Friday, June 30, 2017

Mini Reviews ~ June 2017

Sometimes, I don't have the time or inclination to do a full review for a title. This will typically apply to books that are short stories, part of a mini-series, some novellas, etc. Instead of abandoning these reviews, I will be giving mini reviews. Check them out!


Title: Stranded with the Cyborg
Author: Cara Bristol
Genre/Age: Sci Fi Romance/Adult
SeriesCy-Ops Sci Fi Romance Series (Book One)
Publisher: Self-published
Format: ebook via Freebie
Rating: ✺✺✺
LinksGoodreads
Review: This is the first book of the series but I actually read the newest installment (book five) first. Then I just had to read the rest of the series to see more cyborgs!

Penelope is a woman on a mission to help bring peace between planets and even a little threat on her life won't deter her. Her mother, however, isn't easily swayed. So Penelope ends up being assigned a bodyguard, a man who will pretend to be her husband while she travels across the universe on business.

Unfortunately for Penelope, the man chosen is none other than the guard she once falsely accused of inappropriate behavior during her rebellious teen years. And while the thought of being near him again makes her heart pound, the regret of what she did still follows her. But before she can even contemplate an apology, her life is in danger and the only man who can save her happens to be harboring secrets of his own.

I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read a lot of alien romances, let alone those that feature cyborgs, so this series is a new experience for me. I love the way the author writes the futuristic world so realistically that I could almost reach out and touch it. There is some mystery, suspense, and a whole lot of chemistry between our couple. Four suns!



Title: Mated with the Cyborg
Author: Cara Bristol
Genre/Age: Sci Fi Romance/Adult
Series: Cy-Ops Sci Fi Romance Series (Book Two)
Publisher: Self-published
Format: ebook via Purchase
Rating: ✺✺✺✺.5
LinksGoodreads
Review: The second book of the series features a different cyborg on an undercover mission to catch a vile criminal. While spying on the enemy, Kai witnesses a lot of things that bother him, but nothing more than the treatment of the woman he has been secretly accompanying.

Despite Mariska's loyalty to her father, she is an outcast in their society. She doesn't look like their other females and her curiosity isn't welcomed in their male-dominated lives. But when she's sent to an even crueler fate, Kai has no choice but to step in and try to save her. Even if it means going against direct orders from his superiors, he won't let any more harm come to Mariska and he's willing to die to save her.

Oh, boy. This was a fun ride. I think there was a higher level of suspense in this book than the first one. And our couple's dynamic is different, too. Mariska and Kai are strangers, yet they find it easy to rely on each other while fighting for their lives. I love how patient Kai was with Mariska and their budding romance was so adorable.

The plot was filled with twists and turns and the pacing was pretty quick. Or it might have just felt that way due to the length. Either way, I think the entire second half of the book had me on the edge of my seat and unable to put it down. I just wish it had been longer. I wanted to see more of Kai showing Mariska how deserving she was of a future. 4.5 suns!




Title: Programmed to Please
Author: Jenna Ives
Genre/Age: Sci Fi Romance/Erotica
Series: The Tau Cetus Chronicles (Book One)
Publisher: Self-published
Format: ebook via Freebie
Rating: ✺✺✺
LinksGoodreads
Review: A surprisingly fun story!

I can't remember where I first saw this story but something about the synopsis made me interested and I picked it up. Here we have a female cop who is tasked with disguising herself as a sexual robot in order to get closer to a man her police force wants to extract information from. But in the process, she falls for her mark.

I actually really liked this story. It's an erotica and the sex is done really well. As is the science fiction aspect of the fembots and their naughty business. The relationship between our couple is obviously based on a lie but I still rooted for their happily ever after. And the ending was nice. There are more stories in this series and I'm curious to see what comes next.




Title: Captured by the Cyborg
Author: Cara Bristol
Genre/Age: Sci Fi Romance/Adult
SeriesCy-Ops Sci Fi Romance Series (Book Three)
Publisher: Self-published
Format: ebook via Purchase
Rating: ✺✺✺
LinksGoodreads
Review: A woman on the run meets a man willing to fight to protect her.

