Ang's Sizzling Reviews: 2017

Monday, December 18, 2017

The Hookup (Moonlight and Motor Oil #1) by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68 @InkSlingerPR

With each release, there's the promise of so much goodness to savor I can hardly contain my joy. Hearing there's a new series and I'm floating on cloud nine. Unsurprisingly, I loved everything about The Hookup as I devoured this read three times before writing my review. That's how remarkable this romance was ~ I was lured back into Matlock, Kentucky, relishing every moment, with just as much excitement as my first time. With all the feels and written in the classic KA descriptive world-building style, Eliza and Johnny's journey is now one of my all-time favorites.

KA is not only the Queen of all Alphas but also the master of the second-chance-at-love romances such as The Hookup. The synopsis may make some leery, giving the impression that this may be a love-triangle or a 'settling for second best' type of scenario. Let me dispel those notions to say that this is not the case AT ALL. Johnny was a broken man, unwilling to love again, after losing a girl that was perceived to be "THE ONE." The beauty of this story is his healing with a message of hope; true love can be found again through the gentle care of the right devoted woman. This is Johnny and Izzy's story and a true Kristen Ashley fairytale ~ complete with a sincere hero who's all about loving, protecting and dedicating himself to the woman he claims. And that lucky girl is Eliza “Izzy” Forrester.

I adored Izzy's character to pieces. Down to earth and tenderhearted, this Spätzchen (little sparrow) handled every situation, whether it be their awkward rocky start to tense-filled moments, with kindness, dignity, and finesse. Life was not kind to Izzy or her family and her painful past shaped the beautiful, loyal and graceful woman that was worthy of Johnny's heart. She had a great sense of humor, a little sassy at times, and a quiet strength that I admired. Seeing her relationship with Johnny grow, breaking down his walls and turning his heart from hopeless to hope-filled, melted me. In all ways, Izzy was THE PERFECT girl for Johnny and a woman I would be happy to embrace as part of my tribe.

How could I not instantly fall in love with a hero with such a cool intro? What a kickass name.

Smooth as silk, hard as steel, charming, broody-hot and all Alpha ~ I could list the countless reasons why I fell for him, but the fun is discovering his wonders on your own. He was the quintessential KA Alpha with a fiercely protective and controlling side. Best of all ~ he was dirty talking growler!

He had a few dickish moments, but the way Johnny made amends had me eating out of the palm of his hand. His woeful shattered heart, *sigh*, I wanted to soothe and console him. Stubborn at first for not recognizing all that was him truly deserved genuine happiness with all the beauty that was Izzy. Johnny was everything she needed, and I was thrilled once he finally got his head sorted, stepped up his game and took care of Izzy in every way.

This story was addicting, seductive, fiery, yet exquisitely romantic. From shy Izzy fumbling her first ever hookup with Johnny, through to their intense hot AF sexual chemistry and the deep emotional connection which blossomed, I was happily riding the wave right alongside this couple every step of the way. Their banter had me giggling, Johnny's raw and animalistic sexual appetite had me swooning, the angst peppered into the storyline had me on edge, and the epilogue warmed my heart. Just an altogether excellent read from start to finish.

Brilliantly written and passion-filled, The Hookup was another amazingly sexy novel that left me feeling all gushy happy and longing for more from the Moonlight and Motor Oil world. (Especially Toby and Addie. I'm jonesing for their story and hoping their turn is next)! One of my favorite reads this year - an instant hit that I highly recommend.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zdNsLs

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2ysCvYW

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ysFiSk

iBooks: http://apple.co/2kSwuQC

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Sweet Life (Sugar Rush #5) by Nina Lane @NinaLaneAuthor @InkSlingerPR

What a tasty holiday treat that can be savored any time of the year!

Sweet Life, the fifth installment in one of my most beloved series by Nina Lane, has become my new favorite! I am just absolutely smitten, head over heels in love with Warren and Julia's romance. Once again, I found myself lost in Lane's enchanting world as my emotions ebbed and flowed with those of her characters, feeling all their love, passion, heartaches and joys. And this time, a refreshing change of pace as well with the journey of a more mature couple. With age comes experience and believe me, this duo may be in their 50's, but the connection they shared was off-the-charts ~ setting my kindle ablaze with their intense sexual chemistry. A beautifully written, heartwarming story of pursuing second chances, the love of family, lifelong friendships, of overcoming past regrets and the courage to face and take on challenges.

