Review: All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey

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All He Ever Needed
Series: Kowalski Family #4
Author: Shannon Stacey

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

He won’t stay put for a woman, and she won’t chase after any man.Mitch Kowalski lives out of a suitcase—and he likes it that way.

Traveling for work has the added bonus of scaring off women who would otherwise try to tie him down. But when he’s called home to help with the family lodge, he’s intrigued by the new girl in town and her insistence that she doesn’t need a man. If there’s one thing Mitch can’t resist, it’s a challenge.

After a nomadic childhood, Paige Sullivan is finally putting down roots. Determined to stand on her own two feet, she lives by the motto “Men are a luxury, not a necessity.” But when Mr. Tall, Dark and Hot pulls up a stool in her diner and offers her six weeks of naughty fun with a built-in expiration date, she’s tempted to indulge.

They’re the perfect match for a no-strings fling. Until they realize their sexy affair has become anything but casual.

MY THOUGHTS

All He Ever Needed is the fourth book in the Kowalski Family series by author Shannon Stacey.  The main characters featured are Mitch Kowalski and Paige Sullivan.

I love this author.  Whenever she has a new book released, I gather all of my pennies and dimes just to go purchase it.  Her stories always have the perfect balance between sweet romance and witty dialogue.  The characters are engaging and the plot is always something I enjoy.  While the two characters have instant attraction to each other, I loved how the author kept it from instant love.  Let me tell you though — the instant chemistry was hot.  The sexy banter and scenes were so good and the hero actually had to put forth some effort to get to the end goal.

Both of the characters kept me engaged in the story and I didn’t find myself distracted by an of the side characters.  The side characters just made the story more enjoyable and rounded out the plot.  Again, author Shannon Stacey has mastered the art of wit, romance, family and plot.  She is an auto-buy for me and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Honey, love isn’t like rappelling into a cave, where you can control your descent and how deep you go. It’s just falling into the hole.” 

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Review: Taking A Shot by Jaci Burton

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Taking A Shot
Series: Play by Play #3
Author: Jaci Burton

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

If you want to score, you have to get in the game… 

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she’s stuck running the family’s sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she’s vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty’s insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too…

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty…

MY THOUGHTS

Taking A Shot is the third book in the Play by Play series by author Jaci Burton.  The main characters for this book are Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson.

Read one page then close the book. Swoon over the cover and imagine licking every drop off that cover models chest. Repeat.  Yep that is about how it went while I read this book.  Then I realized that if I ever wanted to enjoy the story I would have to actually read instead of drooling.

Jenna Riley is the youngest Riley child.  She is sister to the previous books characters, Mick and Gavin.  She is busy running the family owned sports bar after their father had a major heart attack.  While she enjoys her job at times, running a sports bar was never her dream.  After being surrounded by sports all of her life, the last thing she wants is to date anyone who is a sports fan.

Enter Ty Anderson.  We got to meet Ty in the second book in the series and I was glad to see him featured in Taking A Shot.  He is a pro hockey player and is attracted to Jenna.  He finds her piercings, tattoos and attitude sexy and wants to get know her better.  Unfortunately, since he is a pro hockey player, he gets shot down before he can even melt the ice around her heart.

I have to say that this was my least favorite book in the series even though I was anxious about Ty’s story.  I loved Ty and everything about him.  I think the main problem I had with this book was Jenna.  I wasn’t a fan of her.  What man isn’t going to at least like one sport? I am sure they are out there, but I have never met one single guy who hasn’t at least enjoyed on sort of sport — even if it is just one game a year.  I also didn’t like how she kept thinking she had to put her dreams on hold and run the Sports Bar.  She had good management in place and the means to open up a separate business of a music bar.  The hold up was thinking she had to give up everything just to do this.  I also didn’t like her being so back and forth with her feelings for Ty.

I will say this though–
Sex.
On ice.
Standing up.
On ice skates!

