DIY Book Review of She Sheds Style: Make Your Space Your Own by Erika Kotite

Title: She Sheds Style: Make Your Space Your Own 

Author: Erika Kotite 

Genre: Craft Hobbies

Source: NetGalley

Reviewed by: Laurie 

Rating: 4  

With She Sheds Style, you'll browse ideas, step-by-step projects, and decorating tips from a variety of creative “she shed” owners—then add your personal style to your own shed!

It's no secret that the she shed revolution is underway and gaining steam. What is a she shed? It's simply any outbuilding that has been renovated, outfitted, redesigned, or otherwise reassigned into service as a refuge from the intense pace of modern life.

Consider it a woman's response to the “man cave” craze. Whether you already have that sought-after shed or are still in the dreaming phase, author Erika Kotite (She Sheds: A Room of Your Own, Cool Springs Press, 2016) will help you on your journey. You'll start by browsing the sheds and shed interiors, which range from modern and eclectic to rustic and shabby chic. Learn what architectural details play into a shed's look and consider how these elements work with your preferred decor.

Once you're charged with inspiration, explore loads of DIY projects and ideas from some of the most creative she shed owners around the world. A variety of front entrance ideas provide inspiration for welcoming guests to your space. Ideas for re-purposing furniture abound, such as transforming an old door into a drop-down potting bench. You can even extend your shed's impact beyond the walls with garden features like stepping stones and string lights. Most projects are shown with detailed, step-by-step photos so you can see exactly how the work is done.

So get started and create your own she shed style! 

This book is great if you have a shed and are looking to spruce it up with a style to be all your own.

I bought a medium size shed a few years back with plans that it would be my garden shed all to only become a place to house my holiday junk and my daughters one day but never happening moving out junk for the past few years and I needed some inspiration so I could work on cleaning it out and creating my garden shed. So, when I noticed this book on Netgalley you know I had to give it a try and it had worked with all of the different styles, colors and simple projects I know this spring I will have my garden shed.

No matter if you looking for craft space, office space, writing space, garden space, or just a place to read your books, this book will help you want to change your shed into something you’ll enjoy for years to come all with the authors simple tips and step by step projects to get you on your way to designing that perfect space. 

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8)

Author: J.R. Ward

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: 528 pages

Publisher: NAL

Release Date: April 27, 2010

Source: Purchased (Audiobook)

Reviewed by: Jasmyn

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

**********

John Mattew is quite an intriguing character to me. His mysterious background, his strange link to Darius, and the bond he has with Bella all made him really stand out among the strong characters in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Since then, he's grown into quite the vampire and fighter, but not quite fully finding his place yet.

Xhex is one of the physically strongest females we've seen in the series and I love how she just doesn't take any crap from anyone. One of my biggest overall complaints about the series is the lack of recurring female characters. Yes, the shellens pop up from time to time, but I thought Xhex had real potential to be part of the team and give the series a female character that is more than just a utility. We see a lot of her potential and strength showcased during her ordeal and recovery from Lash.

Tons of things happening in the background including a bombshell with Payne. Blay and Qhuinn continue to tip-toe around each other, but with the addition of Saxon and Layla to the scene things might just be reaching their tipping point. 

The fight with the Lessers continues and on one hand, I really enjoy the continuity this brings to the series, but I'm also sort of hoping that a new "bad guy" will pop up and really add some twists and turns. 

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Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman

Title: Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor (Snowbirds #2)

Author: Hebby Roman

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 189 pages

Publisher: Estrella Publishing

Release Date: March 12, 2016

Reviewed by: Jasmyn

What’s a forty-year-old virgin doing in a predicament like this? Looking for a husband because her late father’s will decrees she must marry or forfeit her orchard, her only means of support. Hank McCall, as a perspective husband, leaves a great deal to be desired—he’s twice divorced and older than Esmeralda. Scarred by their pasts and challenged by the gap in their ages, Esmeralda and Hank struggle with their new-found relationship. But when Hank is faced with losing Esmeralda or surrendering to her yearning to have a real family, their fates hang in the balance. 

