"Cat's Meow" [Predators Series, Book 1] by Nicole Austin
My Book Summary : Micah new that working as head of security at Nanotech Industries would not be a desk job but some place that would keep him active. However, he never expected the head of the company to use him as a test subject once he turned invalid even though he was asked before hand; his options were agree to join the "Predator Project" (having lion DNA inserted into his body) or be killed for knowing too much. Now all he can do is wait everything out and see what happens to him, while hoping Rebecca (a zoologist who was recently hired by Nanotech and a woman he's very interested in) wasn't involved with this project from the beginning...
Rebecca is shocked when she's brought into the "project" her new employer hired her for, even more so when she finds out that her most recent one-night stand (Micah) is the test subject and can now turn into a lion! Yet she still cares for him deeply and will find a way to get him free of Nanotech, even if that means risking her life for him on top of everything else going on between them and the changes in her life.
My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, follow two people who already have a powerful attraction burning between them take on a company who are doing illegal experiments. I liked the relationship between Micah and Rebecca it was hot and sweet. Yet, this novel has a great beginning, an okay middle, but it was the last few chapters at the end that ruined it for me. =0( The part that ruined it for me was the way Rebecca handled things between Micah and her once he got out of the lab. In addition, I wished I knew what happened when Micah went back to the lab on his own since it wasn't mentioned at all in the novel so it felt like the story wasn't finished.
I recommend it only to those who are fans of Ms. Austin.
The day-shift guard was making his rounds. Micah had nicknamed him Smiling Jack because the man always wore a cheesy grin.
“Mornin’, Lasiter. Sleep well?”
He muttered a banal response, distracted by the sight of Becca headed in his direction. His cock jerked to attention as his gaze swished from side to side following the subtle swaying of her hips.
Jack’s attention shot to her lithe body and Micah fisted the edge of the cot, trying to restrain the lion who wanted to claw the bastard’s eyes out. He agreed with the cat but had to stay in character. Part of Becca’s strategy involved his appearing to be lethargic and depressed. Jumping to his feet, rushing the bars and reaching through to choke the fucking grin off Smiling Jack’s face would hamper their cause.
“Jack.” Becca gave the man an absent nod of dismissal. Hah, take that!
If he were less mature, Micah would stick his tongue out and blow raspberries at the other man.
Becca’s green eyes narrowed on him while she unlocked the door. ~ within Chapter 7
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nicole, then please check out her website.
"Duality" [Guardians of the Light Series, Book 1] by Renee Wildes
My Book Summary : Dara begins a personal quest in hopes of saving her kingdom and finds out more about herself then she's ever known. During her quest, she saves Loren, an Elven prince who is in the middle of a similar quest of his own to help out some friends of his, and in turn, he swears a Life-Debt to Dara, which turns them into Life-Mates! However, just because they've found each other doesn't mean that they are able to walk away from their own personal journeys. Therefore, together they embark on a way to save Dara's kingdom from the demon who intends to take it over. Yet along the way unmistakable circumstances leave Loren's own personal life in unusual straights. So much so, that he's scared he'll lose Dara once their quests are over. Will Loren be able to find a way to win over Dara's heart and soul while defeating a demon in the process or will all his hopes and dreams come crashing down around him??
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, follow two people on their quests of a lifetime that will change their paths of fate forever! I loved the characters in this series, especially Dara & Loren! Well all the characters, but Moira & Alani. And, now that I think about it, I hated Jalad and all of his followers too. Also, maybe... hmmm... =0/ Okay since there are so many characters let’s do it this way...
About the Characters:
• Dara: A mortal half-dragon fire mage, who was raised by her adoptive--human--parents Rufus and Fanny. She remembers very little about her mother, Sheena, who died when Dara was young. Loren's Life-Mate. As well as being a fire mage, Dara is a skilled healer and warrior. Protective of everyone she considers worthy. A mixture of shy and wanton when it comes to Loren. Is Loren's light when sudden changes take place.
