REVIEW: Moonlight and Whiskey

HAPPY TUESDAY EVERYONE!  CHECK OUT MOONLIGHT AND WHISKEY BY TRICIA LYNNE IT IS SEXY AND FUNNY AS HELL!

Moonlight & Whiskey

Author: Tricia Lynne

Release Date: March 12th

Successful businesswoman Avery Barrows likes her dips and curves, but she’s sick of the haters telling her that she should be ashamed of her body instead of embracing it. Determined to send them a big f*** you, Avery resolves to cut loose during a girls’ trip, hightailing her quick-mouthed, plus-sized self to New Orleans. So, what’s a smart woman with a little extra gotta do to get laid in this town?

Not much if you ask Declan McGinn, the lead singer of BlackSmith. Tall, dark, and tattooed, with a body made for sin, Declan prefers his women as curvy as his guitars. Avery’s sharp tongue and keen mind makes him want her even more.

As they burn up the sheets, Avery and Declan realize this is no one-night (or even one-week) stand. But for all of her bluster, Avery isn’t sure she can handle any more rejection. Besides, Declan has demons of his own. Now Avery has a choice to make: play it safe, or place her trust in the hands of a man who’s as tempting as the devil himself.

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MY REVIEW 

Moonlight & Whiskey by Tricia Lynne is sin and spice and everything naughty and nice! It had me laughing out loud and shedding tears.

This is the first book I read by this author and it won’t be the last.

A story of learning how to love oneself flaws and all.

Avery works as an engineer. She is very staid and plain but she also moonlights as a sassy, sexy, foul-mouthed woman. On a trip to New Orleans, she plans to let loose her playful and care-free side.

Here, she meets Declan, sexy and kind, he is also the lead singer of a rock band. He also seems “in” to her. But is he really?

As the heat and passion rises between Avery and Declan, so do their protective walls. Will they be brave enough to believe in themselves as well as the epic love that awaits them if and when they do?

From the first chapter, I was engaged. I saw myself in Avery. Being a bigger woman myself, I could draw parallels and understand her motivation, reasoning and fear.

Avery was funny, sassy, sweet and an absolute firecracker! I loved her character even though I must say, there were times where she made me angry.

Declan, OMG! He is such a sexy man! A man that we all aspire to have. He helps his woman feel like a woman. He also helps build confidence where it lacks in Avery simply by treating her the way a woman is supposed to be treated.

This couple without a doubt was meant for each other.

I also cared about the secondary characters in this book and hope they will each get their stories told.

This was a funny, down to earth read with all the feels. A story of being happy and comfortable in your own skin and of reclaiming your power as a woman to feel sexy and desirable at any size.

An amazing read not to be missed!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts an opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tricia Lynne is fluent in both sarcasm and cuss words—a combination that tends to embarrass her husband at corporate functions. A tomboy at heart, she loves hard rock, Irish whiskey, and her Midwestern roots. She’s drawn to strong, flawed heroines, and believes writing isn’t a decision one makes, but a calling one can’t resist. A member of the Romance Writers of America, she lives in Dallas with her husband and their goofy dogs.

REVIEW: Bad Influence

Bad Influence

Bad Bachelors #3

Author: Stefanie London

He's the bad bachelor who inspired it all...

Annie Maxwell had her whole life figured out...until her fiance left her when his career took off. If that wasn't bad enough, every society blog posted pictures of him escorting a woman wearing her engagement ring. To help the women of New York avoid guys like her ex, Annie created the Bad Bachelors app. But try as she might, Annie just can't forget him...

For bank executive Joe Preston, his greatest mistake was leaving the love of his life when she needed him most. Now, all he wants is to make things right--and she won't have him. But when Annie's safety is threatened by a hacker determined to bring down her app, Joe is the only one she can turn to. He'll have to lay himself on the line to prove to Annie that he's a changed man. But will their hard-won bond survive the revelation that Annie is the one pulling the strings behind Bad Bachelors?

