Tag Archives: Violent Scene

Unexpected Allies (The Tokhan Brava Book 1)

By Peyton Banks

Synopsis

She was a bad b*tch—Her name sparked fear in those that had the nerve to run from her. Mila Petrovna was a soldier in the Tokhan Bratva, the most powerful crime family in New York City, run by her brother. She collected debts on behalf of her brother and the Bratva. It was Mila who ensured that the Bratva had deadly soldiers to fight. But who would be there to ensure that she was protected?

He’d had his eyes on her for a while. He knew that he shouldn’t want her but he was drawn to her. She was the sister of his rival and that should have meant that she would be off limits. Kole Bozovic was a man who knew what he wanted and went after it. After a brief meeting, he made the decision—she would be his.

The two were thrown together in the middle of a war and lines would be drawn. He’d laid a claim on her and no one would take what was his, even if they tried. War made one realize that some things were best left in the past. If they were to survive, they would have to work together.

Review

Firstly, I love the cover of Unexpected Allies, upon reading the first few chapters you can image both Mila and Kole. Both these characters had amazing chemistry and I had simply devoured their intense and fast-paced journey together.

This Mafia mystery story was well paced and the author wove it really well in amongst the love story that was growing between Mila and Kole. Kole showed such respect towards Mila and her strength as a woman but he gave her the emotional support she was yearning for. Mila and Kole’s lovemaking upon the pages is a balanced mix of passion, domination but also had those soft emotional and nurturing moments.

Mila’s brother Pasha was a great supporting character and I will be interested to read his story which is next and called Unexpected Chaos. Providing humour and friendship, I really enjoyed the loyal soldiers in this story.

This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed her style and flow. Whilst reading, the story did not get bogged down in the Mafia history and she allowed the characters to be strong yet also have a great family connection.

Unexpected Allies (The Tokhan Bratva Book 1)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Up In Smoke

By T M Frazier

Synopsis

I’m a man without a conscience.
I deal in murder and mayhem.
I’m the best at what I do.
Frankie Helburn is supposed to be an easy job.
A means to flush her father out of hiding.
Simple.
Except there isn’t anything simple about Frankie or the secrets she’s keeping.
She’s cocaine with legs. I’m addicted before I’ve even had a taste.
I might have her, but I can’t keep her.
But if her father doesn’t show his face, Frankie will be mine.
To KILL.

Review

Smoke and Frankie had me within the first few pages, I read this book in a day, could not put it down! The two characters emotional and physical connection will have you so invested in this story.

Frankie’s loneliness, vulnerability along with her sheer determination made my heart ache and pulse beat a million times a minute. Following Frankie’s journey with Smoke made me hate him yet also love him in the same chapter. The author wove such inner turmoil in these two characters you could not help but want them to find love with each other.

Running in the background is Smoke’s revenge centering around Frankie’s dad and what an intricate web of lies we are following. Whilst reading, I did not pick any of the twists and turns which is so typical of the King Series book I have read to date. It was great to see Bear, King, and Preppy again and see their friendship and humor is as strong as ever.

I am going to have to read Rage’s story with Nolan as she was a standout for me. Upon checking I see that Nine has the next story and I am looking forward to that too.

Up in Smoke is dark, it has moments of sheer terror and despair but then we are given beautiful moments that deliver hope for Smoke and Frankie. The two lonely and isolated characters were perfection on the page and the ending just mended my heart.

Up in Smoke

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Series Link: Click Here

Obsession Mine (Tormentor Mine #2)

By Anna Zaires

Synopsis

I stole her in the night. Caged her because I can’t live without her. She’s my love, my addiction, my obsession.

I will do anything to keep Sara mine.

Review

Whilst I did not enjoy this as much as book 1, it is still a great emotional rollercoaster read.

We take off exactly where book 1 finishes with the slight cliffhanger. The ending of this part finishes at a point that I think was necessary. I am very much looking forward to the final installment of this series. It is interesting that Julian Esguerra and Kent will be featured in the final story.

I really appreciate that we are given both POV from Peter and Sara again as it does help understand their inner turmoil.