Following the series, we saw glimpses of Warren and Julia in each of the Sugar Rush novels. Their story could be considered a standalone, but I do suggest diving into at least the first three books to appreciate this couple's history and their dynamic relationship fully. Their connection runs deep as for thirteen years, Julia Bennett effortlessly stepped into the role as matriarch of the Stone Clan when her older sister, Rebecca, suddenly and tragically passed away. She was the glue that held the family together through the worst of times and right along with Warren, Julia helped raise the Stone children. They are not only in-laws but each other's support system and the closest of confidants. Their relationship, though unconventional due to the circumstances, was painted tastefully, respectfully by the author. The love they shared blossomed organically, weaving the past into the story line which served to strengthen their bonds of love.

This couple delightfully surprised me. Julia on the surface played the role of the sharp-tongued, stubborn, tough as nails woman who's always composed and always in control. Seeing her past and the impulsive girl that embraced a wild-child free spirit, all the secrets she carried, the love kept hidden for years and her vulnerable side, shed new light on Julia's persona. Peeling back her layers, she bloomed right before my very eyes. I loved the duality of her character ~ a fiery woman who wore a stern mask as armor for all the world to see while guarding her gentle and fragile heart underneath. I adored Julia for her insecurities and fears as well as her icy, rigid demeanor. She was a tigress, a woman who loved her family and Warren so fiercely, willingly sacrificed her own heart to protect them.

Warren Stone melted me. Seriously, this charismatic corporate mogul and father of seven had major swagger. He quickly became one of my favorite characters penned by this author. Beneath his custom-tailored designer suits adorned with cutesy candy themed ties, beat the heart of a ravenously sexy man so wildly passionate, I was swooning my way through page after page practically losing my mind. I loved him and his undying determination to claim Julia, despite her hesitations and reservations. Warren was the perfect hero ~ a man who faced challenges head-on, fought for what he wanted, and never gave up. And in the bedroom ~ Papa Stone liked his control. In a word, Warren was scrumptious.

Written in dual points of view, with occasional flashbacks to the past that explained this couple's long history, I truly enjoyed Warren and Julia's journey. If you are looking for a read that will capture your heart and touch your soul, I highly recommend Sweet Life and this entire series!! Thank you, Nina, for another great romance.

iBooks: http://apple.co/2l0u6Hq

Amazon link: http://a.co/5i0qFap

Meet the hot men of the Sugar Rush Candy Company...

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Most of All You by Mia Sheridan @MSheridanAuthor

After reading all of this author's works, I know to brace myself for an overwhelmingly touching journey and Most of All You was no exception. Mia Sheridan is a gifted writer who never fails to hold me hostage within the confines of the worlds she created. Ruling my emotions while sending me into turmoil, Sheridan once again flayed my heart and shattered me to pieces. Then ever so slowly, she led me from utter despair and into the light as her words became gentle caresses, a soothing balm, which healed me. From the onset, I found myself in tears and aching for these characters. So lost within the story, I felt all of their sorrows and joys deep down to my soul. Weeks later, Gabriel and Ellie's story continues to haunt me. Be warned - this is not a lighthearted read (I was a blubbering mess from prologue through to this couples' happily ever after). Nonetheless, it was so worth every tear shed. An unforgettable slow-burning romance of hope, of overcoming the past, finding beauty in the rubble, of undeniable love and self-discovery.

Broken and severely damaged, Gabriel and Ellie suffered through heinous childhood ordeals, which shaped their future in very different ways. Ellie (or Crystal, her stage name) chose what some may consider an unrighteous path while Gabriel led a quiet, reserved life. Despite their differences, both have major trust issues, and with good reason. Their history and the traumas each survived utterly destroyed me. Nonetheless, I relished in their struggle to overcome all obstacles, taking a leap of faith and trust in the healing power of love.

Eloise ‘Ellie’ Cates was one tough cookie. Harden, pessimistic, self-loathing and lacking self-esteem, she was unfortunately surrounded by horrible people who consistently used and abused her. At first glance, she came off seemingly detached and even cruel at times to my sweet Gabe. Although I hurt for all the injustices she experienced, I felt as if her character was holding back and hiding behind a stone-cold façade. However, through her relationship with Gabriel, a different side of Ellie came into light. As she slowly unraveled, Ellie's beautiful soul shined, and my admiration for her grew tremendously.

