Drue's Random Chatter's Reviews

REVIEW - Renovating A Heart, Book 3 Love Under Construction Series by Deanndra Hall

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Title ~ Renovating A Heart

Series ~ Love Under Construction, Book Three

Author ~ Deanndra Hall

Genre ~ Erotic Romance

Steve McCoy survived a harrowing youth and a horrible tragedy and still made it as a successful attorney and businessman. And he’s managed to keep his broken, battered heart under wraps by working with short-term submissives at his popular BDSM club, Eden’s Gate.

Until Kelly Markham came along. Kelly’s history was as bad or worse than Steve’s. She lost the only man she ever loved, a faithful, loving Dom, but she never lost hope. When she’s invited to visit Eden’s Gate, she feels like she’s finally found a home. Better yet, she finds a man who’ll help her reintegrate into the community, even if his help is only offered for one month.

Unfortunately, Kelly discovers that being Steve’s submissive is not easy. Matter of fact, when she accidentally trips a trigger from Steve’s history, being his submissive could actually be dangerous, even deadly. Steve’s determined to keep her at a distance and never show her his heart, but can he hold out when he realizes his best shot at a happily ever after might not survive?

I have said it before and I will say it again I LOVE THIS SERIES.

See my previous reviews of The Groundbreaking, Laying A Foundation, and Tearing Down Walls on this blog as well as Goodreads and Amazon.

I've been waiting for this book since reading about Steve in The Groundbreaking, and I was thrilled to finally find out all his secrets. But I was sooo no prepared for the gravity of those secrets. Steve's past is so much more than what we learned in The Groundbreaking,

I liked Kelly from the get go, she overcame so much in her life and while everything she went through should have turned her into a fearful emotionless person, she became the exact opposite, she became an incredibly strong woman with a heart of gold. She much like Nikki clearly has so much love to give, but will Steve be the receiver of that love? Not if he can help it, Steve seems to be his own worst enemy when it comes to relationships, and there were moments in the book when I absolutely despised him and wanted to punch his lights out. But much to my surprise Steve did redeem himself to me, honestly, at times,I didn't think that was going to be possible.

And then I got to the end of the book, and I seriously thought about committing murder of my kindle, just totally obliterating it to pieces, HOLY EFFING CLIFFHANGERS BATMAN. Mrs. Hall you were on my shit list there for a few hours I tell ya. And then I remembered there is still one more book to come, so I will hold out on throttling my kindle and the author until then. :-)

This book, just like all of her other books had everything, smoking hotness, romance, mystery, suspense, shockers and heartbreak. Deanndra Hall really knows how to write am extraordinary story, they hook you in and keep you wanting for more.

Drue gives Renovating A Heart:

Deanndra Hall is a working writer living in far western Kentucky. A free spirit and chronic jokester, she and her partner of over 30 years enjoy visiting their two adult children and their partners and playing with their three crazy little dogs. When she's not writing, Deanndra can be found kayaking, working out at the gym, cooking something healthy, or reading. After writing for business, industry, academia, and non-profits for years and having her work credited to others, she jumped into the fiction realm, particularly erotic fiction and erotica, and had so much fun she never looked back. Look for her on Twitter and Facebook and on her website and blog.

Connect with Deanndra

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/deanndra.hall

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DeanndraHall

Email: DeanndraHall@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeanndraHall

Website: www.deanndrahall.com

REVIEW - Stealing Phin (The Phinegan Swift Adventures in Life and Love Series) by Avery Hale

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What better way to heal your first broken heart than by finding your first true love?

Twenty-two year old Phinegan Swift is a hopeless romantic--a true believer in love. That is, until Douglas, her high-powered lawyer boyfriend and boss, betrays her. Completely devastated by his betrayal, she runs off to Costa Rica for a week with her best friend, Dez, to heal her broken heart and to find her sense of self again.

Instead, she finds Byron Michaels, a handsome and mysterious stranger who harbors a secret that Phin just can't figure out. All she knows is that Byron is a thief...First, he tries to steal her luggage, then he steals her massage, and finally, he tries to steal Phin's heart. Who is Byron? What hidden agenda has him following Phin all over Costa Rica? And why is he the only thing that works to keep Phin distracted from her heartache?

Just as Phin's heart begins to heal, things take a dramatic turn when Byron betrays Phin in his own way. Then, as she's reeling from this, someone from Phin's past shows up to win her back...or so he claims.

