Review: Chained by Night by Larissa Ione

Title: Chained by Night 

Series: MoonBound Clan Vampire #2

Author: Larissa Ione

Edition: Paperback, 416 pages

ISBN: 1476700184 (ISBN13: 9781476700182)

(Expected) Publication: September 30th 2014 

Publisher: Pocket Books

(GOODREADS):

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Larissa Ione sets the night on fire with a thrilling new novel of irresistible hungers and immortal enemies in a world as sensual and dark as her Demonica series.

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction; or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader's daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress's identical twin sister?

MY OPINION:

Let's see... where do I start? I only know that for all I could remember, this could be the only book, that gave me goosebumps when I received it, ever. I was soooo thrilled.

HUNTER:

As you can read from the synopsis, Hunter is a leader vampire clan who has to mate to his rival clan leader's daughter as part of the deal to save his clans member (read book 1, Bound by Night). It's also part of a plan for vampires to join forces against humans. Hunter despises his rival, and the daughter, Rasha, as well, but the clan safety comes first.

On the day of his mate arrival, vampire-hunter humans strikes and captures Aylin, Rasha's identical twin, who comes along with Rasha as a company. First, Hunter mistakenly her as Rasha, but soon finds out about the truth, and it only makes him longing her for more.

AYLIN (and Rasha)

Rasha and Aylin are total opposite. A bit cliche I guess because you can easily hate the other and feel sympathy to another. While Rasha is tough, hard and seductive (and selfish in my opinion), Aylin is a caring and loving second-born daughter with deformed leg who's being treated badly as if she was the lowest creature and held no meaning in her clan. As a vampire, she has to drink from a male and feed a male also. But there are only unwilling male to give her blood and she never feeds any male in her life because people in her clan believe that she's cursed. While Rasha is bound to mate with Hunter, Aylin is going to be mated with another clan leader, only the worse, maybe the worst. But first, she must accompanies her sister and act as a decoy, just in case if something went wrong.

I loved Hunter, I mean, really, who can resist a tall, dark, tough, caring alpha male lore? But as much as I loved Hunter--I really thought I would fall head over heels on him when I finished reading book one, I loved Aylin even more! I really think she shun over him. She's not perfect, but that made her so perfect. She's tough, caring, with an ability which I thought much better and superior to Hunter's. :D There were many parts of her life, including when it came to telling about the clan leader she's planned to mate to, that made me cringed! No wonder she would rather be dead. There were also parts which involving Hunter, the chemistry between them, and the feeling (and the lust) she had for Hunter, that made me feel like shouting to her, "You go, girl!" or "Come one, you obviously CAN live without him!". Hahahaha... 

Reading this book, I was hooked, sucked, and fell deeper. I felt like riding a roller coaster for there were up and down moments. Yes, of course, there were moments that got me a bit disappointed, despising, and eew-ing, parts when  I thought it's not like I expect. Like I wonder why the author chose that way as a mean for Hunter and Aylin to pass the portal. It felt... weird and... cheap. But only for the first time when they had to enter the other world. I didn't feel that way on the second time when they had to go back to their real world, because it's more...accepted, understandable, considering that Hunter's feeling for Aylin grew more and more. But then I realize I really didn't know what I expect. I only knew I just can't put down the book. After going through half book, things were getting more interesting. The pace, the action, the conflict, the adventure, the chemistry, made me feel like I was watching those Hollywood adventure, colossal, action, fairy tale, paranormal, with romance and erotic sparks, all in one. 

I saw more and more stories behind the story. Another conflicts, problems, relationships were about to reveal, and this is why I couldn't wait to read more about the series. More about Myne, more about Rasha, more about the clan (and other clans as well).  I loved that Riker and Nicole showed up quite often in this book. I loved how that Braddon didn't really scare to Hunter though he's a clan leader. Because this way, I can see how the members of the clan see each other to be equal with respect, something that didn't available inside Aylin's clan.

