WHITE HOT

White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Book 2 of the Hidden Legacy series
Read by Renee Raudman
Genre: urban fantasy
Format: paperback, ebook, & audiobook

About White Hot:

The Hidden Legacy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews continues as Nevada and Rogan navigate a world where magic is the norm…and their relationship burns hot

Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill — she knows when people are lying—and she's used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family's detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor "Mad" Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime — the highest rank of magic user — and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice …

Source: Info in the About White Hot was taken from GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22303684-white-hot on 09/06/2017.

My Thoughts:

As usual, Ilona Andrews, delivers! But then again I am an old die-hard fan of this author duo, so I am admittedly biased. But having said that, it does not belie the fact that this book is a fantastic read! Being the second book in the series, the world building and character development has already been established in Book 1. And those masterful world building, character development, and story telling quality are carried on with this book, as expected. Safe to say that this is a 5 out of 5 read! The only down side is that I have to wait for the next book and I am not very patient! :(   And being Book 2 in the series, I suggest that one read Book 1 first before reading this book. It'll just make more sense. And, you wouldn't be cheating yourself out of the wonderful reading experience of reading this series in order rather than out of order.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4
Plot = 5
Narration = 4.5

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 cherries


Hidden Legacy Books:

THE BRIDESMAID AND THE HURRICANE Blog Tour

The Bridesmaid And The Hurricane by Kelly Maher
Genre: modern romance

About The Bridesmaid And The Hurricane:

A one-weekend stand over a year ago, and now they're coworkers...

Being a woman in TV is hard enough, but when the boss is trying to derail Radhika O’Leary’s career from behind the scenes, she has to make sure every aspect of her work—and her life—stands up to scrutiny.

Of course, the double standard is alive and well and Malcolm Jones, the broadcast meteorologist known as “Colm” to his friends and “The Hurricane Hottie” to his fangirls, knows that fame can hurt just as much as it helps. When Colm moves to DC, he’s excited to work with Radhika—her professional reputation is sparkling, and so are the kisses they shared that one weekend over a year ago when he was in town covering a blizzard.

But when Radhika is paired up with Colm for a project, all she sees is a looming storm over her carefully constructed career. Sparks still fly between the two journalists, and if they’re not careful, lightning might strike and alter the course of their lives forever.

Source: Info in the About The Bridesmaid And The Hurricane was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):
     

Excerpt:

Once they got inside the cafeteria, they went their separate ways to order their lunches. Stacey came back as Radhika was waiting on the veggie burger she’d ordered. “Did you get fries to go with that?”

“Yes.”

“Can you get a second order? I’ve been dying for some.”

“Sure.” She put in the request and they came up with the burger.

They went through the check out and Radhika put it all on her company account. They found an empty table over in one of the corners. Less chance of being interrupted. “How did the segment go?”

“Really good. I managed to get in all of the information I wanted to about the show and we still had a little time left over, so I talked a bit about how part of the proceeds go to help charity.”

“That’s great.”

“Yeah. Hopefully, if someone doesn’t go to the play, they’ll still consider donating.” She lifted one shoulder and dug into her bowl of chicken noodle soup.

The noise level in the cafeteria lifted like a small wave building into a bigger one. Radhika looked over and quickly found the reason. Colm. She wondered if this was his first turn in the cafeteria. Like if he knew that tour groups sometimes ended up here. Today, there was a bunch of high schoolers and some family groups. High-pitched squeals echoed every few seconds as he stopped to take pictures she was sure would be posted to the internet right after he walked away.

“Wow. Is that him?”

Radhika turned back to find Stacey staring at Colm slack jawed. “Mm-hmmm.”

Stacey leaned in. “And you hit that?” She held up her hand for a high-five.

Radhika let her hang.

“Hey, I’m trying to congratulate you.”

“You realize that’s crass.”

“So?” She pointed at her still raised hand with her other index finger. “High-five back, bitch.”

 

Meet The Author

About Kelly:

Foiled in her attempts to pursue a career in Forensic Anthropology due to a fatal incomprehension of calculus, Kelly turned to a life of telling people where to go, AKA librarianship. She then took another page out of her idol Indiana Jones' playbook and renamed herself after the dog, writing tales of romance of varying heat levels and erotica. She currently splits her time working on new writing projects and at the day job in a federal library in Washington, DC.

www.kellymaher.com | twitter | facebook | amazon | goodreads

PROMISES Part 3

The Book

PROMISES Part 3 by A. E. Via
Genre: M/M Gay Contemporary

About PROMISES Part 3:

A bounty hunter’s partners to lovers’ story.
The hunt is on… and he’s the prey.

