Review: Crash Into Me (Heart Of Stone, #1) by K.M. Scott

Crash Into Me by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first thought……yet another book about a mysterious billionaire, who meets a sweet and innocent woman, mesmerizes her and gets her to sign a contract to be with him. Sounds familiar, right?? Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You and a lot of more with similar plots. But wait…..why was I so into the story within reading the first couple of pages?

No one can deny that plots are constantly done over and over again but what made this story unique and fresh were the characters. Tristan Stone may be a sexy and dark millionaire like Christian Grey and we could see something of Anastasia in Nina Edwards.
However, the author brings another perspective to the “same old story”. We get to see a different view on how the characters act in similar situations.

I found Nina very engaging…she’s had a few tragedies and disappointments in the past, struggling to find her place in the world, feelings of insecurity, too trusting at times – and then she has this spark in her that you can’t help wanting her around you.

Tristan Stone – how cool is that name!!!!!!!!! And never mind that he’s this mysterious, powerful and mesmerizing and gorgeous too. And totally irresistible.

“But what made Tristan stunning were those deep, soulful eyes. Warm brown eyes the shade of melted milk chocolate I could have spent the rest of time getting lost in.”

I did find Tristan’s behavior a bit odd at times…well, most of the times. All the secret phone calls, totally “zoning” out on Nina…hot and cold!!! He hurts her so many times but he does redeem himself….I could understand why Nina can’t stay away….

“The way he was made me crazy. Crazy for him. Crazy because of him. Fucking crazy. He's left this morning without a word or even a gentle brush of his hand against mine to say goodbye, and he's returned wanting nothing but me. What was with this guy? How did he do it? I could barely keep my hands off him, and there were times he stood close enough to touch me and never did. It was maddening. And I loved it.”

There was something dark and mysterious about Tristan but what made him grab me was the kindness, the caring and loving he showed for Nina. Nina brings something pure and beautiful into his life – opening up his heart and feelings he had shut off.
We never really get into Tristan’s head as the story is told from Nina’s POV, except for the epilogue, where it changes to his. I would have loved to see what his thoughts where, see a different side of him. Why he could be so cold and then the opposite. We do get to see the softer side to him as his relationship with Nina develops, which just blew me away.

Sexy, sensual, steamy and hot scenes……….

Fabulous settings….America, Venice…

I don’t want to get too much into the plot – avoiding all those spoilers – but I did realize that there was more to Tristan’s meeting with Nina…just never guessed exactly what, which made it a total surprise for me. In fact, nothing what I was expecting.
As secrets are revealed, will it destroy the love they have?

What a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to the next chapter in Tristan & Nina’s life.


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Review: Love In English by Karina Halle

Love, In English by Karina Halle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intoxicating!!! Unique!!! Special!!!

I have been unable to get this book out of my head since I finished the last word…and the beauty of the writing by this author ……just extraordinary, just astonishing!

“What is love? In English.”
I raised my brows. “Love, in English, is love?”
“What is it in Spanish?”
I was so enthralled by his hypnotic eyes, I could barely remember. “Amore?”
He shook his head ever so slightly. “No. Love in Spanish is you.”

Vera Miles arrives in Spain to take up a summer job. Spending a few weeks teaching conversational English to Spanish business people and enjoying the free room and meals, meeting new people sounds like an experience from heaven. She does all that but what she never expected was to fall in love.

Mateo, a businessman from Madrid, is gorgeous, sexy and married. But he finds himself being drawn towards a woman he never imagined would be someone he could connect with. His unhappy in his marriage, he and his wife have grown apart and the only thing that is still keeping them together, is their daughter. He never imagined that he could find that something he had lost for years, again.

“You can fall in love in a second,” she said with a snap of her fingers. “The heart has no regard for time.”

The subject of cheating with a married man is certainly not something I like reading about. But what is incredible is how the author handled the “taboo “so well. What stood out for me was the emotional connection they had from the beginning and how they battled to not give in to the deep feelings and love that slowly grew to a point that they could no longer resist giving in to something that was meant to be.

You feel their love, their pain, their uncertainty, their heartbreak. Her characters are unforgettable. You become emotionally involved with them from the very beginning.
Vera Miles has a place in my heart. Beautiful, dreamer, tattooed and pierced, lonely and somewhat lost…afraid to love…..

You are lonely, but you say you like to be alone.”
I nodded. “I do. I prefer it. But… it doesn’t mean I don’t want someone to love me.” My eyes stung, as if tears were on their way. I bit my lip, debating if I should say more. “It doesn’t mean that I don’t have a lot of love in me to give someone.”

I loved the goodness in her, struggling with the feelings she has for Mateo and wanting to do the right thing
.

A beautiful dreamer with such heart.

