Review: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

Ride Steady
by Kristen Ashley
Series:  Chaos #3
Pub. Date:  June 30, 2015
Publisher:  Forever
Pages:  640
Format:  eARC
Source:  NetGalley
   

My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

The ride of her life . . . 

Once upon a time, Carissa Teodoro believed in happy endings. Money, marriage, motherhood: everything came easy---until she woke up to the ugly truth about her Prince Charming. Now a struggling, single mom and stranded by a flat tire, Carissa's pondering her mistakes when a vaguely familiar knight rides to her rescue on a ton of horsepower.

Climb on and hold tight . . . 

In high school, Carson Steele was a bad boy loner who put Carissa on a pedestal where she stayed far beyond his reach. Today, he's the hard-bodied biker known only as Joker, and from the way Carissa's acting, it's clear she's falling fast. While catching her is irresistible, knowing what to do with her is a different story. A good girl like Carissa is the least likely fit with the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Too bad holding back is so damned hard. Now, as Joker's secrets are revealed and an outside threat endangers the club, Joker must decide whether to ride steady with Carissa---or ride away forever...

Ride Steady again proves why Kristen Ashley is my abso-favorite author. I have never read a book of hers that I didn't like, or a hero that I didn't want for myself. She is an expert at writing swoonworthy uber-alpha males with hearts of gold. And this installment of the Chaos series is classic Kristen Ashley.

It's gotten where I can't read KA books in public because I never know when I'm gonna start boohooing, donkey laughing, or squirming in my seat. It's like she has a direct path to my emotional chain because the feels in her books are amazing. I didn't even make it out of the prologue of Ride Steady before I became a watering pot. And it took Deanna yelling at me to go to bed at 3am for me to be able to put this book down.

Our hero, Carson Steele, had an extremely hard life growing up (that prologue I was telling you about). All he has ever dreamed of was building cars, and that golden girl cheerleader, Carissa Teodoro. Unfortunately Carson must escape his home life and never gets that chance with Carissa in high school. Years later, a chance meeting on the side of the highway sets off a series of events that lead toward healing and a HEA for our couple.

Carson (aka Joker) is one of our alpha male bikers, and a newer member of Chaos. He was damaged and broody, but he felt and he did it deep. His brothers worry that if he doesn't find some light in his life, that darkness could overtake him. I loved seeing Joker discover that he had people who cared about him, respected him, and that were his own family of sorts. The things he did for Mrs. Heely and Mr. Robinson were so selfless and heartwarming... the feels people, THE FEELS!

Carissa, a single mom dealing with a scumbag ex-husband, has been dragged through the ringer and is scraping by and trying to give her baby a good life. A flat tire on the side of a busy highway turns out to be kismet as it brings Joker into (or back into) her life. I also loved Carissa, she is the definition of a mama bear when it comes to her son, Travis. Through her relationship with Joker, Carissa discovers what real love is, which gives her the courage to stand up for herself against her ex-husband. Carissa and Joker had a great relationship dynamic, and I loved that they communicated very easily. Carissa could not stand to withhold any information from him, even when she did something that could make him mad. Like most KA heroines, she was cute with a side of goofy, and someone you would like to add to your girl posse.

Speaking of, we got cameos from other series in this book including Tyra, Elvira, the Nightingales, and Knight Sebring. Whenever I see this, I always want to go back and read the earlier books all over again. Now that they are in audio, I just may get started on that.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review... and when I did, I squealed with delight! If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that wretched teaser for the next installment (Walk Through Fire) that was at the end. It got me all geared up for Logan and Millie's story, and now I have to wait. Gah!

View all my reviews

Chaos Series

Lyrical Press Blog Tour with Diana Cosby, Jenna Jaxon and Heather Grothaus

Title: An Oath Broken
Author: Diana Cosby
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Kindle 

An arranged marriage to a Scot? Unacceptable!

 

Lady Sarra Bellacote would sooner marry a boar than a countryman of the bloodthirsty brutes who killed her parents. And yet, despite—or perhaps because of—her valuable holdings, she is being dragged to Scotland to be wed against her will. To complicate the desperate situation, the knight hired to do the dragging is dark, wild, irresistible. And he, too, is intolerably Scottish.

Giric Armstrong, Earl of Terrick, takes no pleasure in escorting a feisty English lass to her betrothed. But he needs the coin to rebuild his castle, and his tenants need to eat. Yet the trip will not be the simple matter he imagined. For Lady Sarra isn’t the only one determined to see her engagement fail. Men with darker motives want to stop the wedding—even if they must kill the bride in the process.

