Drue's Random Chatter's Reviews

Review- London Falling by Audrey Carlan

I feel things. Deeply. More so than most people.
Call it an empathic ability, call it whatever you want. It doesn’t change the fact that I am unable to love…at least not again. When you’ve had everything and lost it, there is no do-over. You can’t repair a shattered heart.

Instead of the pursuit of Mr. Right, I’m forever enjoying Mr. Right Now. It’s worked for me the last four years and will continue for the rest of my days.

Then I met him. Collier Stone. My sexy Englishman. He is everything I don’t need, but can’t deny wanting. His body, his sheer essence calls to that deep place inside me.

Doesn’t matter though. Regardless of how delicious his accent or how intense the chemistry that sizzles between the sheets, the simple fact remains. I will never give him, or any man, what they need from me.

My name is London Kelley and I will never fall in love.

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.

In the writing world you can often tell when an author is introducing their first novel. It is also true that you can tell when an author has listened to her readers and delivers with an even more smashing sequel.

Audrey Carlan has wrapped her writing style around my heart and I was highly impressed. I loved the first novel in The Falling Series, Angel Falling but wanted more emotion.

London Falling delivers just that! It is a story about love lost, gained, and needed. London has empathic ablities and can feel when someone is needed but she never takes time for herself. She dedicates her life to her career.

When she meets Collier Stone it flips her world upside down. Her sexy Englishman is determined to help her find healing and love. Even though London and Collier have a push and shove relationship but he is determined to win her over.

Just when I thought London Falling was your average Happily Ever After a huge twist was thrown at me. I will definitely be reading more and hope to see more of Tripp's story in the future.

Felicity gave London Falling

To buy London Falling click on cover above

Review - The Mystic Wolves by Belinda Boring

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What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?
Someone is trying to send a deadly message to Mason, arranging the deaths of those he loves and it puts the entire pack and Alpha on high alert. Darcy understands the primal instincts driving her beloved Mason's commands. With the help of those he sets as protectors, she learns about herself and the things she'll need to help support her Alpha and pack. When events turn dire however, one truth offers her strength - once given, oaths are unbreakable...even if it means risking it all.

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Belinda Boring

First off, I really liked this take on warewolves and vampires. I love when authors challenge the status quo. This book is part of a series, but don't let that deter you. My only qualm is the massive cliff hanger at the end. Fortunately, the other books are out, so you do not have to wait to find out what happens next.

This story revolves around Darcy, the chosen mate for the Alpha Mason. She comes to find her way in this story, with help from her best friend, Jasmine. Tragedy strikes the Mystic Wolves, and she finds herself a pawn in the mystery. Could she fall victim to the rogue vampires? Or will she rise up, and prove she deserves Mason. And what will happen when she faces her greatest fears? This book had me from the beginning, Darcy is a spitfire, and you cannot help rooting for her. And Mason, the pack's Alpha, is a strong, dedicated leader. You want him to have his happily ever after. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Heidi gave The Mystic Wolves

To purchase click the link above

Review-My Heart My Mind by Dani Graves

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When Declan Duncan left Seattle, he left his life behind for healing time on the farm. He closed his therapy practice after the loss of a patient. He left his businesses to managers, lawyers and friends. He abandoned his leadership role in a community he loved and ended a long term relationship with a submissive. Now, he is returning home healed and healthier, but lonely, confused and searching – for what he doesn’t know.

Jocelyn McCray has battled forgotten traumas from an early age. Since the age of fourteen she has fought tooth and nail to achieve a normal life and now that life is falling to pieces. On the edge of a mental crisis she meets Declan, a man, a Dom and a legend in the community she now considers hers. Is Jocelyn brave enough to let Declan help her, and can Declan find a way to save her sanity before it to late – when what he really wants is her heart.

