriel Dean, who knows more than he will tell. Most of all, she isn’t counting on becoming a target herself, once Hoyt is suddenly free, joining his mysterious blood brother in a vicious vendetta. . . .

Review:

Intense doesn't begin to describe The Apprentice. This is on-the-edge of your seat, heart-racing, scared-to-turn-the-lights off suspense! It's been a year since Jane put away the Surgeon. Physically, she's healed, but mentally & emotionally - she's got a long ways to go. And now she's called to the scene of a horrific murder in another district . . . one that mimics those perpetrated by the Surgeon. Jane's nightmares come rushing back as she is forced to face her demons once again. I'm happy to say that I not only liked Jane better in this one, but I also understood her better. Jane comes with a trunk full of damaged baggage, coming off as a little petty & whiny in book 1. But in The Apprentice, we see a more focused Jane - stronger, tougher, less concerned with how male co-workers see her and more willing to work with the team. A strong supporting cast adds even more intrigue to this book. Readers meet mysterious FBI Agent Gabriel Dean who proves to be a complication and medical examiner Maura Isles who I find very intriguing.

Chilling, horrifying, nonstop action kept me glued to the pages of The Apprentice. Add to that the fact that some scenes are told from the point of view of Warren Hoyt aka The Surgeon . . . and you have a Must Read! Brilliantly written - a Page Burner! 

My Rating:  5 Heart-Racing ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

Prince of Honor (House of Terriot, Book 1) Review

Title:  Prince of Honor
Series:  House of Terriot, Book 1
Author:  Nancy Gideon
Release Date:  October 24, 2016
Buy Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  5 Dark, Damaged, Deadly, Dirty, Delicious ♥'s

My Thoughts:  The H.O.T. princes are all as HOT as this book cover indicates . . . I'm talking Holy Moly, Take-It-Off, Panty-Dropping HOT!

*Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to Beta Read this book.
Synopsis:
Could the bargain they made to save their lives become their reality?

Turow . . .

Strong, silent man of integrity content to serve his new king as a prince in the turbulent shape-shifter House of Terriot. A tracker and relentless hunter, he’s used to running trails alone until charged with returning a traitor to their mountain top home to face the unforgiving judgment of their clan. Isolated with the bad girl he’s loved forever, the choice between duty and desire has never been more difficult . . . or deadly.

Sylvia . . .

Manipulative schemer or victim caught between a mother’s ambition and a rogue prince’s lust for power? Trust is almost as foreign as the idea of love, but to save herself from certain death, she must risk both on the good man who deserves them . . . from someone worthy. Trapped by the only one who believes in her goodness, she must betray him and run for her life . . . or stay and destroy him with a long hidden truth.

Deadly, Damaged, and Delicious!
House of Terriot
Brothers too H.o.T. to Handle! 

Review:
Prince of Honor is the first of four books in the House of Terriot series - a spin-off of Gideon's By Moonlight series. Each book features one of four H.O.T. shape-shifter princes - alike in their allegiance to their king, family, & throne and yet, different in personalities, personal battles, and the persona they present to the public. Four deadly princes with a chip on their shoulders, a battle to win, a throne to protect.  Four delicious princes who love fiercely, party hardy, and break hearts.

Prince of Honor is a story about love, loss, redemption, and . . . honor.  It features Turow Terriot, the strong, honorable protector, often hidden in the shadows of his more flamboyant brothers - a prince who has pledged to serve his king at any cost - even if it means transporting the woman he has secretly loved for years back to face certain death before his clan. The choice between duty & passion is a difficult one when you're traveling with a desirable, cunning, yet deadly siren whose song resonates in your heart and soul - one who fills your mind with want and need, driving you wild with her scent - one who crawls over your skin and flows through your blood - one who has you howling Mate!  Row must choose - his honor & duty to his king and family or the woman who holds his heart in her hand. If he makes the wrong choice, he will pay the ultimate price - his life and the downfall of the throne. Will Sylvia prove worthy of Turow's trust, love, and . . . his mark?  Can he trust her to keep her side of a deal that will save & benefit them both?  Or will she destroy him - again?

Sylvia Terriot is a survivor - a strong, beautiful, cunning woman who has always done what she needed to do in order to survive - including bed-hopping her way through the House of Terriot princes. Sylvia knows what "they" think and say about her - that she's a cold-hearted b*tch incapable & unworthy of trust & love. If you hear it often enough, it must be true . . . and so, like an award winning actress, Sylvia hides her feelings and plays the part.  Now, she's being transported back to face the king and pay for her sins. But Sylvia refuses to meekly accept death and, drawing upon her arsenal of tricks, turns the table on Row. When the opportunity presents itself, will she deny her feelings and walk away leaving him for dead? Or accept his deal knowing she can never again walk away?

