Full Series Review of The Artist Trilogy by Karina Halle

Reviewed by Tabatha

 

On Every Street (Book .5)  ✰✰✰✰✰

On Every Street is a prequel to the Artist Trilogy, and I highly recommend that you start here.  You will get to know more about what has shaped Ellie.  This book was an emotional roller coaster for me and it did give me tears. I'm so glad I read this before I started on Sins & Needles, because I felt like I really got to know Ellie better this way. I wanted a bit more confrontation with her and Javier at the end, but I'm glad she got a bit of sweet revenge.  I'm excited to continue on with this series, and I know I'm in store for some amazing things given this fantastic start.

Sins and Needles (Book 1)  ✰✰✰✰✰

Holy freaking cliff hanger, but a fantastic read!

First off I am not a fan of cliff hanger books, but I'm oh so glad I gave this series a shot! I love that both Ellie and Camden are flawed, and I didn't see some of the twists coming in this one! This book had some great lines in it that I just loved.

“It wasn't a goodbye kiss, it was the opposite. It was the start of something that would last forever.”

“I can't ever lose what I just felt." He kissed my cheek. "I'm afraid if I did, I'd come looking for you too. I'm afraid I can relate...to him.”

I thoroughly enjoyed that this was more story driven than sex/lust. It was also refreshingly original. I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next!

Shooting Scars (Book 2)   ✰✰✰✰

This was a good, but not great follow up to Sins and Needles. It does have another cliff hanger moment at the end, but I knew it was coming with one more book coming out soon. I think this one just got to me, because I'm firmly team Camden and Javier makes me want to punch his lights out. I've felt really sorry for Ellie through out much of this series, but her actions in this one made me question her sanity. I will admit that her too stupid to live moments aggravated me to no end.

Anyway...I still can't wait to read the last book in the series, and hopefully I'll be much happier with the conclusion. :)

 Bold Tricks (Book 3)   ✰✰✰✰✰

My mind is blown! I really want to do this review justice, but all I have to say is just how fantastic I think this book is!! These characters are flawed, but they stole my heart, and I think the best love stories come from characters like these. This one, like the previous books, is an emotional roller coaster and I shed a few tears. I'm not going to spoil anything for those of you who are going to read it, but just know that this trilogy is amazing and I absolutely loved this conclusion to Ellie's story.

Seriously, you guys must read this series.

If you'd like to check out more about this series or Karina's other books, please head over to her website.

http://www.authorkarinahalle.com

Amazon  ~ Barnes & Noble

The Devil's Reprise (Devils #2) by Karina Halle

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Reviewed by Tabatha

The Devil's Reprise gets 5 completely enthusiastic and freaking scary as hell stars from me. Guys... it was sooo very good! Karina's amazingly talented writing was yet again mind-fuckingly brilliant in this second book of her Devils series. I'm going to warn you that this one felt much darker, because we have a dual point of view going on between Sage and Dawn. I think this gave the reader better insight into what was going on with them emotionally, as well as show us the other half of the puzzle too. It turns out that The Devil's Metal was just the calm before the storm, and Sage and Dawn really need to be more careful about what they wish for because you never know who may be listening...

"Self-entitled rock star who is drowning in his own self-loathing, handing out favors for the pity party?"

Sage is in a downward spiral after the events from The Devil's Metal, and it seems as though all of his hope is gone. The constant guilt is crushing him, and the only one who can really save him has a battle all her own that she never anticipated coming. Dawn has no idea she made a deal with the devil, but as events start to unfold she becomes more and more aware that there is no escaping her fate.

"It didn't matter where I was, though-—my head was too scary a place, the doom and possibilities threatening my thoughts at every turn."

I just simply adore these two and even though they have gone through hell together, the ride is not over for them quite yet. The months they spent apart didn't diminish the intensity of their connection, but is it going to be enough to pull these guys through the horrors that are lurking in the shadows?

"She was the song and I was the composer, and I knew all the right notes to hit, again and again and again until her nails were digging into my arms, begging for me to stop, to let her catch her breath. But we were only getting started."

Overall, I have to say that this was a totally unique read, and a ride I never wanted to get off no matter how freaked out I got reading it. Dawn, Sage, Jacob, and Max are all fantastic characters, and I really want another book to help resolve some of the lingering storyline. I can't say anything more for this review for fear of spoiling things, but I really do hope Karina writes another book. I definitely suggest you check this series out guys, and I will leave you with some parting words from the sexy rock star...

"My love for yous sings, and it's a song that will never stop playing." 