Bradford (Ford) King was sure he had the rest of his life mapped out. Though he was no longer a SEAL Lieutenant, his brother was home safe and he had a job that still allowed him to satisfy his hunger for hunting bad guys. Life was simple, no distractions or complications – at age forty-six – that’s all Ford wanted. What he didn’t want was his work partner, sniper/watchman, Dana, giving him s**t all the time.

Dana Cadby had grown up labeled a roughneck from the wrong side of the tracks. He’d fought, scrounged, and survived despite a father that constantly told him he couldn’t. Dana pulled himself up by his own boot straps and made a name for himself in the marksman community. He’d been Duke’s bounty watchman for five years. It was his job to ensure their safety, watch their backs. At thirty-three, he was trusted, well respected by his peers, his bosses, his friends… so why couldn’t he earn the same respect from his partner?

Dana knew he was bisexual before he graduated high school. He also knew he was attracted to the huge, 6’3”, SEAL from the moment he and his brother came to join their team. It wasn’t easy for him to tamp down his immediate reaction to Ford’s thick muscles, full beard, and dark eyes. Still, Dana exhibited nothing but professionalism towards him, not wanting to make his ‘straight’ partner uncomfortable.

After Dana took back his ex-girlfriend, he’d noticed an intensification in Ford’s bad attitude. One that turned aggressive and downright antagonistic, and Dana was damned if he’d just lay down and take it. He was gonna make that man respect him if it was the last thing he did.

When Duke sends Dana and Ford out to track down their most dangerous bounty yet, they both embrace the fact that they make one hell of a team… but they fight tooth and nail against the powerful intimacy brewing between them.

Beware: When Ford and Dana connect, no fugitive can hide from the hunter and his watchman.

This story is a part of a series but can stand alone. It does not end on a cliffhanger and has a HEA.
Disclaimer: This book is about MM romance, albeit there is a very brief MF scene.

Source: Info in the About PROMISES Part 3 was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):
   

Excerpt:

Dana

“God, brat,” Ford retorted.

Dana’s laughter dwindled when he noticed the rich look of lust on Ford’s face. He’d never ever seen that look on him. He kept his eyes on Ford’s, wanting that look all to himself. Craving that look. He released the air he’d been holding and sucked in a much-needed breath. The temperature in the room spiked thirty degrees as they stared unashamedly at each other. If he weren’t such a gentleman he’d be up off that small loveseat and straddling Ford’s lap before he could erase that look from his face. But first, he had a girlfriend to break up with. Dana was not a cheater. And second, this was all new territory for Ford and he wouldn’t be a jerk and push him into something he wasn’t ready for.

“I better go. It’s late,” Dana said, breaking the tension. As soon as he stood up, he pulled at the hem of his shirt to try to cover his half-hard erection. “I had a good time, Ford.” Dana turned around and groaned under his breath. Why’d I say that? He’d just made it sound like he’d been on a date.

“Me too,” Ford said from close behind him. Dana was relieved Ford didn’t read too much into his choice of words.

Dana put on his coat and slowly made his way to the door, hesitant to leave Ford’s company after only a measly four hours. He could enjoy being around him – especially when he wasn’t so uptight – for much longer. Before he opened the door, Dana turned, desperate for even a few more seconds. “Have a good night.”

Ford looked so serious again, like he was debating with himself. The bad guy on his shoulder winning over the good guy on the other. Then everything seemed to move in slow-motion. Ford braced his palm flat on the door beside Dana’s head, mimicking what he’d done earlier, preventing him from leaving. While some might find the action a bit barbaric, Dana’s cock was getting harder and harder. He didn’t move, careful to let Ford go at his own pace. Oh so slowly, Ford brought his right hand up and gently caressed the bristles on Dana’s cheek. Dana just remembered to breathe before he passed out. Ford was touching him, and not in a hetero kind of way. It’s what he’d wanted for so long. Ford leaned in, carefully watching Dana’s eyes as he did. Before their lips could touch, Ford whispered gravely, “Stay still.”

Jesus Christ. Dana didn’t move, barely inhaled. There was no way he was about to ruin this.

