Dream Spinner (Dream Team #3) by Kristen Ashley

 

 

 

 

 

 Hattie Yates has finally met the man of her dreams. Yet years of abuse from her demanding father have left her petrified of disappointment. She’s already failed to reach her goal of becoming a professional ballerina—she can’t handle the terrible consequences of another dream becoming a nightmare. But when a stalker sets their sights on Hattie, there’s only one man she dares to hope can help . . .

Axl Pantera knows Hattie is the only woman for him. Yet despite the attraction burning between them, Hattie refuses to let him in. The former soldier is determined to woo her into letting down her walls. And when danger comes calling, he’s up against more than her wary and bruised heart. Axl will do anything to prove to Hattie that they’re meant to be, but first, he’ll need to keep her safe.

 

Definitely a page turner. Definitely a classic Kristen Ashley read.
I love when this particular author teases the reader with potential future books by introducing spicy characters. Axl and Hattie though - wow. Hattie's life is in shambles - family drama leading her to push her friends away and absolutely block potential love matches. Cue the crazy dude harassing Hattie. Now we have a prime opportunity for Axl to slide into her life and blow things up with passion, love, friendship, and protection. Definitely a 5 star book!

 

*thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

 

 

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ARC: The Unseen by Thea Harrison (part 1 of 4 novellas)

Summary:

Saying goodbye to their old life in the Wyr demesne in New York may be hard, but Dragos and Pia are determined to create a new life in the Other land of Rhyacia.
At first, everything seems idyllic. Rhyacia is paradisiacal. Accompanied by old friends and new allies, the future looks safe and bright for Dragos, Pia, and baby Niall.
But strange things are happening beneath the picturesque façade. Items move unaccompanied, buildings collapse without justifiable cause, and even the most Powerful residents of Rhyacia can provide no logical explanation for the events transpiring. Whispered rumors point to something called the unseen.
As Dragos and Pia investigate, they uncover a greater mystery than they could have imagined, and they realize the startling truth…
They’re not alone in Rhyacia. The land Dragos had thought was uninhabited hides many secrets, a shocking history that’s not quite ready to be buried, and something more.
Something ancient, evil, and hungry. Something that wants to consume Dragos and take everything he holds dear.
Something that just may be powerful enough to overcome the dragon…

Review:

I think a lot of us forget that Pia is not even 30 years old yet nor have her and Dragos been mated even 5 years yet. Though, they are devoted to each other and have gone thru some heavy stuff they're relationship is still developing. As this story begins, Pia is coming to grips with another major chapter of her life ending as well another beginning. 

We also see nuances of Pia and Dragos's relationship as well as their interactions with other characters (sentinels and others). As the Unseen is  introduced we also get a glimpse into the growth that Pia's character has experienced and is experiencing. Dragos himself points it out. He follows it up with a gentle urging of allowing herself the room to be more of a leader and confident in her own skin.

 

Now enter the true idea of the Unseen. I knew going in that the book was going to end in a cliffhanger, but oh my goodness - did it ever. Dragos is gone now and Pia is in charge. My heart literally ceased to beat correctly as she laid out her directions to Graydon. It all became clear why the author chose to have Dragos give her such a pep talk. She would need it now as she is now the head Wyr in charge. She has to be confident in herself and trust her orders and choices as they all seek to get Dragos back. 

 

Rating: High and should be talked about

 

 

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Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing my ARC.

First off, I do feel that you need to have read the Hidden Legacy series before starting Catalina Baylor’s story. Based on the previous series, we know that Catalina is the new Prime of the Baylor house (her older sister Nevada has married and joined a new house). She has been classified as a Siren, which is a form of Truthseeking. Catalina is also the new head of the private investigation firm that the Baylor family owns. They have a new case – the death of a previous character’s (a friend who happens to be a modern day Poison Ivy) mother. With an old crush of hers, Alessandro, who is more than he seems they work together to solve the murder while building alliances and learning new things along the way.

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ARC: American Witch by Thea Harrison

American Witch by Thea Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author created such a well-written story because of the fact that she created likeable and relatable characters as well as unlikeable characters. To be honest, some of the characters were so detestable I wanted their comeuppance in the form of a house falling straight on top of them. Austin I’m looking at you. I am no stranger to Thea Harrison’s works and I am proud to say that this book is just as engaging as her Elder Race series. Molly is a burgeoning witch and just so happens to have a magical outburst during a public altercation between her and her soon to be ex-husband. Little does she know that a powerful warlock is in her vicinity and offers to assist her in learning the magical ropes. He has his own motives and training a new witch definitely isn’t one of them, but power recognizes power. Josiah, and his coven, has plans – dangerous plans. And as such, this story is more than just Molly and Josiah building a foundation and a relationship. There are feelings but they take a backseat to Josiah’s plans, but in the process Molly finds her true calling and taps into an amazing power. These two characters are on two different pathways in life, but these paths intertwine and this is that intertwining story.

