2017/07/30

A Dance with Seduction (A Spy in the Ton, #1)

A Dance with Seduction (A Spy in the Ton, #1)A Dance with Seduction Summary:
She was the only code he couldn't break...

Vivienne Le Fleur is one of London’s most sought after opera dancer and one of England’s best weapons: the spy known as the Flower. When a French agent pressures her to change allegiance by abducting her sister, Vivienne is forced to seek the help of the only man in London who doesn’t want her.

Maximilian Westwood, retired code breaker, doesn't like surprises or mysteries and The Flower is both. When she sneaks into his study in the middle of the night with a coded message, he’s ready to push her out whatever window she arrived through. Except Maximilian is unable to turn away a woman in trouble. Determined to rescue Vivienne’s sister, they engage in a game of cat and mouse with French spies that requires all of Vivienne’s training and Maximilian’s abilities. Bound together by secrecy, they discover there is more between them than politics and hidden codes, but love has no place among the secrets of espionage...

A Dance with Seduction Review: 
A Dance of Seduction is a book that I enjoyed reading as a result of a phenomenal premise, with suspense, mystery and a good deal of romance. From the start, the book was realistic in regards to both characters and plot. These characteristics along with a refreshing new take on spies made A Dance of Seduction an excellent novel in comparison to other historical mysteries.

Both Vivienne and Maximillian, were fascinating characters to read about. Maximillian, not Max, was a government code-breaker, now a translator in eleven languages and a grumpy book-nerd. Definitely not a characteristic that comes about frequently in book characters. On top of that, he’s a beta hero, meaning that Maximillian never dominants his will over Vivienne. He does not treat her as a delicate flower; he recognizes that she is a survivor. On the other hand, he respects her enough to see through her façade and pushes Vivienne to free herself. Likewise, Maximillian does not make a move on her while she is supposed to be under the protection of another male, however there is still a significant amount of sexual tension.

Vivienne is another character that I came to respect throughout her journey in this book. While she does have trust issues concerning Maximillian, I was happy to see that she worked through it, allowing herself a change at love. Additionally, she was a strong heroine who puts the needs of her sister over her desire for a relationship, strengthening her character. This struggle between the two along with the obstacles Vivienne has to overcome led to a very powerful romance.

Overall, A Dance of Seduction is a 3.5 star read! The beginning of the story was a little slow, but when the plot picked up, it turned into a fantastic romance. The writing drew me, and the plot kept me captivated as they attempt to save Anne and defeat the Vulture. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy a historical spy novel and will definitely be reading the previous books in the series!

Thank you to Alyssa Alexander and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

2017/07/21

The Devil’s Prayer

The Devil's PrayerThe Devil’s Prayer Summary:
A nun commits suicide in front of thousands in Spain. In Australia, Siobhan Russo recognises that nun as her mother, Denise Russo, who disappeared six years ago.

In search of answers, Siobhan travels to the isolated convent where her mother once lived. Here she discovers Denise’s final confession, a book that details a heinous betrayal that left her crippled and mute, and Denise’s subsequent deal with the Devil to take revenge. In the desperate bargain Denise made with the Prince of Darkness, she wagered Siobhan’s soul.

As Siobhan discovers the fate of her soul, she learns that hidden within the pages of her mother’s confession is part of The Devil’s Prayer, an ancient text with the power to unleash apocalyptic horrors.

And now her mother’s enemies know Siobhan has it.

Can Siobhan escape an order of extremist monks determined to get the Prayer back? Can she save the world from its own destruction?

Warning: "The Devil’s Prayer" is a historical horror thriller that contains brutality, rape, sex, drug abuse and murder. Readers may find its content offensive and confronting.


The Devil’s Prayer Review: 
The Devil's Prayer is a surprisingly good read! Throughout the whole book I was captivated by the storytelling, both the non-fiction aspect as well as the darker part of the novel. On top of that, the character development was phenomenal. I really was excited to reading about Siobhan and her journey in this book. Every detail is harrowing and suspenseful, the action is graphic and the world is nightmarish.