If you'd like to check out more about this series or Karina's other books, please head over to her website.

http://www.authorkarinahalle.com 

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Back to Buckhorn (Buckhorn Brothers #7) by Lori Foster

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Reviewed by Tabatha

I'm happy to say this is a case where the story can be completely predictable, but yet still immensely enjoyable because the characters are so well developed. I've always loved Foster's talent for her exceedingly well developed characters, so this came as no surprise to me. Now was I blown away by the plot? Unfortunately I'm afraid not, because things were all just a bit too obvious. But I will say that it was a cute reuniting of friends that quickly become lovers story that I found to be completely charming.

Garrett was sexy as sin just like his father and uncle's were when I read the previous Buckhorn books, so I was happy to see him carrying on that great tradition of sexy good looks paired with a sweet demeanor. I also loved that little bit of dirty talk he had going on underneath all that good boy charm. Zoey is a free spirit and so very kind-hearted that I simply adored her. She is going through quite a lot when she moves back to Buckhorn, but yet she is able to hold her head high and embrace life as it comes. These two were a fantastic pair, and I am happy that his sister Amber was pushing them both in each others direction. :) I thought that Amber was a fun character, so I'm eager to see where things go with her and Noel in the future. *winks* Like she said..."The bigger they are, the harder they fall."

*I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Lori Foster, please head over to her website.

http://www.lorifoster.com/

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble 

Mine (Real #2) by Katy Evans

Reviewed by Tabatha  ✰✰✰

 

I really don't want to write this review, because I wanted to just absolutely love this continuation of the story with Brooke & Remy. He is still an amazing character in my eyes, so I'm definitely glad I got to read more with him. The part about this book that bothered me the most was unfortunately Brooke. She was driving me nuts, and that is never a good thing when the book is from that character's view point. Her fixation on his body... yeah I get that. Her need to express her devotion and obsessive love for him... again I get that. Her jealousy though... yeah that was incredibly annoying. You broke up with him and crushed his heart, so you can't be mad with what he does to get himself over you. You just can't...

Anyway, this book felt much like a repeat of the first one, but with a new twist added in. I would have liked to read more actual conversation between Brooke and Remy, rather than constant sex scenes when they are together. I refuse to give any spoilers, but I do have to say that I was delighted by that twist that was thrown in. :) Brooke's irrational behavior was just a big issue for me, but I still love this series. What made this book for me was hands down Remy. He did what he had to do despite making very tough decisions. *blissful sigh* He is such a great character! Overall, this one didn't meet my (almost too high) expectations, but Remy is one of my favorite characters so I can't wait to continue reading this series in his POV. 

Reviewed by Erica  ✰✰✰✰

 

I really liked this book. A lot. However, I can see why a lot of people didn't care for it, although honestly all the scenting and animalistic behavior was present in the first book, so if that drove you crazy in Real, why did you read the second one? Anywho, I digress. Remy is really something else. Brooke is really something else. To see the two of them come together in the most permanent of ways as a couple is just romantic, sweet, hot and very emotional when you see the two of them fighting to get Remy through his black times. It read very quickly for me. Was Brooke's jealousy annoying? Yes. Was it understandable? Yes. Did it ruin the book for me? No. I liked it a lot. I am honestly not really jumping up and down to read the last installment in this series because somehow I have a feeling that looking at their relationship through Remy's eyes won't be as romantic as looking at it through Brooke's, so I'll probably stop right...here. Definitely worth reading if you enjoyed Real, but just get ready for more scenting, meowing, roaring, grooming, licking...you know, all of that lion behavior. 

For more information on this series,  please check out Katy's website.

http://www.katyevans.net

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Beautiful Losers by Remittance Girl

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Reviewed by Tabatha

I'm not able to express a lot of flowery words about Beautiful Losers.  It was one of those books that will remain with you in both the best and worst of ways.  Let me start by saying that this book was exceedingly well written, and it just absolutely gutted me. 

I've only had one other book be able to evoke that kind of emotion out of me, and this one just... I have no words. This was such an amazing read so I highly recommend it to you, but don't go into it expecting a HEA because the end is just devastating. 

I fear that this one is going to haunt me for a long time. It was heart-breakingly beautiful.  

If you'd like to check out more about this or other books by Remittance Girl, please head over to her website. 

http://www.remittancegirl.com

Amazon 

 

 

The Devil's Metal (Devils #1) by Karina Halle

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 This was such a crazy and intense ride!  I, like I have with all the other Halle books I've read, sat down and read it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I swear it is just the amazing way that Karina writes, but her books captivate me in such a way that my attention cannot be swayed elsewhere. She is mind-fuckingly brilliant...no joke, she really is. The Devil's Metal was a serious head trip and even quite scary at times too, but I loved every minute of it.

