Playing with Monsters by Amelia Hutchins

I just finished Playing with Monsters by Amelia Hutchins -- and this is me right now



I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!! Have I got you hooked yet? GOOD! Because, you are going to love this book.  I absolutely fell in love with Amelia's Fae Chronicles (Playing with Monsters is a shoot off of the Fae Chronicles, so read them first!)... and, you know what, I'm gonna say it.  I think this book is better! YEAH I SAID IT!  I think this story has so much damn potential as a series that I am kicking myself for reading it now when the second book isn't out yet.  I my humble, yet awesome, opinion -- this book is DAMN NEAR PERFECT.  It's got everything I love.  A sexy demon, a spitfire heroine, saucy banter, sexy as hell love scene, mystery, slow-burn romance, suspense, action... just go buy it already!

Final Score: 10/10
Playing with Monsters
I loved the world of the witches! Lucian is a big old mystery and Lena is a spitfire and someone I really connected with.  The whole story sucked me in and I. Need. More.  Right. NOW!

Quick Rundown:
My coven has remained hidden in the shadows for centuries.
We’ve avoided the ‘real world’ altogether; hiding from monsters
and other creatures we share this planet with.
We found protection in the Colville National Forest, nestled in a town protected
by magical barriers.
Our powers are locked by an ancient curse, one meant to protect us from being found.
Until now.
The past has a way of repeating itself. A new game is beginning. No one is safe.
He’s coming for me.
He’s hunting.
The monster we’ve run from for centuries has found us.
How far will this deadly game go?
How far will I be able to take it, or will he destroy me and everything I care about?
Will the one thing I can’t live without, be the key to destroying and undoing the past?
Or will the past destroy me before I can save the people I love from what I’ve done.

This is not your run of the mill, cookie cutter romance.  Lena is a tad naive.  Lucian is a tad, um, a huge a-hole.  This is an erotic book... you've been warned.  There are VERY sensitive themes in this book -- there is a warning at the beginning for a reason.  I, personally, wasn't bothered by any of it.  Because I have a tiny little black heart somewhere in my chest.  I felt like everything that happened in the book was important to the story.  It all fit for me.  I can, however, see someone reading this and not feeling that way.  READ the warning at the beginning of the book, for me, for you, just do it. 

Heat Index:
5/5: This is a highly erotic book (yes, please).  Half of it takes place in a sex club, so do I really need to say more?  I love Amelia Hutchins way of writing.  It's not smutty at all, but it is erotic AF.

The Judgement of the Six by Melissa Haag

Today I'm going to convince you to fall in love with The Judgement of the Six series by Melissa Haag! I promise, it won't take much.  First things first.  This series isn't finished.  The first five books are out, along with the first three companion novels (told from the male lead's POV).  The fourth companion novel should be out soon-ish... and it's going to be sooooooo gooooooood.





Final Scores:
Hopeless: 8.5/10
Misfortune: 9/10
Unwise: 10/10
Unbidden: 8/10
Discontent: 9.5/10
Clay's Hope: 8/10
Emmitt's Treasure: 8/10
Luke's Dream: 9.5/10




So, the gist of this FANTASTIC series is this: Gabby, Michelle, Bethi, Carlene and Isabelle are special.  Each of them grow up knowing they are different from everyone else, but don't know why.  They each possess a gift... gift being a generous term.  Along with their gifts, they have side effects that are awful.  On top of that, werewolves exist.  Each girl, through each book, discovers the werewolves, more about their powers and how they all connect.  They need all six to make a judgement.  Each woman has a gift.  Hope, Prosperity, Wisdom, Strength, Peace and Courage.  What also makes these woman special is that they can be the mate of a werewolf.

How's that for a BROAD generalization of eight books for you?  Hopeless is FREE on Amazon, so if you're on the fence you've got nothing to lose by reading a free book!  I promise you will fall in love with the Judgement's world.  Not only are the women amazing, but the men.... oooooh baby.  You'll fall hard for Clay, Emmitt, Luke, Thomas and Carlos -- not mention Gray, Jim and Nana Wini.

Melissa Haag is truly a wonder.  She writes one story from twelve points of view. And you fall in love with each character individually.  If that's not an achievement, I don't know what is.

Heat Index:

1, 2 & 3/5: Since we're discussing multiple books here, I'm going to be broad.  These are teen books, so it's not too spicy.  Ms. Haag so graciously wrote a "Mating Novella" about two of the characters when they finally get together, so if you're itching for more, Melissa Haag delivers.

