Review: Once Haunted, Twice Shy by H.P. Mallory

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Release: September 26^th, 2014
Blurb:

Sassy, spirited Peyton Clark is back—and she's not alone!

After agreeing to let the spirit of Drake Montague inhabit her body, Peyton soon discovers that the twentieth-century French policeman may be dead but his lothario longings sure aren't. Now she has to find a way to explain to her sweet, sexy boyfriend, Ryan Kelly, that a spirit has taken up residence in her head, whispering French words of affection day and night.

While Peyton is torn between her love for a living man and her growing affection for one deceased, supernatural activity in New Orleans spikes—and something wicked this way comes. With the help of her friends (and a little voodoo), Peyton learns that the demonic spirit of the Axeman may still dwell in her home. To stop bloody history from repeating itself, Peyton will have to travel back a century to confront the Axeman at his roots, with the help of a certain handsome—and suddenly flesh and blood—police officer in the Big Easy.

Review:
I am a huge H.P. Mallory fan. She is the one who got me into the whole paranormal, urban fantasy genre. H.P. has a knack for this genre and I haven't been disappointed by a book of hers yet!

Once Haunted, Twice Shy is book 2 of the Peyton Clark Series. This time around Peyton is dealing with Drake possessing her body (to save him) and her budding relationship with Ryan. Drake maybe be some ghost-spirit type thing, but the guy is hot. Super smooth, suave, a bit of a bad boy and hot! I love the banter between Drake and Peyton. Now Ryan Kelly has been skittish about relationships up until this point, but the guy is adorable. I figure men don't like to be described as adorable, but honestly, he his. He is the cute, sexy guy who opens your doors, loves his crazy sister and wants nothing more to protect you and cuddle after some awesome sex! I'll take one Ryan Kelly to go please!!

There was a bit more suspense to this book compared to book 1, at least for me there was. I found myself reading as fast as I could, trying not to cheat and skip ahead because I needed to know what the eff was going on. We've got a bit of a love triangle going on here, but it's a little awkward considering one is a spirit. The old crazy voodoo lady (Guarda?), was a bit much for me at times and gave me the creeps. And, btw, what the hell is what old lady up to? In the end things get a little crazy. We find out what happened to Drake before he became a ghost *tear*, we learn more about the Axeman, and the evil spirit guy that Guarda summoned makes another appearance and you know it is about to get even more chaotic in the next book.

Overall, Once Haunted, Twice Shy was highly entertaining with its wit and hints of mystery and suspense. My only frustration comes from Peyton. I love her character; she's very independent, sassy and brave, but I don't like that she is constantly keeping Ryan in the dark about things!

Written Revelry gives Once Haunted, Twice Shy a 4 out of 5.

Happy Reading,
A
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H.P.Mallory

@HPMALLORY

Review: Falling for Max by Shannon Stacey

Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Release: July 29^th, 2014

Blurb:
Max Crawford has reached the point in life where he's starting to think about settling down. Unfortunately, he's always been a little awkward when it comes to social interactions, and working from home doesn't help. He spends so much time alone, painting beautiful, historically accurate model trains that half of Whitford has begun to joke that he may be a serial killer. Not exactly prime husband material.

Tori Burns has found happiness in Maine, thanks in large part to her shifts at the Trailside Diner. She likes the work, and she loves the local gossip. When shy, geeky Max Crawford becomes a regular, she's intrigued. When she finds out he's in the market for a wife, she's fascinated…and determined to help.

Molding Max into every woman's dream turns out to be much easier than expected. But has Tori's plan worked a little too well? As she turns his comfortable life all sorts of upside down, she'll have to find a way to show just how she's fallen for him…the real him.



Review:
So, just a warning to readers—Falling for Max is book 9 in the Kowalski Family Series. This book will touch on pervious characters, and though you don't necessarily need to read all pervious 8 before this one, I recommend that you do. Why? Because I love the Kowalski family and all their Kowalski Family of Doom weddings/camping trips/volleyball games, etc.!

Though I enjoyed reading Falling for Max (I've been waiting to hear Max's story!) it wasn't one of my favorites. Max is the cute mysterious type who keeps to himself. He's very smart, a bit uncomfortable and to the point about things, but you can't help but love his quirks. Tori was hard to relate to, at least for me she was. She's a spunky chick who seems to bring Max out of his shell, but other than that I didn't feel much towards her or for her. Once they start the whole friends with benefits thing you know it's not going to turn out well. It hardly ever does, right? But when emotions get involved and true feelings come out Tori get a bit dramatic. The ending just didn't do it for me I guess.

