Review: Masters at Arms by Kallypso Masters

Title: Masters At Arms

By: Kallypso Masters

Series: Rescue Me Book 1

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Masters at Arms begins the journey of three men, each on a quest for honor, acceptance, and to ease his unspoken pain. Their paths cross at one of the darkest points in their lives. As they try to come to terms with the aftermath--forging an unbreakable bond--will they ever truly become masters of their own fates? Or would fate become masters of them?



This book is broken up into separate stories and they all merge into one in the final chapters.  I found that I really enjoyed Adam’s story.  To me, he seemed like a real person.  His loss, his pain, and how he suffered through the death of his wife really made him real to me and I found myself wanting to know more about him.  Plus, he has a wonderful connection with Karla and I can’t wait to see how that plays out. 

Unfortunately, the rest of the book really didn’t hold my interest until the character Adam and Karla came back into it at the end.  Marc’s story was an okay read but I really could not get into Damian’s story.  I wanted to erase his story from my memory after reading it. 

Anyways, my plan is to read the story of Adam and Karla and leave it at that.  They are the characters I truly want to know more about.

Review: Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell

Title: Seducing Cinderella

By: Gina L Maxwell

Genre: Adult Erotic Romance

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up.

Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.

Soon Reid finds him himself in the fight of his life...winning Lucie's heart before she gives it to someone else.

I’m afraid that “Seducing Cinderella” just wasn’t for me. As the synopsis states, Reid needs help getting fixed up after an injury and asks Lucie to assist him in doing so. He moves in with her and starts teaching her the keys of seduction. He takes her shopping; he picks everything out for her. He takes her to the hair salon so that she can update her look. He also takes her to the make-up counter and encourages her to learn the technique of putting on make-up. For some reason, in my mind, a MMA fighter would know what he liked in a woman (clothes, hair, make-up, etc.) but might not know how to achieve it. This part to me just seemed far-fetched.

However, it was a cute story. As the reader, you rooted for Lucie to have her crush eating out of her hands and I loved it when it happened. But I found that I really didn’t like her crush and I wanted Reid to be the object of her affection because while he was teaching her how to seduce, you saw a different side of him. A side that made your heart melt.

Review: West of Want by Laura Kaye

Title: West of Want

By: Laura Kaye

Series: Hearts of the Anemoi Book 2

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Betrayal is all he's ever known, but in her, he'll find a love strong enough to be trusted...

When Marcella Raines' twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she's gravely injured--and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce--Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn't protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he's sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph's heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting...everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want--a love that can be trusted.

Stories about gods are hot and West of Want is just that. Just like North of Need, Kaye sucks you into their godly world and holds you there until you finish the book.

I will say that I was surprised with the story line that Kaye presented. I was expecting something along the lines of the first book in the series but I was pleasantly surprised when more drama and action was added.

As for the characters, the problems that they both face made each character multidimensional.

I loved Zeph. He just seemed exactly how I would picture a god to look and act. Zeph is fiercely protective, and rightfully so, of Ella after the pain that he has unintentionally caused her; the storm that ripped apart her boat and then left her injured and then his brother, Eurus, who vowels to hurt Zeph in any way possible. Zeph was so serious at times but was able to let that go and just laugh; which was greatly needed after you learn about his life.

Ella’s character surprised me in the sense that she really thought hard about a certain situation. Normally, writer will make it to where the woman character just complies because she is in love but Ella really thought about what everything meant and how it was affecting those around her (this is after the restaurant scene.) I know that this all sound cryptic but I don’t want to give anything away; so I hope that you all know what I mean when you read the book.

