Ignited (Titanium Security #1) by Kaylea Cross

Description...

When her father is murdered by a Taliban cell in the tribal regions of Pakistan, Khalia Patterson reluctantly steps into his shoes to carry on the legacy of Fair Start Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to furthering the education of girls. There she meets Hunter Phillips, the ex-SEAL and head of her Titanium security team, and quickly learns that coming to Pakistan might prove to be a deadly decision.

Battling demons of his own, Hunter grudgingly leads Khalia’s protective detail as a favor to his boss. From their first meeting it’s clear she’s going to be trouble, and that the cell that killed her father is hell bent on taking her out as well. Keeping her alive is one of the toughest assignments he’s ever faced, yet through one harrowing situation after another she continually impresses him with her strength and inner courage. Even though he fights his feelings for her, it’s a losing battle. And when the job is over, he doesn’t know how he’ll let her go.

**************

Let me start by saying, at $2.99, this is a STEAL!

I thoroughly enjoyed Kaylea Cross's Bagram Special Ops series and was thrilled to see this first in her newest, Titanium Security, being reviewed (and loved) in droves! Being slow, as I often am, to jump on board 'the latest thang' train, and even knowing I'd get a great read, I've just now finally finished Ignited and am here to tell you, it ROCKS!

My review...

Kaylea Cross, in my opinion, takes Military Romantic Suspense to a level that no other author has taken it to - not that I've read, anyway. More often than not we're given just enough of the harsh, ugly reality of war to get our imaginations going but without pushing against the walls of our comfort zones. Ms. Cross takes her stories just a bit further and gives us more of the ugly, more of the harsh, more of the reality of war, and while I hate knowing what happens out there, I also appreciate knowing what happens out there.

Another thing I love about Ms. Cross's stories is that her characters are mature, dedicated, passionate people; heroes who are alpha and protective, but let their heroines shine, and heroines who are strong, capable, and never clueless. Both heroes and heroines can hold their own, but they're confident enough in themselves to let each other be who they are and hold their own own, when needs be.

And since so many others have written AMAZING reviews of this story, I'll stop here because I can't give you more than they already have.

Perfection - A Neighbor From Hell Novel by R.L. Mathewson

Description…

Zoe is used to taking care of herself and has long ago accepted that if anything bad was going to happen, it was going to happen to her. So when she loses her job over something most bosses would probably be happy with and her life starts going down hill from there she doesn't expect it to get any better. She certainly didn't expect any help from the loud jerk next door, but then again she has nothing to lose so puts her trust in him and hopes for the best. What she didn't expect was the once in a lifetime opportunity that he offers her through an arrangement where they both benefit and no one is supposed to get hurt, but she should have known better because her luck has never been that good.

Like most Bradfords, Trevor has a soft spot for food, but that's about all. He leads a pretty straightforward life and likes to keep things simple and that includes his relationships. He wants the perfect woman and knows exactly what she'll be like. So when he discovers much to his horror that he's thinking about his frumpy little neighbor he decides the best way to get his head straight is by working her out of his system. He'll keep her around, but only until he finds perfection.

*****

A damned near perfect read !!

"Does no one care that she just manhandled me?" Trevor demanded, facing the men who should be properly outraged on his behalf.

Jason snorted. "As long as brings me food, she can bitch slap you and call you spanky."

Trevor narrowed his eyes on the men who dared laugh at his pain.

Betraying bastards.

Perfection is the second book in R.L. Mathewson’s Neighbor From Hell series and again, one helluva funny read. Like the first book, this one has laugh out loud dialog, romance, holy hell it's hot in here heat, and I couldn’t put it down!

My review…

At the risk of repeating myself… this is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. The humor is silly humor, but still laugh out loud comical when you ‘hear’ what’s going through Trevor’s head. At first I was a little put off by the ‘fat’ comments from him and his friends, but the author does a great job of making them look like such moronic douche-waffles that I was actually giggling at their cluelessly callous remarks.

And also, just to say… this is one helluva hot story, too. The sexual chemistry between Trevor and Zoe burns up the pages and gives them a spot on my ‘sexiest couple’ shelf that I created with them in mind.

