Capturing the Bear (Bear Shifter Games: Book 3) by A.J. Tipton

Capturing the Bear: A Billionaire Shifter Adventure (Bear Shifter Games Book 3) by [Tipton, AJ]

Title: Capturing the Bear

Author: A.J. Tipton

Publisher: AJ Tipton Enterprises

Date of publication: August 27th, 2016

Genre: Romance, Erotica, Paranormal

Number of pages: 67

POV: 3rd person

Series: Bear Shifter Games

Coaching the Bear – Book 1 (review here)

Conquering the Bear – Book 2 (review here)

Christmas with the Bear – Book 3 (review here)

Capturing the Bear

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Amazon):

A billionaire bear shifter afraid to leave his business behind. A controlling rabbit shifter who wants everybody to have fun her way. Lost on a tropical island, can they save each other?

Alpha Toby Toleri has spent his entire life ensuring the financial security of his clan. When he wins a tropical vacation with a beautiful stranger, his struggles to unplug put them both at risk. With torrential storms, deadly creatures, and hazardous terrain looming on all sides, can Toby save his dream girl before it’s too late?

Jadyn Hopper is a holistic therapist who thinks she has everything figured out. When she wins a trip to a resort with Toby, she pushes him to appreciate the wonder of nature on her terms. But when her well-intentioned hiking trip ends up with the pair lost in the jungle, she must reevaluate whether the handsome Toby may have more to offer than he seemed.

Capturing the Bear is a standalone paranormal romance novella in the “Bear Shifter Games” series, set in a contemporary world filled with unexpected wonders, magic, and suspense. If you like steamy romance, muscle-bound shifters, and tropical liaisons, you’ll love AJ Tipton’s breathtaking book.

My review:

Capturing the Bear features Jadyn, a rabbit shifter, who tied for first place with Toby, a bear shifter, and won a tropical vacation. Jadyn was excited (I mean, who wouldn’t be) but was getting more and more PO’d at Toby. See, Toby is having trouble unplugging….a problem that most people these days have. The whole plane ride and car ride to the resort, he was nose deep in the phone. Which drove her nuts (and to be honest, it would have driven me nuts too). So, once she got there, she decided that Toby and herself would take a hike on one of the paths in the jungle.

Toby was not happy about being dragged into the jungle and managed to keep his phone. Not that it did any good because it lost signal in the jungle. Which ticked him off because he was in the middle of a deal when he lost signal.

I really couldn’t get a feel for either Jadyn or Toby at first. Jadyn came across as pushy and Toby, well he couldn’t keep his attention on Jadyn. But that did change once they got lost and his phone lost signal. Then they had to depend on each other to outwit animals and weather while having beyond wild sex.

The sex, as always, was beyond hot. I did have a slight disconnect with them but I think that is because Toby didn’t take his darn head out of the phone until they were in the jungle.

The end of the book was pretty sweet and there was definitely a HEA!!!

How many stars will I give Capturing the Bear: 4

Why: I loved that this book was set in paradise and the hero couldn’t take his head out of his phone long enough to pay attention to the heroine, at the beginning of the book. Towards the end, he definitely paid attention to her. Oh yes, he did!!

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and language

I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it

Christmas with the Bear (Bear Shifter Games) by A.J. Tipton

Christmas with the Bear: A Forbidden Shifter Romance (Bear Shifter Games Book 4)

Title: Christmas with the Bear

Author: A.J. Tipton

Publisher: AJ Tipton Enterprises

Date of publication: October 2nd, 2016

Genre: Romance, Erotica, Paranormal

Number of pages: 64

POV: 3rd person

Series: Bear Shifter Games

Coaching the Bear – Book 1 (review here)

Conquering the Bear – Book 2 (review here)

Christmas with the Bear – Book 3

Capturing the Bear – Book 4

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A billionaire bear shifter longing for his forbidden love. A brilliant inventor, unable to control her temper. When these shifters from warring families fall for each other, will the feud tear them apart?

Billionaire architect Cabe Gabel has something missing in his celebrity-studded lifestyle. When he returns to his hometown to cheer on his nephew in the Christmas Shifter Games, Cabe comes face-to-face with his childhood friend and first love, Megan McPhee. The problem: Megan’s family has been at war with the Gabels for generations. Can Cabe defy his family’s heritage for his lost love?