Dani Graves

I am a wife, mother and about to be grandmother. As a kid with Dyslexia, learning to read was a painful and slow process, but with lots of practice I became a voracious reader, I still am. I live on a farm in rural Washington State with my hubby, two dogs, two cats and a flock of chickens. I write every day, sometimes at odd hours and I still read every night.

With a creative heart and intellectual background, writing has become my outlet. I like creating characters that are lovable, flawed and diverse, settings that I can see myself in and relationships that are entertaining, meaningful and significant. As the self-defined brat in my family, I developed a fascination with social taboo’s, (BDSM, Motorcycle Club and Alternative religions to name a few), and what motivates someone to pursue them. So I create stories about life, good and bad, about love, hot and sexy and the pursuit of individual happiness. But by far my deepest motivation is the readers, providing a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of entertainment and a great escape is my reward.

I have not read a book from Dani Graves until this one, and I am so glad this was my first one!\par
This book is about BDSM and the "life" in the club and out of the club and how the different characters try to live in both. The characters seem real and I fell in love with a few of them. \par
Declan is a Dom but has been away from the club scene for a while but comes back and tries to get back into the BDSM club scene. He is a very kind, loving, sweet man behind all his toughness and the last thing he wants is to be attracted to anyone. But then he meets Jocelyn and they both feel the attraction but don't want to admit it. \par
Both have demon's they are trying to deal with and just not sure how. Jocelyn suffers from panic attacks and being in the BDSM scene sometimes bring them back full force. You don't find out why till later in the book. There are other characters but I really fell in love with these two. Their chemistry together fits perfectly. I smiled and laughed quite a bit.\par
The only thing that bothered me was how the author did each perspective from each character. When it was a point of view from "Jocelyn", you get ***Jocelyn** and when it changes you get the same thing except with that character between the stars. It's not that the different points of few bothered me because that is what made the book come together for me was the different perspectives but I just got confused at first when in the middle of the chapter ***Jocelyn** was telling her thoughts and then all of a sudden it was ***Declan**. Maybe have each chapter from a different characters point of view or even put a few more lines between changing point of views. Out of the whole book this is the only thing that really had me confused at times.\par
Overall I enjoyed this book! I will read more from this author because I do feel this author has talent and can tell a very good, exciting story that will keep my interest all the way through! Keep an eye on this author, I see a bright future!

Barb give My Heart My Mind

To buy this book click on cover above!

Review See You In the Morning by A.T. Weaver

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Jake and Dave lived and loved for over fifty years. During that time, they campaigned for gay rights. They married each other three times until, finally, in 2013, the United States Supreme Court declared DOMA to be unconstitutional and thus legalized their union.

They made a family and raised four beautiful children together.

When he loses Dave to a massive stroke, Jake feels he world has ended. Join him as he relives a life

well-lived throught memories triggered by photos of his and Dave's years together

I am a straight great-grandmother living alone with my cat, Cleopatra, in an independent living facility for the elderly. I have four children ranging in age from 49 to 36, ten grandchildren ranging from 33 to 7, and one great-grandson age 4.

I started writing gay love stories in 2003 after meeting over 3,000 gay men on line who educated me to the plight of the LGBT community in America.

I’ve been told that because I believe gays can be Christian I’m going to Hell – well, I’d rather be there with my gay friends than in Heaven with some of the people who judge them.

http://alixtheweaver.wordpress.com/

This was my first M/M novel. I was impressed it was written by a great grandmother!

This story was well written. It had good, strong characters, dealing with real life

circumstances. It's the story of Jake and Dave and their beautiful love story. They

came from different worlds. It tells of their struggles and how they ended up raising

four children and having a wonderful marriage. But it today! You will love it!

Sassy gives See You In the Morning

Review Becca and Greg at 314 Harper's Cove by Deanndra Hall

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Come and visit the neighbors of Harper's Cove. Every couple on the street is pretty sure they're the only ones doing something as kinky as they're doing, but the joke's on them!

