Layers By Sigal Ehrlich

This installment is not the most clear.. It has it's down time, as well as, it's intense, upbeat ones. At the end of the day though, it is another product of the billionaire bachelors romance novels. Same issues, series of events, heart aches and make ups. There are a few differences and sequences, but it always concludes as a billionaire bachelor romance.

I am content with the cast, even though half of the time, I am unaware of what they are saying. There is so many innuendos and attempts at levity that it becomes confusing. I find myself re-reading a lot. Even then, I'm still not sure.

I love Hayley's character, as well as, her many banters with Daniel. Their innuendos I understand! She is the glue that keeps the story together. I didn't notice this until the final chapter, where I keep waiting for her POV. She adds sarcasm, comedy, drama and relaxation to the story.

Regardless of Daniel being the usual billionaire bachelor, he was a little more responsive to change and the suits were few. I appreciated that and the other attempts at individuality this novel aimed for. We skimmed his background, but I like the difference with his mother, and would have hoped to get his father's back story also ... but then there'll probably be no book 2 o.O

The sex scenes were mild and to the point. The best friends however, namely Ian, got annoying. Daniel's split personality is also something I would have liked some clarity on. As I said before, this story wavers.
For every good quality in this novel, there is a missing element.

Initially and occasionally, I lost interest or space out, but I always found an angle to recapture my attention. I believe this is your standard billionaire romance, with softer tones and it's own spin of characters and events. There is potential, change and possibilities, but we veer off course frequently.

It's a basic read with enough events to keep you interested to the end, when you can sort through the innuendos, bad paragraph breaks and random conversations. I could find myself reading the next book, irrespective of the ending. It's not great, but it's good enough.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18690226-layers

With or Without Him By Barbara Elsborg

This book needs a hotter cover and more exciting blurb, because it doesn't represent what's inside at all. I haven't read a book in one sitting, with this amount of pages, in a while. I enjoyed every minute of it and couldn't wait to turn the page!

There was suspense, crime, drama, mystery, love and some hot M/M sex scenes that left me wanting more! These guys know how to get it on! There are many elements to this story that I loved, but one that sticks out the most for me, is the fact that they were gay! I know that sounds strange, but normally when you read a novel about M/M romance, you have guys who are afraid and hiding from the stigma. If not, then the book is about coming out or life after coming out. These guys knew! There was never a shadow of doubt, and they have accepted and practiced in their lifestyle the moment they became sexually active. In a traditional sense, most of them are basically virgins, with regards to M/F sex.

I love all the characters, even the bad ones. Everyone's  role was written for them and there was never a dull moment with this clan. I laughed more than ever and the word "bored" never came to mind. I was at the edge, middle and back of my seat as I went through the chapters and motions. It was like your usual M/F, BDSM, he's-rich-i'm-not romances, but from a M/M perspective.

If not for the blatant absence of sufficient female presence, then it could be overlooked as a M/M romance. They were literally in their own little world, doing their thing. They fit the traditional stereotype without even trying. Then again, I guess M/F romance novels also only have a smattering of homosexuals, so it was good to see this community get to highlight the same with a smattering of heterosexuals. The fact that it was set in the UK was just icing on the cake!

Tyler is a character I fell in love with from the opening chapter. Every one else comes behind him. Somewhere along the line, he became the bottom in this relationship and world. He however, never lost his masculinity. He was still Tyler, but with a much softer note. Between him and Jeremy though, kept this story on a much needed light note. I laughed more reading this book today than I did all week.

Haris and even Des were characters I eventually got to know more and fall in love with also. Haris is a complete emotional hot head with some intense trust issues. I dislike him. I love him. It wavers. After all, I am Team Tyler ;)

I did however love his quirks and in the end where he stood up for himself and made his feeling and declarations be known. Him telling Malik to shut up was awesome!  :D

Lu was another character who definitely got the giggles out of me. Mex, Prescott and even Gerald helped with that aspect. It's safe to say it was a funny cast! I can't even talk about the hypochondriac Wilson. That man is something else, and nothing like your usual butler. With him, Alcide, Tyler and Haris living in a house, it just doesn't get any better!