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MY REVIEW

Bad Influence by Stefanie London is simply amazing. No filler, fluff or over dramatization. This is second-chance romance the way it was meant to be written.

Annie and Joseph had a devastating break-up three years ago. Both were heartbroken and believe the other is at fault.

Now, Joe has returned home from abroad and quite literally runs into Annie.

Feelings of hurt, betrayal and anger are too apparent but love simmers just beneath.

When Annie has no other choice but to seek help and advice from Joe, old memories resurface.

Can these two take the tiny spark of love they still have for each other and make it burn bright again?

This is the third book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, there are characters that are interwoven that have their own story in books one and two and I think you’ll want to start there because I now want to read those books!

The story is told in dual POV and the pace is good but in some areas it does lag. Especially when it comes to Annie and her decisions.

I truly loved this couple together. They were made for each other but let life and family get in the way.

This was a heartfelt, second-chance romance with a great story line and even better characters.

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

REVIEW: The Governess

Love historical romance?  Check out my review of

The Governess by Christi Caldwell!

The Governess

Wicked Wallflowers #3

Author: Christi Caldwell

Genre: Historical Romance

Regina (Reggie) Spark has loved Broderick Killoran, the resourceful and protective proprietor of the Devil’s Den, ever since he saved her from the streets and made her his right hand at the notorious gaming hell. For just as long, Reggie has never admitted her true feelings for him. Nor has she revealed her spirited ambitions—to buck convention and expectations and open a music hall.

While Broderick built his gaming empire with ruthless cunning, his loyalty to his employees is boundless. So when he learns of Reggie’s plan to leave his side and take charge of her own future, the betrayal cuts Broderick to the core. He responds as he would to any business rival…with swift retribution.

Instead of wilting, the savvy Reggie rebounds with a fury that shocks Broderick and stirs a desire he’s been holding in reserve for only ladies of nobility. But as their seductive battle of wills ignites under the harsh spotlight of the London Season, secrets are exposed as well—ones that could be ruinous in decent society but invaluable for the heart.

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MY REVIEW

Page-turning and filled with tension and angst, The Governess by Christi Caldwell consumed me.

Broderick is a man who is powerful and rich in his own right. He has a loving family and he has loyalty in friends like Reggie. Alas, he is not happy without more money, power and above all else, a connection to the nobility.

This was an emotional story with twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.

The characters and plot were engaging. I couldn’t help but feel what they were going through.

The sparring between Broderick and Reggie was entertaining.

I was invested with all the characters and hope that Stephen gets his story told soon!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Demon’s Mercy

Demon’s Mercy

Dark Protectors Book 9

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Synopsis 

Duty meets desire . . .

Mercy O’Malley hates killing people. So when she’s assigned to take out Vampire-Demon Logan Kyllwood, she lures him to a seedy bar in Scotland, then decides to kidnap him instead. How can she cold-bloodedly end all that heat, those green eyes, that ripped body?

Unfortunately for Mercy, attempted murder and kidnapping are just foreplay for the Kyllwood brothers. Logan may be the youngest of the bunch, but death and violence are already a way of life.  Now he’s ready to complete a painful, terrifying ritual to become one of the Seven, dedicated to protecting this world from the most dangerous evil it’s ever known. But first he has to deal with a blackmailing Fey, a ransom demand and his own pounding need for the last female he ever should have fallen for . . .

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MY REVIEW

This is another entertaining and thrilling instalment into the Dark Protector series.

Logan Kyllwood is a hybrid. Part demon, part vampire, he is without a doubt possessive and protective. Having plans to become part of the Seven, he is not looking for a mate.

Mercy O’Malley is a feisty and headstrong Fae. She makes it her duty to always have a purpose. That purpose is stopping the Seven from indoctrinating Logan into their midst. Her future already planned, she is not looking for love.

When these two come together, however, their plans may just go up in smoke.

