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Masters and Mercenaries #8.5
1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Five
From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors Julie Kenner, Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Elisabeth Naughton, and introducing Angel Payne and Michelle St. James. Six Dark Tales. Six Sensual Stories. Six Page Turners. CARESS OF I'd thought that he was mine, the dark, arresting man who commanded not only my body but my heart. Dante had swept into my life, and I'd succumbed to the burn of passion in his arms. I'd believed we had a love that would last forever, but he'd shattered my dreams and broken me into pieces when he'd walked away. Mitch Bradford knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister. Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. She knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be. Cataclysm was kicked out of Heaven and is now a fallen angel. All she wants is to redeem herself and get back where she belongs. When she gets trapped in Hades’s Underworld prison domain with only Hades to help her, Cat finds that where she belongs might be in the place she least expected… Ari has one singular revenge. His guardian brothers all think he’s dead, but he is alive and chipping away at Zeus’s Sirens every chance he can. When he abducts the wrong female and his identity is finally exposed, it will take the courage of one woman willing to stand up to a warrior who’s become a savage to rein Ari in. NAUGHTY LITTLE From the moment Mishella Santelle locks eyes with Cassian Court, she can see the man beneath the power…the bruised soul for whom hers has been destined. When six months of her life are bargained to Cassian in a multimillion dollar contract, Mishella is helpless against the reaction of her body and soul to this man. THE Determined to maintain the friendship that has been her rock since childhood, Diana Barrett resigns herself to keeping her distance from Leo Gage. Leo has worshipped Diana Barrett since they were kids, but she can never know that. When Diana witnesses a murder, she goes to the only person who has ever made her feel safe. Now Leo and Diana are on the run. Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
622 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2016
46 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kenner
161 books1,242 followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 11, 2016
Several new to me authors in this sultry romance bundle. Some of the novellas were introductions into storylines while others offered an inside look at supporting characters from well-known series. There's a good mix of paranormal, BDSM, and erotic tales that any romance reader would enjoy.
Caress of Pleasure by Julie Kenner
I’m a huge J Kenner fan, but I’ve never read any of her paranormal romances. Caress of Pleasure was the perfect introduction to her otherworldly works; I instantly loved the idea of the Phoenix Brotherhood – where they came from, who they are, and what they do. A phoenix rising from the ashes, being reborn, and given another chance at life is a perfect metaphor to live by because being able to right wrongs and reunite with those one loves can turn a lonely existence into one worth living.
Thirteen years ago, Dante Storm and Brenna Hart shared an intense and passionate love that fiercely burned until Dante destroyed that bond because he allowed his eyes/head instead of his heart to decide their fate. Now, Dante needs Brenna’s help and those locked up feelings that they’ve both tried to ignore since he left come rising to the surface, forcing them to confront the past and find a way to move forward either as second chance lovers or old flames that simply burned out.
Because Dante and Brenna’s story is told in a novella, there’s not a lot of time to shed light on their past because the present is what needs to be dealt with in the amount of space provided. Even with minimal space, Julie Kenner sets up Dante and Brenna’s back story nicely, allowing readers to get a clear picture of what occurred and why neither of them has been able to let the other go.
While Caress of Pleasure is paranormal; it doesn’t overpower the story line; it’s there to illustrate what the couple is up against and to move the plot forward, but at the forefront of the text is the love that still exists between Dante and Brenna, and the ups and downs they go through in order to see if what’s between them is worth reigniting, even with the hurt, anger, and mistrust that still surrounds them.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 Poison Apples
Adored by Lexi Blake
Laurel Daley may work for Mitch Bradford and may also want him to be her Dom, but she refuses to allow him to treat her like dirt or make her question her choice to be a submissive simply because Mitch can’t get his head out of his ass and let go of the baggage of his past.
I’m always intrigued by strong willed women who crave to submit and to be dominated behind closed doors. That dichotomy, at first, seems illogical, but when looked at more closely, it’s ultimately a freeing experience because in a D/s relationship, submission is actually a very powerful position to have, and Laurel proves that when she goes to war against the stubborn man who owns her heart but feels unworthy of it.
As much as I adored Laurel’s feistiness and the banter between her and Mitch, I seriously disliked Mitch for much of the story. Intellectually, his actions and issues made complete sense to me, but his treatment of Laurel, even when he was willing to try, didn’t impress me at all. I have to say he does redeem himself in some ways, and he is the man that Laurel wants, but it was still hard for me to forgive his previous actions.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 Poison Apples
Hades by Larissa Ione
Picturing a blue mohawked, ripped Hades with a sarcastic and devious personality 100 percent works for me! He’s one badass Lord of the Dead, and the fact that he appears to have quite a few contradictory attributes only makes me like him more!
Larissa Ione’s depiction of Hades ensures his status as Jailer of the Baddies because he knows how to do his job even while living a rather imprisoned life due to Azagoth’s punishment of Hades’ actions. But her portrayal of Hades also makes him have multiple sides to his personality…he has a wicked sense of humor, witty comebacks, and even a bit of a conscience that illustrates just how unique a character he is.
Cataclysm is also an interesting character because even as an Unfallen, she’s repentant for her actions and willingly remains with incomplete powers for a chance to get her wings back. Cat’s name has significance because it indicates that bad things occur when she’s involved, and while her name was given as a punishment of her crimes, she never waivers from the kind of angel she’s always been. She may be a bit naïve of people’s true intentions, but she acknowledges her wrong doings and tries to make amends, even if she only further complicates the situation.
I can’t believe this was my first read by Larissa Ione! I love paranormal romance, but I haven’t read much lately, which is why now, I want more!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples
Ravaged by Elizabeth Naughton
“Duty crumbles to ashes in the fires of love.”
Aristokles, one of the original Argonauts, lives and breathes this idea, and because of it, it has destroyed his life, and now he’s forced to live without his soul mate, without his son, and cursed to walk alone in life and hide his existence from everyone, especially Zeus and his sirens.
Daphne’s a Siren in training and to prove her worth to Zeus and Athena, she must find and kill Ari so that he can longer murder her chosen people. But Daphne’s task becomes complicated when the Ari she meets and learns about is nothing like the ravenous killer he has been portrayed to be, forcing her to decide whose side she’s on and whether her desire to be a siren overpowers her need to do what’s right in order to protect those who need it.
Ravaged was my first read by Elizabeth Naughton and I love the world she’s created in her Eternal Guardians’ series. Ari and Daphne are strong willed characters who have faced a lot of devastation in their past, which has, in a way, tainted their outlook on life, especially Ari’s view. But even though their pasts have definitely shaped how they see themselves, their attraction to one another…their protecting natures…their determination also forces them to take action and to attempt to right the wrongs that have been done to them and those they love.
Now, I need to go back to the beginning of the series and be introduced to all of the Naughton’s characters because all of them are fascinating and I want to hear their stories to get a full view of everything they have faced, leading up to Ravaged.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 Poison Apples
Naughty Little Gift by Angel Payne
An unlikely connection between a cultured New York billionaire and a sheltered, innocent woman from a faraway island with its own archaic rules and customs.
An extravagant deal that gives the corporate wizard a way to free the beauty from her parents’ wrath and mistreatment and attempt to work her out of his system in the six months he has her.
A desire that burns between them that refuses to be stifled regardless of his secrets and her fears.
A bond that could either heal or destroy.
A decision to be made by both of them if the risk is worth it.
Naughty Little Gift is a unique story that is set in the 21st Century, but the island of Arcadia is still based in old practices and a lot of the customs and language of contemporary society do not fit well with the faraway land. I will say that it took me a bit to get used to the colloquial language that Mishella uses, but Payne wrote the scenes in such a way that it was made clear what was being said.
Mishella Santelle is an amazing woman who doesn’t see how much of a gift she truly is because she has never been treated well by her parents. Her desire for Cassian scares the hell out of her because she has only known him for two days, six encounters, but when he offers her a chance to be free, he allows her to blossom and see the world for all that it has to offer.
There’s a learning curve at play for both Mishella and Cassian because they do not know each other well at all and the ghosts of Cassian’s past refuse to leave, which puts a great divide between them, but Ella is tenacious in her desire to set Cassian free from the hell he’s been living, and even though it’s too soon to tell if she will be successful, readers cannot deny that she possesses the tools to do just that – because she fights with her heart and soul when she believes in something and the bond she’s formed with Cassian is one that she doesn’t want to give up if she can help it.