We've met Dale in a previous book and I was curious to see how his tale would go. The first two installments of this series had fairly unique plots and while this one has a more traditional theme, I enjoyed it just as much. It's a woman on the run from an abusive ex but there are some fun twists added to it.

This book has a fairly strong level of tension, probably even more than the first two of the series. From the very first few pages it's clear to see that something big is going to happen. It's to be expected when people tell lies and hold dangerous secrets. I paid close attention but was still surprised when the space "junk" hit the fan, so to speak. The ex-husband really was a villain I could despise. In all, it was a great read!




Title: Trapped with the Cyborg
Author: Cara Bristol
Genre/Age: Sci Fi Romance/Adult
SeriesCy-Ops Sci Fi Romance Series (Book Four)
Publisher: Self-published
Format: ebook via Purchase
Rating: ✺✺✺✺.5
LinksGoodreads
Review: A partnership made in the stars...

Sonny is on an assignment but it isn't one he's comfortable with. Not only is his partner in this practically-a-suicide-mission a female, but she's one that he can't help but be attracted to. She's perfect for him and knowing she is about to be in perilous danger has him wanting to call the whole thing off.

Too bad for Sonny because Amanda isn't about to lose this chance to get the location of one of the most notorious intergalactic terrorists. She's willing to do this mission on her own if necessary. But when things go awry, Amanda sure is glad that she isn't alone. If only she and Sonny could escape with their lives, then maybe there is a chance of a relationship developing between them. But that's a big 'if' since danger lurks in the most unsuspecting of places.

This was a really fun read. The first part was a surprise and while it was easy to figure out the secret here, I didn't mind. I enjoyed watching our couple make a giant and fantastically delicious mistake. And it was also pretty entertaining to watch them discover the truth, too.

The romance steadily grows throughout the story but it's really the plot that explodes on the digital pages. Then our characters are thrust into one scene after another. There is plenty of action and suspense, plus a little bit of mystery. I think this pair is my second favorite couple in this series but this plot might be my favorite just because it was so intense. 

I have enjoyed this entire series and this happens to be my last of the available books right now. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.



Title: Taken for the Alien Prince
Author: Ruth Anne Scott
Genre/Age: Sci Fi Romance/Adult
Series: None
Publisher: Self-published
Format: ebook via Author
Rating: ✺✺✺.5
LinksGoodreads
Review: A quick and mostly pleasant read.

The last thing Layla remembers before waking up tied down to a stone is her memory of running away from something. A strange alien man visits her but leaves her with even more questions. Then when the reality of her situation is exposed, Layla learns that she has been chosen to be the mate of the youngest alien prince of the planet she currently resides. Yikes.

This isn't a long story yet it does get a bit complex. We're thrust right into the action as some of the story has already happened before we're introduced to our characters. And we really only get to know the heroine here. The hero remains a mystery even until the last few pages. There is a pretty high level of suspense here because we don't know much about the customs of these people and some of them are strange. Even dangerous. 

As for the romance, it felt quick to form because most of it happens off-screen and we don't really see it. But for such a short story, I thought it wrapped up pretty well. It impressed me enough that I continued reading the second book that was included and now I'm starting one of the author's other sci fi series. So this was a nice introduction to her writing.

Excerpt & Tour: The Debt Series by M. O'Keefe


DEBT_SERIES_blogtour



The Debt Duet by Molly O'Keefe is LIVE! 

Start the series for FREE!

"[T]otally one-clickable!" — J. Kenner NYT and Internationally Best Selling Author

"Angsty and beyond beautifully written, Molly O'Keefe has created Tommy, a hero unlike any other I've read. He's perfect. He's heartbreaking. He's in my heart forever." - Ilsa Madden-Mills, WSJ Bestselling Author








NOTE: Adult Content Ahead

“What do you want, Tommy?” she breathed. So close. So beautiful. With her free hand she took off her glasses and tossed them on the ground. Her eyes, lined in black liner raked over me.

And mine raked over her.

“You,” I said, so raw I was practically inside out. “Just once.”

She laughed low in her throat. “You have a few questions you want answered, do you?” she asked.

“Don’t you?”

“God yes.”