Ford’s beard brushed his cheek and Dana realized he’d been right. It was soft to the touch, like Ford used conditioner on it. Dana felt his knees go weak but he locked them in place. Was Ford going to kiss him or was he going to just whisper in his ear and tease the hell out of him… what? All he felt was a deliciously solid, rock hard chest against his own and warm breaths behind his ear. But he followed orders and stayed still, didn’t dare move. He kept his fists clenched tightly at his sides to keep from pulling Ford even closer to him. When Ford was done inhaling him, he grazed Dana’s ear with his lips. Not a kiss… a caress. Dana felt Ford turn his face into the crook of his neck and he fought not to whimper like a love-sick girl.

“Get rid of her. Now,” Ford ordered, making Dana almost come in his pants.

Meet The Author

About A.E. Via:

A.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

When she’s not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family—a husband and four children.

Adrienne has tons of more stories to tell, so be sure to visit her site to learn more! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next.

www.authoraevia.com | blog | giftshop | twitter | facebook | facebook author page | pinterest | google+ | instagram | amazon | goodreads

Giveaway

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SHANNARA CHRONICLES Season 1

The Shannara Chronicles
A television series adaptation of the Shannara books by Terry Brooks
Genre: post-apocalyptic fantasy
Format: dvd box set

About The Shannara Chronicles:

The Shannara Chronicles roughly follows the storylines set out in The Elfstones of Shannara, set in the fictional Four Lands. As the series opens, demons start to return after being banished from this world to a place known as the Forbidding — locked by an ancient tree called the Ellcrys. The series chronicles the journey of Wil, Amberle and Eretria who, with the guidance of the last druid Allanon, must go on a quest to protect the Ellcrys from dying and releasing all the banished demons back into the Four Lands.

Source: Info in the About The Shannara Chronicles was taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shannara_Chronicles on 29/05/2017.

Book Trailer:

Allanon

My Thoughts:

For some reason I kinda imagined Allanon to be Gandalf-like, not that I'm complaining about Manu Bennett, mind. :)

The main reason I stopped reading the The Sword Of Shannara, four chapters in, is that I got annoyed with the "too stupid to live" (TSTL) element in it. I was kinda hoping that this would get lost in the translation from the book into TV series. That, was wishful thinking... *sigh*... With our heroes/heroines being TSTL, it's a good thing that our villains are such incompetent, eh?! Otherwise the fight of good versus evil is lost. As if that is not enough, Poppy Drayton can't act... *another sigh*... But anyway, the world building is beautiful. The cinematic effects are great and almost flawless. The plot is not bad. And, I really, really like the premise! **says the fantasy geek in me** Hopefully season 2 will see less TSTL and more kick-ass fantasy! By the way, is season 2 really happening??

Empirical Evaluation:
Cinematography = 4.5
Acting = 3.5
Story itself = 4
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Plot = 4.5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries

FTC Disclosure:

This box set was purchased with private funds.
No money received for this review.

TEMPTATION TRIALS Part 1 & Giveaway

The Book

Temptation Trials Part 1 by Brandy Truly
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic Romance

About Temptation Trials Part 1:

Temptation Trials
Part I
Will You Be Tempted? Will Love Save Your Soul?

One nation under his reign.

Cardinal sins of man caused humanity to pay the price. Cali Nasser grew up in a world succeeding World War III. The aftermath forced the world dictatorship that she must now live in. A new Regime arose from the ashes. They demanded obedience and cooperation from every citizen, even in matters of the heart.

One domain ... One accord … One nation. That is the moral code. In Cali’s eyes, it all revolves around a twisted plot for control.

It used to sicken Cali how people would allow the Regime to test their love through the Temptation Trials. That is, until she met Kincade. Cali’s entire point of view changes when she falls for him. She struggles with herself, debating if she should challenge the government’s law of arranged marriage.

Cali’s childhood friend, Stefani, always kept a positive perspective about their lives until she was threatened with the same dilemma, at odds over the man she loves.

Now Cali and Stefani face a desperate choice — submit to the Regime’s will, or fight for what they value most — love. Although lust, mistaken for love, could lead to damnation. Do they give up on love or sign up for the Temptation Trials, a reality TV show where every temptation is laid before them?

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Can love save their souls?

Rated Mature 18 +
Adult, Dystopian Romance with sensuality and sexual content.