Becca and Greg at 314 Harper's Cove continues the series. Even though they seem like your average neighbors, Becca and Greg live a lifestyle their neighbors wouldn't understand, especially the busybody of the neighborhood. Becca lives to serve, and while Greg appreciates her, he rules his domain with an iron fist - or maybe an iron cage. When Becca's asked to share Greg, she does what she has to do, even though Greg insists she'll always be first for him. And it might work out better than Becca thinks initially - that is, if the nosy neighbor will stay out of their business.

But the arrival of another woman to their home makes Gloria sure that there's something going on that's just not right. Even Becca's explanation doesn't dissuade her from poking around to find out the "truth." And poke she does, until she gets the surprise of her life! Poor Russell, her husband, is left to listen to her nonsense while trying to keep her drinking under control, but it doesn't work. Gloria is determined to get down to the truth of what's going on in the Hendersons' house.

Will Gloria's snooping lead her to a view of life in the Hendersons' house that she's not expecting?

Written from first-person perspective of two of the characters, the Harper's Cove series novellas are quick, fun, steamy reads. They'll tickle your funny bone AND put a sizzle in your shorts! At 20K-25K words, they're perfect for a lazy afternoon's entertainment or a quick bedtime jolt to the libido. The books are not dependent on each other and can be read in any order. At their completion, the series will be at least six books (maybe even more!) and each will be just as hot and hilarious.

Visit Harper's Cove and get into the lives of the kinkiest neighborhood in town. They're up to things that your neighbors would never do.

Or would they?

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.

http://www.deanndrahall.com/

There is something about this author's books that just works for me. Her characters are sure of themselves, and are believable. I loved this installment in the Harper's Cove series, this neighborhood is growing on me. In this story, Becca and Greg are living the Master/slave lifestyle, and have been for 17 years. Greg decides that he wants to train another slave, and Becca is afraid that she will be replaced in Greg's life. When he brings Dawn home, Becca's opinion begins to shift. Add in their always nosy neighbor, Gloria, the drunk of the neighborhood, and you have laughs as well as a hot steamy read. Russell, Gloria's husband, is the perfect straight man to Gloria's antics. Following Dawn's training, you get a great, quick, steamy read, and an insight into this very sexy neighborhood. I can't wait to read the next one!

Heidi gave Becca and Greg at 314 Harper's Cove

To buy this book click the book above

Review Hello, My Love!

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This modern-day pastiche of 19th-century novels by Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell is an engaging romp into deep, powerful love, with a good dose of realism and a twist of mystery.

The unexpected surprises and emotional encounters of this novel keep the reader enthralled until the very last page…….an excellent read.---GoodbooksToday Reviews

....a tale as old as time, but some of (the lovers') particular trials are pretty unusual and make for an entertaining read.---San Francisco Book Review

Heartache and the specter of revenge follow when sparring partners spend the night together two days before he weds someone else.

I am a flâneuse (feminine for flâneur, observer-wanderer). I write about, and illustrate (oils, pastels, digital) what I see that intrigues me. In a past life, with a now-dormant Ph.D., (University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana), and the primacy of my left brain, I researched, evaluated and developed mental health programs.

But writing was my first love and I wanted to be a journalist. I have written two novels and hope to follow up with more. Margaret of the North and Hello, My Love!, my second novel, are inspired by Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell and their awesome feminist heroines.
My book website is: www.margaretofthenorth.wordpress.com for articles on books and writing. Or, check out my blurbs on art, travel (mostly Paris where I have stayed for months), eating, and state of being on: Journey on a Limb.

This is a decent read if not a bit stuffy. I gave it a three because it is a good book, but it does not grab you and refuse to let go. Also, the actions of the characters do not reflect their personalities. For example, Elise, a well educated, smart lady, has sex while not protecting herself. And for a law student, many of her reactions do not fit the way she is portrayed. This story follows her for a couple of years, so we do get quite a bit of a tale. I did like that.

