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grapeapril75

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Hex Gone Wild (BBW Werewolf Erotica) (Smut-Shorties Book 4)

Hex Gone Wild (BBW Werewolf Erotica) (Smut-Shorties Book 4) - Milly Taiden Just look at that smexy cover, seriously

I love it, I love it, I love it!!!! Such a delicious read! Milly knows the right way to write BBW. She keeps it smexy and has the curvey girl positive about her body!!! Other authors of the genre should take note and emulate!

Now for the smexy, good lord!! I was ready for a bucket of ice after this!! I am talking some serious steam going on in this tiny book. Give me a dominant dirty talking wolf any day of the week! Uber hot!!

I love these hot little reads, but they are a tease!! I want more!!

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Lords of the Hill: BBW Werewolf Erotica (Smut-Shorties Book 3)

Lords of the Hill: BBW Werewolf Erotica (Smut-Shorties Book 3) - Mina Carter Another smexy read!!!

I am really loving these smexy shorts. For such short stories they are very well developed. You are able to get a real sense of the characters and the world. Bonus that is is my shifter crack!!

While you get a sense of the leads, there could have been more interaction, but hey, it is meant to be smut. Jumping straight into the steam is defined by mating lust. Holla, smexy menage action!!

Again, my only complaint is I want more, what happens next?

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Me and My Ghoulfriends

Me and My Ghoulfriends - Rose Pressey This was a very interesting read. I would also like to say it highlights my point about finding the right narrator for the audiobook. This book has some dialogue that can seem juvenile if not presented properly. The narration was performed in a mature manner and helped elevate the book. I read another series with similar dialogue but with a very youthful narrator, that was unsuccessful all around. This is why it is crucial to have the right combination of story and read for the audio. It really can make it or break it.

I generally enjoyed the concept, I am usually a sucker for the ghost themes. This one has some fun turns, President Lincoln is a real hoot! I was also intrigued by the other spirits she encounters. I wish more of the book were about the ghost hunting and helping, less about the moping around because of a guy.

Larue is a great character, most of the time. She does see a bit immature at times. I love her banter with her BFF Mindy, although they are a little slow on the uptake. I would have loved to see more hi-jinks from them. Mostly it was a case of tell about events after rather than showing them while they are happening.

The whole book is from Larue's POV, which limits things a bit. I under stand why we can not get some of the other characters, I just wish there were more narrative insights.

This is a pretty light romance, and bedroom free, totally clean. I expect there will be more romance in the next book, this one was mostly angst.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Klett, who does a fantastic job. She has a great tone that transcends the youthful dialogue. Had she not kept the maturity in her read, this could have been a very different review. Her pace is terrific, just swift enough to keep the story moving when it lagged. Her voices were great, she didn't try to butch it up for the men but she did give them a masculine touch. I will definitely be looking for more of her reads!

Overall, this was a good read and entertaining. The beginning is engaging, the middle lags, and then the end kind of leave you hanging. Not a huge cliff hanger, but definitely not resolved.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Chances Are

Chances Are - Barbara Bretton As I was ambivalent about the first book, I did not expect to like this one as much as I did. The great thing about this book is that it takes up into the HEA, you get to see them working out the real life snags. There are some really wonderful moments with the supporting cast that make the book sing! I was really into this book, which is unique because I generally like my romances to have new leads each time around.

We get to see the whole family dynamic and how it is changing with Maddy and Aiden's relationship. There is drama, there is angst and most of all there is love!! Alright, so it is more drama than anything, but that was what I was in the mood for today.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by LC Kane, who is great. I love her sweet even tone, it really fits the read. Great pace keeps the story moving along. I also like that she did not try to go too deep for the men. I enjoyed her energy throughout and the emotion she was able to convey. This read smoother than the first book in the series. Just watch those hissing "S"s, I had to adjust my earphones at one point. I will be looking for more of her work!

While this was a great visit again with Maddy and Aiden, I would love to see other supporting characters take the lead in the next book. I am a sucker for everybody getting their HEA!!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Shore Lights

Shore Lights - Barbara Bretton This is what I have come to expect from Ms Bretton, a sweet romance with loads of family drama to sort out. I generally enjoyed the story behind this sweet romance. There are many levels to delve into.

This is more of a mature romance, not my typical fav. I like things with more action all around. Still a sweet single mom and a smexy fire-fighter single dad is a treat. There is much story here, so many wonderful supporting characters. While it is a romance there is a great deal of fiction in the story as well. It takes you on a slow ride through their lives.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by LC Kane, who is great. I love her sweet even tone, it really fits the read. Great pace keeps the story moving along. I also like that she did not try to go too deep for the men. I enjoyed her energy throughout and the emotion she was able to convey. The only negative is that it gets breathy at times, I am not a fan of hearing the narrator take large breaths, but that is more of an editing thing. I will be looking for more of her work!