Review: Heat of the Moment by Elle Kennedy

Title: Heat of the Moment

By: Elle Kennedy

Series: Out of Uniform Book 1

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

In this heat wave, anything and everything goes. A Red-Hot Summer story. Shelby Harper has lusted over Navy SEAL John Garrett for over a year, but no matter how many sexy signals she sends out, the man shows a complete lack of interest in getting naked. Then she overhears Garrett talking to his SEAL teammate--a discussion in which they conclude she's vanilla. Stung, Shelby sets out to show them exactly how un-vanilla she is.
Garrett can't believe it when sweet, sexy Shelby suggests a wild and sweaty menage. He's been trying to figure out how to ask her out without coming off as a guy who only wants to get in her pants--her friendship is too valuable to him to risk it. But if a crazy, heat-wave three-way is what Shelby wants, then he's ready and willing to give it to her.
Once she gets it out of her system, however...well, then he'll let her know he wants her all to himself.

Kennedy knew what she was doing when she sat down and wrote this book. The character John Garrett is just super sexy and to pair him with his Navy SEAL buddy Carson, yummers! Throw in a woman who overhears that these two men thinks she probably only has ‘vanilla sex’ and you got yourself a steamy book. I don’t want to give too much away about this book because it is a quick read but this book made me go out and purchase the rest of the Out of Uniform series that I didn’t have.

Review: Heat of the Night by Elle Kennedy

Title: Heat of the Night

By: Elle Kennedy

Series: Out of Uniform Book 5

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

When her long-time fiance breaks off their engagement, saying he needs to "explore other avenues," Annabelle Holmes has no trouble reading between the lines. Bryce thinks she's a prude. Funny, since when it comes to acting out sexual fantasies, he's always been the squeamish one.
Determined to prove him wrong, she sublets an apartment in San Diego, grabs pen and paper, and lists all her sexual fantasies. Intending to surprise Bryce with it as soon as possible. Only the list winds up in the wrong hands-or are they the right ones?
Navy SEAL Ryan Evans is expecting a little impromptu fun with his always-willing, blonde-and-leggy neighbor. But when he slides into her bed, he finds horrified, brunette-and-curvy Annabelle instead-along with her naughty list.
Embarrassment doesn't begin to cover it when Annabelle realizes where her list has ended up. But then Ryan makes her a delicious offer: The chance to check off every last wild, wicked item-with the help of his equally hot SEAL team buddy, Matt.
A harmless fling is easy to add to her list. Then something unexpected happens that's not so easy to cross off...Warning: This title features a sassy heroine, a Navy SEAL hero, and a sex list-being organized has never been so much fun Be prepared for hot sex on the floor, in public, and even with someone watching...

This book had a plot that I loved. When Ryan finds Annabelle’s list of naughty deeds, he knows that he needs to help her check every box on that list. Reading about how these two dwindle the list down made me zoom through the pages. It was just plain S-E-X-Y what these two (and sometimes three) did. It was like Ryan took this as his personal mission to Annie complete all of her tasks.

Seriously, if you like hot reads, check this one out. It will not disappoint.

Review: The Heat is On by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Heat Is On

By: Elle Kennedy

Series: Out of Uniform Book 6

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

As a Navy SEAL, Matt O’Connor specializes in Bad Boy. At least, that’s what he thinks…until he finds himself face down on the floor during a bank robbery, arguing with a sexy, bad-girl blonde who wields her sharp tongue with surgical precision.
Just like that, Matt begins to wonder if maybe the idea of settling down with one woman isn’t as crazy as he thought.
Savannah Harte is addicted to first kisses and whirlwind romances. Once the thrill is gone, though, she’s outta there. She’s eager to follow the adrenaline rush she feels with Matt into the nearest bed, but when tangled sheets begin to feel like tangled heartstrings, her first instinct is to cut him loose. There’s only one problem: Matt’s not going anywhere. And not even a steamy threesome seems to dull her growing feelings.
Which leaves Savannah having to decide what she wants more. The casual thrill of now…or the scary thrill of forever.

When I read this synopsis, I was really excited. I thought that Matt being held hostage during a bank robbery would make him all sorts of hot in my book. Unfortunately, Savannah and Matt’s comments while being held hostage made me want to scream at them, “Stop it! They have guns. Shut up and do as they say then get freaky with it afterwards.” However, after the book got better and steamy. Matt is the same as all of the other Navy SEAL men; HOT! He can do no wrong (besides smart off to the robbers…with guns) and he shows Savannah all that he can do.

