Wrong Time for Love by Lola Drake

Cupid decides something drastic is needed to help the once burned career-focused Raina open herself up to love. Breaking all the rules, he takes her back in time to medieval Scotland to meet the ultimate alpha male and rekindle her confidence in relationships. He doesn't plan for them to fall in love, but even Cupid can't control the passion that ensues.

The 13th century was a treacherous time, and any alpha male in that era accumulated dangerous enemies. Will Raina survive long enough to find the love of her life? Will she want that love to be her Scottish Laird or the mystery man Cupid promised her back home?

Cupid breaks all rules and takes Raina back in time to rekindle her belief in love and romance. Unfortunately she actually falls in love with Tristan, her Scottish laird. This wasn't Cupid's plan - he plans on taking her back to her own time to meet her true love once she's opened her heart to love again.

As much as I've been enjoying this series, I didn't really enjoy this one. Books set in Scotland, tend to instantly get my dislike until they change my mind - sadly this one didn't. I can't remember exactly why but I think it was just little things - like, I'm sure at one point Tristan talks about being coastal but then mentions Dundonald castle which isn't coastal. I also don't think Tristan sounds like a very Scottish name - yeah in this day and age but back then I can't imagine a name like that being used. There really was just a few little things that bugged me.

I do enjoy this series and will continue to read it as I like the multi author angle and each release having its own characters and story which don't have to relate to previous ones at all. It's just this book in particular that doesn't get my love.


Amazon UK: Wrong Time for Love

Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine

In the Houses of Montague and Capulet, there is only one goal: power. The boys are born to fight and die for honour and — if they survive — marry for influence and money, not love. The girls are assets, to be spent wisely. Their wishes are of no import. Their fates are written on the day they are born.

Benvolio Montague, cousin to Romeo, knows all this. He expects to die for his cousin, for his house, but a spark of rebellion still lives inside him. At night, he is the Prince of Shadows, the greatest thief in Verona — and he risks all as he steals from House Capulet. In doing so, he sets eyes on convent-bound Rosaline, and a terrible curse begins that will claim the lives of many in Verona...

...And will rewrite all their fates, forever.

Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet so I'm not going to retell it in mini version here. This is set in the same time as Romeo and Juliet but is told from Benvolio Montague's point of view as he lives a secret life while also living up to his grandmother's expectations of him to keep Romeo in line.

I've always loved this Shakespeare tale and I've loved Rachel Caine's writing since I first picked up the Morganville series. She does a great job of embellishing on the characters that Shakespeare first imagined all those years ago and introduces more of Benvolio and Rosaline while, surprisingly, keeps Romeo to a minimum and Juliet even more so.

Unfortunately, I don't think there will be more from Caine in this series unless she plans on following suit with other Shakespeare tales. I don't feel like she can embellish on this one any further as the story was well and truly ended in my opinion. Which is a shame since I did really enjoy this.


Book Depository: Prince of Shadows
Amazon UK: Prince of Shadows

His To Keep by Katee Robert

He's always wanted her. Now's his chance to claim what's his.

School teacher Marceline Bellini gave up everything — men, sex, anything resembling a social life — to raise her young daughter. To be the perfect parent. But when she attends an engagement party in her standard stick-in-the-mud mode, her friends begin plying Marcy with shots. Just enough to convince her that a little fun doesn't sound like a bad idea ... and having some naughty fun is an even better one.

Like finding herself deliciously pressed against a dark alley wall by the very familiar and very hot body of her best friend's older brother.

After years of waiting in painful silence, police officer Aaron Robinson finally has Marcy's attention. And man, does he have it. But nothing could have prepared either of them for the rush of fiery lust between them. So he'll just have to convince Marcy he's for real. And that a rainy, lust-fuelled romp is the first step to a lifetime of completely imperfect happiness…

Short but hot new story in Katee Robert's Out of Uniform series. Featuring a new couple that I don't think were mentioned in the first book? If they were I don't remember them.

I liked them. Marcy has a sore past that makes her present self hard to please in the relationship stakes. Simply put - she doesn't want one, she doesn't want to get hurt again and she doesn't want her daughter to get hurt either. So in her eyes, it's better to just not get involved.

Aaron has had feelings for Marcy since she was a teenager but he's never acted on them ... until she hints at wanting more. He's determined to have a relationship and not a quick fling. He's just got to convince her of it. Aaron's a BIG guy .... I like that. There's something about that whole imposing Alpha male thing ... very sexy.

I'm definitely enjoying this series so far and this wee short has made me want to read the next book and hope that my suspicions about the characters is true.


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Fall With Me by Julie Particka

In the game of love...

Dumped by her college boyfriend for her best friend, the last thing Jenna Brandt needs to deal with is working beside her backstabbing-BFF's hotter-than-hot brother. But when he offers her a chance to get some revenge on her ex, she can hardly say no - even if spending more time with Sutton puts her heart in jeopardy all over again.

Someone's going to get hurt...

