The Howling by Erin McCarthy #TheHowling #NetGalley

   

The Howling by Erin McCarthy        

Blurb:

 Beneath the silver moon . . .
 
For six months the nightmares have been chasing Liv Lugaru out of her sleep. The same terrifying dream, the same fevered wolves panting after her, their hot breath getting closer and closer as a full moon hangs heavy in the night sky—until she wakes up drenched in sweat, with her fiancé, the brother of the man who broke her heart, gazing down at her . . .

Six months ago, Sebastian was almost killed by his brother in a power struggle within their werewolf pack. His disappearance opened the way for his brother to console Liv, win her trust . . . without ever telling her of their true heritage. Now Sebastian is ready to reclaim his rightful place—to rise up with the moon and claim the only woman he’s ever loved . . .


If this book had been the rough outline of the story, it might have been really good. Unfortunately, at this point, it feels as if too much is missing. The storyline is interesting and would have been a nice base but it remains rather flat and undeveloped. The same goes for the characters that remain somewhat one-dimensional. I just couldn't get emotionally involved in their fate no matter how hard I tried. The lack of explanations for some events or circumstances would have annoyed me much more otherwise either.

On the whole, this story should have been much more developed as it isn't, I can't really recommend it. It's ...nice... but bland.

 ★★

Dangerous (The Outcasts #1) by Minerva Spencer #dangerous

   

Dangerous by Minerva Spencer

Blurb:

What sort of lady doesn’t make her debut until the age of thirty-two? A timeless beauty with a mysterious past—and a future she intends to take into her own hands...

Lady Euphemia Marlington hasn’t been free in seventeen years—since she was captured by Corsairs and sold into a harem. Now the sultan is dead and Mia is back in London facing relentless newspapermen, an insatiably curious public, and her first Season. Worst of all is her ashamed father’s ultimatum: marry a man of his choosing or live out her life in seclusion. No doubt her potential groom is a demented octogenarian. Fortunately, Mia is no longer a girl, but a clever woman with a secret—and a plan of her own.

Adam de Courtney’s first two wives died under mysterious circumstances. Now there isn’t a peer in England willing to let his daughter marry the dangerously handsome man the ton calls The Murderous Marquess. Nobody except Mia’s father, the desperate Duke of Carlisle. Clearly Mia must resemble an aging matron, or worse. However, in need of an heir, Adam will use the arrangement to his advantage.

But when the two outcasts finally meet, assumptions will be replaced by surprises, deceit by desire—and a meeting of minds between two schemers may lead to a meeting of hearts—if the secrets of their pasts don’t tear them apart.


This book was amazing, so heartwarming, warm, thrilling an, well, amazing! halfway through the ebook, I went online to put the paperback on my wishlist because I felt that I simply needed to have this one in print as well!
The contrast between London's ton and Mia's warm and sensusal manner is striking and you just feel her husband relax into something unknown to him, something warm and very much alive, you feel the love between the hero and the heroine grow and I loved to see the lightness and the laughter Mia brings into her husbands life. And I also loved to see how Adam de Courtney's acceptance of her past and her allows her to blosssom and to be happy.
Mia hugs and caresses her way straight into her husband's heart and when she disappears, well, he won't let her get away...and he won't let her face the danger alone.....
A wonderful book - I just wanted to say "to read on a sunny afternoon" but actually, no mattter where and no matter what the weather or the place, this book is always a good choice! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

 ★★★★★

The King's Favorite (Daughters of Avalon, #1) by Tanya Anne Crosby

   

The King's Favorite by Tanya Anne Crosby

Blurb:

It has been five years since King Stephen took the English throne. The border lands are fraught with tensions. Loyalties are uncertain. Only the strong will hold their lands, and behind every strong man is an even stronger woman.