**********

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor was a cute story. At times a little unbelievable, but other times incredibly down to earth. It was also quite refreshing to see an older couple portrayed as....asn older couple. I know, crazy right? Esmeralda and Hank are both over 40 and living real life with real life problems. Divorce, paying bills, meeting people, family drama, and wondering if it's even worth looking anymore.

Esmeralda was a bit on the unbelievable side for me. A little too much of her character seemed to be determined by what would help the story work better. She's a virgin - which I know can still happen - but let's be honest. It isn't very likely anymore. She can only have her inheritance if she's married - because her father is a chauvanistic jerk - which I am more inclined to believe, but it still seems far-fetched. Especially to have all these things fall on one person's shoulders.

Hank is a divorced, fighting to keep enough from his recent ex so that he can retire in peace, and is really and truly going through what seems to be a mid-life crisis. Flying south to spend some time away from it all, he meets Esmerelda, and they are both faced with some serious adult-like problems (such a refreshing prospect).

This book dealt with real-life people facing real-life issues that would (mostly) affect any one of us that is no longer hovering in that 20-something age group. I really enjoyed seeing an older couple than I usually see in a romance with experiences and personalities that fit them well. 

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No Excuses by Nikky Kaye - Review

Title: No Excuses
Author: Nikky Kaye
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: July 7, 2017
Source: Purchased
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

No Excuses is a hot, full-length contemporary romance, featuring blindfolds, rope play, food fights, and sexy architectural features like wainscoting. As in all Nikky Kaye books, cheating is not allowed, but some funny stuff and a HEA are non-negotiable.
---
Maddie's rules for attending a work retreat:

1 Pack the right clothes. Especially extra underwear.
2 Don’t try to school your insanely hot boss on acceptable trust exercises.
3 Be prepared for the extracurricular ropes course.
4 Make sure there is a safety net when you fall, because you will fall hard

Gage doesn’t appreciate how hard it is to be his right hand woman—especially when I’m spending so much time with my own right hand, fantasizing about him. My demanding, control freak boss is testing all my limits, and I don’t know how long I can stay professional.

**********

No Excuses is another amazing book by Nikky Kaye. Mixing a fly by the seat of your pants girl with the ultimate planner seems like quite a long shot, and it really is. But when Gage decides that everyone must attend a work retreat designed to build trust and teamwork, Maddie is put into some pretty precarious situations.

Gage is just the right amount of controlling with a small dash of humility that allows you to fall in love with his over-bearing controlling self. He's really quite lovable underneath it all, he just needs to be in control. Maddie never thought that was what she needed, until a few "trust exercises" later and suddenly things seem a little different. 

Nikky Kaye is a go-to author for me and she has yet to disappoint. If you are looking for a super hot romance, unique and fun characters, and a good dose of humor, then this is the perfect book for you.

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Rare Find by Dale Mayer ~ Review

Title: Rare Find (Psychic Visions #6)
Author: Dale Mayer
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Length: 292 pages
Publisher: Valley Publishing
Release Date: April 11, 2014
Source: Purchased
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

When people need help or are injured, they call out for their friends and family. When an animal needs help or is injured, it calls out for…anyone…that can help them… 

One person hears them… 

Tabitha is determined to bury her aching heart in the service of her animals at Exotic Landscape. Until she’s yanked out of her cozy retreat to help someone in need…and she gets more than she bargained for. 
Detective Ronin Chandler understands secrets. He’s got a few of his own. But when the woman he loves gets into trouble – the kind that stretches even his belief system – he struggles to understand…and to help…before he loses her. Maybe forever. 
As the danger escalates, Tabitha and Ronin need to find out who they can trust…and who they can’t…and who wants them dead…before it’s too late. 

**********

Psychic Visions is one of my favorite paranormal romance series. They are stand-alone enough that I can enjoy each one individually, but there's enough crossover that you get to know the world and how it works. The world isn't so different than ours, it just has a variety of psychic powers.

Rare Find went a little to far into the psychic abilities for my personal tastes though. We actually meet Tabitha in book 5. A lover of animals, she has a special connection. That special connection is her ability to feel what they are thinking and find out what they need and want to be happy and healthy. This I can believe. But the next step in her psychic development just was a little too much - just barely.