Overall this was a sweet book that kept me entertained at work. I was not over the moon in love with it, but that had more to do with my mood than the storytelling. For fans of inter-generational stories, and mature couples in romance, this will be a great read. The story continues in the second book of the series, following the same leads.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

State of Nature: Book Three of The Park Service Trilogy

State of Nature - Ryan Winfield Such a great read!!! This series has been such a journey. Warning - If you do not want to end up an ugly-crying- sobbing mess, DO NOT READ THE EPILOGUE!!!!! I was completely devastated by the epilogue!

I have always felt the heart of this story is the friendship between Aubrey and Jimmy. They are so loyal to each other, and sacrifice at every turn. Pretty much the whole time they stay at each other's side. The platonic "I Love You" scene is touching. It really shows the depth of their relationship.

The book is all from Aubrey's POV, again, and you get to see how he isn't trying to be a hero, just do the right thing. Hannah is as crazy as her father, such hatred for no reason.

With any Dystopian series, things are mostly grim, you see sparks of hope, only to have them stamped out. This journey breaks your heart more than one. The second book was tough, losing the people on the Isle of Man, Junior and a possible love interest for Jimmy. Reading the books all together, that wound is still fresh. This book rips those wounds open and throws a little salt in as well.

There are may twists and turns revealed, one I suspected, others were a shock. Truly engaging and dynamic story telling kept the story moving, even when the action was at a lull. I loved every minute of the journey, even the ones that had me in tears. This story highlights the worst of man and the best of us as well. One of my favorite quotes was "Would I give up innocence for wisdom", it is one of the key themes for Aubrey. It is a wonder he trusts anyone in the end.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Braun, who delivers a wonderful read. He has consistent and distinct voices throughout the read. My only real complaint is that the pace is very slow, even when I sped it up in the app. Fortunately that did not effect the energy of the story throughout the read. I love his tone, especially when he is reading for Jimmy. He adds just the perfect touches to bringing the tale to life. I am definitely looking for more of his reads.

This series has been such a delight and heartbreak at the same time. When I requested a copy from the author, I really did not know what I was in for. This is one of those stories and characters that will stay with me a long time. When I think of them, there will be tears and smiles. These kinds of books are made to make you stop and think. I can only how that the powerful message is delivered to many young people.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Don't Drink and Hex (BBW Werewolf Erotica) (Smut-Shorties Book 2)

Don't Drink and Hex (BBW Werewolf Erotica) (Smut-Shorties Book 2) - Milly Taiden Hot Damn!!!!!!

Yes!!!Yes!!!Yes!!!! This is the sort of curvy gal I want to see more of in the genre!!! She isn't moping around thinking her body isn't good enough. At one point she even says she loves her curves!!!!! Hell Yes!

The story is kind of a tease, I want more!!!! Ladies I am begging for a series that is longer and more detailed!! You're all about length and girth, go ahead an endow those stories!! It is your own fault for writing it so well!

Love the hot and heavy smexy time. Good Lord, when you promise smut, you deliver. I am talking serious pantie soaking steamy! Have the cold shower ready!

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Master of the City: (BBW Werewolf Erotica) (Smut-Shorties Book 1)

Master of the City: (BBW Werewolf Erotica) (Smut-Shorties Book 1) - Mina Carter So dang hot!!!

This is a short read with same seriously smexy wallop! I would love to see this expand to a series. For such a short read you get a nice chunk of world and character development.

This short read delivers on the smut! A real pantie soaker!!!

I would be thrilled if this turned out to be a prequel to something bigger!!

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The Curvy Vet and the Billionaire Cowboy

The Curvy Vet and the Billionaire Cowboy - Victoria Wessex Smexy but light on story

I had really high hopes for this book. It looks yummy in the blurb. But the lead falls into the self loathing stereotype. She has moments of confidence, but overall she needs the big strong cowboy to tell her she is worthy. There is also very little build in the relationship, things could have been better if spaced out over time.

This books is a delicious chunk of smexy. Yay gotta love an Alpha cowboy! Although the whole I want to make you pregnant after only knowing you a day, is a lot to take in.

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Troll Or Derby

Troll Or Derby - Red Tash I really wasn't sure what to expect coming into this book. The story turned out to be nothing like I expected. There are so many twists and turns, it fells very jumpy at times. I enjoyed it but it is definitely an acquired taste.