“There is no later. There never was. Later is something that's used up with the lazy belief that there's always a tomorrow.”

This story takes us back to 1974 at the perfect time for rock and roll (in my personal opinion), and it is about Dawn (Rusty), a budding journalist, snatching up a golden opportunity to go on tour with one of her favorite up and coming bands, Hybrid. These guys are gritty and your typical excess-loving rock stars, but something lurks beneath the surface and Dawn notices that things aren't quite right with the band. As events unfold and things get downright scary, Dawn isn't so sure she safe anymore but she also realizes it's to late to leave too.

"It's dangerous to meet your idols. You'll always be disappointed.”

I'm not going to do any spoilers for this, but I'm going to guaranty you paranormal lovers out there will enjoy this read. It's full of suspense and mystery, and it is such a dark and twisted tale. The cast of characters are complex and unique, and the writing is just downright amazing. I am so eager to get started on the next book, that I'm cutting this review short to get started! lol I'll leave you with some parting words from the band's manager Jacob...

"It's rock and roll, Rusty. Anything that can happen, will happen. Even the impossible."

If you'd like to check out more about this series or Karina's other books, please head over to her website.

http://www.authorkarinahalle.com 

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble 

Turn Up the Heat Anthology by Lori Foster, Christie Ridgway, and Victoria Dahl

Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I just love to read anthologies because I get to preview new to me authors along with some I know. This anthology consisted of three pretty fast reading novellas with two new to me authors. Each was a good read, but one definitely stood out from the pack.

Love Won't Wait by Lori Foster   ✰✰✰

Definitely a good read, but not my favorite of Foster's. Brick was cute and I loved the clear communication he had with Merrily (hate that name though). They both go into the relationship with clear expectations, and things evolve from there. Pretty typical storyline, and nothing I haven't read before.

Beach House Beginnings by Christie Ridgway  ✰✰

Ridgway is a new to me author, and I so wanted to like this story because all the right components were there. Lost love, heartache, new love with lots of emotions... but the story didn't work for me. The characters seemed kind of flat and it was a tad on the cheesy side when it could have been a great emotional read instead.

Strong Enough to Love by Victoria Dahl  ✰✰✰✰

Another new to me author, and this was the strongest point in the book for me, because it was written quite beautifully. It was jam packed with emotions and had me in tears, because I could really feel Eve's frustration and all of her heartache. Brian was only doing what he felt was right and honorable. Unfortunately his actions didn't keep him from hurting Eve in the worst way, but he knows this. She's spent the last two years with terrible what if questions and not being able to move on because she knows he was it for her. I know some might think that things moved fast where her forgiveness was concerned, but with so much emotion going on in this story I could see why she wouldn't punish him or herself anymore by keeping him away.

*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to check out more from these authors, please visit their websites.

http://www.lorifoster.com/ 

http://www.christieridgway.com/index.html 

http://www.victoriadahl.com/ 

 

Amazon  ~ Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

A Single Knight by Lexxie Couper

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

Lord love a duck!! Don't you just love it when an author takes a secondary character you loved from a previous book and writes a story for them! :) We met Addison in Sunset Heat, and I was so very happy to have him get his own story (even if it was a short one). 

  

Addison is supposed to be heading to his cousin's bachelor party, but he finds himself at a party in the company of a red headed siren he is undeniably drawn to. :) Casey tagged along with her cousin Sharon to the party, and while playing a game of suck and blow, she decides to throw caution to the wind and kiss the hunky knight of the realm. 

Now guys... I will tell you that the chemistry and heat between these two is off the charts! Really... it is sooo very good!  The story is about one intensely hot night, but I want sooo much more with these two! 

 Pretty please Lexxie???

If you'd like to check out more about this and Lexxie's other books, please head over to her website. 

http://www.lexxiecouper.com 

Amazon 

A Promise of More (The Disgraced Lords #2) by Bronwen Evans

Reviewed by Tabatha  ✰✰✰✰✰

 

A Promise of More was better than the first book in this series, and I had already thought that A Kiss of Lies was great!  I really think I have discovered a new favorite author for regency romance in Bronwen Evans.   From her exceedingly well developed characters, to her complicated yet very steamy plots, Evans is a true master at crafting an amazing books that leave her readers wanting more. 