I still think that I don't give the book enough justice for I'm not sure I can express how I feel about this book. This is one of the moment when I dread my ability in written English. -_-

In a very short, I found it to be adventurous, with lots of actions, steamy, and addictive! I really can't wait to read the next book(s)! And I'm not even a paranormal romance fan! XD

This book is part of a must have series. It's a standalone read, but I really suggest you read the first book, Bound by Night, so that you can get a better picture about what was actually going on in that world, especially conflict between humans and vampires, and between clans. When I read this book, I had to check few things from the first book to freshen up my memory a get a better grasp since there's a year time gap between book 1 and book 2. 

BUY IT FROM:

BOOK DEPOSITORY or AMAZON

A Good-Lookin’ Man by Marcia Lynn McClure – Blast

A Good-Lookin' Man by Marcia Lynn McClure (novella

However, in an instant—in less than a breath or the bat of an eyelid—the elusive pepper spray hiding somewhere in her purse was all but forgotten. For standing before her—right there before her, not three feet away—was the best-looking, most gorgeous, handsomest man she had ever seen in all her life! “No, seriously,” she thought out loud with lingering bewilderment at how perfectly stunning the man standing before her was, wearing a worn pair of Levi’s, dusty cowboy boots, and a short-sleeved, plaid-print, snap-up shirt that hung open, revealing a bronzed, perfectly sculpted torso that was simply a mass of muscles. She was so unsettled by the man’s appearance that she wasn’t sure whether she was whispering aloud to herself or her car. Either way, the man asked, “Beg your pardon, ma’am?” “Oh…oh, nothing,” Fairlee said as she began rummaging in her purse again. But the man’s presence and appearance had entirely rattled her. As her awe-inspired brain obviously quit sending out instructions to the rest of her body, Fairlee felt her purse slip from her hands—watched in humiliated dismay as its contents tumbled out and scattered over the shoulder of the road.

Amazon * Distractions Ink

Author Marcia Lynn McClure

Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.” Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

Website * Twitter

   

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BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/5/13
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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. 

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. 

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Review: The Baby Deal by Kat Cantrell

In this Billionaires & Babies novel, award-winning author Kat Cantrell presents an offer that can't be refused... 

When billionaire entrepreneur Michael "Shay" Shaylen becomes guardian to a baby boy, he knows there's only one woman who can teach him how to be a father-his ex-lover, child psychologist Juliana Cane. So he makes her a deal: if she gives him two months, he'll give her a boost in her career. 

She says yes. Suddenly, Juliana has everything she's ever wanted: a home, a child-Shay. But she knows this seductive situation is only temporary. Because even as desire burns between them-so do the reasons Juliana has to say goodbye....

You can check it out on GOODREADS or

You can buy it on Book Depository

Publisher: Harlequin

Published: 06 August 2013

Format: Paperback 192 pages

Categories: Adult & Contemporary Romance

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My very first of Kat Cantrell.

I must say it's very hard for me to finish reading this book. Not because the book's so hard to like, but because there were parts in this book that reminded me to my fears. To the unwillingness to sacrifice something I desperately wanted to hold on to, to get something that in the end could be so much better. Not for the others, but for myself. For me to be something or someone better.

I loved the way Kat Cantrell tried to tell us that (true) love is about commitment, compromise, effort and sacrifice without losing ourselves. 

I can see that when things didn't work out between Juliana and her ex-husband was not merely because he was not Shay. But mostly because Juliana closed herself because she's too absorbed with her situations/conditions.  She did almost the same thing to Shay back then: walking away, taking distance. All because she didn't brave enough to face the truth and held on to something she desperately want: a baby and a safe-steady life. I loved the thought (from Shay) that whenever you start feeling scared, it's about time to move forward. 

Reading the last Juliana sentences reminded me to the song Raise It Up from August Rush soundtrack:

Sometimes it takes a different kind of dream to make you smile. Sometimes we need another helping hand to show the way

Both Juliana and Shay learned to let go, and both needed another person to make them realize that they had to let go.