Beside the obvious laughter that this story brought, there were serious issues, that not only affected homosexuals, but countries. Laws, practices and different cultures were at play. I also liked the musical aspect of the story. It wasn't your every day rock, pop mania and it kept me intrigued and interested.

The forwardness, awkwardness and other components that made up this story were great contributing content. I connected with each character, their personalities and their struggles. It was a different take, on a recurring story line.

The lead characters back stories were also originals, for me at least, and shed more light on their current concerns and vices. This was  a well developed, researched and delivered plot. It unraveled beautifully and it is out of sheer selfishness that I want more. If even a 10 years update ;)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18293477-with-or-without-him?ac=1

Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella By Samantha Young

All these little Braden and Joss mini novellas are just great. From the Christmas one to this, regarding the significance of Castle Hill, Wedding jitters and so much more.

It's always great to catch up with the couple that started it all. We also get to see Braden and Joss reverse roles and to take a skip into the future, as it relates to relationship dynamics and friendships.

I do however, feel like this was a fleeting adaptation. Normally, Samantha Young goes in depth with her novellas, so they have a full length novel feel. (I will always love 'Until Fountain Bridge'). This time however, we only skimmed the happenings.

I also would have loved to go through the entire process with Joss and Braden after their acceptances. Then again, maybe there will be another novella in the future. After all, this is a significant moment within this series. It would also be interesting to see if they change location or it all concludes on Dublin Street :)

This was basically a really brief update on Joss and Braden after their first Christmas together and the path their life is taking. Short, spicy, drama filled and important. It's another welcomed piece to this series many puzzles.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18805717-castle-hill

Last Gift By Jessica Clare & Jen Frederick

Short, sweet and almost festive!

Once again, I could read Nikolai's POV all day!! I found his parts of the novella funnier than Daisy's and it's good to see them trying to transitioning, as well as, starting new traditions.

An update on Daisy's father was also appreciated. However, a Christmas phone call from Daniel would have sealed the deal!

Anyways, it was a nice novella. It actually ended a little too quickly for me. I literally had to back track to see if it was done. I would have at least liked to see Daisy's reaction to her Christmas present, as well as, more convos with Spidey/ The Interrupter. Overall, I just wanna spend some more time in class with Nick.

It's so much packed into so little pages! That short Christmas story is better than most full length novels. It remains true to what we got and fell in love with in 'Last Hit' and we also get to see them now as they transition into a domesticated lifestyle.

It's really short, merry, funny and ends too soon ;)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20319642-last-gift

Falling By E.K. Blair

I just keep on falling in love with this woman! Now this is a re-cap/continuation! I never get bored when reading an E.K. Blair novel, and I have only ever read two before now. No matter how long or short, I always want more. Even when there is no more to get.

It's actually a little bittersweet at the moment, because that ending means literal "The End", but I want updates on so many other characters. Each character in this novel, breathe their own life and personality into their scenes. There is no such thing as a minor character, because they all have big bursting personalities! Except maybe Kimber. I didn't really connect with her. I was also really holding out on that Mark novella of sorts ... oh well!

E.K. has re-written 'Fading', with parts of 'Freeing' and present it as 'Falling'. How do you know the difference? You don't! And that's the awesome part of it all!! :)

Maybe it's the time frame, but I never felt like I was reading the previous books. Also, to get the continuation of 'Fading' from Ryan's POV, with a touch of Candace when it mattered most, was even more icing on this wonderful cake!

I always loved Ryan, and I often times wondered what his struggles were like. To get that and more was superb within itself. I think this book broke down both characters in a light I have never seen them before. Actually, it broke down all the characters. This time, Kimber included.

It was detailed as always, thorough, and had me recognizing some things I never saw before. It made me love and dislike (cause I never hate any of them) both main characters occasionally. It was like re-reading your favorite book, to find little nuggets you never saw before, or to re-visit old moments you loved. Only this time, from a different side. Like, I had no clue Candace cried so much before. I probably should have counted it. She was bawling like crazy! I'm surprised she wasn't dehydrated o.O

I was re-introduced to some pertinent characters in Ryan life, and as such, I gained some more fave characters. Mel, Zane and Gavin are characters I would love to revisit some time. The time gap by the end of this novel might not leave me with main character questions, but there are some minor ones that I really would like to get some clarity on. Like Mel getting back at Zane or Gavin with an unwanted pregnancy :)