Megan McPhee has a thriving business and a loving family, but she never forgot her first love, Cabe Gabel. When she sees him again, she vows not to let this second chance pass them by. But when their families’ past threatens the couple’s rekindled love, will Megan’s temper get in the way of what she truly wants?

Christmas with the Bear is a standalone paranormal romance novella in the “Bear Shifter Games” series, set in a contemporary world filled with unexpected wonders, magic, and suspense. If you like steamy romance, muscle-bound shifters, and Christmas magic, you’ll love AJ Tipton’s breathtaking book.

My review:

Christmas with the Bear is fashioned a little after Romeo and Juliet. I say a little because there were certain elements that reminded me of the play. The warring families was a huge one. The Gabel and the McPhee’s have hated each other for decades after the patriarch of the McPhee’s took the eye of the Gabel patriarch. Then there is also the romance between Cabe and Megan that was stifled in high school….because of the darn feud.

While this book is a Shifter Game short story, it is not focused on the adults. Lola made a version of the game for children. Cabe’s nephew and Megan’s niece are competing against each other in the game and the book takes off when Cabe takes his nephew to their secret training area and meets up with Megan….who also knows about the training area. It is there that Megan and Cabe’s relationship is jump-started again.

I loved that Megan was given an anger control problem. For some reason, it tickled me to read that. She was so touchy. I mean, the poor guy at the Ferris Wheel got the brunt of her temper at the Wonderanium.

I will say that the end of the book was pretty much a surprise to me. Only because it kinda came out of left field. But, it did explain all the hard feelings between the patriarchs….lol.

How many stars will I give Christmas with the Bear: 4

Why: I enjoyed the book. A great, short story in one of my favorite universes….ever.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and language

I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it

Conquering the Bear (Bear Shifter Games) by AJ Tipton

Conquering the Bear (Bear Shifter Games #2)

Title: Conquering The Bear

Author: A.J. Tipton

Publisher: AJ Tipton Enterprises

Date of publication: July 20th, 2016

Genre: Romance, Erotica, Paranormal

Number of pages: 103

POV: 3rd person

Series: Bear Shifter Games

Coaching the Bear – Book 1 (review here)

Conquering the Bear – Book 2

Capturing the Bear – Book 3

Christmas with the Bear – Book 4

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A shy billionaire hiding from the world. An easy-going hunk with a secret. Can they win the shifter games without losing each other?

Handsome billionaire Marc Rochester hates the fame that comes with his infamous family’s fortune. He works as a small-time veterinarian and he keeps to himself until his best friend pushes him to compete in a supernatural competition: the shifter games. When he meets Sylvester at the race, Marc finds there may be advantages to getting out of the house after all. Can Marc take the leap to let somebody in?

Sylvester Burrows is a confident competitor who can’t resist his passionate attraction for Marc. There’s one problem: in just a few short months, Sylvester is moving across the globe for his dream job. He tries not to get too close to the sexily aloof Marc, but Sylvester cannot deny his feelings for long. When fate pushes them together, Sylvester knows he will have to choose between his dreams or his love.

My review:

So this is going to be the dreaded short review. The reason why it’s short: I have two other reviews in the same series to write, an hour to do it and I will not be home tonight to write a longer review (taking my older two kids to a play: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe). So I apologize in advance to those who don’t like short reviews!!

I really enjoyed reading Conquering the Bear. As with Coaching the Bear, it was full of action, the shifter games, and some pretty hot sex.

I enjoyed seeing Marc and Sylvester’s relationship grow from competitors to friends to more during the course of the book. As competitors, they were the ultimate rivals and pushed each other during the game. As friends and lovers, they were sweet!!

I did feel for Marc. He was so shy and uncomfortable in social situations, it wasn’t even funny. I thought he might have anxiety but the reaction people gave when his last name was mentioned was self-explanatory.

The sex was hot, hot, hot!!!

I did like Lola’s way of setting them up. A romantic dinner and cleaning the house in a green speedo. The romantic date, I was like “Awwww” at but the speedo…I got the giggles.

I loved how the book ended up. I didn’t think it would happen!!!

How many stars will I give Conquering the Bear: 4

Why: I enjoyed reading this book. It was sweet but filled with sex and action!!! I honestly can’t get enough of this universe!!!