The bottom line…

This isn’t a tragic, compelling, tormented hero read. There are no deep, dark secrets, and no emotional roller-coaster rides. What this is, is a light, sexy romance, and more fun than I can find the words to express. Entertaining, start to finish, and I am soooooooo looking forward to reading more!  

Back to You by Jessica Scott

Description…

He's in for the fight of his life . . .

Army captain Trent Davila loved his wife, Laura, and their two beautiful children. But when he almost lost his life in combat, something inside him died. He couldn't explain the emptiness he felt or bridge the growing distance between him and his family—so he deployed again. And again. And again . . . until his marriage reached its breaking point. Now, with everything on the line, Trent has one last chance to prove to his wife that he can be the man she needs . . . if she'll have him

. . . to win back his only love.

Laura is blindsided when Trent returns home. Time and again, he chose his men over his family, and she's just beginning to put the pieces of her shattered heart back together. But when Trent faces a court martial on false charges, only Laura can save him. What begins as an act of kindness to protect his career inflames a desire she thought long buried—and a love that won't be denied. But can she trust that this time he's back to stay?

***** 

Made me cry, made me sigh, made me believe that with love, anything is possible!

Back to You is the third book in Jessica Scott’s Coming Home series. It follows the story of Trent and Laura and the slow disintegration of their marriage due to Trent’s love affair with his other wife, the Army. I was dreading this story with as much passion as I was needing it. Dreading it because of the allegations against Trent, and desperately needing it because, deep down, I knew those allegations couldn't be true, and I needed to see it play out. And play out, right before our eyes, it did.

My review…

I have to tell you, this is one of the best 'one more chance' and military romances I’ve ever read. It gutted me at the same time it uplifted me. It broke my heart while making me fall in love. Start to finish I was completely invested in Trent and Laura’s happiness, cheering them on one minute and crying for them the next. Ms. Scott did a brilliant job of showing us a different side to the casualties of war – the slow, painful, emotional death of a military family. But the real beauty of this story is watching these two amazing people refuse to give up on each other, or themselves, and work to put their family back together again. Their happily ever after was hard fought and well deserved!

The bottom line…

Don’t waste time reading reviews of these books, just buy the books and enjoy the time you spend reading them! Seriously, just do it. But I strongly recommend they be read in order so you know exactly what has taken place, and why Back to You is such a beautiful love story!

My thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishers) and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this amazing story in exchange for an honest review.

Playing For Keeps - A Neighbor From Hell Novel by R.L. Mathewson

Description…

Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to be sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of.

The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only thing left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.

*****

I giggled, I snickered, and fanned myself throughout the entire story!

Playing for Keeps is the first book in R.L. Mathewson’s Neighbor from Hell series and one hell of a funny story. 

My review...

I picked this up back in the days of Fictionwise and their 60% off sales but never got around to reading it because I wasn’t in the mood for a paranormal romance about demons living next door. 

**snort**

Man, oh man! I wish I had paid closer attention to what the book was about because I’ve been missing out on some seriously good times!! 

Like I said, for some reason I thought this was, literally, a story about demon neighbors. Don't bother asking why, because I haven't a clue, but yeah, I assumed this was a PNR. And although Jason is definitely a neighbor from hell, it’s not the literal kind of hell. He’s just a pain in the ass. The kind of neighbor who has you thinking of selling your home, or burning his down. Prison time starts looking good if it means ridding the world of him and his annoying, loud, friends.

After realizing that this is not a PNR, I was anticipating a light fun read and yeah, I got that, but there’s something more about Playing for Keeps; a connection between myself and the characters I can't explain and wasn't expecting. At first I thought I’d feel nothing more than ‘meh’ for Jason, but by the end of the book I adored him! He and his family are just hysterical and I laughed out loud more than a few times at their banter. And the sex scenes? Holy hell hot!

The bottom line…

This isn’t a deep or compelling novel, but it’s sexy, romantic, funny and thoroughly entertaining. Even as I sit here writing this review I’m grinning from ear to ear as I recall some of Haley and Jason’s antics, and those of Jason’s goofy friends. 

I’ve already downloaded book 2, Perfection and can’t wait to dive in!     

The Secret by Julie Garwood - Includes review of Audio Version

Bloody brilliant, hot, hunky Highlanders!