The eldest of five daughters born to King Henry's mistress, Elspeth fears she and her sisters will be used as pawns in the wars to come. When her sisters are wrenched from the Blak Montayne Priory that has sheltered them since Henry's death, Elspeth alone escapes, only to find herself indebted to, of all men, a Scotsman, whose loyalties are in question…

Left to face the wrath of a new sovereign, Malcolm MacKinnon has sworn his fealty to Stephen of Blois in order to keep the demesne he won by slaying his grandfather. In doing so, he has pit himself against Scotland, and even his own father. Even as he realizes there is no turning back, his bartered bride may offer him a chance to atone. But will giving in to his passion bring nations to war?

Okay, I can't say that I didn't put the book down because I did. For several days. Honestly? A couple of pages in, my heart was broken. I was so upset about the things that I read there about sweet little Malcolm (at least, once upon a time in another book he was sweet and little), that it took me some days to get over it and read on. And then I barely put it down anymore because it was so good!

What I really love about the books by this author, is her manner of weaving a story by combining historical facts with a brilliant and captivating story, lots of romance and a healthy dose of myth. I loved the vivid picture of a country torn by war and conflicting loyalties, of people having to face their own kin on the battlefield and I also loved the amazing and unique characters and their story. Elspeth and her sisters soon found a place in my heart and I felt with them but also feared for them and wondered about their mother's ruthlessness and her power. Especially her power. Her mother was set apart, not only by her actions and her thoughts but also because she was the only one whose part is told in the first person. Immediately, every time you stumble upon her parts, you are on guard and fear what new atrocities will be revealed. Along with our hero and our heroine, you learn to hate and to fear Morwen - and this was just the beginning.

I loved how Malcolm and Elspeth fell for each other. Despite the sudden and definitely quick manner of their...well...kind-of-not-really-courtship, you can feel that those two belong together and that they care a lot for each other. Elspeth is so sweet and Malcolm's devotion to her and his calm acceptance of her uniqueness and her power are simply amazing.

Such a beautiful and amazing book, I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

★★★★★

 

Emerald (Red Hot Love #2) by Elle Casey

   

Emerald by Elle Casey

Blurb:
 
A million reasons to go home. One hot reason to stay. From New York Times bestselling author Elle Casey comes the second book in the sexy Red Hot Love Series.
Emerald Collins is nothing like her strong-willed sister Amber. When she found out her father was a member of the legendary rock group Red Hot, sensitive Em was determined to carry on as normal—she had no interest in finding out more about her dad or leaving her quiet sanctuary in Maine.
But while visiting Amber in New York, Em meets Sam, a tortured, sexy, and utterly unsuitable musician. Sam and Em are used to life behind the scenes but their undeniable attraction is about to put them right in the spotlight.
When Sam reveals a shocking secret about his past, Emerald has to make a choice. Will she follow her head and return home or is the magnetism between them and the excitement of the big city enough for her to follow her heart?


Okay, it took me some time to get into this book. I loved Amber, the first book in this series but at the beginning Emerald was really getting on my nerves. She was far too naive, too whiny, too....everything and I just felt like telling her to finally grow up and get real.
Soooo, these feelings flared up every now and then again but on the whole, when things get rough, she finally wo-mans up and gets things done.
Sam and her, well, there are some sparks but I didn't really feel the connection and even though things were intense, their feelings, well, it all feels a bit rushed. Okay, considering the fact that Sam is absolutely amazing and I'd love to stea...ummm...borrow him, it might not be that far-fetched, actually... Sadie is a hoot, I fell for her the moment we met her. Sam and Emerald are really great with her and it's fun to read about their interactions with her.
All in all it is a nice story that made me laugh and that made me cry but due to my problems at the beginning, it is a good three stars book.

★★★

On my way to.....

*

***

*****

ROME!

 

 Who will be there?

 And now I am off to pack!

 Don't worry, 

I will be back with many many photos!

Ciao!