Detective Ronin is a great guy - even if he is afraid of cats - like panic attack afraid. But he's fiercely protective and crazy smart and it's just what Tabitha is going to need. Their romance is an odd one because Tabitha isn't actually  present in the real sense throughout part of the book. But this dangerous situation only cements Ronon's feelings for her and insticts to protect her at all costs.

Rare Find was one of the more exciting additions to the series - with a good dose of action compared to some of the others. It was a real page turner that was a good step along the path of the series. I think what really stood out to me in this one was a gathering of characters and ideas from past books that seem to be coming together into something really big coming up.

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More from Psychic Visions

Garden of Sorrows (Psychic Visions #4)

Knock, Knock #5

Nothing Stays the Same by Cathering Chant ~ Review

Title: Nothing Stays the Same (Soul Mates #2)
Author: Catherine Chant
Genre: Young Adult, Time Travel Romance
Length: 461 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: August 16, 2016
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

How far would you go to save someone's life? Leah and Brennan are going all the way back to 1973.

One Choice Changes Everything...

In 1973, The Beat Detectors are the hottest TV pop band to hit the airwaves since The Monkees, thanks to the appealing vocals of rising teen idol Ronnie Basford. But behind the scenes, not everything is rainbows and unicorns. Ronnie realizes much too late that one bad decision can ruin your whole life.

Forty years later, Ronnie is dead from an apparent suicide and his sixteen-year-old son Brennan wants answers. He needs to understand how it all went so wrong. When he finds himself dropped back in time, to the set of his father's TV show, he's determined to redirect the course of his father's life and create the happy ending Ronnie deserved.

Soccer star Leah Reinard has been crushing on Brennan Basford for ages. When they end up at the same summer job, she thinks the fates have finally aligned in her favor. That is, until Brennan suddenly disappears from existence. One day he's there, the next day, he's gone. And no one but Leah even remembers him. Can Leah find Brennan in time to stop him from ruining both their futures?

**********

First, a bit of a warning. This is part of a series - which turned me off a little at first because it isn't listed as such anywhere on the book itself. But, for the most part, anything was explained rather nicely if I needed to know it. I did feel like I was missing a large part of the history of Leah and her sister and the events that happened to her sister before this started. They do play a pretty important part in the end.

This was a super sweet time travel romance though. We meet Brennan, a teenager struggling with life who gets more thrown at him when he father kills himself. Brennan thinks it all goes back to his father's teenage years when he was a member of a teen band The Beat Detectors. Things happen and Ronnie and Leah both end up back in the days of his father's teenage years.

I really enjoyed how the author put this together. From the clothing to the speech and the attitudes, it was an amazing portrayal of a slightly different period of time. It was easy to believe that I was going back right along with them. Brennan is on a mission though, and he won't even talk about going back to his present until he finds a way to fix his dad's past. But fixing the past may change the future in ways that make my head hurt to think about - time paradox and all that.

Catherine Chant really handled this crazy past changing the present thing very well. She let it run its course and consequences be damned. But she added a bit of a twist at the end that really sealed the deal and made this story a winner for me. I can't give it away because - spoiler - but it was unique and inventive, which are two of my favorite things.

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Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward ~ Review

Title: Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)

Author: J.R. Ward

Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance

Length: 527 pages

Publisher: NAL

Release Date: April 28th, 2009

Source: Purchased

Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood—even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him—and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

**********

Rehvenge is a complicated character. His dual nature is a constant struggle and the source of a recent medical issue with his drug of choice. I really enjoyed learning more about his history and life. At first, he didn't seem like the right person for Ehlena. She was a gentle and loving soul, which is everything that Rehvenge appeared not to be. When they meet, however, they have this wonderful clash of personalities that just works for both of them on so many levels.

As with the rest of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, there is so much more going on behind the scenes. We get to see into the Sympath colony and it really helps to explain a lot about the way Rehvenge lives and his attitudes towards much of life. His history is a little creepy - especially when we find out more about his family, so be prepared for an "ewwww, gross" moment or two.