It's a wonderful story about love and life. About taking risk and letting go. About sacrifice which in the end would give you something better and make you (and your partner or people around you, too, hopefully) a better person.

Many thanks to Harlequin who provided the ARC via Net Galley.

Review: A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James

Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she’s swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate—and sell—her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again...Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush—and heartbreak— and is more gorgeous than ever. He’s also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they’re butting heads every step of the way... and their attraction is more electrifying than ever! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can’t take... 

ebook, 170 pages

Published March 11th 2013 by Entangled: Indulgence

My Review:

I loved it! My very first of Victoria James, and already I couldn't wait for the next two books.

When I requested it from Net Galley, I didn't really expect it to be good. Simply I was just attracted to the cover, and the title. Not really into this old-crush thing, but I got curious. Why not give it a try.

Holly, a big city girl who had a perfect life, suddenly have to be a guardian for her baby niece when an accident caused her sister and her brother in law died. She decided to go back to her home town, renovate her grandparents' house that her sister planned to live in. But since she thought she couldn't live in it without thinking those people she lost, she planned to sell it. And of course, she needed to hire the best contractor which was happen to be Quinn's company, her old-crush back then. She couldn't forget him even after ten years. And the truth was, same thing on Quinn' side.

So they started to spend days together for the sake of the renovation, although there were, of course, so much more than that. 

I must admit that I have to stop reading after Quinn accused her for being cold because she intended to sell the house. And then Holly said, "That's cold." I felt something chill in my heart. To me, Quinn's reply about he didn't regret getting married, well, THAT'S cold. 

I'm melancholic. And it's my PMS time. Ha! So I got a bit sensitive. :p But my heart was squeezed at that sentence, and I knew how much it hurt Holly. It got me thinking about my love life, although it's not exactly the same. I gotta stop reading for few minutes, wrote down something on my journal, and then tried to hold back myself together, and started to read again. :)

Then it started getting better. I loved the way Quinn teased her. I loved the way they interact. You won't find lots of sex scene, which was just fine because that's not the whole point anyway. I think this book was fun to read, light, simple and sweet.

I guess I loved almost every characters in this book. Holly, after all she's been through, it's so understandable that she's afraid. Quinn, for being sooo adorable. I also enjoy Jake & Claire characters, Ella (she sounds so cute and trusting), and even Mrs. Jacob. Hahahahahaha...

Anyway, I can't wait to read the next book about Claire and Jake. I knew there's gotta be something between them by the time Holly found the pouch she sewed back then with Claire. Oh, I just can't wait. And Evan's.

I'm so glad I requested this book and got some times reading it.

e-copy provided by Entangled through Net Galley in exchange for honest review.

Review: The Lass Wore Black by Karen Ranney

Release Date: 29 January 2013
Publisher: AVON BOOKS
Format: Paperback
Source: My own copy
Buy It: The Book Depository or Amazon
Add It: Goodreads

He was her Highland lover, but would he be her savior?

Catriona Cameron was once famed for her seductive beauty and charm. Now she saw no one, hiding from the world...and no one dared break through her self-imposed exile.

No one, that is, until Mark Thorburn burst into her home, and Catriona's darkened world began to have color again. Thorburn, secretly the heir to an Earldom, claimed he was a footman. But Catriona didn't care about the scandal their passion could cause...for this very touch sparked her back to a life of sensuality, one she thought she'd never have again.

Little does she know that Mark is part of a masquerade. One that will end when they become the target of a madman set on revenge. Mark realizes he will have to do more than win her love...he will have to save her life as well.

* * * * *

My very first of Karen Ranney, and I liked it, a lot.

At first I didn't really like Catriona. She's indeed spoiled, self-destruct  and selfish. But I guess that's her flaws and it made her more real. After all that she's been through, it kinda made sense that she's bitter than before. I liked this dialogue between Sarah, Mark's assistant, and Catriona.