Mateo Casalles, mature, passionate, sensitive, caring, loving….his sensuality….I fell in love with this man and he’s wound himself around my heart forever. I felt a deep connection with him. He’s likeable, lovable and totally irresistible!!

And in some way, just like Vera, has lost his way….

<

Powerful writing….the consequences of their love is filled with emotion, heartbreak, pain….and you feel it all because it’s such so real ….we can relate to all the chaos that ensues.

But in the end, love does overcome everything……..“But love makes you an optimist,” she said. “That is what love is. It is hope for the future. Love doesn’t want you to lose faith, to view the world darkly, to have no hope. Love makes you believe in the impossible. That is the meaning of the word.”The vivid imagery, the settings…I felt the heat, heard the music, tasted the food, touched the stars, smelt the air that was all Spain……the town of Acantilado
And beautiful Madrid
A beautiful book that made me feel so many emotions. Read it and feel it!!

I want to share something I found that reminded me of Vera Miles and her free spirit!!



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Review: Falling Star by Olivia Brynn

Falling Star by Olivia Brynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this book!! A lovely and sweet LOVE STORY!!!!

It’s a well-paced story of a country singer superstar, tired of the debauch life he has led, who meets a sweet and smart (she has a degree in something like botany!!) owner of a florist shop, who has no clue of who he is (totally understandable…she has been away somewhere in the forests of South America, working with plants and flowers..of course!!!).
He’s of course, totally smitten by this natural, sweet and beautiful woman, the first who treats him “normally”. So, he decides to keep his true identity secret…loved all the running around he did to make sure of that…yes, he’s going to tell her soon…but he loves that she likes him for the real him and not the superstar!!!

Totally endearing moments.

I loved Adam and Jade. They were so endearing and engaging that you could not help but like them. I thought the character development was done pretty well, despite this being a short story. I liked seeing the progression of their relationship – it didn’t feel rushed. It was slow and sweet..oh did I forget to say it was HOT as well. Wow, the heat between the two ….EXPLOSIVE and SEXY!!! Jade is no shy violet!!!! And neither is Adam….when they get together…..totally fabulouslicious!!!!!
How could Jade resist him….inviting her to a picnic, a trip on his boat…

One thing that felt a bit out of place….the DOM scene!! I thought it made no sense, didn’t feel part of the story!!!
Liked the secondary characters – Adam’s driver/bodyguard, Jade’s gay best friend……
There’s no dark and tortured characters, no great angst in this story and that’s what made it so refreshing for me.

Just two nice people who meet and fall in love, with a few hitches along the way..but nothing major.
If you want a feel good romantic love story, get this book!!!!

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Review: The Emperor's Tomb (Cotton Malone, #6) by Steve Berry

The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fast-paced thriller, The Emperor’s Tomb by Steve Berry is the 8th book in the Cotton Malone series and it pulls you from the moment Cotton is faced with having to save Cassiopeia Vitt’s life in exchange for an ancient Chinese artifact that different groups want and will do anything to get it in their possession.
He’s soon drawn into a power struggle in China, which takes him from Copenhagen, Antwerp and to the most incredible cultural sites in China.
The struggle between the two opponents, one a believer in Confucianism, the other in Legalism, could destroy the balance of power in China, which would affect the rest of the world.

The difference between legalism and Confucianism is that, legalism demands harsh criminal sanctions that are consistent, so as to promote a cohesive society through fear, whereas Confucius demands firm, yet gentle leadership of a cultivated population, which will brings harmony through education in virtue.

An outstanding and in-depth plot, filled with danger, suspense, twists and turns, double crosses, violence and death. The climax at the

What made the story for me was the amazing detail of the culture and history facts of China. He interweaves the plot with historical fact so well – not just facts and figures – in such a way that had me wanting to find out more about the historical part and even had me look up abiotic oil!!!!!!!!!! And the part about Tiananmen Square..wow….
I am totally serious….I did do a lot of “goggling”….wanting to see and know more about the subject in the plot.
That’s what makes a great writer. To get you totally immersed in a world he creates!!!!
And how brilliant….at the end of the book, he gives us a section where he tells us what fact is and what is fiction in the book!!!! I love that he does that with all his books.
I love his writing style, his brilliant and unforgettable characters and the historical topics of his books.
The only moan I have….wanted more of Cotton and Cassiopeia together..I hope that these two get together…I mean really together, in the future.
A nice and surprise at the end…..and I can’t wait for the next book.


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Review: Brianna: A Virgin Lesbian Sex Tale by Lexie X

Brianna: A Virgin Lesbian Sex Tale by Lexie X
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A very shot story about discovering your sexuality.....Just did not grab me. I found the characters not likable at all so it kind of was....not interested in what happens to them.



