A Review of Four Letter Word by J. Daniels

A Review of Four Letter Word by J. Daniels

A Review of Four Letter Word by J. DanielsFour Letter Word four-stars
by J. Daniels
Published by Grand Central Publishing on October 4th 2016
Genres: Romance, Erotica, Romantic Comedy, New Adult
Pages: 416
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"Love! That's the four letter word to describe how I felt about this unique, sexy story. J. Daniels' hottest book to date."---Penelope Ward, New York Times bestselling author

Fate. Hate. Love. Lies. Which four letter word will change their lives forever? Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line. Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . .

Review of Four Letter Word

 

Four Letter Word is the first novel in the Dirty Deeds series by New York Times bestselling author J. Daniels. The story follows Sydney Paige, a young woman who has recently separated from her husband after years of being in a loveless marriage, and Brian Savage a young man who both co-owns a surfing shop and is involved in adult filming (though for reasons that totally broke my heart). Sydney moves in with her best friend after leaving her husband and is confronted with her friend’s own heartache. This results in a phone call to the completely wrong person- thank goodness! I swear fate stepped in here and directed her to Brian- who was completely flabbergasted and amused by Sydney’s surprise tirade (it was the wrong number, after all). Naturally, this sparked Brian’s interest in Sydney and they decided to carry on a relationship over the phone before finally meeting in person-

And did the sparks fly or what?!

Four Letter Word was brimming with sizzling passion, heartbreaking turmoil, and laugh-out-loud moments!

There were times I laughed, times I cried, and times I needed to turn my fan on blast despite the sub-zero temps outside- it was just that hot! I adored Brian- I mean, do guys like that really exist? He made one fatal mistake and it made him humble- the things he was willing to do to make up for this mistake…and everything he does for Sydney! Ah! It’s just too much. Sydney- here’s a young woman that some women may be able to relate to. I love that she’s not perfect. I love that she’s not certain of every moment of her life, but she’s willing to take chances and learn from her own mistakes. And her relationship with her best friend? I adored it! It reminded me of my own best friend and how close we are.

Despite some of the heavy content (you’ll understand when you read it), J. Daniels was still able to make the story one you could read over and over. The chemistry between the characters was spot on, and it provided the HEA I was hoping for. And that first meeting between them on the beach…uh…yeah. I highly suggest getting a fan for your room when reading that particular part. Sigh.

Four stars for Four Letter Word!!

four-stars
A Review of The Road by Brenda K. Davies

A Review of The Road by Brenda K. Davies

A Review of The Road by Brenda K. DaviesThe Road (The Road to Hell, #3) five-stars
by Brenda K. Davies
ISBN: 1310397554
Published by Smashwords on January 3rd 2017
Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Suspense
Pages: 384
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River,Standing at the edge of the gateway, I understand two things. One, I have no idea what I’m doing. Two, the gateway to Hell is not closing. Now, there may be only one option left to me, to all of us. I may have to enter the one place I’d hoped to avoid throughout this journey. I may have to enter Hell.Unfortunately, a change in events takes the choice away from me.

Kobal,I always knew the idea of River entering into Hell could become a reality, but I expected her to be by my side when, or if, it happened. I expected to be there to protect her, but she’s gone in alone. Now, not only am I trying to catch up with her, but I know Lucifer will soon learn of her entrance into my world, and he will be after her too.I just don’t know which one of us will reach her first.

***There will be at least four books in this series. Not all things will be resolved in this book. Due to graphic language, violence and sexual content this book is recommended for readers 18+ years of age.***

Review of The Road

 

The Road is the third novel in the Road to Hell series by USA Today bestselling author Brenda K. Davies. The first two novels in the series were fast, thrilling, and action-filled, and The Road follows true to its predecessors. Kobal, River, and others who have loyally followed them, have finally made it to the pit leading into hell. River, as promised, works diligently on closing the gateway, though is unsuccessful. A surprise attack from demons as silent as death, though deadlier than most other demons, forces River and a handful of others onto the roadway descending into hell. The further down they go, the more sweltering the heat is, forcing the others to halt their descent, and for River and one of her loyal friends to continue alone.

Meanwhile, Kobal and the other demons vanquish their attackers and hurry after River and the others. The period of time between River and Hawk’s venture into hell, and Kobal’s desperate attempt to catch up to them is heart-pounding and exciting. We are introduced to new demons such as Valkyries, and new horrific experiences such as the twisted carousel that leads River and Hawk into a carnival that isn’t all innocent fun and games. This introduction into hell is exactly what imagined it would be like- twisted, dark, and spine-chilling. Carnivals have always creeped me out and this one was no exception. But I will say, what a marvelous introduction to a new character!