Sutton Bell has had a thing for Jenna since they were in high school, but after one screwed-up night, she didn't want anything to do with him. Now, with just the summer before he leaves to begin his new career, Sutton's determined to convince Jenna he's not the player he used to be. But saving his sister from making an awful mistake may mean losing Jenna for good.

Jenna's best friend and fiancé (secret since he never allowed her to tell anyone) cheat with each other and break Jenna's heart. She hides out at college for a couple of weeks after she graduates 'cos she doesn't want to tell her family about what happened. When she finally goes home, she has to work with the same best friend's brother - who she had the hots for and embarrassed herself over in high school. What she doesn't know is that Sutton also had the hots for her - and still does. When they get together, the sparks are still there and they can't ignore them.

After the fab Pretty Souls, Particka has finally came out with a new book. Don't think that it has anything to do with Pretty souls - it doesn't, I'm still waiting for that one. The characters are fun (if a bit dull - Jenna) and the relationship between Jenna and Sutton is real and well written.

Spoilers follow - highlight to read: I didn't understand Lacey's need to get married just because she's pregant - I mean, it's not exactly a stigma anymore. But she was more than willing to marry a guy she didn't love and was actually well aware of the fact that he's a giant douchenozzle just so she didn't have a child while she was single? I can't understand that and it made her character a bit unlikeable .... well, even more unlikeable since she did sleep with her best friend's fiancé.

Besides that, I really did enjoy this book and was really glad that the author is writing as Julie Particka again. I'm hoping this means more from this alter ego and perhaps .... more from the Paranormal Response Team?


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Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells

Magic is a drug. Careful how you use it ...
The Magical Enforcement Agency keeps dirty magic off the streets, but there's a new blend out there that's as deadly as it is exclusive.

When patrol cop Kate Prospero shoots the lead snitch in this crucial case, she's brought in to explain herself. But the more she learns about the investigation, the more she realises she must secure a spot on the MEA task force.

Especially when she discovers that their lead suspect is the man she walked away from ten years earlier - on the same day she sworn she'd given up dirty magic for good. Kate Prospero's about to learn the hard way that crossing a wizard will always get you burned, and that when it comes to magic, you should never say never.

Kate gave up magic ten years ago after a tragic event but after she shoots and kills a man high on some new potion, she ends up becoming involved in the case that he was a snitch for. Unfortunately this brings her in close range with magic again as well as a man she also gave up ten years ago.

I love Kate Prospero! She's a really fun heroine ... she's spunky, kick ass and has a talent for magic. She manages to fill the void left by Wells' Sabina Kane departure. Although only time will tell whether Kate will get her own Giguhl like sidekick (that'd be awesome though).

Anyone who's read my reviews of the Sabina Kane books will know exactly how much I love Jaye Wells writing. She writes really great, strong heroines and she does her research! She went to a police run bootcamp to learn more about law enforcement so she can write true-to-life characters.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to getting more into this series with each release. BRING ON BOOK NUMBER 2!


Book Depository: Dirty Magic
Amazon UK: Dirty Magic

The Book Of The Crowman by Joseph D'Lacey

The world has been condemned. Only Gordon Black and The Crowman can redeem it. The search for the shadowy figure known only as the Crowman continues, as the Green Men prepare to rise up against the forces of the Ward. It is the Bright Day, a time long generations hence, when a peace has descended across the world. It is the Black Dawn, a time of environmental apocalypse, the earth wracked and dying.

Release Date 6th March 2014

Gordon Black is still seeking the Crowman so he can help the Green Men overthrow the Ward. Megan progresses with her training to being the Keeper, although she knows her journey is coming to an end. The Black Dawn still rages on and the Ward are even worse than they were at the beginning.

This is the sequel to Black Feathers, which I really enjoyed and this book is no different. I absolutely love the story behind Gordon Black and how the earth herself has turned against everyone for mistreating her for so long.

Gordon has grown so much and faced so much, he's basically alone in his search for the Crowman. Others believe in him and other even look for him but not in the same way as Gordon.

Megan has also grown into her role as trainee Keeper, she seems much more comfortable with her teaching and more confident in her new role.

One thing that disappointed me was reading that this is the last book - for some reason I thought it was a trilogy and I'm quite disappointed with the fact that it won't continue. Not for any particular reason, because D'Lacey really closed the story well. I really enjoyed the ending ... as much as I could anyway, and you'll know what I mean when you read it - which I highly recommend you all to do.

D'Lacey has a good way of world building and has some horrible characters in here which are all well written. Loved this series, loved the world and the characters and I love D'Lacey's mind.


Book Depository: The Book Of The Crowman
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Entangled February Novellas Are Here

Discover 3 sexy and 3 unforgettable stories in Entangled's February Novellas! From an email that causes a curse of bad luck in love. To a kiss that could change a princess's future forever. Or a secret agent with a strange ability working on a case that could cost her much more than her heart! There's something for everyone!

Conning For Keeps
by Seleste DeLaney 
Publication: February 3rd, 2014 by Entangled Novellas
Seleste deLaney's Website and Twitter

Lovers undercover ...

Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marissa's gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted — even in spite of her past.