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Language and sex

I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it

Coaching the Bear (Bear Shifter Games) by A.J. Tipton

Coaching the Bear (Bear Shifter Games #1)

Title: Coaching the Bear

Author: A.J. Tipton

Publisher: AJ Tipton Enterprises

Date of publication: June 10th, 2016

Genre: Romance, Erotica, Paranormal

Number of pages: 83

POV: 3rd person

Series: Bear Shifter Games

Coaching the Bear – Book 1

Capturing the Bear – Book 2

Conquering the Bear – Book 3

Christmas with the Bear – Book 4

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A debonair billionaire struggling to improve his company. A voluptuous personal trainer with nothing left to lose. Can their passion save the people they love?

Handsome bear shifter Walter has the vision and drive to save his family’s company, but not the power. After months of watching his older, playboy brother, Raymond, destroy the family business, a drunken bet finally gives Walter the opportunity to win it all back. Everything comes down to the shifter games: a contest of strength, speed, and cunning, where the winner takes all. One problem: Walter has never won before. Until he meets the strong woman of his dreams…

Katherine is an accomplished personal trainer who has lost her job due to Raymond’s negligent business practices. When she flies into town to confront him, the last thing she expects is to become embroiled in a bitter feud between the brothers, where the outcome will determine the fate of everyone she loves.

While Katherine trains Walter for the competition, private coaching gives way to life-changing passion. Will Walter be strong enough to win the games…or will his brother’s devious ways crush Walter’s dreams?

Coaching the Bear is a short paranormal romance novella in the “Bear Shifter Games” series, a set of stand-alone stories that sizzle and satisfy. If you like steamy romance, muscle-bound shifters, and magical action, then you’ll love AJ Tipton’s breathtaking book.

Buy Coaching the Bear to get in the game today!

My review:

If you want a short story that is crammed full of sex, action, and intrigue….then this is the short story to read. I have read novels that were 500+ pages (two back to back and yes for review) so this is exactly what I needed.

Katherine was amazing!!! She was willing to go and tell off the owner of the resort chain, who closed down the resort she worked at. What she didn’t count on was his very hot younger brother to get involved and back her up. I think my mouth would have hit the floor if that happened. I also don’t think that she expected to be as attracted to Walter as she was.

Walter was everything Raymond wasn’t and he was willing to do a special shifter game to get hold of the company. The only thing….he has balance issues. So when Katherine said that she would train him, he jumped on it. I will say, she did do wonders in the week that they had together.

I wasn’t expecting the storyline with Raymond to go the way it did. I had to laugh at newt nuts being an artificial stimulant that caused shifters who took it to burp butterflies. I was dying laughing at that and I died laughing when Walter switched the newt nuts with salamander testicles. I couldn’t breathe, I was laughing so hard. On the other hand, Walter also found out that Raymond was siphoning money into an offshore account. Even if he didn’t win the race, I would think that alone would be enough to unsurp Raymond (and this is where the intrigue came into play).

The sex, when Walter and Katherine did have it, was page burning hot.

The end of the book definitely kept you on the edge of your seat….even though you knew who would win. Still, the action up until the end was great. To be honest, I did feel bad for Raymond because without his newt nuts, he kinda sucked….lol.

How many stars will I give Coaching the Bear: 4

Why: A short story that packs a lot into it. The sex was great, the action was great and I liked that it made me laugh (newt nuts…haha).

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and language

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Reaper’s Rival (Satan’s Son’s MC: Book 2) by Simone Elise

Satan's Sons MC Romance Series Book 3: Reaper's Rival by [Elise, Simone]

Title: Reaper’s Rival

Author: Simone Elise

Publisher: Inkitt

Date of publication: March 22nd, 2017

Genre: Romance

POV: Alternating 1st person

Number of pages: 532

Series: Satan’s Son’s Motorcycle Club

Reaper’s Claim – Book 1 (review here)

Reaper’s Rival – Book 2

Where this book can be found: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

The steamy and dramatic sequel to the Best Selling Reaper’s Claim by Simone Elise.

After the events of the first book, Abby has joined her half sister’s gang Hellbound. Can Reaper claim her back?