Cassian Court remains quite the elusive hero throughout the story. Mishella has bewitched him, forcing him to uncharacteristically seek her company and make deals that do nothing for his businesses. He thinks that he’ll easily be able to give Ella up once her six months contract expires, but despite his torment and the memories that threaten to consume him, she makes him feel alive in so many ways, but now he needs to figure out if what they have is worth unearthing the past and dealing with everything that went wrong.
I cannot wait for Pretty Perfect Toy. There’s still so much of Cassian’s past that readers need to understand in order to figure out if he and Ella can make a relationship work. Angel Payne builds the storyline well and develops the connection between her hero and heroine perfectly because, at first, it is all about lust and sexual desires, but it turns into more as they spend more time together, so hopefully, they will be able to work through the pain and angst and find a way to live in the present and not the past.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples
The Sentinel by Michelle St. James
The Sentinel introduces readers to Michelle St. James’ mob world, but it only gives a small glimpse because the focus is more on the relationship between Diana Barrett and Leo Gage – the second in command – and what he’s willing to do to protect Diana when she witnesses a murder and must go on the run to save her life.
The short read explores Diana and Leo’s past and how they’ve always been in each other’s’ lives as best friends, regardless of the fact that they both want something more. As Leo ensures Diana’s safety, truths are revealed and true feelings are acted on, changing everything about their relationship and leaving them to figure out where they go from here.
I liked Diana and Leo’s story, but I wish I would have been given a bit more of their backstory. It was hard to understand how close they were and why Leo felt like he wasn’t good enough for Diana, and while I could definitely tell that the attraction was there between them, I still wanted to know where it began.
I’ll definitely be checking out the follow-up to The Sentinel because I need to know what ends up happening, not only between Diana and Leo, but also with what they’re facing when the story ends.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Caress of Pleasure by Julie Kenner
I’m a huge J Kenner fan, but I’ve never read any of her paranormal romances. Caress of Pleasure was the perfect introduction to her otherworldly works; I instantly loved the idea of the Phoenix Brotherhood – where they came from, who they are, and what they do. A phoenix rising from the ashes, being reborn, and given another chance at life is a perfect metaphor to live by because being able to right wrongs and reunite with those one loves can turn a lonely existence into one worth living.
Thirteen years ago, Dante Storm and Brenna Hart shared an intense and passionate love that fiercely burned until Dante destroyed that bond because he allowed his eyes/head instead of his heart to decide their fate. Now, Dante needs Brenna’s help and those locked up feelings that they’ve both tried to ignore since he left come rising to the surface, forcing them to confront the past and find a way to move forward either as second chance lovers or old flames that simply burned out.
Because Dante and Brenna’s story is told in a novella, there’s not a lot of time to shed light on their past because the present is what needs to be dealt with in the amount of space provided. Even with minimal space, Julie Kenner sets up Dante and Brenna’s back story nicely, allowing readers to get a clear picture of what occurred and why neither of them has been able to let the other go.
While Caress of Pleasure is paranormal; it doesn’t overpower the story line; it’s there to illustrate what the couple is up against and to move the plot forward, but at the forefront of the text is the love that still exists between Dante and Brenna, and the ups and downs they go through in order to see if what’s between them is worth reigniting, even with the hurt, anger, and mistrust that still surrounds them.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 Poison Apples
Adored by Lexi Blake
Laurel Daley may work for Mitch Bradford and may also want him to be her Dom, but she refuses to allow him to treat her like dirt or make her question her choice to be a submissive simply because Mitch can’t get his head out of his ass and let go of the baggage of his past.
I’m always intrigued by strong willed women who crave to submit and to be dominated behind closed doors. That dichotomy, at first, seems illogical, but when looked at more closely, it’s ultimately a freeing experience because in a D/s relationship, submission is actually a very powerful position to have, and Laurel proves that when she goes to war against the stubborn man who owns her heart but feels unworthy of it.
As much as I adored Laurel’s feistiness and the banter between her and Mitch, I seriously disliked Mitch for much of the story. Intellectually, his actions and issues made complete sense to me, but his treatment of Laurel, even when he was willing to try, didn’t impress me at all. I have to say he does redeem himself in some ways, and he is the man that Laurel wants, but it was still hard for me to forgive his previous actions.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 Poison Apples
Hades by Larissa Ione
Picturing a blue mohawked, ripped Hades with a sarcastic and devious personality 100 percent works for me! He’s one badass Lord of the Dead, and the fact that he appears to have quite a few contradictory attributes only makes me like him more!
Larissa Ione’s depiction of Hades ensures his status as Jailer of the Baddies because he knows how to do his job even while living a rather imprisoned life due to Azagoth’s punishment of Hades’ actions. But her portrayal of Hades also makes him have multiple sides to his personality…he has a wicked sense of humor, witty comebacks, and even a bit of a conscience that illustrates just how unique a character he is.
Cataclysm is also an interesting character because even as an Unfallen, she’s repentant for her actions and willingly remains with incomplete powers for a chance to get her wings back. Cat’s name has significance because it indicates that bad things occur when she’s involved, and while her name was given as a punishment of her crimes, she never waivers from the kind of angel she’s always been. She may be a bit naïve of people’s true intentions, but she acknowledges her wrong doings and tries to make amends, even if she only further complicates the situation.
I can’t believe this was my first read by Larissa Ione! I love paranormal romance, but I haven’t read much lately, which is why now, I want more!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples
Ravaged by Elizabeth Naughton
“Duty crumbles to ashes in the fires of love.”
Aristokles, one of the original Argonauts, lives and breathes this idea, and because of it, it has destroyed his life, and now he’s forced to live without his soul mate, without his son, and cursed to walk alone in life and hide his existence from everyone, especially Zeus and his sirens.
Daphne’s a Siren in training and to prove her worth to Zeus and Athena, she must find and kill Ari so that he can longer murder her chosen people. But Daphne’s task becomes complicated when the Ari she meets and learns about is nothing like the ravenous killer he has been portrayed to be, forcing her to decide whose side she’s on and whether her desire to be a siren overpowers her need to do what’s right in order to protect those who need it.
Ravaged was my first read by Elizabeth Naughton and I love the world she’s created in her Eternal Guardians’ series. Ari and Daphne are strong willed characters who have faced a lot of devastation in their past, which has, in a way, tainted their outlook on life, especially Ari’s view. But even though their pasts have definitely shaped how they see themselves, their attraction to one another…their protecting natures…their determination also forces them to take action and to attempt to right the wrongs that have been done to them and those they love.
Now, I need to go back to the beginning of the series and be introduced to all of the Naughton’s characters because all of them are fascinating and I want to hear their stories to get a full view of everything they have faced, leading up to Ravaged.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 Poison Apples
Naughty Little Gift by Angel Payne
An unlikely connection between a cultured New York billionaire and a sheltered, innocent woman from a faraway island with its own archaic rules and customs.
An extravagant deal that gives the corporate wizard a way to free the beauty from her parents’ wrath and mistreatment and attempt to work her out of his system in the six months he has her.
A desire that burns between them that refuses to be stifled regardless of his secrets and her fears.
A bond that could either heal or destroy.
A decision to be made by both of them if the risk is worth it.
Naughty Little Gift is a unique story that is set in the 21st Century, but the island of Arcadia is still based in old practices and a lot of the customs and language of contemporary society do not fit well with the faraway land. I will say that it took me a bit to get used to the colloquial language that Mishella uses, but Payne wrote the scenes in such a way that it was made clear what was being said.
Mishella Santelle is an amazing woman who doesn’t see how much of a gift she truly is because she has never been treated well by her parents. Her desire for Cassian scares the hell out of her because she has only known him for two days, six encounters, but when he offers her a chance to be free, he allows her to blossom and see the world for all that it has to offer.
There’s a learning curve at play for both Mishella and Cassian because they do not know each other well at all and the ghosts of Cassian’s past refuse to leave, which puts a great divide between them, but Ella is tenacious in her desire to set Cassian free from the hell he’s been living, and even though it’s too soon to tell if she will be successful, readers cannot deny that she possesses the tools to do just that – because she fights with her heart and soul when she believes in something and the bond she’s formed with Cassian is one that she doesn’t want to give up if she can help it.
Cassian Court remains quite the elusive hero throughout the story. Mishella has bewitched him, forcing him to uncharacteristically seek her company and make deals that do nothing for his businesses. He thinks that he’ll easily be able to give Ella up once her six months contract expires, but despite his torment and the memories that threaten to consume him, she makes him feel alive in so many ways, but now he needs to figure out if what they have is worth unearthing the past and dealing with everything that went wrong.