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Review: Chasing The Night (Eve Duncan, #11) by Iris Johansen

Chasing The Night by Iris Johansen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite romantic suspense series of all time. I have journeyed with Even Duncan on her quest to finding out about her daughter’s disappearance when she was five years old.
I have become attached to many of the characters that I have met throughout the books and in Chasing the Night, we are introduced to the new and fascinating character of Catherine Ling. Born in Hong Kong, living in the streets by her wits, she’s recruited as an CIA when very young.

Catherine‘s 2 year old son had been stolen from her 7 years previously but she believes that he’s still alive. She approaches Eve asking for her help in construction what he would look now.
Eve agrees to help her and soon both, with the help of a young girl, a genius who can read patterns and other things that will help them find Luke.

To see Eve still trying to find Bonnie is so heartbreaking. She really needs the answers so she can find some peace in her life.

Adrenaline-pumping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I am so addicted to this series that I wait in great anticipation for the next one.


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Review: The Balkan Escape (Cotton Malone, #5.5) by Steve Berry

The Balkan Escape by Steve Berry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A prequel to The Emperor’s Tomb which gives you background story of Cassiopeia Vitt and Lev Sokolo, who I guess play a large role in that book. I just thought why the need for a 30 pager, which could have been the prologue of TET…it’s like the publishers just wanted to make more money!!!!

Despite that, I love anything about Cassiopeia, Cotton Malone’s friend and who is one of my favourite characters in this series and I did love seeing her kick ass with the bad guys.


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Review: What He Wants by Eden Cole

What He Wants by Eden Cole
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was really bored with the story and the characters. They were so bland and uninteresting that I just could not connect or feel anything for either of the guys.



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Review: The Paris Vendetta (Cotton Malone, #5) by Steve Berry

The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With the 5th novel in the Cotton Malone Series, the author has written another well-crafted book, where he skillfully blends modern day suspense and historical mystery, featuring Cotton Malone, ex-member of the Magellan Billet, now living a quite life as a bookstore owner in Copenhagen. I love the fact that Malone has a love for books………just like me!!! And he has something I would have loved to have owned……his very own bookstore!!!

This story focuses primarily on Malone’s friend and mentor, Henrik Thorvaldsen, who has discovered who the person responsible for the tragic death of his beloved son, and is bent on destroying him.
To do this, he becomes a member of the secret and dangerous Paris Club, a cabal of some of the richest people in the planet, who plan to destabilize the global economy, destroying famous landmarks and causing world chaos, thus gaining more power and riches. This gets him closer to his son’s killer, who is also a member of the club.

Malone is in a race against time, as he tries not only to discover the truth of what Henrik has told him but also trying to keep him from being killed. .

The historical part of the plot is about Napoleon Bonaparte

that starts with him conquering Cairo and ends with his exile in St. Helene.
We are given bits of real history interwoven with the WHAT IF?
Napoleon had stolen many treasures on his “conquering” trips but until his death in 1821, had never revealed the locations where they were hidden. But did he tell his secret to someone in his last days?
A member of the Paris Club believes that the treasure exists

she has inherited books and documents supposedly written by Napoleon, and she will do anything to discover it. Not only is she in the race to find the legendary treasure, but others as well.

The history presented is really fascinating and I really want to know more ….…in fact, after I finished this book, I did look up a lot of information on Napoleon. I loved this quote of his

We follow Malone on a breathless journey of treachery, deception, death and surprise that takes us to Denmark, London and Paris and along the way, we see characters we have met before like Stephanie Nelle, Malone’s ex boss at Magellan Billet and the new character, Ross Collins, FBI agent on the run and helping Henrik. I hope he plays a part in the next books.

The history that this author incorporates into the story is really impressive and one can see the amazing research he did.

Another quote which I thought fitted well in with the Paris Club cabal’s greediness and hunger for power -

A great thriller that pulled me in from the very beginning and with the most surprising and the unexpected twist at the end that left me kind of reeling!!!!!

A really amazing book in this series.

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Review: Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire by Nina Croft

Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire by Nina Croft
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Billionaire meets sweet and innocent heroine, instant "love", instant sex!!!!!

I just couldn't get into the story..almost gave up but preserved...maybe it could grab me...but not really.

It was like reading an OK Mills & Boon.

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Review: Yours Truly, Taddy (The Undergrad Years, #2) by Avery Aster

Yours Truly, Taddy by Avery Aster
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I haven't read the 1st book in this series but after reading this rather short, hot and very funny story, I probably will read the whole series.

It's not exactly as good as the Mahanttanites Series, which I really liked a lot, but it's easy reading and I love this author's writing style.

The characters that I became familiar with as adults are pretty funny and quirky and there were some hilarious scenes.