Prince of Honor is an intriguing, sexy, sometimes dark read. A tightly woven plot will have you burning through the pages as this story of love, lust, trust, betrayal, and forgiveness plays out. The intense, sizzlin' chemistry between Turow & Sylvia is lethal & flammable - sparks igniting the pages as both fight to maintain control of the situation - and their own heart. I loved watching both of these characters go toe-to-toe, owning their mistakes, and claiming their happiness.  Fans of By Moonlight will love this spin-off! If you've missed reading the By Moonlight series, I highly recommend it and yet, you can easily pick up Prince of Honor and transition right into the series. The House of Terriot princes are H.O.T. and yes, the initials spell HOT which is exactly what you'll be after watching these bad*ss, badboy princes get down & dirty on the dance floor & in the bedroom.  Another Page Burner by Nancy Gideon!  A Must Read!

My Rating:  5 Dark, Damaged, Deadly, Dirty, Delicious ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥

Wolfsong Review

Title:  Wolfsong
Series: Yes - waiting for book #2
Author:  T.J. Klune
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press
Release Date:  June 20, 2016
Buy Links:  Amazon DSP 
My Rating:  5+++ Howling Sing-Me-Home ♥'s

My Thoughts:  One of my Top Five Books of 2016.  Absolutely breathtaking! 



Synopsis:
Ox was twelve when his daddy taught him a very valuable lesson. He said that Ox wasn’t worth anything and people would never understand him. Then he left.

Ox was sixteen when he met the boy on the road, the boy who talked and talked and talked. Ox found out later the boy hadn’t spoken in almost two years before that day, and that the boy belonged to a family who had moved into the house at the end of the lane.

Ox was seventeen when he found out the boy’s secret, and it painted the world around him in colors of red and orange and violet, of Alpha and Beta and Omega.

Ox was twenty-three when murder came to town and tore a hole in his head and heart. The boy chased after the monster with revenge in his bloodred eyes, leaving Ox behind to pick up the pieces.

It’s been three years since that fateful day—and the boy is back. Except now he’s a man, and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them.

Review:
Once in a blue moon, I come across a book that pushes all the right buttons.  It crosses genres and refuses to be defined, labeled, or contained in a small box.  It defies definition and howls in a strong voice.  It's beautifully written and sings to my heart & soul.  Wolfsong is a Once in a Blue Moon Top 5 of the Year book for me.  I heard your message loud & clear T.J. Klune.  You sang me home with your epic love story.  Yes, I said, "Epic Love Story" for without a shadow of doubt, this is one of the most beautiful, mind-sweeping, purest love stories I've ever read.  Mere words are inadequate to relay the explosion of emotions and feelings that this book evoked in me.

I'm not going to touch on details of the story as I hope each reader can go on this journey with an open mind & blank slate.  I didn't read any reviews before starting Wolfsong, and I'm so thankful I didn't.  I knew that it was highly rated, that friends loved it, and that it was written by an author that writes a lot of "funny" books, though this was reported to be "serious". I heard rumblings it was about "wolves" and that it was m/m romance.  Quite a combo for sure!  

And so I opened the cover and started reading.  In a matter of pages, I was totally, irrevocably enthralled with these characters.  A young Ox - big, strong, different, lacking self-worth as his father told him he was "dumb as an ox" before disappearing from Ox's life.  A young ten-year-old Joe - a tornado of arms & legs and non-stop chatter when he introduces Ox to his family - one of the cutest, funniest, most endearing characters I've ever met.  Evil touched him in the past, leaving him damaged, and yet his essence explodes with purity & innocence in a way that will make you smile while ensnaring your heart.  An awesome support cast lends depth, drama, laughter, and magic to this story as they blend their strong, individual voices into one unique familial unit defined not by blood, but by love.

Wolfsong is an epic love story that speaks of unbreakable bonds that grow stronger with each passing year.  It's the story of family and all that encompasses - whether bound by blood or heart.  It's the story of ultimate sacrifice, triumph over evil, and acceptance of fate. It's a story about believing, trusting, and daring to dream. It's the story of a love so strong, so pure, so magical that it stands the test of time.  Wolfsong will stand the test of time as it resides on my All Time Favorites Shelf.  All I can say is Read This Book!  It's a Page Burner! 

My Rating:  5+++++++ Howling, Sing-Me-Home ♥'s