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ARC Lionheart (Moonshadow #3) by Thea Harrison

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From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison comes the final story in her spellbinding Moonshadow trilogy…

King Oberon reigned over his Dark Court in Lyonesse for centuries, until an assassination attempt laid him low. Now he lies unconscious in his snow-bound palace, while his Power battles the enchantment that threatens to end his life.

A skilled trauma surgeon and magic-user, Dr. Kathryn Shaw reigns at the top of her profession in New York. Then comes a challenge she can’t resist—she is asked to cure the uncureable. Just getting close enough to try healing Oberon is a dangerous proposition. When she does reach him, he awakens too soon.

Roused from darkness by Kathryn’s presence, Oberon confronts the beautiful stranger who claims she wants to save his life. But the enchantment has frozen his emotions. How can he learn to trust her when he can’t feel anything?

Oberon’s desire is icy, devoid of all tenderness. Not only must Kathryn match wits with him, she must also fight her reaction to his touch, because there is so much more at stake than her own endangered heart.

For the Dark Court faces its most deadly peril yet. Its ancient enemy Isabeau, Queen of the Light Court, is obsessed with its annihilation, and Oberon must be brought to remember his loyalty and affection for his people.

Because if he won’t fight for them, Lyonesse itself may very well be destroyed…

Review

Overall grade:  A+

Predictability: 1 out of 5 where 5 is I might as well have written the book I can lay it out so well 

I would say it’s pretty hard to use a common concept and flush out the story without being predictable, but Thea Harrison has done that in this book. As I made my way thru the book, I quickly noticed that I had no idea whatsoever of where the author was going with the story. And I loved it! So periodically, I found myself stopping in different areas of the book and wondering if I could predict what was going to happen. This was so refreshing and I enjoyed that aspect of this reading experience the most. 

Best part(s) of the book: 

Imagery. I immediately fell in love with the imagery the author presented in the capital of Lyonesse. So devastating in its beauty. First of all, the city had been completely destroyed under the onslaught of Oberon’s unchecked power and I could only imagine how heartbreaking and eerie the deserted city was.  Aqueducts partly submerged by water and palatial columns encased in solid pieces of ice. WHOA! I was taken aback and actually had to reread the scene where Dr. Kathryn entered the city and its palace multiple times. I was so enraptured by the imagery I am wondering if the author had an image she referred to as she wrote it. 

Another favorite part of the book was the internal struggle and the overall personality of Oberon. I thought it extremely interesting to compare the two personalities of Oberon vs Dragos. I understand that they are two separate characters and their similarities in no way shape or form equal their differences, but the dynamic was amazing. Two strong monarchs and to see how Oberon dealt with his impending downfall in comparison to how Dragos handled his memory loss and close call with death – night and day. Oberon, in his cursed state, in no shape or form is a likeable character. He is pushy, dangerous and outright scary. I, myself, almost had a heart attack when he shifted into a gigantic white lion. 

There is so much to love and appreciate in this book. Imagery. Tension. Personal struggle. Personality clashes. Heartache. Emotional agony. Recovery. War. Violence. Dedication. Suffice to say this book is the best, in my opinion, of this series so far. We’re all on pins and needles hoping against hope that Dr.Kathryn can save Oberon – if she doesn’t kill him herself because of his inflexibility. 

 *thanks to the Author for granting me this ARC

 

ARC: Quit Your Pitchin' by Lani Lynn Vale

Title: Quit Your Pitchin'

Series: There's No Crying in Baseball

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Sports Romance

Release Date: July 20, 2018  
Cover Model: Chase Ketron  
Photographer: FuriousFotog

What’s wrong with my butt?

She means those words to be directed toward the woman beside her, not him. But he can’t stop himself

from answering. Not when her ass is the most magnificent thing he’s seen in his life.

Apparently, answering her with ‘not a damn thing’ wasn’t what she was expecting.

She likely wasn’t expecting the baseball she took to the face at his next at bat, either.

All it takes is one ill-fated foul ball, and George Hoffman, Lumberjacks center fielder, falls head over

heels in love with Wrigley Field—and yes, that is her real name.