I did find this story slowed at some points with all the second guessing but it does jump in considerable time whilst they are in hiding. This to me helped build their somewhat strange relationship and Sara’s friendship with Peter’s team.

I really would have loved to had a few chapters on the FBI and what is happening back in Sara’s hometown. How close are they to finding Peter and his team. Speaking of the team, this installment we definitely learn more about their history.

Finally, I really hope that the final installment that Sara becomes more certain of her feelings and starts voicing them to Peter, he has been so patient and I want them to be together.

Obsession Mine (Tormentor Mine #2)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Hostage (Criminals & Captives #2)

By Skye Warren & Annika Martin

Synopsis

I NEVER KNEW WHEN HE’D COME TO ME. ONLY THAT HE WOULD.

I’d never even kissed a boy the night I met Stone. The night I saw him kill. The night he spared my life. That was only the beginning.

He turns up in my car again and again, dangerous and full of raw power. “Drive,” he tells me, and I have no choice. He’s a criminal with burning green eyes, invading my life and my dreams.

The police say he’s dangerously obsessed with me, but I’m the one who can’t stop thinking about him. Maybe it’s wrong to let him touch me. Maybe it’s wrong to touch him back. Maybe these twisted dates need to stop. Except he feels like the only real thing in my world of designer labels and mansions.

So I drive us under threat, until it’s hard to remember I don’t want to be there.

Until it’s too late to turn back.

HOSTAGE is a dangerous standalone romance by New York Times bestselling authors Skye Warren and Annika Martin. It’s set in the same world as PRISONER, but can read separately!

Review

Hostage had me hooked from the first few chapters and I read this in a day, simply could not put it down. Upon finishing I have already purchased Prisoner which explains Grayson and Abby who we meet towards the end of this story.

One favourite component of this story is the relationship of the men living at The Bradford Hotel. What a harrowing way to grow up and their bond and sense of family was one of my favourite parts.

The first half is a slow build to the secrets and realizations of the background story. As the story builds in relation to the retribution, the characters develop and you get a sense there are more connections.

The interactions between Stone and Brooke take place over a few years. Given their age difference, it is interesting to following the development. Consequently, In the end, it is built honestly and in a believable manner.

Brooke & Stone’s sexual moments are built slowly in line with the innocence and done respectfully but provide great heat and anticipation.

Many characters at the beginning will evolve and have you second-guessing your instincts and perceptions, it will make you think. Detective Rivera and Brooke’s dad were two surprising standouts that forced me to change my beliefs.

Hostage left me satisfied with the outcome for Brooke, Stone and their extended family.

Finally, if you enjoyed The Endgame series by this author you will enjoy Hostage like I did.

Hostage (Criminals & Captives #2)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Skye Warren & Annika Martin

Tormentor Mine (Tormentor Mine #1)

By Anna Zaires

Synopsis

A new dark romance from New York Times bestseller Anna Zaires

He came to me in the night, a cruel, darkly handsome stranger from the most dangerous corners of Russia. He tormented me and destroyed me, ripping apart my world in his quest for vengeance.

Now he’s back, but he’s no longer after my secrets.

The man who stars in my nightmares wants me.

Review

Beginning perfectly, the first chapter explains Peter’s history and what is driving him for his revenge. Tormentor Mine is dark romance at its best being suspenseful yet also with heart and soul. Both main characters have endured loss, Peters in a brutal way and Sara being lied and manipulated where she questions what was real in her life.

We fast forward to meet Sara who is living a solitary existence without her husband. I immediately connected with Sara with her loneliness and isolation of her life. The first night Peter and Sara cross paths it is brutal and horrifying.

Sara has anxiety after the attack and she believes she is being watched was built up perfectly, the flow of this story was spot on and I could not put it down. I enjoyed how we did get to see Sara’s nurturing personality through her job as a Doctor and this also explains her need to protect all those around her. Sara is selfless and protective and I understand her actions.

When Peter moves into Sara’s life and suffocates yet also gives her affection and company. This was expertly weaved and made the reader accept this was okay. At no time did I question Sara’s actions, she was literally on the edge of losing her mind and Peter appears. Did he know this and was this part of this manipulation, I think so.