Audio/Kindle/Paperback Review

Very rarely do I have the opportunity to read a book that isn't a review required read, but I needed something familiar, something comforting this past week, and so I chose to re-read/listen to this story.

I am so, so very glad I did!

I had read The Secret (paperback) years ago and never reviewed because I was on a Julie Garwood binge. Book after book, I didn't have time to stop and write down my thoughts because I couldn't stop reading long enough to do so. This story will always be a favorite read, but as a listen? It's amazing!

Description...

New York Times best-selling author Julie Garwood captures the Highland splendor of medieval Scotland in this breathtaking love story. The inspiration for her acclaimed bestseller Ransom, this classic tale is a passionate masterpiece from one of the best-loved storytellers of all time.

Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land...Iain Maitland, laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain's searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan...not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

My review...

Julie Garwood was my first venture into Historical Romance, and the genre became an instant favorite. I grabbed every single Garwood HR I could get my hands on, and wept when I learned she wasn't writing HR anymore.

Okay, maybe "wept" is a bit of an exaggeration, but not much!

When people ask what my favorite HR novel is, I always think of Garwood's books. The Prize, The Bride, The Wedding... it's hard to pick an all time favorite. But I can honestly say, The Secret is right up there on the list.

And I've fallen in love with it, all over again.

This past weekend I listened (and read along - Kindle) to Susan Duerden not just read the book, but perform it. Her incredible ability to let each character's unique personality shine through made this an absolute delight to experience.

The prologue is one of the best I had ever read, and now listening to Ms. Duerden bring the wee little girls, Judith and Frances Catherine to life... then bring them together again as grown women whose friendship passed the test of time and will inspire Lairds and clansmen... truly, I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this story. No, how much I LOVE this story! Every page, every sentence, every word...

The bottom line...

As I said, my reading time is precious to me and there isn't enough of it, but when I needed something familiar and comforting, I chose this book. That in itself should bear testament to how much I adore The Secret.

I sighed, I smiled, I laughed... the witty dialog and laugh out loud banter, the sexual chemistry... it captured my heart and made me fall in love with the obstinate Laird Iain Maitland and the adorable, equally obstinate Lady Judith, all over again.

Run to You by Rachel Gibson

Description…

There's nothing like fleeing Miami to ruin a girl's day. Stella Leon's bartending gig was going fine until gorgeous ex-Marine Beau Junger decked her mob-connected boss, spirited her out of the city, and claimed that Stella's half-sister--the one with the perfect life--sent him. Now Stella has no choice but to go along for the ride... and seduce Beau's military-issue socks off...

The Marine Corps was Beau's escape from his old man's legacy of naval heroism and serial philandering, but no amount of training could prepare him for the day he looked in the mirror and saw his father staring back. The answer: swear off meaningless sex. Oh, and find a way to make Stella Leon quit being so damn hot.

Fun, Romantic, Sexy!

"I'm an idiot. I thought love happened like bullets and flashbang." He waved the smoke away. "I was wrong. It happens one smile at a time. One beautiful, torturous smile at a time. One look into your eyes. One touch of your hand. The sound of your laughter." -Beau

Run to You is the fourth book in Rachel Gibson’s Lovett, Texas series, and I find I’m becoming quite fond of her writing. It’s got that small town, down home feel, but the pace of this story is anything but slow.

My review…

I really enjoyed Run to You. For the record, I read it out of order and while I wasn’t lost at all, I do wish I had had the background stories so I could understand the players better.

Beau is a great hero, in more ways than one. He’s got that … charisma… that magnetism that draws people to him while, at the same time, warning them off. He’s had it tough growing up, but the Marine’s toughened him up and made him take a good long look in the mirror and realize he’s not the man he could be. In fact, he’s destined to be the very last man on the planet he would want to be – his own father.
Stella was fun, albeit at bit annoying at times. But to be fair, I tend to favor the heroes in my romance reads and get peeved at the heroines who don’t fall into line tout de suite. But that’s my problem and, in the end, I really did enjoy Stella’s spunky attitude and her relationship with Beau.