... or traitors to the cause?

Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he's got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa's sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marissa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means — bigger trouble than ever before.


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Kissed
by Kim Knox
Publication: February 3rd, 2014 by Entangled Novellas
Kim Knox's Website and Twitter

Every princess should be kissed. And by a man who knows what he's doing. Beatricia had been enjoying just that with Farris Turner when she was caught.

But running only drives her into the arms of a stranger. A man who wants to offer her one night together, to offer her the experience her life and duties in the city of Sun-Airor - a place set out of space and time - have denied her.
It'll be her only chance before she's forced to enter a loveless marriage ... but who exactly is her stranger? And what will kissing him reveal?


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Cursed by Cupid 
by Wendy Sparrow
Publication: February 3rd, 2014 by Entangled Novellas
Wendy Sparrow's Website and Twitter

Dear Reader, this letter is to inform you of Cupid's curse, which will fall upon you if you don't pass this email on to three friends within three hours.

Tilly Morrow didn't believe in the curse and now she hasn't had a second date in three years ... because all her first dates end in disaster. In fact, she just accidentally punched a guy in the face, leaving her without a date for Valentine's Day!

Bryant Murphy isn't sure if the curse is real or not, but if dating Tilly means occasionally getting assaulted with a chocolate shake or nearly electrocuted, it's worth the risk. Armed with more lucky charms than a bowl of cereal, Bryant will have to battle flying swords, Russian mail-order brides, and shrimp linguini if he's going to win the girl.


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Conning For Keeps by Seleste deLaney

Lovers undercover... Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marissa's gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted — even in spite of her past.

... or traitors to the cause? Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he's got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa's sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marissa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means — bigger trouble than ever before.

Marissa is a former child con artist that has been recruited by the good guys, only problem is that not all her co-workers think she's fully reformed. Trevor has to work with Marissa on this mission but he thinks she's only in it for herself, and not trusting her means keeping a close eye on her. Unfortunately, that also means being close to the woman he's been wanting for years ..... and the feelings are mutual.

This is the second book in this series by deLaney and I really enjoyed this one. I liked Marissa's background, the whole former child con artist that her parents had basically brainwashed - she will take on personality given to her under hypnosis, making her the perfect person to have on a con. Trevor's back story wasn't as interesting but held a lot of stake in the mission so he had some problems to overcome himself.

The chemistry between Trevor and Marissa is amazing! deLaney has a talent for writing awesome sex scenes. But her stuff isn't all about the sex, she also writes amazing storylines and highly likeable characters.

Definitely a recommendation for your "To read" list/pile.


Amazon UK: Conning For Keeps

Fighting for Irish by Gina L Maxwell

Kat MacGregor has forty-eight hours to make good on the debt her ex-boyfriend owes a crime boss. Unfortunately, the measly tips she makes waitressing are barely enough for her to live on, much less cover the twenty-thousand needed to keep her breathing. With time running out, Kat's forced to accept help from the only man who's ever made her feel fire rather than fear.

When he learns a friend's sister is in trouble, former Boston MMA fighter Aiden "Irish" O'Brien heads to Louisiana to offer himself up as collateral to keep her safe. But to satisfy the debt, he has to do the one thing he swore he'd never do again: fight. With more than just money on the line, will Irish have what it takes to not only reclaim the man he once was, but become the man he needs to be for the woman he can't live without?

Aiden owes his friend Jax a favour, that favour is to find and keep an eye on Nessie's sister. Aiden doesn't bank on finding her sexy as hell and slowly falling for her. Kat has been hiding out under an alias to try and keep her boyfriend's bad past at bay, she puts her trust in Aiden - does he deserve it?

We first kinda-almost-but-not-quite met Kat in Rules of Entanglement, she's Nessie's sister that ends up in hospital. I liked Kat, she has a past and she's broken which means she needs fixed. I like when at least one of the main characters has some meat to their backstory. I liked Aiden enough but not massively so, I still prefer Jax but I'd also take Aiden over Reid.

In my opinion, this one has the bet actual story out of the series. I think maybe because of Kat's past? I don't know what it was but it didn't feel like I was just reading sex in this book and because of that I will proclaim it to be my favourite so far.

Saying that, it also had the trope that I'm getting a bit tired of reading - A and B fall in love only to have A find out something about B that threatens to rip them apart until A realises how much they love B and can't live without them. So many books are using that that I really enjoy it when a book doesn't have that in it. It wasn't enough to damage the story for me but it makes it a bit predictable.


Amazon UK:Fighting For Irish

Cover News - Conning For Keeps by Seleste deLaney

Lovers undercover ... Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marissa's gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted — even in spite of her past.

... or traitors to the cause?Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he's got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa's sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marissa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means — bigger trouble than ever before.

The cover is in keeping with the first book in the series, Gaming for Keeps, with the target being front and centre. Besides that, there's not much else to say. The cover really doesn't give anything away, much the same as most Entangled books.

I'm lucky enough to have gotten an ARC from the author and can't wait to read this. It's release date is 3rd February 2014 and is being published by Entangled.

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