Greg is a wealthy playboy engaged to a woman named Lori. He spends most weekends at a dinner at Elise's parents house. He is drawn to Elise because of her wit, and he finds himself attracted to her. Elise does not like Greg of the Bat, but she grows to care about him. Two days before he is to marry Lori, they find themselves together and the heat is too much, they sleep together. Greg calls off his wedding, but he is afraid of what Lori might do to him and Elise. He stays away from Elise for a couple of years, trying to figure out who he is. But, Elise does not have that luxury, and when Greg comes back, they have a lot to talk about. Can she forgive him? Should she? There are quite a few developments that make this an interesting read. If you like a more formal romance story, this might be for you.

Heidi gave Hello, My Love!

To buy click the book above

Review Obsidian Wings by Laken Cane

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Gruesome murders begin to pop up in River County, and Rune is introduced to the bird shifters--to one bird in particular, a woman named Cree Stark.

When she gets a whiff of the shifters' scents where COS had been executing a grisly sacrifice, Rune begins to suspect the birds know more about the slayers--and the twins--than they're willing to admit.

Nothing is more important to Shiv Crew than finding Levi and Denim, but when Lex psychically connects with the twins, it isn't good news she brings back.

As always, COS is at the center of it all.

The world is beginning to look at the church differently, thanks to the tireless work of Bill Rice and others like him. The humans' acceptance is turning to fear.

And what people fear, they hate.

What the slayers are planning next will either finish them for good or give them everything they've ever wanted--Karin Love and unchallenged power.

Rune and the crew race against time to save River County from the biggest monster they've faced yet.
If they fail, the church will be closer than ever to their dream of creating an Otherless world.

In Obsidian Wings, Rune hides a devastating physical weakness, makes an important choice in her love life, and gains a new understanding that will help her face the future.

No matter what happens, their world is changing.
The crew is growing.

And so is Rune Alexander.…

Laken Cane is the pseudonym of a paranormal romance writer living in the Midwest. Her debut book, Shiv Crew, is a dark urban fantasy and is followed by Blood and Bite, book two, and Strange Trouble, book three. Book four, Obsidian Wings, is a work in progress. Places you can find Laken: Facebook: www.facebook.com/laken.cane.3 Twitter: @lakencane Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lakencane You can also find her Amazon page at http://amzn.to/1fTXrto

I tried to put off reading this book, not because I’m tired of the series or anything, but because I didn't want to finish. It’s the last book so far in the series (the fifth hasn't come out yet) and I totally wasn't ready for Rune’s adventure to end yet. Inevitably, I did end up reading it and I devoured it in only a couple hours. It was as amazing as I had expected it to be. Laken Cane has a way with words. Her characters are gritty and real. Rune is definitely one of my favorite characters, in any book I've pretty much ever read. She’s right up there with Anita Blake. So this book starts out with some pretty gruesome murders. It’s pretty clear from the get go that it’s the Church of Slayers (COS). But the COS throws the crew for a loop. The murder victims are shifters and the COS are human, so they’re not strong enough on their own; they've been getting Others to help. So, not only does Rune and the Shiv Crew have to find COS, but they have to find the traitors too. Rune ends up getting kidnapped by the COS and you really get to see how sick and depraved they are. It shows that humans can be sick and evil. The Shiv Crew’s boss starts to show the world and shows the humans what the COS is really capable of. I can hopefully see the end of COS coming soon, but I’m sure they won’t go down without more of a bang. Rune is still insecure with herself and her choices but she manages to push past her insecurities and get the job done. I have huge hopes for Rune. I hope she’ll finally figure out that she can’t save anyone and you can’t always make the right decision. Again, like the third book, this one has tons of action. You barely have time to breathe but it’s amazingly done. I can see Rune and the crew growing as well as knitting closer together. They’re all inevitably changed by the COS and it’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when the horrors of the kidnapping are exposed. The bird shifters are introduced in this book and I really have to say . . . I hated them. They had no emotions, no sense of right or wrong, it was unnerving. I thought I hated Cree (a banished bird shifter) but at the end of the book you find out her reasoning for doing what she did. I still didn't like her but I didn't hate her anymore. I felt pity towards her. But the Crew battles on and they are left alive and, mostly intact, for their next adventure. One that I’m anxiously awaiting. I really hope that it isn’t too long of a wait for book five, but anticipation makes it that much sweeter when it is finally released.

