Mastering a Sinner (The Sinners Club #3) by Kate Pearce

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

On principle, I generally steer clear of FemDom books simply because they've never been my cup of tea. I've had one or two authors who have written them in a way that has worked for me in the past, but this one missed the mark. Sadly, I was kind of ambivalent reading Mastering a Sinner, and it wasn't the fact that Diana was a Domme. I honestly just couldn't connect with these two characters, and I frankly didn't think enough was spent on them to make me emotionally engaged in their relationship. For all the time they spent kinking it up, they simply didn't have enough intimate moments together to make me believe they fell in love. Lust...absolutely, but definitely not love because they really lacked a true emotional connection.

It's all rather unfortunate, because I think that this series has been really great so far. Mastering a Sinner had all the same level of intrigue and mystery going on, which quite surprised a few times, but I just didn't care one wit if these two could actually work things out between them. Alistair character was weak. It wasn't because he craved being dominated in the bedroom, but because he seemed exceedingly weak willed where his brother was concerned. Harry demonstrated time and time again that he had no love for Alistair, and I couldn't grasp as to why he put up with Harry at all. That above all was the biggest issue I think I had. I really understood his reasoning for craving dominance in the bedroom, and boy did he, but aside from his unwavering loyalty (for all save Harry) his character was just not all that appealing to me.

Overall, I think you can see that I didn't enjoy these characters, but I'm definitely going to continue on with this series though. There were some new revelations that come about that left me interested to see where things lead from here.

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

 For more information about this series or Kate's books, please check out her website.

http://www.katepearce.com/

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Dinner at Eight (Sunday Night Dinner Club #3) by Jess Dee

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I've said it over and over again how talented of a writer I believe Jess Dee to be, but this book is simply incredible. Dinner at Eight is a powerful and moving story, and I loved each and every moment of it. Jess has never been one to shy away from an emotional story, which is why I love her so much, but this one had so much more depth to it than any of her previous books with maybe the exception of her Circle of Friends series. What made this book so special for me was the subject matter. Ava feels broken inside. She put her trust in the wrong man and now, although she is just going through the motions of living life and taking back what pieces she can, she still feels that some aspects of her previous life are never going to come back again because she just can't trust others and most of all herself.

When Jared, her long-time best friend, returns from being in the states for the last year and a half, you can automatically tell by her reaction to him that they have an undeniable and very powerful connection. Ava is such a deeply strong character, but she also had this hidden vulnerability too that just nearly breaks your heart as you find out more about what happened during her marriage. I also don't think anyone else could have been more compassionate or caring towards Ava as Jared was. He holds the title as my second favorite hero ever, because of his unwavering support and love for Ava as she pushes to take back all aspects of her life. You know, I'm amazed that it took so long for them to get together, but then again I honestly think that the timing was quite perfect as well.

Overall, I feel that Dee has something pretty amazing here that you should all read. It is an emotional roller coaster, but when you get to the end it will leave you with a smile and a warm fuzzy feeling inside. So needless to say, Jess Dee delivered in a BIG way with Dinner at Eight, and I promise you guys are going to love every single moment of it just as I did.

*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest review*

For more information about this series or Jess's books, please check out her website.

http://www.jessdee.com/

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Unconditional (Always #1) by Cherie M. Hudson

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

This one had all the perfect elements to make it a really great read and I absolutely loved this heartwarming story. It had a very original plot with well developed characters, and I laughed just as much as I cried. Emotions were definitely deep in this one, and wow did these two pack a punch in the chemistry department! The heat between them is intense and no matter how much Maci holds herself back, Raph isn't going to let her get away. Honestly, what I think I loved most about this book was just how real it felt. It handles a real life type situation, and we know going into it that the HEA is going to be difficult for these guys. Facing reality isn't going to be easy, but love is unconditional and that is exactly what this story reminds you. Definitely give this one a read guys, because I know you will love it too!