"Pain does something to a body. I've seen enough of Dr. Thorburn's patients. Some of them, pain makes angles. Some of them, it makes into devils. Which one were you?"

"I'm afraid I was a devil," she said softly.

Sarah nodded. "I'm thinking I'd be the same."

I realized that I might be just like her, or worse. Who knows? But it's a good thing that she learned the lesson. That's another lesson I learned from this novel. You can be a bitch nobody like. But you can change it. Either they'd like it or not, it doesn't really matters. What matters the most is that you change yourself to be better. And it'd make you feel good inside.

I liked Mark, a lot... I liked the idea that even though he can't save them all, his patients, the poor people he met and care, he never gave up to do his best. I liked the face that he kept pursuing his dream to be a doctor although his father and bothers despised him. It's a good thing he's close enough to grandfather.

This novel was almost like any other historical romance. Not that difference, but I always like novels where the heroines or heroes has some flaws. Aren't we all?

Also, there are so many things I learned after reading this novel. It's not something new, but it's a reminder.

1st lesson:

Since I'm a student, there were great sentences (or dialogues) from this book that  taught/reminded me of things related to my study:
- A wise man observes.
- "The patient will always know more than we do," Dr. Cameron had once said. "They don't know that they know, but listen to their complaints. That will tell you as much as your examination."
- Dr. Cameron had also insisted that he write out his notes within minutes of visiting a patient. "Don't wait until the next day. You won't remember the details that can make the difference between life and death. Write down the patient's color, his demeanor, whether he talks about other things or only his health. Is his aspect good, or do lines form on his face? Are his pupils expanded? Is the sclera white or gray? Are there dark circles beneath his eyes? Is his breath foul? Your words might prove invaluable to a physician who comes after you." <--- Ha! This is the opposite of me. I procrastinate very often. It's a BIG reminder for me.

2nd lesson:

Most of the time we think that our life was harder than everyone. But there's always anyone else who's more suffered. Always see things from the bright side. 

3rd lesson:

Be more grateful. You should be grateful and more grateful.

4th lesson:

You can't save all of those people who need help. But you can at least touch one life.

How could they help each one of them?

When she'd said as much to Dina, the older woman only smiled. "We can't, my dear. But we can touch one life, and then another. We can bring some beauty and joy to some, if only for a moment."

It kinda reminded me to what one of my lecturer had once said: "Be the light in a darkness."

In the end, I can't tell you about the characters, the plot, the flow of the story ... I didn't really think it's that different. But the lessons I've learned that made me love this book.

And it turned out that her previous book, A Scandalous Scot, is about Jean, Catriona' sister. Guess I should read it too.

Review: Werewolf in Manhattan by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Emma Gavin writes about werewolves, but that doesn't mean she believes in them-not until a pack of real-life New York weres decide to investigate the striking accuracy of her "fiction".

When Aiden Wallace, son and heir of the pack leader, tries to sniff out Emma's potential informant, he discovers something even more dangerous- an undeniable attraction to her.

Synopsis taken from GOODREADS
Buy book from The Book Depository or AMAZON

Publisher: Signet
Published: 04 January 2011
Format: Paperback 324 pages
Categories: Horror Romance (Adult/18+ only)
ISBN 13: 9780451232472

I must say, this was my very first reading about werewolf, a shifter. I mean, I did read once Wicked Woods where there were vampires and werewolf, but never specifically a shifter. I'm not really into paranormal genre. Still not, I guess. It's the Vicki Lewis Thompson that made my bought the whole series, even when I didn't really like paranormal. Besides, I kinda liked the kind of these covers.  I have them for months on my shelf and decided to read it in 2013 to fulfill the challenge on reading series I've been wanting for so long. 