She stepped forward until she was nearly touching me. It took my inhale for my chest to brush hers. I exhaled and our bodies retreated. She inhaled and we touched. Exhaled and retreated.

We each did it again. And then again. Breathing each other in, in turns. Finally it wasn’t enough and I stepped toward her, and my cock pressed against her stomach and she pushed against me. Her breasts and belly imprinted on my skin.

“One time,” she said. “One time and we go back to our lives and get on with things. I’m going to forget you, Tommy. And you’re going to forget me.”

I doubted it, but I wasn’t going to argue. Not with my dick pushed up against the tight muscles of her stomach. Not with her breath, sweet from the pop and the candy she’d eaten, making me crazy.

“I’m serious, Tommy,” she said as if she could read my mind. “I don’t want to be hurt anymore, and I really, really don’t want to hurt you anymore. Promise you’ll forget me.”

“I promise,” I said, because when threatened with the idea of hurting her, I’d agree to anything to stop that. “I’ll forget you, right after I fuck you.”






THE DEBT is FREE!

TheDebt_Promo1

LOVE AND SECOND CHANCES ARE NEVER FREE

For the five kids who live at St. Jude’s Home for Court Placed Juveniles, life is a nightmare.

Carissa, the youngest, has been there the longest. And barely speaks.

Rosa is sixteen and pregnant.

Simon keeps his head down and studies, hoping to get back the life he lost.

Beth and Tommy, in the middle of the darkness, have found each other, and all they want is to be together. But when they get caught making out at school, it puts everyone in danger. Tommy is used to the beatings from their foster father, but when Beth is singled out for punishment, Tommy can’t sit back and let it happen.

AND ALL DEBTS MUST BE PAID

What happens that night rips apart the lives of the five teenagers forever.

After the blood has been spilled, a bargain is made. A deal with the devil that should have solved things. It should have fixed everything.

But nothing is free - not love, not innocence, and certainly not freedom. And sooner or later, all debts must be paid...

MOLostWithYouBookCover6x9_HIGH

BUY NOW!
Amazon ➤ http://amzn.to/2qkAUAX 
Google Play ➤ http://bit.ly/2qT4bDX
     
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Amazon ➤ http://amzn.to/2qkC5jM 
Google Play ➤ http://bit.ly/2rRVdr6


Molly O'Keefe is an award-winning author of over 30 romance novels. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her family and the largest heap of dirty laundry in North America. Sign up for her newsletter to get release day news, exclusive excerpts, sale announcements and in-depth author interviews!

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Sales Blitz: The Blasphemy Series by Laura Kaye


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Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…


12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…


Laura Kaye’s first two books in the Blasphemy series are FREE on all retailers through July 4! And with the third book, EYES ON YOU, releasing on July 18, it's the perfect time to dive into a sexy new series and meet the Masters of Blasphemy, a world of infinite fantasies just for you!


From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…



About Bound to Submit (Blasphemy #1):

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Grab your FREE eBook copy of Bound to Submit today!

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2soW26e

Add to your Goodreads



About MASTERING HER SENSES (Blasphemy #2):

He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…

Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…

When an accident leaves Cassia Locke with a paralyzing fear of the dark, she’ll try anything to get help. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.

Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.

Grab your FREE eBook copy of Mastering Her Senses today!


Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2kP4IAr

Add to your Goodreads


And pre-order you copy of EYES ON YOU, coming July 18th, today!



About EYES ON YOU (Blasphemy #3):

She wants to explore her true desires, and he wants to watch…

When a sexy stranger asks Wolf Henrikson to rescue her from a bad date, he never expected to want the woman for himself. But their playful conversation turns into a scorching one-night stand that reveals the shy beauty gets off on the idea of being seen, even if she’s a little scared of it, too. And Wolf loves to watch.

In the wake of discovering her fiancé’s infidelity, florist Olivia Foster never expected to find someone who not only understood her wildest, darkest fantasies, but would bring them to life. As Wolf introduces her to his world at the play club, Blasphemy, Liv finds herself tempted to explore submission and exhibitionism with the hard-bodied Dom even as she’s scared to trust again.

But Wolf is a master of getting what he wants—and he’s got his eyes set on her…


Other retailers coming 10/18


Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.


