Book Review: Melting Point (Hot in Chicago #1.5) by Kate Meader

Melting Point
Hot in Chicago, #1.5
by  Kate Meader

Release Date:
August 31st, 2015

Publisher:
Pocket Star

Source:
Publisher

eARC received in exchange of honest review

Synopsis:

Things are heating up at Engine Co. 6 in this original e-novella from Kate Meader’s sizzling Hot in Chicago series! Superhot playboy firefighter Gage Simpson has one particular man on his mind: Brady Smith, a recalcitrant, moody chef who makes Gage melt from the inside out. Features a sexy sneak preview of Playing with Fire! 

Firefighter Gage Simpson has it all: the job of his dreams, the family of his heart, and no shortage of hot guys lining up to share his bed. “Fun and easy” is his motto—and it’s kept him sunny through a painful upbringing and steered him away from trouble. But when trouble comes knocking in the form of a sexy, scarred, tattooed chef with a harrowing past and zero communication skills, Gage can’t help but be drawn to the flame. 

Brady Smith isn’t fun. And easy isn’t in his vocabulary. When cocky Gage swaggers into his restaurant kitchen, the former Marine-turned-five-star-chef is blindsided by the firefighter’s beauty. Then confused that this golden guy with the sparkling blue eyes and the body of a god might be interested in him. As desire flares and temperatures rise, Gage and Brady will have to figure out if the heat between them is just a temporary flash—or the beginning of something real.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N 

Hot in Chicago Series on Goodreads:
My Review of Flirting with Fire Here

My Thoughts:

The Hot in Chicago Series follows the adoptive Dempsey Family, who are all hot and sexy firefighters!  Who doesn't love a man in uniform?  Each of these stories has been endearing, sweet, spicy, and has the added bonus of a close-knit group of family and friends.

Melting Point is a novella that continues the story of Gage and Brady.  Gage is one of my favorites in the Dempsy family!  He has a great sense of humor, is loyal to those he loves, and brings happiness, optimism, and sunshine to all of those he surrounds.  

We were first introduced to the flirtation of Gage and Brady in Flirting With Fire.  However, it quickly became apparent that Brady had some commitment issues, and Gage wanted more than he was willing to offer.  In Melting Point, Gage and Brady still have feelings for one another, and begin to pick up where they left off when Brady is in a motorcycle accident, and Gage is enlisted to help him.  We get a more in depth explanation of Brady's traumatic experience as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan, and learn about the PTSD that he is currently experiencing.

We also get more information about Gage's birth mother, and the way the that he was traumatized and abused at her hands because she was homophobic.  Melting Point was a fast-paced novella.  I really enjoyed it, and was so glad that Ms. Meader gave her readers the rest of Gage and Brady's story.  It was emotional, sexy, and another great addition to the Hot in Chicago Series. 

My Rating:

I give, Melting Point, by Kate Meader, 4 Healing in Each Others Arms, Passion turned to Love, New Beginning Filled Stars!

About the Author:

Book 1 of the Hot in Chicago series, FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey) is now available. Look for a novella, MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady), in August 2015, followed by Book 2, PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex), in September. Like 'em Tall, Dark, and Texan? Pick up her first Brazen, EVEN THE SCORE! Sign up for her very infrequent newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases. 

Kate writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip. Her latest series, Hot in Chicago, features firefighting foster siblings. With tattoos.

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Book Review : Bonded (The Cavanaugh Brothers, #4) by Laura Wright

Bonded

The Cavanaugh Brothers, #4
by Laura Wright

Release Date:
September 1st, 2015

Publisher:
Signet

Source:
Publisher via NetGalley

eARC received in exchange of honest review

Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling author of Brash returns to the Triple C Ranch in River Black, Texas, for more cowboys, romance, and danger… 

Ranch hand Blue Perez’s once simple life is spinning out of control. He’s discovered he has three half-brothers, and they’re not ready to accept his claim on the ranch. Also, Blue’s girlfriend may have betrayed him in the worst way possible. And after one evening of drowning his sorrows at the bar, there’s someone he can’t get out of his mind, a woman who says she’s carrying his child. 

