ARC Netgalley Review for Under Your Skin by Shannyn Schroeder

Title: Under Your Skin

Series: For Your Love #1

Author: Shannyn Schroeder

Publisher: Zebra Shout

Published Date: June 28, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women's Fiction

Page Count: 320

Blurb:

Blood Is Thicker Than Ink. . . 

Norah O'Malley has been alone for a long time. It's been ten years since her father and four brothers shipped her off to be raised by her aunt. Seven months since she's seen the guy who got her pregnant--who still doesn't know. And it's two weeks since she came home to Chicago and discovered none of her family wants to talk--or listen. 

She never expected to walk into a tattoo shop seven months pregnant and get her socks knocked off by instant attraction. She can't even see her socks. But Kai Ellis is big and gruff and sexy as hell, and if he has a past, well, so does she. Even more, Kai knows how to listen so that Norah feels just a little less alone . . . 

All the chemistry in the world can't help Norah make her decisions. And no sizzle of desire will make Kai believe in happy endings. But a little time with someone who understands might just change everything . . . 

Review:

When I started reading Under Your Skin, I wasn't a huge fan at first.  Kai isn't looking for love. He has a lot on his plate with his mom, his business, and his friends. Norah wants a relationship with Kai. This is where I start not being crazy about the book. Norah has enough in her life to deal with. Her pregnancy, telling the father (btw she's 7 months pregnant), deciding if she's going to keep the baby, finding steady work, going back to school, the list goes on. She doesn't need to complicate things by sleeping with Kai and on top of that she's practically begging him to sleep with her. I'm all for you having sex but the way the story is written, it's not practical and the female comes off as desperate. 

Things started to look up about midway through the book. The setting seemed to shift and you see the characters a little differently. Mainly because the story becomes a little more emotional. Now the reader has something to grasp onto and carry them through the rest of the book. The characters appear more vulnerable and the becomes relatable to the readers.

There are some parts i liked, such as the banter between Norah and Kai's mom. Since Norah lost her mom, she has found a friend and confidant in Kai's mom. I also liked the relationship between Norah and her brothers. You can tell they care about each other and the way they acted seemed natural. 

Overall the book was okay. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I was just hung up on the way the characters were written at the beginning. Would I read other books in this series? Probably. There is a 50/50 chance I would. 

Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars

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~*~ ARC Review ~*~ His Light In The Dark by L.A. Fiore

Title:His Light In The Dark

Author: L.A. Fiore

Publisher: L.A. Fiore Publishing

Published Date: February 9, 2016

Genre: Suspense/Thriller/Romance

Page Count: 376

**ARC given by the author, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.**

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Book Description:

My first memory was of a slap, hard across the face: the sting on my cheek and the jarring of my bones as I slammed back into my bed. It was my dad who had hit me. 

I had been four. 

Most of my memories were much of the same and no one ever saw, no one ever fought to help, no one ever cared. 

Then we moved. 

My new neighbor cared, rescued the twelve-year-old I had been from a beating. Always thought I'd suffer the nightmare alone, I was wrong. 

Mace Donati saved me that day in all the ways a person could be saved. 

And his daughter, Mia, she became the friend I had always wanted, my conscience when my own faltered, the light that led me home when I had lost my way. 

The girl who grew into the only woman I would ever love. 

But when you realize you're more like your father than the good people who took you in and gave you a home, the only way to return their kindness is to let them go. 

I let them go, got so far lost in the shadows I couldn't remember who I was anymore. Mia never gave up on me. She fought for me, kept the light on so I'd find my way back. 

And when I did, life threw us a curveball. I had to hurt Mia in order to save her. 

But when my past comes back to haunt me and I almost lose her, I'm ready to fight for her...fight to find a way back into her heart while keeping the demons from my past from finishing what they started. 