There is a nice little twist at the end of this novel, and for those who wanted more, in terms of explanation and content, then this book is for you! I wouldn't call it a stand alone, but it comes very close. I loved every minute and cherish the moments I got to revisit, as well as, those new memories we made. Even the smallest scenes were a big deal. I felt connected to these characters throughout. It's hard to believe, but I still want more :(

It also doesn't hurt than the cover is just as hot as the previous ones, and the mind of Ryan Campbell is almost as good as Jase's ;)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19298246-falling

Mine By Katy Evans

Let me just start by saying that Katy Evans won't ever be able to top or recreate what we got in 'Real'. It was new, primal, raw, controversial and filled with passion, love and a disease that we know but don't really know. It gripped and held me and I won't ever forget what I felt reading that book.

'Mine' is a continuation, but it doesn't even 1/2 the passion and intensity of 'Real'. I say this, because readers normally expect an author to top or bring the same intensity throughout a series, and sometimes it falls short. Expect that fall. That doesn't mean though that it wasn't good. It definitely was!

We still got that explosive, impulsive Brooke, possessive Remy, the antics of Riley and Pete and Nora still needing saving. o.O  We even get that deep depressive manic scenes that makes us all fall more in love with Remy. It has it all, but at a more subdued level.

This story felt like the promise at the beginning of this book. It's for those of us who want more and also want to see if Remy can regain his rightful title this time around. It also shows life after 'The End'. I love how we continue to see Remy's struggle and Brooke's insecurities. It's not all a fairy tale and we defy plenty odds on our way to their HEA.

The 'REAL'ness however, never failed. We got it raw and truthful. The athleticism and lifestyle aspects were also kept intact. We even got to see Kyle and Pandora again. It was quite the compilation of past, present and future.

There were plenty edge of my seat moments and a lot of hanging on by a thread, as we go through the motions with Remy and Brooke, as a couple and individuals. But, I would have loved to see some more of that passion and conflict that we got from 'Real'. Apart from the present, Scorpion was too silent. Sending his minions, was also not like him at all!

As always though, Remy's body was hot and ready for the taking! That opening description was just hot beyond words! With a body like Remy's, you can expect a lot of bedroom action, but I think this one had too much! I know he gets speedy and who wouldn't wanna bang that non stop?! However, sometimes it can be too much. It's like the sex was compensating for the lack of content in those areas. I find that I love them doing every other activity other than sex, after a while. It just got to be too much!

With the flu and falling asleep countless times, I still finished this book in one sitting. Regardless of it's faults, it still remains a captivating and well written series. The attention to detail is marvelous! From the numerous sex scenes to the detailed fights. I felt and loved every minute of this book. It is like giving us the ending we didn't get before. As I said before, it's for those of us who just wanted a little bit more ;)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17792606-mine

Ember X By Jessica Sorensen

This could have easily been one of those paranormal that go on the mind fuck list. Unfortunately, it fell short. It took too long to build momentum and give us answers. To keep us in suspense, cost us the necessary excitement or thrill, that a paranormal brings. After a while, you just get tired of the hide and seek. You keep guessing and doubting yourself.

I like both Cameron and Asher. I haven't picked a side, because it's not so black and white. At the end of the day, Cameron was just being himself, while Asher was breaking rules all over the place! And not in a good way. Regardless of the literal 95% wait, we only get a few answers. So much is still unknown. Without interruptions, this can be a quick easy read. Due to the lagging of the story line and plain confusion, it took me five days. o.O

Ember is an interesting character. Her situations, family and back story is a mixture of romance novel and paranormal in one. I like her and her family. Like most stories, this one had it's strong and weak moments. The weak moments unfortunately overshadowed the potential. Story line is great. It's different, continuous and a stray from the usual. In the beginning, it is kind of scary, but eventually, it evens out into just plain confusing, then it ends with a bang big enough for you to want to read the next. If only out of curiosity.

Still, I am uncertain regarding a lot of this story. While it's fodder for expansion, it's also proof of this story not giving us much. In retrospect, not much has transpired, but more is known. I am constantly unsure of everyone in this novel. The only people I trust, are Asher, Cameron and Ember. While I don't despise Asher, I secretly like Cameron more :)

Raven was interesting and confusing. Her character has no definition. As I said before, not much is shared. I do wish though, that Ian got more time in this novel. Everyone gets their time to annoy and shine in this one. The mindset you have in the beginning and middle will be different from the end. Unless you really are unable to move past the confusion of the beginning, then I say stick with it, because it does get better and worse at the same time.