• Loren: An Elven prince and was chosen by the Lady as Her champion. Younger brother to Deane and older brother to Brannan. Dara's Life-Mate and protector. Hani`ena's warrior. Best friend to Cianan. A powerful empath. Doesn't like the politics of being a prince and all that comes with royalty. Likes his freedom and helping protect his kingdom. Has a hard time when changes suddenly happen in his family.
• Jalad: Count of Westmarche, which borders Dara's kingdom. A mortal who wanted more power so he took a demon within himself and tore apart Dara's kingdom. **Hated him and his followers**
• Hani`ena: Loren's warhorse. Feisty. Keeps Loren in line.
• Cianan: An elf who's an archery instructor at the Academy. Best friend to Loren. A harmless flirt.
• Moira: Queen of Dara's kingdom. A mortal. Pregnant. Fights alongside the other warriors to save her kingdom. **I thought her fine at the beginning but at the very end I was very annoyed with her about her reaction to Dara**
• Hengist: King of Dara's kingdom. A mortal. Loren's friend.
• Cedric: The Elven High King. Father to Deane, Loren, and Brannan. Very sad because most of his family is dead and he misses them. Tries to keep himself together so he can be strong for his family and kingdom.
• Deane: An Elven prince and the heir to the throne. Older brother to Loren and Brannan. Rude and arrogant. **Hated him**
• Brannan: An Elven prince. Younger brother to Loren and Deane. The scholar of the family who is interested in learning about becoming a healer. Sweet and kind.
• Pari: The former Elven High King. Father to Cedric. Lorelei's Life-Mate. Used to being rained on when his wife is mad at him. Tough old warrior.
• Lorelei: The former Elven Queen. Mother to Cedric. Pari's Life-Mate. A powerful water mage. Mother hen type to everyone she likes.
• Sheena: A draconian. A dragon queen. Dara's mother.
• Paulette: An elf. Deane's wife. Very rude! **Hated her**
• Alani: Loren's betrothed. A snob who doesn't love Loren but plans on being his bride either way. **Hated her**
• Verdeen: An elf. Agrees to be Dara's lady's maid if Dara can teach her to become a skilled warrior. Very helpful.
There are more characters of course but these are the ones that come to mind the most. Anyway ...
This novel is an action packed adventure! With more adventure in it then I originally expected when I purchased it. Not that it was a problem; however, it definitely keeps you on your toes throughout this novel! Yet it also has a sweet love story drawn through it too!
I recommend this novel to anyone who was/is a Lord of the Rings fan and to those who like fantasy romances!!
- On a side note -
I'm now curious to read Cianan's novel "Hedda's Sword" (Book 2 in this series) & Verdeen's novel "Riever's Heart" (Book 5 in this series) as I liked them a lot as secondary characters in this novel. =0)
“I can’t go looking like this.”
“You do resemble a muddy puppy.”
“I stink, and you know it. Lady, I’d kill for a bath.” Her eyes turned fierce and begging all at the same time. “We’ve got water and a fire.”
“You cannot manage one right now, even pain-blocked.”
“You can help me.”
Something like a snicker came from Hani`ena’s direction. “You could.”
Oh, Lord and Lady. Just the mere thought of...was enough to turn his blood hot and cold. Her. Naked. Skin glistening in the firelight, droplets of water running down her back to the sweet curve of her... He broke into a sweat at his unchivalrous thoughts. She was injured and under his protection. “Nay.”
She turned from begging to indignation in the blink of an eye. “I granted you a bath, and you were in far less need of it than I. The least you can do is return the favor.” There was naught seductive in her tone. He felt her self-disgust. “You have soap and clean rags in my saddle bags.” “Shut up, Hani`ena.” He glared at the mare, who blinked at him. “You do not fool me for an instant.” He turned to Dara. “It would be...” Torture. “Inappropriate.”
“I can’t be the first woman you’ve seen naked. I trust you. Just pretend I’m your sister.” “Your much younger sister,” Hani`ena commented.
His hand knotted in Dara’s hair. His face went rigid and turmoil smoldered in his heart. “You are not my sister.” It felt like a shout, but his throat was so tight it was barely audible. ~ within Chapter 7
They made it to shore and, after securing the boat, Pari led the way up a winding cliffside trail to a boulder-covered opening. “We are here.” He backed away for Dara to take the lead. “Beware,” the voices warned.
