Review: Always by Lynsay Sands

Always was a fun, romantic read that left my heart full.

Rosamunde was raised in a convent and prepared to take the veil to become a nun. But her father, King Henry, had a different path in mind for his illegitimate daughter. She was his favorite after all, and he would see that she was well cared for and loved.

Aric, just ending his engagement to a cheating harlot and left with major trust issues, had absolutely no desire to ever marry. King Henry, however, gave him no say in the matter. Aric was always the king’s first choice when thinking of a husband for his daughter. And thanks to Aric’s recent single status, the king gets what he wants.

Of course it isn’t exactly marital bliss for the newly wedded couple. There are plenty of bumps to smooth out. Which is to be expected from two strangers unexpectedly thrown together.

Rosamunde may be the king’s daughter, but she is in no way spoiled. Raised to be fully self-efficient and reliable, she is used to caring and tending to her own matters. Her main responsibility and passion at the convent was working in the stables with the animals. Aric, however, still feeling the effects of his ex-betrothed, lets his jealousy and fears consume him in regards to Rosamunde. He stifles and tries to control her actions, thinking that by limiting her he can prevent her from being unfaithful. Sadly, he misses the point that Rosamunde is nothing like his vile ex or other women from his past. But, he will learn.

There were quite a few times throughout the story that had me shaking with laughter. Obviously, Rosamunde is naïve when it comes to matters of the bedroom, and one really shouldn’t get sex advice from a nun and a bishop. Just…no. I felt for Aric during those times. He actually feared bedding his wife at one point. Then there was her affinity for caring for animals. There’s a scene where she’s nursing a horse back to health that you really need to read for yourself. It was hilarious.

Best of all about this book though was seeing these two people slowly come to trust in each other and love one another–to the point where they’d risk their own lives for the other. Watching Aric come to learn what is was to be truly loved and cared for and feel those things in return is pretty heartwarming. And seeing Rosamunde bloom from a young woman out of her element into a strong, fierce protector and lover is pretty amazing.

This was a 4 star read for me.

 

Review: Even Vampires Get the Blues (Deadly Angels #6) by Sandra Hill

The fact that vampire angel Harek Sigurdsson was a Norseman in his mortal life doesn't make thawing out after exile in Siberia any easier. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camille Dumaine, a human who thrums with sensual energy that can mean only one thing: she's the mate Harek's been seeking for centuries . . .

The SEALs call her "Camo" for her ability to blend into a crowd—yet Harek's intense blue gaze singles Camille out like a white-hot spotlight. The security wiz was hired to help bring down a ruthless band of international kidnappers, but Camille senses an unspoken agenda—besides Harek's bold declaration that she's his "destiny." Just Camille's luck that the sexiest man she's ever met may also be . . . a vampire!

Okay, first of all…Vampires…Angels…Vampires + Angels…Vangels. You with me so far? Vampire angels. This is a paranormal dream! Oh and on top of that, before they were vangels, they were Norsemen. Hot, virile, Viking men. A man’s man. Let me just take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty of all that…Okay and the moment is up. So, how did they become vangels? Well, let’s just say the men focused on in this series were very naughty in their human lives. Like, committing one of the seven deadly sins kind of naughty. But, thankfully, the Big Man upstairs gave them one shot to repent and devote their energy to the greater good–helping to rid the earth of evil Lucipires and preserve humanity.

Enter Harek Sigurdsson. He had an issue with greed, a hunger for obtaining mass amounts of wealth. Always needing, wanting more. Even now, living in the modern world and serving as a vangel, he still struggles with his addiction. Oh, if Michael, the Archangel and basically his boss, knew what Harek was hiding…or does he? Michael sends Harek on a mission to help a team of Navy SEALs. However, unbeknownst to Harek or Michael, that mission puts Harek on the direct path to meeting his predestined mate.

Camille Dumaine, known as “Camo” to the SEALS, is devoted to her career in the military and serves her country as a WEAL, a sister unit to the SEALs. She is able to slip in undetected, and get the task done. Hence her nickname. Camille is a fierce warrior. She believes in what she does and works her butt off. She comes from a well-to-do family of scholars from New Orleans. Her parents are professors at Tulane and her brother was literally a rocket scientist, now a professor as well. Camille couldn’t have chosen a more opposite path. But, hey, it leads her to Harek.

Chocolate and Roses, that’s the fragrance scented when you put Harek and Camille in a room together. The scent, which only they can smell at first, is the first clue Harek gets to Camille being his mate. As much as he rejects the notion and tries to not give in, he can’t deny the hold Camille has over him. But, there’s this thing about him being a vangel, her being a human, and Michael really won’t be happy to know that another one of his warriors has bitten the love dust. Already this couple has a lot of odds to overcome. Add to it, Camille has been burned badly by love before, so trust is a major issue with her, Harek’s inability to follow the rules, thus keeping him from being on Michael’s good side, AND they need to work together to save a group of girls from terrorists working with Lucipires. All that there should give you an idea of how awesome this book is.