I cannot wait for Pretty Perfect Toy. There’s still so much of Cassian’s past that readers need to understand in order to figure out if he and Ella can make a relationship work. Angel Payne builds the storyline well and develops the connection between her hero and heroine perfectly because, at first, it is all about lust and sexual desires, but it turns into more as they spend more time together, so hopefully, they will be able to work through the pain and angst and find a way to live in the present and not the past.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples
The Sentinel by Michelle St. James
The Sentinel introduces readers to Michelle St. James’ mob world, but it only gives a small glimpse because the focus is more on the relationship between Diana Barrett and Leo Gage – the second in command – and what he’s willing to do to protect Diana when she witnesses a murder and must go on the run to save her life.
The short read explores Diana and Leo’s past and how they’ve always been in each other’s’ lives as best friends, regardless of the fact that they both want something more. As Leo ensures Diana’s safety, truths are revealed and true feelings are acted on, changing everything about their relationship and leaving them to figure out where they go from here.
I liked Diana and Leo’s story, but I wish I would have been given a bit more of their backstory. It was hard to understand how close they were and why Leo felt like he wasn’t good enough for Diana, and while I could definitely tell that the attraction was there between them, I still wanted to know where it began.
I’ll definitely be checking out the follow-up to The Sentinel because I need to know what ends up happening, not only between Diana and Leo, but also with what they’re facing when the story ends.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
July 21, 2016
Title: 1001 Dark Nights Bundle Five
Author: Anthology
Series: 1001 Dark Night, Bundle Five
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:622 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
CARESS OF PLEASURE, JULIE KENNER => 4 STARS/5 // 3.5 FLAMES/5 : Ever since the Stark series and the Stark International series, I have been an instant fan of Julie Kenner's and when I landed on the opportunity to read Caress of Pleasure, I jumped on it. Not only was it entirely different by being part of the paranormal genre, but it also brings in the immortal and hunter aspect that carries the feeling of an undying and fated love, destined to be together throughout the years. Theirteen years have passed since Dante left Brenda and when a job has the two reuniting once again, they must decide if their love was able to survive the pain they went through so many years ago for a novella, I'm reticent to say more about the blurb or the contents of the storyline only because it goes by so quickly: one minute we're introduced to the characters, the next their whirlwind rekindling of their feelings and then the scrambling to finish the job on time, and then the novella was over. It was short for certain, so it was difficult to fully connect with the characters, but I still enjoyed it as a whole.
ADORED, LEXI BLAKE => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5 : I've read a few from the Master's and Mercenaries series and loved them instantly, wanting to know more about the BDSM club Sanctum. During Cherished, we briefly met Mitch and Laurel, the duo who happens to be working together in a law firm where Laurel is Mitch's secretary. As Mitch's best friend's sister, Laurel was always considered off limits to him but when she joins Sanctum, she's out to prove something and won't leave until she gets what she wants. As part of the 1001 Dark Nights fifth bundle, Adore by Lexi Blake is a novella of roughly 100 pages and even though the storyline is quick and doesn't allow the same full complete enjoyment that a full length would provide, I still loved the journey to Mitch's and Laurel's story since I could still feel the chemistry and the raw passion between them. The drama, or rather, the climax of the story, was completely unexpected and I never would have expected it in the first place, making it one part of the bundle that I couldn't put down at all. The Masters and Mercenaries series are one series that are on my top ten for many reasons - incorporating drama, action, mystery, suspense, romance, BDSM and erotica, but if nothing else, Lexi Blake always manages to keep me guessing until the very last minute and I'm always looking forward to the next release in the series.
HADES, LARISSA IONE => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5 : I won't lie or deny that Greek mythology has always fascinated me and I've read a few of Larissa Ione's novels in the past and fell instantly in love with the characters as well as the storyline. Hades, a book that I can't really say is a novella nor a full length novel due to it being roughly 150 pages, captivated me when Larissa Ione brings her readers through the stunning journey of Hades' and the fallen angel's, Cataclysm (or Cat)'s, whirlwind affair. Following the attempt of another angel to bring down Armageddon on earth, Cat was expelled from Heaven and in the hopes of being able to return, she now works in hell, looking for those extra 'brownie' points in the eyes of Azagoth, the big boss of Hades. The last thing that both Cat and Hades ever expected was to feel an overwhelming attraction for one another that would keep them wanting more of each other even though they know they shouldn't. If there's one thing that ever reader has to remember, it's that Hades isn't a full length novel, so not as much detail can go in the storyline, but I personally enjoyed it and even if I couldn't get a deeper background about the two, I could still feel the chemistry that exists between them. My only concern, while I debate how many more books of the series I should grab to keep me busy during the new few weeks, was Hades and Cat's love story before or after the epic love story and eventual marriage between Hades and Persephone?
RAVAGED, ELISABETH NAUGHTON => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5: The one thing I love and dread the most about anthology bundles is reading books or novellas by new authors I haven't had the opportunity to meet beforehand: there's that 50/50 chance that I might not like the story and then you're left with the big decision of 'what will you do?' - keep the bundle for the authors you do like or simply shelf it and try again another time. But luckily, Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton isn't one of these authors that has me second guessing - on the contrary, I'm wondering why I haven't heard of her until now! Following more of the Greek Gods and mythology, Ari has been on a rampage to kill every last siren that Zeus and Athena have sent after him after eh's left his brothers and son many years ago for their protection when the bloodlust took hold of him. When Daphne, a siren in training, is sent on a mission to bring Ari in to justice for his crimes, she realizes that not all the rumours are true as they two get to know one another. I was impressed by the number of elements that Elisabeth Naughton incorporated in her novella Ravaged but still managed to make it flow from one scene to another without making it feel overbearing. It was one story that I felt showed all the elements a reader looks for in any novel and I was enthralled from the very beginning and I look forward to discovering more about this author and her other previously and upcoming releases.
NAUGHTY LITTLE GIFT, ANGEL PAYNE => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5: From all the stories added to the fifth bundle, Naughty Little Gift by Angel Payne is the longest of them all and incorporates the least amount of paranormal aspects and is based more in the modern world with the touch of the old world that simply draws you in like a moth to a flam. Being a spinoff of the Cimarron series, the first novel in the Temptation Court series follows Cassian Court, a billionaire, who goes to the Island of Arcadia where he meets Mishella, a strong willed woman who has lived under the thumb of her parents and has lost her ability to think for herself. The attraction between the two is instant and more powerful than either could have ever imagined as a contract was drawn up for Mishella to stay with Cassian for the next six months, giving her the opportunity to free herself from her overbearing parents and start her new life as a new woman. Angel Payne is a new author for me and I wondered while I read Naughty Little Gift if I would have benefitted by reading the Cimarron series first since there were a few parts that were tricky and I had to backtrack just to make sure I understood. However, it's one of those stories that I could put down since it captivated me from the very beginning, mixing the old with the new and always keeping things fresh and exciting. Of course, I can't deny that it was hot! After reading Naughty Little Gift, I'm wildly curious to know more about Angel Payne and her novels, and I know I'll be adding more to my TBR list in the very near future.
THE SENTINEL, MICHELLE ST. JAMES => 3.5 STARS/5 // 3.5 FLAMES/5: Mafia stories have always captivated me because they always have another side that I least expect - the love and bond between family, the trust that is put in the hands of specific people to protect the assets and the lives of the members of the family. I hadn't expected much when I started reading The Sentinel by Michelle St. James only because I had never had the opportunity to read her novels in the past and when I started her novella, I soon realized that the focus was brought to Diana and Leo. The novella concentrates mostly on the relationship between the two and how Leo protects Diana after she witnesses a murder, however, not much is known about their past or how they first come to meet before their adulthood, which I believe, had it not been a novella, would have made the story even better since I did have some questions on how they met and what made them fall in love with one another. Considering that length and the number of words are key factors in how much detail the author could go into when writing The Sentinel, I still thought it was good and intrigued me enough to want to go check out the rest of Michelle St. James' previously released novels to find out more about her Mafia families.
Review Copy of 1001 Dark Nights bundle Five provided by the Author, various authors for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
Author: Anthology
Series: 1001 Dark Night, Bundle Five
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:622 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Six Dark Tales. Six Sensual Stories. Six Page Turners.
CARESS OF PLEASURE: I'd thought that he was mine, the dark, arresting man who commanded not only my body but my heart. Dante had swept into my life, and I'd succumbed to the burn of passion in his arms. I'd believed we had a love that would last forever, but he'd shattered my dreams and broken me into pieces when he'd walked away.
ADORED: Mitch Bradford knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister. Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. She knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.
