Book Review: The Trouble With Honor (The Cabot Sisters #1) by Julia London

The Trouble With Honor (The Cabot Sisters #1)
By Julia London
Release Date: February 25th, 2014
Format: Kindle (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Desperate times call for daring measures as Honor Cabot, the eldest stepdaughter of the wealthy Earl of Beckington, awaits her family's ruin. Upon the earl's death she and her sisters stand to lose the luxury of their grand home - and their place on the pedestal of society - to their stepbrother and his social-climbing fiancée. Forced to act quickly, Honor makes a devil's bargain with the only rogue in London who can seduce her stepbrother's fiancée out of the Cabots' lives for good.

An illegitimate son of a duke, George Easton was born of scandal and grows his fortune through dangerous risks. But now he and Honor are dabbling in a perilous dance of seduction that puts her reputation and his jaded heart on the line. And as unexpected desire threatens to change the rules of their secret game, the stakes may become too high even for a notorious gambler and a determined, free-spirited debutante to handle.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin HQN for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I know Julia Landon to be a bestselling historical romance author and have shelved her books but The Trouble With Honor is my very first read from this author and definitely do not regret requesting it from Netgalley. The voice of the characters and style of writing took some getting used to at first, but after that I was gobbling every single word. It was that delicious.

I truly enjoyed reading about Honor and her sisters. They were so well written because readers can already see the individuality of each of the sisters. Before the end of the story, I was already so eager for Grace's (the second Cabot sister) story.

Honor and George's scenes were just great. I really looked forward to their meetings, aside from the sisters' of course. This story doesn't really have an antagonist or a villain. I really detested Monica at first, but towards the end, she wasn't all that bad after all.

All in all, The Trouble With Honor is a highly recommended HR read. *Two thumbs up* d^^b

Book Review: The Wrong Billionaire's Bed (Billionaire Boys Club #3) by Jessica Clare

The Wrong Billionaire's Bed (Billionaire Boys Club #3) 
By Jessica Clare
Release Date: October 15th, 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb From Goodreads:
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success--at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They're just not always as successful when it comes to love...
 
Audrey Petty's always been the responsible one. The good twin.  Successful, dependable, and trustworthy--that's Audrey. She'd be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer...except that she's pretty sure she's not even on his radar. But when fate (and her chaotic twin) come together, Audrey finds out that she'll be spending the next month with Cade at his remote cabin retreat. It's a dream come true...
 
Until she meets her worst nightmare.
 
Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey bursts into the private mountain lodge and scares his companion out the door, it's time for a little revenge. It's clear that Audrey's in love with his buddy, Cade...and it's clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses in the dark, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs.
 

And as Reese discovers the volatile minx behind the buttoned-up exterior, he starts to think maybe she's just what he needs, too.

My Review:
I stumbled upon this series while browsing through my Goodreads updates and read rave reviews about it from my GR friends. The moment I started the first book, I couldn't stop reading It and continued bulldozing right to the second book the moment I was done with the last page of The Stranded Billionaire.

Imagine my excitement when I read that Audrey’s and the playboy Reese’s story was next and my despair when I saw the release which quickly transformed to exhilaration when I found out it was available for request in Netgalley and fangirl squeals upon discovery my request approval.

I really love the idea of these six billionaires who are fast friends and ready to have each other’s backs forming their own secret club. The idea was very compelling and the reactions from the heroines from each book upon discovering this secret meeting were very cute and hilarious. It was also amusing to witness the exasperated expressions from the non-attached (for now) billionaires when their fellow buddies and heroes of the book brought their heroines to the meeting.

I was really excited to start on Audrey’s story as I really connected and truly liked her the moment she was introduced in the first book. I felt sad and lonely for Audrey, locking her real self up real tight with a heavy-duty padlock, suppressing all her fieriness and feistiness with a cold, cool and collected appearance, deeply believing that she needs to be the good twin, the level headed one to her troubled twin, Daphne. It was such heartache to see her keeping her self all locked up, trying so hard to be the perfect one for Cade and making him notice her.