The story is full of twists and reveals and the plot behind the scenes continues to move forward. I feel like something big is about to happen and I can't wait to find out what it is. While we get to see almost all of the brothers and a couple of the girls, I really wish we got to see more of the women in their lives. They are all such awesome characters, and I want to see more about what they are doing.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood

Dark Lover #1
Lover Eternal #2
Lover Awakened #3
Lover Revealed #4
Lover Unbound #5
Lover Enshrined #6
Father Mine 6.5

Review Secrets of Desire by LK Shaw

Title: Secrets of Desire 

Author: LK Shaw 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Reviewed by: Laurie

Rating: 3 1/2

Sexual rating 3

When secrets surface…

Bridget Carter seems to have the perfect life. She’s happily single and has a career she loves as a fashion designer at a local boutique. She enjoys playing at Club Eden and bounces from one Dominant to another. She’s not looking for love, even though she’s more than intrigued by Connor Black. When a secret from Bridget’s past surfaces, Bridget and Connor are forced to work together to protect an innocent.


The battle begins…

Scarred inside and out, Connor Black fights to protect those who can’t protect themselves. He also hides behind a mask of confidence. Battling against his own insecurities, he secretly envies the boldness Bridget exudes. He watches her with a look of longing he thinks he’s kept hidden. And when Bridget comes to him for help, he realizes he can no longer keep his desire secret. But an enemy is ready to strike and Connor must battle his inner demons to protect the people he is coming to love.

Review

Shaw does any amazing job creating a standalone, for any series, I have to read in order freak, like me.  I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Kudos.

The characters are really great, but I could have used more background on Bridget, I didn’t feel like I got to really know her as much as I did Connor. They are both lovable, not annoying in any way.

The downside to me was, the book is very predictable. I am not going to host any spoilers, but the connection between Conner and the kid was just too similar, I could see where it was all going to lead to and I could tell what the villain was going to do with the heroine before it happened.

It would have been wonderful if the villain had his POV. He got one tiny paragraph which didn’t help me fully feel the whole connection like I would have liked to. I could see it just not feel it.

I would have enjoyed the book more if there was more shown by the characters eyes, not telling.

There are a few scenes that I would have loved more details on. For example, the where they go to the BDSM club, I wanted to see what was going on around them when they entered, give me a picture as I read of what the characters are seeing, smelling, touching. I know this cannot be done the whole time, but there are times I want to be in the character's mind. I want to know what they are seeing, feeling etc. I know this is picky, but I really do miss this in books nowadays and this is why I don’t read so much anymore too. When I read I want to feel like I am in the story, not someone just telling me the story.

Would I still recommend this book? Yes, this is a new author that I know loves to learn and I know once she starts digging into the world more, the more she will apply to her stories. I can see her really growing in the next few years

How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks ~ Review

Title: How To Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced #1)
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Length: 416 pages
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Luciana grew up on the Isle of Moon, hidden away because of her magical powers. But when her father arrives, he offers her a choice: remain on the island or return with him and marry the Beast of Benwick in order to save their legacy—and her father's life.

Lord Leofric, the Beast of Benwick, has not been touched since he was a child. Born with the power to harness lightning, he is a danger to everyone he touches. When he meets his betrothed, he expects a loveless, lonely marriage...until he discovers she's vastly more powerful than he realized. But is she strong enough to withstand his touch?

If they can survive, their love will alter the future of the kingdom. But will their extraordinary powers cost them everything?

How To Tame a Beast in Seven Days was a fantastic book. Set in a fantasy world, it pulled on my roots of high fantasy reading and made them proud. A world that is detailed and vibrant, with people to go right along with it. There are even dragons!!!! Combine that with a beautiful arranged marriage style romance, I think I found a truly winning series.

The Embraced are a group of people born under a certain moon and grow up to be blessed/cursed with strange and sometimes terrifying powers. Luciana is an orphan growing up on the Isle of the Moon, the one place where Embraced are not feared and reviled. She was sent there to protect her from those that would kill her for what she is. She loves the island and her 'sisters,' but when her father (surprise!) shows up, she finds out that her history is completely different than what she believed.