The bottom line…

Rachel Gibson is a name I’ve seen around my friends’ reviews quite often, and I’m glad I finally gave her a try. I enjoyed the Lovett, Texas world she has created and look forward to reading more in the series!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this ARC. 

Chance of Rain by Amber Lin

Description...

The only things Natalie Bouchard wants to change are the weekly specials in her Gram's diner. So when her high school sweetheart strolls back into Dearling, Texas, she allows herself to indulge in a little flirtation, but that's as far as it goes.

Navy SEAL Sawyer Nolan has returned to sell his father's land and get the hell out, no matter how enticing he still finds Natalie. Until a storm rolls over the Texas hills, stranding them together at the farm…and the memories of their steamy past lead to a reunion filled with hot days and long nights.

Soon Natalie's so far under Sawyer's skin he can't imagine being without her. But he has a lot of history in Dearling he'd like to leave behind, and Natalie is practically married to this town. If Sawyer wants to be more than just another person who leaves Natalie, he'll have to give his hometown—and himself—one more chance.

***** 

4.5 poignant, charming, sexy stars!!

Amber Lin is an author who knows how to write darkly emotional, deeply sensual stories. I read – and loved – her Lost Girls series, though I have to be in the mood for a story that will rip my heart out, chew it up, then put it back together again, each and every time. I look forward to these stories because sometimes they’re exactly what I need.

When I saw Chance of Rain at Netgalley, I knew I had to read it, but honestly, I was expecting a darker story, similar to those found in Lost Girls, so I didn’t dive in right away. (Those of you who know me and follow my posts will remember that the past six months of my real life has been full of emotional loss. My son went off to Uganda to serve a Christian Mission. My 11 year old dog had to be put to sleep, and lastly, my mom passed away in November. To say I had not been in the mood for a dark story at the time, is to say the last.)

Yesterday, while browsing my “Currently Reading” shelf which is more like a “Don’t Forget These Books” shelf, I saw this one sitting there and decided to read a few pages to get a feel for it. Those few pages turned into a few chapters, then a few chapters more, and before I knew it, it was 3:30am and I had finished it.

And loved it.

My review…

Chance of Rain is not at all the story I expected it to be. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful story, but there wasn’t the level of angst and drama found in Lost Girls. This is a contemporary romance with a “you can go home again” and “second chance romance” plot. It’s sweet, very sexy, and the characters are real people with real lives, real hopes, and real dreams. And while it’s not dark, it’s still a poignant, romantic, inspiring story about letting go of the past in order to have a future filled with happiness, love, and a happily ever after you never imagined could be yours. You only have to reach for it, work for it, and never let it go.

The bottom line…

I’m so glad I saw this on my shelf and took a chance. It’s exactly what I needed and I hope there will be more such stories from this truly amazing author. Brava, Amber Lin! I’d love to see what you can do with Historical Romance… no doubt it’d be brilliant!

My thanks to Carina Press for providing a copy of this story in exchange for my honest thoughts. What a great story this is!

(And for the record, everything has a positive side if you just look for it. Yes, my son's in Uganda, but he's serving God's children there and our temporary loss is their much needed gain. My Honey dog, while we miss her terribly, lived a long, happy, pampered life. And my mom... that's the hardest loss of all, but she's no longer in pain and that alone makes our loss bearable.

Thank you to everyone whose thoughts and prayers carried me through these tough times. You're all proof that angels do not have wings!)

Purchase Chance of Rain at Amazon and other ebook retailers!

Kaleidoscope - A Colorado Mountain Novel by Kristen Ashley

When old friends become new lovers...anything can happen.

Sexy, gifted, and loyal, PI Jacob Decker is a tall, cool drink of perfection who had Emmanuelle Holmes at "hello." His relationship with Emme's best friend kept them apart for years, but things have changed. Now that a case has brought him to Gnaw Bone, Colorado, the road is wide open for Emme and Deck to explore something hotter and deeper than Emme dreamed possible. So why is she sabotaging the best thing that's ever happened to her?

It isn't easy to catch Deck off guard, but Emme does just that when she walks back into his life after nine long years. The curvy brunette had her charms back in the day, but now she's a bona fide knockout . . . and she wants to rekindle their friendship. Deck, however, wants more. Emme's always been the one; she excites Deck's body and mind like no other woman can. But a dark chapter from Emme's past overshadows their future together. Now only Deck can help her turn the page-if she'll let him . . .