But it was obvious to readers from the previous book, Beauty and the Billionaire that Cade does not feel for her in how she wants him to. Cade has been the twins’ childhood friend, always there for me through highs and lows and it was very apparent that his whole being and attention was heavily directed to messed up Daphne.

Reese, the ultimate playboy in the group was the total opposite of Audrey. He saw right through her and utterly enjoyed riling her up and seeing her true self emerge. Reese was an easygoing, hilarious and sly character, always finding ways to bait Audrey into taking bets – with sinfully sensual and erotic wages. He was a very refreshing alternative to the more serious and sober feel of the previous book.

We were all introduced to Daphne went she blew in like a hurricane towards the end of Hunter and Gretchen’s (the twins’ older sister) story. I felt real sorry for her, struggling in and out of depressing situation and fully relying on Audrey, the steady one. I couldn't help cheering for her and really hoping she will turn out all right in the end. I was really happy to see Audrey and Daphne’s previously strained relationship slowly mending. I guess the next book will be Cade and Daphne’s story? I wonder how it will go. Hmmm….

The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed was such a wonderful read and did not disappoint my high expectations. I more than enjoyed it and finished it in just two sittings. You see, I stared it at midnight and read ‘till the wee hours of the morning, stopping to only get some sleep and waking up to finally finish it. I thought the epilogue was perfect and oh, so sweet!

Thank you again Penguin Group for giving me this opportunity to read this story earlier.

Book Review: Tears of Tess (Tears of Tess #1) by Pepper Winters

Tears of Tess (Tears of Tess #1)

By Pepper Winters

Release Date: September 6th, 2013

Format: Ebook 

Rating: Unrated

Blurb From Goodreads:

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.

Then it all changed.

I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility. 

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror. 

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

My Review:

I decided to leave this book unrated because of various reasons.

I felt very conflicted over Tears of Tess. Delving deeper into the reality of human trafficking was gruesome and eye opening. It's so sad to witness how cruel and greedy humans are to their own species.

The story was very gripping and intriguing. I fell in love with sweet Brax and how loving he was to Tess. It was sad to see that both outgrew and couldn't fulfill each other's needs. But, I loved how Pepper Winters resolved their issue at the end. It was very sweet and touching.

The issue that bothered me was Q and Tess. I loved the fighting and strong willed Tess. She was fiery and very determined; always on the lookout for ways to escape no matter how irremediable the situation.

Q was a very complex and conflicting character. It felt like he was suffering from bipolar disorder or a split personality; loving and yet detesting what he secretly craved. I guess it was understandable seeing as how abnormal and twisted his childhood was and what he was exposed to at such a young age. 

I guess both Tess and Q were broken enough to fully fill what the other lacked. I just felt uncomfortable over the whole torture, pain, blood and rape thing as equivalent to love. I guess the pain and blood thing were acceptable. It was the rape thing that disturbed me because it excited him and Tess in a way, with Tess wanting it from Q. Their relationship was so twisted that I don't know what to feel about it. But I guess to each his/her own as love means differently to everyone. At least it ain't like FSoG. Thank god.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story and will be continuing this series and looking out for Quintessentially Q to see the progress of their relationship.

Victoria Vane Street Team: The Sheik Retold Virtual Tour

Hey my lovely Cheery followers and non-followers! If you do not know already, I'm a loyal fan of Victoria Vane's writings and I'm proud to be part of her street team. Today's special feature is her upcoming retelling of E.M. Hull's classic bodice-ripper, The Sheik. I'll also be doing a review as soon as I'm done devouring this sizzling story (^_-)-☆

Check out the deets and trailer below!

Book Blurb & Excerpt:

THE SHEIK RETOLD by Victoria Vane and E.M. Hull

Target Publication Date: 9/13/2013

Pride and passion vie for supremacy in this steamy retelling of E.M. Hull's romance classic.

A haughty young heiress for whom the world is a playground…

A savage son of the Sahara who knows no law but his own…

When pride and passion vie for supremacy... 

