UF Review: Vengeful Bounty by Jillian Kidd

Vengeful Bounty 

by Jillian Kidd 

ebook, 182 pages
Published: November 23rd 2011 by Untreed Reads
RATING: ★★★★

In the year 2053, Dallas bounty hunter Mina Maxwell’s goal is to reach Global status, and she is only three catches away from the needed 25. During one of her hunts, she lets criminal Roberto Franco go in order to capture his higher-ranking boss. It is a mistake that will come back to haunt her. As she continues on toward her goal, she battles with the demons of her past, among them being Damon Wolfe, her Global bounty hunter lover who left her without explanation. Attempting to heal the damage is Mina’s good friend, musician Jackson Kincade, who has been hinting at taking their friendship to the next level if she will let him. All hope for the future shatters when Roberto returns, hunts her down and kidnaps her. His plan: weaken her body and crush her spirit so he can sell her to the highest bidder. (From Goodreads)

Review: 

Let me start by saying this book was nothing like I expected. Futuristic books really aren't my style, I'm an old fashioned gal who enjoys historical and paranormal/urban fantasy romance. When I was offered this book to review, the cover and description intrigued me and I decided to step out of my comfort zone.

I'm glad I did.

As previously stated, this book was not what I had expected and it totally threw me.

The leading character, Mina Maxwell, is driven and extremely goal oriented. She knows what she wants, which is to reach Global status, and nothing and no one will stand in her way. Definitely a kick-ass, take charge kind of lady.

Ms. Kidd has done a wonderful job in the world building department. The book is set in Dallas 2053 and the description of the future is very interesting. I liked how she mentioned a Scorpion's song being and oldie. The gadgets she describes, such as a laser gun and hover cars, fit. She created Mina's world in such a way that it seemed real and believable.

Now, the only down side for me was the lack of romance. However, I went into this book expecting it to be a typical romance.

Overall, this book was solid and far from disappointing. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kidd.

 

 Vengeful Bounty is available at:

Amazon

B&N

BDSM REVIEW: Becoming sage by Kasi Alexander

Becoming sage 
by Kasi Alexander
(The Keyhole #1)
Alternative Romance, Strong Polyamorous, BDSM Themes
Published April 19th 2011 by Omnific Publishing
RATING: DNF

With a failed marriage behind her, Jill Marten was looking to start a new chapter in her life. She had no idea that running into her old friend, Jessie, would unlock a whole new world. When she accepts Jessie's invitation to a party, in order to "try something completely different," it awakens a need to discover her place in a new community. Jessie, also known as sunni, is a submissive slave who is in a loving relationship with her Master, Sir Rune. When Rune and sunni ask Jill to be a part of their family, Jill begins her journey into submission, bondage, and polyamory, even as she questions everything that she has been taught about love and relationships. She begins to face her own desires and fears as she struggles with feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, and self-worth. Once she opens the door to a life she never imagined, a peek through the keyhole is no longer enough, and she must learn what it means to become sage.

Kasi Alexander's debut novel, Becoming sage, is the first installment in The Keyhole Series. An active member of the BDSM community, Kasi brings a true-to-life realism to her writing. This is not traditional erotica, but the series offers an intimate look into the lives of the men and women who live the BDSM lifestyle, in particular, the Master/slave dynamic.


REVIEW:

It’s hard for me to say that Becoming sage is a DNF for me. I just could not get into the story and relationship between the characters. It’s not a reflection on the author’s writing. I did read about half of the book and the part I read was well written.

I received Alexander's Becoming sage as a review request and judging by the cover and snippet I thought that it would be a good match for my erotica month. And although I’ve read other BDSM and polyamory type books, Becoming sage is not like any that I’ve read.

All of the other books in the genre have had a romance between the characters and yes, hot sex scenes. There is no real romance in story (at least the part I read) and there is mention of sex between the characters but the book had a “real” feel to it. Almost like a real person's account, not really a journal but it didn’t have a fantasy feel to me.

The POV is written through Jill’s accounts of entering the world of M/s (Master/slave) and while some of it was interesting; I kept sympathizing with Jill’s logical side. She would think at different moments why am I doing this, it is crazy to let a stranger do these things to me. And I was agreeing with her and I think that’s why I could not get into the book more to finish it.

Simply put I could DNF because it was too realistic to me if that makes sense. I could not loose myself in the fantasy of the story. But don’t let that stop you from reading it yourself if you are interested. Becoming sage has received quite a few 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads, it just wasn’t for me.

Becoming sage is available at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

I received my copy for a honest review.

REVIEW: Supernaturally Kissed by Stacey Kennedy

Supernaturally Kissed (Frostbite #1)
by Stacey Kennedy 
Publication: January 5th 2012 by Ellora's Cave

Urban Fantasy Romance
Length: Novel, ebook

RATING:★★★★

Ghosts harass and annoy Tess Jennings to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice.

Kipp McGowen, a cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five year old cold case of Hannah Reid, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever or find the killer…


REVIEW:


I have read other books that had ghost characters in them and my first ghost themed romance book was Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready which is Young Adult. Supernaturally Kissed is the grown up version with a murder mystery, humor and some hot sexy moments between Tess and Kipp.