Whew! I wasn’t sure if the ice was going to break beneath them because that scene was HOT.  I still enjoyed the book as a whole, but I wish the main character of Jenna could have been better. Ty deserved more than what Jenna gave him.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

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Lover At Last
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
Author: J.R. Ward

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.

MY THOUGHTS

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!! You have been warned!

Lover At Last is the 11th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward.  The main characters are Qhuinn and Blaylock with previous characters in the series make appearance’s.

Holy. Freaking. HECK!  I would have cursed with that last statement, but I think I used all of them up in the course of reading this novel.  Instead of a basic review like I usually do, I am going to mix it up and discuss the different story lines that are featured in this book.

BLAY / QHUINN

I don’t even know where to start with these two characters.  After everything they have gone through, I knew we were still going to be dragged through the angst filled river before these two would hook up.  I laughed. I cried. I was frustrated with actions and words.  I was eager for the sexy times.  Qhuinn had some major sucking up to do (no pun intended) and can I say that this man can grovel. Blay even grew in this book for me.  His backbone and strength were in your face and I loved that he was so Alpha like in this book.  With that being said though, I still wanted to throttle Blay at times when he wouldn’t accept our emo Qhuinn and ‘get it on’ sooner!  Their sex was hot, but their ending to me was a little cheesy. I can’t decide if I am in love with that last line of the book or if I want to roll my eyes. I also keeping thinking about that lamp and the couch.

Even though there was no eye contact between them, Qhuinn felt compelled to say something.
“What’s…” He didn’t finish the “doing” part of the sentence.  Why bother?  The guy stalked past him like he wasn’t there.  “I’m great,” Qhuinn muttered as he resumed trudging through the ice pack. “Doin’ awesome, thanks for asking — oh, you having probs with Saxton?  Really?  How’d you like to go out and get a drink and talk about it? Yeah?  Perfect.  I’ll be your after-diner mint–“

“You are perfect the way you are.” Blay’s voice was strong. “There is nothing wrong with who and what you have always been.I’m proud of you. And I love you. Now… and always.”

LAYLA

The girl grew a spine people! I can honestly say that Layla has became a character I am thrilled to read about. Verily.
Before, I couldn’t stand her. Now she is one who deserves a happily ever after.  I really would love to see her with Xcor!  That car scene near the end of the book had me swooning.

“He was the father of my young, and he will be accorded all the rights and privileges of that station.”  “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep.  I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”

XCOR / BAND OF BASTARDS

I am begging and groveling that this male will be redeemed and get his HEA.  He is the bad guy that makes you feel so good.  Not only can he lead a bunch of bastards, but he can spout sweet words to his Chosen. Even if his book isn’t next –because it may be too soon for it — but I can still hope and pray it is soon. Plus I would love some more page time with Throe!

“You are in my dreams,” he murmured.  “Every day, you haunt me.  Your scent, your voice, your eyes…this mouth.”
“I cannae believe you let me touch you.”  His voice grew hoarse.  “I shall remember this for all my nights.”

TREZ / iAM

Many people haven’t been a huge supporter of this story.  I can agree when it comes to Trez.  That Shadow is just plain boring and selfish.  But I will jump up and say that I am all for learning more about iAm.  When that man finally cracked and made his first joke, I laughed and instantly wanted to read more of him.  He is trying to guide Trez and protect him at the same time. Please Ms.Ward, bring me more of him!

ASSAIL / SOLA (Marisol)

I am in the opposite camp as most people on this one as well.  I wasn’t a huge fan of Rhev, so it is no surprise that I wasn’t a big fan of Assail.  Yes he has some sex appeal and there is chemistry between him and Sola, but I have only a slight interest in their story.  Plus, does anyone else think that Benloise is the one who kidnapped her? I think Benloise has a deeper story in this one.

MISC

I really hope that Ward will bring us a story for Saxton and give Lassiter one as well.  Saxton really grew on me with this book and he deserves a male of worth as well. There is also some pining for a young by Beth in this book — especially with it playing a HUGE role in Xcor’s revenge plans.  I also loved how the previous brothers were included in this book.  While I wish they could have been featured just a wee bit more, I understand that they had their time in previous books.  This just gives me an excuse to reread them again.