I can't recommend these books enough!! They are romantic and exciting!! The Jo6 world is one I would gladly live in... if I could steal Luke away from Bethi ;)

Born Sinner by S.L. Jennings

There have been few and far books in my life where I finish the last page and my jaw is literally on the floor -- drool oozing everywhere.  Exhibit A: Born Sinner by S.L. Jennings.  Firstly - I am a HUGE S.L. Jennings fan.  The Dark Light series is phenomenal, so I had ridiculously high expectations for this book.  And, let me just tell you, it met every single one THEN SOME.  I'm adding another countdown calendar to my wall, ahem.. I don't have a countdown calendar wall...

If the stunning cover doesn't draw you in - let me drop a little knowledge on you.  S.L. Jennings is a force to be reckoned with.  Her writing is flawless, sexy and addictive.  She flawlessly drops pop culture references -- something I usually find distasteful.  AND she is a huge presence on her fan page on Facebook.  She cares so much, you guys.  It makes my black little heart beat for her.  Girl crush happening right meow, cats.

Final Score:

Born Sinner - Free with Kindle Unlimited
10/10: I'd give it 20/10 if I could - hell, I can! It's my blog! 20/10... be warned: there is a cliff hanger. It's to be expected when the listing clearly says "Volume 1".  And I can't wait for End of Eden!! Where's that damn countdown calendar at...

Quick Rundown

Eden, a grey haired babe living in the impoverished side of Chicago, has a deadly power.  One that is meant to bring death and destruction to the entire world.  Enter the Se7en: Seven immortals trying to keep the balance between good and evil on earth.  Their next target: Eden. Kill one to save millions.  The Se7en, instead, decide to attempt to save Eden's soul.  Eden is thrust into a world of sex, lies, and the dangerously sexy L.  Will she fulfill her destiny and scorch the earth?  We'll have to wait and see (damn cliffhanger).
"Twenty-two years ago, I was cut from a cold, sodden womb, and cradled in the filth and poverty of Chicago's concrete arms. Statistically, I wasn't supposed to survive these streets past the age of eighteen.
Fate had a different plan.
I was bred for one purpose and one purpose only: to unleash death and destruction on my world.
My thoughts are power.
My words are weapons.
Evil created me then grace tried to save me. But first... they tried to kill me.
They call themselves the Se7en. They are sin and salvation, and everything we've feared from the beginning of time. And their leader is the deadliest of them all.
He doesn't lose.
He doesn't compromise.
And most importantly, he doesn't distract himself with mortal weakness.
Not until me.
Kill one to save a million.
That's what he told me when he took me as his prisoner.
Kill one to save a million.
That's what he's been trying to tell himself ever since he took me into his arms."

Rundown Over

Heat Index:

4.5/5 - This is high new adult.  The chemistry between L and Eden is off the charts - with a twist that will wrench your little heart right out.  There is some seriously sexy writing in this book, but S.L. Jennings is always classy, my friends.  It's just the right amount of detail to have you writhing in your snuggie.

ADDED BONUS: Check out Syreeta Jennings on Spotify - her playlists are top notch and flow with the books perfectly!!

The Revelation Series by Randi Cooley Wilson

Today we'll be talking about the Revelation Series by Randi Cooley Wilson.  I completely fell in love with this series.  A five book series is LONG - but this one felt like it zoomed by.  Considering I read the entire series in a week - it literally zoomed by.  There is action, suspense, romance, betrayal, mystery - it's got a little bit of everything! You won't be disappointed.  Randi Cooley Wilson weaves this beautiful web of a story that kept me on my toes through all five books.  I loved it - I'll for sure read them all again.

Final Score: 9.5/10 - A new favorite that I will reread many times!
You shouldn't need any incentive to buy these bad boys, but if you need a push - you can purchase all five books for $9.99!! The Revelation Series

Quick Rundown

Eve Collins, a college freshman, finds herself smack dab in the middle of centuries old war where she is the key, and both sides want her for it.  She meets Asher St. Michael and Gage Gallagher, a protector and a rogue protector.  Eve goes through an incredible journey of self-discovery, love, loss, and a war.  With her new family, the St. Michaels, and Gage - Eve transforms into the key to ending the war and saving everything she loves.

Rundown Over.

Heat Index

4.5/5 - These books are meant for 18+ for good reason!! I didn't know this when I started reading the series. The first book had some innuendo, but nothing crazy.  Then, in the second book, BAM - it got romantic REAL quick.  I loved it.  Randi Cooley Wilson is a classy lady, my friends.  The sex scenes weren't so graphic (no dirty dirty talk) that I was uncomfortable.  It was even better, in my humble opinion, because Eve is a virgin for most of the series.  It felt very real how Eve and Asher took steps up to sex - no rushing into everything.  Don't know about you, but that's how my life actually played out!  And the scenes are SMOKING HOT.  Seriously - so good.