As is with most novels, there are a few discrepancies, like her doing a full mythical search online, and Ember's bathing habits.  -_- Girl needs to use that bathroom! Death or not.

I am still too confused to be conclusive about this novel. As is with most Jessica Sorensen novels, it does has potential overload. All I can say is, it will lag, you will be confused, annoyed and decide on giving up. Powering through to the end, won't guarantee you liking the novel, but it at least gives you some answers and the platform to make your own decision.

There is so much here, it could even be a TV series. Take a look and decide for yourself :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15924677-ember-x

Merry Christmas!!!

It's been an interesting year. One filled with changes and chances. There has been so much going on in my personal life this year, but my followers and fellow bloggers have helped me through it all. Whenever my world got to be too much, I could always rely on a book to get me through that period.

I really hope this year and next will provide that escape for not only me, but you guys too!

It's been awesome and I couldn't ask for a better community to be apart of. I hope to continue giving you spoiler free, informative and down right kick ass reviews in 2014!

Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me, I couldn't have done it without you, and I hope to see you next year also.

Have a safe, warm and full Christmas. Be safe on the roads and give your friends and family a hug. They might just need it!

Beautiful Beginning By Christina Lauren

This was a wedding, done Chloe and Bennett style! It gave us history, present and future. It was Chloe and Bennett, as we know and love/hate them, with the inclusion of Will, Hanna, Max, Sara and even George. There was fun, laughter, banter and some angry sex all over the place! It was the 'Beautiful' series, in eight chapters, in one week, where it all began.

I adore the flashbacks, in both photos and memories. I forgot some of those monumental, sentimental moments, so it was good to be reminded. After all, it's been a couple books in between o.O
To also see them through other's eyes, as well as, to get a review on some of their struggles and private moments were also incredible. It's like a different take on deleted scenes. I especially liked seeing them relaxing through her father's eyes. After all, the cowgirl, is not the way to remember them by :)

Will and Hanna even got their own moment. Still, I would love to get a continuation on their story. Especially a wedding special. We did invest some time in 'Beautiful Player' and 'Beautiful Stranger', which I believe are both better books than 'Beautiful Bastard'. Let's see what the future holds for us fans.

Chloe had her nervous breakdown(s) and each one was true to her character. I did get annoyed with some of her rants, but then it's not the 'Beautiful' series, if herself or Bennett is not annoying us at some point. We also got to see and feel the wedding through both of their POVs. I appreciate the diversity as it aided the story. So much would be missing without both views.

A little more Max and Sara is all I would have wanted, but I surely enjoyed what I got. Surprisingly, I am wanting more from this series, that I initially wasn't a fan of. Go figures o.O

It's a short, spicy, sweet, rambunctious take on Chloe and Bennett's wedding weekend. We don't even get to the honeymoon per say. It's great for a fan of the series, or for some one who just wants to see it all come full circle. There isn't much surprises, but it's bound to make you nostalgic and fill you with laughter.

To top it all of, there is a preview of their upcoming series. I am not 100% sold, but I am hopeful. It's cute and nice, but I need more before I get too excited. These two can sway any way. So far though, I am wanting to read.

It's sad to see this series go, but this was a great ending for Chloe and Bennett. Unplanned pregnancies and spur of the moment weddings, would not be them at all. I couldn't have asked for a more original ending to it all. This series will be missed :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17831619-beautiful-beginning

Worth the Fight By L.D. Davis

I liked it. I'm glad that Ms. Davis wrote a letter to the readers in the back of this novel. I am even more excited, that it was right in line, with my thoughts and beliefs. This story was a great companion or addition to the 'Accidentally on Purpose' series. If that wasn't enough, we even got a sneak peek on the next character up for bat, and boy does it look as scandalous and steamy as the first novel in this series!!! :D

Initially, I thought this was a money making venture and Luke did not need to get his feelings expressed, because we got it all from Kyle and Emmy. But how selfish am I? And how great was he?! :)

There is nothing dynamic or astonishing about this installment really. It is literally Luke's POV from the end of 'Accidentally on Purpose' to the end and beyond of 'Worthy of Redemption'. However, it was a beautiful recollection, that was just as drama filled, witty and spicy as the other books before. Plus side though, it was nothing like a recollection. You are aware, because you are overlapping scenes, so I find myself wanting to revisit a particular one, or excitedly waiting on it's arrival.  At the end of the day though, it felt like a completely different tale.