HADES: Cataclysm was kicked out of Heaven and is now a fallen angel. All she wants is to redeem herself and get back where she belongs. When she gets trapped in Hades’s Underworld prison domain with only Hades to help her, Cat finds that where she belongs might be in the place she least expected…
RAVAGED: Ari has one singular focus: revenge. His guardian brothers all think he’s dead, but he is alive and chipping away at Zeus’s Sirens every chance he can. When he abducts the wrong female and his identity is finally exposed, it will take the courage of one woman willing to stand up to a warrior who’s become a savage to rein Ari in.
NAUGHTY LITTLE GIFT: From the moment Mishella Santelle locks eyes with Cassian Court, she can see the man beneath the power…the bruised soul for whom hers has been destined. When six months of her life are bargained to Cassian in a multimillion dollar contract, Mishella is helpless against the reaction of her body and soul to this man.
THE SENTINEL: Determined to maintain the friendship that has been her rock since childhood, Diana Barrett resigns herself to keeping her distance from Leo Gage. Leo has worshipped Diana Barrett since they were kids, but she can never know that. When Diana witnesses a murder, she goes to the only person who has ever made her feel safe. Now Leo and Diana are on the run.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Review:
CARESS OF PLEASURE, JULIE KENNER => 4 STARS/5 // 3.5 FLAMES/5 : Ever since the Stark series and the Stark International series, I have been an instant fan of Julie Kenner's and when I landed on the opportunity to read Caress of Pleasure, I jumped on it. Not only was it entirely different by being part of the paranormal genre, but it also brings in the immortal and hunter aspect that carries the feeling of an undying and fated love, destined to be together throughout the years. Theirteen years have passed since Dante left Brenda and when a job has the two reuniting once again, they must decide if their love was able to survive the pain they went through so many years ago for a novella, I'm reticent to say more about the blurb or the contents of the storyline only because it goes by so quickly: one minute we're introduced to the characters, the next their whirlwind rekindling of their feelings and then the scrambling to finish the job on time, and then the novella was over. It was short for certain, so it was difficult to fully connect with the characters, but I still enjoyed it as a whole.
ADORED, LEXI BLAKE => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5 : I've read a few from the Master's and Mercenaries series and loved them instantly, wanting to know more about the BDSM club Sanctum. During Cherished, we briefly met Mitch and Laurel, the duo who happens to be working together in a law firm where Laurel is Mitch's secretary. As Mitch's best friend's sister, Laurel was always considered off limits to him but when she joins Sanctum, she's out to prove something and won't leave until she gets what she wants. As part of the 1001 Dark Nights fifth bundle, Adore by Lexi Blake is a novella of roughly 100 pages and even though the storyline is quick and doesn't allow the same full complete enjoyment that a full length would provide, I still loved the journey to Mitch's and Laurel's story since I could still feel the chemistry and the raw passion between them. The drama, or rather, the climax of the story, was completely unexpected and I never would have expected it in the first place, making it one part of the bundle that I couldn't put down at all. The Masters and Mercenaries series are one series that are on my top ten for many reasons - incorporating drama, action, mystery, suspense, romance, BDSM and erotica, but if nothing else, Lexi Blake always manages to keep me guessing until the very last minute and I'm always looking forward to the next release in the series.
HADES, LARISSA IONE => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5 : I won't lie or deny that Greek mythology has always fascinated me and I've read a few of Larissa Ione's novels in the past and fell instantly in love with the characters as well as the storyline. Hades, a book that I can't really say is a novella nor a full length novel due to it being roughly 150 pages, captivated me when Larissa Ione brings her readers through the stunning journey of Hades' and the fallen angel's, Cataclysm (or Cat)'s, whirlwind affair. Following the attempt of another angel to bring down Armageddon on earth, Cat was expelled from Heaven and in the hopes of being able to return, she now works in hell, looking for those extra 'brownie' points in the eyes of Azagoth, the big boss of Hades. The last thing that both Cat and Hades ever expected was to feel an overwhelming attraction for one another that would keep them wanting more of each other even though they know they shouldn't. If there's one thing that ever reader has to remember, it's that Hades isn't a full length novel, so not as much detail can go in the storyline, but I personally enjoyed it and even if I couldn't get a deeper background about the two, I could still feel the chemistry that exists between them. My only concern, while I debate how many more books of the series I should grab to keep me busy during the new few weeks, was Hades and Cat's love story before or after the epic love story and eventual marriage between Hades and Persephone?
RAVAGED, ELISABETH NAUGHTON => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5: The one thing I love and dread the most about anthology bundles is reading books or novellas by new authors I haven't had the opportunity to meet beforehand: there's that 50/50 chance that I might not like the story and then you're left with the big decision of 'what will you do?' - keep the bundle for the authors you do like or simply shelf it and try again another time. But luckily, Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton isn't one of these authors that has me second guessing - on the contrary, I'm wondering why I haven't heard of her until now! Following more of the Greek Gods and mythology, Ari has been on a rampage to kill every last siren that Zeus and Athena have sent after him after eh's left his brothers and son many years ago for their protection when the bloodlust took hold of him. When Daphne, a siren in training, is sent on a mission to bring Ari in to justice for his crimes, she realizes that not all the rumours are true as they two get to know one another. I was impressed by the number of elements that Elisabeth Naughton incorporated in her novella Ravaged but still managed to make it flow from one scene to another without making it feel overbearing. It was one story that I felt showed all the elements a reader looks for in any novel and I was enthralled from the very beginning and I look forward to discovering more about this author and her other previously and upcoming releases.
NAUGHTY LITTLE GIFT, ANGEL PAYNE => 4 STARS/5 // 4 FLAMES/5: From all the stories added to the fifth bundle, Naughty Little Gift by Angel Payne is the longest of them all and incorporates the least amount of paranormal aspects and is based more in the modern world with the touch of the old world that simply draws you in like a moth to a flam. Being a spinoff of the Cimarron series, the first novel in the Temptation Court series follows Cassian Court, a billionaire, who goes to the Island of Arcadia where he meets Mishella, a strong willed woman who has lived under the thumb of her parents and has lost her ability to think for herself. The attraction between the two is instant and more powerful than either could have ever imagined as a contract was drawn up for Mishella to stay with Cassian for the next six months, giving her the opportunity to free herself from her overbearing parents and start her new life as a new woman. Angel Payne is a new author for me and I wondered while I read Naughty Little Gift if I would have benefitted by reading the Cimarron series first since there were a few parts that were tricky and I had to backtrack just to make sure I understood. However, it's one of those stories that I could put down since it captivated me from the very beginning, mixing the old with the new and always keeping things fresh and exciting. Of course, I can't deny that it was hot! After reading Naughty Little Gift, I'm wildly curious to know more about Angel Payne and her novels, and I know I'll be adding more to my TBR list in the very near future.
THE SENTINEL, MICHELLE ST. JAMES => 3.5 STARS/5 // 3.5 FLAMES/5: Mafia stories have always captivated me because they always have another side that I least expect - the love and bond between family, the trust that is put in the hands of specific people to protect the assets and the lives of the members of the family. I hadn't expected much when I started reading The Sentinel by Michelle St. James only because I had never had the opportunity to read her novels in the past and when I started her novella, I soon realized that the focus was brought to Diana and Leo. The novella concentrates mostly on the relationship between the two and how Leo protects Diana after she witnesses a murder, however, not much is known about their past or how they first come to meet before their adulthood, which I believe, had it not been a novella, would have made the story even better since I did have some questions on how they met and what made them fall in love with one another. Considering that length and the number of words are key factors in how much detail the author could go into when writing The Sentinel, I still thought it was good and intrigued me enough to want to go check out the rest of Michelle St. James' previously released novels to find out more about her Mafia families.
Review Copy of 1001 Dark Nights bundle Five provided by the Author, various authors for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
July 5, 2021
Generally, I like anthologies. While getting some stories on a series I am already immersed in, I also get to read samples of other series and/or authors. This is how I got to know the work of Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook. This book, however, weighs a ton. You could kill someone if you dropped it on their head.
Summary:
Caress of Pleasure 2/5- Aliens - FL's self-centeredness and thoughtlessness make it difficult to enjoy this story
Adored 2/5 - BDSM - ML is a...jerk...to say it politely. Why would any woman want to stick with him?
Hades 4.5/5 - Fallen Angels/Demons/Angels - I love Hades and like Cat. There is a cohesive, interesting plot with good ending.
Ravaged 3.5/5 - Greek Mythology - Both MCs are fine. Plot is good, but the ending is not satisfying. It can't stand as a stand-alone novella.
