Annie (Under the Covers Book Blog)

"WHEN I'M WITH YOU is wrought with sexual tension and burning desire."

Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction

STRIKING DISTANCE is one of the most anticipated books for me this year. As a die-hard I-Team fangirl, waiting for this book was pure agony. Waiting years for it? Hell. But once I had this little baby in my hand, I found it nearly impossible to stop reading. Clare has a gift and it’s a rare one. But she uses it with care and a lot of deliberation. Her writing is always highly detailed, always on point and doesn’t waste any time with any unnecessary things.

As the sixth book in one of my all-time favourite series, Clare introduces Javier Corbray, a SEAL with a latin flare. His accent, his guitar playing and his sweet words are almost too good to be true but for one lucky lady, Laura Nilsson gets to call him her own.

But before the HEA, there is a lot that they have to go through in order to get there. And I mean, A LOT. If you’ve read Clare before, then you know what to expect – high-octane action, incredible detail and gut-wrenching emotion. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be: INTENSE. Everything about this book, from the action, the emotions, the sex – it’s all intense and highly entertaining. You can be sure that there is never a dull moment in this book. I, myself, was holding my breath as some of the scenes played out.

By far my favourite thing about this book though is the reappearance of all my favourite characters in the previous books. I honestly adore these characters so much that I physically sat up and smiled whenever they made an appearance. I don’t know what it is about these characters, but after having read their books years ago, I still feel a connection to them and their stories. To me, that’s something special and not a lot of authors can accomplish. After finishing, STRIKING DISTANCE, I’m sure Javier and Laura will burrow in and find their own special spots in your hearts as well.

STRIKING DISTANCE is honest to God some of the best Romantic Suspense you will ever read. With nonstop action, intense emotions and a stellar cast of characters, you’ll be feeling more than just pulse-pounding adrenaline and suspense when you read this book. You’ll feel Javier and Laura’s fiery passion as well.

Hold on to your seats, readers, because when Clare strikes back, she does it in a big way!

*ARC provided by publisher

In this Christmas novella featuring Rennie, a druid and Dale, a Warrior who used to work for the enemy are paired together in this short, but action-packed story.

When Rennie takes a fall and is unconscious, Dale helps her until she is on her feet again. Their romance is instant and quick, readying them for a test that will see how deep their emotions fun for one another. Harriet wants to buy off her land and when Rennie continues to refuse, Harriet takes more drastic measures.

Grant has some great characters in this novella. I loved the action and the storyline but felt that the HEA and the proclamations of love came on a little too swiftly. This is a short novella so I can understand the need to pace oneself, but the wrap up seemed too quick to really be believable. Also, considering this is a Christmas novella, I will say that the holiday theme is on the light side. It’s more of a sprinkle of Christmas cheer than anything else really.

All in all, this short in the Dark Warriors world was a pleasure to read.

*ARC provided by publisher

THE PERFECT MATCH is book two in the Blue Heron series by Kristan Higgins and oooooh, she has hit the spot with this one! There are so many fabulous things about this book that I think it might fall into fangirl territory if I’m not careful but first things first, let’s talk about the amazing heroine, Honor Holland.

Honor Holland is the middle sister, the boring one, the one who handles the business (yuck!) side to their family wine business. She is thirty-five when her ob-gyn tells her that hey, you’re getting a little old and your eggs are shrivelling up! Oh, the horror! In a panicked mode, Honor decides to spring the life-changing question and asks her best friend and part-time partner in the sack, Brogan Cain to marry her. As you can expect, it comes tumbling down on her and poor Honor is left climbing out herself.

The hero is Tom Barlow, an English chap who is a professor and a little bit of a meanie. When Honor’s marriage proposal goes horribly wrong and later Brogan confesses to her that he is marrying her best friend, Dana, Honor drops down in attack mode and literally attacks her best friend in a bar. Not her brightest moment, but for Tom, who witnesses this all, he finds her feistiness attractive. They go on a date and well, it turns out that feistiness may not be a good thing.

There’s also a situation about Tom’s green card and also a little about marital fraud, but hey, that’s all speculation and it actually makes the book better if you can believe. I’ll let you decide for yourself.

As you can tell, I had an absolute blast reading this book! Higgins’ humor in this one is right on the money and had me crying because it was so damn funny. But laughter isn’t the only thing you’ll be experiencing in this book. There are plenty of suspenseful moments, plenty of jaw-dropping-holy-shit-did-Honor-really-do-that? moments and lots of I-want-to-strangle-Tom-and-Charlie moments as well. I got so involved in these character’s lives that I was feeling every single emotion they were.