Blistering desert days are nothing compared to sizzling Sahara nights…

"There will be inquiries." I choked out. "I am not such a nonentity that nothing will be done when I am missed. You will pay for what you have done."

"Pay?" His amused look sent a cold feeling of dread through me. "I have already paid… in gold that matches your hair, my gazelle. Besides," he continued, "the French Government has no jurisdiction over me. There is no authority here above my own." 

My trepidation was growing every passing minute. "Why have you done this? Why brought me here?" 

"Why?" He repeated with a slow and heated appraisal that made me acutely, almost painfully, conscious of my sex. "Bon Dieu! Are you not woman enough to know?"

AUTHOR BIO

Victoria Vane is an award-winning romance novelist, cowboy addict and history junkie whose collective works of fiction range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the founder of Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog. 

Look for Victoria's Contemporary Cowboy Series coming summer 2014 from Sourcebooks 

CONTACT: 

victoria.vane@hotmail.com

Web:

http://www.victoriavane.com

Blog: 

http://victoriavane.wordpress.com

Twitter: 

@authorvictoriav

Facebook: 

Author Victoria Vane

The Smexy Trailer:

Book Review: Running from Romeo by Diane Mannino

A very big thank you to Irresistible Reads Book Tours, the Tour Host, for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Running from Romeo 
By Diane Mannino
Release Date: June 1st, 2013
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2

Blurb From Goodreads:
Emilia King is entering her senior year at Santa Barbara University. For the past three years, she lived in the library – doing what she knows best – focusing on her studies and forgetting her past…a past that has forever changed her life. But this year marks a new beginning…

Logan Prescott is not only the hottest guy on campus, he’s heir to a billionaire hotel fortune. Emilia knows he’s trouble and should stay clear of him. But his notorious good looks and piercing blue eyes make him simply irresistible – especially when he’s quoting her favorite literary works.


Intrigued by Emilia’s innocence and resistance to his charm, Logan discovers she’s a challenge he simply can’t resist. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but running from him may be impossible.

My Review:
When I received an email asking me whether I would like to join in the Running From Romeo book tour by Irresistible Reads, I immediately agreed to it because of the interesting blurb - billionaires and heirs. After finishing this book, I really didn't know how to rate it as I had a love-and-hate relationship going on with it. Therefore, I shall simple state what I love and didn't love about it.

The characters felt real and thus, truly annoyed me to the max, especially Emilia. I love how the h/H's relationship wasn't straight on sex but Emilia's continuous trepidation and constant giggling got on my nerves. Gezus, this girl sure can giggle her way to the moon and back! I truly expected Logan to be some sort of Romeo as the title indicated, but man, he is far from it. He is no Romeo at all - so serious, intense and business-like.

Aside from all these, I am amazed at the lyrics and soundtrack the book flowed with. The author truly has excellent taste in music. I also love, love, love the exchanging of emails going on - simply too cute for words! And let's not forget Bryn, the BFF, and her endless supply of smashing cocktails.

This book was no beach read, but a roller-coaster ride. Although with it's irritants, flaws and all, the story and its characters really stick to you and get under you skin; you just can't help caring about it. And the ending is every reader's heart attack!

Continue to join us in this tour by dropping by these amazing blogs!!!

Monday, August 19:

The Bookish Confections

World’s Oldest Fledging
Cheery Reads (Me :D)

Tuesday, August 20:
Moringo Reviews
Literary Quill Reviews

Wednesday, August 21:
Vicariously!

Thursday, August 22:
Dandelion Dreams
A Reading Nurse

Friday, August 23: 
Incandescent Enchantments
Book Reader Chronicles

Monday, August 26:
Library Mosaic
Confessions of 2 Book Lovers

Tuesday, August 27:
Rather Be Reading YA
The Brunette Librarian

Wednesday, August 28:
CCclubs

Thursday, August 29:
Must Read Books Or Die
Paradise of Pages

Friday, August 30: 
Girl In The Woods
Stuck On Reading

Book Review: Chase Tinker and the House of Magic (Chase Tinker, #1) by Malia Ann Haberman

Chase Tinker and the House of Magic (Chase Tinker, #1)  

By Malia Ann Haberman

Release Date: August 15th, 2013

Format: Ebook (ARC)

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb From Goodreads:

In Chase Tinker's world, magic, lies and secrets can be a lethal combination...