Review: Feeling Hot by Elle Kennedy

Title: Feeling Hot

By: Elle Kennedy

Series: Out of Uniform Book 7

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

It’s been a rough month for Navy SEAL Cash McCoy. Fresh off six months of celibacy during his deployment, he almost got into a hot blonde’s panties before they were interrupted. Since then, he still hasn’t gotten laid. The reason? He lost her number. And no other woman has replaced her face in his fantasies.
Then his CO asks him to keep an eye on his sister for a few weeks. Just until her psycho stalker ex is transferred. Cash’s new houseguest is none other than the same gorgeous, quirky blonde. And just his luck—his orders include an emphatic hands off.
Jen Scott is having none of it. Now that she has a second chance, she’s not letting Cash slip away. Orders be damned, he’s the one man capable of helping her explore her sexuality. She’s even willing to break her own rule—never date military men—to get the gorgeous SEAL into her bed.
Except Cash makes it clear he wants more than she bargained for. Much more. Not just her body, but the one thing she promised herself she’d never give to a man in uniform. Her heart.

Oh, yeah! This book was great. One of my favorite plots in this series.

Cash tries so hard to resist Jen because he knows her older brother Carson will drown him if he ever lays a hand on her. We know that won’t last long though.

There were some wicked scene that all I could do was stutter after reading them. This book does not disappoint.

And one of the best parts was that Kennedy wrote in the other characters from the series so that you, as the reader, knew what was going on in their lives as well.

Review: Heat it Up by Elle Kennedy

Title: Heat It Up

By: Elle Kennedy

Series: Out of Uniform Book 4

My Copy: Author Review Copy

BookWhisperer Rating:

Letting her into his life is not an option. Letting her go...impossible. Out of Uniform, Book 4 One look at Thomas Becker's seriously ripped body, and Jane Harrison is having trouble remembering why she tracked down the Navy SEAL. Oh, yes, that hot scoop for her magazine. Instead they get trapped in an elevator together-and she gets sizzling hot sex. After the delicious encounter is over, Becker's out of there, she's left off balance, and even more determined not to take no for an answer. Either for that interview, or another chance to find out if he always goes commando. One minute Becker is making it plain his answer is no. The next, he's using the only weapon at hand to calm her confined-space panic attack-a kiss. And caving in to a fierce, unexpected need that wasn't even on his radar. Long term? Hell no-not after the divorce that just spit him out. But a fling with the redheaded reporter with a brutally honest mouth and a body made for sin? Abso-effing-lutely. Trouble is, when the week is over, she isn't even close to being out of his system... Warning: Contents under pressure. Hot elevator sex, a redhead who knows exactly what she wants, and a Navy SEAL who can't help but give it to her. May cause spontaneous combustion. Be sure to fan yourself frequently.

Becker was just plain hot; hands down. The elevator scene made me turn my air conditioner in the middle of October! Let me just say that a writer can never go wrong including a character that is a Navy SEAL and Kennedy did not disappointment me with Becker. He is not like the other SEALS characters (who are more playful) Becker is a serious character but falls just as hard as all the other guys have for that one woman.

Review: Heat of the Storm by Elle Kennedy

Title: Heat of the Storm

By: Elle Kennedy

Series: Out of Uniform Book 3

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Give a SEAL an inch, and he'll take your heart. An Out of Uniform story. Lieutenant Will Charleston has waited fifteen long years to show up as anything other than a one-pixel blip on Mackenzie Wade's romantic radar. If a powerful storm is what he needs to send her into his arms, he'll take it. Once the hot sex is over, though, she seems determined to kick him right back into the friend zone. Not this time. This time, he's going to teach her the meaning of tenacious. Mackenzie has always had feelings for Will, feelings she fights with all her strength. He's her best friend, her safety net. The one man who's not scared of her accursed psychic gift. No doubt he drives her wild in bed, but their night of passion was more than a mistake. It generated a tragic vision of the future, one that leaves her more confused-and afraid-than ever. Problem is, Will knows her too well. Plus he's a SEAL to the bone. And they don't like to lose... Warning: This title contains a Navy SEAL who knows exactly what he wants-ridiculously hot and dirty sex with the woman he's been fantasizing about for years. Stormy sex and graphic language await you.