Naughty Little Gift 1.5/5 - Sex? - This is probably a love story. Both MCs are just meh. There is really no plot, no character development, the world building is pretty meh, bordering on annoying as she keeps shouting "the Creator".
The Sentinel 3/5 - Mob - It's OK. It seems wrong to have someone in a mob as the ML.
Caress of Pleasure - A Dark Pleasures novella by Julie Kenner
Dante and Brenna
What did I just read?
Dante is still moping after losing Brenna 13 years ago when he receives news that Merrick, a team member they thought had been dead for millennia, is actually still alive and trapped in an artifact. Unfortunately, he has to go through Brenna to rescue Merrick.
The story starts kind of interesting. This new world could also be quite interesting. Then enters Brenna. Brenna starts off OK, but as I got further and further in the book, I disliked her more and more, and by the end, I really didn't want Dante to end up with her. First, she tries to get Dante to prostitute himself. I could forgive that, considering emotion is high and all. Then we find out that she cheated on him, which convinced him that they are not soulmates and that she would not survive the "conversion." After she finds out that he's like the mythological phoenix that is reborn from fire and ash after death, her self-centeredness becomes unbearable. She convinces him to stay with her, so she could spend the rest of her life with him. She does not even consider how he would feel watching her grow old and die. After finding out that there is a way to be with him forever, she decides that her love is so great that she will survive. This is the person who doubted her love so much that she cheated on him! Anyway, five minutes after finding out this secret, she decides to run away to find Dante who is in the middle of a dangerous mission, endangering Dante's life. And her life, too, but at this point, I don't care about her life.
Adored - A Masters and Mercenaries novella by Lexi Blake
Mitch Bradford and Laurel Daley
I thought this collection was about vampires, demons, angels, and such, so it was a surprise to find a BDSM story, and, full disclosure, I don't enjoy BDSM stories, so it might have affected how I view this book.
Someone shoots at Laurel. Mitch, who has been lusting after Laurel but avoiding any sexual contacts with her, ends up having sex with her, and Laurel ends up pregnant.
The majority of the novella is spent on the relationship between Mitch and Laurel. The crime plot is mentioned once in a while, almost like an after thought, which it probably is. Mitch is an a$$, for lack of a better word. He is treating Laurel poorly throughout the novella. I don't get why any woman wants to stay with him. Just about any male who is not the villain is better than this guy. The story itself stalls in the middle to the point that I started to wonder if I should just give up on it, and suddenly at the end it picks itself up again.
Hades - A Demonica novella by Larissa Ione
Cataclysm and Hades
Cataclysm is an Unfallen who is working for Azagoth, the Grim Reaper, and his mate Liliana. Cat inadvertently allows a human soul into Hades' Inner Sanctum. When she tries to rectify her mistakes, she is trapped in the Inner Sanctum and making things much worse.
The latter part of the Demonica series (I haven't read any before Lords of Deliverance) really screws me up on my mythologies, in a good way. I've heard of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which is part of the Bible. I always look at Ares as the God of War in in Greek mythology, instead of a Horseman. Hades is the Greek God of the Underworld. The Grim Reaper is also in Greek mythology, and I am pretty sure that Hades has a lot more power than the Grim Reaper.
This particular story is short, but it gives enough plot and character development to be enjoyable. The main characters are mostly likable, although I am not a fan of a mohawk hairstyle. The most annoying thing is the portrayal of Cat's clumsiness. Surely it can be done better?
Hades, like some of Ione's male characters, loves the female character to the death and will do just about anything for her or to be with her, which at the end turns out to be a good thing. Azagoth does not allow him to be with Cat, as Azagoth continues to punish him for what he did several thousand years ago.
With Azagoth not as the main character, I started thinking of him again as some older, scary man, instead of a handsome man with ebony hair and emerald eyes.
In this novella, Reaver reminds me of some angels in the Bible who kept popping up in front of mortals.
Ravaged - An Eternal Guardians novella by Elisabeth Naughton
Daphne and Aristokles
Daphne, a Siren-in-training, is sent by Zeus to seduce and kill Aristokles, a rogue Argonaut. After meeting him, she realizes that things are not what they appear.
I like both Ari and Daphne. The world is fairly simple and well explained. I am not a fan of evil Zeus story, but the plot is in general pretty good. My main problem is the ending that leaves a lot of things unresolved.
Naughty Little Gift - Temptation Court, Book 1, by Angel Payne
Mishella Santelle and Cassian Court
Mishella grew up on a fictional island of Arcadia. Cassian Court of New York rents her for six months as part of a business contract he has with Mishella's father. He brings Mishella back to New York where they almost continuously have sex, while Mishella snoops around, trying to figure out his dark past.
Reading this novella, I started feeling guilty about not giving "Ravaged" a higher rating. The story starts very, very slowly, until they board the plane, and then the story stops and the sex begins. There is supposedly something in the past that he was still struggling with, but we never really the struggle, and I don't feel any sympathy at all for either one of them. His background feels very fairy-tale-like (translation: not at all likely). He comes from a very humble beginning, but somehow manages to be super rich by the time we meet him at the age of 28. This was while having a line up of girlfriends, and some tragedy with a woman (that ended four years ago) and, I am guessing, his brother. How do you squeeze in everything in 28 years? There is a dramatic event at the end, which somehow resolves their self-doubts and their doubts with each other. Overall, this story feels very superficial. There is no character development. In fact, Ella got extremely annoying as we approach the end of the story. There is no plot. The world building is pretty slim. The shouting "the Creator" getting really old after a few times. There is just a lot of sex.
The Sentinel - A London Mob Novella by Michelle St. James
/Diana Barrett and Leo Gage
Diana inadvertently witnesses the murder of her friend and colleague, and runs to her childhood friend Leo for help. Unbeknown to her, Leo is not an execute for a digital company, but a right-hand man of a London syndicate.
Well, both characters are all right, but I am not not sure about having a criminal as the leading man. The plot is pretty solid. The ending is OK, although some things are not completely resolved because of his occupation.
Summary:
Caress of Pleasure 2/5- Aliens - FL's self-centeredness and thoughtlessness make it difficult to enjoy this story
Adored 2/5 - BDSM - ML is a...jerk...to say it politely. Why would any woman want to stick with him?
Hades 4.5/5 - Fallen Angels/Demons/Angels - I love Hades and like Cat. There is a cohesive, interesting plot with good ending.
Ravaged 3.5/5 - Greek Mythology - Both MCs are fine. Plot is good, but the ending is not satisfying. It can't stand as a stand-alone novella.
Naughty Little Gift 1.5/5 - Sex? - This is probably a love story. Both MCs are just meh. There is really no plot, no character development, the world building is pretty meh, bordering on annoying as she keeps shouting "the Creator".
The Sentinel 3/5 - Mob - It's OK. It seems wrong to have someone in a mob as the ML.
Caress of Pleasure - A Dark Pleasures novella by Julie Kenner
Dante and Brenna
What did I just read?
Dante is still moping after losing Brenna 13 years ago when he receives news that Merrick, a team member they thought had been dead for millennia, is actually still alive and trapped in an artifact. Unfortunately, he has to go through Brenna to rescue Merrick.
The story starts kind of interesting. This new world could also be quite interesting. Then enters Brenna. Brenna starts off OK, but as I got further and further in the book, I disliked her more and more, and by the end, I really didn't want Dante to end up with her. First, she tries to get Dante to prostitute himself. I could forgive that, considering emotion is high and all. Then we find out that she cheated on him, which convinced him that they are not soulmates and that she would not survive the "conversion." After she finds out that he's like the mythological phoenix that is reborn from fire and ash after death, her self-centeredness becomes unbearable. She convinces him to stay with her, so she could spend the rest of her life with him. She does not even consider how he would feel watching her grow old and die. After finding out that there is a way to be with him forever, she decides that her love is so great that she will survive. This is the person who doubted her love so much that she cheated on him! Anyway, five minutes after finding out this secret, she decides to run away to find Dante who is in the middle of a dangerous mission, endangering Dante's life. And her life, too, but at this point, I don't care about her life.
Adored - A Masters and Mercenaries novella by Lexi Blake
Mitch Bradford and Laurel Daley
I thought this collection was about vampires, demons, angels, and such, so it was a surprise to find a BDSM story, and, full disclosure, I don't enjoy BDSM stories, so it might have affected how I view this book.
Someone shoots at Laurel. Mitch, who has been lusting after Laurel but avoiding any sexual contacts with her, ends up having sex with her, and Laurel ends up pregnant.