I loved Mercy and the fact that she is no damsel in distress. She outsmarts Logan in many ways and I enjoyed every second of it.

Logan is proud, protective and strong but is all about family. He does what’s necessary to keep the ones he loves safe.

The heat and passion between these two was H.O.T! Their back and forth was witty and fun. Together, they are the perfect couple.

The pace was good and the action kept coming.

I love this world Rebecca Zanetti has created. It is original and I always come back for more.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

REVIEW & RELEASE: The Duke I Once Knew

The Duke I Once Knew

(Unlikely Duchesses #1)

Author: Olivia Drake

Genre: Historical Romance

Pub Date: Dec 31, 2018 

First love is always the sweetest.

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her aging parents and the children of her siblings. Now, eager to make her own life, she takes a position as governess on the neighboring estate. It shouldn’t matter that her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the infamous rake who once broke her youthful heart. Surely he’s forgotten her, for he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years. At least, that is, until he arrives unexpectedly.

Max is incensed to meet his sister’s new governess. But why does Abby appear just as displeased to see him when it was she who’d rejected him all those years ago? Why is he so drawn to the independent spinster she has become? And why is there a sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes that suggests they might have a second chance at love?

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MY REVIEW

Exciting and entertaining, this book had my full attention.

Abby is a spinster who has been helping her family since she was old enough to do so. On the verge of thirty, she realizes she wants more out of life. So, she decides to become a governess at the disapproval of her family.

Her charge is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell’s, sister. Max is also her former friend and flame.

She believes she is content with her new lot until, to her dismay, Max returns to Rothwell Court.

Max is entitled and his reputation precedes him. He is known as a libertine and a rake, taking his pleasures where he may. When he must reluctantly detour home, he is not happy to see Abby. She brings back memories of past hurts. She also brings fond memories that are better left in the past.

Will these two be able to let go of past hurt and finally grasp the love that was meant to be theirs?

This is a second chance as well as a friends to lovers romance that I enjoyed.

Abby was meek in the beginning, accepting her lot. However, as the story progressed, she gained strength and started creating the life she wanted. She was, however, frustrating with her prejudices against Max.

Max was a wonderfully caring character if not a little hard headed. He changed ever so slowly, realizing his mistakes and then making amends.

The passion between these two was a slow burn and it suited this story. As a personal preference however, I would’ve enjoyed more intimate scenes with this couple. Not just the carnal but time spent together alone. In my opinion, their scenes with only each other are too few. I also would have loved an epilogue. The end felt a little bit abrupt without it.

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What do you think?  Do you like historical romance?  Have you read this already?  Let me know!  I love to connect with people and talk books! 

REVIEW: The Queen's Wing

The Queen’s Wing

(The Queen’s Wing Series Book 1)

Author: Jessica Thorne

Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, YA

Pub Date: Nov 21, 2018 

SYNOPSIS

‘I was born to fly,’ I told my brothers. But it isn’t true. I was born to be a pawn in the great game of royal houses, married to someone – anyone – my family deems suitable. If I’m lucky, he’ll be my own age and bearable. If I’m very lucky, he’ll be someone who understands my need to fight, and to fly...

Bel, born to nobility, would do anything to spend her days alongside her brothers – soaring through the heavens in her beloved flyer. She’s faster than any of them, but she knows her days in the skies are numbered.

When a surprise attack on the palace lands Bel’s father on the throne, her life is forever changed. In order to secure her father’s empire, Bel must travel to a distant land to marry the recently widowed young ruler, Conleith.

But Bel’s new home is less than welcoming: compared to the refined ladies at court, Bel seems like a wild woman, and assassination attempts, treason and mystery threaten her at every turn. With a growing attraction to Con, her life is further complicated by the attentive leader of her bodyguards – a warrior called Shae whom she has loved since childhood…

A heart-stoppingly magical new novel that will keep you turning the pages. Perfect for fans of The Selection, Bella Forrest and Sarah J. Maas.