*****

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Wie das Leuchten des Meeres (Naliri-Saga 2) von Kira Gembri und Lena König

Wie das Leuchten des Meeres 

 von 

Kira Gembri und Lena König

Inhalt:

Liria ist überglücklich, als sie erfährt, dass Thrakon lebt und genau wie sie nach Myolis gebracht wurde. Auf der Suche nach ihm stößt sie bald auf eine ebenso dekadente wie grausame Geheimgesellschaft, und ihre erste Erleichterung verwandelt sich in Entsetzen. Wie soll sie es schaffen, Thrakon aus den Fängen der skrupellosen Adligen zu befreien? Und selbst wenn dieses Wagnis gelingt, steht den beiden noch eine gefährliche Flucht durch die Wüste bevor …
Die Novizin und der Clanführer – eine Liebe gegen alle Regeln und jede Vernunft.


Endlich ging es weiter mit der Geschichte um Liria und Thrakon. Wir verließen die beiden ja zu einem recht kritischen Zeitpunkt, der mich diese Fortsetzung sehr ungeduldig erwarten ließ.
Ganz wichtig, dies ist der zweite Band der Trilogie und er sollte unbedingt nach dem ersten Band gelesen werden. Und wer den ersten Band noch nicht gelesen hat - bitte zurück auf Los und gleich damit anfangen, ohne hier weiter zu lesen, sonst besteht doch die Gefahr, dass es zu kleien Spoilern kommt!

Okay, ich muss ja zugeben, das erste Wiedersehen mit Liria und dann auch mit Thrakon, war definitiv nicht so, wie ich es mir gewünscht hätte (auch wenn ich nach dem Überfall am Ende des ersten Bandes ja schon Schlimmes befürchtet hatte), absolut nicht. Thrakon begegnen wir an einem Ort, der nicht nur Schatten, sondern auch gleichzeitig Hölle ist. Hier sind manche Szenen für mich und meine überreiche Fantasie nicht immer ganz einfach zu verdauen gewesen, zumal ich an diesem Ort auch gleich gedanklich noch ein paar weitere Charaktere sozusagen adoptiert habe. Die Szenen selbst sind allerdings zwar hart, aber nicht übermaßig brutal geschildert, das soll also bitte nicht abschreckend wirken. Liria setzt alles daran, Thrakon aus dieser Hölle herauszuholen und mit ihm wieder zu seinem Volk zurückzugehen. Oder zu dem, was sie dort noch vorfinden....

Auch dieses Buch ist wieder mitreissend geschrieben, mit viel Wärme und einer spannenden, romantischen Geschichte. Ich freue mich schon auf den dritten Band, der im Herbst herauskommen soll!

★★★★

A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten #APlaceInYourHeart #NetGalley

 A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten

Blurb: 


Gracie McBride isn’t looking for love; she’s looking for respect. But in this man’s world of Civil War medicine, Gracie is expected to maintain her place changing beds and writing letters. Her biggest nemesis is the ward surgeon, Doctor Charles Ellard, who seems determined to woo her with arrogant kisses and terrible jokes.

Charles is an excellent surgeon. He assumed he would be well received by an army at war. He was not. Friendless and alone, he struggles to hide the panic attacks that plague him while the only person who understands him is a feisty Irish nurse clearly resolved to keep him at a distance.

But Charles is sent to the battlefield, and Gracie is left with a wounded soldier, a box of toys, and a mystery which can only be solved by the one man she wishes could love her, both as a woman and a nurse.


Unfortunately this book and I, well, we didn't match well. I'd give it three very weak stars because it took me ages to read it, starting, putting it down again, starting again, switching to another book and so on. I can't even tell why I needed that long, the story is nice and I really loved the characters but somehow it didn't work for me. Many parts of the story are rather predictable despite the fact that many of the characters' actions were not realistic and irritated me.

I get that the circumstances were very special but somehow the characters seemed to be caught in a loop, forever running hot  - and cold again because they remembered that things were rough and they were still mourning lost loves or ...whatever. It felt rather repetitive, like "oh, he is nice but I still love...." and the same goes for Charles, our hero in a way. Gracie is sweet and nice but still in love with her deceased husband, the only person who ever really got her and treated her as an equal, hence the broken record because he repeats it every time she feels something for someone else, like Charles, for example.
With everything turning into chaos, those two have to find out whether there is more between them than just the doctor and the nurse...