Returning with her father to the mainlands, Luciana will have to convince the world that she is another person as she prepares to marry the Beast of Benwick, a man rumored to kill all who come near. And so begins our romance. Of course, the Beast has a surprising history and personality. I'm wasn't sure how Kerrelyn Sparks was going to get these characters together for a while. Everything was stacked against them and both were terrified of what might happen.

There are some crazy twists and turns as Luciana and the Beast travel to the capital. Attacks, deaths, discoveries, and along the way we get to meet some really great secondary characters that I feel just might show up with a story of their own - I certainly hope so.

While I enjoy a good twisting tale, there were a few times that it seemed like a twist was thrown in to drag the story out just a tad, and then we had a bit of a rushed ending. Overall, I loved the world, I loved the characters, and I can't wait to see what they are going to do next.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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Darkness Seduced by Stephanie Rowe ~ Review

Title: Darkness Seduced (Order of the Blade #2)

Author: Stephanie Rowe
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 6, 2015
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Immortal warrior Gideon Roarke made an oath five hundred years ago to the woman who died for him. The ancient Calydon is ruthless in his quest to honor that promise, even if it means risking everything by teaming up with the one woman who will either destroy him, or finally bring redemption to his blackened, hardened soul. After escaping from a two-year imprisonment at the hands of a madman, the only thing Lily Davenport wants is to go home and reclaim her life. Unfortunately for Lily, standing between her and that goal is a sensual, demanding protector whose dangerous seduction threatens to claim her life...and her soul. The Calydons Destiny: The Calydons are a race of ancient immortals cursed with a dark side. Each Calydon is destined to meet his soul mate, to be so drawn to her that he is unable to resist bonding with her through the rituals of his race, but their destiny is to destroy each other and all they care about the moment their bond is complete.

It's been awhile since I read the first book in the Order of the Blade series, and I was quite happy to see that I was able to jump into Darkness Seduced without having to re-read it. There is an overall stroy arc, but the high points were covered in a way that didn't seem like a re-cap, and the romance was definitely a hot stand-alone affair.

Lily is mentioned in book one and the Calydons are out to find and rescue this woman that has been held by the bad guys (rogue Calydons) for years......yes years! But Gideon is quite surprised when they find her and it seems like she may be his mate. Why? Because he already lost his, and he isn't supposed to have another. So, our story begins with them denying the truth in front of them - but at least they have a good reason to.

Calydons aren't supposed to mate, it turns them into termpermental a-holes that like to kill everyone around them. But in the first book, our couple defies fate and manages  to avoid what was thought to be inevitable. Gideon and Lily will now have to do the same.

There is tons of action in this story, and the pacing was reminescent of an urban fantasy - so I think people who just want a good paranormal adventure will enjoy this book right along with the paranormal romance crowd.

However, with the Calydons playing with destiny, and their sanity, we don't quite have a HEA - but more of a "well, at least we haven't killed anyone yet so we can stay together" type of ending. The evil still lurks out there and they still need to destroy it. There were a few times that it seemed like the action overtook everything else - it was quite violent at times. I enjoy a good fight between good and evil, but the hop betwee down-time and action happened a little suddenly at times.

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Freakn' Cougar by Eve Langlais ~ Review

Title: Freakn’ Cougar (Freakn’ Shifters #6)

Author: Eve Langlais
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 221 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: January 29, 2014
Source: Purchase
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Forget taming their cougar. These young studs want her as is, even if she scratches.

Someone's killing shifters in prison, and Patricia needs help catching the culprit. The cougar enlists the help of Stu and Ricky, a techno geek and a reformed criminal, a mismatched pair, who turn out to also be her mates. But Patricia's already loved and lost one man. Does she dare allow herself to care again?

Older isn't just wiser, it's sexier, or at least that's what a socially challenged wolf and a bad boy panther think. Forced to work together to catch a killer, Stu and Ricky soon find out they'll have to learn to do more than tolerate each other when they realize a hot, almost forty cougar is their mate. Can they find a way to work together and make their cougar purr?

Ok, so yes our heroine is a cougar - as in she turns into one - but I never really pictured as a cougar in the older woman type of way. She just didn't seem that much older than the guys, unless someone was specifically mentioning it (which was kind of awkward). The image on the cover also makes her look much older than she is in the book.