The majority of the novella is spent on the relationship between Mitch and Laurel. The crime plot is mentioned once in a while, almost like an after thought, which it probably is. Mitch is an a$$, for lack of a better word. He is treating Laurel poorly throughout the novella. I don't get why any woman wants to stay with him. Just about any male who is not the villain is better than this guy. The story itself stalls in the middle to the point that I started to wonder if I should just give up on it, and suddenly at the end it picks itself up again.
Hades - A Demonica novella by Larissa Ione
Cataclysm and Hades
Cataclysm is an Unfallen who is working for Azagoth, the Grim Reaper, and his mate Liliana. Cat inadvertently allows a human soul into Hades' Inner Sanctum. When she tries to rectify her mistakes, she is trapped in the Inner Sanctum and making things much worse.
The latter part of the Demonica series (I haven't read any before Lords of Deliverance) really screws me up on my mythologies, in a good way. I've heard of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which is part of the Bible. I always look at Ares as the God of War in in Greek mythology, instead of a Horseman. Hades is the Greek God of the Underworld. The Grim Reaper is also in Greek mythology, and I am pretty sure that Hades has a lot more power than the Grim Reaper.
This particular story is short, but it gives enough plot and character development to be enjoyable. The main characters are mostly likable, although I am not a fan of a mohawk hairstyle. The most annoying thing is the portrayal of Cat's clumsiness. Surely it can be done better?
Hades, like some of Ione's male characters, loves the female character to the death and will do just about anything for her or to be with her, which at the end turns out to be a good thing. Azagoth does not allow him to be with Cat, as Azagoth continues to punish him for what he did several thousand years ago.
With Azagoth not as the main character, I started thinking of him again as some older, scary man, instead of a handsome man with ebony hair and emerald eyes.
In this novella, Reaver reminds me of some angels in the Bible who kept popping up in front of mortals.
Ravaged - An Eternal Guardians novella by Elisabeth Naughton
Daphne and Aristokles
Daphne, a Siren-in-training, is sent by Zeus to seduce and kill Aristokles, a rogue Argonaut. After meeting him, she realizes that things are not what they appear.
I like both Ari and Daphne. The world is fairly simple and well explained. I am not a fan of evil Zeus story, but the plot is in general pretty good. My main problem is the ending that leaves a lot of things unresolved.
Naughty Little Gift - Temptation Court, Book 1, by Angel Payne
Mishella Santelle and Cassian Court
Mishella grew up on a fictional island of Arcadia. Cassian Court of New York rents her for six months as part of a business contract he has with Mishella's father. He brings Mishella back to New York where they almost continuously have sex, while Mishella snoops around, trying to figure out his dark past.
Reading this novella, I started feeling guilty about not giving "Ravaged" a higher rating. The story starts very, very slowly, until they board the plane, and then the story stops and the sex begins. There is supposedly something in the past that he was still struggling with, but we never really the struggle, and I don't feel any sympathy at all for either one of them. His background feels very fairy-tale-like (translation: not at all likely). He comes from a very humble beginning, but somehow manages to be super rich by the time we meet him at the age of 28. This was while having a line up of girlfriends, and some tragedy with a woman (that ended four years ago) and, I am guessing, his brother. How do you squeeze in everything in 28 years? There is a dramatic event at the end, which somehow resolves their self-doubts and their doubts with each other. Overall, this story feels very superficial. There is no character development. In fact, Ella got extremely annoying as we approach the end of the story. There is no plot. The world building is pretty slim. The shouting "the Creator" getting really old after a few times. There is just a lot of sex.
The Sentinel - A London Mob Novella by Michelle St. James
/Diana Barrett and Leo Gage
Diana inadvertently witnesses the murder of her friend and colleague, and runs to her childhood friend Leo for help. Unbeknown to her, Leo is not an execute for a digital company, but a right-hand man of a London syndicate.
Well, both characters are all right, but I am not not sure about having a criminal as the leading man. The plot is pretty solid. The ending is OK, although some things are not completely resolved because of his occupation.
March 10, 2021
Overall rating: 3.5 Stars!Caress of Pleasure by Julie Kenner 3.5 Stars
Okay, this was interesting. I liked the way phoenix's were brought into play here. I didn't quite like how Jessica and Dagny were so reluctant to tell Brenna about phoenix fire and what it could mean. On the one hand, yeah I got where they were coming from and everything but on the other, I just felt like there were, well, not exactly keeping things from her but at the same time it was almost like they were trying to convince Brenna to leave. I do want more on that world and what happens with Merrick.
Adored by Lexi Blake 3.5 Stars
This was mildly entertaining, actually. I kind of had to laugh at the way Laurel handled Mitch, which seemed to confuse him, since he seemed so determined to be a butt. I did roll my eyes when he jumped all the way to "she must be seeing someone" when Remy mentioned her lunch date with Flynn. Granted, he made it up to her but I seriously wanted to smack him for grouping Laurel in with his past when she'd done everything she could to point out that she was different. I did like how she pushed him to maybe look at things with his father in a different light and the fact that she was able to help him get some kind of reconciliation and even seems to have started building a relationship with Flynn and Chase. I also liked how Laurel handled Patrick at the end.
Hades by Larissa Ione 4 stars
I kind of loved how Cat saw things. She admitted that she was trying to get back into Heaven, so she was trying to help out in Sheoul-gra, but she also just seemed truly interested in things. Granted, she made mistakes but she did try to fix things (even if it might have made certain things a little worse). I loved how she fought for Hades, once she realized what she wanted. Hades was also interesting; I did kind of find myself wishing he'd pushed a little harder when it came to Cat but at the same time, he was definitely willing to throw down there at the end if that's what Azagoth would have forced. I did find myself giggling at the class that Cat interrupted.
Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton 4 stars
Diana was interesting. Even from the beginning, it kind of felt like she hadn't wanted to take the assignment but with the unspoken ultimatum Zeus had given her, she did what she thought she had to. I liked that she started to see Ari as Ari, rather than the monster that people were painting him to be. And she figured out what was really going on. Liked her thinking on going for the other Argonauts for help. The end was sad and I kind of want to read the rest of this series to see how Zeus' plans get foiled (because you know they're going to be). I did like the friendship she had with Sappheire and the one that seems to be developing with Silas.
Naughty Little Gift by Angel Payne 2.5 Stars
I'm sorry, but this story annoyed me. Brooke and Vy seemed more like teenyboppers, fawning over a pop star instead of you know, grown women, one of whom happened to be royalty (and had apparently filled in for the queen for some reason recently). Ella was kind of the same way but she seemed to be toned down by like a thousand. I didn't like her parents at all and I found myself wishing that Cassian would have put something into the contract about them not getting anything unless they started actually acting like parents. The world building confused me; Arcadia was supposedly coming out of a self-imposed exile, which is fine, but it just seemed like it was trying for more of a fantasy-esque world instead of a place just suddenly being brought into the modern light. I also couldn't get behind the formatting. Maybe that's just me, but the formatting really took me out of the story and definitely pulled down my enjoyment. There were also some editing things that I'm not sure if they were supposed to go along with the formatting but they also brought things down.
The Sentinel by Michelle St. James 4 Stars
I'm not sure if this is technically a second-chance or just In-love-with-your-best-friend story, but I enjoyed it. I liked the way Leo and Diana were with each other. I love the friendships that are "I'll tell you everything except the fact that I'm in love with you" because I do find myself giggling at people attempting to ignore their feelings and then have them implode in amazing ways. And NGL, their implosion was pretty fun. I did like the fact that once things were in the open, Leo did start telling Diana about his life. I did feel like some of it was due to him wanting to run her off because he felt she deserved better (those guys always get me because they're boneheads and I love their women going after them).
May 6, 2017
With each bundle of books I read in this series thr more intrigued I get. This bundle had me on the edge of my sit the whole time. I got a better understanding of some authors and now look forward to reading more of their work. There are so many different writing styles with this one I just got fully engulfed with each person from each story. I am looking forward to the next bundle but I just want to say wow. I would describe it as action pact, forever kind of live with a little bit of heartache but most importantly true emotions. Absolutely great read and I would and will recommend this to all my reading friends. Many thanks to each author who worked on this one. Highly recommend as a 5 star.
July 12, 2016
I have really been enjoying the 1001 Dark Nights series and there is a lot to love in this book bundle! Each of these stories can be read as a standalone so no worries if you are not familiar with the authors or the series their novella is associated with.
Caress of Pleasure is the first story I have read from J. Kenner but I loved Dante and Brenna! Their story is a second chance romance that spans decades. Dante is an immortal of sorts who believed he had found his mate in Brenna many years ago, but after witnessing a moment he was not meant to see, he realized his error and walked away. Joining him in immortality will only work for his one true mate and if he can believe his eyes, she must not be the one. A need to save one of his best friends throws them together again, but can they work together to accomplish their mission and still emerge from the fire unscathed?