On occasion, when I read a series featuring the same couple, the chemistry and passion between them, by the end of book two and all novels following it, begins to feel redundant- or it simmers to a point where I think, “Well, good for them. Now what?” That is NOT the case with this series! I swear I jump ten degrees whenever Kobal and River decide to get down and dirty- it doesn’t matter if it’s in a tent outside a wall separating the states, or in the sweltering bowels of hell- these two retain the heat!

And those trees in hell? Well, they reminded me fondly of the whomping willow in the Harry Potter series- except these ones will literally obliterate a massive ogre and tear an individual limb-by-limb. However, unlike the memorable whomping willow, these trees are also capable of a little cuddle and playtime- very Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-ish.

Five stars for The Road!!

See my review for the first novel in this series here–> “Good Intentions Review”

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five-stars
Awakened by Brenda K. Davies: Book Review

Awakened by Brenda K. Davies: Book Review

Awakened by Brenda K. Davies: Book ReviewAwakened (Vampire Awakenings, #1) four-stars
by Brenda K. Davies
on Professionally re-edited and updated 11/1/17
Genres: Romance, Paranormal
Pages: 319
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Traumatized by her past, and struggling to move on from it, Sera has spent the past three years of college hiding herself from the world and content to stay that way. A chance encounter with Liam shatters her sheltered world, leaving her stunned and shaken by the strange feelings and emotions he arises in her, feelings she never thought she would experience and that frighten her in their intensity.

Harboring a dark and deadly secret of his own, Liam knows that he should stay away from Sera; that he will only bring her more hurt, but he is irresistibly drawn to her and unable to deny himself the pleasure that only she can bring to him. But when their pasts collide with their present, and Liam’s true nature is revealed, will their love for each other be enough, or will they be torn apart forever?

This book contains...sex.

Review of Awakened

 

Awakened is the first novel in the Vampire Awakenings series by USA Today bestselling author Brenda K. Davies. The story follows Sera, a young woman navigating her last year in college, while struggling with an experience that has left her uncomfortable and hesitant around men, and Liam- a young man who also attends the college with a dark and dangerous secret of his own. When Liam notices Sera at a party, he instantly decides that he needs to meet her- this chance meeting leads to a whirlwind romance that neither of them expected. Sera opens to Liam early on about a previous boyfriend who left her traumatized back in her hometown, and Liam discovers just how protective he can be with her. When the object of her nightmares makes an appearance and threatens Sera’s life, Liam makes a decision that ultimately changes the course of their relationship.

Besides Sera and Liam, the story provides a handful of other characters that help to move the plot along. Sera has two best friends that she interacts with frequently, Liam has four close friends all sharing the same secret as Liam, and then there’s a woman who used to be close friends with Sera who ultimately betrays her, and finally there’s a villain from Liam’s past that makes a deadly appearance. While many of these characters were interesting, there was a lot to keep track of. Sera mentions a strained relationship with her parents, though we never really find out if this relationship will ever be mended. I was also left wondering if Sera’s best friends would ever find out about what Liam, and eventually Sera, are. So, that part of the story is left to the imagination.

The story, overall, was fast-paced and provided excellent conditions to get to know the characters better (such as the campus frat house and the cabin in the woods where a handful of the characters were snowed in together). The woman who turned Liam and his friends into vampires seemed interesting enough and provided some suspense- though I wish she had provided a bit more wickedness to the story- for example, when she first happened upon Sera in the woods and they were alone, this meeting could have ended in a more drastic way. The chemistry was heated enough between Liam and Sera, and their feelings for one another were evident throughout the story. All-in-all, Awakened was fun, intriguing, and satisfied my need for a good read.

Four stars for Awakened!

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four-stars
A Book Review: Hooking Up by Helena Hunting

A Book Review: Hooking Up by Helena Hunting

A Book Review: Hooking Up by Helena HuntingHooking Up: A Novel five-stars
by Helena Hunting
Published by St. Martin's Press on November 7th 2017
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 304
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Amalie Whitfield is the picture of a blushing bride during her wedding reception–but for all the wrong reasons. Instead of proclaiming his undying love, her husband can be heard, by Amalie and their guests, getting off with someone else. She has every reason to freak out, and in a moment of insanity, she throws herself at the first hot-blooded male she sees. But he’s not interested in becoming her revenge screw.

Mortified and desperate to escape the post-wedding drama, Amalie decides to go on her honeymoon alone, only to find the man who rejected her also heading to the same tiny island for work. But this time he isn’t holding back. She should know better than to sleep with someone she knows, but she can’t seem to resist him.They might agree that what happens on the island should stay on the island, but neither one can deny that their attraction is more than just physical.

Filled with hilariously scandalous situations and enough sexual chemistry to power an airplane from New York City to the South Pacific, Hooking Up is the next standalone, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Helena Hunting, the New York Times bestselling author of the Pucked series and Shacking Up.