I admit I really want these two to make a baby, I want Peter to have a family again. The other characters being Peter’s team of killers I cannot wait to meet more of. Thinking Book 2 is going to enable us to understand all the dynamics of Peter and his group of men.

Tormentor Mine does conclude with a cliffhanger of sorts, it does, however, tie the first part of their story together neatly in a bow. This is a trilogy and upon finishing book 1, I purchased book 2 and have pre-ordered book 3. I do hope we are not waiting too long as these two characters have definitely grown on me.

Tormentor Mine (Tormentor Mine #1)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Series Link: Click Here

Justice (New Species # 4)

By Laurann Dohner

Synopsis

Justice North is the face of New Species. Seeing him up close makes Jessie’s heart race. He’s the ultimate alpha male—big, muscular, exotically beautiful…and dangerous. Of course he’s off limits. But then the sexy man purrs and all bets are off.

Jessie Dupree is a mouthy, fiery human female who brings out the animal in Justice. She wants to show him how to relax, and he’s all for anything she wants to do, but Justice has sworn to protect his people and to take a Species mate. He’s torn between the woman he wants and the oath he’s taken.

Jessie knows a relationship between them probably won’t end well, heartbreak is inevitable. But that won’t stop her from freeing the wildness inside Justice and spending every moment she can steal wrapped around his hot body, making him roar with passion.

Review

JUSTICE is the fourth book in the New Species series, and I’ve been waiting for Justice’s story since meeting him in the first book. It’s also one of the final books that includes—what I call—an original; a character introduced in the first or second book. Almost all the characters that get their own books from here on out are only introduced in the book that comes before theirs. Sometimes, their own book is their introduction.

“You make me happy, Jessie. I’m so glad you came into my life. You’re a breath of sunshine in the dark stillness my life has become.”

Justice is the ultimate alpha male; he is the New Species leader and is in charge of them all. Chosen for his strength and amazing control, it was exciting to watch him lose complete control when it came to Jessie. His desire to take her as his mate was off-the-charts, but he fought it at almost every turn for several reasons, all of which were self-sacrificing for the good of his people.

Jessie was a good match for Justice because she was very strong and could kick some serious ass. She’s had some military training, which came in handy after Justice was gravely injured in an attack. She was able to protect and defend him, showing every New Species that she was the perfect mate for their leader.

As much as I enjoyed this book, there were two things that annoyed me. First, Jessie told anyone who would listen that she was part of the task force that rescued Gift Females, and she brought it up so many times that it felt like she was bragging. Secondly, I didn’t like how her superior kept threatening to put her over his knee and spank her ass, or haul her ass in front of the men and whip it, if she didn’t follow his orders. I couldn’t stop myself from cringing every time he did it.

JUSTICE is told in dual POVs and comes with a HEA for Justice and Jessie. I think every book within this series can be read as a stand-alone, but I think you’ll get more enjoyment if you read the series in order.

Justice (New Species # 4)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks

Visit Lauren Dohner: Click Here

New Species Series

Sexy Jerk (Sexy Jerk World # 1)

By Kim Karr

Synopsis

My best friend is married.
Everyone I know is married. It doesn’t bother me. I like my life the way it is.

Since I’m single though, when my best friend and her husband finally decide to go on their dream honeymoon, she asks me to watch their three-year-old son.

Of course I say yes.

What my best friend neglects to tell me is that I won’t be babysitting alone.

Feeling Max might be too much for me to handle, her husband asks his only single friend to help.

Nick Carrington and I have met a couple of dozen times. I’ve never really given him a second thought—other than to say he’s kind of a jerk. Out loud. So he can hear. Sure, he’s tall, dark, and handsome. And yes, he has the best ass I’ve ever seen, and I mean ever seen quite literally. You see he mooned me at last year’s Fourth of July barbecue because, like I said, he’s a jerk.

He always has to be the life of the party.
He’s also arrogant.
Imposing.
Rich.
And a playboy.
I’d even go as far as to say he’s a manwhore.

Yet somehow before I know it, this manwhore and I are co-parenting. Living under the same roof. Eating meals together and yes, talking.

Don’t look at me like that—it’s not like I had a choice. Even though I knew every minute would be hell, I had to say yes.

