Obligation (Undergroud Kings Series) By: Aurora Rose Reynolds

Obligation is the second book in the Underground King series each book is a standalone that ends in a H.E.A. You do not need to read the first book in the series but I suggest you do because this is a very good series unlike anything we have seen from this author. This book deals with themes such as sexual abuse, and rape. This is not to detour readers but as a forewarning about this subject matter. Although the author does not dig very deep into these issues its still one of the themes/storylines in the book.

Yelling, Fighting, and a promise to be better. A mother’s plea to save her daughter. That was Myla’s last memories of her biological parents. This dark moment changed her life forever. Brought into a good loving home with parents who loved her as their own. Unfortunately things aren’t always as they seem. One day everything changed, her world as she knew it went up in smoke. Until Kai.

He has loved her since they were kids. Even as a child he always promised to protect her. Days, months, years has passed by, until one day she needs him and he is the only means of protection she has. In order to save her he must marry her. Give her the family name and everything that goes along with being his wife. Except for Kai it’s much deeper than protection. A past that binds them and a dark sordid past. Can these two face their demons together or will the past be too much to bear?

One of the things that I loved about this book is the underlying dark tone the author took in the beginning but as the book progressed it was as if the author was afraid to explore the boundaries. The themes in this book are heavy but felt watered down. Mila’s issues weren’t really addressed and when the truth finally came out it was glossed over and Kai left. Granted he left for reason and I won’t reveal too much. But it was such a heavy intimate moment between the two and could have been explored more. I did find Mila to be a walking contradiction when it came to Kai she had all the sass in the world but when it came to facing her past she reverted back to being a shell of a woman. For instance she has all these self-defense skills and took down Pika but didn’t put up much of a fight when certain names were mentioned.

Where is the time line? One minute she's reliving a horrible past in a flashback scene the next in a bikini relaxing and coming to terms with what happened. (From context clues you can tell that time has lapsed) With this book you can see that the author has a great range in her writing and at times I found some elements of the book to be reminiscent of a K.A. book.  I think this book could have been better if the author would just dig a little deeper her work just searches the surface. Good material just needs a proper time line of events and more depth. It was scenes of day to day living but so much to be explored in the story. At times the scenes jumped around and I wondered how we got to a certain point. It was a slow build up to events. I thought the author did a good job with this story but as reader I thought some issues would have added another layer of depth to the story if explored and was fully flushed out. I found very few grammatical issues with this story and loved that the author stepped outside of the box and did a story different then what we are used to. I give this book 3.5 stars. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

***ARC Provided In Exchange For An Honest Review***

 

 

By Any Other Name (Forbidden Series Book One) By: J.M. Darhower

By Any Other Name

(Forbidden Series Book One)

By

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

J.M. Darhower

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 23^rd, 2015

 

 

Synopsis:

A deadly rivalry.

Two families at war.

Nobody is safe, not even the innocent.

Especially the innocent.

Blood will be spilled.

 

Genevieve "Genna" Galante knows a thing or two about causing trouble. After all, it's engrained in her DNA. As the only daughter of Primo Galante, notorious boss of the Galante crime family, her life is dictated by a certain set of rules… rules Genna was never very good at following.

Matteo "Matty" Barsanti never wanted anything to do with the family business, but as the first-born Barsanti son, certain things are expected of him. It's his duty, according to his father, to help take down the enemy... even if that enemy means something to him.

A chance encounter on an elevator changes the course of lives, causing the biggest trouble of Genna's young life. The only good Barsanti is a dead Barsanti. She's heard it said time and time again. So what happens when she falls in love with one of them?

 

The story of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle of the biggest rivalry New York has ever seen, determined to make it… if only they can survive their parents' feud.

 

Teaser:

"A Roman Coke," Genna mused. "What's that?"

"It's rum and Coke. We just call it a Roman Coke around here."

"Because you're Italian?"

"And because when you get drunk enough, it all just slurs together anyway."

"Ah." Genna picked hers up, motioning toward him with it. "So what are we drinking to?"

"Today."

"Today?"

He nodded. "Right now, this moment. Let's drink to it."

Smiling, she clinked her glass with his. "Today, then."