The Kowalski Family series is a fun and beyond entertaining read. The series is full of people just like you and I—people who work hard and love and make time for their family. Books 8 and 9 don't have Kowalski family members as the main characters, but they are still there being awesome in the background.

Written Revelry gives Falling for Max a 3.5 out of 5.
I recommend reading the first 8 Kowalski books. You don't be disappointed.


Happy Reading,

A

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Shannon Stacey

@shannonstacey

Review: Her Perfect Game by Shannyn Schroeder

*Her Perfect Game is book 2 in the Hot & Nerdy novella trilogy*

Genre: New Adult, Romance
Release: October 27^th, 2014

Blurb:
Charlie Castle is an expert archer and a fierce warrior—in her favorite video game, anyway. But college life was a program she couldn't quite master. To land a cybertech job without a degree, she's entering a "hackfest" over spring break—where she also hopes to meet the sweet gamer who's been flirting with her online. Instead, she runs into the hot guy who walked away years ago, and can't fight the desire that comes rushing back. 

Jonah Best has never gotten over Charlie, whose kisses were always as deliciously creative as her coding. But now that they're face to face again, he doesn't know how to admit that her online admirer is really him—or how to convince her that he's offering her a job for her incredible skills, not her sex appeal. Can Jonah cut through their communication glitches and persuade Charlie that the next level up for them should be forever?


Review:
I liked the gaming aspect of Her Perfect Game, it's something different and gave us a glimpse into the video gaming and hacking world. Also, I like what Shannyn is doing with her female characters of the Hot & Nerdy novella trilogy. How often do we get to read about video game playing, Star Wars loving, scientist type girls? Not often, and on top of all that they are witty and attractive. What guy wouldn't fall for that? But the thing about novellas is that they often leave me unfulfilled. I thought that maybe since this was part of a trilogy I'd get a little more out of it, but not so far. I liked Her Perfect Game just fine, but I didn't love it.

Poor Charlie, she's very talented and hones her skills with computers, but a tragic experience in college left her a little lost. Jonah leaving doesn't help, and don't get me started on how cowardly that was, but the good thing is that he realizes his mistakes and is ready to make it up to Charlie. There's a little back and forth between the two, but not enough to leave the reader frustrated. And again, just like Her Best Shot, this book ended abruptly. And what's with everyone being in Vegas? I have a feeling Felicity, who is in the third book, has something to do with this. I'm hoping that Her Winning Formula, the last book, sums everything up and does end with me saying, "Seriously, that's it?"

Written Revelry gives Her Perfect Game 3 out of 5.

Happy Reading,
A
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Shannyn Schroeder
@SSchroeder_

Review: Her Best Shot by Shannyn Schroeder

*Her Best Shot is book 1 of the Hot & Nerdy novella trilogy*

Genre: New Adult, Romance
Release: September 29^th, 2014

Blurb:
Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe, and her future has been calculated with razor precision. Convinced to let loose over spring break, Layla is finally ready to party--until her car breaks down halfway to her destination, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. She knows more than enough about angles to learn the game, but this week she wants him to appreciate her curves...
Phin Marks has never met a girl like Layla. She's more Star Wars geek than seductress, and when he offers her a place to stay while her car is in the shop, he's counting on the attraction between them to set the nights ablaze, no strings attached. But every moment he spends with Layla makes it harder to let her go. Can he persuade her to gamble in the most dangerous way possible...on forever?


Review:

Though I know Her Best Shot is a novella, things felt rushed-- especially at the end. There were some parts that I had to go back and re-read to make sure I knew what was going on because everything happened so fast.

Even with that being said, I think Phin is one of the most interesting male characters I've ever read about, and I wish there was more of a story so I could get to know him better. From his long dark hair and pool shark moves, to his gypsy upbringing and blow job virginity status. Yes, he is a blow job virgin and let's just say I'm glad I didn't grow up in the gypsy community! And Layla seems like the ultimate woman. She's extremely smart, nerdy, and successful, but witty, down to earth and HOT. That's a helluva combination-- Phin was going down from the moment she stepped in that bar!

I enjoyed this book for what it was—a fun novella with interesting characters, but that's about it. The story line of two strangers falling in love quickly is nothing new, but the emphasis on pool was, and that was cool, but I wished it was longer.

Written Revelry gives Her Best Shot 3 out of 5.