Will Phin have gained enough clarity to make the right choice? Will Phin be able to see both Douglas and Byron for who they really are? Will she do what her head tells her, or will she do what she always does...and follow her heart?

Stealing Phin was a great fun read. And while I loved Phin I found that I REALLY like her bff Dez, every girl needs a bff like Dez in their life.
As the tale went on I thought I knew exactly how the story was going to go and then BAM I got smacked in the head with a twist I didn't see coming. I kind of had an idea that Douglas was an ass, I just didn't realize how much of an ass he was, or what he was capable of.
This is a great read by a new author, with laughs, tears, a ton of sex on a stick men and just a truly good story. I'll be watching this author to see what she throws at us next.

Drue gives Stealing Phin:

REVIEW - Besotted, Book 3 - The Billionaire Banker by Georgia Le Carre

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Besotted - The Billionaire Banker Series, Book 3
By Georgia La Carre
...My heart was in a coffin, safe, dark, motionless... until I found you in a secret place, among the shadows of my soul. You saved me...
Blake Law Barrington.

Blake is now the new head of the Barrington dynasty. 'Forget the past,you are safe now,'he whispers.

But I can't feel safe.

How can I? I fear for him. The secrets are many and the road he travels is dark and treacherous.

And I still need answers to burning questions.

Why has he still not dealt with Victoria, who still remains too close for my comfort?

What will happen if Marcus re-enters our lives?

Will we ever really,truly be free from the tentacles of this ancient dangerous family?

Oh and you thought the suspense, mystery, outright hotness, deceit, conspiracy and outright hotness (did I say that already?) were over with in Forty Two Days???? THINK AGAIN.
First off this books starts off with one hell of a bang, and its never really clarified. I mean I think I know what it is and I do pray I'm right, hopefully I will find out in Seduce Me.
Blake is now the head of the empire and seems to be having trouble wanting to expose Lana to any of it, but finds that in some instances he must. But Blake quickly starts to learn how well our lovable Lana can handle the wolves. Its the snake in the grass that seems to be the real problem, Victoria is off her rocker, what a whackjob that woman is, and lord only knows what she is going to do to try and regain her place at Blake's side, after he professes his love for Lana.
This series continues to keep me in suspense, On to Seduce Me now, more later.

Georgia Le Carre writes contemporary and adult romance.

She lives in a little old 19th century romantic cottage, surrounded by the most magical garden, filled

with fruit and walnut trees and teeming with wildlife.

Her diet includes all things chocolate and a voracious appetite for Romance reads, particularly new authors with a fresh voice.

When she is not feeding words into Amy, her precious laptop, she can be found lost in a long walk in the woods, particularly on moonlit nights; and often with the man of her dreams.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7266555.Georgia_Le_Carre

Drue gives Besotted:

Review Angel Falling by Audrey Carlan

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Aspen Reynolds has it all. Wealth, beauty, and a spot on the Forbes Top Ten Most Successful Women list. From the outside, she is perfect. Looks and status can be deceiving. All her life she has fought being the socialite her family has raised her to be. Now at twenty-eight she’s at the top of her game, lacking the one thing she didn’t know she’d ever want.

Accidents happen and lives are changed when Aspen is almost killed. Hank Jensen, the man who saves her, is a hard-working country boy from Texas. Hank is the polar opposite of the rich city boys she’s used to. He’s rugged, gritty, devastatingly handsome, and makes it clear that he wants her in his life and his bed.

Can two people from different worlds find a happily ever after?

Warning: This book is designed for audiences 18+ due to language and graphic sexual content. This novel will be part of a three part series but is written as a standalone between this particular couple. The other two books in the series will focus on different characters with snippets of past couples as the stories move along.

Audrey Carlan is a professional fundraiser for an international healthcare related charity by day, and a sensual and erotic contemporary romance writer by night. She lives in the sunny California Valley two hours away from the city, the beach, the mountains and the precious…the vineyards. She has been married to the love of her life for 10 years and has two young children that live up to their title of “Monster Madness” on daily basis. When she’s not raising money, sipping wine with her “soul sisters”, three incredibly different and unique voices in her life, she can be found with her nose stuck in book or her Kindle. A hot, smutty, romantic book to be exact! As a professional courtesy she does book reviews for two different blogs. One, www.thesmuttykitty.com she does erotic/romantic book reviews where she has been given the name “Zen Kitty” for her love of all things zenful. The second blog,www.tipsylit.com she contributes content as the “Tuesday Tease” contributor of all things romance and reviews books and interviews authors while pairing writing and reading with her second passion…the vino. In life she believes that all things have their purpose even if we are unable to determine the purpose immediately.

http://www.audreycarlan.com/

Angel Falling is a sweet romance with hot sex scenes. Aspen is almost killed by a piece of pipe when her savior, Hank Jensen steps in. I loved how cliche yet unique this story was.