Following a night of breathtaking passion in the arms of the man she’s longed for all her life, waitress Emily Shiver is contemplating her next step. With everything that’s going on in Blue’s life, she doesn’t want to force him into fatherhood. Yet as hard hearted as he may seem, Blue can’t turn his back on her, particularly when she becomes the target of someone’s dark obsession....

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

The Cavanaugh Brothers Series on Goodreads:

My Review of Branded HERE

My Review of Broken HERE

My Review of Brash HERE

Review:

I can't believe that this is the final installment in The Cavanaugh Brothers Series :( I have read all the books in this fantastic series and loved every single minute of it! The cast of characters in this series was pretty awesome and their stories captivating! 

In Bonded, we follow Emily and Blue's love story. It all started with a night of passion, but Emily and Blue's relationship grows when he finds out that Emily his pregnant. He wants to be there for his child, but he's scared to take the next step when it comes to Emily. He has a difficult time trusting people after everything that has happened to him. As days go by, Blue's feelings for Emily grew stronger with every moment he spent with her. Will Blue be able to forget about his past and take a step towards a future with Emily?

I really enjoyed this book! Laura Wright has a beautiful writing style that keeps you turning the pages from beginning to end! I felt like I was a part of the journey and a member of the Cavanaugh family. I have been cheering for them to find love and, to find the person who was responsible for Cassandra's murder. It was not an easy journey for these brothers, but through it all they have formed a bond that is now unbreakable. 

Emily and Blue had a fantastic chemistry! Their one night stand turned up to becoming much more when Emily found out she was pregnant. Emily was a sweet and confident heroine and I liked her from the moment she was introduced into the story. Blue was an irresistible jerk. He was mad at the world for his family situation and it was understandable. I did find that he was pretty hard on his mom and did not give her chance from the beginning to explain what happened. The more I read about Blue's story, the more I wanted him to forgive his mom and forget all about his past and start a new life on a positive note. Emily was exactly the kind of person he needed in his life to make him realize that he had an amazing family surrounding him. 

I'm really sad to see series this series come to an end, but I am happy that all the Cavanaugh brothers found love and happiness. It was a pleasure to see all the characters from the previous books in Bonded. They all had an important role in each and every book of this series. This series was romantic, captivating and pretty steamy! Laura Wright did a fantastic job with each and every one of these books and I highly recommend this series.

Rating:

I give Bonded, by Laura Wright, 4 intriguing, exciting, page-turning stars!

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of Mark of the Vampire, Bayou Heat, Cavanaugh Brothers series, and Wicked Ink Chronicles.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway : The Angel Killer (The Watcher Saga, #2) by Lisa Voisin

The Angel Killer

The Watcher Saga, #2
by Lisa Voisin

Release Date:
January 5th, 2015

Publisher:
InkSpell Publishing

Source:
Author via BT Host

eARC received in exchange of honest review

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis:

Now that she’s found him again, all Mia Crawford wants is some downtime with her fallen angel boyfriend, Michael. But the call of duty keeps him away—from school and from her—with more demons to smite than ever. 

When Michael is mortally wounded by a cursed sword, Mia must perform an ancient blood ritual to save him. But the spell exacts a price. Haunted by visions of war, torture, and despair, Mia discovers the world is in more danger than she ever imagined. Behind the scenes, an evil adversary pulls all the strings. 

After redemption, there’s Hell to pay.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | All Romance ebooks | B&N | Createspace | Kobo

Excerpt:

Light from the near-full moon shimmers off the leaves of sycamore trees, and the scent of pomegranate hangs in the air. Though my footfalls are silent on the hard-packed earth, Hell is never far away. Nor is that blood-stained rack that was my prison for millennia. The memory of my master’s claws still stings my throat; the poison of his hate burns below the skin. Perhaps it always will. The only reality I’ve come to know is that my pain satisfies him. 