Review of Hooking Up

 

Hooking Up is a hilarious contemporary romance novel written by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting. The story follows Amalie Whitfield, a young woman with a long history of making questionable choices in her love life. These choices come to a predictable, though shocking, climax when her husband of a mere few hours is overheard on speakers engaging in an explicit act with another woman. What ensues is a scene of chaos and hilarity when Amalie, reeling from shock, hacks off her wedding dress and tackles the groom’s cousin Lexington, or “Lex”, to the ground. Lexington and Amalie have always shared a bit of chemistry, however, Lex’s cousin Armstrong managed to hijack Amalie’s interest in Lexington and convince her that he was nothing but a manipulative playboy. It was Armstrong with the questionable morals and inability to remain monogamous, that was the true manipulator and deceiver.

Amalie, needing to escape the gossip and the shredded remnants of her marriage, embarks on her honeymoon to Bora Bora alone- well, not completely alone, as Lex decides to escape the gossip and speculation to the same small island as Amalie. From the plane ride to the island, to the time spent in Bora Bora and New York City, Lex and Amalie fall helplessly into a secret affair where they learn what they want from life and each other, while trying to deal with the fall-out from the failed- albeit brief- marriage.

The story was fast-paced and riddled with humor, steamy scenes, and exciting dialogue. Amalie was likable and conflicted. She grows from an unsure and resigned young woman, to someone who takes charge of her future and makes decisions that, at one time, may have frightened her. Lex, with help from his experiences with Amalie, learns to let go of an age-old conflict with his cousin Armstrong and learns to navigate new feelings. From beginning to end, Hooking Up was a thrilling and amusing story that left an impression with me. In fact, I can confidently say that Lexington has joined the ranks of my current “book boyfriends” list.

Five stars!!

 

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five-stars
*New Release* The Renaissance Club by Rachel Dacus – Excerpt and Review

*New Release* The Renaissance Club by Rachel Dacus – Excerpt and Review

*New Release* The Renaissance Club by Rachel Dacus - Excerpt and Review

*New Release* The Renaissance Club by Rachel Dacus – Excerpt and ReviewThe Renaissance Club four-stars
by Rachel Dacus
ISBN: 978-1-946143-42-6, 978-1-946143-41-9
Published by Fiery Seas Publishing on January 23, 2018
Genres: Romance, Time Travel
Pages: 274
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May Gold, college adjunct, often dreams about the subject of her master’s thesis - Gianlorenzo Bernini. In her fantasies she’s in his arms, the wildly adored partner of the man who invented the Baroque.

But in reality, May has just landed in Rome with her teaching colleagues and older boyfriend who is paying her way. She yearns to unleash her passion and creative spirit, and when the floor under the gilded dome of St Peter’s basilica rocks under her feet, she gets her chance. Walking through the veil that appears, she finds herself in the year 1624, staring straight into Bernini’s eyes. Their immediate and powerful attraction grows throughout May’s tour of Italy. And as she continues to meet her ethereal partner, even for brief snatches of time, her creativity and confidence blossom. All the doorways to happiness seem blocked for May-all except the shimmering doorway to Bernini’s world.

May has to choose: stay in her safe but stagnant existence, or take a risk. Will May’s adventure in time ruin her life or lead to a magical new one?

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THE RENAISSANCE CLUB by RACHEL DACUS – EXCERPT from Chapter 3

 

A distant clang. The Swiss Guards were closing the outer doors and tourists were scurrying. Where was The Renaissance Club? In a panic, May dashed toward the Baldacchino and nearly collided with a man who stepped out from behind a pillar.

“Sorry!” she said, backing up.

Signorina, watch where you’re going!”

The young man in black frowned and didn’t apologize. With his long, dark hair and white sleeves rolled up on muscular forearms, he looked like an art restorer. A black jacket was draped over his shoulders. He held a long wooden measuring rod, the kind used by architects centuries ago. Maybe he was rehearsing for some sort of pageant.

“Ladies are not allowed here while I’m working,” he said stiffly. He aimed the rod at the nearest column and sighted up along it.

“I know you!” she exclaimed. She knew him well.

He straightened his jacket and bowed. “Everyone in Rome knows Cavaliere Bernini. But you may not be here. I need silence. I have a very big work to complete.”

His finger pointed up at the four twisted bronze columns, where May was astonished to see no bronze canopy on top. Tons of bronze had simply vanished. She looked back at him. Bernini lifted the instrument and peered up at the nearest column. Her living, breathing idol moved to one side to get a better angle. Lean and strong, he was even more handsome than in his self-portrait.

Now he was so intent on his investigation that he seemed unaware of her and the fact that her pulse was pounding. How had she come here, and where exactly was she?

He lowered the measuring rod, framed the air with his hands, and used his fingers to make rapid computations. He stared at her so intensely that she shivered. She remembered that searing gaze in his self-portrait.

“You’re disturbing me, signorina.” He turned away, clearly expecting her to leave.