But after two weeks what I didn’t expect is that I’d been wrong about him.
That under his smart-ass exterior, he’s quite charming.
That his arrogance is actually confidence.
And that the sight of his naked body would do really bad things to me.

So yes, I’ve misjudged him. And yes, I like him. Really like him. Although there are times I still think he’s a jerk…I now think he’s a sexy jerk.

And I want more of him.

The question is—does he want more of me?

Review

I’ve been struggling for days with what to rate SEXY JERK, and in the end I’ve decided to give it just 2❤️, because days after finishing the book, all I can think about are the issues I had with this story.

Character wise, I liked Nick, but I didn’t like Tess. She was irrational and very easy to anger and upset. Tess has hated Nick since the first time they met because he was a jerk, which makes no sense because we learn about their first meeting, and Nick was really nice. He asked if he could buy her a drink, she said yes, he went to get it, then her boyfriend comes over and takes her away. But somehow he’s a jerk? Personally, I think she’s a bitch for accepting a drink from another man when she has a boyfriend.

Speaking of jerk, I get that Nick is supposed to be a jerk (he’s not), but I got annoyed at how many times he was called one throughout this story. At my count, he was called a jerk twenty-two times.

There are two threesome scenes that didn’t work for me, and I’m wondering if they were added purely to increase the kink factor. The first scene was when Tess reminisces about her first sexual experience, which was with twin brothers when she was just seventeen. That scene came out of nowhere and really threw the story off. It seemed to make sense a few chapters later when Tess thinks to herself that Nick brings out her kinky side, a side she’s been suppressing since her time with the twins. The second scene involved their friends: Fiona, Ethan and Jace. Fiona and Ethan are happily married with a child, but one day they just decide they want to bring Jace into their bed. Why? Because he and Ethan used to share women in college, and since Ethan’s wife died, he’s been lonely and they don’t want him to feel lonely anymore. Again, it came out of nowhere, did not fit with the story and I thought it was weird and icky.

I like sex with my romance, but there was a lot of sex in this story. A lot. I started skimming through them because I had reached my limit and just wanted to get back to the story. Even the epilogue had a sex scene that spanned several pages.

There’s a suspense element that involved Nick’s biggest real estate rival, which I thought was promising. But after watching the suspense build throughout the story, it was anticlimactic to see it quickly tidied up in the epilogue. There was even another person close to Nick who was involved, but you never hear about him again once Nick realizes what the “double agent” has been doing. So even though the rival issue was resolved, it had an unfinished feel to it. Almost like the author hit a wall and just decided to throw on the ending.

SEXY JERK is told in dual POVs and does come with a HEA for Nick and Tess. While I didn’t enjoy this book, I would give this author another go, but I won’t be continuing on with this series.

Sexy Jerk (Sexy Jerk World # 1)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks

Visit Kim Karr: Click Here

Sexy Jerk World Series

Forbidden Desire (Lee County Wolves # 3)

By Teresa Gabelman

Synopsis

From the moment Marcus Foster saw Roxy Patel, he knew she was his mate. Remaining patient because of her troubled past, he was determined to build her trust. She was his and nothing would change that, not even time.

Leaving her past behind, Roxy refused to remain a broken shell of a woman. Determined to start afresh, moving to a new town was just what she needed. With the help of her new friends, and a wolf shifter wanting to make her his own, all Roxy needed was the chance to thrive again.

Review

FORBIDDEN DESIRE is the third book in the Lee County Wolves series, and while the last Foster brother has now been mated off, the series has been left open for more books. More wolves have been brought into the pack for protection, and their alpha—Garrett—has come to a decision that will greatly affect the pack. I am interested in seeing where the author will go from here.

I liked Marcus, but Roxy was definitely the stand-out character. Garrett rescued her from her abusive husband, and she’s been living in hiding with the pack ever since. She’s been using that time well; building up her confidence and breaking free from the conditioning her husband instilled in her.

We got to see the previous two couples, but more of Garrett and Janna because Janna’s pregnant and Garrett’s still being challenged for his alpha position. Hunter was his usual playful self and really brought in the humor.

“Why don’t you claim her, bro?”
“Because she’s still married.”
“Okay, well let’s kill the son of a bitch and then she won’t be married anymore. Easy fix.”