Source: Info in the About Temptation Trials Part 1 was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):
 

Meet The Author

About Brandy Truly:

B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old and is grateful to have accomplished this dream. She has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of action and sci-fi. She writes New Adult and Adult, Romance. Sci-fi, Dystopian, and Paranormal genres.

B. Truly likes to explore different elements of sci-fi romance, and create various realms of reality. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.

B. Truly has three wonderful children and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.

twitter | facebook | facebook author page | google+ | youtube | amazon | goodreads

Giveaway

$15 Amazon Giveaway:

5 pts (Comment on Facebook Banner)
https://www.facebook.com/BTrulysFantasies

5 pts (Comment on Twitter Banner)
https://twitter.com/BrandyTruly

5 pts (Comment on Blurb) Cherry Homepage

4 pts ( Tweet about Give-away)
https://twitter.com/BrandyTruly

3 pts (Follow on Goodreads)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276631.B_Truly

2 pts (Add to Read Goodreads, Temptations Trials Part I)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34396154-temptation-trials-part-i

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This contest/giveaway is run by the author.

THE BATTLEMAGE (Summoner Book 3)

 

The Battlemage by Taran Matharu
Book 3 of the Summoner series
Read by Dominic Thorburn
Genre: epic fantasy
Format: ebook & audiobook

 

  About The Battlemage:

One boy's ability to summon demons will change the fate of an empire ... The epic conclusion to the fantasy trilogy described as 'Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings meets Pokemon'.

After the thrilling cliffhanger at the end of book two, we rejoin Fletcher and his friends in the ether, where they must undertake a mortally dangerous quest, all the while avoiding capture by enemies and facing foes more terrifying than anything they have yet encountered.

But this is nothing compared to what truly lies ahead for Fletcher, as his nemesis, albino orc Khan, is on a mission to destroy Hominum and everything and everyone that Fletcher loves.

Epic battles, dramatic revelations and breathtaking drama await in the third and final book in the New York Times bestselling Summoner series.

Source: Info in the About The Battlemage was taken from GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31687423-the-battlemage on 09/05/2017.

 

Ignatious

My Thoughts:

I like the story telling quality of this author, the world building is beautiful and the character development is solid. What I do not like is the author's tendency to have a cliffhanger ending and the good guys don't necessarily win. However, this being the third in a trilogy, we got a nice ending. Hurray!! Having said that, there is another book in this series, I presume to be the first in another trilogy or so, in this world. I like the thought that this book is not the end of it because I came to like this world so I am very happy to see more books coming out for this series and got an ending with this book at the same time! Kudos for this book!

There are a few issues in the story that I find a little too unrealistic, I had to force myself to turn a blind eye on them so as not to mar the beauty of the book... I mean, like, Zacharrias Forsyth and Inquisitor Rook are not stupid, and they could not immediately see that the staff could broadcast them to the entire nation?! So they condemn themselves and confess to boot, within earshot of the staff!! I mean... WTF! That is not just a weak plot, that is ridiculous! And that is the main reason that this book did not get a 5 out of 5. But despite that, this book did give an enjoyable reading time... you just have to be good at "selective inattention" and ignore weakness in the plot like that. Besides, Ignatious took a front and center role in the story! Who could begrudge that!!

  Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 3.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 5
Pace = 4
Plot = 3
Narration = 5

  Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries


  Books In The Summoner Series


 

The Author
	Taran Matharu is a New York Times bestselling author. He was born in London in 1990 and found a passion for reading at a very early age. His love for stories developed into a desire to create his own during early adolescence, beginning his first book at 9 years old. Straight after graduating with a First Class degree in Business Administration, Taran was keen to explore a new avenue and get inside the publishing world, landing an internship in Digital Sales at Penguin Random House, from June to September 2013. Thereafter, while taking time off to travel, Taran began to write ‘Summoner’ in November 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’. Thanks to Wattpad.com and updating daily, its popularity dramatically increased, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months. After being featured by NBC News, Taran decided to launch his professional writing career and has never looked back. His SUMMONER series is published by Hodder Children’s (Hachette) in the UK, Australia and Commonwealth, Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan) in the US and Canada, Hachette Jeunesse in France, Heyne in Germany, Planeta in Spain, Crown in Taiwan, Record in Brazil, EKSMO in Russia, Jaguar in Poland, Ecliptic in Bulgaria, Alpress in the Czech Republic, Ithaki in Turkey and Unieboek in the Netherlands.
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FTC Disclosure:
This book was purchased with private funds.
No money received for this review.