Sandra Hill does a fantastic job blending paranormal romance, suspense, action, and humor. Harek and Camille are extremely likeable characters. The glimpses we get of Michael are witty and funny. I get the sense that sometimes he feels like he’s herding cats, which let’s face it, he’s in charge of a group of vangels, so yeah it’s like that. But underneath the romance and fun is an underlying seriousness. The girls they need to rescue and the work the vangels do is no joke. There are sick minded people in the world and the perfect targets for Lucipires to team up with.  

Even Vampires Get the Blues is the sixth book in the Deadly Angels series and one to add to your TBR list.

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Blog Tour: Never Say Never By Nicole Edwards

Ryan Trexler has devoted his entire life to his family’s security business. And now that he’s slated to take over the reins for the company, RT knows that his life is only going to get more complicated. Add in the fact that he’s lusting over one of the men who works for him and RT knows that there are some serious tough times ahead. 

Zachariah Tavoularis—nicknamed Z—has been employed by Sniper 1 Security for a decade. Despite being known as the most loyal enforcer outside of family, Z also has a reputation of being quite the playboy, though that was based more on rumor than fact. When an assignment comes up that forces the two of them to work together, Z knows it’s time to show RT he’s not the man he thinks he is. 

Can they complete the mission, despite the fact that it puts them in a tenuous situation, bringing them closer than either of them ever expected? And will Z allow RT to convince him that they can never be together, no matter how much they both want it? 

m/m romance

There are certain authors, for me at least, that when I sign up to review their book or if it is one I buy  on my own that I just KNOW that I will be getting way more than I even imagined when I begin their book.  Nicole Edwards is one of those type of authors so me.  Even when she stepped outside her norm, she nailed it.  I can say without even a hint of hesitation that Nicole Edwards once again nailed it with Never Say Never.

We are back to what Ms. Edwards writes best, m/m romance and this one has the added suspense and action that we have come to know in the Sniper 1 Security series.  Oh don’t let me forget to mention the angst, the drama, oh and the smoking hot make your panties drenched sex that she writes so well.  Can you tell that I am a huge Nicole Edwards fan and that I loved Never Say Never?  No?  Well then let me simplify it for you.  I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I don’t want to give anything away but I will say this.  RT and Z will not only have you routing for them to come together, but they will turn you on and make you feel so many different emotions, especially, especially at the end.  Lord I think I had a tear or two in my eyes more than once, some were tears of happiness, some tears of sadness, and some tears of frustration. 

I can’t help but sit on the edge of my seat for Ms. Edwards’ next book in this series as well as any other book she has planned because when I begin to read it I know that I will have another amazing book, but one that will stay with me for years to come.

 Never Say Never (Sniper 1 Security, #2)
(unedited excerpt - subject may change prior to publication)

“How’s the business goin’?” Travis asked as he steered Ryan toward a booth near the front of the bar.
“Busy,” Ryan answered.
“That’s a good thing, right?”
“Of course.” Ryan smiled as they approached Travis’s wife Kylie and their husband Gage. “Good to see y’all again.”
“Same here. Have a seat.” Gage motioned toward the opposite side of the table as he slid his other arm over Kylie’s shoulders and pulled her close while Travis grabbed a chair.
Flipping it around backward, Travis straddled the seat, placing his elbow on the table. Ryan didn’t miss that Travis’s other hand disappeared under the table, likely resting on Kylie’s leg if he had to guess.
“We weren’t sure you’d be able to make it,” Travis said.
Ryan knew he could always be called back to work at any time, depending on the case, but he didn’t need to tell Travis as much. The man ran a multi-million dollar resort, so he understood. “I’m glad I could.”
“How’s Z doin’?” Kylie asked, peering toward the back of the room where Z had been pulled away by his friends a few minutes before.
“You know Z. Nothing gets him down.”
Gage smiled. “Seems he’s quite interested in you.”
Knowing better, Ryan still turned to glance in Z’s direction. He thought for sure he’d be busted stealing a look, but Z was paying him no attention.
“And you’re quite interested in him,” Kylie noted.
Ryan’s head snapped back around to face her. He was about to fire off a rebuttal, but her smile silenced him.
“Leave the poor man alone,” Travis injected. “He’s in denial.”
Ryan snorted.
“I concur,” Gage added.
“Why’s everybody gangin’ up on me?” Ryan questioned, unable to hide the smile.
“Seemed like the thing to do.” Travis took a sip of his beer.

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 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers - even when she’s supposed to be writing.
Nicole also writes contemporary/new adult romance as Timberlyn Scott.

Nicole would love to hear from you!

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