Where to start? Hmm... I was pretty excited when I found out the heroine, Emma, is an author who wrote romance fiction about werewolf. And I loved Aidan. Well, maybe it's because the alpha thing, although I think there are so many heroes who's more alpha than Aidan, at least on the way he's described. I think Aidan is so sweet. And specifically, rich. One Aidan for me, please!

But ... I didn't really like Emma. At first I did. I mean, it's not like I hated her, it's just that she's not ... that lovable. Maybe she's realist, the kind who enjoying the moment while you still can. But I still didn't really think doing it while you know he belongs to someone else  is right. Of course, it's not official, the arrangement between Nadia and Aidan (You can see the arrangement right? That Nadia's name is mirrored to Aidan's), and he doesn't love her anyway. So maybe I can't say that he practically belongs to her. But still... I don't know. Maybe it's just my subjective feeling interfering.

I was curious and kept reading at first because I wondered how the moment when Emma found out about Aidan was going to be described. As it turned out, it's not that exciting. Her reaction was like a bit too flat for my taste. She must be one very brave woman. And the moment when Aidan came to realize that she's the one was also not that ... mmm, I can't find the exact words. The other disappointing part was ... at first you'd kept reading about the sexual tension and attraction between them. It was described pretty detail. But when it comes to the binding thing after Aidan confessed his love to Emma and Emma agreed to be his mate (or wife), it wasn't described at all. And I wanted details since it's been said that the werewolf have to do it in a certain position to create the binding thing with his mate! 

So I must say, I loved the beginning. But the end was like, that's it? 

So it's only 3.5 half stars from me. Mostly because I loved Aidan, the cover, and the author. Not very objective, huh? 

But I did start the next book of the series right away. I wanted to know about Roarke, Aidan's little brother. I'm still not really into this genre/theme, but I started to find another series/books about werewolf or shifter to read. Any recommendation perhaps? But I might want to avoid erotica, please. I'm definitely a vanilla type. :D

Review: My Cowboy Valentine

Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 05 February 2013
Format: Paperback 224 pages
ISBN 10: 0373754426

A kiss from a cowboy ...

Be Mine, Cowboy by Jane Porter

Years ago, Rachel James gave Cade King an ultimatum, and he walked. Heartbroken, Rachel moved on. Life is tough as a single mom, but Rachel is doing just fine.

Now Cade's back after burning up the rodeo circuit, and things are different. He's sober, but with one burning regret. He has some work to do to show Rachel he's changed—but he's up to the challenge.

Hill Country Cupid by Tanya Michaels

Tess knows what young Bailey Calhoun wants: a mom. So when she sees shy cowboy Nick Calhoun giving someone the eye, Tess goes into full matchmaking mode.

Nick is happy to have Tess's help…but her matchmaking backfires. How can he convince his cupid that she's the one he wants?

I received the e-ARC from Harlequin via Net Galley.

Add to: Goodreads
Buy from: The Book Depository or AMAZON

2 short stories from Jane Porter and Tanya Michaels

Be Mine, Cowboy - Jane Porter (4.5 stars)

I'm not really drawn to the story. But I just loved Rachel's character for her love and struggle to raise Tommy, her son with special needs, as a single mother. I could not hold back the tears when Rachel said her son never kissed her. How sad. I could feel the loneliness she felt for she had no one else at that time. Her grandmother had passed away for several years, no husband or boyfriend, no siblings. She struggled by herself and too proud to ask for help from others. I also loved the idea that most people needs most of the time was second chance, and that's what exactly Cade and Rachel both need.

Hill Country Cupid - Tanya Michaels (4.5 stars)

This was my very first with Tanya Michaels and I loved it. I smiled a lot while reading this one. I loved the idea when the matchmaker was actually the one who needed help. I also loved when Nick finally realized who he really wanted, how he smoothly trying to made allies with Tess' two best friends. I loved Nick! He's very nice and sweet. ^^

I really enjoyed reading these two stories. A very nice, sweet reads for your valentine.