Adored by Lexi Blake is set in the Masters and Mercenaries universe in the world of Sanctum. Mitch Bradford learned the hard way at a young age that he cannot depend on anyone but himself, and that theme has been painfully reinforced time and again throughout the years. He refuses to let another woman into his heart, but Laurel Daley has an unnerving way of working herself under his skin and ignoring his stick-in-the-mud ways. Add in a stalker with murderous intent, interfering family, and an unexpected bombshell dropped in their lives, and Adored has a little bit of everything!
Hades by Larissa Ione is set in the Demonica Underworld universe, and this story is probably my second favorite in the bundle. Hades may be a serious badass who rules over the Inner Sanctum keeping the souls of the deceased in their proper holding areas but he is also a really lonely guy. Azagoth, aka the Grim Reaper, is his boss and you don't want to make this big man angry particularly when he tells you that Cat, an Unfallen Angel under his protection, is completely off limits. When she looks at him, Hades is willing to risk whatever painful form of torture Azagoth will dole for the chance to be with her just one time. Cat is an inquisitive energetic creature who wants to experience all that life has to offer her now and she has no idea about Azagoth's warning to Hades. All she knows is that she comes alive in the presence of the imposing and drop dead gorgeous man whenever he is around, but nervousness only magnifies her tendencies toward clumsiness and awkwardness unfortunately! When one of her clumsy moments leads to a major mistake, she decides to try to fix the problem herself- and predictably just makes it worse as she finds herself trapped in the Inner Sanctum. This novella was definitely hot and a lot of fun too.
Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton is set in the Eternal Guardians universe and is also an excellent read! Find my full review of this novella HERE. Although the story is only about 100 pages or so (maybe a bit more), Ravaged still read like a full length book in the series. As a fan of the Eternal Guardians series as a whole, I had no problem diving in and being sucked in from page 1. It could potentially be read as a standalone since enough detail is provided to bring a new reader up to speed, but I highly recommend reading the other books in the series for the wealth of history and background. And really, the Eternal Guardians books are a great read so why not experience them all! The story is filled with love, action, steam, friends and family as Ari and Daphne navigate the minefield of going up against Zeus and sorting fact from fiction. Events toward the end of the story had my jaw dropping that left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see how everything unfolds in the aftermath (Awakened and Unchained are available now).
Naughty Little Gift is my favorite book of this set without a doubt. This story returns to the world of the Cimarrons and Arcadia which I absolutely love. Mishella is the secret to Princess Brooke, Samsyn's wife, who was introduced in Into His Command. She loves her job working for the princess who has also become a friend, but in the archaic way of the land that has existed for so long, her parents control pretty much every part of her life with no qualms about doing so or how they treat her.
When Cassian Court arrives from New York to meet with King Evrest to discuss updating the island's infrastructure, he is stopped in his tracks at the sight of the beautiful Ella but soon realizes the family dynamic she must operate within. Her father is a man who loves only money and power, and Cassian represents nothing but dollar signs to him. Ever the businessman, Cassian sees a way to use that to his advantage and give Ella some freedom at the same time. Backed into a corner, the man has no choice but to agree and Ella finds herself embarking on a new adventure.
Cassian and Ella are smokin' hot!! Her wide eyed innocence turns him on like no other woman before which he finds completely confusing given the wealth of experience and women that have come before her. But he also has a dark past with secrets that he would desperately love to keep buried- and I am sure that will work out SO well for him! There is more to come in their story, but fortunately we don't have to wait long for it. Pretty Perfect Toy is coming out in late August and I can't wait!
All in all, this bundle of books is well worth the 1-click for a few hours of wonderful escape into worlds filled with amazing creatures, banter, a little heartache, and a whole lot of steam!
Caress of Pleasure is the first story I have read from J. Kenner but I loved Dante and Brenna! Their story is a second chance romance that spans decades. Dante is an immortal of sorts who believed he had found his mate in Brenna many years ago, but after witnessing a moment he was not meant to see, he realized his error and walked away. Joining him in immortality will only work for his one true mate and if he can believe his eyes, she must not be the one. A need to save one of his best friends throws them together again, but can they work together to accomplish their mission and still emerge from the fire unscathed?
Adored by Lexi Blake is set in the Masters and Mercenaries universe in the world of Sanctum. Mitch Bradford learned the hard way at a young age that he cannot depend on anyone but himself, and that theme has been painfully reinforced time and again throughout the years. He refuses to let another woman into his heart, but Laurel Daley has an unnerving way of working herself under his skin and ignoring his stick-in-the-mud ways. Add in a stalker with murderous intent, interfering family, and an unexpected bombshell dropped in their lives, and Adored has a little bit of everything!
Hades by Larissa Ione is set in the Demonica Underworld universe, and this story is probably my second favorite in the bundle. Hades may be a serious badass who rules over the Inner Sanctum keeping the souls of the deceased in their proper holding areas but he is also a really lonely guy. Azagoth, aka the Grim Reaper, is his boss and you don't want to make this big man angry particularly when he tells you that Cat, an Unfallen Angel under his protection, is completely off limits. When she looks at him, Hades is willing to risk whatever painful form of torture Azagoth will dole for the chance to be with her just one time. Cat is an inquisitive energetic creature who wants to experience all that life has to offer her now and she has no idea about Azagoth's warning to Hades. All she knows is that she comes alive in the presence of the imposing and drop dead gorgeous man whenever he is around, but nervousness only magnifies her tendencies toward clumsiness and awkwardness unfortunately! When one of her clumsy moments leads to a major mistake, she decides to try to fix the problem herself- and predictably just makes it worse as she finds herself trapped in the Inner Sanctum. This novella was definitely hot and a lot of fun too.
Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton is set in the Eternal Guardians universe and is also an excellent read! Find my full review of this novella HERE. Although the story is only about 100 pages or so (maybe a bit more), Ravaged still read like a full length book in the series. As a fan of the Eternal Guardians series as a whole, I had no problem diving in and being sucked in from page 1. It could potentially be read as a standalone since enough detail is provided to bring a new reader up to speed, but I highly recommend reading the other books in the series for the wealth of history and background. And really, the Eternal Guardians books are a great read so why not experience them all! The story is filled with love, action, steam, friends and family as Ari and Daphne navigate the minefield of going up against Zeus and sorting fact from fiction. Events toward the end of the story had my jaw dropping that left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see how everything unfolds in the aftermath (Awakened and Unchained are available now).
Naughty Little Gift is my favorite book of this set without a doubt. This story returns to the world of the Cimarrons and Arcadia which I absolutely love. Mishella is the secret to Princess Brooke, Samsyn's wife, who was introduced in Into His Command. She loves her job working for the princess who has also become a friend, but in the archaic way of the land that has existed for so long, her parents control pretty much every part of her life with no qualms about doing so or how they treat her.
When Cassian Court arrives from New York to meet with King Evrest to discuss updating the island's infrastructure, he is stopped in his tracks at the sight of the beautiful Ella but soon realizes the family dynamic she must operate within. Her father is a man who loves only money and power, and Cassian represents nothing but dollar signs to him. Ever the businessman, Cassian sees a way to use that to his advantage and give Ella some freedom at the same time. Backed into a corner, the man has no choice but to agree and Ella finds herself embarking on a new adventure.
Cassian and Ella are smokin' hot!! Her wide eyed innocence turns him on like no other woman before which he finds completely confusing given the wealth of experience and women that have come before her. But he also has a dark past with secrets that he would desperately love to keep buried- and I am sure that will work out SO well for him! There is more to come in their story, but fortunately we don't have to wait long for it. Pretty Perfect Toy is coming out in late August and I can't wait!
All in all, this bundle of books is well worth the 1-click for a few hours of wonderful escape into worlds filled with amazing creatures, banter, a little heartache, and a whole lot of steam!
December 10, 2016
This may be my favorite bundle so far. ..
July 17, 2016
It is not often that I am gifted with a single story capable of making me shed my reviewer objectivity in favor of a more personal glimpse at my feelings. So, imagine my utter surprise and delight at being gifted with six such stories, in one volume.
Each tale, ranging from the most relatable Contemporary, to that most fantastic Fantasy. Is one that is able to transport readers within itself. Putting them on a quest for that one love that is meant to surpass all others. That one heart that they know has been crafted to beat in time with their's alone.
Whether it's the story of a love strong enough to break mortal bonds, and withstand the all consuming transformative magic of Phoenix Fire. As it is with Brenna and her immortal mate Dante in CARESS OF PLEASURE.