Thirteen-year-old Chase Tinker can't understand why he has the power to move things with his mind. Besides that, his dad has been missing for over a year, causing his mom to be too upset to pay much attention to her sons, so now he's been busted for shoplifting. As if this isn't enough to worry about, his younger brother Andy suddenly has a weird magical ability too.

Can things get any crazier? Chase thinks.

Then, a grandfather they thought to be long dead arrives at their door. He wants Chase and Andy to come visit him for the summer so they can learn about their supernatural heritage and why they have magical powers in the first place.

The boys soon find out that Grandfather, along with their cousin Janie, lives on a remote island in the middle of Puget Sound in an out-of-this-world house where fantastic magic can be found in practically every room, stairway and corridor. Chase can't believe their dad has been keeping so much from them.

It's an even bigger shock when Chase learns that all their magic is controlled by a very powerful and mysterious Relic in the attic, and if anything happens to this relic, every bit of Tinker magic will be lost forever. He's even more disturbed when he learns his family has a dark and powerful enemy that is determined to steal all their magic, their house and their relic. 

Now Chase must find a way to stop these evil beings, while at the same time figuring out what has happened to his dad, unraveling even more Tinker lies and secrets and not letting on that he has a huge crush on the housekeeper's daughter.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Malia Ann Haberman for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Note to author: I'm really sorry for the extremely late review. 

For a self-pub author, Chase Tinker and the House of Magic is a really well written story. I truly applaud Malia for her talented writing and her daughter for the good editing. 

The story sucks you in right from the beginning 'till the end. It keeps rolling and there's simply no chance for you to get a breather from all the nail-biting events that keep happening.

The characters are really well rounded and Chase's family situation (absent father and a mother who works all day to support the family) really reflects real life situations out there in the world.

All in all, Chase Tinker and the House of Magic is a simple yet utterly entrancing and interesting story. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a fun read.

Book Review: Blood Flows Deep in the Empire (The Szolites #1) by N. Isabelle Blanco

Blood Flows Deep in the Empire (The Szolites #1)
By N. Isabelle Blanco
Release Date: March 7th, 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb From Goodreads:
Dyletri, God of Fertility, has locked away his powers. No woman is allowed to touch him, not until he can return his long-dead lover back to life. All he has to do is sacrifice one human girl, a girl who unlocks his powers and rips his dormant lust right out of his body. Trapped by his promise, Dyletri has no choice but to watch Ismini die, no matter how much he wants her.

Yet the darkness of his calling is spiraling within him, demanding he claim the human as his. If he goes back on his promise, the energy of the Fates will cause untold destruction in the Universe. That doesn’t change how Dyletri’s begun exhibiting symptoms that point to more than just lust. How does he allow Ismini to die when she’s come to own him from the inside out?

Desire and torment spiral into something much darker than obsession, more turbulent than an addiction, and something much more brutal than a mere soul-mating. As a war is being rekindled right under his nose, Dyletri will have to come to terms with a destiny eleven thousand years in the making. He thought he’d known what path his future would take, but he’d been wrong. Now the one woman he truly loves might pay the price for his decision.


Blood Flows Deep in the Empire is the first in a series that will pit free-will against Destiny, Destiny against Fate, and love against brutal desire. Everyone likes to think they have a choice as to who they end up with, but as they rise to face the greatest threat they’ve ever known, even the Gods will learn they have to bend to Destiny’s whim to survive.

My Review:
It was a great premise with amazing characters. Aside from slight grammatical errors, one other issue that constantly bugged me was how easily Ismini and her human friends accepted the existence of the Szolites and their realm.

I just thought that it wasn't properly explained because the author made it seem like it was normal for those Szolites gods to appear before humans and they would just accept it.


Other than that, the flow was a bit messy at various sections in the story but it did not affect my reading enjoyment. Looking forward to Zen and Eve's story.