The history part of the novel I found incredibly fascinating. Learning about the conspiracy between the two families along with the historical setting was something that I enjoy read about. I felt that this part of the book set up well for the remaining darker part in the book. On the other hand, the information was a tad bit dense, so if you are not into a more non-fiction feel, you may not like this part.

It soon became grittier and more sinister plot, because the portrayal of the corrupt in this novel was terrific. The descriptions were raw and exciting along with the historical parts were woven through the writing. The story came alive, bringing me into the adventure with Siobhan.

Overall, The Devil's Prayer is a five-star read! I completely loved reading this original, horror-filled and suspenseful novel. This is one book that I will definitely read again! Fair warning though, there are several trigger warnings listed in the summary above. I can't wait to see if there is going to be a sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review!

2017/07/07

Addiction (Bayfront Billionaires, #5)

Addiction (Bayfront Billionaires, #5)Addiction Summary:
Everyone loves a secret…

Liv Tyner has an ultra-sexy one she’s been keeping all to herself. A sinfully delicious, forbidden secret that has inspired endless fantasy material late into her lonely nights. But when that secret is suddenly staring her in the face—in the form of two fantastically built and wildly successful men—not only does Liv have trouble keeping her one-time-only love triangle under wraps, she also longs for a repeat performance.

Step-brothers Nate Dalton and Tristan Reeves have built a global communications empire that laid the groundwork for their ten-year homecoming to Bayfront. But more important than success is winning the love of the one woman neither has gotten off his mind or out of his system no matter how much time and distance spans between them—sensational and highly addictive Liv Tyner!

As a slow seduction begins and all their juicy secrets are revealed, can these star-crossed lovers find themselves in the right place, at the right time, to make a more permanent love connection?

Addiction Review:
Addiction was a quick and easy book to read. For me, there was little to no character development for Liv, Nate and Tristan. I started the book with a high school/Pretty Little Liars feel and it did not change significantly for the rest of the story. The introduction of the main characters and their lifestyles came off like elitists and preppy, rich people, instead of something that I could relate to. The pain and hard work they had placed into their careers and past did not come through at all. Their lives only showed rainbows, instead of the grittier stuff about life that I was looking for. I do not enjoy reading books without substance, which is what I found in this book.

While reading this book, I was more interested in reading about the side characters than Nate, Liv and Tristan, which should not be happening. It was not something that I could get into and found myself skimming because it just wasn't interesting. However, other readers did enjoy this book so do give it a try.

Overall, this book is a 1.5 star read. There wasn't much to save it for me except for the secondary characters.

Thank you to Calista Fox for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

2017/07/06

The Billionaire's Intern (Billionaire Fairy Tales #3)

The Billionaire's Intern Summary:
Lorenzo De Santis: Ruthless. Driven. Ambitious.
Lorenzo De Santis is the boss. He’s an uncompromising hardass, he doesn’t suffer fools, and he doesn’t have time to deal with witless young interns. But when an old friend asks for a favor, Lorenzo can’t refuse. Even if it means taking on the man’s daughter as a project.

Kira Constantin: Rich. Party girl…Spy.
Kira Constantin feels like she has been half-alive since that one night of partying ended in tragedy. So when her father demands that she go undercover at De Santis Corp as a spy, there’s no way she can refuse. She must redeem herself, even if that means dealing with a boss like of Lorenzo De Santis.

Except neither of them counts on the forbidden heat that flares between them. As Kira and Lorenzo draw closer, spying on him becomes harder and harder. And then Kira discovers that the real villain might be closer to her than she thinks…

The Billionaire's Intern Review:
After reading The Dangerous Billionaire and not being pleased with the writing, I was hesitant to read The Billionaire's Intern. I was happily surprised to find the book had more likeable characters, and an plot that created an interesting book.