The awkward reminders of the age difference aside, this was a pretty exciting story. A mismatched group of shifters sent undercover to a prison to try and catch a killer. There are lots of opportunities for craziness, and Eve Langlais takes advantage of most of them. I wish she had left a few out, it got to be a tad overdone at times, especially when paired with three over the top personalities.

The bad guy was great. Super creepy and I was surprised when I found out who it was - so kudos to Eve Langlais because I usually figure a good chunk of it out before I'm supposed to. This was a fun trip back to the Freakn' Shifters series, but I feel like some of the characters are starting to be copies of each other. I'll keep with it though because they are hilarious and hope it goes back to the inventive beginning that first drew me in.

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Freakn' Shifters

Delicate Freakn' Flower #1

Jealous and Freakn' #2

Already Freakn' Mated #3

Jungle Freakn' Bride #5

Come Undone by Gabi Moore ~ Review

Title: Come Undone (Bad Boys After Dark #3)

Author: Gabi Moore
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 252 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Source: Review Request
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

WARNING: This book contains dark and disturbing themes, strong language and over the top sexiness that may be uncomfortable for some readers!

Kat Lilith is confident, successful, and supremely organized.

Newly divorced, she’s soon proposed to by a man who ticks all the same boxes she does. He’s everything she knows she should want in a man… so why does she find herself yearning for the first time in her life for something a little …different?

Mark Cane is... different .

Not only does he not tick any of her boxes, he blusters into Kat’s life and tears up her whole list. When she discovers that he runs a successful business, constructing intricate BDSM furniture for his devoted clients, she can no longer contain her curiosity.

Soon, Kat learns that although it’s fun to have control, it’s way more fun to lose it.

Mark is a little wild, a little dangerous… and very good at unraveling her world. But maybe that’s just exactly what she needs…

First, I'd like to note that the warning on this one is a little off. Is there some kinky stuff, yes. Is it what I could call dark and disturbing - definitely not. There's some power play and a little 'daddy' going on, but not to the extent the warning portrays.

That being said, this was a pretty fun book. I liked how straight-laced Kat was.  She seemed to have her new life mapped out, and it was going to be perfect. But she found out that she was wrong - in a big way. The man of her dreams has no spark, no lust, no excitement.

But once she meets Mark, things are very different. I loved how Gabi Moore was able to contrast these two men - from the way they looked, they way they spoke, and what they wanted from Kat. I thought Kat's indecision was very real. Her ideas conflicting with her desires. What she thought was "right" conflicting with her curiosity.

This is a romance - so we can guess how it ends. But along the way, there are grown-up issues brought to light. Dating as a single mom - when to introduce your child to your new boyfriend? How do you handle meeting your girlfriend's kid? This was all written very well, with a good mixture of fear and hope.

I didn't care for the daddy game they played at times. It just wasn't my style. I also had some problems with the way Kat's daughter was written at times. Her age seemed to fluctuate - I couldn't figure out just how old she was supposed to be, and when an age was given, it didn't seem to match her level of development.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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Beauty and the Wiener by Casey Griffin ~ Review

Title: Beauty and the Wiener (A Rescue Dog Romance #2)

Author: Casey Griffin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 400 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

A TAIL AS OLD AS TIME…

Addison Turner has scripted a perfect future for herself, complete with a fairytale ending. She will become the name in doggie fashion design and live happily ever after with the husband of her dreams—and her dachshund, Princess, by her side. Just when her plan is on track and she’s gaining recognition at the local dog show, Addison is hit with some Oscar-worthy drama. A group of prize-winning show dogs are stolen from under her nose, and she’s stuck asking for help from Felix Vaughn, an infuriatingly hot bartender who is the exact opposite of Prince Charming.

When more dogs go missing—and Felix becomes a suspect—the two team up to clear their names. Although Felix and Addison fight like cats and dogs, there’s an undeniable spark between them. And as the trail to the missing dogs heats up, so does their red-hot chemistry. Can Addison be persuaded to throw away her script to find an ending that just might be better than she ever expected?