The sex scenes...well, okay, I guess!!

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Review: The Amber Room by Steve Berry

The Amber Room by Steve Berry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Not one of my favourite books by this author. I much prefer his Cotton Malone Series.

Once again, a lot of research has gone into this book but the characters and the plot just didn't grab me.

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Review: The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry

The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the Romanov plot in the story but the story seemed to drag a bit and felt a bit too long.



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Review: The Truth About De Campo (The Delicious De Campos, #3) by Jennifer Hayward

The Truth About De Campo by Jennifer Hayward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the 1st book I've read by this author and only when I finished it, did I realize it's the last one in the De Campos Trilogy.

I enjoyed reading Matteo's story. He's very likeable.
Quinn, the heroine was pretty messed up but meeting a guy like the lovable Matteo, slowly melts the ice she has built around her heart. She has some serious trust issues, let me tell you.

Liked the family dynamics....the young playboy brother, who's been given his last chance to success.

I did find the story drag a few times but I totally loved the ending.

Matteo on his knees...yes...really, in the busy streets of Michigan......

And how cute is this guy.........how could Quinn resist???

"That's impossible," he said softly, "because

A sweet love story........now I have to get the first two books to find out more about these Italian brothers!!

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Review: The Venetian Betrayal (Cotton Malone, #3) by Steve Berry

The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2nd reread.
I am enjoying this series a lot. Mystery mixed with history, espionage and what if???

Th 3rd book in the series and we meet up again with Cotton Malone, at his bookshop in Copenhagen and characters we have become familiar with...ee Henrik, Casseiopa and Stephanie Nelle, and a bunch of rather nasty and evil villains.

The plot surrounds the mystery of Alexander the Great's death and we get to see a bit of life in those times.
There are two intriguing storylines that intertwine with each other and I just find it so incredibly interesting how much research the author does.


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Review: The Alexandria Link (Cotton Malone, #2) by Steve Berry (

The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The 2nd book in the series and 2nd time reading it and i liked this so much more than first book.

Action packed, fast paced and a very interesting plot line...I like the way the author weaves fact and fiction together that makes it so interesting and makes you think...what if???

I really liked the characters in this book - his son Gary, his friend Thorvaldsen.

The settings are stunning. Mysterious, betrayals......I just kept turning the pages.

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Review: The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, #1) by Steve Berry

The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not going into the the whole story line as the synopsis gives us a lot of information on that.

This is the 2nd time I have read this book...I decided to start the whole series again as I have now copies of his later books.

I enjoyed it a lot and what makes this series interesting for me is the hero, Cotton Malone - love his name and also the amount of research done for the story....though at times, I felt bombarded with so much all at once....but I am liking getting into this series again.

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Review: The Charlemagne Pursuit (Cotton Malone, #4) by Steve Berry

The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I like this series and find the protagonist, Cotton Malone very interesting.

This was not one of my favourites. It was really slow, too many characters that after a while I was having to go back pages to remember who was who.
Also, subplots and more subplots.

There is a lot of research done for this story...as in most of the books and whilst I like discovering new theories and learning new history, it just drag too much here...I found myself skimming a lot of pages.

I did like the story but just not loved it.


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Review: Tempted by Trouble by Michelle Smart

Tempted by Trouble by Michelle Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wonderful debut novel by my new favorite M&B authors.

Two people with a history together.

Pippa, is such a damaged soul. She’s had so much heartbreak and loss in her life and the only way she fights has led her on a path of self-destruction.

To escape the hounding paparazzi after her last disaster, she’s been sent to hide at Marco’s home in the Caribbean.

She has always felt an affinity for Marco but he, despite the attraction he still feels for her, is determined not to let her into his heart. He had been hurt by her before and does not believe that she’s anything else but an empty and selfish person, who nearly destroyed him.

He is so cruel and disdainful towards her and does not want to believe anything she tells him. At times, I wanted to real get violent with him.

Simmering sensual tension….the scene on the piano is totally gorgeous and yes, hot and sexy!!!!

I loved the smooth writing and the great dialogue:

Hands on hips, she straightened her spine almost magnifying her slight frame and looked him straight in the eyes.
“Marco, what just happened on the piano was sex. Good sex, but still just sex. I’M sorry your ego demands that every woman you bonk, immediately starts planning white dresses and babes, but I am not one of them. And I am certainly not desperate enough to want a relationship with an arrogant arse who won’t trust me.”

I have this vision of Pippa, in her posh English accent saying this and I could not help but have a smile on my face!!

”Did you write this?” he asked, his tone accusatory.
“No, I stole it from Mahatma Ghandi.”

An emotional, passionate, tender, and sensual read, set in the beautiful Cayman Island, with characters that pull at your heartstrings.


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