Luke took it hard. It actually justified SOME of his actions at the end of 'Accidentally on Purpose'. I felt like we got an intimate moment, with Luke and Emmy, that we never got before. There was also the bonus of getting both Kyle and Lily scenes. It's all a mess, but the perfect conclusion to this triangle.

We were introduced to some new and not so new characters. Also, we got to fill in the chunk of time between books 1 and 2. One minute Luke hates Emmy, the next, they are a lovely family in a lovely home. Clarification and their struggles were welcomed. They aren't perfect, and I so love that about them. The characters of this book are real! They make every day human mistakes, develop the same problems and handle them in similar ways. Even though we can't all buy buildings, we protect and fight for what's ours! #TeamEmmy!

You go through the stages. It's never the same. We are always moving and there is always a different setting and vibe. You are never sure what to expect, even when you have browsed this story before. One of the reasons, this novel wouldn't get 5 stars from me, is because it is technically a lengthy novella! We have done this dance before, even if we do it backwards.

This book lined us up for so much more from these group of characters in Philly, Chicago and Louisiana. There are new, old and secret connections. I am satisfied and left excited, pumped and ready for the new series. The only thing I could ask for now is a name, and I am sure if I scour the net, I will find one! ;)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18802892-worth-the-fight

Last Hit By Jessica Clare & Jen Frederick

I like Nickolai and I don't mind Daisy. This story has its strengths and weaknesses. There is an abundance of potential and great bases, but the execution fell flat in comparison to the avenues open to this story. I am glad though that we got both POVs, but Nick's alone would be fine for me. I get the significance of Daisy's side, as she has a complete back story, that is necessary, but I just didn't feel for her what I did for Nick in this story.

There is no cut and clear with this story. It balances on the scale of being a failure, and being just right. It was too light and too easy. I get the romance aspect, but it also needed that gritty darkness to capture it's true essence. There are elements of rape and other crimes, but it was still too light and airy for me.

I enjoyed the assassin side of this story the most. The networks, beliefs, patterns, players. It was all rather fascinating and I wish the focus could stay there. Nick's personality, jokes, sarcasm, wit, even his trust issues revive this story beyond measure. What I love the most about him, is his struggle. He struggles with the language and literacy barrier, trust, worth and a truck load of other emotions. His character is the most genuine and I connect with him over everyone else. He truly puts and leave a stamp on you.

I believe his every move and words. His back story, while familiar, I found comfort in. For him, it was believable. If anything, I can say this story is a realistic piece based on Nick's struggles and decisions. Both Nick and his associates take us to another level.

To read about Nick, Vasily, Daniel, Yury and even Alexsandr would be great! Not that I hate Daisy, or the romantic side of it all, but I was just more interested in the Bratva and Nick, than I was with Daisy and her problems. 'Father Miller' was also rather animated in the end.

The climax, or at least what I believe to be the climax, was weak. It wasn't bad, it was just weak. I think this is the problem with this novel. It is not a bad novel, but it just doesn't carry the conviction of it's topics. Once again, if not for Nick and the guys, I wouldn't have been as interested.

It's safe to say, the guys of this novel, even the minor unnamed characters, took the cake! The ladies were bland and not as interesting. While I love Daniel, I did not invest that much time into Regan as a character. Still, I love Daniel enough to give the next book a go. Maybe it won't be as light and fluffy, with what she has been through in the last book.

Not as hardcore as I expected, but a decent read nonetheless. It can also be read in one sitting. It is fast paced, light and airy with a whole lot of issues. It doesn't linger, but it is memorable. There is love, laughter, crime and a whole lot of Nick's sexy Ukranian body, mind and talk :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19084214-last-hit

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide (Black Dagger Brotherhood Compendium) By J.R. Ward

Well this was just crazy, sexy, cool ... like the TLC album :) *rather corny joke, but I digress*

This was my first insider guide and I love every minute of it! I don't know if this is the usual with an insider guide, or if it's just the precise, meticulous nature of J.R., but I loved every minute of it and hope that she does another after 'The King' novel is released.