Anka sleeps on a grass mat, her lithe, young form curled into a fetal position on the roof of her family’s mud brick house. Strands of her long, black hair are stuck to her cheekbones from the heat. The girl is old enough to be married but will be taken to the temple of Seth in the morning instead. Rumors of her prophetic dreams have secured her place as an oracle. Such a gift interests my master too, and as influential as Seth is among the Egyptian people, he’s a false god, my master’s rival. A demon warlord just like him. 

Her father snores deeply, but the stifling air makes her mother fitful. The woman twists and turns. Does she anticipate me? I stand over the girl and contemplate how to take her without waking them. Their terror alone would sound a call to all the scavengers along the Nile, and my master wants her soul intact. More power that way. In servitude or sacrifice, souls are the fuel that builds empires. 

My hand hovers over her nose and mouth, and her soft breath tickles my skin. I could suffocate her while she dreams, a silent, seemingly natural death. Or I could carve out her heart, a symbolic gesture. He’d take pleasure in that. If I’m fast enough, she won’t have time to cry out or wake the others. I run my fingers over the middle of her chest and extend my claws.

Don't miss the first book in The Watcher Saga:

The Watcher
The Watcher Saga, #1

by Lisa Voisin

Release Date:
March 4th, 2013

Publisher:
InkSpell Publishing

Source:

Author via BT Host

eARC received in exchange of honest review

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis:

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.

Can he face her without falling again? 

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them. 

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore anangel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both? 

Ancient history is only the beginning.

Trailer

Purchase Links:

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Chapter/Indigo

Review for The Watcher:

Ria's Review
I Love Books About Angels!

Mrs. Voisin does not disappoint. The Watchers was delightful read for me! I have to admit there were a lot of similarities between this book and Fallen. That does not bother me EVER but I will say it distracted me from this story line, not enough to be cross or disconnected though. As the story progressed it took a life of its own and had me hooked. If you don’t already know this about me or in case you didn’t read the title of this review…I love angel books. :)
The Story, Angels are constantly trying to protect human souls. Mia sees more than she could bargain for but one thing she doesn’t understand is why Michael is so hot and cold around her. She will stumble upon the truth but that doesn’t happen without a few falls. Michael loves Mia beyond measure and it is this that he is being tested with. Camiel is out to get something and he will stop at nothing to have his way. The history that is revealed will shock the oldest of souls. 
The Characters, Michael and Mia are wonderful together I feel that when one lacks strength the other is there. Enthrallment, enshhrallment… gold jacket green jacket! Let these two be together! Unfortunately my heart was torn so many times! I want the both of them to be happy serving their purpose but I don’t see how they can do that together! Although we meet a few other characters Mia and Michael were the ones who truly shined. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in their lives.
The End, What. The. What! You’ve heard the term “that came from left field” yes? Well this ending will hit you like a Mac Truck! Pahaha you thought I was gonna use the left field thing didn’t ya?! Seriously…Talk about not seeing that one coming! It was punch in the stomach or in this case punch in the uterus! I want to gush but I can’t without giving stuff away…This was an incredible ending and I can’t wait to see what happens next! #MiaRocks

My Rating 

4.0 OMG it rains a lot here, was that a shadow? No, definitely not a shadow, What did you call me? 9,000 years seems like a really long time, Does this halo make my butt look big? Endless soul connected love filled stars!

Mikki's Review:

The Watcher, by Lisa Voisin, is a YA Paranormal Romance that hooked me from page one! I love paranormal romance, but it’s been missing from my TBR list for far too long. I’m looking for all kinds of new books that will make me want to read this genre all over again. The Watcher delivered a solid story packed with lovable characters and action that kept me on the edge of my seat! I love books about Angels and I have missed reading about them! This book makes me want to read about these beautiful creatures even more! 

In this first installment of The Watcher Saga, we follow Mia and Michael. At seventeen, the last thing on Mia’s mind is to watch her back from horrible creatures. When a mysterious boy saves her, Mia can’t deny that she feels connected to him. The more time she spends with Michael, the more she gets closer to discovering what secret hides behind her dreams. Michael knows everything about Mia. She’s the most important person in his life and he is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Will the battle between good and evil end once in for all? 