Cole Campbell 

My Review:

Cole and Mia are complete opposites. Mia represents everything light in the world and Cole represents the dark. They are basically from opposite sides of the tracks but literally grew up next door to each other. Their relationship takes place over a course of years in this book. You see them grow from being friends to lovers. Cole's life has never been easy. Growing up with an abusive father, he has become accustomed to his life of darkness. Then the day came when Mia's father Mace came to his rescue. Cole finally got to see what it's like to be cared about and to be a part of a real family. Circumstances change Cole's life forever. The boy he was becoming under Mia and Mace's care is no more. In his place is someone who believes he is like his father. Time passes but Mia never loses hope that she'll get Cole back in her life. Her stubbornness pays off and Cole comes back but keeps his distance. Just when things are going good, the corruption of the town lands on their doorstep. Tragedy strikes and Mia and Cole are left devastated. Life gets dangerous for them and Cole wants to keep his distance to keep her safe. Mia proves to him that he is worth the chance and they find their way back to each other. 

Tearjerker doesn't even begin to cover the feelings that this book brings. Will you cry? Yes you will. Will you get so mad and frustrated at the book? Yes you will. It's all worth it when it comes to this story.  Never had I read a book before that left me feeling so many emotions on a constant repeat throughout the book. I loved it. 

Fiore proves herself to be a fantastic writer with this book. The writing is superb. She is able to pull the reader in and never let them go. She keeps you on your toes and you never know what's around the corner. It's not very often you can read a book and go "Damn. She can write."

If you're looking for a suspense/thriller with romance, this is the book for you. If you're looking for some insta-love romance, well this isn't for you. This is a dark and gritty story that proves there is always light within the dark. Ha! Like my play on words? 

My Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

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~*~ ARC Review ~*~ Playing Pretend by Tamsyn Bester

Title: Playing Pretend

Author: Tamsyn Bester

Published Date: February 2, 2016

Genre: New Adult/Contemporary/Romance

Page Count: 293

** ARC was provided by the author, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.**

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Book Description:

Kadence Kavanagh has spent the last two years trying to rebuild her life. When a job opportunity presents itself, she can’t say no, even if it’s with the man who’s life was ruined by her father’s indiscretion. It’s been years since she last saw Caleb Callahan, and she’s not even sure he remembers her, but she’s determined to give herself a clean slate no matter who she has to work for. 

In the unlikeliest of circumstances, Caleb becomes her savior – if somewhat reluctantly - and she discovers that the man she’s read about in the gossip columns is nothing more than a smoke screen. Kadence knows that keeping her distance is for the best, no matter how difficult, but when Caleb proposes the unthinkable, she finds herself caught between what’s real, and what she wishes was real. 

Caleb and Kadence lose themselves in a lie, and when reality comes knocking, they realize that all they were doing was playing pretend…

Review

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found myself addicted to this book. It's one of those books you can read in one sitting and not realize you did it till it was over. So fair warning, it you start to read it, don't expect to come up for air till you're done.

Kadence is our heroine. She is basically living her life the best she can after her father's scandal rocked her world. She's a runner and has been running from everything that reminds her of what her father did. She gets a job at a company that is ran by the guy she used to be in love with and is the son of the woman her father had an affair with. Her an Caleb avoid each other until circumstances put her in the need of someone's help. That someone happens to be Caleb. She starts to live with him and he comes up with a plan to help himself save face. He wants Kadence to pose as his girlfriend in name only. As we all know, these plans always go from being in name only to truth. It happens in this case but when their relationship shifts, the truth behind everything comes out. Kadence is faced with learning to forgive and move past others mistakes. 

What I loved about this book was that it wasn't flat. Most books like this one lose their momentum but this one stayed strong till the end. Bester does a wonderful job with this book. There is some predictability but the author is able to mix it up a bit for the reader. I haven't read this author's books before but after this one, I'll be adding her books to my TBR list. This is a must read for those looking for a great romance.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars



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~*~ ARC Review ~*~ Rescuing Rayne by Susan Stoker

Title: Rescuing Rayne

Series: Delta Force Heroes Book #1

Author: Susan Stoker

Published Date: February 9, 2016

Genre: Romance/ Military/Suspense

Page Count: 269

**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review **

Book Description:

As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger…or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough. 

Heading home after another extreme mission, Keane "Ghost" Bryson hadn't planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning. 

Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again—under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance…if they can survive the terrorist situation they're in. If Rayne can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier. 