It is the perfect blend of hot and cold. Hank Jensen swoons any woman with his love for Aspen and I loved watching their relationship grow and change throughout the story.

From two different sides of the social change, Aspen sees all the things wrongs with the possibility of a relationship and is scared to even try. Yet something about Hank draws her in.

Audrey Carlan is a first time author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed Angel Falling. I recommend this for anyone that likes erotic sex with a side of sweet romance

Felicity gave Angel Falling

Purchase by clicking book above

Review Getting By by Claudia Y. Burgoa

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When Emma Anderson arrived at San Francisco International Airport, she regretted accepting the distinction of being the maid of honor to Gaby’s—her childhood friend—wedding. It had been years since the last time she set foot in Menlo Park, where her parents had been killed. The rug where she had been shoving her feelings since that day looked bumpier than a camel’s hump. Who could blame her; if she hadn’t been selfish they’d still be around. Ever since that fateful day, Emma has been perfecting the knack of Getting By.

Cade’s wedding in Menlo Park—a city close to San Francisco—might be the perfect place for Jake Knight to shake the memories of his ex, Emma Anderson for good. Single, available women galore for an entire week was the perfect medication, one he intended to take three times a day for an entire week to return to his player days. It was a plan the former spy thought flawless until he came face to face with the maid of honor. Jake’s perfect retreat turns into a flight, fight or hide week of celebrations.

Claudia lives in Colorado with her family and three dogs. Two beagles who believe they are human, and a bichon who thinks she's a beagle. While managing life, she works as a CFO at a small IT Company. She's a dreamer who enjoys music, laughter and a good story. To find more about Claudia follow her:

I had a hard time getting into this book at first but the more I read the better it got.

This is the first book I have read from this author and after reading this book I want

to read more.This story has murder, loss, love and family. This book is about two people

that have a lot baggage in their past. Jake had a big awesome family and Emma didn't

have much family at all. It's their story of trying to overcome the past that gets in the

way to try to find the love and family they were meant to have.

Carol gave Getting By

To buy click on the book above

Review The Celtic Fan by Deanndra Hall

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The Celtic Fan. It's a number one bestseller on every list. It's a love story for the ages. And it's a mystery. At least its author is. Nick Roberts has never been seen. He doesn't do interviews. He doesn't answer fan mail. He doesn't do late-night talk shows, or book signings, or conferences. No one knows who he is. Everyone is looking for him; websites have been set up offering rewards for finding him. Four old friends plan their annual road trip. It's been a toss-up every year, with each being different (and some not so good). But this year Russ's idea is to find Nick Roberts. With an address stolen from the accounting files of the publishing house that's home to The Celtic Fan, the four friends set out to find the elusive Roberts and make names for themselves. And as three begin to get distracted - Russ by women, Michael by liquor, and Jim by porn or who knows what - only one stays the course: Steve Riley, a journalist from Knoxville, is determined to find Roberts and land the story of the century. His dedication to his mission is complicated by a deluge, a flash flood, and an obviously incorrect address. But as time has its way, Steve begins to wonder if his trip will be successful in other ways. And if his suspicions are correct, what will he do when they're confirmed? Even more unsettling is the real question: If he finds Nick Roberts, will he tell? Set in the foothills of the beautiful Smokey Mountains, The Celtic Fan is two stories - the story of a journalist following his biggest story ever, and of a wounded soldier and the girl with whom he falls in love post-World War II. Throughout the pages, Bill and Claire's tragic tale winds its way through Steve's story, a sweet and sensual account he never thought he'd tell. Take the time to savor and enjoy his telling, and bring your tissues - you'll need them.

http://www.deanndrahall.com

I have yet to grab a book by this author that I did not like. This story is a bit different than her other books. It takes a bit, but slowly you are drawn into the two love stories unfolding in the book. Before you know it, you are hooked!