As individuals both Lorenzo and Kira were complex characters. Kira's ADHD is a condition that I can relate to, which made her development throughout the novel much more exciting. It also had me rooting behind her to find love with a person who would understand how to treat her right. And, her past is tragic, making the connection between her and Lorenzo stronger and more realistic.

Lorenzo, was an intriguing person to read about. Cold and a very strong alpha, it was difficult at times to read about him. With the history he has with relationships, it is easy to understand why he is so controlled with his emotions, but his dominance comes off as aggression at times. Especially during the first half of the book. It did level off by the end, allowing for a pleasing HEA.

The one reason that this HEA stood out to me was that Kira and Lorenzo recognized their love for each other not because one had a near death experience; instead it came because they were not willing to hide behind their emotions. It was satisfying to have a love story that was not a cliché.

Unfortunately, this book did have other faults. Kira's past was retold many times, creating some very repetitive thoughts, instead of additional character development. Furthermore, the ending built up for a very exciting finish, but feel a little flat. Luckily, the ending also revealed some information that has made me interested in the next book. Can’t go into much more detail, it would definitely be a spoiler.

Overall, this book is a 3.5 read. It had all the makings of a great story, but the romance felt a little to anti-climatic.

Thank you to Jackie Ashenden for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Dangerous Billionaire (Tate Brother #1) Review


Wanting the Wrong thing HAS NEVER BEEN SO RIGHT...
"A master at crafting tension and desire.” –RT Book Reviews

 The Dangerous Billionaire (Tate Brothers, #1)The Dangerous Billionaire Summary: 
Navy SEAL Sullivan "Van" Tate has been called home to reluctantly inherit an empire and finds himself facing the most difficult mission of all: love.

Nothing about Sullivan "Van" Tate is what it seems. A Navy SEAL raised among the New York City elite, Van prefers heart-pounding action over a Wall Street corner office. But when his adoptive father dies and his business rivals move in to overtake his empire, Van must suit up to save the company and protect the one woman most forbidden to him…and the object of Van's most dangerous desires.

Chloe Tate is as ambitious as she is gorgeous. With a newfound independence, Chloe is no longer a prisoner on her father’s ranch. But everything changes when losing her father may also mean losing her life. Even with her survival on the line, Chloe can’t deny the burning attraction she feels the moment she locks eyes with Van, her rich, rough and ready, foster brother and the new head of her father’s company. Tall, dark, and muscled, he's the one man who she has no business being with. But how can she resist a Navy Seal Warrior when he’ll do anything to protect her?


The Dangerous Billionaire Review:
    Jackie Ashenden’s Dangerous Billionaire was an interesting starting to her new Tate Brothers series. It did a fair job of setting up the premise for the rest of the series, which I am very interested to read about. The biggest takeaway from this book is its ability to set up the next novels because, other than that, it left something to be desired.

    The main problem came from the Van and Chloe. Neither of them acted as grown-up adults, had decent communication skills or any actual chemistry. A lot of their interactions, and feelings came off very shallow and did not allow for any connection between the characters and I.

    Van was whiny from day one because he can no longer work as a Navy Seal, must run the Tate Oil company, deal with his younger sister and every little thing that came he was after his father’s death. Chloe was just as whiny when she loses the ranch and is incapable to of acting with some common sense when she is in danger. Instead, we are told the her “courageous” and “spunky” attitude is not the same as running head first into a confrontation.

    Ignoring the two main characters, characters like Logan, Wolf and Cesare de Santis made the book more interesting. It will be intriguing to read Logan and Wolf’s book and hopefully see more of Cesare’s villainous side.

    Overall, this book is a 3-star rating. The main characters were irritating to read about, but this book itself was captivating enough that I finished it within a few hours. I will be reading the next few books because I know that the first book is usually the worst, as it tries to set up the premise for the series.

Thank you to Jackie Ashenden for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!


Author Bio:
Jackie Ashenden lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr. Jax, and their two kids and two cats. When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.





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