Z’s voice was a surprise.  And so was the Brother’s arm shooting up and shoving Rhage to the side.
“Will you get off me!”
“But I’m giving you CPR–“
“I will die before kissing you Hollywood.” Z tried to sit up, his breathing heavy. “Don’t even think about it.”

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton

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Changing the Game
Series: Play by Play #2
Author: Jaci Burton

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren’t most people….

Win at any cost. That’s always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she’ll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She’s had a thing for this player’s moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin’s more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz’s way to see just how far she’s truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

MY THOUGHTS

Changing the Game by author Jaci Burton is the second book in the Play by Play series.  The main characters are Gavin and Liz (Elizabeth).

This author has been blessed by the Cover Gods above for this series.  Seriously, even if I wasn’t a fan of the plot or author, I would purchase this series just to drool over the covers. After each chapter I would flip the book closed just so I could enjoy the view of that fine male specimen.

I was a little scared about reading this story though.  I wasn’t a huge fan of Liz and her actions in the first book.  I didn’t know how the author was going to change my view of her and was a little hesitant on her starting a relationship with Gavin.  I understand that Liz made a mistake and tried to atone for her that big blunder, but I still couldn’t form an alliance with her.  Gavin was the player of the family.  He didn’t have a shortage of women before and he didn’t do relationships.  So when these characters entered into a relationship of sorts, I was curious to see how it would evolve.

Mick was a pain in the butt in this book.  I loved him in The Perfect Play, but this man can hold a grudge! Dang, there were times I wanted to slap that man silly and tell him to mind his own dang business.  I might have shouted at his attitude several times while reading this story and my family kept giving me funny looks.  I did enjoy how the author was able to redeem Liz though.  By the end I didn’t loathe her character as much as I did before reading Changing the Game.  Gavin was oh so sexy, but even though he was the main character of this book, I felt that Liz was the one who shined the most.

This series is one that keeps getting better with each new character.  We were introduced to future characters and plot lines for future books which makes the reader even more anxious to get their hands on the next book.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

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Walking Disaster
Series: Beautiful #2
Author: Jamie McGuire

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster. Can you love someone too much?
Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

MY THOUGHTS

Walking Disaster is the second book in the Beautiful series by author Jamie McGuire.  This book is almost a mirror image of Beautiful Disaster except it is from the point of view of Travis.  I admit that the first book was not a favorite of mine.  I thought Travis was a man who abused Abby mentally and verbally.  Instead of rehashing all of my feelings from the first book, I will just let you read my previous review found HERE.

Now do I still feel the same way after finishing it from Travis’s POV? Well, I still consider Travis a beautiful disaster.  The only difference is now we get pieces of his past that help us to understand why he is so possessive.  I won’t excuse his behavior with that last line, but it does give us insight on how he was shaped into the man he is now. We also get to read about how insecure Travis really is deep down.  On the outside he is the man every girl wants.  What we get to read about though is how Travis is struggling about how he doesn’t feel good enough to be with Abby.  He considers himself a failure and a loser.

Abby is still Abby in this book.  I still want to know how she walks straight without a backbone.  This girl needs to find one stat. I was willing to overlook the lack of backbone this time around though since we knew this would be about Travis.

Can I also mention that cover? The previous book had a ho-hum cover that really didn’t capture my interest. This cover screams SEXY and is perfect for Travis’s story to be wrapped up in.  Kudos to the cover art department on this one.

Overall, this installment in the series was much better than the first.  I am still not a fan of the relationship between Abby and Travis.  They had a hard road that had way too many bumps that were borderline psychotic.  I will mention that the epilogue of this story though was sweet and gave us a peek into the future. While I still wouldn’t go all out and say it was a beautiful disaster of a book, it was one that made you walk a mile in the other persons shoes to see what is really going on inside their mind.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!
*Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley.  I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*