Reaper:
This life gives you regrets on a silver platter. This life makes you colder, and there is a coldness in you now Abby, and I don’t like seeing it. It is what I was trying to protect you from. You always had an innocent heart, but something got inside and messed around with it, and I don’t like it. You can come back from this. Let me take all the bad from you so you can go back to being you. Ain’t ever gonna stop trying to make you mine.

Abby:
You have to lose yourself to really find yourself. You have to crawl through the dark times to understand and crave the light. And sometimes you need to lose the man you love to realize that what you had in the first place was in fact, love. We had a history between us. But more importantly, we had love between us and time doesn’t affect love, or at least I hope it won’t affect our love. Right now I don’t belong anywhere, but I know that no matter what happens or where I am, my heart will always belong to him.

Being together might be dangerous, but outlaws are meant to break the rules.

My review:

I am going to start this review by explaining what happened shortly after I reviewed Reaper’s Claim (and why I was beyond confused when I started reading Reaper’s Rival). The author decided to split the first book up into two books. So, when I started reading Reaper’s Rival, I fully expected it to take up after the events that I had read in Reaper’s Claim….which ended up being the end of Reaper’s Rival (confused yet….lol). Which confused me because I was expecting Reaper to be in full get Abby mode after what I read in Reaper’s Claim and instead she was in Blake’s gang which happened in Reaper’s Claim (and no, not a spoiler).

I heard back from the publisher about what happened. The author decided to split Reaper’s Claim into two books and she added 40K worth of words to the new book, which is Reaper’s Rival. To be honest, I think it was a wise move on the author’s part. So much went on in Reaper’s Claim that it was almost too much when you read it. With the story being continued in Reaper’s Rival and new material added, it made the book a lot easier to read and follow.

Reaper’s Rival takes place 3 months after the events of Reaper’s Claim. Abby has shed her “good girl” persona and is now in a gang, working as a hit woman. If she even had a shred of me liking her in the first book, it was stomped on in this book. I don’t know if the author intentionally wrote her this way but she came across as an insecure, whiny, immature little girl who freaked if she even thought Reaper was looking at another girl but it was OK for her not to call him for months on end. I really couldn’t stand her and I would be lying if I said I wished she was taken out. But then there wouldn’t have been a story so it’s kinda a wash….lol.

Reaper was still a tough biker but I like how the author wrote in scenes that made him human. What I mean by that is that he had feelings and he really wasn’t afraid to let Abby, Kim or Roach see them. He also loved Abby no matter what. Which I am not sure she deserved with the way she acted (read the book). When he found out what she was doing in the gang, instead of running guns like she leads them to believe (not that running guns were good), he understandably freaked out. There are reasons why he freaked out. Want to know what?? Read the book.

I will say that this book had some crazy action scenes. If you don’t like blood, don’t read this book because it kinda gets a little gory at points. But it doesn’t take away from the book, it actually adds to it. But, like I said in the review of Reaper’s Claim, this is a pretty realistic view of motorcycle clubs and guess what, stuff like this is a reality for hard-core members. This club isn’t one of those clubs where the members meet up on the weekends and go cruising…..this is a club where killing, drug deals, stealing motorcycles/cars and other criminal activities are a way of life.

Reaper and Abby’s sex scenes, while hot, really didn’t do it for me. I am going to admit it is because of Abby. I just didn’t like her.

The book ends on another cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book 3.

How many stars will I give Reaper’s Rival: 4

Why: Like I said above, I think it was great that the author decided to split the first book into two and add content to Reaper’s Rival. It actually made for a better read than reading it all at once. The characters were more in-depth, the situations that they got into were more in-depth and there was more of an understanding of why what happened at the end happened. I was very happy with it.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, language, violence. Also, a pretty graphic scene of a 10-year-old being murdered.

I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

His to Seduce (Fireside: Book 4) by Stacey Lynn

His to Seduce (Fireside, #4)

Title: His to Seduce

Author: Stacey Lynn

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept

Date of publication: March 21st, 2017

Genre: Romance

Number of pages: 238

POV: Alternating 1st person

Series: Fireside

His to Love – Book 1

His to Protect – Book 2

His to Cherish – Book 3 (review here)

His to Seduce – Book 4

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

An honorable man who’s lost his way . . . A career woman who hides behind her button-up suits . . . Unexpected romance is the specialty at the Fireside Grill as Stacey Lynn’s captivating series comes full circle.