We met Sebastian briefly in A Kiss of Lies when Christian and Serena stop in Jamaica.  He is there hiding out there after a duel gone wrong sent him fleeing from England.  Upon his arrival back to England, he is met with the sister of the man he is accused of murdering in the duel.  Beatrice has nowhere else to turn, and she is determined to keep her family out of the poor house.  She decides that the only thing she can do is to sacrifice herself to her brother’s killer and hope that his sense of honor will be their saving grace.  Given his parents volatile relationship, Sebastian believes that love has no place in a marriage, so Beatrice’s proposal of a marriage of convenience is immensely appealing.  From Beatrice's perspective, she has never experienced what real love is, so she feels like she won’t be missing anything by following through with her plan.  What neither of them expected was for love to become a factor in their marriage, and their lives to be further complicated with someone seeking revenge against Sebastian and his friends. 

I have to say that Sebastian and Beatrice were just such an adorable couple.  I loved how she sought out to make him love her despite her inexperience, and I most especially loved how Sebastian fought his internal war against falling in love in vain.  Overall, this second installment of the Disgraced Lords series was such an amazingly fun read, and I think each book in this series will only get better as the plot thickens.  We even caught a glimpse of the person who is set out to discredit and ruin the Libertine Scholars, but how far are they willing to go for revenge is the question.  I’m looking forward to where the next book goes with Grayson and Portia, so please hurry with its release! 

Reviewed by Kim  ✰✰✰✰✰

 

Wow, where to begin! I loved this and I love The Disgraced Lords Series. This book offers everything, from love, romance, heat, mystery, it just simply has it all. The detail of the historical facts that the author provides is amazing. You can tell through reading that Bronwen Evans really takes the time to get not only the romance portion of the story correct but also the historical portion. I think I actually like this installment better, the characters were even more unlikely than in the first installment, although I loved that one as well. "Henpeck Hennesy" is one of the strongest female characters that I've read in a long time. I love the vulnerability that is underlying with Sebastian and that with her love he is able to deal with and move past it. And the intrigue...it's like icing on the cake! 

*Both copies were received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review*

For more information on this series and Bronwen's other books, please check out her website.

http://www.bronwenevans.com/ 

Amazon  ~ Barnes & Noble

His to Keep (Out of Uniform 1.5) by Katee Robert

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

His to Keep was a sexy friends to lovers novella that I think packed a whole lot of steam into such a short story.  I really do love the trope of the girl falling for her best friend’s brother, and Marcy has had her eye on her best friend Erin’s brother Aaron since she was seventeen.   What she just hadn’t realized, was that he had had his eye on her for just as long.  Unfortunately the timing was never right for these two until now, and Aaron isn’t about to let his long-awaited chance with Marceline go without a fight. 

These two shared some extremely heated moments, but reality keeps crashing in on Marcy once she remembered all that she has struggled with as a single mom to provide stability for her daughter.  I really admired Marcy’s sacrifices for her daughter, but I also enjoyed Aaron’s persistence as well.  I thought that these two had great chemistry together, and the back story with them really worked out well.  Now while I thought the epilogue was sweet, it was just a tad too much over the top for me.  Overall, I think that this was a quick and steamy read with easy to love characters that will leave you with a smile on your face.

*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to check out more about this series or Katee's other books, please head over to her website.

http://kateerobert.wordpress.com/ 

Amazon  ~ Barnes & Noble

Tangled (Tangled #1) by Emma Chase

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Reviewed by Tabatha 

 

Rarely do I find that a book lives up to the hype, but this one really did for me and I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner!  Tangled was such a unique read, and I just loved being inside Drew's head.  I generally don't like first person point of view books as a rule, but this was done in such a unique and refreshing way that I was captivated by it.  I actually loved the whole book being from Drew’s perspective, and he had me laughing so hard all while still making me want to slap him upside the head too. 

You kind of feel like a voyeur in Drew’s life the way the story is told, and being inside a man whore’s head when he falls in love was just too funny for words!  The way he communicates with the reader was fascinating, and it was just too much fun watching him struggle to get his girl.  What I honestly loved the most about Tangled, was just how realistic it felt.  Drew doesn’t get the girl right away and has to work for her, which goes totally against the grain for him.   He’s used to being able to have anything he desires and this is the challenge of his life, because she is the one and he can’t let her slip away.  I have to say that the cast of secondary characters were just as great as Drew himself, and I felt like they really rounded out the story well.  What this all boils down to, is that this was an overall great book and I’m going to highly suggest you all give Drew a chance.