Evernight Publishing Book Blast: Easy by Jordan S. Gray


Title: Easy
Author: Jordan S. Gray
Genre/Age: Contemporary Romance/NA
Series: Labeled Series (Book Two)
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
LinksGoodreads
Synopsis: It’s been an entire month since Shayler Thompson has orgasmed from something not made out of silicone. If her sour mood is any indication, she needs to get laid like yesterday. So when she walks up to a sexy nerd at the bar and propositions him, it seems like a great idea. Until he rejects her and calls her easy.

Still reeling from his hurtful words, Shayler is surprised to find that the nerd, David, is a Teacher Assistant for the one college class she’s totally embarrassing herself in. When he offers to help her study, she accepts, thinking that maybe she’ll get laid after all. But David isn’t into casual sex, and Shayler refuses any sort of commitment. With enough chemistry to light his dumb Prius on fire, she’s sure one of them will eventually give in… She just really hopes it won’t be her.


NOTE: Adult Content Ahead
“I’ve never brought anyone here before,” she confessed. “Aside from friends, I mean. No guys.”

“Why?” He sat down next to her.

“Because if a guy comes over, it’s likely they’ll want to take a shower and stay overnight and have breakfast like they’re the fucking mouse in that kids book about rodents eating cookies.”

He pushed back a piece of her hair and lifted her chin so that she was looking at him. “But you want me here.”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

“Good? That’s it? You’re not gonna keep asking me why?”

“Not unless you want me to.”

“No, but—”

“I don’t care why you want me here,” he said, his tone firm. “I only care that you want me.”

His words simmered in her veins until she couldn’t take it anymore. Sitting up taller, she hooked her arms around his neck and brought herself closer to him. His breath was hot on her face, and his hands were even hotter on her waist. She grazed her lips on his, the tension so delicate that she feared it could be shattered.

Goosebumps ran up and down her bare arms and legs, and she shook softly. He closed the small gap and moved his mouth gently with hers. The kiss burned slowly through her, starting in the pit of her stomach and growing outward until she was sure she’d turn into a pile of ashes.

He cradled her head with one hand, but the other stayed on her waist. It was so sweet, reminiscent of a first kiss. Not the kind she’d had, when she’d gone to a pool party in sixth grade and someone had dared Jeremy Adams to kiss her, but like in the movies, when two kids knew they were meant for one another and shared a kiss in their early years. It was unsure, unsteady, but life altering.

Shayler moved forward, knocking David onto her pillows as she took the opportunity to straddle him. It was a natural position, one she was used to. But different. She wasn’t thinking about how her stomach looked, if she was working hard enough, or wondering if she tasted like the pizza she’d had for lunch.

All that mattered were his arms wrapped around her, his body underneath her, and his gaze that pierced into hers when she rested her forehead on his in order to take a breath. It was more consuming than anything she’d done before. And she had this awful feeling that all those years she’d spent thinking she was living were really spent waiting for this one moment, when she was finally alive.

David’s hands slipped under her shirt and stroked her spine. Shayler arched into him, holding on tighter. As he ran his fingers over her hips and back, Shayler let out a shuddering breath, unable to close her eyes.

He was beautiful. He was … everything. Her chest tightened, and she searched his face. Words had lodged themselves in her throat, and no matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t figure out what they were, couldn’t spit them out. They stayed on her tongue.

“Shayler,” he whispered.

She struggled to keep herself pushed up, her elbows shaking the longer she stayed there. But she wanted to keep looking at him, to keep hearing him.

“Shayler,” he repeated a little louder. “I love you.”


Jordan S Gray is a full time mother, college student, and writer. She never did grow out of that emo stage and considers punk music, coffee, and Taylor Swift to be the necessary fuel for her writing. If you happen to run into her at the library or book store, the only places she leaves the house for, she's probably dressed head to toe in black. Actually, if it weren't for the purple hair, she would probably be shunned as a total goth- not that she has a problem with that.

PRUDE is her debut novel, and its standalone sequel, EASY, released in January 2017. You can stalk her online via Twitter @JordanStephanie where she procrastinates most of her adult responsibilities and all of her schoolwork.

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