Becoming an ER doctor had been David McGregor’s mission ever since he could remember. But after tragedy strikes at his hospital in Chicago, David runs away from the guilt—all the way back to Latham Hills, Michigan, where he takes a job tending bar at his childhood friend’s restaurant. That’s how he meets Camden Reed, and the way Camden refuses to give him the time of day should be a turnoff. Instead, he’s drawn to her tough, tightly wound exterior, and soon David realizes that he has a new mission: to see her tightly wound beneath him.

Camden’s fighting tooth and nail to resist the desire she feels for David. Growing up dirt-poor, raised by a single mother, she worked twice as hard to get where she is today, and she doesn’t have any patience for the kind of guy who’d give up a decent paycheck to sling drinks. But when the sexual tension finally combusts between the sheets, Camden discovers that people aren’t always what they seem. As David pushes her past her limits, Camden begins to loosen up—and to trust that, when she falls, there will be someone waiting to catch her.

My review:

What a great ending to a great series. Now granted, I only read two books. But the books that I read blew me off my feet. His to Seduce starts off as your typical screw fest. I mean, Camden and David had no holds bar sex in a closet at their friend’s wedding reception in Jamaica and then spend the rest of the vacation doing the same. But, Cam’s tragic past raises its head and David’s huge secret (which was only a secret to Cam….not everyone else) is revealed in a very shocking way.

I will admit, Camden annoyed me. She came across as a bit snobby (telling Trina that she would never date bartenders) and very insecure. But, the more I read the book and the more she reveals about herself, I started to get why she was the way she was and it broke my heart. No child should ever have to go through what she did and all I have to say is that the drunk neighbor was my hero in that situation. It also explained her over the top reaction to David’s secret.

David was a saint. His only fault was that he didn’t tell Cam that he was a Dr or that he was über rich. I think he dealt with Cam and her insecurities amazingly well and I pegged him being in love with her when she told him her big secret and he gave her space. He also didn’t take her crap, which I liked also. But he wasn’t a saint. To be honest, I felt that he was dealing with a form of PTSD after being an ER Dr in Detroit. Just saying, it sounded like it to me. I also liked that he pushed Cam to face her fears and embrace them. I swear, if he was real, I would be all over him like white on rice….lmao.

The sex was beyond hot. They had closet sex, pool sex, ocean sex, and bed sex. I loved Cam’s reaction to the ocean sex. Honestly, I would have thought the same thing. Saltwater wouldn’t make a good lube….lol.

The end of the book, along with the epilog, was awesome!! I just wish that the other characters from the other book made an appearance so we could have seen what was going on in their lives.

How many stars will I give His to Seduce: 4

Why: A great book with hot sex and some memorable characters. I will admit that Cam annoyed me but that was eclipsed by her and David’s love story

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and language

I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

The Last Chance Matinee (The Hudson Sisters: Book 1) by Mariah Stewart

The Last Chance Matinee: A Book Club Recommendation! (The Hudson Sisters Series 1) by [Stewart, Mariah]

Title: The Last Chance Matinee

Author: Mariah Stewart

Publisher: Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books

Date of publication: March 21st, 2017

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance

Number of pages: 432

POV: 3rd person

Series: The Hudson Sisters

Last Chance Matinee – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

From New York Times, bestselling author Mariah Stewart comes the first novel in her all-new series, The Hudson Sisters, following a trio of reluctant sisters as they set out to fulfill their father’s dying wish. In the process, they find not only themselves, but the father they only thought they knew.

When celebrated and respected agent Fritz Hudson passes away, he leaves a trail of Hollywood glory in his wake—and two separate families who never knew the other existed. Allie and Des Hudson are products of Fritz’s first marriage to Honora, a beautiful but troubled starlet whose life ended in a tragic overdose. Meanwhile, Fritz was falling in love on the Delaware Bay with New Age hippie Susa Pratt—they had a daughter together, Cara, and while Fritz loved Susa with everything he had, he never quite managed to tell her or Cara about his West Coast family.

Now Fritz is gone, and the three sisters are brought together under strange circumstances: there’s a large inheritance to be had that could save Allie from her ever-deepening debt following a disastrous divorce, allow Des to open a rescue shelter for abused and wounded animals, and give Cara a fresh start after her husband left her for her best friend—but only if the sisters upend their lives and work together to restore an old, decrepit theater that was Fritz’s obsession growing up in his small hometown in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Guided by Fritz’s closest friend and longtime attorney, Pete Wheeler, the sisters come together—whether they like it or not—to turn their father’s dream into a reality, and might just come away with far more than they bargained for.