This book had everything, it's literally a slice of pie for every one. I even think publishers could learn a thing or two. I would also urge authors, whether they write paranormal romance or not, to read the section of this book dedicated to writers. Even if you are a run of the mill blogger, you are guaranteed to learn something.

There were deleted scenes, recaps and interviews with most of the brothers. I did leave with some questions, but I also got some clarity. I don't know what J.R. Ward told a lie about, but I do know that her rocky relationship with V translated to 'Lover Unbound' and I would really love to know what their beef is.

I was never that connected with Wellesandra as a character, but it was nice to get some moments with her and her pseudo family of John and Tohr. Even Lassiter got his time in the sun. I have always loved that angel. That also brought some questions as to the figure in the cabin, and urges me even more, to read the 'Fallen Angels' series.

This is a very intimate moment with all the characters and the author. Even the fans. There is something for everyone and even more than I bargained for. The only thing I would love now is some Blay, Qhuinn, John and Xhex time. Honestly, I wouldn't even mind a mini Lash interview. I am so wrapped up with these characters that I don't even know what to read next, that can compare, without dimming to this series :(

There is a boatload of information. There is literally something for everyone and each section keeps you wanting more. It's all fresh material and in-depth analysis with the best person, Ms. Ward herself. If you are a true fan of the BDB series, then you need to get this insider guide. You even get a view of the old language. I'm wanting to practice writing it. Maybe even get a tat in the language ;)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2880715-the-black-dagger-brotherhood

Lover At Last By J.R. Ward

Yes! Finally! We are getting somewhere. Even though Qhuinn and Blay, who I love so much, didn't really get the spotlight in this novel, they finally go their day in the sun, and I love it!! This novel had all the elements I been begging for since Phury's book.

It had more fighting elements, new relationships, both business, personal, in and out of the Brotherhood, as well as, some rocking sex scenes!! Blay and Qhuinn definitely knows how to get it on. Honestly, I could read them having sex all damn day!

I got a little shy, when the public sentimental moments came about, but that is a testament to how connected I am to these characters. I just love these guys! Despite their few moments, I am glad for them. It didn't seemed forced. We got just the right amount of their story, and everyone else.

We also got some Beth time, and I sure miss the original female of this series. She seems so regal and untouchable now, that I just want to connect with the Beth who lived alone with Boo. Even Bella had her moment. Once again, Zsadist almost died in the field, and that brought about and epic moment. It was serious, sentimental and funny in one.

The culture and traditions were back in full force. I do however, still miss the Scribe Virgin. I really wish they would all just kiss and make-up :(

Assail and Sola is another couple to watch! God, I love the females of this series! They are all fierce as ever! The addition of Sola is great, and I can't wait to see that outcome outside of the Brotherhood. Trez is also just as interesting as I suspected and iAm is a promising one. I assumed we would get some more John and Xhex time, but I'm good either way. I kind of just want to see all the fighting females out in the field I guess o.O

It was good to see another side of Xcor and to learn more about Layla, as well as, to meet another Chosen. It's been Layla and Cormia for so long, that I almost forgot about Serena. This series could go on and on and I'd never get bored. At this point, I am just waiting for Nalla and Layla's young to grow up and find their own hellren.

It was good to go to another initiation ceremony, and see it from another's POV. After all, after Zsadist, Qhuinn is my next favorite male character. I also got to see Blay in a different POV. He was more feminine in this novel, but I do love him more. Especially, as I got to see how he transitioned and dealt with his relationships with Qhuinn, Saxton and his parents.

Speaking of, I do hope for the best, where Saxton is concerned, and I can't wait to see how his expertise will help with the upcoming novel. Being in the mind of Wrath is always awesome, and the little surprise in the cottage was good also. There is turns, curves, surprises and fresh material. What more can you ask for? :)

P.S. ... Love the cover! It's epic. That guy is ... in Lassiter's words .... amazeballs!! :D

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15287261-lover-at-last

Lover Reborn By J.R. Ward

Once again, there are moments and characters. It's not as hardcore, in your face, as the initial books were. There is so much messing around with the Fade o.O I also keep waiting for a Scribe Virgin appearance ... and nada! What happened to the female? Even the Omega is M.I.A. It would also be nice to meet this new forelesser that we only know by Lash's nickname.