This series is so cute! I love the addition and fun that the dogs add, and being able to re-visit the all the characters in the next book really help bring them to life. Our attention has turned to Addison this time. She's on the fast track to making her high-class grooming salon the next big thing in the dog show world. But it wouldn't be much of a story if something didn't go wrong.

The show dogs are kidnapped right out from underneath everyone's noses and Addison is being blamed. Her business is suffering and the annoying know it all bartender, Felix, isn't willing to help her. But when he gets roped into the blame game, he doesn't have much of a choice. More dogs are gone and no one seems to trust anyone else.

Felix was awesome!!! I want him. He is one of the best romance heroes I've had a chance to 'meet' in a long time. He's sweet and he really has his priorities in order. He also saves the day in the most perfect way and throws a good bit of humor into the dialog.

It was Addison I had a bit of trouble with. She's quite a judgemental person and a bit of a gold digger. But she loves Princess, her dachshund, and the little dog helps to ground her in a strange way. Princess is a bit of a diva herself, so they are a perfect match.

Felix and Addison come together while they try to clear their names. They both have to grow a bit (Addison a bit more than Felix) and there's some great tear jerking moments near the end. I will definitely be picking up the next book as soon as I can!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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A Rescue Dog Romance

Must Love Wieners #1

Undeniable by Gayle Eden

Title: Undeniable

Author: Gayle Eden
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 200 pages
Publisher: Air Castle Books
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Source: Freebie
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Sensual Regency Romance from Gayle Eden Free book

I don't remember why I picked up this book - maybe it was a blind "Freebie click." But I could have done without.

Let's start with the good though. Gayle Eden starts with two great characters and a good set up. Our hero is a barely legitimized bastard that society looks down on and he's trying to prove himself. Our heroine is a bit jaded and almost on the shelf miss that just wants the freedom to do what she wants.

They have a marriage of convenience and mutual purpose. Both content to live their own lives apart from each other for the most part. But the story after this point was very un-memorable. I had to read through some other reviews to jog my memory just a few days later.

Outside of the storyline, this book needs a good proofreader and historical editor. Scenes go from drinking tea to coffee, and I'm pretty sure some of the terms and language used wasn't true to the time.

I'd recommend taking a pass on this one.

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Fashionably Dead by Robyn Peterman ~ Review

Title: Fashionably Dead (Hot Damned #1)

Author: Robyn Peterman
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Length: 323 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 2, 2013
Source: Purchase
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Vampyres don’t exist. They absolutely do not exist.

At least I didn’t think they did ‘til I tried to quit smoking and ended up Undead. Who in the hell did I screw over in a former life that my getting healthy equates with dead?

Now I’m a Vampyre. Yes, we exist whether we want to or not. However, I have to admit, the perks aren’t bad. My girls no longer jiggle, my ass is higher than a kite and the latest Prada keeps finding its way to my wardrobe. On the downside, I’m stuck with an obscenely profane Guardian Angel who looks like Oprah and a Fairy Fighting Coach who’s teaching me to annihilate like the Terminator.

To complicate matters, my libido has increased to Vampyric proportions and my attraction to a hotter than Satan’s underpants killer rogue Vampyre is not only dangerous . . . it’s possibly deadly. For real dead. Permanent death isn’t on my agenda. Avoiding him is my only option. Of course, since he thinks I’m his, it’s easier said than done. Like THAT’S not enough to deal with, all the other Vampyres think I’m some sort of Chosen One.

Holy Hell, if I’m in charge of saving an entire race of blood suckers, the Undead are in for one hell of a ride.

Before diving into a Robyn Peterman story a reader must know a few things:
1. Her humor is crude, but lovely - and way over the top in all the best ways
2. Her heroine will have a dirty mouth and a dirty mind
3. Things will get a bit ridiculous - but they are supposed to

So, if that sounds like something up your alley, then you will love these books.  When Astrid goes to be hypnotized to stop smoking and is turned into a vampyre instead, she isn't sure the amazing body she ended up with was worth not being able to eat her favorite ice cream. When she's paired with a potty-mouth guardian angel and a fairy warrior that channels his inner Schwarzenegger, things start getting really good.