★★★

WIld Child by A.S Green #WildChild #NetGalley

Wild Child by A.S. Green

Blurb:

I have never been to a place so tiny. Little Bear Island could fit in New York's armpit. Still a job is a job and, after surviving Afghanistan, what's twenty-four hours in podunk hell?

Providing private security for a celebrity wedding is nothing new...until I come face-to-face with Natalie O'Brien. The woman who chose someone else and kicked me to the curb six years ago. Time has done nothing to tame her. She's a red-headed beauty with a sharp tongue and nerves of steel who could seriously knock me off my game…

When my assistant bails, Natalie jumps at the chance to get off this tiny island. Now we're stuck criss-crossing the country in my SUV, with her tantalizing scent filling the cab and her smart mouth making me very...uncomfortable. Good thing the job will be over soon. So why does the thought of saying goodbye a second time make my heart stop?


Okay, I just read this book in one sitting, I guess that says a lot, right? Oh, don't get me wrong, there were parts where I was a bit annoyed and there were moments when I thought "Seriously?" but I'm still not sure whether it was the author's part or the characters' parts that upset me.

No matter what though, I was hooked and there were moments when I didn't want to turn the page or simply read on because I knew that I wouldn't like what would happen next. There were times when I was really really upset, other times when I was furious but there were also so many times when I just said and smiled goofily or grinned or whatever.

When Natalie and Jax meet again at a wedding on Natalie's tiny island sparks fly again even though both of them try very hard to resist the attraction. Six years ago, losing each other left both of them raw and hurting. Today...well, that's what we'll have to find out, right? And that's also what they have to find out when they end up on another road trip together.

After everything he's been through, Jax doesn't consider himself to be the right guy for Natalie anymore. Hard luck for him that Natalie doesn't exactly agree and somehow manages to get under his skin and claim his heart. Or maybe, she never gave his heart back anyway. But no matter what, they'll have to fight for their love and a chance at happiness.

I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely check out other books by the author. There were parts that were a bit unbelievable like Jackson's amazing success at his job or the number of coincidences throughout the book that lead to the two of them getting back together but on the whole, the story was captivating and entertaining.

★★★★

 

Just a quick peek ........ at the cover of Demon Deception by M.J.Haag

Remember Demon Escape, 

the latest book in the 

Resurrection Chronicles by M.J. Haag ?

Look at this gorgious cover of

Demon Deception  

Demon Deception

Coming July 17th!!!

 

Blurb:

 

Cassie Felds’ world is falling apart. Grieving from the loss of her husband and youngest child, she lives in fear of losing her remaining daughter. She knows she can't protect her alone, but the solution is terrifying. She needs to sleep with one of the dark fey who rose with the hellhounds. She has to give him the one thing she isn’t sure she can. Her heart.

 

 

Pre-order here:

iBooks:  https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/demon-deception/id1345545862?mt=11&at=1001lJEY

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LY99Fx 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/demon-deception

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demon-deception-m-j-haag/1128924558?ean=2940155298458

Stumbling into Love by Aurora Rose Reynolds #stumblingintolove

Blurb:

Mackenzie Reed has officially been stood up. Not only has she wasted two years on Mr. So Not Interested but now she doesn’t even have pizza and the Mets to keep her company. Then he walks into her life—more than six feet of rugged, hot stranger. Maybe, just for tonight, Mac can pretend to be a girl she’s not. After all, she deserves a little no-strings fun…

As far as Wesley Porter is concerned, one night with Mackenzie isn’t nearly enough. She’s a mystery he wants to solve—if he can keep her from running for the door every time they touch. There’s obviously some serious chemistry between them, so why is she fighting it?

As one sexy hookup turns into another (and another), Wesley is determined to prove they were made for each other. But Mac has been hurt before, and she refuses to fall for this sexy, ridiculously perfect guy. In fact, she has every intention of fighting it…unless he can convince her otherwise.