They threw them back at the same time. The liquor hit Genna's taste buds and she grimaced, the vicious burn seeping down her throat and settling deep in her chest. "Ugh, is there even any Coke in this damn thing?"

Matty laughed, setting his empty glass down. "Just a splash."

"I couldn't tell."

"That's because I prefer it that way," he responded. "Strong and rough, enough to leave a lingering ache. I like it to hurt just a bit."

Oh good God. Those words sent a chill down Genna's spine, one she couldn't hide, as Matty waved for the waitress. Eyes never leaving Genna, he ordered another round of drinks.

"Another?" she asked, picking up the water to take another sip, this one to soothe the sting in her chest. "You said one drink."

A sly smile curved his lips. "I like to keep them coming."

"Is that right?"

"Absolutely." Matty stood, leaning across the table, his lips near her ear. "Maybe you'll let me show you later."

 

About the Author:

J.M. Darhower is a USA Today bestselling author, best known for her Mafia romantic suspense novels. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn't busy writing (or being a fangirl) she's usually ranting about those things.

 

Author's links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmdarhower

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMDarhower

Website: http://www.jmdarhower.com/

 

Reviews vs. Opinions: Sorry I Don't Speak Basic

Recently I had a fellow reviewer comment with a five paragraph paper on why she thought my review on a book I rated three stars and she rated five was not to be taken seriously. The person went on to say that they were trying to help me understand the book and that my review wasn’t a review but in fact an opinion. Immediately I was thrown a back because this person was very delusional and went into a whole rant on what a relationship is and defined and gave examples of her relationship comparing it to the fictional characters in said book. They also went on to verbally attack me about how my review was a joke and to not be taken seriously. Of course I responded and let the person know that this was just my opinion and we don’t all like the same things.

The reviewer proceeded to tell me that my “review” wasn’t a review but an opinion.

 

So I decided in true CoCo fashion to educate this person and others who think that they can harass a person or expect a justification for one's opinion. I used Webster’s Dictionary to define the following words.

• Book Review:  A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is analyzed based on content, style, and merit. A book review can be a primary source opinion piece, summary review or scholarly review.
• Opinion: a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

The last time I checked book clubs were used for book discussion. The book in question had over a 100+ reviews and the fact that this person went trolling for reviews that they found didn’t line up with their opinion is a bit scary. To go as far as to write an elementary paper on why I didn’t understand the book and to attack me is just beyond. But….

This is part of the reason why people don’t review because delusional fangirls take fictional characters and fictional books way too seriously. Newsflash we don’t all like nor feel the same way about stuff. If we did how boring would the world be? I am all for book discussion but I don’t tolerate attacking or rudeness.

 It’s nothing wrong with stating your opinion and why you like or dislike a book. But when you go to battle over one person’s review what purpose does it serve? Are you getting paid? Does this behavior help your favorite author?

Seriously have several because you are doing way to much for a book that you didn't even get paid for.

Again this is just an opinion about one bloggers experience with crazy fangirls. While you are trolling for reviews and getting upset over a review I'm laughing because its funny yet sad at the same time.

Scratch ( Corporate Hitman Book 2) By: Olivia Linden & LeTeisha Newton

This is my first book ever by author Olivia Linden and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Scratch is book 2 in the corporate hit man series if you haven’t read book one you don’t need to but I suggest you do because the series is actually good.

Scratch: Never a man to be underestimated in fact he thrives off of it. Most saw him as flashy, a pretty boy but underneath lies a man with secrets and an underlying darkness. Women were a game for him apart of the job or a means to an end. The game changed and the rules changed when Agent Monica entered his life.

Monica: No-nonsense and very much so straight to the point. She is all woman in a male dominated field. Never one to put her heart on the line and definitely not one to mix business with pleasure. But you know what they say never say never.

Brought together to work on a case the lines get crossed and feelings get involved. Monica & Scratch have a lot more in common then they think.