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

For more information about this series or Cherie's upcoming books, please check out her website.

http://cheriemhudson.wordpress.com/

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Eternal Brand (Wild Crush #3) by Sami Lee

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

Eternal Brand is a complicated, but yet heartwarming read. It felt so real, and I could relate with all of the characters. It was an emotional roller coaster of push and pull where on the one hand you wanted Emily to just be with Bran, but then on the other you wanted her to just be with Jet, but even furthermore you wanted her to be with both of them because the three of them really worked well together. Like I said, it was a roller coaster of emotions and I enjoyed every moment. Had I been the one in Emily shoes, I don't know how I would have felt when faced with her boyfriend's former lover showing up to try to rekindle their relationship. From the start, it was undeniable that she had an attraction to Jet on a sexual level, but you could also see the progression of their very intimate connection that was further strengthened by their mutual love for Brand. Overall, I think that this is one of those sweet menage stories that is going to melt your heart. It's complicated and messy, but when things work out it leaves you with this warm feeling inside so you can't help but love it. Great job Sami, and I'm looking forward to reading more from you!

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

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

 

http://www.samilee.com 

 

 

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Breathless for You (Outback Skies #1) by Lexxie Couper

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

If you’ve read Lexxie’s Heart of Fame series like I have, because we all know that I’m a die-hard fan, then you might have noticed that our hero in this new Outback Skies series made an appearance in Blackthorne. There he melted all of our hearts when he stepped aside for Josh and Caitlin to live happily ever after, and I think that we were all hoping Matt would find his someone special very soon. Well guys, I have to tell you that Lexxie totally delivered the perfect girl for him with Natacha. Both of them are escaping from the lives that they left behind when they came to the Outback, but they find an undeniable connection that brings them together for some blistering hot moments.

I’m always so happy to see Lexxie carry her side characters into her other books; because she always writes such compelling characters you can’t help but want their stories too. The other aspect of her writing that I love so much is just how amazing she is at writing sexual tension between her characters. It’s a serious gift that she has, and I think everyone who reads her books would agree with me. Overall, I enjoyed this is a sexy, little novella and it left me craving so much more in only the way that Lexxie can. When you add together one sexy as sin doctor and one tight-pant, sassy pilot, the chemistry between these two will undoubtedly leave you breathless.

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

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

 

http://www.lexxiecouper.com 

 

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The Princess and the Porn Star by Lauren Gallagher

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

All I have to say is that the Princess and the Porn Star was a heck of a lot of fun to read, and I just couldn't put it down! The biggest thing that stuck out to me in this book was just how natural and real it felt. But that is also what I love most about Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt. She has definitely set herself apart from so many authors with her emotional and compelling characters, and she has landed herself on a very small list of auto-buy authors for me.

From the start of the book, I could totally picture a studio trying to help a star make the wrong type of comeback to break them out of a preconceived role. Using a porn star to do so just wasn't smart on their behalf *shaking head*, but it definitely drew attention to Olivia and brought Lee into the picture. This book was packed full of intense chemistry between Rachel and Lee! Whew it was off the charts guys! When they were dancing for the music video, I had to stop a few times and fan myself off. It was sizzling hot!

Now Olivia Taylor and Buck Harder maybe have been two mismatched people for Hollywood, but Rachel and Lee were beyond perfect for each other in the real world. I seriously couldn't get enough of these two! :) The Princess and the Porn star gets my seal of approval, and I definitely encourage you to give it a try. :) You won't be sorry!  

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

   

http://www.loriawitt.com/

 

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Starstruck (Bluewater Bay #1) by L.A. Witt

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I've enjoyed my previous reads from L.A. Witt, as well as her other pen name Lauren Gallagher, but this one came highly recommended to me by a friend. The one thing that drew my attention about this book the most, was that it was definitely more of an emotional read than a steaming hot one. Not that it detracted in anyway from my enjoyment, because honestly I enjoyed the slower pace with these guys, but I think that the book had a good natural progression with their relationship that was kind of refreshing. 

Levi and Carter were just so adorable together that you couldn't help but fall in love with them both. Levi has spent his near 40 years being in the closet, and Carter has been out and proud since his teens. They have both admired one another for their work for years, but the sparks ignite as soon as these two finally meet. It naturally took time for them to overcome some of their issues on both sides, but this made the story focused more about the building a relationship in a way that I found rather endearing.

Now I will admit, the story was a bit predictable as far as the plot went. On the other hand though, the characters were great and it was refreshing just how natural everything fell together. Overall, I'm excited to read more of this series and I can't wait to get back to Bluewater Bay!

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

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

 

http://www.loriawitt.com/ 

 

Amazon  ~ Barnes & Noble