Astrid has a lot of decisions ahead of her - which vampyre house to join (read sorority) and whether or not she should fall for the handsome Ethan - or one of the many other beyond gorgeous vampyre men around her.

Lots of laughs, lots of action (in every possible way), and a good dose of raunchy humor. The only drawback was that I really disliked some of the side characters. And I think I was supposed to like them. Hopefully they'll work out in the long run because I really love the rest of the story.

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Reluctrant Revenge by Xandra James ~ Review

Title: Reluctant Revenge (The Enforcers #1)

Author: Xandra James
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 47 pages
Publisher: Pink Petal Books
Release Date: December 1, 2011
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Nash was bound to Sienna completely – by a blood connection and a deep desire. An Enforcer for the Supranormal community, he was obligated to protect his sexy assignment, despite her family devastating his world.

After being betrayed, Sienna falls into the arms of her surly protector; a demon with a secret of his own. But can she face her destiny knowing she's more dangerous than those Nash was protecting her from?

This was a fun and quick paranormal romance, with a good dose of excitement and suspense. An enemies to lovers story, I enjoyed the way the backstory was introduced along the way at just the right time to fill in the holes as needed.

Demons, angels, vampires (sort of), and who knows how many other paranormal types just not met yet. The creatures were all a bit different than the traditional, which kept things interesting and fun.

But, it was a bit rushed. As a novella, I didn't get the chance to feel the suspense build up like I wanted to and things resolved very quickly at the end.

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The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne ~ Review

Title: The Holiday Gift (Cowboys of Cold Creek #15)
Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: November 22, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS

With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He's always been "good ol' Chase," her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe…

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he's loved since childhood. Now he's determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won't let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

The Holiday Gift was a sweet second chance, friends to lovers style romance. There wasn't anything overly dramatic or exciting, it was just a really solid and down to earth story. Faith is determined to prove that she can make it on her own after her husband's death a couple years ago. She's raising her kids and running the ranch, and things seem to be perfect.

Then, her best friend has to go and ruin everything by asking her out on a date. Like a real date. She's not sure if she's ready for that, and she's definitely not ready to risk her friendship with Chase if things don't work out. But Chase has other ideas, he doesn't want to miss this second chance to be with the girl he's loved since they were young.

A fun and beautiful romance. I loved the connection that Chase and Faith had already built through the years and the community that surrounded them. I just had a hard time finding something that stood out and make this one something special.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward ~ Audiobook Review

Title: Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)

Author: JR Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 502 pages - Audio
Publisher: Signet Books
Release Date: October 1, 2007
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

In Caldwell, New York, war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will...

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time—until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her...

I had a hard time buying some of this one. Vishous is quite a cold hearted vampire. His history was a rough one, and I did enjoy seeing how it shaped him and his personality. A lot more about him made sense after reading this book. I felt a little sorry for him to be honest.  Although I still don't quite understand how this odd relationship with Butch fits into the whole thing.

Vishous is feeling a little sorry for himself now that his bromance has found a mate of his own. He puts himself at risk needlessly and ends up in a human hospital - this is one of the worst things that can happen. Human doctors can quickly see the difference between vampire and human anatomy (and I found some of the differences to be fascinating).

Enter Dr. Jane Whitcomb. We get a ton of history about her - some of it was a bit confusing. I kept waiting for her sister to pop up again in the story and she never did. Maybe she does later? There were some pretty heavy hints dropped that I kept waiting for her to appear.

Jane quickly realizes Vishous is different than any patient she's ever seen before. And when she's kidnapped to keep watch over her patient after he's rescued the "I love her - but she's human - but I love her - but she's human" begins and never seems to end.

Well, eventually it does, and I think JR Ward wrote herself into a corner again. There are a few times now that she's really broken the rules of her own world again. I think this was my biggest pet peeve of the series so far. She finds a way to sort of make it work, but it's not quite within the rules either.

There are some pretty big reveals about some of the brotherhood, which I like. And I enjoy seeing all them in each story. Revisiting past favorites is always fun - but I wish the women had a stronger appearance as well.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood

Dark Lover #1
Lover Eternal #2
Lover Awakened #3
Lover Revealed #4

Lover Mine #8