 

Happy Reading,

A

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Shannyn Schroeder

@SSchroeder_

Review: Control by Laura Marie Altom

Genre: Romance
Release: September 16^th, 2014

Blurb:
Never again. Fleeing her hometown to escape an abusive marriage, Ella Patton swears she has surrendered to a man for the last time. But while living under a new name, she meets a kind, handsome stranger who seems different—and will be moving on soon, making Ella reckless enough to break her rules. With a kiss, the stranger opens the door to desires Ella believed she would never know. Then he makes an unexpected proposal.

A dot-com billionaire from humble beginnings, Liam Stone is a man whose past has made him compassionate yet guarded—much like the beautiful, secretive woman he stumbles upon in a remote Southern town. Though he intends only a dalliance, when the time comes to return home to San Francisco, Liam cannot bear the thought of leaving her behind. But when he tries to entice her to join him, he finds the tables turning dizzingly fast. Suddenly a little seduction becomes a huge battle for one thing: control.


Review:
Control, when it first started out, felt like a mash-up for Safe Haven and Pretty Woman. Then it got weird. I really wanted to like Control, but everything was a bit dramatic and over-the-top for me. There was so much back and forth between Liam and Ella that I practically had whiplash... okay, now I'm being dramatic, but seriously they were hot and cold so often it was hard to connect and believe in their relationship.

Also, I didn't realize how dark and sad it was going to be. Is this really a romance story? From physical and verbal abuse, to suicides... It's a lot of take in. Willow, Ella's best friend, was a hot mess and to say she was an unlikable character is an understatement. I hate to say it, but her personality and party girl antics were such a turn off that I didn't really care what ended up happening to her. Harsh, I know. Then there's Garrett and I've only got one word for him-- asshole. And poor Nathan... he's like a little puppy that keeps getting kicked, but he sure can turn into a jerk at times that it makes me wonder what he's capable of.

When I read the description for Control I thought it had a lot of potential. I wanted to read about a woman breaking free of her old life, opening herself up to love and slowly rebuilding herself from past hurts. Which is kind of what I got, but it wasn't executed well, and the drama, in my opinion, took away from Ella and Liam's budding relationship. It's hard to connect to a story and its characters if you don't feel for them or believe in them.

Written Revelry gives Control a 2 out of 5.

Happy Reading,
A
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Laura Marie Altom

@LauraMarieAltom


 

Review: Slow Satisfaction by Cecilia Tan

Genre: Erotic Romance
Release: August 26^th, 2014

Blurb:
James has finally pushed Karina beyond her limit–not her limit for kinky sex play, but for his extreme secrecy. She has had enough and breaks things off. But James won't give up on Karina and he will do whatever it takes to get her back. He's ready to share his deepest, darkest secrets, but is Karina ready to hear them? When James is blackmailed by an unscrupulous music industry executive, he must give in to unreasonable demands or risk exposure of his and Karina's secret sex life… a sex life that keeps getting hotter! Will Karina and James's love be strong enough to withstand the many obstacles being thrown their way?

Review:

Sooooo… This is yet another review I've been sitting on for awhile.

When I read Slow Surrender, the first book in the Struck by Lightning series, I was hooked. The characters were mysterious, flawed, mostly honest (*nudge James*), and the sexual tension between James and Karina was off the charts. Like, seriously off the charts! Slow Seduction was a little darker, a little sexier and introduced a hunk of a man Damon. I was convinced he was going to be important, as in Karina giving up on James important. So, of course, I was hooked again into the world of Struck by Lightning. Then came Slow Satisfaction…

I feel like I waited a lifetime for Slow Satisfaction to be released. Cliffhangers never really bothered me, but by the end of Slow Seduction I was itching to find out what the eff was going on! Who the hell is Ferrara? What's with James' games and secrets? And, wow Karina is a whole lot kinkier than I thought she was. Also, who know the girl could dance? Though all those questions are answered in Slow Satisfaction, I, well, wasn't completely satisfied with the book. Everything tied up nicely in the end; maybe a little too nicely. James opens up about everything to Karina, Karina's mother completely changes her tune and is now tolerable, and Ferrara is exposed, but nothing really happens to her.

For me, the Ferrara thing at the end is what really confused me. Everything happened so fast that it felt rushed and I didn't understand what the consequences were for Ferrara. She is one evil bitch and I wanted to see her get nailed for all she had done to them. And Pascual? Where did you come from, bro?