**********

It's not often a book keeps me up all night because I'm so caught up in the story I just can't put it down, but Kaleidoscope has done that. I'm not lying when I say I was a weeeeeeeeeeeeee bit worried this would fall short of capturing my attention and my alphaman-love, but it surpassed my expectations in a big way! It's an awesome story, and I loved the re-visit with some of romance's greatest alpha heroes and their women. And true, this, Deck and Emme's happily ever after is hard fought, well deserved, and a thing of beauty!

And hot? Ho-leeeheeehee hell!!

Thank you, Kristen Ashley, for giving us this story, and keeping me up all night basking in it!

ARC received from the publisher in return for an honest review. What a pleasure!

Purchase Kaleidoscope at Amazon

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Welcome to my day of the Dare to Love Official Blog Tour! I've got my review posted for your perusal, and Carly has some amazing prizes lined up for you! Just look -

 First Place:

IPad Mini 16g 

Customized CP iPad Mini Case

Carly Phillips Canvas Tote Bag

Dare to Love Mug

Carly Phillips T-Shirt

And signed copies of:

Dare to Love

Serendipity

Destiny

Karma

Perfect Fit

Perfect Fling

Perfect Together

Cross My Heart

Sealed With A Kiss

Seduce Me

Second Place:

Carly Phillips Canvas Tote Bag

Dare to Love Mug

And signed copies of:

Dare to Love

Perfect Partners

Solitary Man

The Right Choice

Midnight Angel

Third Place:

Carly Phillips Canvas Tote Bag

And signed copies of:

Dare to Love

Lucky Charm

Lucky Streak

Lucky Break

Brazen

Fourth Place:

Signed copies of:

Dare to Love

The Bachelor

The Playboy

The Heartbreaker

Fifth Place:

Signed copies of:

Dare to Love

Kiss Me If You Can

Love Me If You Dare  

See? I told you! Amaazzing prizes!  So check out my review, and then be sure to enter the contest using the Rafflecopter Widget below!  Good luck!!!!!

Oh, so sweet! Oh, soooo sexy! Oh, soooooooo good! Full review now posted...unless I come up with more ways to torture our hero's father. In fact, if you, or someone you love if you don't have your own, is fond of their dangling man bits, you might want to skip this review... Dare to Love is the first book in Carly Phillips’ Dare to Love series, and it’s also her first book as an Indie author. I haven’t read any of her work before, so I have no way to know if she's better as an IA, but I have to say, I truly enjoyed her way of telling this story! The Cover Blurb Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget. Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything. My Rambling, Ranting (but spoiler free) Review Wow, well… I have to say, I found this storyline very compelling. In the beginning, my feelings for Ian were mixed – hated him one minute, loved him the next, type thing. I had a tough time imagining what it was like for him to learn that his father, his role model, the man he loved and wanted to be like, had another family on the side. And worse, when that family came to light, Robert Dare chose them over Ian’s mother and siblings. Honestly, when I was finally able to wrap my head around that, I wanted to weep. No wonder Ian is so controlling. No wonder he holds himself back and doesn’t get involved in “relationships” that might lead to him being abandoned by someone else he loves. No wonder he hates his step siblings and wants nothing to do with them. No. Freaking. Wonder. If I were Ian, I'd have hated them, too! But one uttered word brought it all into perspective - and no! I won't tell you what that word is, but it tore out my heart and made me love both sets of Dare children, equally. Riley Taylor had Ian’s absolute attention from the moment he first laid eyes on her, and it had nothing to do with the fact that she had entered the room on the arm of Ian’s step brother, Alex Dare – okay, maybe that had something to do with it. Knowing Ian's and Alex's history, their deeply rooted, consuming animosity for one another, I was worried that there’d be a lot of angst and drama, but thanks to Riley’s compassion and maturity, thankfully there was not. And I loved her for that. Seriously, had there been, it could have easily ruined the story for me, but this was handled by Riley early on, and handled well. I’ve been wavering between 4 and 5 stars, and as I’m sitting here thinking about it, I’ve decided to go with 4 because there was something huge left unresolved, in my opinion, and it was Ian's father, Robert Dare’s remorse for what he’d done, or lack thereof. Granted, years had passed and he was probably tired of the rift his cheating ways had caused between his two sets of children, but SON-OF-A-BITCH! I have personal experience with the heartbreaking aftermath of infidelity, so in order for me to really be okay with the way his ex-wife, current wife, and most of his kids accepted his cheating ass and moved on, I needed some serious on-his-knees groveling. Some truly compelling reason for why he did what he did, and not the kissy-face reason we got. Or hell, just TRUE remorse!!! Sweet baby geebus! You might be wondering if I'm upset! Well, lemme just say that someone needs to meet the old, spineless, limp dick asshole in a dark alley, remove his balls with a spoon and make him watch while they’re fed to sewer rats. Better yet, spread peanut butter on his balls, while they're still dangling from between his legs, and make him watch while the sewer rats eat them! Now YOU decide how upset I am. Fecking fooker! **takes a deep breath** Alrighty, then... Because I've Been Asked No, this book is really not just like Fifty Shades or its clones. Yes, the two leads are wealthy, but not once was the word "millionaire" or "billionaire" mentioned, and trust me, I did a search! Gotta love ebooks! Also, I do have Ian shelved as a "dominant male", but this really is not a BDSM story. The bottom line Dare to Love is at times funny, at times poignant, and at times very sexy! I’m thrilled to have finally read Carly Phillips writing, and yeah, this was my first read by this talented author, but it most certainly will not be my last! In fact, Alex’s story is up next and you couldn’t keep me from it if you tried! My thanks to Chasity Jenkins for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review! It truly was a pleasure – despite what my outburst indicates.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jagged - A Colorado Mountain Novel by Kristen Ashley