Ashley gave Obsidian Wings

Review Flame Caller by Jon Messenger

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White Halls is no longer a sleepy little town. Its houses lie smoldering on their foundations. The residents take refuge in their homes, afraid to leave. And the town’s prodigal son and newest Wind Warrior, Xander Sirocco, has fled.

Xander survived the first assault on his life by the Flame Caste, but it’s at a great personal cost. He and Sammy are left to bury his family and tend to his grandfather, who lies in a coma.

With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he can’t help but feel the fight against the Fire Caste is hopeless. It seems that way, that is, until he learns of a secret race of Elementals, embodiments of the elemental powers that the different castes wield. With the power of the Elementals comes a chance to save not just the Wind Warriors and Sammy, but the world itself.

Emboldened, he sets off to find the Wind Elemental and with it, the hope for his survival. Too bad no one has seen the Wind Elemental in generations and now thinks she’s just a myth. As he quickly learns, however, the Fire Elemental isn’t a myth. It’s real and it has a secret plan for his girlfriend.

Jon Messenger (Born 1979 in London, England) serves as an United States Army Major in the Medical Service Corps. Since graduating from the University of Southern California in 2002, writing Science Fiction has remained his passion, a passion that has continued through multiple combat and humanitarian deployments. Jon wrote the "Brink of Distinction" trilogy, of which "Burden of Sisyphus" is the first book, while serving a 16-month deployment in Baghdad, Iraq.

Flame Caller by Jon Messenger picks up right where Wind Warrior leaves off. There are more twists and turns to the story as Xander struggles to figure out how to stop the end of the world. Sammy is being held hostage by her clan. I feel my heart break for Xander as he experiences more losses to the war. He finds the answer to how to fight the fire elemental, but it does not come without a cost.
There is a twist at the end of the book that had me talking to myself. I so look forward to reading the next installment. I just have to find out what happens with Xander and Sammy (who is no longer Sammy). I just love a book that keeps my guessing. 5 stars Jon for great entertainment.

Review Wind Warrior by Jon Messenger

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The sleepy town of White Halls harbors a dangerous secret. On a picturesque street, two houses down from a lovely little park, in a quaint little home with a wraparound porch, lives a family that seems rather normal. Sure, their twenty-year-old son, Xander, still lives at home, but he’s going to college and dating the leader of the schools top sorority. It’s all very… normal.

However, when a man is miraculously saved from being hit by a bus, Xander’s life turns in to the living embodiment of the tornadoes he can suddenly create with a flick of his wrist. Whether he wants this gift or not, Xander must learn to use his new ‘super power’ quickly if he wants to survive. For his kind is a dying race, and when this sleepy town has a sudden influx of new, blonde, fire wielders, no one is safe, especially Xander. It doesn’t help that one of these blondes happens to be the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. Xander can’t deny the instant connection he feels to her so, when she tries to kill him, it certainly makes things complicated.

http://www.jonmessengerauthor.com/

Wind Warrior by Jon Messenger has me hooked. It is easy to picture these characters in your head as go through the trials that they face. This book was so different from other books that I have read that I did not put it down until I came to the end. It captured my attention that thoroughly. If you are looking for a sweet romance, this is not your book. This is about finding out that you have a super power and that there are people trying to kill you (like your date to a dance).
Xander falls for Sammy. It should be simple, but Xander is a wind warrior and Sammy is a fire warrior. They are supposed to hate each other. I found myself amused, angry and heartbroken when I read this book. This series is a must read if you are looking for something new. I give it 5 stars because it was so entertaining, I read it twice.

Deborah gave Wind Warrior