My review:

The Last Chance Matinee starts off with a bang. The reader is introduced to Allie, an alcoholic, out of work television producer, Des, a former child star who now takes in foster dogs and helps with rescue organizations and Cara, a free-spirited yoga instructor who is still reeling from her divorce and the death of her father and mother. It is at the reading of a will that a bombshell is dropped, their father had two wives and two families. His East coast and West coast families and all 3 women are sisters. But what shocks them, even more, is the stipulation but on the will. Allie, Des, and Cara have to live in their father’s hometown and restore a theater. If any of the sisters leave before the renovation is complete, then none of them get their inheritance.

I am going to say, I really liked this book and I really liked Fritz. He had such a huge presence in the book and he genuinely had his daughters’ best interests at heart…even if they didn’t think so. I kinda felt bad for him too. He was in a marriage that he felt that he couldn’t get out of and he made mistakes that he was trying to make up for in his last months. I think giving them the theater to restore was his way of getting them together so they could get to know each other.

Allie, I couldn’t stand. She was such a witch with a b and she was so freaking negative. Listen, I totally get that she was upset when she found out about Cara but she was such a jerk to her afterward. I mean, Cara had nothing to do with the choices that her father made. Actually, she was a by-product of those decisions. I so wanted to yell that into the book. She was also very much so hung up on her ex-husband and I couldn’t believe that she started pumping her daughter, Nikki, for information about a woman that she suspected he was dating. Hello, they are divorced and he can date whoever he wants. Let’s also not forget her drinking. That is a huge problem. Oh, and she is very resentful of Des, too. Going back to when she was 12 and Des got her own TV show. The woman needs a therapist, stat.

Des, however, I really liked. I actually connected with her on so many levels, it wasn’t even funny. She was very accepting of Cara and she dealt with Allie beautifully. She also had a passion for rescuing/fostering dogs which I really enjoyed reading about. She understood that her father wasn’t happy with her mother and she understood (well kinda understood) why he did what he did.

Cara, I felt awful for. Her ex-husband left her for a very close friend, they are getting married and then she finds out that her father was a bigamist and she has 2 sisters. But she dealt with it graciously but she didn’t take anything from Allie about her mother being “the other woman”. She was a free spirit too, thanks to her hippie mother raising her that way (it isn’t a bad thing) with a wonderful outlook on life. I mean, she celebrated her ex getting married with a bottle of champagne with Joe….lol.

There was a twist in the book that took me by surprise and it went beautifully with the end of the book. I honestly can’t wait to see what book 2 brings and to see if it lives up to book 1!!!

How many stars will I give The Last Chance Matinee: 4

Why: I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast-moving with characters that I could connect to. It would be a perfect beach/pool book.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Language. Otherwise, a pretty clean book.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

The Duke’s Curse (Legend: Book 2) by Kylie Stewart

The Duke's Curse (Legend, #2)

Title: The Duke’s Curse

Author: Kylie C. Stewart

Publisher: TCK Publishing

Date of publication: March 20th, 2017

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Number of pages: 193

POV: Alternating 1st person

Series: Legend

Set in Stone – Book 1 (review here)

The Duke’s Curse – Book 2

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Legend: The Duke’s Curse #2 Alexandria knows the truth behind the lies. Avalon is not human, nor is he immortal. He is neither angel nor demon. He is the once and future king. Now, more than ever, Alexandria’s artistic skills could grant them their first victory in battle. It is she who holds the key to end a curse born over a thousand years ago. Will she walk away from Avalon or stay? The choice is up to her, but more than one fate hangs in the balance now.

Avalon’s deepest fears lurk in every shadow. His past haunts him even in the light of day. Unable to protect Alexandria, he turns to Lancer for help. Debilitated under his newly arisen weakness, his only hope lies in Alexandria. Bound by chains of sin and shame, Avalon must fight to the death with who he once was to inherit his future. If he loses, it is Alexandria who pays the price. Can he trust her to save him from eternal darkness? Or will he lose her forever?