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Book Depository | Google Play

MY REVIEW 

The Queen’s Wing by Jessica Thorne is an action-packed adventurous read and I cannot wait for more.

From the very beginning this story intrigued me. As I continued, it consumed me. I loved being submersed in this world the author created. I loved the different races of people and their worlds not to mention the characters.

I did find in the beginning that there was a little too much information spouted in such a short time and that during this time it slowed down the pace a little.

Overall, a wonderfully entertaining read full of action, devotion, friendship and love.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

EXCERPT

A flash of light on metal in the trees below is the only warning I get. I imagine I hear the whine as the weapon charges. I manage to jerk left as the pulse of a plasma rifle turns the air beside my right wing iridescent.

‘Clear!’ I crow, not that they can hear me. ‘You’ll have to be quicker than—’

The whole Wasp bucks beneath me. It feels like being kicked in the chest by a pack mule. The Wasp’s engine whines, gives a splutter and stalls. My flying machine drops from the sky.

I punch the controls, frantically trying to start her up again, turning the engine which only clunks and gutters painfully. There’s precious little gliding in a Wasp but I manage to get the machine under control before it goes into a full spin.

It’s like trying to fly a brick.

Further weapons fire lights up the air behind me. I keep the Wasp steady, tracking the ground ahead for the safest place to put down. All trees. This isn’t going to be easy. Or in any way pretty.

Transmit position – the instructions drilled into my memory replay now, my mother’s voice, calm and reassuring, persistent. Transmit position in an emergency just as fast as you can. Get the Wasp down in one piece. Take the survival pack and weapons and get clear in case of an explosion.

Training takes over. It’s effortless. I move before I think.

‘Base, come in, this is Bel. I’m going down. Repeat, going down. Co-ordinates—’

Zander’s voice cuts me off. ‘Negative!’ he yells. ‘It’s an open channel.

Negative on the co-ordinates. Over.’

What? This is madness. I’m crashing, Zander. I’m going to die.

‘Under attack!’ I protest, my voice tight. ‘Wasp is dead. Over.’

‘You know what to do! We’ll come for you. Repeat, we’ll—’

The impact with the canopy shakes the whole ship and throws me upwards. I hit the roof hard and slam down again, tumbling with the Wasp, crashing through branches, the screams of torn canvas, metal and wood drowning out my own, deafening me. My head slams into the controls and the sudden pain is blinding. With an almighty, bone shaking crash, we land, my broken Wasp and I, and all is horribly still.

The radio hisses. Something has done for it. My vision blurs as I try to look around. I blink furiously to clear it. As I attempt to move, icy pain shoots through my shoulder and my stomach heaves. Damn it, I’m hurt. And concussed, probably. And my Wasp is in bits.

I can’t think about this now. I’m a sitting duck. I have to get out.

It hurts so much that twice I think I’m going to pass out. But I push myself out of the Wasp and tumble onto the forest floor.

My goggles are cracked but the world of the shattered Wasp seems even worse when I push them out of the way and drop them. There’s blood on them too. Don’t think about it. Not now. Keep moving. But my face throbs and there’s sticky stuff covering the side of my head… more blood…

Survival gear, my training tells me adamantly, forcing me to ignore pain and damage. They don’t matter. Only one thing does. Getting out of this alive.

Oh, and weapons. Yes, weapons too.

Weapons are terribly important when anyone is trying to kill you.

A laugh bubbles up in my throat, born more from panic than humour. Is this shock? Feels like shock.

I roll out on to the churned earth and then reach inside the broken machine, feeling around for both the slim pack of supplies and my rapier. The pistol at my side is loaded at least, but I have no extra charge packs.

It’ll have to be enough. It’s all I have.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Jessica Thorne watched far too much sci-fi and read far too much fantasy at an impressionable age. And it was awesome. She writes fantasy and sci-fi romance with a steampunk edge and just refuses to face reality.

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