FORBIDDEN DESIRE is told in dual POVs and comes with a HEA for Marcus and Roxy.

Forbidden Desire (Lee County Wolves # 3)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Teresa Gabelman: Click Here

Lee County Wolves Series

Valiant (New Species # 3)

By Laurann Dohner

Synopsis

Tammy has always tried to be prepared for any calamity life might send her way, but a sexy, lion man-beast is way outside the norm. He’s huge, has the most exotic, golden cat-eyes she’s ever seen—and she’s so terrified of him, she’s speechless for the first time in her life. He’s stalking closer, growling at her, and she’s too unnerved to even flee.

Valiant has always hated humans. But when he gets a whiff of the adorable human female who has invaded his territory, he’s forced to reexamine his feelings on the matter. Her fear scents of pure, sweet temptation and the closer he gets, the more appealing she becomes. Once he’s got his hands on her, he isn’t about to let go. One thought will change his life. MINE!

Before Tammy can regain her senses, she’s flat on her back in Valiant’s bed. Now he just has to use every inch of his big, buff body to convince her to stay with him forever.

Review

VALIANT is the third book in the New Species series, and Valiant is one of my favorites because of how incredibly sweet he is. Sure, he can hunt and kill animals bare-handed. Sure, he’s scary looking, growls a lot, and even other New Species are afraid of him. But man, when he cares about something or someone, he is incredibly kind, sweet and very easy to love. All he wants is companionship, a mate, and when he finds it in Tammy, he’ll do anything to keep her.

Tammy is lovely and she takes to living around New Species very well, but I can’t say much about her because in my opinion, Valiant really stole the show.

As with the previous two books in this series, there are scenes of brief torture that includes the threat of rape, which may be triggers for some readers. We find out that there are still some Mercile facilities that haven’t yet been raided where New Species are still waiting to be freed. We got to see a bit more of Slade and Trisha, who were hilarious in trying to keep their relationship and pregnancy a secret from Tammy. VALIANT is told in dual POVs and comes with a HEA for Valiant and Tammy.

Valiant (New Species # 3)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks

Visit Lauren Dohner: Click Here

New Species Series

Marked for Death

By J C Valentine

Synopsis

Tiffany
Leading a nomadic life, I’ve been on the run from my rich ex-husband for years. I’ve learned every trick in the book, staying one step ahead of him and his trackers. He’s taken everything from me, and despite everything, I’ve managed to carve out a life. But he’s getting close again. It’s time to hit the road, to start over…but it looks like the universe has other plans.

Ryder
As Sargent at Arms, stalking the crazy man trying to kill my MC brothers is part of my job description. Protecting the club is what I live for. Unfortunately, today I’m the loser in our never ending game of cat and mouse. The last thing I remember before waking up in the emergency room is staring up at the sky while bleeding out onto the cold, hard pavement. Then the pretty nurse walks in and turns my world sideways, and those soft hands know just how to handle a big, angry biker like me. With a psycho on my tail, the stakes couldn’t be higher. I know I should walk away, but self-preservation has never been much of a strong suit. As my enemy closes in, I’ve got no gun, three bullet holes, and absolutely zero patience left. The question is, who will be the one to sign my death warrant—the crazy-ass biker who’s gunning for me…or the sexy-as-sin nurse I’ve got a hard-on for?

Review

A quick read that held me captive from the first page. It ended far too soon for my liking. I read this story in a day and could not put it down.

The chemistry between the two main characters provides moments of humour, passion, and friendship. From their initial meeting to moving forward together covers around five or so days so it is intense. Due to individual circumstances, they are both wanderers. It was interesting for them both to realize they had found someone to have their back and heart.

Ryder owned every scene and he was such a strong presence particularly in his interactions with Tiffany. Their time at the hospital and then, in particular, the cabin was highly entertaining.

Firstly there are two stories within this, one for Ryder and one for Tiffany. The author neatly tied up Ryder’s story. However, I am left slightly disappointed that Tiffany’s personal story is not fully explained.

In conclusion, I am so intrigued by her background that I will be waiting with baited breathe for her past and future to clash.