I never saw this series as a romance, until these last few novels. It began about the fights, big and small, and the learning of the vampire traditions, language and culture. Even though we got some of that, especially with the detailed Fade ceremony, this series is really turning into a romance of sorts :(

I completely understand that there are many a characters in this series, especially after 11 books, but don't they speak or interact? o.O It's like being in a room full of strangers. They only surface whenever they find convenient, and it's usually not with much.

While I understand Tohr's issues, I still don't approve of his methods. Autumn or No'One, whatever she calls herself these days, needs to grow a damn backbone! I actually hated Tohr in this novel. I always thought it was cruel to take away Wellsie, then it became even more unfair, with all the people coming and going. So what was the point of this story line? To show that they have no real control of their destiny? -_-

I hadn't seen Marissa in a while, so it was good to catch up with her. I wanted more, but I will satisfy. It also would be nice to meet the unnamed brothers of the B.O.B, or at the very least, have more interaction with them.

We got a quick look at Murdha, and then he just faded away like the ghost he pretends to be. Then we get Assail. A very intricate male, but we are doing nothing with him either. We are revisiting old relationships and stirring up mess! I like Xhex and John, but their time has passed. The point I am trying to make is, there is plenty new material and characters. Use them! Stop using the old as place savers.

It's not that I hate this novel, but the series is loosing my attention. It is just right, with keeping you interested, but it has also lost that edge that made me want to read it in one sitting. It used to toe that line between romance, crime/drama and paranormal. I have gotten so use to the paranormal aspect, that it's natural. However, we are losing the crime/drama. It is heavily romanticized.

I wanna see the Ops and skills. Training, shaping, transforming. I don't wanna follow Thor as he weeps for Wellsie and be a douche to Autumn. I also expected a lot more from Lassiter. I could seriously just read the guys book alone.  I love the angel. I do however, feel like he wasn't nearly as snarky and present as I expected. When I am done, I am going to search if he has his own novel.

Irrespective of the heavy romance in it all, there were some great, solid BDB moments that we love. Qhuinn and Layla updates were also really good. While I am glad for the shake up with Qhuinn and Blay, I kind of like him and Layla together. They are so right for each other! Sax and Blay work for me. The relationship dynamics of this series is shot if you ask me! Your wasting away characters, while we spend time digging up old wounds.

At this point, I am unsure as to where this novel will go, or is going. Still, I won't relent. I am already 10 books in, so I shall power through to the next. I do hope though, that we get some fresh material, and on edge moments. I really miss the coordinated lesser battles. Modern is good, but a little old school vamp fight is what I need right now.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13270995-lover-reborn

Lover Unleashed By J.R. Ward

So much and not much. There were plenty POVs and relationships to this installment. I just felt as if they weren't given much intensity or anxiety. As soon as we got a taste of those emotions, they were taken away. Truthfully, I wanted to see more fights with and in Payne. Her miraculous sexual therapy is not what I had in mind. -_-  I wanted action and intensity, from both her and Manuel, as individuals and as a couple.

I like Payne's character and how she remained true to herself, as well as, the power she exudes. She is quite the female. From her first appearance, to her very own book. However, we got more of Payne the Chosen, than we did of Payne the Bloodletter's daughter. I wanted her to also form a kind of kinship with Xhex. They are such a perfect balance, as such, I feel that more interaction and fighting would be great.

The back and forth between Manuel and V was great. I have always loved V and Butch. I've secretly hoped for some personal, private one on one time with them. We got that alone time, but it's less than I expected. It was great though, to be in V's hemisphere again, and to get another feel of his relationship with Jane. I had no idea they were reserved as a couple in public, especially within the walls of the Brotherhood. Hell, I even thought they were properly mated! o.O

The new additions were great! I would however, have loved to know more about the "Band of Bastards". I can only name three, because they were mentioned frequently, and their purpose and causes given. I guess we will get more intimate with them in coming books. I am especially interested in Zypher and Xcor.