How could she possibly move? Here was her genius, his hair curled with wiry energy, materializing the restless mind under it. His prominent cheekbones gave him the Neapolitan look that had embarrassed him and made him fabricate a Florentine heritage. He made a few quick calculations and looked at her again, eyes narrowed.

“I won’t say a word,” she promised.

He was obviously contemplating how to throw her out. Bernini wasn’t much taller than she was, but he made every inch of the difference count. May stared back, as defiantly as she could, while stunned and unable to forget the many times she had imagined his powerful arms pulling her close. She stared back, asserting herself silently as his historian. Historians didn’t blink. Though most never met their subjects face-to-face.

Turning away—did that mean she could stay? —he again used the measuring rod. A sharp, unpleasant odor assailed her nose—definitely the smell of piss, coming from a large nearby urn. His century might have towering beauty, but it had no indoor plumbing. Artists working here had to improvise. They also used urine to give a patina to metal sculpture. Despite the smell, she wanted to stay. She tried not to move, but he sensed her watching and was irritated.

Signorina, please. I cannot concentrate. Do you not have something else to do?”

His open arrogance was true to his time, an era when powerful men flaunted their status to the point of rudeness. Bernini’s fame, even at his young age, was second only to the cardinals and popes he served. His arrogance had been legendary.

“I thought the church was open today,” she said.

“It is not open to you, unless you are applying to become my assistant. But you will not be any use to me in that long skirt.”

She looked down. She had acquired voluminous folds of blue silk, a dress she hadn’t been wearing before. She felt air on her shoulders—her dropped-sleeves left them bare. “Well, not in this I wouldn’t,” she said, appreciating the rustle and texture. “But I’m not applying. I just want to watch you work.”

He said more gently, “Are you a traveler? You do not look Roman.”

“Yes. I’m a traveler. From a long way away. I’m with a group touring Rome. It’s our first day. St. Peter’s is so gorgeous, I can’t believe it. The Baldacchino is one of your finest pieces.”

Ignoring the compliment, he said, “If you are a traveler, then please travel to some other masterpiece. This church has many.” He waved her away and picked up the rod, checking the

Review of THE RENAISSANCE CLUB by RACHEL DACUS

Review by April Hughes

The Renaissance Club is a standalone time-travel novel written by Rachel Dacus. The story follows May, a young woman who joins her boyfriend and other art scholars on a tour through some of the more famous art hotspots in Italy. The tour is guided by George, an older man with the secret ability to leap through time. George, seeing May’s passion in all things Bernini- a famous sculptor and playwright from the seventeenth century- hands her a “hall pass” for time leaping. This hall pass sends her careening into a fortuitous meeting with her inspiration and art idol- Bernini himself.

Thus begins an emotional and introspective journey for May as she finds her love of Bernini’s art shifting beyond what he can create, to what he has awoken within her. Bernini in all his arrogant and passionate glory helps May become confident in her writing and poetry, embraces her passion for art and history (especially as it is centered around his creations), and does not disparage her desire for children (as her boyfriend Darren is often doing throughout the novel). In kind, May centers Bernini by directing his passions towards his art, rather than the lives of others (for example, he could have dwelled on the betrayal of his brother and Constanza, but May was there to help him see through this difficult time). Bernini and May inspired each other, and eventually, this inspiration grew into a passionate and sweet love.

I enjoyed following the Renaissance Club’s journey through the soft, rolling countryside of Assisi, the stone city of Florence, the canal ways of Venice, and the ancient and history-rich Rome. If you are a great lover of art and history, or even a fan of Italy itself, then this would be a novel you enjoy. The landscape was a fluid thing in this novel which made it intriguing. I loved seeing where we would be taken next- and especially loved not knowing when May would be thrust back into time and into Bernini’s arms. I enjoyed embarking on this journey with May and had worried a few times about how she would solve the problem of maintaining a relationship with Bernini, while not altering history in any way. In this, I was not disappointed! The ending left me pleased- as the solution to this problem was as creative and enlightening as the rest of the novel.

About the Author

Rachel Dacus is the daughter of a bipolar rocket engineer who blew up a number of missiles during the race-to-space 1950’s. He was also an accomplished painter. Rachel studied at UC Berkeley and has remained in the San Francisco area. Her most recent book, Gods of Water and Air, combines poetry, prose, and a short play on the afterlife of dogs. Other poetry books are Earth Lessons and Femme au Chapeau. ​ Her interest in Italy was ignited by a course and tour on the Italian Renaissance. She’s been hooked on Italy ever since. Her essay “Venice and the Passion to Nurture” was anthologized in Italy, A Love Story: Women Write About the Italian Experience. When not writing, she raises funds for nonprofit causes and takes walks with her Silky Terrier. She blogs at Rocket Kid Writing.

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four-stars

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