This book delivered all the feels! The story was fascinating, the characters amazing and the story was beautifully written. I won’t go into details about the story because I don’t want to give anything away. Each reader needs to experience this story like I did. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking and it will make you want more! I loved the slow building romance between Mia and Michael. It made me swoon!!!! It was beautiful to watch these two fall in love. Mia’s characters grew so much in this story. By the end of this reading journey, she was a strong and confident heroine that I loved to cheer for. Everything that she learned about her past life left her speechless, but she took matters into her own hands when it came to saving the people that she loves. 

Michael was the kind of hero that will melt your heart!! He was so protective of Mia and I understood why he was trying to keep her away from him. I had an idea of what could have happened to Mia and Michael if they gave in to temptation, but I never expected this story to surprise me the way it did! So much details were included that I felt like I was not only reading the story, I was a part of it! I am so happy I got a chance to read The Watcher and I can’t wait to see where this story is going next! 

Rating:

I give The Watcher, by Lisa Voisin, 4 angelic, fascinating, page-turning, angels are always there to protect you stars!

Review for The Angel Killer:

Ria's Review
Someone GET THE WARDS UP!!

No, no, no, no, no...NO!!! Someone please tell me that did not just happen?! The second book in the Watcher Saga does not disappoint. Rest assured folks no sophomore slump here. The reader gets a different glimpse of this angelic world! Voisin does a splendid job of making the reader fall in love with the characters regardless of how aloof they seem. I will say the resemblance to Fallen is long gone and a thing of the past. Voisin has injected this book with serious action especially towards the end. I've enjoyed this series immensely thus far and can't wait to see what's next.

The Story, The Angel Killer picks up right after the first book but the amount of backstory we get from the characters was PERFECT!! Coming from someone who reads a lot two years could mean 300 books or more! Pfshshhhh you try remembering what happened 100 books ago! Thats a pretty hard feat y'all! I digress any who...as I was saying this picks up after the first but something is wrong with Michael. In battle he was struck and now Mia has to do everything in her power to make him better. Regardless of the cost or dangers or even the horrific memories Mia has to endure she will do what it takes for her love to live. A lot happens in this installment and we are reminded of how precious our souls are. I am certainly looking forward to the next book...Like tomorrow. 

The Characters, I'm going to start with my favorite. Michael, sigh just as wonderful as we know him to be there isn't anything he wouldn't do for Mia. He proved that 9000 years ago and he proves it again in present day. Mia learns so much in this installment but she doubts herself. Every time she focused on her abilities she was able to really shine and come into her own. There was a really heart breaking scene that tore at my soul. These two really love each other but I still don't see a way for them to be together without something major happening and a direct order coming from the highest of places. We are introduced to some other angels which was really nice. They aren't perfect and when faced with temptation they are less so. All of Mia's friends are back and she is able to help them. From the most sick to the most plagued Mia's love is something that really resonates throughout the pages. I'm looking forward to her coming into her own. Fully. 

The End, ERMERGERSH get ready for one of the most brutal cliff-hangers EVER!!! When does the next installment come out?!!! someone tell me! STAT!! Wow...full of action it was a whirl wind of up and down. Gore and blood make their fair appearance. My heart was torn to bits with what happens and I wanted to scream, cry, shout, run, break things. Yes, break things. UGH I was so upset...Now that I've had time to digest. Well, I'm still super sad that things ended the way they did but I NEED TO READ THE NEXT IN THIS SERIES!!!<-in case you couldn't tell I was shouting there. ;) Seriously though things do not look good for Michael and Mia. I'm pulling for them and I've got my fingers crossed that Mia goes all super awesome ninja girl next installment. That would ROCK!