Awakened by Brenda K. Davies

On the chopping block today is an 18+ Vampire romance book by Brenda K. Davies and first in the Vampire Awakening series!  But, all the novel in this series can be read as standalone novels.  I'll just jump right in and tell you I liked it until about half way through.  I thought it was going to be a GREAT story until the similarities to Twilight started popping up - and, let me tell you, the similarities were glaringly obvious and frequent.  HARD PASS.  There is only one Twilight... sorry bud.  Anyways - let me step off my snark box.  The book was well written and edited well (typos make me want to curl up and die).  The first half, like I said, was fantastic.  Interesting and complex and addicting.  Then, BAM, she finds out homeboy is a vampire (also annoying since 'Vampire' is in the freaking title of the book, ZERO element of surprise) and it's a steamy twilight.

Final Score: 5/10 - It was okay.
Awakened

Quick Rundown

Sera is in college and slowly recovering from a horrible experience in her past that involved a level ten douche of a boyfriend.  She is reserved and off standish until she meets the new heartthrob transfer, Liam.  They have a strange connection and he eventually tears her walls down.  After a murder, a scandal and Sera losing her virginity, the couple is hunted by Liam's creator - who is hellbent on having Liam for her own.

Rundown Over

Heat Index

5/5 - This is a graphic, erotically charged novel with strongly worded depictions of sex.  I felt the good bits were very well written and not such strong language that I felt like I needed a shower afterwards.

Starbound By J.L. Weil

This is a standalone novel!! Cue chorus of heavenly angels!! I love a good series, but something it's nice to just hit and quit it - you know what I'm saying?  I know you do.

I love J.L. Weil!! She is my kind of chick.  All of her novels have the good stuff - swearing, sex and a snarky female lead.  I particularly loved this novel because it's a dual point of view book.  The narrative switched seamlessly between Katia and Seth, and J.L. did a bang up job of giving each of them their own voice.

Next - the reviews on Amazon are complete BS!  I would give it 5 stars any day of the week.  It's fast paced and creative!  If you need a huge, lengthy explanation of how things came to be as they are this book is not for you.  It jumps right in to the story - it gives adequate back story for sure, but there's no waiting around for the good stuff the start.

Final Score: 8.5/10
Starbound

Quick Rundown!

Katia and Seth are witches.  They are also a part of a centuries old curse that will result in their deaths if they ever get together.  Katia left her circle to climb the social ladder, and Seth is hell bent on keeping Katia at arms length so they will both make it out of high school.  Can you see where this is going? Forbidden romance... it's just begging for it.

Rundown Over.

GAH! I love a good standalone novel

Heat Index

3/5 - J.L. Weil's stuff is always fun to read! It's just perfectly steamy without being smutty.
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The Crescent Chronicles - Alyssa Rose Ivy

First, let me tell you how much I love Alyssa Rose Ivy.  I have yet to read of novel of hers that I haven't loved.

Moving on!  The Crescent Chronicles was the first series I read by miss Ivy, and I've been a huge fan every since.  Why did I love it so much? First, all four books are quick reads.  I powered through these babies in about a day and a half each.  My house was torn to shreds, but I legit couldn't put down my kindle.  Another reason to love ARI - she doesn't waste your time.  There's none of this rambling internal monologue where you end up skipping to the end of the paragraph because it's full of crap you could care less about.  This series is full of romance, action, mystery, suspense, and twists after turns.  It's addicting and easy to fall in love with.

Final Score: 9/10 - loved every book!
The Crescent Chronicles


Quick Rundown!

Allie is working at her dad's hotel in New Orleans for the summer.  She's just been freed from her high school relationship and has no desire to start a new one.  Until she meets Levi (swoon alert).  Turns out Levi is special and Allie gets sucked into his paranormal world - leaving that intentionally vague so I don't ruin the books for you!

Rundown Over.

P.S.  These books only got better for me.  I loved the first book.  The second exceeded my expectations (doesn't it seem like book number 2's always nose dive?), and the third was probably my favorite of the three.  The fourth book (First & Forever) is the first book (Flight) retold through Levi's eyes.  I LOVE perspective change/companion novels, so I thoroughly enjoyed First & Forever.

Heat Index

A solid 3/5.  There is definitely sexual situations (I wouldn't recommend for under 18), but nothing graphic.  It's like this - we kiss, rip each other's clothes off and then chapter ends.  Still, lots of sexual banter - hilarious sexual banter.  You won't be disappointed!
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