Honor is an incredible heroine and possibly one of my favourite heroines this year. She shows such strength and courage and the things she experiences in this book are just dreadful, yet she handles it all fairly well. I just had an immediate liking to her character and hope that this continues on with the rest of the series.

If there is one downside to this book is that Tom’s revelation to this book is a little quick and a little too close to the end. Other than that, the only nitpicking I can think of is this:

Higgins, I want more detailed sex scenes.

You can’t give me a hotter-than-hell hero and do fade-to-black sex scenes! Gimme the goods! I want to see upside-down, hanging off the chandelier sex in the next book, 

Love, your newest #1 fangirl.

THE PERFECT MATCH is Contemporary Romance at its best! Each page is filled with Higgins’ quick wit, hilarious antics and fun family drama. If you haven’t met the Hollands yet, then you are missing out in a huge way!

*ARC provided by publisher

FIRST STRIKE is the erotic prequel to STRIKING DISTANCE. Pamela Clare writes a long author’s note at the beginning of the book that explains the origin of this story. As she was writing Striking Distance, a lot of Javier and Laura’s backstory was cut from the original manuscript, but she still liked it enough to play around with it and make it a lead-up to the next book in the I-Team series. I’m glad she put that author’s note in there because without it, I think readers would definitely go in expecting something else.

As some of you may know, I’m a die-hard I-Team fangirl so waiting all these years for this new book to come out has been pure agony for me. When FIRST STRIKE came out, I read it immediately and to be honest here, it doesn’t have the full I-Team experience. There’s a taste of it, yes, but readers who are trying this series out with this novella first, be aware that this isn’t how the whole series is. This is an erotic novella and there is definitely a huge emphasis on the sexy side.

Now onto my thoughts about the story….I loved the very beginning and set up of the story and also the epilogue. Those were the parts that really held the true I-Team spirit I was most looking forward to.

Javier and Laura have great chemistry but I think it was just way too short for readers to really sink into the passion. Javier says it straight and asks if it would be awkward if he said he wanted to fuck her. At this, I perked up because whoa, that was sexy! However, as I flipped the page, I realized there was no response from Laura but a cut to another scene where they are already going up to the hotel room. What happened there? Where was the build up? The spark? We never got to see that. The cuts in the scenes felt too choppy for me. I just wanted to see more of that build up.

As you can expect, they get straight to the sex. Clare definitely kicks up the heat in a big way but a lot of it felt too rushed and too extreme. There was light spanking and a little mirror action and although in the moment it’s sexy, it’s done in such a quick way that it felt fleeting.

The cliffhanger at the end is wonderful and makes me excited to read Striking Distance. Having read First Strike first, I actually think reading Striking Distance BEFORE First Strike will make for a more rounded out experience. Reading First Strike first may leave readers unsatisfied and wanting more like I was.

FIRST STRIKE is a nice treat for die-hard fans who will gobble anything I-Team related to tide us over. Hopefully the wait for the next full length won’t be as long!

TRUST IN ME is Wait For You but entirely from Cam’s POV. I thought I would enjoy this because I really liked Cam’s character a lot in the first book. However, this book was just a retelling of the first book through Cam’s eyes. There aren’t any real bonus scenes or further insights into Cam’s mind and that’s why I was a teeny bit disappointed in this book. Thank God it’s a novella and not a full length book, otherwise I may have quit and just waited for a new book to come out.

Also, Cam’s personality felt a little bit off to me. I don’t remember him being this….douchey? Okay, I’m going to be completely honest here with you. I felt that Cam was like the real guys you see in school. They can be smooth and charming when with you but when they are with their friends, they can come across as fools or just completely douches. When Cam was with Jase and his other friends, I got that feeling. Armentrout creates a believable character in Cam, but I just didn’t find him particularly likeable in this novella. Some of the things he said made him seem a little too young, too unexperienced and that was a turn off. I much preferred the Cam we experienced through Avery’s eyes.

The writing, as always, is free-flowing and eloquent. It doesn’t take a lifetime to read an Armentrout book and that’s one of the good things about it. I just hope that this trend doesn’t happen for each and every New Adult book because unless it’s written differently or offers up something we haven’t seen before, I don’t see the reason to go out and check this out.

*ARC provided by publisher

"Ward's unique writing will have your heads spinning and begging for more."

Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction

"Battle the cold, wintery months and heat up with these heartwarming tales of romance and family."

Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction

Taking geek to another level, Suede pulls no punches in this superhero tale!

Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t read the others in the series, but I’ve had my own on this author and this series for awhile. The main reason was because it’s called Toronto Tales and I wanted to see how the author portrayed my city. Also, I’m always looking for new M/M series to love.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t exactly shine for me. I enjoyed it, but I won’t think I would reread or recommend to anyone right away. I found that I enjoyed the author’s writing style but for me, the chemistry between Rick and Ian never really took off. It simmered with its frequent sex scenes and instant arousal, but I was looking for something more and never got it.

I think this is in part because I never really connected with Rick or Ian’s character. I don’t know why, but not once did I come to care about the characters and that really irked me about the book. They didn’t really feel particularly likeable at first glance and when you continued to read, it wasn’t until the end that their connection is made. And that, for me is a little too late.

*ARC provided by publisher

"Stacey pens a fun-filled holiday treat that is sugary sweet and filled with fun festivities!"

Read this review in its entirety at FreshFiction.com

ENDLESS KNIGHT is for readers who has a vast imagination, love dramatics and enjoy being blindsided every once in awhile. You can be sure that you won’t be bored while reading a Kresley Cole book.

In the second book of the Arcana Chronicles, Cole further explores the dystopian world that she has expertly built but this time, readers are in the front seat and we get a whole new experience as the player’s powers manifest. I would probably read the first book of the series before you read this one. A lot of the worldbuilding is introduced in the first book and now with this book, the game is in play. Cole doesn’t really wait around very much but instead drives you deep into the action and the tricks. For new readers, I would definitely think you’d be lost if you didn’t read Poison Princess first.

Jackson and Evie have this mounting tension that continues to rise and rise until you wonder whenever is it going to finally erupt! As a romance author, Cole excels are writing sexual tension so it’s really no wonder how that made it into this series. For fans of her adult books, I would say that there is a big chance you’d enjoy this series as well. I don’t think Cole tones down her writing style or her complex world and plot. Cole is a mastermind when it comes to writing so that will always be in her books regardless of what genre she writes. This series is a little more sexier than most YA and for me, that’s always a fantastic thing.

One thing I was very impressed about is Cole’s imagination. She constantly surprises readers with unique, original ideas and with this series, you can tell that she had had a lot of creative freedom to explore what’s in her mind. Intricate details are revealed, further making this series one to come back to again and again.

AFTER THE FALL is a sweet, funny and charming story set in Tucker Springs. Nathan has just fulfilled his dreams and has acquired Tsarina, the horse of his dreams and is taking her out for some exercise when a crazy motorcyclist scares the poor horse to death and she falls, landing straight on top of Nathan. In pain and pissed off is not a good combination for Nathan because when the motorcyclist comes to help him, he gets a punch in the face that is hard enough to draw blood.

The accident, however, ends up creating a unique relation between Nathan and Ryan. When Ryan offers to help Tsarina with her training while Nathan is recovering in a cast for the next few months, a romance blooms between these two in such a way that can’t help but enjoy!

First thing I have to mention is L.A. Witt’s ability to create such authentic, flowing dialogue between her characters. She is always able to infused their conversations with funny antics, personality and a dash of sensuality which I think makes it so easy for readers to devour. I read this book so fast that I was almost disappointed that it was over.

Ryan and Nathan are adorable together. Ryan’s shyness and Nathan’s vulnerability is what makes reading them fun. You can tell that this romance wasn’t expected and just bloomed naturally for them and I think Witt does a great job of making it all feel believable.

Though this is the sixth book in the series, I definitely think you can read this book as a standalone. There is mention of previous characters in the series but nothing that will be confusing to new readers hoping to find something new to enjoy.

*ARC provided by publisher

Describe The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie in three words

Annie: Charming, Adventurous, Sexy. (Or am I just describing Daniel here? ;P)

Suz: Sexy Balloon Ride!

After watching Daniel grow up, did he meet your expectations?

Annie: Daniel actually turned out more cocky than I expected him to be. But I guess if you have the money and the Mackenizie name backing you up, why wouldn’t you be? I always knew he would be charming, but never to the extent that Daniel was in the book. I adored the balloon ride scene and thought that was the most unique adventure I’d seen in a historical romance for a long time. It also helped that Daniel was a charmer the whole way through too.

Suz: For me, Daniel was both more and less than I expected. Annie is totally correct, Daniel was cocky and charming, but with a big ol’ heart infusing him with warmth as well. It was hard not to love him. But, maybe I have just gotten used to big, brooding Scotsman from this series as what he made up for in charisma he lacked in intensity. He just didn’t have that edge of darkness that the previous heroes had.
Violet, was she a heroine you connected with?