Xcor, because he is the leader, and might be a replacement for Lash, that we haven't had since his killing. Zypher, because he reminds me of Z. Alphabet aside, there is something about him in those few lines, that draws me to him. We will see how that goes!

I wish Qhuinn and Blay would get their story already, even though I really like Sax. There is something about the guy I adore. The friendship between Layla and Qhuinn is also great and I can't wait to see where that goes. You barely find a guy in this book with a female best friend and Layla could make a really good one for Qhuinn.

Jose time was good and interesting as always and the introduction of Veck is awesome! I see him getting more involved with supernatural elements. Only time will tell. I am told he is in another series, so I am weighing my mind about that one. It all depends on the bond I build with him from this series.

I am however, very tired of Mr. Bluff. This half-breed sperm bank is really populating the place and I would love to meet him. If not, then find more creative ways to link the species. The very far away descendants of Wrath's bloodline is getting quite played.

The sex scenes were great though, especially the one with the prostitute. It was oh so real and fulfilling :)

I am not sure what next will happen in this series, but I do know that there are many possibilities and avenues. I just hope for a lot more fighting, with the inclusion of Xhex and Payne. I would also love some more interaction with the other brothers. It's like the original cast has fallen silent ... again. Z never talks much, neither did John, but I miss those two boys and a little Phury/Cormia update would be nice. Let's have a BBQ or something!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8492319-lover-unleashed?ac=1

Lover Mine By J.R. Ward

You see, it took me a while to finish this story. Four days actually, and it's not because it was boring. It was rather interesting, especially when it began. The series of events were ... let's say unstable and interesting. There were many turns, curves, side stories, history, future, connections.

I always liked Xhex the assassin, but I have to say, she held many soft moments in this one. I say soft, because it's Xhex. She never gets weak, even when she is being beaten to within an inch of her life. That's the kind of female and spark she adds. Even at her most vulnerable, she delivers. I already loved her in 'Lover Avenged' but she settled a little more in this installment for me.

Though I will say, I still think her best performance yet, was in 'Lover Avenged'. We got so much more from her there also. I understand needing her to have some qualities of a shellan, but I prefer her as Xhex from ZeroSum. Roots are important, and we are losing too many.

It saddens me to say, that within this novel, I did not find John Matthew as interesting as I had before :(
I still love him, but I preferred other's accounts, as oppose to his own. Not that I mind entirely, but he just came off more interesting from everyone else's POV, even from his past as he reminisced. I am a firm lover in pretrans John. He was way more interesting!

Qhuinn was also too muted for my liking, but I love that we got to see Blay in a different state of mind. I actually want a little more of Blay as the gay playa! :D Sax is awesome and so is Qhuinn. However, I see Qhuinn settling with a nice female. Not necessarily from the glymera, but c'mon ... it's Qhuinn!!! I also thought his private guard gig was way off this time. Where was he half the time? John gets hit with an energy ball, that knocks him on his behind, where is the guard that should have been in front of him? o.O
I am also still waiting to get more Lassiter time. I guess that will come with Tohr.

Murdher was just a slice, but I do want a bite :) A short as it was, it was a lovely introduction and I really hope we get more of him in the future. He seems interesting enough to take us on that next level. At times, this book leaves me so anxious, I am about to wet myself!!

Newcomers continued with Payne from 'Lover Avenged', which I still believe is the next best book since Z and Bella, Wrath and Beth. Layla is annoying me to bits, but I assume she had a purpose. For now then, I will allow it -_-

Lash, Lash, Lash ... I really hope this is not the last we seem of him. I love that guy! I also truly believe that if he wasn't constantly gunning for revenge, he could make a great villain in the book, that deals in the drug trade. He elevated the Lessening Society. Not a good thing for many, but I believe that if you wanna be the best, you should fight the best. With that being said, the old Lessers of Mr. X and O days are no more. This is modern day Lessening Society and I love it!

I can feel the change and turns with every new book. Anything is possible and nothing remains dead or set in stone. It's always something with these brothers. I do miss the blow by blow of the original set, but I am also looking forward to the changes and the alliances. Even the upheavals.  The vampire structure and society is changing, and all I wanna know is .... where the hell is the Scribe Virgin? o.O

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9397717-lover-mine