This book is suspense sprinkled with a little romance. My problem with most action/suspense books is that sometimes the romance aspect takes a huge backseat and there is no balance between them. I thought this was a well told story with some very steamy love scenes. I will say that this book is more so dealing with the business and cases then romance. Scratch is a man obsessed and tries to mask his frustrations with his playboy ways but Monica has a way of changing that. I did enjoy reading about these two budding relationship and the fact that we got to catch up with other characters from the previous book Glitch which after reading this I just had to read that one as well. I will say that I wanted a little more from the ending it left me with a few more questions than answers which I guess we will find out in the next book. Like I always mention, “judge this book for yourselves and not on one person’s opinion.”

 

Sinjin: You Give Me Something Cameron Trilogy Book By: Serenity King

Serenity King’s long awaited book Sinjin is finally here! This is the last book in the Cameron Trilogy. If you haven’t read the other two in the series I suggest you do because they are just that good.

The loss of two team members after a horrendous mission can mark a man. Fighting any war can mark a man. Sinjin Cameron has suffered too many loses. Someone is out for his team and his love life or lack thereof is non-existent. Coping the only way he knows how Sinjin withdraws within himself and a nice bottle of amber liquid. Dealing with PTSD and an overly involved family has him on edge. But what happens when you meet the one person that calms you but a part of you knows you can’t have her?

Asia: World-renowned super model turned private investigator is a spit-fire. She can be a brat at times but loves fiercely. Sent on an undercover mission she runs into the only man that can make her heart beat quicken and dampen her panties. Although, they have this chemistry between them Asia knows that Sinjin is a man that is broken, and until he can let down those walls she is reluctant to give him her all.

Her life is in danger. Sinjin is the quintessential Alpha male he will do everything in his power to save her even if that means letting her go. Asia is like no other woman he has meet she doesn’t push him just adds comfort and a love that he has never experienced. As the drama hits up so do the sheets what happens when love, lust, and danger collide?

This book is a little slow moving at times but it all leads up to one big finale. I did like that the book offered a dual p.o.v. including one from the antagonist. I was happy to see characters from previous books make a reappearance in this book. Although at one point I found myself having to write down the list of characters because it was so many and they all played a part in the story. There were a few inconsistences in this story. For instance: He has o.c.d. so why would he leave trash in his house for a month?  Another example was that she is an undercover P.I. and is on the run but acknowledges fans. In the story it mentions that she needs to stay to mom and pop stores but then goes to Macys and keeps her phone on and checks in on social media. If you are trying not to get caught wouldn’t you disconnect from everything? I found some of the details were a little unnecessary at times but once the truth is revealed it all makes sense. I loved the fact that although insecure at times Asia really had Sinjin's back and he had hers. As a reader we really got to see their love blossom. This is not an insta-love type book. Once these two finally do get together the sex scenes are off the chart! I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and really wanted more after what both the characters have went through. But don't worry fans we do get a h.e.a. I just wanted a little bit more like with the other two stories in the trilogy.

The characters were very well developed and I was happy to finally read Sinjin’s story. This author has a way of weaving a good tale and I love that majority of her books are family oriented. I look forward to see what Mrs. King has in store for the future. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.

 

"I Want To Be Yours" By: D.M. Mortier

“I want to be Yours” is the debut novel from author D.M. Mortier. Be warned: a lot of the vernacular in this story is British.

Niccolo “Nico”: rules the world he lives in. Imagine when he comes home early one day and sees his wife (Celina) of six years sleeping with another. Being the overly possessive and crazy Italian that he is he deals with this situation as one would suspect he moves on and takes his revenge. Crushing on his partner and friend Mari for years now Nico finally has the opening to do something about it. What happens when two friends cross that line and one night of hot passion changes their lives forever?

Mari: is a world renowned hacker. Because of her mother’s decisions regarding men Mari has kept her heart guarded and has vowed never to become any man’s option. Attracted to Nico from the beginning she knew he was off limits. But when he comes to her with need and heartbreak can she turn him away?

A need that only the other can fill turns into an unhealthy obsession and a turbulent relationship.

(Possible Spoiler): This is a slight turn on your typical Billionaire/Virgin/Baby tale (End Spoiler)

He’s portrayed as being dominant but really is a bully and very forceful. She is naïve and very gullible only 25 to his 38. You know the typical doormat in books like this. One minute they are fighting the next second it’s all about sex. I was getting whiplash with all the back and forth issues between these two.