I like Deb and her spunky attitude. She is a bit of a tough girl, she is also a lesbian, which is rather vague for most of the book. It is said more in insults to her clothes and general demeanor, she makes mention of it herself, but it was such a passing comment you almost miss it. I enjoyed her narrative, she really is a sassy little thing. It must be a huge thing to discover you are not who you thought and everything around you is not what it seems.

Harlow is the other half of the narrative, he is a great character. I loved his snarky troll thoughts. He is just trudging along and then bang, life smacks him in the face. It takes time to really get into who he is and how her grew up. Once you get all the details, the murky story comes together.

The supporting cast is mostly bad guys, but hey, they are the meat of this tale. As things develop you see how Deb and Harlow have had to grow in a really negative atmosphere. The skating isn't key until later in the story, I thought there would be more roller derby throughout. Perhaps in the next book.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Bentley, who is incredible! She is seriously talented and at one point I really thought there must be two narrators. The Harlow sections are so well done, I actually had to check and see if they were being done by a man. Such a fantastic job of changing the tone and keeping the read consistent. Her energy feeds into the action of the story and the emotions come through vibrantly. I am such a fan of her read, I am going to go see what else she has ASAP! Another one for my stalking...um following list.

I was intrigued by this story and thought if flowed nicely. It does tend to go off on what appear to be tangents, they are connected but at the time they just felt like rambling. Still, I am very interested in seeing what is next for this series. It is a very modern sort of fairy tale, in the gritty traditions of the Brothers Grimm.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Isle of Man

Isle of Man - Ryan Winfield The second book in the series is just as engaging and dynamic as the first. There are so many levels to this story. Just when you think you have things figured out, there will be a sharp turn that takes it to a whole other place! warning, if you are an emotional sort, you will need tissues at one point, maybe two!

Once again was are all first person coming from Aubrey's POV. It is tough to really get a feel for other character's motivations without being told. It does add an element of surprise to the story, as you find out when he does. That aspect really keeps you on your toes.

Aubrey has always been likeable, if a touch of a know it all, and loyal to a fault. He is also far too trusting, by now you think some of the shine would have come off of him. So often he is stuck playing mediator between his friends. It is a tough place to be. I do really enjoy how tight he and Jimmy are and the connection they share. Hannah, is another story, I think she inherited more than a little of her father's sketchy ideals.

The journey they take in this book is fascinating because we see more of what has become of the Earth. How other species had evolved and some humans de-evolved. There are many surprises when they reach the Isle of Man. I wish we could have spent more time there and had more about the relationships that were formed. This would have been a great place to have some narrative from Jimmy. I suspect that would have made later events even more heartbreaking.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Braun, who is wonderful. I really enjoy the distinction between the men's voices, he keeps them consistent throughout. His women's voices are light without trying to be overly feminine. He doesn't go to the whiny upper range, so many male narrators fall into that trap. He has a great pace throughout the read. He adds plenty of energy and emotion to the read. Really a terrific fit, he blend story and narration beautifully.

I am thoroughly enjoying this series and the rare male protagonist in a young adult read. While the story has romantic elements, they are not the driving force of the story. I really wish more YA would take that approach.

What is going to happen next! While we are not at a true cliffhanger, things are far from settled at the end. I can not wait to jump strait into the next book! Thank goodness the whole series is out and there is no waiting!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

A Mommy for Christmas

A Mommy for Christmas - Danielle Lee Zwissler This is a twofer, you get A Mommy For Christmas and a short bonus read of Meant To Be Always. They are both fairly wholesome romances. That means closed bedroom door, although there isn't really and bedroom action. It is a few sedate kisses at best.

The first book has Melanie and Jackson, who are both healing from life. Jackson from his wife's passing and caring for his young daughter. Melanie from a broken engagement and a want for motherhood.

The story alternates between bother of their POV, I prefer this sort of mixed narrative. It really makes for a fuller story.

This story is super short, it really could be lengthened and have the romance play out over a longer period of time. While it was a sweet read, it did leave me wanting more story.

The second story is even shorter and less believable. Maddie and Brice, have great chemistry but one night does not forever make. This is another story that would benefit from more length to truly develop the romance.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tiffany Williams, who does a lovely job. Her voice and energy are perfectly suited to this sweet romance. I enjoyed her character's voices and the distinctions she gave them. It was always clear who was speaking. Her tone has a soft and feminine quality that is great for a sappy love story. I would love to hear more of her reads in this genre.

These are two quick Holiday reads that have a lovely premise. I would enjoy reading more of this author and seeing her expand her romances into longer novels. I think she has so much to offer and length would enhance the relationships she creates.