My Review:

Rescuing Rayne is the start of a brand new series called Delta Force Heroes. Fans of Stoker's SEAL of Protection series will find an easy transition into this series. It also helps that a few SEAls drop in occasionally too. This Rayne and Ghost's story. Ghost is a love  'em and leave  'em kind of guy. He isn't that way to purposely hurt women, in his eyes he thinks he is protecting them. He is a part of a Delta Force team. He knows his missions are dangerous for himself and he doesn't want to risk put that danger on a woman. He couldn't live with himself is someone got hurt. In walks Rayne, the woman who is about to shake Ghost's world to the core. She is the opposite of Ghost but exactly what he needs. Rayne is a romantic and a bookworm. She approaches Ghost and engages in conversation that leads to something more. Always the good girl, Rayne has never thought about doing something bad. Having a one night stand with Ghost would be bad but oh so good. Once their night of passion is over, they both go their separate ways. The leave but the leave a part of themselves with the other person. It's months later before the they meet again. The circumstances are not ideal but they know it must be fate. They take the leap and begin a relationship. The road to happiness is not smooth. They have a fight a head of themselves to prove that they are meant to be. 

The heat level of this book was scorching. Stoker tends to be tame in her other books compared to the hot sex scenes in this one. OMG! Melt your panties off HOT. Ghost is a true alpha male and likes to take control in the bedroom. He even has a kinky side. *wink wink*.

Stoker is known for putting her heroines through the ringer. She doesn't hold back here. I think this was one of the scariest scenes that she has written for a character. She takes Rayne to the brink. As a reader you are there with her. You're hopping that she doesn't have to go through what her attacker's have planned for her. Just like Rayne, you're praying for a rescue. It's graphic but you feel the emotion that the scene is capturing. Another thing that puts the reader in the moment is that the author pulls from the headlines. Because she is writing about a Delta Force team, she is able to use the events overseas as a backdrop to the story. This just adds another layer to the story and becomes another factor that pulls you in. 

Other than Rayne and Ghost, my favorite characters were Truck and Mary. The bicker back and forth but it is like foreplay for them. I can't wait to read more about them. I know their book will be hotter than this one.

Stoker kicked off this series with a bang. She proves that she is the go to author for military romance. I enjoy reading her books and always look forward to the next one. I definitely recommend that you read this book. 

My Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars!!

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~*~ ARC Review ~*~ Dirty Ride by Chantal Fernando

Title: Dirty Ride

Series: Wind Dragons MC #3.5

Author: Chantal Fernando

Publisher: Pocket Star

Published Date: February 8, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 80

**ARC was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.**

Blurb:

Even by Wind Dragon Motorcycle Club standards, Irish was always a bit of a dark horse. Not one to confide his secrets, such as where he got that mysterious scar across his neck, he’s quick with his fists and even quicker to jump to the defense of his MC. But is he nimble enough to handle the woman he never saw coming? Or will she leave him with a matching scar across his heart?

My Review:

Shorter and faster paced than Fernando's previous books, Dirty Ride is dirty and a wild ride rolled in one. We follow the budding romance of Irish and newcomer Valentina. Valentina or Tina, is running from an abusive past and she runs straight into Irish. Tina is not looking for a relationship but we all know that when the Wind Dragons MC want something they get it. Irish wants her and he sets out to show her that bikers really are not that bad. When Tina's past comes back for her, Irish proves he will do anything to protect her. Things come to a head and Irish proves how far he is willing to go for the woman he loves. 

This books has everything that Fernando's books bring but this one is more compact. The Old Ladies of the MC come out in full force causing trouble as usual. It is one of the most entertaining things about this author's books, finding out what trouble the leading ladies will get into. Romance is there but not as steamy as in previous books. I feel that it works well this way in this book. Focus has to be on developing the story and not trying to get the characters laid. 

I felt that the author dud a great job with this book. It is just what fans need to tide them over until the next full length book. 