Honestly, this book was my least favorite out of all of the Out of Uniform series. For some reason, I just didn’t click with the characters. Mac drove me a little nuts because she refused to even entertain the idea of being with Will. Hello?! I wanted to yell, “He is a hot Navy SEAL and has been your best friend for years….how would you not click as a couple?! How could you not think he wouldn’t stand by you and your psychic abilities?” Anyways, but other than that, I found it a good read. Of course, Will was super sexy and could make a girl swoon.

Review: Claiming the Prize by Nadja Nortariani

Title: Claiming the Prize

By: Nadja Nortariani

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Walking a solitary, disciplined path in his pursuit to become the light heavyweight champion of the American-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Organization, Drago Zadrovec leaves the security of his homeland to train in the United States.  But once within the exclusive MMA organization, Drago finds himself increasingly drawn to his mentor's daughter, Grace Antolini.  Quiet and gentle, yet thoroughly immersed in the world in which he exists, Grace captures his heart as firmly as his quest for the title, igniting a long buried passion inside the fighter.  Subjecting his body to the brutality of the cage and opening his heart to the woman he desires to share his life with, Drago comes to understand that his journey is comprised of more than want of victory in the ultimate goal of Claiming The Prize......

This was not at all what I expected of this book. Claiming the Prize is about a competitor working his way up to the light heavy champion of the American Mixed Martial Arts Org. With that being said the story that I expected would be powerful and intense. I was not disappointed about the fighting concept, as it was incredibly exhilarating and easy to follow. As a huge fan of fighter stories I was excited to get my hands on this book, but I was expecting a comparable romance. Maybe I should rephrase that I was not expecting a violent romance, but I was expecting a romance that coincided with the intense and raw power that fighting story tend to offer. Drago and Grace have a sweet romance, but it was very lacking in the building of the story. I did not feel the characters develop into this love that was instantaneous apparent in the story. The pace was dreadfully slow, and the overall feel was monotone. I believe the lack of climax to the story only added to the apparent length and slowness of the story. While I did finish this story I was not sold by it. It is not something that I would recommend, and feel no dedication to the characters.

Review: Tell Me You Want Me by Amelia James

Title: Tell Me You Want Me

By: Amelia James

Publisher: Evolved Publishing (June 26th, 2012)

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

"I can give you exactly what you're asking for, Janie, and I can give it to you all night long."
Their first kiss is impulsive, fun, a little wicked--everything Jane Elliot isn't looking for in a man--but desperately needs. Their second kiss is slow, deliberate, an instant connection--everything Austin Sinclair never had with a woman--and doesn't want.
Jane isn't the easy conquest Austin's used to. She's a stubborn-as-hell bookworm who's more interested in studying than dating. She needs a little--no--a lot of fun in her life, and Austin's just the guy who can give it to her. Too bad she thinks love should be easy. Too bad Austin knows it isn't.
Everybody told her to stay away from the heartbreaker, but Jane knows there's more to Austin than full-body contact kisses and bad boy charm. All he ever promised her was a good time and wow, does he ever deliver....

 

Tell Me You Want Me is a spicy hot romance that will leave readers breathless. Jane and Austin come across one another in a very unique and unlikely situation. What Austin expects as a phase makes a lasting impression. Both characters have experiences disappointment and loss, but what they find together just might chance their outlooks on the future.

Jane had the perfect life with a hard core mother and free loving father. With the unexpected loss of her father she remains with a mother that is determined to exclude any freedom in her schedule. College offers her a chance to spread her wings, and on the brink of graduation she finds herself side tracked by a fun loving playboy.

Austin is a heartbreaker. After watching the deterioration of his parents marriage; Austin is determined to never follow in his father footsteps. This has resulted in a lifestyle that will never require his commitment. Oblivious to the trail of heartbreaks he has left behind. When he comes across determined and dedicated Jane he will find himself side swiped by the feelings that are every growing.