Disclosure- I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner

Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner - T.J. Mitchell, Judy Melinek I don't do a lot of non-fiction books, but I might do more if they were like this book. This is a biography of a Forensic Pathologist going through her work and home life. I love shows like CSI and Bones, so I figured this would be a delight. It has more grit on it than most of those shows, definitely not for the feint of heart.

I really enjoyed the interactions with her husband. He is a great sounding board for her throughout her career. I loved the foil he played to her macabre life. They have a great dynamic and it lightens the feel of the book.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby, who is fantastic. I love her energy throughout the read, she adds just the right touch to something that could have been a dry read. She did a great job with the voices and kept them consistent. Generally non-fiction can be daunting, but her read feels more like a fiction tale. It was engaging and entertaining the whole way through. I will definitely be looking for more of her reads!

This book would be perfect for anybody who is into the police procedural and fascinated by the coroners. There is so much here and the number one take away is death isn't pretty. Another thought is there are so many ways to die and many catch you off guard.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Rebecca

Rebecca - Celia Kyle Yeah, I am super excited to see more of this series!! This book picks up at the next gathering, where threads that were left loose from the beginning of the series are being picked up. Again we have delicious Alpha pairs finding their mate. There is a bit of intrigue, because she does not appear to have a mark. But really the super lusty thoughts never lie.

I really liked Rebecca, for the most part, she does have a couple self doubt moments. Mostly she is very confident and sassy. She is more than woman enough to handle tall dark and scared Aidan, and moody pretty boy Carson. They have a little drama to get over, but hey that is relationships.

Loads of hot and steamy action!! Cause it is a mating after all!! Oh lordy, better hold onto your panties, or leave them off all together! Definitely a smexy menage!

We get to catch up with the Wickham gals, all mated up and blissfully happy. Scarlet is beginning to act a bit like another Alpha female we know from Ms Kyle's writing. Not sure how I feel about that. While I enjoy the sarcasm, I would like her to have her own Alpha identity, perhaps not as flighty as Maya.

I can not wait to meet Rebecca's sisters and find out what fate has in store for them! And I am eager to hear more about this new threat!

Payton's Pursuit

Payton's Pursuit - Joanne Jaytanie This is a great second book in the series. We get to find out about Payton and Collin. They are kind of an opposites match. She is very set in her schedule and he has all the wolfie stuff going on. Turns out she mellows him and he loosens her up.

The story this time goes into more detail about the genetic testing, that has been going on for some time. There are many more connections and coincidences, not sure I was buying all of them. It would seem the world of Pharmaceuticals is very connected. A small petri dish, to use a bit of science humor!

The romance develops rather quickly. I am coming to expect that in this series. I am totally believing there are feelings there, I am just not to love yet. This book does have open bedroom door lovin!! Just enough detail to make it naughty but not enough to take it to erotic.

The book has a mixed narrative, you get both leads POV and some supporting cast. It is very intriguing to have insight into the thoughts of the bad guys. It definitely makes for a richer reading experience.

I love the supporting cast and really hope we get to see HEA for them too. I know it is mostly about the sisters, but I would love to see the military boys find love as well.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Robin Rowan, who is great. I loved her energy and the tone of her voice. She did a great job with both men and women. I was very happy to find she tones down Payton's voice in this book. She has a great pace that moves with the action of the story. I really hope she stays with the series.

Overall , this is a highly entertaining book. So much going on in the story that the romance tends to take a back seat. I can not wait for Willow's book!!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Mail Order Tiger Bride Wars

Mail Order Tiger Bride Wars - Dawn Steele The first half is rough.

This is a very intriguing concept, I wanted to love it, but there were some issues. The first half of the book is tough to get through. Her sister is a heinous, Cole is shallow and Ellen is rather mopey. She has moments where she stands up for herself, which are great. I enjoyed seeing her gain confidence and come into her own.

The romance is kind of iffy, mostly because the hero is a major work in progress. He often says and thinks douchy things. Fortunately he is rather self aware and trying to change, to a degree. The smexy scenes are kind of brief, but have steamy detail. I would have liked seeing more of the BDSM angle.

This is a mixed narrative where you get Ellen, Cole and Terry's POV. I could have done without the sister as she was never really anything but jealous and spiteful. Had she had some sort of growth or change, but no, she was pretty much one note.

I will warn my friends who have grammar and editing peeves, there are a lot of errors. Usually I take them in stride, but there were so many that it took me out of the reading at times. I suggest going through the book one time for cleanup. Most of the issues are omitted words or missing letters.

I am intrigued by this author and will check out future books. I just hope they have better editing.

On the upside, it is a Kindle Unlimited and I was able to read it as part of my subscription.