Now, in close quarters with this beautiful English heiress, Terrick must fight his mounting desire, and somehow keep Sarra alive long enough to lose her forever to another man…

“Plenty of action…loads of treachery. Fans of medieval Scotland will enjoy.” —Library Journal

“Cosby gives you it all—passion, danger, lush history and a touch of magic. Excellent reading.” —New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell on His Conquest

“Diana Cosby is superbly talented.” —Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

An Oath Broken is available for pre-order at  Amazon, B&N,  Kobo and Google Play

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning books are translated in five languages.  Diana has appeared at Lady Jane’s Salon, in NYC, and in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happily Ever After,” MSN.com, and in Texoma Living Magazine.

After retiring as a Navy Chief, AGC(AW), Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.

Her years of living in Europe inspired Diana to write in the medieval time frame.  After watching the movie Braveheart and with her passion for writing complex plots, the idea for the MacGruder brothers series was born.

With the release of her 1st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath trilogy, An Oath Taken, which hit bestseller lists in Canada and the United Kingdom, she’s now preparing for the release of the e Box Set of the MacGruder Brothers series on February 24th, and the last two books in The Oath trilogy, An Oath Broken – 22 June, and, An Oath Sworn – 23 December, 2015!

Diana has many passions in life, but one that resonates in her life is that of giving. She firmly believe that each of us can make a positive difference in another person’s life.  Some of the charities she supports are listed below:

The National Trust for Scotland, which acts asguardian of Scotland’s magnificent heritage of architectural, scenic and historic treasures.

Habitat For Humanity, which gives a deserving family more than a home, but a foundation upon which to build their dreams..

Semper Fi Fund , is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help with immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Homes For Our Troops, assists severely injured Servicemen and Servicewomen and their immediate families through various venues to aid them in building a home that allows them live a more independent life.

The Navy SEAL Foundation, provides immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families.

For More Information

Visit Diana’s website.
Connect with Diana on Facebook 

Title: Only Marriage Will Do
Author: Jenna Jaxon
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Kindle

The House of Pleasure, #2

Happily-ever-afters don’t always begin at “I do.”

When the man of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the villain claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero to escort her to her family estate in far off Northern England—hoping that along the way she can win his love—and his hand…

Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

Only Marriage Will Do is available for pre-order at  Amazon, B&N,  Kobo and Google Play

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical  and contemporary romance.  She is currently finishing revisions to  her fifth full length novel, To Woo A Wicked Widow, set in Regency England and the first book in her five part series, The Widow’s Club.

Only Marriage Will Do, second book in her Georgian  House of Pleasure series is with the editor. Her medieval trilogy, Time Enough to Love, is being published by Rising Phoenix Publications. Book 1, Betrothal is currently available.  Book 2, Betrayal, will be available later this fall.

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager.  A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise.  She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets.  When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director.  She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

For More Information

 

Visit Jenna’s website.
Connect with Jenna on Twitter and Facebook

Title: Valentine
Author: Heather Grothaus
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Kindle

Introducing the Brotherhood of Fallen Angels—an epic new series set in the medieval Holy Land, where four heroic Crusaders find themselves caught in the crosshairs of revenge, devotion—and love…

He’s a man of passion and principle. But would he kill for his convictions? That’s the question that has Valentine Alesander fighting for his innocence. He’s been accused, along with three other Brothers, of orchestrating the horrific siege at the Christian fortification of Chastellet. Could this fatefully-named Crusader be a lover, a fighter, and a traitor? One woman from his past is about to find out.

 

Gorgeous, free-spirited Lady Mary Beckham has escaped her guardians in England to travel across the world—and find the notorious Valentine. Years ago, she was promised to him…and now she wants out of their marriage contract. Mary wants to wed another and requires Valentine’s blessing—until she discovers they share a tempestuous attraction. But with a vengeful band of sworn enemies at Valentine’s heels, is desire worth the risk of losing…everything?

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

Valentine is available for pre-order at  Amazon, B&N,  Kobo and Google Play

Heather Grothaus has published eight medieval romances since 2006, which have been translated into several foreign languages. She fell in love with historical romance after reading a Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novel when she was far too young to be doing so, and has never looked back, building a

reputation for crafting twisting adventures, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and heart-wrenching emotion. When she’s not writing, she spends her time homeschooling her children, gardening, listening to music, reading, and watching Sherlock. She lives on a small farm in Kentucky with her family.