My Rating:

5 out 5 Stars

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~*~ ARC Review ~*~ The Fractured Heart by Scarlett Cole

Title: The Fractured Heart

Series: Second Circle Tattoos Book #2

Author: Scarlett Cole

Publisher: Swerve

Published Date: January 5, 2016

**I received a copy of this book, from the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for a honest review.**

All things, when placed under pressure, eventually break or leave a mark.

Tattoo artist Brody "Cujo" Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn't want, he's intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo’s life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he’s asked to help organize his best friend Trent's engagement party, which means working with Trent's fiancée's best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.

Andrea "Drea" Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she's at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn’t need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend’s engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the café she works at, she can’t help but turn to Cujo who’s determined to prove to Drea that he’s someone she can count on forever…but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.

Every reader has a list of go to authors. Authors that meet and exceed the reader's expectations. After reading the Second Circle Tattoo series, Scarlett Cole has planted herself on my list of favorite authors. Her books are so emotionally charged that they leave the reader feeling the effects long after reading the book. That's exactly how a book should be. Some authors can not accomplish this and to do it with your debut series is an awesome feat. 

We met Drea and Cujo in the first book, The Strongest Steel. These are two people who are perfect for each other, and you can see their chemistry shooting off the page. They are also two great examples of not judging a book by its cover. They both place each other in categories based on their outward appearance. What they fail to realize is they are more alike than they think. 

Cujo is the tough guy and that's what we see. What he really is is a man who has survived something terrible and also had hi heart broken. Walls are built up to prevent the complete destruction of his already fragile heart. He wants to love and care for Drea but he fears that she could be his undoing. I thought Trent was my book boyfriend from this series, that was until I got to know Cujo's character. Sorry Trent, Cujo reigns supreme now. The man is hot as fire and ignites the page when his sexy scenes begin. I think what makes him hot is that he comes off as slightly vulnerable under his tough exterior. 

Drea appears as this highly sophisticated female. Her outward appearance is for show. I think it helps to hide the emotional pain she endures every day. She struggles to care for her mother while she watches her slowly slip away. It's hard reading the scenes with her mom because they remind me of my own mother, whom I lost. Drea is a strong female though. She refuses to allow anything get in her way, once she makes up her mind. I love that Cole wrote Drea like this. More authors should write strong female characters. 

The suspense in this book is more intense. While you read about Cujo and Drea fall in love, you are also trying to solve the mystery. There are lots of twists and turns. The storyline keeps you entertained and one the edge of your seat throughout the book. I love the mix of mystery and romance. It's a wonderful balance that the author created. 

Overall I loved this book. I can't wait until the next book comes out. It's a wonderful series and it has something for every reader.

5 out of 5 Stars!!!

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~*~ ARC Review ~*~ Justice for Mickie by Susan Stoker

Title: Justice For Mickie

Series: Badge Of Honor: Texas Heroes Book 2

Author: Susan Stoker

Publisher: Stoker Aces Production

Published Date: November 10, 2015

Genre: Romance/Suspense

Page Count: 182

For Cruz Livingston, becoming an FBI agent is a lifelong dream, guarding the streets of San Antonio, a calling. His latest assignment—infiltrating the Red Brothers Motorcycle Club—will help stem the flow of illegal drugs brought into the city by the violent gang. He expects the job to be dangerous. He doesn’t expect to meet the woman of his dreams while undercover. 

Mickie Kaiser is refreshingly sweet, but her sister is intimately involved with the RBMC’s president. Cruz can’t afford to come clean about his double life without putting his operation in danger, but as violence creeps ever closer to Mickie, his priority becomes crystal clear. Cruz will do anything to keep Mickie alive…even if it means losing her love. 

I was one of the select few to receive an advance copy for Justice For Mickie by Susan Stoker. I have to admit though, going into this I was slightly conflicted. I adore Mrs. Stoker's books and bow down to her greatness in romance writing. I also love MC books and it's known that the MC in this book is not your mama's MC. I think that showing the barbaric side of this outlaw MC is pivotal in this book. It creates great drama and helps to set up the storyline. That being said, I got over being conflicted and realized that Stoker's awesome writing trumped that. =)

In all of Stoker's books her lead male characters are fiercely loyal and Cruz is no exception. Cruz wants to help Mickie and her sister, even if Angel is a royal B. It's a struggle for him because he has to solve this case but he doesn't want that to happen at the risk if losing Mickie. When the climatic part of the story is reached, you see the emotion and vulnerability that Cruz is trying to hide. Sometimes even the strongest male has to cry. 

With Mickie, I love her because no matter what, family is important. She spends a lot of time begging and pleading with Angel, trying to get her to see that her lifestyle is no good. She doesn't give up, even when the door is literally slammed in her face. Her persistence can be seen as her downfall but when it comes to family, it's a great quality. 

We do get a nod to one of our favorite SEALS, Mozart. It seems that Cruz and Mozart have a history. Mozart’s past plays a pivotal role in Cruz’s decision to join the FBI. There is also a great setup for the next book in this series, Justice For Corrie. I think that one is going to be a favorite. 

Stoker’s writing is top notch. One of the things that I like about her books is that they never drop off. You never get to the point that the story drags. Each book is consistent from page 1 to the end. It’s the same for this book. One thing I am finding with this book and series is that it is more adult than her previous books. The sex scenes are more graphic and steamy than in any other book. Is this a bad thing? NO! Bring on the steamy scenes. Mmmm….Cruz. I love me some Cruz. Where was I? Book review….right. Any who, I love the author’s writing and I feel that she captured Cruz and Mickie well. 

My overall thoughts of this book are that I loved it and I don’t have a complaint about it. I highly recommend that you read this series. It is definitely one that should not be missed. 

5 out of 5 Stars

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Other Books In This Series

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Justice for Mackenzie

Book 1 Now Available

Justice For Corrie

Book 3 available for Preorder

Releases 3/8/16

Click HERE for the full list of books by Susan Stoker

Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She is quite the romantic and even met the love of her life on "Hotmail classified" before online dating and sites like match.com even existed!

Susan has been reading romance novels since middle school and once crossed out the names of the main characters in a book and changed them to her own and to the name of her crush. She's been writing scenes for years, developing her unique writing style.

Susan loves writing but her true passion is adopting dogs from rescue groups and shelters. Susan and her husband have had a total of nine "rescued" dogs since 2000 including a variety of basset hounds and bloodhounds. She has recently branched out and adopted a basset/terrier mix who acts more like a terrier than a basset (i.e. digging, eating a couch and being hyper). If you love romance and want to help her support adopting great dogs, be sure to check out her work!

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ARC Review- Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley

Title: Walk Through Fire

Series: Chaos Series Book #4

Author: Kristen Ashley

Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Publish Date: October 27, 2015

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Suspense

**I received a copy of this book, via the publisher through Netgalley, in exchange for a honest review.**

Millie Cross knows what it’s like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder – a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn’t be the woman he needed and she made it so he had no choice but to walk away. But after spending twenty years apart, a chance run-in sparks a desire she just can’t ignore…

Bad boy Logan “High” Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was one woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when the love of his life walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous but she’s just a ghost of her former self. High’s intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep, and High doesn’t want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie’s betrayal, he’ll break yet again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man.

That saying "If you love something set it free; If it's meant to be it'll come back" applies to High and Millie. Years ago she set him free so that he can live out his dreams and then years later he returns to her. Millie's sacrifice for High was from pure love. Unfortunately she felt that she could not give him the dreams that he desired. I admired Millie's character. If this was real life I doubt many people would as selfless as she was.

When it came to High, I admit he was a complete jerk. He was intentionally mean and set out to humiliate Millie when the reunited years later. I know he was hurt by her leaving and it was probably a blow to his ego but he still didn't need to be mean. He does redeem himself. He turns out to be a great guy. No worries.

Kristen Ashley rocks at writing biker books. Each book is just as good, if not better, than the previous. I don't tire of reading her books. She continues to keep it fresh and keep her readers on their toes. I did have an issue with the book. It was with High's dialect. I had an issue with understanding him. I think the way he was written was to show him as this rough biker. I get that, you don't want the biker to come off as soft. 

Overall I loved the book. I enjoyed getting to know each character as the series progressed. I certainly hope that there will be more Chaos books in the future.

4 out of 5 Stars!!

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