My Rating

4.0 It still rains a lot, Did you see that guy in the mirror? Woah that's a big dog, OFC I love him, Halo? No one warned me about a halo, That minion is sooo toast, Marionette? Angel Killer, H-E-Double Hockey Sticks this is bad Angel Redemption Filled Stars!!

Mikki's Review:

Oh.sweet.baby.jesus

I read The Watcher and The Angel Killer back-to-back and I am left speechless after the last installment!!!! Prepare for a major cliffhanger that will leave you looking around for support! Thank God my co-blogger read this book with me. I really need to talk after this reading journey that left me both excited and nervous!

This book can't be read as a standalone. You have to read The Watcher, which is the first installment in this saga. Trust me when I say that you will be addicted to these characters! I have spent the last two days in Mia and Michael's company and I loved every minute of it! 

In this installment, Mia and Michael are finally together. Even if that is causing a lot of problems for Michael, he is determined to fight for Mia's love. We find out more about what happened with Michael and what he did to protect Mia. Evil is lurking in the shadows and the war that started it all is far from being over. Mia and Michael will have to overcome many obstacles to be together. Who will win the in the ultimate battle between good and evil?

I am blown away by everything that happened in this book! What a fascinating reading journey this has been!!! Lisa Voisin did a fantastic job with Mia and Michael's story. I am so proud of Mia. She grew so much in this book. With the help of the other angels she grew stronger. She knows that there are people looking after her, but she was determined to learn how to fight back on her own. Mia and Michael's relationship is put to the test when he's sent away for special assignments. Evil is not giving up and if they don't take care of it soon, it will take over.

I loved how we got to learn more about what happened to Michael. Mia's visions broke my heart and I wanted them to get their HEA so bad!!! I got answers to some of the questions I had from the first book, but there is so much more I want to know!!!!!! Between Mia's flashbacks and her visions about Michael's difficult journey, I was left wanting more!

This was a story filled with twists and turns that I did not see coming!!! Don't even get me started on that cliffhanger!!! Gah!!!!!! What in the world?!?!?!?! My heart was beating so fast after I read the last chapter of this book. Eeeeeep!!! I'm so nervous to find out what will happen next!!! I love Mia and Michael, but the amazing cast of supporting characters made this story even more unforgettable. ANGELS ROCK!!!

Rating:

I give The Angel Killer, by Lisa Voisin, 4 exciting, powerful, YA paranormal heaven stars!

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction. Lisa also leads a writing group for teens in North Vancouver, works as a technical writer, and teachesmeditation. Her debut YA novel, The Watcher, won the Chanticleer award for best paranormal fiction.  

A self-proclaimed coffee lover, she can usually be found writing in a local café. When she's not writing, you'll find her hiking in the mountains to counteract the side effects of drinking too much caffeine! 

Though she’s lived in several cities across Canada, she currently lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiancé and their two cats.

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway : Rage (Fate, #4) by Elizabeth Reyes

Title: Rage (Fate, #5)

Author: Elizabeth Reyes

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Release Date: December of 2015

Synopsis

Having made it to the major leagues, A.J. “Rage” Romero is determined to shake the stigma his temper has earned him over the years. He’s finally managed a shaky hold of that elusive self-control.

Until he meets them . . .

Without warning, his coach and mentor’s brilliantly gifted granddaughter Clair and her equally amazing mother Addison Cabrera blow into A.J.’s life. The harder he falls for Addison, the closer and more attached he becomes to Clair.

Having fallen so fast and hard, he agrees to respect the understandably protective single mother’s wish to forever keep the identity of Clair’s absent father unknown to everyone—including A.J.

But when the ugly truth about Clair’s dad begins to surface, the fire in A.J.’s fiercely possessive heart is lit. As more of the troubling reality comes to light, his zero tolerance for secrets and dishonesty put his temper—and his love for Addison—to the ultimate test.

Self-control has never felt so impossible.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Elizabeth Reyes continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 9 full length novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered has far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she’ll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon.

In 2014 she will take her next step in the exciting world of writing and publish her first traditionally published book with Simon & Schuster/Atria. But she will continue putting out self-published books as well.

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