For More Information

 

Visit Heather’s website.
Connect with Heather on Goodreads and 

Review: The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior by Megan Frampton

The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior
by Megan Frampton
Series:  Dukes Behaving Badly #1
Pub. Date:  Nov. 25, 2014
Publisher:  Avon
Pages:  389
Format:  eBook
Source:  Purchased
   

My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

All of London knows the Duke of Rutherford has position and wealth. They also whisper that he’s dissolute, devilish, and determinedly unwed. So why, everyone is asking, has he hired a governess?

When Miss Lily Russell crosses the threshold of the Duke of Rutherford’s stylish townhouse, she knows she has come face to face with sensual danger. For this is no doting papa. Rather, his behavior is scandalous, and his reputation rightly earned. And his pursuit of her is nearly irresistible—but resist she must for the sake of her pupil.

As for the duke himself, it was bad enough when his unknown child landed on his doorstep. Now Lily, with her unassuming beauty, has aroused his most wicked fantasies—and, shockingly, his desire to change his wanton ways. He’s determined to become worthy of her, and so he asks for her help in correcting his behavior.

But Lily has a secret, one that, if it becomes known, could change everything . . .

This was a good read for when you want something quick, historical, and slightly silly. (Not silly in a bad way; it was a cute lighthearted read.)

Our hero in this story is Marcus, Duke of Rutherford, an irresponsible man who has unexpectedly inherited the title. Just as unexpectedly, he is confronted with his illegitimate daughter and realizes he needs to make some changes in his life. This is how we meet our heroine, Lily Russell, who presents herself as a governess for the Duke's daughter. There is somewhat of an instant attraction between Lily and Marcus, which creates a problem because of the differences in their class (this novel takes place during the Victorian era).

I loved Marcus and his willingness to do the right thing and take in his daughter when other members of the ton would have sent her away. His interaction with Lily and determination to show her that someone cared about her was very sweet and endearing. It was obvious he had a very strong attraction to Lily, but he got on my nerves for a bit when he was determined to find a "proper" wife, which seemed to discount Lily's feelings as a person. But, of course, he redeems himself in a very big way by the end so all is forgiven.

Lily's character really makes you think what it would have been like if you would have lived during the Victorian era (or other historical times). Lily is considered a fallen woman because her father lost all her money and she was forced to work. My goodness, it makes you think what kind of position I would have had in society back then. I definitely would have been considered a bluestocking spinster (and maybe even an old maid) given my status as an single, educated 35 y/o woman who likes to read! But Lily faces the facts andstarts an employment agency with her friends to help other fallen women, which is very respectable. I would have liked to see a little more detail about the women they were helping, but we just have to use our imagination there. Lily also got along great with Rose, the Duke's daughter, who was a very precocious 4 year old.

This was my first governess story, so I wasn't sure how I would like it. But the family dynamics and transcendence of class lines worked well (and made me glad we don't have to deal w/ these issues to such an extent today). There was also enough lighthearted humor to make me smile on several occasions and keep the story going along at a nice pace. 

View all my reviews

Dukes Behaving Badly Series

My Review	Review Coming July 4	Review Coming July 10

Review: Perfect Chaos by Nashoda Rose

Perfect Chaos 
by Nashoda Rose
Series:  Unyielding #1
Pub. Date:  Nov. 24, 2014
Publisher:  Self-Pub
Pages:  246
Format:  eARC
Source:  NetGalley
   

My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

GEORGIE

I lie to survive.  Have since I was sixteen and my world fell into chaos. But I found a way to endure, or rather it found me. Now I’m a prisoner of my own doing, hiding behind a false mask so no one sees the truth. Not even the man I want but can’t have—Deck. But I messed up and the lies are spilling over, out of control. 

Deck is unrelenting and will settle for nothing less than the truth. He demands everything from me—EVERYTHING—even if it rips me apart. 

DECK

I kill for a living. Unyielding—It’s how I survive in my line of work. I bend people to my will…except Georgie.  But that ends now. I've played her game for far too long. Now I think it's time we play mine.

Perfect Chaos is a spinoff from the Tear Asunder series. I didn't realize this until I started reading. I have read the prequel and first book of Tear Asunder, so I at least marginally knew some of the characters being referred to.

I didn't know there could be much darker of a criminal activity than human trafficking, but apparently there is, and it's the focus of this new "Perfect" spinoff series (with at least two more books to be released). I enjoyed the darker aspects of this book, the mystery and subterfuge - it was all good as long as you can suspend belief and enjoy the read. For those readers who do not like the implausible in their books, then this story may not be for you as the suspense is very far fetched. But I enjoyed it nonetheless and am looking foward to the continuing story arc in the rest of the series.