Annie: I enjoyed Violet’s character. Her secret definitely made me care about her more. When you have a heroine who has had to endure what she had to, you can’t help but sympathize with her character. But the fact that she was a spiritual medium made her all that more interesting! I don’t think anything is more entertaining than that!

Suz: I did, I really liked Violet, she was clever and resourceful. She had suffered through a hard life of constant worry and responsibility and I loved watching her soften and trust Daniel.

Overall how did you like this book? Will you read the next book in the series?

Annie: Daniel’s book turned out to be different than I expected. With adorable dialogue and larger-than-life characters, Ashley has all the elements ready for a fun book. But she adds more when she infuses it with her humor and charm. And of course I’m excited to read Sinclair McBride’s story! Highland Pleasures is a must-read series for me!

Suz: Overall I really enjoyed this book, Daniel and Violet were a great couple with fantastic chemistry and I loved seeing all the other Mackenzies. Sadly it wasn’t my favourite book in the series, I didn’t really connect to it like I have with the others, but it was still fun, unique and sexy. Roll on the next book, I can’t wait to read it!

*ARC provided by publisher

ORIGIN doesn’t waste any time, diving back into the events where the last book left off. Katy is in the hands of the enemy and Daemon is determined to do anything to get her back. It was a nice change of pace to get Daemon’s POV. I think it was necessary for the story. I don’t think the story would have been as exciting if Daemon’s anger and aggression wasn’t explored so I’m glad Armentrout decided to take that route.

Katy seemed a little different in this one. She is in survival mode and that resilient side of her is up and protecting her. In a way, it kind of reminded me of the first couple books in the series where she keeps up her shield for Daemon. This time, she is doing it to keep the bad guys out.

As far as the worldbuilding is concerned, I felt that a whole lot was revealed in this instalment. We see the Lux and Arum world in its full glory and Armentrout takes her time outlining the details and exploring more of the unique world she has created.

One thing that really striked me about this book is the authorial voice. I’ve read all of Armentrout’s books as they come out but I feel that her YA Paranormal voice fits her the best. This Lux series especially is very strong for that reason. Armentrout can get into her characters head and knocks down descriptions and emotions like it’s no effort at all, keeping readers hooked.

Action and suspense is no stranger to this book. If you think you enjoyed the series up to now, be prepared to be blown away by what Armentrout has in store for you next!

At an early age, Evan Costa learned that touch could be bad. But regardless, he yearns for it. With the help of a therapist, he gets through his rough childhood and early adulthood with some bumps along the way. However, it isn’t until he becomes a porn model for the Johnnies that Evan – or Ethan, rather – gets what he has been dying for. He develops a strong bond with the other men and also has touch available to him for free.

Jonah Stevens lives his life caring for his lovely sister, Amelia. Melly is sick and requires constant care and reassurance. Their time together is limited but Jonah is determined to make the best of it while he can. Ethan stumbles into their lives and a romance slowly builds between the two until it becomes undeniable.

Amy Lane is a master at weaving intricate, heartfelt stories for her readers. But ETHAN IN GOLD surpasses every expectation I had going into this book. It starts off with a bang, an innocent, but broken-hearted confession that delves deep into Ethan’s psyche. From this, Lane carries on, giving Ethan’s character many obstacles to overcome. In this journey, I found myself completely enamoured with his character, rooting for the best situations even when I sensed darkness ahead. I couldn’t help but feel attached to him and when the possibility of a HEA was in sights, I want Ethan to jump right in because he deserves so much happiness.

Jonah and Ethan’s romance blooms slowly. As you can guess, there is a ton of angst that acts as a hurdle that they both need to overcome. I loved that Jonah wasn’t afraid of telling Ethan that he didn’t see him as a whore, no matter how much Ethan insisted that he was. Already Jonah is changing how Ethan is seeing himself and that to me is just as effective as having a shrink around.

My heart broke when we learned more about Chase and Tommy. It was nice to see them, as well as Dex, but man, Lane knows how to write dark, heartbreaking scenes! You think you know these characters, but Lane peels back the layers like an onion and reveals more secrets that make you love them more.

ETHAN IN GOLD has made the Johnnies series one of my top two favourite Amy Lane series. The way it merges darkness and heartbreak with hilarious antics and heart, ETHAN IN GOLD shines.

*ARC provided by publisher