My review:

I was so excited when Kylie emailed the ARC for The Duke’s Curse in the Legend series. With the way book 1 ended, I didn’t think I could have waited. I am that into this series. Like I said in my review of Set in Stone, I am intrigued by the legend of King Arthur. Everything about it just captures my attention and I honestly can’t get enough of it.

What was great about The Duke’s Curse is that the author went into the relationships between Avalon/Arthur, Lancer, Vivian, Merlin, Morgan and Alexandria….past and present. The relationships between all the main characters are not what they seem, though. There were a few times where a character did something totally out of what I expected of them and it shocked me. It shocked me because it wasn’t what I expected out of that character and it went against what I thought of them. Kinda messed with my head….lol.

I did like that storyline where Avalon needs to get the missing part of his soul to heal himself. His illness (kind of like epileptic fits where he would go into himself and converse with his missing half….if that makes sense) brought him and Alexandria closer and you could see her opinion of him changing as his illness went on. Put it this way, I am Team Avalandria (hehe). Not Team Alexancer (I am killing myself over here).

Speaking of Lancer, he got on my nerves. He was obsessed with Alexandria (maybe too strong of a word but it went beyond being in love) and would do anything to keep her away from Avalon. Not that it worked. If anything, he pushed them even more together. There were points in the book where I just wished he went away. That’s how annoyed with him I got. But, he’s a major part of the King Arthur legend and a major part of this story. I just hope that he deals with whatever happens in later books.

The sex scenes between Avalon and Alexandria were beyond hot. I think because Alexandria finally realized that she loved and was in love with Avalon. That’s what made the sex scenes very hot.

The end of the book was awesome and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I can’t wait to read book 3!!!

How many stars will I give The Duke’s Curse: 4

Why: The storyline was great and the sex hot. The only thing that drove me nuts was Lancer. I kinda wanted to smack him at times….lol.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and language

I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Shadow Mountain (Shadow Mountain Saga: Book 1) by Tess Collins

SHADOW MOUNTAIN (Book One: Shadow Mountain Saga 1)

Title: Shadow Mountain

Author: Tess Collins

Publisher: BearCat Press

Date of publication: January 4th, 2017

Genre: General Fiction, Adult Fiction

Number of pages: 436

POV: 3rd person

Series: Shadow Mountain Saga

Shadow Mountain – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

At the peak of Shadow Mountain lives a woman who holds to the old ways of magic and conjuring. Delta Wade protects ancient mysteries for her son, Lafette, hoping he will grow up to wield those powers for the good of humankind. But the epoch of witch lore is giving way to an age of industrial titans greedy to control the mountains’ resources for material gain. As one man seeks to destroy Delta, another offers his love as salvation. Mother and son struggle with an enigmatic past only to find that true magic shows its power in its own way and in its own time.

My review:

Shadow Mountain is an intense (yes intense!!!) book about a mother trying to hold on to a legacy of magic and mystery for her young son while waiting for his father, her common-law husband, to come back. I say intense because Delta has stuff coming at her from all different directions and she is coping the best she can. Also, this book is set in 1899. A time where women and ex-slaves had zero rights and their lands/possessions could be taken from them just for being who they are and what color they are.

What I liked about this book is how vividly it was written. I could almost hear the bullfrogs croaking, smell the woods and see the Tyme trees standing on the mountain. Books that can do that are hard to find. I love it when I am able to read a book and get sucked in by the story. These are the kinds of books that stay with you.

The storyline (which I briefly mentioned above) was well written too. I really felt for Delta. She was being pulled in so many directions by so many people that she was forced to do what she did. I mean, she had King, Henry, and Kate all telling her what to do. What she did, ultimately, was for the good of her son, Lafette. It was something that I would think that any mother in her circumstances would do. I will say that the twists right before the end of the 1st part of the story kinda shocked me. Only because I didn’t see them coming and they happened almost right on top of each other. Shocked the ever-living out of me.

King was a jerk. He was so slimy that I felt like taking a shower after reading his scenes. He was an abusive, manipulative man who got what he deserved….in my opinion. It’s just too bad that his behavior (and his greed, let’s not forget that) cost people their lives.

Now, Henry, I was kinda on the fence about. He let his father push him around and to be honest, I thought he didn’t have the stones to stand up to him. So, I was very surprised when he did. He ended up being probably one of the best characters in the book.