Do you remember Running Into Love?  
Stumbling Into Love is the next book in the Fluke My Life series and we will finally find out why Mackenzie reacts to Wesley the way she does...

Being stood up is not the way you want to pass your evening so when this great looking stranger walks into her life, Mackenzie throws caution to the wind and ..well, you know?
Somehow the part of no-strings-attached doesn't work though and somehow those two end up together again. And again. And....considering the fact how much they are drawn to each other, they should be deliriously happy but both of them have some issues that they are dealing with.
It takes some time and some help from friends and family for them to be able to overcome their problems and to find their HEA.

There may be lots of love and laughter along the way, at least I giggled and laughed a lot while reading it and some swooning and cheering on. I loved the first book in this series and Stumbling Into Love was also really great. Now I am rather impatiently looking forward to the next book Tossed Into Love where we'll find out more about Libby and her story.

★★★★

Breathless by Celeste Bradley & Susan Donovan #breathless

   

Breathless  

by  

Celeste Bradley  & Susan Donovan

Blurb:

She was “the Swan.” London’s premiere courtesan. Men want to be with her. Women loathe her success and yet admire her beauty, her riches, her independence. But when the jealous wife of her lover moves to have the Swan banished from her home on the high seas, she winds up crashed against Spain’s rocky coast with no shoes, no clothes—and no name. Taken in by a tortured, sensuous man known as The Artist, the Swan comes to know the woman she wants to be—her artist’s siren.
When Art Professor Brenna Anderson is in danger of losing her post at Harvard, the rule-following, prim professor is at a loss of how to salvage the shreds of her life. But when a new painting in the mysterious Siren collection is discovered in a dusty old house in France, Brenna does the unthinkable—hops on a plane to uncover the identity of the beautiful, enigmatic woman who is the subject of the paintings.
There’s just one hitch—the frustrating, irritating, bold and beautiful art hunter Fitch Wilder is also looking for the Siren. He’s been a thorn in Brenna’s professional side for years, but when their individual quests lead them to team up despite being enemies, a whole new sumptuous world of art and culture opens up for the two of them. And with it, they enter a realm of passion and love…



Set in two different times, this book tells the story of the time when the Swan, a famous courtesan, loses her life as she knows it only to find a better one and true love in a place where she'd never have expected it and it also tells the story of Brenna and Fitch, who are looking for the forgotten paintings of the Siren collection.
The women's lives are very different on the one hand but there are also many similarities and I really enjoyed reading about their lives and the love they find along the way. I also loved to read about Brenna and Fitch's hunt for the paintings and the story behind them.
From the first page on, this book captivated me. I really enjoyed reading this book with its interesting characters and really interesting story line.

When Brenna and Fitch set out to find the lost paintings, they have no idea that this trip will change their lives forever. Working together, well, that wasn't exactly what they'd been dreaming of considering the fact, ....uh...let's just say that it's not always a good idea to tweet when you are upset especially when you don't have all the facts. Now they'll have to work together in order to get what both of them are looking for and somehow this whole thing turns into something more. Something real and great.

And who would have thought that losing everything, even one's own name and identity, will lead to finding true love and happiness, no matter how short or how long it might last. When the Swan was driven out of the country only to end up on a journey even worse than she could ever have imagined, she had no idea what or rather who would be waiting for her at the end of this trip.

A beautiful story that I really enjoyed reading.

★★★★

Marriage Under Fire: Grayce Walters Mystery Series 4 (Grayce Walters #4) by Jacki Delecki

  Marriage Under Fire by Jacki Delecki

Blurb:

Marine veteran Maddy Jeffers never expected her most demanding and daunting mission would come off the battlefield. Ordered to infiltrate a Seattle terrorist cell, Maddy must pose as a loving wife to Major Hunter Hines. The undercover role begins to feel all too real when Maddy falls hard for the rugged, macho Marine.

Duty and discipline are Hunter Hines’s credo, guiding every decision and every action. But constant proximity with the fierce and enticing Maddy is veering his mission wildly off course. Although their role as man and wife is only pretend, there is nothing false about his out-of-control desire for his partner.