*I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to check out more about this series or Emma's other books, please head over to her website.

http://www.emmachase.net/ 

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

No Accounting For Cowboys (Grady Legacy Book 2) by Leah Braemel

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Reviewed by Erica

I loved it. It was a WONDERFUL pick-me-up as it put a big old goofy sappy smile on my face! 

You really do need to read the first book (Slow Ride Home) in order to get maximum enjoyment out of the second one; however, if it's been a while since you read the first one (like me) or you just like to read out of order, the author does a spectacular job in providing a recap of what happened with Jake and Ben and Gabe in the first book so you have a good idea of what's going on, even if it takes a bit to get there. The setting, as with all of Ms. Braemel's books, is spot-on. It's the tiny attention to detail that really makes you wonder if the author has actually lived in Texas, from the food that is eaten to way the houses are built to the descriptions of the scenery. It's a true Texan cowboy setting without being all "aw, shucks, ma'am" and corny cowboy romance.

Paige is by far my favorite part of this book. It has been a long time since I read a book with a strong female lead that I liked as much...where I felt like I would truly like her as a person if I met her. She actually reminds me of a friend of mine with her tipped hair, piercings and stylish clothing, but her ability to meet a challenge head-on and rise above it, no matter what, was amazing and I loved how she knew just the way to handle Jake without creating drama.

However, that being said, this is Jake's story. This book starts with Jake and ends with Jake. He goes through a lot during the story in finding out who he is both literally and figuratively and there is a lot that happens between him and the people in his lives. There is so much depth to him and so much love inside him to give to his family and to Paige. It's wonderful to read.

The story is full of twists and turns that weave together to create a truly awesome story which will have you tapping your e-reader faster and faster to find out what happens next. The developing relationship between Jake and Paige is really romantic, sweet and HOT. I marked this both erotica and vanilla romance because of the detail that goes into the sex scenes even though it is pretty vanilla sex, but when done right like this one was, there's nothing wrong with a classic vanilla!

The bottom line is that this is a great book and if you like Ms. Braemel's writing style and liked Slow Ride Home, you will greatly enjoy this one as well. If you live in Texas, you will love all the little details that are put in that will remind you of all the things that make our great state GREAT. The only thing that I felt was lacking was a little cleaner editing job as I spotted a lot of punctuation and syntax errors, but it's not glaring enough that it's distracting.

Two thumbs up, Leah! Great job!

*I received a review copy of this from the author in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to check out more about this series or Leah's other books, please head over to her website.

leahbraemel.com

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

A Kiss of Lies (The Disgraced Lords #1) by Bronwen Evans

 

Reviewed by Tabatha  ✰✰✰✰

This was my first book from Bronwen Evans, and it will certainly not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical, and it was just as exciting as it was sweet and sexy as well. I loved the character development, and all the intrigue this book had going on too. I only had two areas that nagged me a bit. I thought that it was a bit too long and could have used some trimming down, because I found myself skimming and I never do that. I was also slightly disappointed with the cliff hanger ending leading into the next book, but I think that is a story line that we will see going through the series until the end. Overall, it was a delightful read full of suspense, emotion, and heat. I can’t wait to read the next book to see where the story goes from here with the secondary characters.

 

Reviewed by Kim  ✰✰✰✰✰

 

 This is the best historical I've read in quite a while. It was exciting, sexy, sweet, just amazing all the way around. I'm extremely impressed with the historical accuracy that I found in some parts of the book. I was so pleasantly surprised when the author noted the difference in dress between a governess and a Lady. Most authors don't note it so I was stunned and thrilled to see this. The characters were full of life, the movement of the whole book was fast but not so fast that you get lost, it was the perfect blend of keeping up the excitement without losing the details. I can't wait to read the next installments of this series! 

For more information on this series and Bronwen's other books, please check out her website.

http://www.bronwenevans.com/

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Purely Professional by Elia Winters

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Reviewed by Tabatha 

This story was engaging, well written, and very steamy making it an absolute pleasure to read and a great debut from this author. 

Bridget and Max are neighbors, and they have been flirting shamelessly since Max moved in next door. When Bridget has to do research for her job into the BDSM culture, she finds a reluctant Max to help introduce her while pushing them both past their boundaries into something more than either of them expected. 

I thought that the two characters had great chemistry together and, although we get a HFN ending, I think that it was actually the perfect length for this story. I'd be very interested to read where their relationship goes from this point. Overall, I think for a short story that this one was delightful. I definitely recommend it and I look forward to what this author writes in the future as well.

*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to check out more about this book, please head over to Elia's website.

http://www.eliawinters.com