I was hooked within a few pages of Supernaturally Kissed. Ms. Kennedy does an awesome job of world building and character development. I know when an author is a good writer when they can suck me in and have me experiencing the same feelings as the characters. I was laughing and crying with Tess the whole time I was reading. Not mention getting hot and bother when Kipp was talking dirty to Tess.

Do not look for a  nice and neat HEA; there is a bit of a cliffhanger. But I’ve been told by Kennedy that we get answers in book 2 so I can’t wait for that release. (Stacey when you have an ARC let me know!) I have a few ideas from hints in book 1 about what could happen in book 2. But Kennedy does enough of changing things up in the plot to keep me guessing.

If you are looking for a super hot cop, who just happen to be a ghost and a sassy gal that can see dead people, give Supernaturally Kissed by Stacey Kennedy a try to day. You won’t be sorry.

Supernaturally Kissed is available at

Ellora’s Cave 

Find more of Stacey's books at
Amazon │ B&N

My copy was provided by author for review

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

ARC REVIEW: Scent of a White Rose by Tish Thawer

Scent of a White Rose 
by Tish Thawer 
(The Rose Trilogy #1)
Published December 26th 2011 by Tish Thawer
Paranormal Romance
RATING:★★★★

A vampire's love...

An innocent's guilt...

A secret no one could've imagined...

A paranormal romance that entices with a heroine that isn't quite what she seems, a vampire who's love story is filled with dark surprises, and a vampire clan who's Sire has lost the ability to inflict "the change".



REVIEW:


Tish Thawer's debut novel, Scent of a White Rose, is a great mix of romance and mystery. You have a love story between Rose, a twenty year old college student and Christian, a 602 year old vampire. Yes we've read this love story a thousand times but this one has twist to it.

The vampires in this book are a little different than the usual vampires I read. I like that each author has their own take on the creatures or I would be bored out of my mind with them. Tish's vamps are light vampires, which means they are good but once they let their emotions or hunger take them over they start to drift. Meaning that they turn darker; their eyes and hair get a darker shade and sometimes appear black. But once they get their control back they drift back to their normal or light coloring. When I was reading this description it made me think of dark Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer when she got all dark and veiny looking.

Everyone has secrets that they are keeping from their friends and loved ones. There is mystery that surrounds Rose's mother's death. As the plot unfolds we get answers to this mystery and others. But of course this only brings up new questions for the future books in the series. Tish leaves just enough of a cliffhanger to make you want say, "UGH! I need the next book".

Scent of a White Rose is not the plain Jane girl meets vampire and falls in love story. I'm not going to tell you much more about the plot but I will tell you that you should add this book on you TBR list.

Scent of a White Rose is available at:

Amazon |  B&N

REVIEW: Bound to the Prince by Deborah Court

Bound to the Prince 
by Deborah Court
Elven Warrior Trilogy #1
Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Deborah Court, via Smashwords
Publication date: 8/19/2011
Format: eBook
File size: 745 KB
RATING:★★★★

An elven prince without a throne.

A mortal woman without hope, stolen from her own world to fulfill his every desire.

A choice of love and death that could bind them together forever.


REVIEW:

Bound to the Prince is like Lord of the Rings meets Debbie Does Dallas, but in a good way.

Bound to the Prince is a mish-mash of creatures from elves, trolls, demons, nymphs to gargoyles. And the scenery, Court does an amazing job of detailing the surround world and creatures that I felt like I was watching an epic movie on an IMAX screen in my head while I was reading. Just breathe taking.

Court knows how to write an Über-sex scene too. Holy freakin’ cow was this book hawt! I was panting right along with Elathan and Igraine. This is the first book that I’ve read about Elves and when it came to the sex scenes, the Elven prince love making reminded me of the death by sex fae that was in the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning. Oh, what a way to go; with a smile on your face and your body tingling all over. Sign me up!

But Bound to the Prince wasn’t just a hot sex book; it had heart and true romance. Plus I loved how Igraine really grew as a character and became a kick ass chick at the end. She protected her Eleven Prince like a true Queen would.

I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this trilogy.

Bound to the Prince is available at 

Amazon │ Smashwords │ B&N │ iTunes │ Diesel eBooks

My copy was provided by author for review.

Next book in the series:

Bound by Magic (Elven Warrior Trilogy #2)
by Deborah Court

Deborah Court lives in a picturesque European small town with her husband, two lovely children and a Siamnese cat. At night she loves to write romances about elven warriors of deadly beauty, capable of making a woman die from sheer pleasure.

Deborah is an author, translator and passionate book lover. She writes paranormal and historical romance, fantasy and young adult mysteries.

Find out more visit Deborah's website.

REVIEW: Secret Santa by Sierra Dean

Secret Santa 

by Sierra Dean

Book #2.5

’Tis the season for ho-ho-homicide.

Product Warnings:
Contains a less than merry McQueen with a sword and a reason to use it; a festive new use for mistletoe; and a promise that will haunt Secret like the Ghost of Christmas Future.

Secret Santa is a great Novella in the Secret McQueen series by Sierra Dean. It's fast paced with mystery, action and a touch of naughty with some holiday cheer.