When Maddy’s life is threatened by an ISIS cell, protecting her becomes the only mission that matters, and Hunter is willing to break all the rules to save her. As the danger heats up around these two veteran heroes, Maddy and Hunter must walk a narrow path between passion and survival.


A short and sweet read with some action sprinkles to spice it up, this was a book that I definitely enjoyed reading even though it is not a book that will stay with me.

This book concentrates on Maddy and Hunter and their very fast developing relationship and not on the frame story of them working undercover while infiltrating a terrorist cell.

Some minor inconsistencies and a somewhat rushed story but nevertheless a nice read due to the characters and their interactions.
If you are looking for a story full of suspense and action, this might not be the right book for you but if you are okay with a sweet love story (with some not that sweet content though) spiced with elements of action and suspense, this is your book.

★★★

Review Blitz: Burning Bright (Going Down in Flames #5) by Chris Cannon #BurningBright #NetGalley

Burning Bright by Chris Cannon

Blurb: 

 

Bryn is back for her senior year at the Institute for Excellence, also known as shape-shifting dragon school. She isn’t sure which is scarier, the life-force sucking dragons stalking campus or the fact that she’s officially betrothed to Jaxon, a guy who will never love her. Not that she could ever love him, either… That’s just ridiculous.

Senior year should be fun. Her parents are alive, she’s finally fitting in, and she’s learning how to be a Medic. But what’s with Jaxon giving her strange looks? He runs hot and cold, and he doesn’t even have the excuse of being a hybrid fire-and-ice-breathing dragon like her. One minute they’re having a great time and the next, she wants to blast a fireball at his head. The marriage contract of doom looms over them--unless this match not made in heaven kindles a flame…

Okay, I must ask - did you read the other books in this series? Going Down in Flames and the others all the way down to Fanning the Flames? Yes? Well, go ahead, you are right where you need to be. If you haven't read the other books - yup, exactly - go back and start at the beginning, it's definitely worth it!

You didn't really expect Bryn to lose her ability to find trouble wherever she goes, right? Admittedly, considering the events in the last book, Bryn and her friends -and also her non-friend who also happens to be her future husband- are having a bit of a hard time recovering despite the fact that on the whole things start to look up but a true chaos magnet like Bryn will always find trouble.
Jaxon who is still reeling from losing someone due to the events in the last book, can't decide whether he wants to play nice or not - though "nice" would be rather great considering all this marriage of doom thing looming over them, right?
When things get rough, again, they'll have to stick together in order to survive and with her grandmother in her corner and her friends at her side, Bryn may be able to make him see that she is very special, chaos magnet or not.

I must admit that I loved the story on the whole and I found myself chuckling and giggling but at the end, I felt as if some things were a bit rushed, especially when it came to their relationship. Sure, I get that Bryn is special and obviously it is easy for people to like her or fall in love with her but it felt as if a switch was turned and things fell into place. I read about their feelings but I couldn't feel them.
Apart from that, I really enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down!

***

 

★★★★

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Author Bio:
Chris Cannon is the award-winning author of the Going Down In Flames series and the Boyfriend Chronicles. She lives in Southern Illinois with her husband and several furry beasts.

She believes coffee is the Elixir of Life. Most evenings after work, you can find her sucking down caffeine and writing fire-breathing paranormal adventures or romantic comedies. You can find her online at www.chriscannonauthor.com.

Author Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vXeeaJ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8285334.Chris_Cannon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccannonauthor

Web: http://www.chriscannonauthor.com/

Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1444443819173580/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriscannonauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chris-cannon

Buy Links:
Going Down in Flames: http://amzn.to/2C6jGhy

Bridges Burned: http://amzn.to/2BNRvQu

Trial by Fire: http://amzn.to/2Cij0Te

Fanning the Flames: http://amzn.to/2BMyDRL

Burning Bright: https://amzn.to/2LaPtOF

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