It was a lot of unnecessary detail in the story i.e. mentioning characters who would never appear again. The premise made no sense. He has around the clock security for his wife and all this technology to keep track of her she had been cheating for years and now his staff decides to tell him 6 years later? His only upset is that his siblings would get wind of this.

Because his wife had portrayed him in such a public way he has turned his heart into stone. Although he cares for Mari he can’t commit to her and for her that just isn’t enough. I do like that the author does a flashback scene so we can see how the two met and their infatuation with each other. She was very assertive in the beginning and then turned into a doormat over his maleness. The flashback although I enjoyed it was way too short. The author gives the reader some great details that were never explored then flips back to the present. I found that happens a lot with this book there are certain situations that added some depth to the story like Mari’s mothers past that the author never explored. Majority of the story was the two of them fighting each other and then giving into their lust or him bullying her with his nastiness.

 The time line is all over the place. The first half of the book was told in second person (narration) with limited dialogue between the characters. I was really confused about Mari’s resistance she wants to be with him he wants her what's the problem? Especially if you are going to end up sleeping with him anyway. About 43% the book hits a turning point finally some action (character interaction). But then it ends the same with denial then angry lust - filled sex. I honestly didn't see or feel the connection between the two he wasn't an alpha male but a bully.

He often referred to Alex as a possession. Not someone cherished or loved. I don't know how much more description I could take of her puckered nipples. At one point I wanted to scream, “we get it she's aroused.” The non-responses irked me i.e. Alex missing, he hadn't said I love you but the relationship progressed to finality. All the way to the end the fighting, the issue of I'm not sleeping with you and his nasty barbs continued. Usually in books the conflict at some points leads to something and comes to an end. I just felt this book was very anti-climactic what was the point of it all if nothing got resolved? What it took for him to admit his feelings for her was so surreal and bizarre. This whole story was her putting him before her own needs right up until the epilogue.

I know it takes a lot for anyone to put their work out to the public and the process of writing a book isn’t easy. I applaud the author for sharing her work with others. This review is just one readers opinion not the gospel please judge this book for yourselves and not on one opinion. Although I didn’t particularly care for this story others may in fact love it.  

 

 

 

 

Oh The Shade!

As a person who loves to read and discussing books I thoroughly enjoy author groups and fan pages. It gives readers and bloggers the chance to interact with authors, and other readers amongst other things like contests and snippets. My issue with these mediums is that sometimes authors, admins and other readers use such platforms to bully and alienate others. It’s really sad and disheartening when you join a group and participate in discussion to get called out by admins because of difference of opinions. We are adults here although that doesn’t equate to maturity but, nonetheless, we are adults so why not agree to disagree?

I always mention that publishing books is a business for authors. In conjunction with publishing you must promote and market yourself. That means using social media to your advantage. Unfortunately most are about making friends and don’t want to rock the boat and stand for anything. For instance, when a group discussion occurs its understandable emotions run high and things can get taken out of context but it’s not ever okay to call out other readers and verbally attack them because they don’t agree with you. What’s worst is that when authors are notified about this they do nothing and stand by their admins or whomever. But the point is it will never be acceptable to sit back and allow someone to attack another. Understand that this hurts your brand and alienates readers who in turn pay you.

Maybe I should refresh people on what cyberbullying means. According to Webster dictionary Cyberbullying (noun) is defined as the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

This definition is extended to memes as well. I think its comical how bullies talk in memes so since this is a language they understand here are a few memes for ya’!

I thought the purpose of these groups/pages was for readers to come together and discuss all things books. Unfortunately it is anything but. Most have become a cesspool of negativity and the discussions are rarely about books. Sadly I have witnessed this activity go one for way too long and it honestly turns me off from the authors since it is their group. So to all the bullies and others who condone this behavior here is a meme for you.

 

 

This is not the gospel but just one persons opinion about what I have seen and experienced in these groups. I would love to hear what other readers and authors hopefully have to say about this issue. I hope bullies take heed and authors realize that this behavior will not help you only hurt you. Please find yourselves......