This story revolves around two stories, one, of a book written by an unknown author, Nick Roberts, and two, a tale of 4 friends on an adventure to find the author and land the biggest story of their lives. The story by the elusive Nick Roberts, is a lost love story about a WWII crippled vet and the love of his life, a young Jewish girl. Her father forbids their pairing and buys off the man, Bill. He figures he will use the money to start their lives together but before she knows whats going on, she runs away to the city. The tragic tale of their love gone wrong will tear at your heart, leaving you raw and saddened. It is told in bits as the main story unfolds.

The main story revolves around four friends, Russ, Steve. Michael and Jim. Every year they go do something crazy, and this year, they want to find the author of the most popular book ever. Nick Roberts does not do interviews, book signings or late night TV. No one knows who he is. Russ unearths some information and an address, so they head out to find him. Once in the town, they get a real estate lady to show them around, but come up empty. Steve decides to go hike out towards the address they found, and ends up trapped by rain at Diane's house, the address they found. He is stuck there for a few days, and finds himself falling in love. How will he figure out who Nick Roberts is? And if he does, will he tell anyone? This emotionally charged read will leave you believing in fate, and short on Kleenex. But oh what a ride!

Heidi gave The Celtic Fan

To buy Click here on the book above

Review Blood and Bite By Laken Cane

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Shiv Crew is back in book two of the Rune Alexander series.

Rune and the crew--some of them a little healthier, some of them a little more battered--take on new monsters and unbelievable surprises in Blood and Bite.

While Rune is keeping her promise to Ellis and trying to get her mind fixed, the berserker goes away to take care of some business--mysterious business he doesn't share with Shiv Crew.

What he brings back with him knocks the wind out of Rune and makes her question everything she thought she knew about Strad Matheson.

But the worst is yet to come.

With a mad vampire master she must destroy, a child she must save, and unimaginable screams from a past she has to ignore, Rune has her hands full. But there is always something new and terrible waiting in River County--waiting, it seems, just for her.
Because just when she thinks she can't possibly handle one more terrible thing, she discovers a shocking truth about herself, her blood, and her bite.

Laken Cane

I live in Ohio and I write urban fantasy. Laken Cane is a new pseudonym for me--I also write erotic paranormal romance for publishers like Loose Id, Ellora's Cave, and Liquid Silver Books under a different pen name.

Shiv Crew is my first book as Laken, and I've never been as satisfied writing as I am with this series. I have a sort of end game planned for the crew, but I have no idea how many books it will take to get there. I'm having too much fun with them to think about ending them!

I do have plans to bring in a new character for one book, just so she can eventually get her own series when (or maybe before) the Rune Alexander series ends. That's the plan.

Besides writing--when I have time to do something other than write or read--I play the heck out of my Playstation 4, my Nintendo 3DS XL, and occasionally I find time to play my Xbox 360 or Wii U. Yes. I have a sickness.

I also drink coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. But I have been trying to dilute all that coffee with some green tea. Decaf green tea. That makes up for all the caffeinated black coffee, right? Yeah. That's what I thought.

What quirks do I have? Hmmm. The word "quirks" makes it sound so cute. I don't swallow pills. I chew them. Yes, I chew them. Tylenol, vitamins, doesn't matter. Even if I crush it and put it in ice cream first, I still chew. I chew ice cream. For some reason, people seem to think that's weird. I don't get it.

I finished the first book within a couple days. I was so excited to get my hands on book 2 that I finished in less than a day. This book had a lot to live up to, in my eyes. I loved the first and was worried, like everyone who has found a new series, that the sequel would fall flat. Fortunately, that did not happen. This book was just as good as the first. Rune gets help for some of her demons and she’s doing better. As soon as she gets back to town, things get bad. A little boy with special powers is kidnapped, the vampires wage a war against Rune and the humans she helps to protect, and the Church of Slayers (COS) wages their own war against Rune and the Others she’s sworn to also protect. There’s a lot of action, lots of gore. It’s a dark as the first book and just when you think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, something happens and the light is ripped away. It leaves you wanting for more. I need to know what happens next. The COS is defeated, once again, but I can feel they aren’t finished yet. This is a bad group and I can’t wait to see what happens next and what other challenges they’ll throw at Rune and her Shiv Crew. There was also a few hints of romance. Nothing really happens in the romance department, but it hints at some good things to come. All in all, I really can’t wait to see where the author goes with this series! I can’t wait to read the third book, if it’s as good as the first two (of which I have no doubt now), I’ll end up loving it and recommending it to anyone who will listen!

Ashley gives Blood and Bite