An old flame rekindled . . .

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.

*********

Kristen Ashley is more than a great writer - she’s a master storyteller. I’ve been waiting for this book for a long time – Reece has just been screaming to have his story told - and I was not disappointed. There were things I would have liked to see more of, but all in all, this is another fabulous book from one of my favorite authors!

My thanks to Grand Central Publishers and Forever for providing me with a copy of this awesome story in exchange of an honest review. The pleasure was, as always, mine!

The Silver Chain by Primula Bond

Bound by passion, she was powerless to resist.

One dark evening in London, photographer Serena Folkes is indulging her impulsive side with a night-time shoot. But someone is watching her – mysterious entrepreneur Gustav Levi. Serena doesn’t know it yet, but this handsome stranger will change her life forever…

Serena is fascinated by Gustav, the enigmatic owner of the Levi Gallery, and she soon feels an irresistible pull of attraction. The interest is mutual, and Gustav promises to launch Serena’s photographic career at his gallery, but only if Serena agrees to become his exclusive companion.

To mark their agreement, Gustav gives Serena a bracelet to wear at all times. Attached to it is a silver chain of which he is the keeper. With the chain Gustav controls Serena physically and symbolically – a sign that she is under his power.

As their passionate relationship intensifies, Gustav’s hold on the silver chain grows stronger. But will Gustav’s dark past tear them apart?

**** 

The Silver Chain is the first book in Primula Bond’s The Unbreakable Trilogy and not a bad start to this semi-open ended happily ever after. I say semi-open ended because it is a trilogy and we know going in that the relationship will not be fully developed in the first - or likely – second book. And I’m hoping Ms. Bond doesn’t pull a last minute need to extend the trilogy beyond just that – a trilogy.

I wish I could be more excited about this trilogy but honestly, it just seems like more of what the market is being inundated with. There were times I thought I’d DNF it and other times I thought I’d love it. In the end, it took me a couple months of picking it up and putting it down before I finished. The thing is, to really “wow” me these days, a story has to be compelling, exciting, and gripping, but most of all fresh and unique. And sadly, this story, in my opinion, was not.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. There was, and is, a lot of potential here. Ms. Bond is talented and able to write engaging, complex characters, but with The Silver Chain I just wasn’t left dying to know what might happen next. That’s not to say I won’t read more, should the mood strike me.

My thanks to HarperCollins UK for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.