Secret is getting use to her new job title that she earned at the end of A Bloody Good Secret. Secret's work and personal life is never easy and with the events in Secret Santa we get to see that her future in the love department is not going to get any easier anytime soon!

I won't go into much details so that I don't give away any spoilers but I can tell you that Secret McQueen is in my top 5 favorite Urban Fantasy series and Ms. Dean is in my top 10 favorite authors.

If you like your Urban Fantasy books filled with sarcastic humor, kick-ass heroine with a spicy seasoning of sex and violence then this series is for you.

A Bloody Good Secret is available at:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Samhain Store

I received my ebook copy for a honest review from the author.

REVIEW: Caught by Cassandra Carr

Caught
By Cassandra Carr
ebook
Publication: December 13th 2011 by Loose Id
RATING: 
When Callie returns to her hometown for the holidays, she comes face to face with her old lover and Dominant Jack. Jack still wants her, and she finds herself wanting to submit to him from the first time Jack touches her. But as he draws her deeper and deeper into his world once again, will she lose her heart too?

REVIEW:

Caught is a nice holiday themed slap and tickle read, HEAVY on the slap. Callie goes to a holiday party to see some old college buddies and is surprised to see her old flame, Jack. Jack is just as surprised to see her at the party as well. One thing leads to another and they find themselves falling back into their old route of dom and sub.

Caught is not just another BDSM read with only hot sex. There is a real connection between Callie and Jack outside his playroom. They are just afraid that the other doesn’t feel the same way about them.

If you enjoy your BDSM reads with nice does of heart, read Caught by Cassandra Carr. I know it put me in the mood.... for the holidays.

Caught is available at:

 Losse Id

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cassandra Carr lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011.

To find out more about Cassandra visit her at:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

REVIEW: Unacceptable Risk by Jeanette Grey

Unacceptable Risk
by Jeanette Grey

Cyberpunk Romance Novella
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date: 12/13/2011
Format: eBook
Pages: 113
RATING:
Plix spends her lonely, gritty life trying to solve the mysteries her father left behind. Armed with a variety of cybernetic enhancements and a talent for getting into places she shouldn’t be, she searches for clues to his murder-and who’s responsible for poisoning her city.

Waking up on a street corner with her brain wiring fried to a crisp, she figures she must have gotten close this time. There’s only one man she trusts to pull her back from the brink: a tuner who can retrieve the evidence hidden deep in the recesses of her mind. A man she dares not let too close to her heart.
When Edison downloads a secret SynDate schematic from Plix’s burnt-out circuitry, he knows with dreadful finality that nothing-not even the fiery kiss he’s been holding back for years-will stop her from pursuing her quest past the point of insanity.
All he can do, as he helps her plan her final mission, is ease her pain, watch her back.and hope one of them doesn’t pay with their lives.


REVIEW:

I am pretty new to the steampunk and dystopian world of reading, just when I have them figured out here comes along the Cyberpunk Romance, Unacceptable Risk by Jeanette Grey. When I got a review request from Ms. Grey and read the blurb for the novella and I thought it sounded interesting and was just different enough from my normal reads to get me out of the reading funk I’ve been in lately.

Unacceptable Risk has all the elements of a full length Urban Fantasy SERIES but without all the unnecessary filler. You have a couple that have worked together for years and they are secretly in love with each other but with it a Novella you have a little of the “will they, won’t they” but it’s not dragged out like some series will do. Grey does a great job at giving you a feel for their romance without it being tired and with just enough hotness to leave any romance reader satisfied.

Plix is a gritty heroine that could really be kick ass if there was more action. The action in Unacceptable Risk is more on the emotional and mental side than physical. Although she does find herself getting beaten a few times during her life’s crusade to make things right in the world again.

Edison is Plix’s tuner and quite the hottie techie. He keeps fixing Plix with his very capable hands when she comes back after every beat down.

Once I reached the end of the story, I found myself wishing there was more. I really enjoyed Plix and Edison and wasn't ready to let them go yet.

I very much recommend this book to anyone that wants a quick read with romance and futuristic elements.

Unacceptable Risk is available at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

REVIEW: The Initiation of Ms. Holly by K.D. Grace

The Initiation of Ms. Holly
by K.D. Grace
Genre: Erotica (M/F, F/F, M/M & M/F/M)
BUY: Amazon 
My Copy: Received for Review
RATING: DNF

Sex with a mysterious stranger aboard a train leads Rita Holly to an initiation into the exclusive and secretive Mount club. Sophisticated and deviant rituals await Rita, as do the endless intrigues and power struggles deep within the heart of the organization.

REVIEW:


The Initiation of Ms. Holly is pure porn with very little plot and character development. With that being said, it was very hot steamy porn but I think the story is better suited for a short story and not a full length novel.

I like reading erotica from time to time but if it's in the form of a novel I want some actual plot and characters I can care about. The Initiation of Ms. Holly was just too much and I quickly got tired of all the sex (yes, you read correctly).

If you just want to check your brain at the door and just indulge in some hot smut this is a great read for that. But I was actually wanting more out of it than that.