I loved Deck as the extreme alpha male bad ass broody character, but it's rare that I don't like that type of character. And geez louise, the cover is smoking hot. That guy is the perfect embodiment of Deck and offered a great mental picture as I was reading. But Deck's persona fell away at times for me during the story, particularly when there was an attempt to show a softer side of him. Deck talking about rainbows and babies didn't work for me. It was just too far away from his normal broody persona to be believable.

I somewhat liked the tortured heroine, Georgie, but I have just read a few too many books lately where the heroine keeps some big secret from the hero when it's obvious he could've handled the situation. So I didn't fully connect with her character. I will say that her secrets and past were way unexpected and the author did a good job at trickling the info out so that it kept you wondering as you read.

The story started to fall apart for me from about the halfway mark, but then at 80% it picked back up and got me interested again. I think it fell apart for me because that section was mainly the romance part which, shockingly, I didn't really care for. It felt artificial. There were a lot of steamy sex scenes, which were well-written in themselves, but I found myself skimming those to get back to the action.

The next book, Perfect Rain, will focus on Kai and London, who we can expect to be extremely damaged, even more so than Georgie. I am looking forward to seeing if Kai can be redeemed.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Review: The Demon Door by Kim Alexander

The Demon Door 
by Kim Alexander
Series:  Powers of the Air #1
Pub Date: May 19, 2015
Publisher:  Booktrope/Patchwork Press
Pages:  404 (approx)
Format:  eARC
Source:  Netgalley
 

My Rating:  
Sultry Scale:

Explore the world beyond in this charming fantasy debut from Kim Alexander. Perfectly combining romance and humor with pure imagination, The Demon Door is a must read for all fans of modern fantasy!

The demon Prince of Eriis has turned out to be something of a disappointment. Rhuun is crap at magic. He can’t fly, can’t even shoot flames from his hands. His poor girlfriend has just about had it with him. It’s no wonder he drinks. All Rhuun really does is daydream about visiting the other world, the world without magic—the human world of Mistra. No one has been there for a generation, but Rhuun knows all about the humans. He’s got a book. It’s the only human book on Eriis, and he’s been studying it his whole life. The fact that his book is a bodice-ripping romance novel, well… it’ll make his adventures in the human world a little more complicated. 

Tip #1 – Human women do not generally like to be called “wench.”

In Mistra, Lelet va’Everly could use a little magic herself. Parties and boys have lost their luster, and she’s desperate for an adventure. When a bizarre, exasperating, extremely good looking – and hot (literally) stranger shows up, he might be the person, and purpose that she had been waiting for. But why does he keep calling her a wench?

Sometimes love doesn’t just change your own world… it changes all of them. 

So this book was different from the ones that I normally read. I'm not sure how to classify it really, so I will stick with fantasy. Based on the blurb, I was expecting a humorous fantasy romance. However there is no romance in this book until the very end, and not even the hint of romance until around 85% in. So if you are looking for a romance, you will be disappointed. (I do not consider what happened between Rhuun and Aelle a romance - it was cold, unemotional and painful.)

This book was mainly ALL world-building and character development and back story. I am guessing it was a set up for the rest of the series. The are two worlds, Eriis (the demon realm) and Mistra (the human realm). The book starts off with Hellne, the future queen, and her human lover so we get the story of Rhuun from his conception. Rhuun is a half-human demon, as you can probably guess, and he has a very hard life growing up in Eriis. Rhuun's difficult life has made him obsess about humans and visiting the human world. We witness his whole life (20 demon years equate to 100 human years). Sounds like a long time? It is and growing up with Rhuun made the book very slow-paced. I considered abandoning the book at several points, but my OCD kept me reading and I was rewarded with a little romance at the end. However I think a big chunk could have been taken out or summarized and I would have enjoyed the reading more.

Now the very end of the story established or began the romantic relationship that was hinted at in the synopsis - I think I might actually enjoy the rest of the series. I think Rhuun and Lelet will make a good pair, and Lelet will become a more likable character now that she cares for Rhuun and her softer side shows. Lelet will convince Rhuun that he is not the beastly ugly duckling that he believes from his upbringing in Eriis. This will cause Rhuun to become more confident and become the savior that Eriis needs. One question that needs to be addressed more clearly, however, is how Rhuun got free from Scilla. The glossing over of that feat seemed very odd given the detail of the book.

So I will keep reading, I want to see if Rhuun and Lelet can saved the worlds. However I hope we are almost done w/ the world building at this point, and that the author allows us more of the romance and relationships moving forward.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews