Review: One Night With Her (Seductive Nights #3.5) by Lauren Blakely

First names only for one night of pleasure...

He’s only at the hotel to close a business deal. Then he sees her, and his agenda for the evening shifts—woo her, win her, and make sure she never forgets who gave her the most exquisite pleasure she’s ever had. Jack Sullivan, a billionaire, and one of New York City’s most eligible bachelors, is captivated by the brilliant and beautiful Michelle Milo. From her witty mouth to her sinful body, she’s his perfect fantasy. But there’s more than the undeniable chemistry; they both might be exactly what the other needs. As soon as he has her, he knows one night with her will never be enough. The trouble is, he’s about to run into her tomorrow…in the last place he expects.

One Night With Her is a prequel novella to the full-length novel NIGHTS WITH HIM.

Kindle Edition, 49 pages
Published October 20th 2014 by Lauren Blakely Books

Terri's Thoughts

This story is part of a series of prequel novella's for stories within the Seductive Nights series.  This one was the prequel to the Nights With Him story.

This was a short one but it still delivered on the hot and steamy.  It ultimately set up the fantasy of meeting a stranger in a bar, instant chemistry, and one thing leads to another and they find themseleve getting a room for the night.  As the synopsis hints the story is left in a cliff hang hanger.

There was some humour in this one.  The comments from the test group for the new "toys" was hilarious when it stated they were the happiest woman alive.  You can fill in the blanks what they were talking about.

Since this story was short I will not disclose any more.  Again it dangled the carrot just enough for me to want to read the full length story of Jack and Michelle.

About the Author

Review: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy

Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Emma Chase, and Maya Banks, the anticipated finale in New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy’s sexy contemporary romance series about three fiery and determined sisters with their own ideas about life and love.

I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .

Kindle Edition, 240 pages

Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by Bantam
Series: Fowler Sisters #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

**I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

This is the third instalment in the Fowler Sisters series and follows the oldest sister Lily. It is not necessary to read the first two books to follow along but they do provide a little background for this one.

Fans of erotica or a lot of descriptive sexual encounters will most likely like this series because it is chalked full of it. Almost too much for me, to the point that it got a little boring and monotonous. There was obvious sexual chemistry between Lily and Max but it lacked some of the emotional chemistry that was needed in order for the story to go in the direction that it did. I struggled to feel the moral dilemma that both were facing because I could only see the sexual aspect of it.

I liked Lily but I was indifferent to Max. He just didn't stand out as much as the leading men in the previous books. I also found this book a bit too similar to Stealing Rose. The man is in it for the sexual chemistry while at the same time trying to steal something from the girl but then feelings change and morals kick in. In the previous book it was a necklace and in this one it was a lap top.

I don't want you to think that I disliked the book because that is not the case. It was an entertaining read for sure. I just feel, like in the case of most series, it being the third book it wasn't quite as good as the ones before it.

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of new adult contemporary romance. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

I also write romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

I'm a wife, a mom and I live in California. (From Goodreads profile)

Connect with Monica

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads 

 

Review: First Night (Seductive Nights 0.5) by Lauren Blakely

It was only supposed to be one night… 

When the sinfully handsome man walks into her bar in San Francisco, Julia Bell simply wants a break from the troubles that keep chasing her. That escape comes in the form of sexy, confident and commanding Clay Nichols, who captivates her mind AND turns her inside out with pleasure. The attraction is electric and they share one scorchingly hot night together, but they also discover there is more than just off-the-charts chemistry; the connection between them runs deep. Clay never thought he’d return to New York with this woman still on his mind. But he can’t get her out of his system, and he needs more of her…He wants more than just the first night…
*This is a prequel novella to the erotic romance NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.*

ebook, 75 pages
Published April 1st 2014 by Smashwords Edition

Terri's Thoughts

I was searching Amazon for something new to read when I came across this.  I figured since it was a novella and a prequel to the main story it would give me the chance to sample the writing and characters before committing to the whole story.

This delivered exactly what it promised.  Two characters with strong personalities and strong opinions on what they like in the bedroom...or back room of the bar in this case.  What makes this a little bit different than some others I have read in the genre is that both Julia and Clay have alpha personalities.  It seriously can get annoying when one of the characters is always more dominant than the other.  It makes the relationship seem less than equal in my eyes. And let's be honest, it makes the bedroom scenes dull and repetitive after a while.

I won't go in to detail as this story was short.  It gave the perfect amount of teasing to peak my interest in reading the full length story of Julia and Clay.  I have a couple of the other novella's in the series downloaded so I look forward to reading them before I take on the full length series.

About the Author

Lauren Blakely is an unabashed fan of clever jokes, toast, and good guys in novels. Like the heroine in TROPHY HUSBAND, she thinks life should be filled with hot men, cool clothes, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband and children, and spends her days writing both true stories and make-believe ones.

Website:  http://www.laurenblakely.com
Twitter: laurenblakely3

Review: A Necessary End by Holly Brown

How far would you go to get what you wanted? The author of Don’t Try to Find Me returns with a taut, riveting novel of psychological suspense—a domestic drama full of secrets and twists—about a woman determined to have a child, her ambivalent husband, and a pregnant teenager with a secret agenda of her own.

“I know now that there was no other way things could have turned out. Tragedies are inevitable, just like the great love stories, like us.”

Thirty-nine-year-old Adrienne is desperate to be a mother. And this time, nothing is going to get in her way.

Sure, her husband, Gabe, is ambivalent about fatherhood. But she knows that once he holds their baby, he’ll come around. He’s just feeling a little threatened, that’s all. Because once upon a time, it was Gabe that Adrienne wanted more than anything; she was willing to do anything. . . . But that was half a lifetime ago. She’s a different person now, and so is Gabe. There are lines she wouldn’t cross, not without extreme provocation.

And sure, she was bitten once before by another birth mother—clear to the bone—and for most people, it’s once bitten, twice shy. But Adrienne isn’t exactly the retiring type.

At nineteen, Leah bears a remarkable resemblance to the young woman Adrienne once was. Which is why Adrienne knows the baby Leah is carrying is meant to be hers. But Leah’s got ideas of her own: Her baby’s going to get a life in California; why shouldn’t she? All she wants is to live in Adrienne’s house for a year after the baby’s born, and get a fresh start.

It seems like a small price for Adrienne to pay to get their baby. And with Gabe suddenly on board, what could possibly go wrong?

Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by William Morrow 

Kristine's Thoughts:

**I received an advanced readers copy from William Morrow via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

I struggled with this book. I mean I really struggled with it. I'm not sure if I can put it into words effectively but I will try...

It started out as an adoption story where a couple was desperate for a baby. Scratch that...part of a couple was desperate for a baby. Each chapter went back and forth between Adrienne and Gabe as the story unfolded. Honestly the whole thing was just messed up. First off, Gabe did not want a baby but Adrienne did not care one bit in her selfishness because her desire was so strong. All of a sudden Leah entered the picture and the craziest not to mention dumbest (excuse my bluntness) adoption plan is hatched. I'm sorry but Adrienne and Gabe were conned once before, you think they would learn something and or be a little smarter. Once bitten, twice shy obviously did not apply to them. Once bitten, twice as dumb would better describe them.

Enough of the plot...here were my issues...

1. None of the characters were likeable, not even a little bit. Adrienne and Gabe were so selfish and self centred that it made it hard to get past the first few chapters without giving up. I am being really kind when I say that I disliked them. Leah screamed trouble right from the very beginning.

2. The story itself dragged on and on. The first three quarters of the book were not very exciting and there were so many rabbit trails that I struggled to get through it. I kept waiting for something, anything to happen. Everything was crammed into the end of the book. I honestly think a good 100 pages (if not more) needed to be deleted from the story in order for the timing and flow of the story to work effectively.

3. I knew the twist was coming but it came too late. I was no longer interested by the time it happened. It seemed like the desired effect was a Gone Girl type of plot but it didn't work for me. It was too busy and there were too many branches that it just made me more annoyed at it. I gave it a couple days before writing this review because I hated Gone Girl when I finished it but upon reflection I thought it was genius. My thinking was that I would feel the same way about this book but it didn't happen.

Obviously this book was not for me but I do however think that it would make a good book club book. I can visualise many a heated conversations about many aspects of this book. If it was shortened and the timing fixed I probably would have liked it a lot more.

About the Author

Holly Brown lives with her husband and toddler daughter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she’s a practicing marriage and family therapist. She is the author of the novel Don’t Try to Find Me, and her blog, “Bonding Time” is featured on the mental health website Psychcentral.com.

Review: Ruthless by Carolyn Lee Adams

A spine-tingling debut about the ultimate game of cat-and-mouse in reverse as a teen struggles to retain hope—and her sanity—while on the run from a cunning and determined killer.

Ruth Carver has always competed like her life depends on it. Ambitious. Tough. Maybe even mean. It’s no wonder people call her Ruthless.

When she wakes up with a concussion in the bed of a moving pickup trick, she realizes she has been entered into a contest she can’t afford to lose.

At a remote, rotting cabin deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ruth’s blindfold comes off and she comes face-to-face with her captor. A man who believes his mission is to punish bad girls like Ruth. A man who has done this six times before.

The other girls were never heard from again, but Ruth won’t go down easy. She escapes into the wilderness, but her hunter is close at her heels. That’s when the real battle begins. That’s when Ruth must decides just how far she’ll go in order to survive.

Back home, they called her Ruthless. They had no idea just how right they were.

Kindle Edition, 256 pages

Expected publication: July 14th 2015 by Simon Pulse

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Simon Pulse vie Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication is July 14th, 2015**

This story read a little bit different for me.  Although the concept is not exactly unique, it is the first that I can recall that was written entirely in the first person.  This kept the story focused entirely on Ruth and her situation and left out any other noise.  It felt like a long monologue.  A frustrating and terrifying monologue.

As with any suspense cat and mouse type stories I found myself screaming and frustrated as Ruth struggled to escape.  Just when you get a moment to breathe, BAM! the story shifts.  It reminded me of an eighties horror movie.  You know the kind, the victim is running as fast as they can and the bad guy is slowly walking....and still manages to catch up to wreak havoc.

The length of this story was good.  I find with this type of story if it is too long my attention tends to wander.  In this case it was just long enough to offer up the suspense and action but not to long to overstay it's welcome.  My mind...or is it my heart.. can only handle so much of this type plot.

This story is written so that it can appeal across multiple demographics.  Both YA and older will be able to follow this.  Overall  I thought it was a good read and I will be staying away from remote cabins in the mountains for quite some time

About the Author

arolyn Lee Adams is originally from the Seattle area, breeding ground of serial killers and those who write about them. She attended USC Film School and graduated with a BFA in screenwriting. RUTHLESS (Simon Pulse, Summer 2015) is her first novel. When she isn't exploring the dark side of human nature in her writing, you'll find her on stage as a stand-up comedian. Because those things go together.

Website

Twitter

Review: One Night in the Ice Storm by Noelle Adams

The ice will melt between them...in one hot night.

When Rachel arrives in her hometown for the Christmas holiday, she doesn't expect to be stranded alone in an ice storm with David Harris. David is her brother's best friend, and she's known him all her life. She lost her virginity to him. And he's the one man she can never forgive.

Despite all of the reasons she knows not to trust him, she finds herself falling for him again as they try to keep warm in the storm. No matter how irresistible she still finds him, she definitely plans to resist.

But everything changes in only one night.




Published: (first published December 7th 2012)
Series: One Night Novellas #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Kristine's Thoughts:

This is the second novella in the One Night Novellas series. Take away the cheesy title and I think I liked it better than the first. Let me state that each novella is a stand alone so you can pick them up in any order and enjoy.