A love crafted in the game of dominance and submission. Yet allowed to transcend those boundaries when Master becomes student, and Submissive becomes teacher in a real world case of "You, me, and unexpected baby makes three, with Mitch and Laurel in ADORED.
An angel losing her wings. Only to find herself the unlikely key to saving the realms of hell, and the heart of the god who rules it, with Cat and Hades in HADES.
An Argonaut thought lost to his brethren, managing to save the one woman with the power to both save and destroy him. With Aristokles and Daphane in RAVAGED.
A businessman makes a deal that neither his heart, nor his passion seems able to refuse. With Mishella and Cassian in NAUGHTY LITTLE GIFT.
Fond friends become so much more when hearts and lives are on the line. As Diana comes to discover that the one man that she trusts to guard her life, is the one man to whom she can also entrust her heart. With Diana and Leo in THE SENTINEL
Collected and arranged with maximum enjoyability in mind. Each of the six novellas seems to build from the momentum of the one before. With each story adding its own brand of sensuality and undeniable readability to an intoxicating literary mix of the finest romantic literary voices.
A collection crafted with every romantic taste in mind. There is something to be found here to suit every reader. With heat levels ranging from a percolating passion to the height of hedonistic hotness. This story collection sings a siren's song sure to call to the love and libido in every reader.
Each tale, ranging from the most relatable Contemporary, to that most fantastic Fantasy. Is one that is able to transport readers within itself. Putting them on a quest for that one love that is meant to surpass all others. That one heart that they know has been crafted to beat in time with their's alone.
Whether it's the story of a love strong enough to break mortal bonds, and withstand the all consuming transformative magic of Phoenix Fire. As it is with Brenna and her immortal mate Dante in CARESS OF PLEASURE.
A love crafted in the game of dominance and submission. Yet allowed to transcend those boundaries when Master becomes student, and Submissive becomes teacher in a real world case of "You, me, and unexpected baby makes three, with Mitch and Laurel in ADORED.
An angel losing her wings. Only to find herself the unlikely key to saving the realms of hell, and the heart of the god who rules it, with Cat and Hades in HADES.
An Argonaut thought lost to his brethren, managing to save the one woman with the power to both save and destroy him. With Aristokles and Daphane in RAVAGED.
A businessman makes a deal that neither his heart, nor his passion seems able to refuse. With Mishella and Cassian in NAUGHTY LITTLE GIFT.
Fond friends become so much more when hearts and lives are on the line. As Diana comes to discover that the one man that she trusts to guard her life, is the one man to whom she can also entrust her heart. With Diana and Leo in THE SENTINEL
Collected and arranged with maximum enjoyability in mind. Each of the six novellas seems to build from the momentum of the one before. With each story adding its own brand of sensuality and undeniable readability to an intoxicating literary mix of the finest romantic literary voices.
A collection crafted with every romantic taste in mind. There is something to be found here to suit every reader. With heat levels ranging from a percolating passion to the height of hedonistic hotness. This story collection sings a siren's song sure to call to the love and libido in every reader.
July 12, 2016
I enjoyed the collection of stories in this latest "1001 Dark Nights" anthology. Bundle five contains six novellas that are a combination of paranormal, mythological and contemporary romances. While some were familiar in name, I had not read any of the authors in this volume, so all of the authors were new to me.
One major factor that influences my evaluation of a story is how well I connect to the author’s writing style, and even though not all of the stories in this anthology were in my preferred genre, I was able to engage in the each one because I liked the author’s writing. The characters were well-developed and interesting, and each story was compelling in its own unique way.
One of the stand-out novellas for me in this anthology was "Adored" by New York Times Bestselling Author Lexi Blake. A Contemporary Romance with a BDSM backstory, Adored has a sexy alpha hero and steamy erotic scenes.
Another favorite was written by newcomer Michelle St. James. "The Sentinel" is a contemporary romance about two childhood friends, who, as adults, find themselves secretly attracted to the other. The twist is that one of them is keeping a dark secret that threatens to destroy any potential connection.
I admit that my preferred genre is contemporary romance, which is clearly evidenced by my two stand-out favorites. However, that in no way discounts the other stories in the anthology. It’s merely a matter of preference, and "1001 Dark Nights" definitely has something for everyone.
Four stars.
One major factor that influences my evaluation of a story is how well I connect to the author’s writing style, and even though not all of the stories in this anthology were in my preferred genre, I was able to engage in the each one because I liked the author’s writing. The characters were well-developed and interesting, and each story was compelling in its own unique way.
One of the stand-out novellas for me in this anthology was "Adored" by New York Times Bestselling Author Lexi Blake. A Contemporary Romance with a BDSM backstory, Adored has a sexy alpha hero and steamy erotic scenes.
Another favorite was written by newcomer Michelle St. James. "The Sentinel" is a contemporary romance about two childhood friends, who, as adults, find themselves secretly attracted to the other. The twist is that one of them is keeping a dark secret that threatens to destroy any potential connection.
I admit that my preferred genre is contemporary romance, which is clearly evidenced by my two stand-out favorites. However, that in no way discounts the other stories in the anthology. It’s merely a matter of preference, and "1001 Dark Nights" definitely has something for everyone.
Four stars.
July 10, 2016
I've only read two of the six novellas. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of them. My goal is to have them complete within the next few days. I laughed, cried, and giggled incessantly at the first two novellas in the book. The first novella had the perfect blend of my favorite elements of books in it: fantasy and romance. The second had the beauty of a glimpse into the world of BDSM. I loved the dueling dynamic between the two main characters. The second story left me with questions after reading the epilogue. There was one statement that made me feel as if I'd missed some key portion of the story. Which I hadn't. It was just left out of the story.
**I was gifted with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
**I was gifted with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
July 9, 2016
3.5 review...
This is a collection of five short stories. It has a little of everything you could want from paranormal to erotica. Each story was short, but nice. While I enjoyed a couple of the stories, I wasn’t fond of all of them. This bundle will give you a taste of all the authors.
I liked Naughty Little Gift. It was a great story. I liked Cassian, and Mishella was wonderful.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
This is a collection of five short stories. It has a little of everything you could want from paranormal to erotica. Each story was short, but nice. While I enjoyed a couple of the stories, I wasn’t fond of all of them. This bundle will give you a taste of all the authors.
I liked Naughty Little Gift. It was a great story. I liked Cassian, and Mishella was wonderful.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
July 12, 2016
Omg I loved this bundle, I managed to read 5 out of the 6 and will finish the last one tonight. There was such a range for mob/romance, Paranormal and even a tad of sci-fi.
Definitely worth it. This bundle give introductions to series as well as spin-off's from others. I even went and one-clicked some of the books linked to the ones i have read.
Every single book I loved and enjoyed, I laughed and giggled and got so engrossed too, I will be adding individual reviews to the titles of this bundle.
Definitely worth it. This bundle give introductions to series as well as spin-off's from others. I even went and one-clicked some of the books linked to the ones i have read.
Every single book I loved and enjoyed, I laughed and giggled and got so engrossed too, I will be adding individual reviews to the titles of this bundle.
July 12, 2016
One of the things I love about this bundle is that it's like going to a huge buffet where you can indulge in both foods you know you will enjoy and those you haven't tried before. That's exactly what this bundle was like for me. So many sizzling stories in one place for me to indulge in knowing that the 1001 Dark Nights series would give great stories. I especially loved Adored by Lexi Blake, but enjoyed all of the stories in this bundle.
I give 1001 Dark Nights Bundle Five 5 hearts!
I give 1001 Dark Nights Bundle Five 5 hearts!
July 12, 2016
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Like I said 6 scintillating stories so many to choose just a favorite. The whole book was thrilling and exciting to read about including Hades himself. This is one Book Bundle you don`t want to miss for it has in every book the power of love that over come anything including Demons and a kick ass Gods thinking they can get away with anything. I loved all the books in this series and can`t wait for the next 1001 Dark Nights.
Like I said 6 scintillating stories so many to choose just a favorite. The whole book was thrilling and exciting to read about including Hades himself. This is one Book Bundle you don`t want to miss for it has in every book the power of love that over come anything including Demons and a kick ass Gods thinking they can get away with anything. I loved all the books in this series and can`t wait for the next 1001 Dark Nights.
August 13, 2016
I love the 1001 Night Books and this collection has a fantastic line up of authors. I admit I had a head start on Angel story since I already read an ARC of the single book. I'm hooked on her Arcadia series. All the stories were fantastic and part of even bigger things that I'll need to read up on but it's worth it.
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