Anyway, as a whole, I enjoyed this series. Struck by Lightning opened my eyes to the whole BDSM community a lot more than other books I've read. Who knew a marble could be used for more than just a child's toy? Or that a lot of people are into the 24/7 slave, pet, and "rape" scene? And that harness at the end?... That was different.

Now that James and Karina's story is over, I'd really like to go back to London to hear more about Damon. He and that club are something else… and it's pretty fascinating what they get into there.

Written Revelry gives Slow Satisfaction a 3 out of 5!


Happy Reading,
A
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Cecilia Tan
@ceciliatan

Review: Ignited by J. Kenner

Genre: Erotica, Romance
Release: September 9^th, 2014

Blurb:

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.

 

He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge. 

 

My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I'm not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.

 

Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play. 

 

I know he's dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?

 Ignited is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Review:

So, I've been sitting on this review for a week or two now because I have mixed feelings about the book. So here's what I like to call a compliment sandwich (Thank you, Hart of Dixie):

Every book I've picked up by J. Kenner has been devoured in one sitting. She never fails to create ultra-sexy and mysterious, dominate men and feisty female counterparts. The drama gets your heart pumping and the steamy sex leaves you tingling, and Ignited had and did all those things, but I still couldn't help feeling like something was missing after I turned the last page.

The first two books of the series, Wanted and Heated, were great. There was drama, there was a problem, and it was solved, but still linked into the next book. Ignited had the drama, maybe a little more than the first two, poor Cole, but I was left a little lost at the end. Everything happened so fast I was scrambling to keep up and had to go back to re-read to make sure I had everything straight. It made me feel that there might be another book. I don't know, J. Kenner, is this actually the end of the Most Wanted boys? Anyway, I want to go into more detail, but I don't want to ruin it for fellow fans of the Most Wanted series.

Now, even with all that being said I was excited to finally get to know Kat and Cole. These two have a lot more in common than I ever could have guessed. The similarities from their pasts, the cons, the lies, the secrets, have them connecting on all levels. Kat is clearly done sitting around waiting to pounce on Cole, and even though Cole fights it (for about 2 seconds) in the beginning, we all know it's just a matter of time before he's got her pressed up against a brick wall going at it like the world is ending tomorrow. Who knew he was lusting, and lusting hard, for her this whole time? Kat has done a lot of sketchy things growing up, but she still has this innocence about her, something pure, and Cole see's that and loves and embraces it all. It's fun to read their interactions together whether it's inside or outside the bedroom.

I think these two finally getting together was like taking a huge breath after holding your breath for too long. Kat and Cole carry the heavy load of their pasts on their backs and needed someone to trust completely to let go, and they found that in each other.

3 ½ out of 5 for the HOT phone sex and the beyond erotic playroom they created together!


Happy Reading,
A

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Website: Julie Kenner
Twitter: @juliekenner

NetGalley Month

You guys! It's September! Time to gear up for bulky sweaters, boots, and those pumpkin spice lattes everyone's been tweeting about.

But, September 1^st doesn't just mark Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer/beginning of fall, it's also NetGalley Month! What, you ask, is NetGalley Month? Well, first off, NetGalley is an online source for professional readers. Bloggers, teachers, librarians, etc. are able to connect with authors and publishers, request their latest titles, and share their reviews with the world. Many publishers on NetGalley base their requests off a NetGalley member's approval rating. Basically, the more reviews and feedback you give, the higher your approval rating and the more likely you are to get the book you requested.

Now sometimes life gets in the way. Or you just see so many new books you can't keep your finger from clicking that request button, so it's hard to keep up with your feedback. So many books, so little time, ya know? This is where NetGalley Month comes into play. The lovely Tay from Chicks That Read came up with this idea to bump up our approval rating. Everyone needs a little motivation and support, and NetGalley Month provides that. Numerous bloggers are getting together with Chicks That Read to focus on our backlogs and get back on track, and a giveaway at the end of the month doesn't hurt!



Here are some of the awesome NetGalley titles and authors I'll be reviewing this month:

• No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones
• My Control by Lisa Renee Jones
• Once Haunted, Twice Shy by H.P. Mallory
• Falling For Max by Shannon Stacey
• In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins
• Ignited by J. Kenner
• Slow Satisfaction by Cecilia Tan
• And more!
  

So, bust out your e-readers and join us this month!

Click HERE to see fellow bloggers/reviews participating in NetGalley Month. Discover new books and don't forget to enter the NetGalley Month giveaway!

Good Luck and Happy Reading,
A
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