This story is extremely predictable but for some reason I really liked it. I think that maybe it was the characters that did it for me. I really, really, really liked David with his take charge attitude and his softer, caring side. He's exactly the type of person I would want to be stuck with if I were in that situation. Thank goodness I have a husband that fits that bill!

As with all novellas, you can easily finish this story in one short sitting just like I did. If you are running short on time and are looking for a quick second chance romance, this novella will do the job. I thought it was a cute and entertaining story. I think I will continue on with the rest of the series to see if they are just as much fun.

About the Author


Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Connect with Noelle

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Review: Orphan Number Eight by Kim van Alkemade

A stunning debut novel in the vein of Sarah Waters' historical fiction and inspired by true events, it tells the fascinating story of a woman who must choose between revenge and mercy when she encounters the doctor who subjected her to dangerous medical experiments in a New York City Jewish orphanage.

In 1919, Rachel Rabinowitz is a vivacious four-year-old living with her family in a crowded tenement on New York City's Lower Eastside. When tragedy strikes, Rachel is separated from her brother Sam and sent to a Jewish orphanage where Dr. Mildred Solomon is conducting medical research. Subjected to X-ray treatments that leave her disfigured, Rachel suffers years of cruel harassment from the other orphans. But when she turns fifteen, she runs away to Colorado hoping to find the brother she lost and discovers a family she never knew she had.

Though Rachel believes she's shut out her painful childhood memories, years later she is confronted with her dark past when she becomes a nurse at Manhattan's Old Hebrews Home and her patient is none other than the elderly, cancer-stricken Dr. Solomon. Rachel becomes obsessed with making Dr. Solomon acknowledge, and pay for, her wrongdoing. But each passing hour Rachel spends with the old doctor reveal to Rachel the complexities of her own nature. She realizes that a person's fate--to be one who inflicts harm or one who heals--is not always set in stone.

Lush in historical detail, rich in atmosphere and based on true events, Orphan #8 is a powerful, affecting novel of the unexpected choices we are compelled to make that can shape our destinies.

Paperback, 416 pages

Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by William Morrow & Company

 

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher William Morrow & Company via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is July 7th 2015**

I just read the last few lines of this story and I sit here to write my thoughts and I can't seem to capture what I want to say.  I'm not even sure I know what I want to say.

I think that fans of historical fiction will really embrace this story and that there is a serious market for it.  I have always said that historical fiction is my favorite genre to read and as a result I can have some high expectations.  I was not let down.  I found the story of the orphanage to be really interesting and a little bit different then what I have read.  What adds an extra element is that I think it may be based around some true events which of course I now want to research and know more about.  I do know that one of the characters in the book was a real person based on the author comments so I really do hope this leads me to learn more about a part of history I was not aware of.

As with many of this genre, the story bounces back between past and present.  we learn the plight of Rachel as a young orphan and the plight of the adult Rachel.  I do not know what I would have done in Rachel's shoes if I was presented with the dilemma of Dr. Solomon.  I would like to think I would make an ethical choice however it is easy to judge when you are not walking in someone else's shoes.

I don't want to talk about this story anymore, I can't do it justice and I think it needs to speak for itself.  What I would really like is for others to read it and then we can start talking about it. 
For now I will just say that I strongly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and anyone who likes an emotional story that spans decades.

 

 

About the Author

 

 

 

     

Kim van Alkemade was born in New York City and spent her childhood in suburban New Jersey. Her late father, an immigrant from the Netherlands, met her mother, a descendant of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, in the Empire State Building. She attended college in Wisconsin, earning a doctorate in English from UW-Milwaukee. She is a professor at Shippensburg University where she teaches writing, and lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Her creative nonfiction essays have been published in literary journals including Alaska Quarterly Review, So To Speak, and CutBank. Orphan # 8 is her first novel.