From that point forward, George and Wrigley fall into a fast whirlwind love that ends with them eloping

to Vegas. And he has his potty mouth, titty bar owning, pain in the ass grandmother to thank for it.

Not that he’s complaining or anything.

Who wouldn’t want to be married to a woman that made his heart race like he was in the final game of

the World Series?

The only problem is trying to convince her of that.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but I do know that by the end of the first page I knew I was going to finish it that same day. But before I start on my opinion on this book can we just stop and appreciate the name of the book. I mean, seriously, what better title could there be.

So the book starts off at a major league baseball game that Wrigley and her sister Diamond are attending wherein which we are introduced to George. The two meet when he literally lays her out with a flyball. 

After this run in how could they not get together and fall in love. And they did. These two went from 0 to 100 - real quick. It was so cute how they started dating ->got married ->got pregnant. Your head will literally spin.

However, I knew that this love cloud they were on would not last long. I just didn't know how. Well, Wrigley has two siblings and one is a POS and one is pretty cool. Unfortunately, one of them flips out and Wrigley takes their side instead of George's. Suddenly, the two are no longer together and the word divorce is the result. Another literal head spin. 

It was so sad to see how much this couple still loved each other, but because of a misguided sense of family loyalty and a lack of communication they split up. At this point, I was over Wrigley and her issues and was heartbroken for George. He wanted so bad to just love Wrigley and be with his son 24/7, but here comes Wrigley's family and more misunderstandings getting in their way. It was great to see them finally overcome their obstacles and talk out their problems, but in my opinion we all know whose fault it was (80% for sure). 

I'm looking at you Wrigley

 I would definitely recommend it. You're gonna laugh, groan,wince, smack your teeth, smile - you'll do it all. 

I’m a married mother of three. My kids are all under 8, so I can assure you that they are a handful. I’ve been with my paramedic husband now for ten years, and we’ve produced three offspring that are nothing like us. I live in the greatest state in the world, Texas.

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ARC: Get You Some (Simple Man Series) by Lani Lynn Vale

Title: Get You Some

Series: The Simple Man Series

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romance Suspense

Release Date: June 7, 2018 Photographer: FuriousFotog Cover Model: Chase Ketron Cover Design: Cover Me Darling

You want some?

She snarls those words at him with barely concealed hostility the moment he arrives at her window to ask for her license and registration.

After a few choice words, he lets her go with not one ticket, but three.

Next time she should check the attitude at the door and realize that he’s a cop, and just doing his job.

Come get some.

Fast forward a week, and he’s still unable to think about anything else but her and her bad attitude—oh, and those sexy lips, angry eyes, and her promise to make his life hell.

Knowing he should stay away, he takes a step back and tries not to think about anything that has to do with those long legs, and that mouth that could be used for much better things than spewing venom.

Then she makes a mistake.

At an interview, she rattles off a random number to use as a reference for a job that she desperately needs, and that number just happens to be Johnny’s. 

She’ll regret being so rude, and one day she’ll think twice when she decides to throw attitude toward a man like him.

Vowing to make her life hell, he decides to have a little fun.

Never get enough.

What he doesn’t expect is to fall for her.

The more Johnny learns about June, the deeper he digs his hole. Soon, he doesn’t know which way is up, and he’s just fine with that.

Over time, he learns that not everyone bothers to dig past her prickly demeanor and get to the woman that lives deeper.

When one too many citizens of Hostel, Texas tries to back her against the wall, he’s had enough.

After all, you don’t mess with what’s his.

I fell instantly in love with these two as soon as their characters met.

 There is such sadness in June's past and current life. The way the townspeople treat June makes me want to crack some skulls, but her response to a lot of their crap is priceless. I love that all of LLV's characters have some type of sense of humor. Ugly people and horrible things may be happening in their lives but they manage to find something to laugh about. Case in point, her best friend Amanda's habit of licking bananas while she eats it. Things like that make me love this author. Who does such a thing?!

If you're familiar with her previous books you will recognize Johnny's parents and grandfather. There are quite a few little offshoots of the main story. Amanda and Isaac. Janie and Johnny's friend Raegan. Johnny's Army buddies, especially Roland. So many possibilities for future books. The major thing I appreciated with this book is that it wasn't just about a crazy ex this was about PTSD, childhood trauma...and a crazy ex. :)

Definitely worth the read.

 Note: ARC provided for honest review
 

 

I’m a married mother of three. My kids are all under 5, so I can assure you that they are a handful. I’ve been with my paramedic husband now for ten years, and we’ve produced three offspring that are nothing like us. I live in the greatest state in the world, Texas.

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