The second half of the book takes place 8 years after everything went down on Shadow Mountain. I really don’t want to get into this part of the book (because it will give things away). Let’s just say that the events that happened during this part of the book surprised me. I actually didn’t see certain events coming and I was definitely floored. And the end of the book. Oh my, it was a tear jerker for sure!!! I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!!

How many stars will I give Shadow Mountain Saga: 4

Why: A well written, intense book that definitely sucked me into it. Like I said above, it was very vividly written and it just stays with you after you are done reading it.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Older teen

Why: I was kinda on the fence with this and chose older teen. There really isn’t anything bad in this book. Maybe some mild violence but that’s it. I would feel safe in saying that anyone 16+ could read it.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Bride of the Dragons by Selina Coffey

Bride of The Dragons: Shifter Menage Fantasy Romance by [Coffey, Selina]

Title: Bride of the Dragons

Author: Selina Coffey

Publisher: Unknown

Date of publication: August 30th, 2016

Genre: Romance, Historical Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Erotica

Number of pages: 330

POV: 1st person

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Elokon and Siron have yet to find a mate.

Elokon became the alpha of his tribe three months ago, and since then, the human towns nearby have sent a dozen women in tribute, and even the women of nearby dragon tribes have sought them out. Elokon’s tribe is powerful and any dragon would be pleased to bear a child of his bloodline.

But neither he nor Siron has seen a single woman that awakens the mating instinct. At long last, the High Dragon has passed down an edict: find a mate, or Elokon will be stripped of his power and banished. There is no place in the Dragonlands for an alpha who will not carry on the old bloodlines.

As the third daughter of an impoverished Earl, Adelina has no dowry and no prospects.

Desperate not to become a priestess, she makes a plan: when the High Dragon’s court comes for their historic meeting with the human king, she will be so alluring that she can steal the heart of one of the richest noblemen at court. She has worked late into the night, sewing herself a dress that will catch anyone’s eye.

During the festivities, she knows she can tempt someone into an indiscretion…

But much to her shock, that someone isn’t human. Furthermore, it’s not one someone, but two. And now that they’ve found their mate, Elokon and Siron aren’t planning to let her go.

Author’s Note: This book contains mature language and themes, intended for adults only!

My review:

Bride of the Dragons would be a perfect book for the beach/pool. The storyline is not complicated and it is pretty easy to pick up if you had to put it down. So no confusing plotlines to remember. Just a straightforward story with a bit of romance, a lot of sex, some intrigue, and action is thrown in.

I felt bad for Adelina during the course of the book. She goes from being desperate and willing to do anything to avoid going to a nunnery to being an outcast within Elokon and Siron’s Blue Dragonflight. She had to deal with Fera and Fera’s attempts to drive her out. I think that I actually said, “grow a backbone” and “Stand up for yourself” to myself in a fit of book rage. I couldn’t believe how she let this woman walk all over her. I seriously wanted to go into the book and shake her (well Fera and Adelina….but mainly Adelina). But, things do change, for the better, and I was very happy with the end of the book.

I really liked how the author described the ménage between Elokon, Siron and Adelina and ultimately, the love story. See, the dragons mate for life with their soul mates. They know who their soul mates are as soon as they look at them and usually, the feeling is mutual. What was interesting in this case was that Elokon and Siron have to share a mate. They are the Alpha and Omega of their Dragonflight…which means that they balance each other out and they cannot have separate mates from each other. So, when Elokon felt that spark with Adelina, so didn’t Siron and fortunately, Adelina felt it too.

There was a lot of controversy around having Adelina marry them (well technically she married Elokon). Like I said above, dragons marry for love and for life….while humans marry to promote the best bloodlines and humans required dowries to marry. Which is true in the olden days, for the aristocracy required it and the marriages were marriages of convenience….marriages without love. Elokon didn’t understand how humans could do that. He also couldn’t understand the dowry (to be honest, neither do I….lol).

The sex scenes between Adelina, Elokon, and Siron were pretty hot. Normally, a threesome is not my cup of tea but this one was actually pretty good.

The sub-storyline of the Naga was very interesting too and I liked the twist that the author threw in regarding them. Looking back, it actually made sense (read the book to find out what I mean).

How many stars will I give Bride of the Dragon: 4

Why: Great plot, great characters, and great sex.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and violence

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

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