She stared at the sealed entrance. “It’s guarded by more than one element. You can’t enter.”
Pari unshouldered his pack. “This be where I come in. Music or passwords?” “Musssic,” the voices ordered. “Music,” Dara repeated.
Pari pulled out his wooden flute and played a simple melody. Dara saw the notes shimmering against an invisible shield—yellow, blue, pink, green, violet. Every note flared against the shield, little by little thinning it into nonexistence.
Dara stepped up to the barricade and studied the runes above her head. She’d seen their like but once afore, on the bottle of dragon’s blood she’d held in prison. “What’s it say?” “Enter here, all ye who fear not death. Bow to thy queen and live.”
Dara frowned. “You have some arrogance issues.”
They did not reply. ~ within Chapter 11
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Renee, then please check out her website.
* If you would like to know what I think about the books I didn't share my ratings or reviews with you about, than leave a comment about which one you want info on and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
My Book Summary : As a way to celebrate finally divorcing her now ex-husband Carmen ends up getting drunk and messing around with her two best friends Donovan (Don) and Isaac, who have been in a relationship for quite a few years now and are bisexual. However, none of them ever expected Carmen informing them that she was pregnant a few weeks later. Now on top of Don worrying about raising his teenage son, Isaac and Carmen worrying about being first-time parents, Carmen and Don nervous about telling their respective overbearing and mean parents about the baby, they have to deal with what having this baby and raising it will mean to all of them and their relationships with each other. Will they be able to work through the possible life changes for the better? Or will they end up pulling apart from each other because of the stress of it all?
My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!!! Three best friend's lives change when they find they are expecting an unexpected surprise. I loved the way this novel touches all three of the main characters--Carmen, Don, & Isaac--fears while helping to solve their issues with it all. It was really sweet while VERY hot and spicy when it came to the sex scenes!
My only real issue with this novel was that the title of this novel is called "Who's Your Daddy?" and throughout it Carmen, Don, & Isaac, all deal with the issue of the baby and who's the father in a great way but it NEVER ANSWERS THE QUESTION OF WHO THE FATHER IS!! I mean COME ON! I'm glad they find a way to make it all work out between them and not worry about who the father actually is, yet they could have at least mentioned it somewhere in the novel or in the epilogue. =0/ Very frustrating.
All in all, I recommend this novel to anyone who likes M/M/F romances!
- On a side note -
I hope Isaac turned out to be the biological father since he was so sweet about wanting one. =0)
“Drag you?” Isaac and I said in unison.
“Woman, please.” I shifted onto my side, mirroring Isaac. I trailed a fingertip over her breast. “I seem to recall you kissed me first.”
“After you started feeling me up,” she said.
“I wasn’t feeling you up.”
“Oh, you were too,” Isaac said.
I rolled my eyes. “If I was feeling her up, I wouldn’t have had my hand on her leg.”
“Hmm, he’s got a point,” Isaac said. “Don isn’t exactly known for subtlety when it comes to these things.”
“Don?” She put her hand to her chest in a theatrical gesture. “Not subtle? Oh, I’m stunned.”
“Wonders never cease,” I said.
Isaac rolled his eyes. “Christ, this kid is going to be raised by the Trifecta of Sarcasm. The world is fucked.” ~ within Chapter 5 - titled 'Donovan'
“So, next item on the list?”
Donovan muttered something and snatched the list from her. He scanned it while we continued walking. “Bibs. Now there’s something completely pointless.”
“As long as you have ample amounts of that worshiped detergent, right?” I asked.
“Fuck no,” he said. “Make sure the room’s warm enough, strip the kid down to a diaper, put an old shower curtain on the floor under the high chair and let him make a mess.”
Someone nearby gasped. Carmen and I looked at each other and snickered. Donovan glanced in the direction from which the horrified sound had come and raised his voice slightly when he continued.
“Then you just take the kid and the shower curtain out to the backyard and hose them off.”