This story was entertaining and sweet. The romance is hot and steamy, but I wished for a strong story line. Amelia James has showed great talent, and I look forward to experiencing from her.

Blog Tour Review: Amarok by Angela J Townsend

Title: Amarok

By: Angela Townsend

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (November 20th, 2012)

My Copy: Ebook for Blog Tour

BookWhisperer Review:

Emma's life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father and living with the guilt of causing her mother's death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining.
Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she's nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold-rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma's gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion. When a vicious madman--trapped in bear form by the same Shaman--attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to face her fears and free the wolf she's come to love. But that means she must face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

Amarok was a story unlike anything else that I have read. I expected something paranormal, because it is obvious from square one that are dealing with a shapeshifter. As I drove into this story I was awestruck by the unique and inventive story that Townsend offers here. This is not your typical kid that winds up lost and kidnapped. This is a heart wrenching and terrible story about the abuse and torture that this young girl as lived though. Although, the past she has leaved would leave many victims as a shell; that is not the case with this strong and determined young woman. The stregnth and courage that she displays left me speechless. Amarok is a victim as well. Having lived years in the form of a wolf would not have been so terrible if it were not accompanied by the abuse of the Ryan's family. I was a little disappointed to have not had the gradual growth of their relationship, but regardless it was not totally unjustified to see something form from the understanding, sympathy, and comanpionship that initially brings them together. This is not your happily ever after, or the uplifting and bright spirited story. This seemed borderline a horror novel. The Shaman in this novel was one freaky character that I would rather not cross paths with. So to wrap it up I really did enjoy the overall story. It is short, quick, and unique. The chance to read something that will take you down a different paths was well appreciated. The ending really left me wondering if there will be more to this story, so I will be anxious to see if Amarok is the beginning of a series.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~

Blog Tour Review: Blood and Bone by Courtney Cole

Title: Of Blood and Bone

By: Courtney Cole

Series: The Minaldi Legacy Book 1

Publisher: Lakehouse Press (Sept. 30th, 2012)

My Copy: Ebook for Blog Tour

BookWhisperer Rating:

Luca Minaldi is powerful, rich and mesmerizing. But he is also a reclusive enigma. He lives in Malta, a fairytale-like place filled with sunshine and sea, beauty and secrets. And Luca’s darkest of secrets is the best kept of them all.
Eva Talbot is spending the summer in Malta to finish up her doctoral dissertation. When she meets Luca, a mysterious and handsome shipping magnate, there is an instant attraction. He has a disturbing and beautiful energy that she has never felt before. But she senses the darkness that lives within him.
Eva is hired to care for his mother, a woman who suffers from dementia, but it is Luca who Eva will eventually risk everything to save. She desperately wants to reach inside of him and fix what is broken, while at the same time, she knows that she is falling for him. Her life becomes a swirling chaos of darkness and romance, of secrets and mystery. And the question that emerges will become the most important answer of all.
Can she save Luca from the darkness that plagues him without losing herself?
The answer is a matter of life or death.

For some reason, the synopsis above was nothing like what I pictured the book to be. In a lot of ways, that is good. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I found myself submersed into this book; the plot, the characters, and the mystery behind it all.
I really enjoyed the character Eva most of the time (towards the end of the book I started to lose that feeling.) She was driven, smart, charming, and knew exactly what she wanted in life, to finish her dissertation. However, that want was thrown slightly off course when she meets Luca Minaldi. Handsome Luca Minaldi.
Cole writes about a deep, dark secret that Minaldi men have suffered from that had me wondering what really was going on throughout the first half of the story. That wondering had me tapping through the pages (it was an ebook) and finishing this book in less than a day. Eva knows that she can help Luca and while she tries, a bond is formed between them.
I will say that I started to lose momentum during the last part of the book. I don’t know if it was because I had already guess what was going on or if the character Eva was just really starting to get on my nerves, maybe even both. However, I will say that it was a good read and it kept me entertained.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC on Of Blood and Bone Blog Tour~