“Or just let the dog clean him off,” I said, struggling to keep a straight face.
Carmen covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. “Oh God, we are so getting thrown out of here.” ~ within Chapter 11 - titled 'Isaac'
If there was one benefit to the stress of my divorce, it was the weight loss. I’d gained about twenty pounds in the last year before I left Paul and lost almost thirty since I walked out the door. Now some of the jeans that he and my mother kindly reminded me were “getting a bit tight, don’t you think?” finally fit comfortably again.
I pulled them on and started to draw the zipper up. Tried to draw it up anyway. Cursing, I sucked in my stomach and managed to get my jeans zipped.
Barely.
When I tried to inhale, the denim bit into my skin. I couldn’t pull in a full, deep breath, and I could barely move.
I turned sideways and looked in the mirror. It probably wasn’t all that noticeable to anyone else, and I wouldn’t have noticed at all had I not just forced myself into painted-on jeans, but holy crap, there was definitely a difference. Just a hint of a swell, probably enough to make my mother point and scowl.
Already?
“Are you effing kidding me?” I was barely out of my first damned trimester and already my clothes didn’t fit? Almost every non-sports bra I owned was already worthless, and now the massacre had begun on my jeans? Son of a bitch. ~ within Chapter 16 - titled 'Carmen'
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Donna, then please check out her website.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 447 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: December 24, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley
"All For You" [The Nephilim Series, Book 1] by Dana Marie Bell
My Book Summary : Five years ago, both Abby & Seth's lives changed... Seth's life changed when his wife suddenly was diagnosed with cancer and passed away not long after. Abby's life changed when her obsessive abusive boyfriend (at the time) tried to murder her. Now years later they both have overcome their past hurts and are ready to start anew...
Abby has had a crush on Seth ever since she was a teenager and her older brother became close friends with him. Nevertheless, because of timing and because of her ex it has taken her until now to have her sister-in-law to set up Abby on a date with Seth. As soon as the two start hanging out together, the chemistry between them is instantaneously apparent. However, when Abby's past seems to catch back up with her in hopes of killing her will Seth be able to protect her or will he loose her right when he found her?
My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is a suspensefully angelic novel about two people getting over their pasts and making a better future for themselves during unusual circumstances. One positive note I can say for this novel is that I loved the funny one-liners that were sprinkled throughout. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the world that this novel was based in and I have high hopes for the secondary characters that were presented in this novel along with whom they'll be matched up with.
However.... Abby was sooo wishy-washy that I went from hating her one-minute to loving the relationship evolving between her and Seth the next. Plus to quote Abby herself:
She really was too stupid to live, wasn’t she? ~ within Chapter 11
Because throughout most of this novel all I kept thinking of her antic was, REALLY why the hell did she just do that? Therefore, the only thing that redeemed this novel for me (other than because of how I liked Seth and his life/friends/family) was Chapter 12--the last chapter--because of how Abby finally turned into the heroine I wanted her to be! If that chapter wasn't as good as it was this novel would have sucked.
SO ... overall, I only recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Bell. However, I have optimistic hopes for this series; therefore, I recommend this novel also to those who like paranormal romances about angels vs. demons!
She prayed she wasn’t making the second biggest mistake of her life.
She started to wander around his town house, still a little numb. Absently, she began inspecting bits and pieces of his home. She picked up a delicate glass bird and winced. Who the hell picked this out? This is so not him. She noticed there were quite a few bird images around the room.
Fiona must have been seriously into bird-watching. Either that, or Seth was. Somehow she couldn’t picture Seth sitting in a blind with a pair of binoculars, watching feathery antics of the boring kind. Then again, what she knew about Seth would fill a thimble. ~ within Chapter 2
She took a deep breath and blew it out. “Fuck a duck.”
He stuttered out a laugh and dropped his hand. “That’s all you have to say?”
“Give me a break here. I think I’m doing pretty well, considering I’m dreaming as I drown to death in crème brûlée.”
He blinked, his head tilted to the side. “Um, what?” ~ within Chapter 9
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Dana Marie, then please check out her website.
This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/