Her journey from striving to overcome dire circumstances to discovering true self-worth had my heart bursting. With Gabriel's devotion and guidance, Ellie finally found the courage to turn her life around, rise from the ashes, open up her heart and learn to trust. From a hopeless woman who perceived herself as unworthy of affection, she brilliantly transformed into a compassionate and loving heroine.

In Gabriel Dalton, Sheridan created my perfect hero, and I immediately fell head over heels in love with him. Gentle, kind, passionate and patient to a fault, Gabe was the epitome of the "strong and silent" type. Riddled with trust and intimacy issues resulting from an unimaginable childhood ordeal, he sought help from a stripper, Crystal (Ellie), hoping to overcome his fears. For a child shrouded in so much brutality and ugliness, Gabriel was a master creator of beauty ~ in both his trade as a sculptor and his optimistic outlook on life.

Despite his soft-spoken demeanor, Gabe is one of Sheridan's strongest heroes. I loved how he recognized and tended to all of Ellie's needs above and beyond his own. His determination to heal both himself as well as Ellie, while never giving up on her during the most difficult of times, had me soaring. I championed his efforts to not only conquer his anxieties but to finally break through her walls. Noble and sincere, his character stole my heart and will stay with me for a very, very long time.

I enjoyed every moment of this couple's journey to love and savored their slow-burning passion from shaky beginnings through to the powerful connection they shared. As usual, this story was exceptionally written. Filled with memorable characters, a gripping plot and elements of symbolism that Sheridan masterfully peppered into the storyline ~ Most of All You was another great, tearfully emotional read that I highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Kristen Ashley's THE TIME IN BETWEEN (Magdalene #3) @KristenAshley68 @InkSlingerPR

I sorely missed the small, quaint town of Magdalene and I could not wait to revisit despite knowing The Time in Between would mark the end of this beloved series. With great anticipation, I entered into Coert and Cady's world.

And it was exquisite.

Once again Kristen Ashley proved she is not only the Queen of all Alpha romances but the sovereign of second chance love stories. No one can break hearts and mend shattered souls like KA.

No one.

And while experiencing this couple's sublime yet bittersweet journey, KA reigned over my emotions; flooding me with sorrow during times of despair then slowly, magically, healing me through the beauty of their reunion.

With the story transitioning from the past to present day, we see Coert and Cady's instant and fiery connection, the unfortunate events which tore them apart, and the obstacles they faced after years of separation. Unavoidable deceptions and misunderstandings tainted their beginnings, but the love they shared was sincere and life-altering. It hurt seeing the devastating aftermath; how in the time in between both struggled with soul-crushing grief while mourning all that they had lost. It was agonizing at times, often bringing me to tears. However, as they found their strength to forgive, deciding to leave the gut-wrenching past behind and start anew, I was overcome with joy. It was a slow burning, deliciously sexy, and all consuming romance.

Cady Mooreland was a remarkable heroine. I adored both the misunderstood, naive and overly impulsive girl head over heels in love, as well as the soft spoken yet brave woman she became. A compassionate soul, Cady loved and cared deeply for those fortunate enough to be in her life. But, there was an aura of melancholy surrounding her character that tugged heavily at my heartstrings, and with good reason. Virtually everyone in Cady's life betrayed her.

My heart ached for young Cady as her family, friends, and lover delivered blow after devastating blow, leaving her a broken mess. Feeling defeated she made one rash decision, breaking a promise made, and lost the love of her life.

During the sorrowful years in between, Cady shouldered the blame for ruining their relationship. Still, she managed to find contentment and safety within a new and loving family, who encouraged her to finally seek forgiveness from her one true love ~ Coert Yeager.

To say that Coert's character was intense is an understatement. I loved him to pieces, even though I wanted to strangle him at times. A former undercover DP detective turned small-town sheriff, and single dad to the cutest little girl, this sexy quick-tempered law man kicked the broody-hot Alpha male persona to a whole new level. Extremely pissed-off when learning Cady moved to Magdalene, Coert did not hold any of his bitterness back. Seeing her again after all this time reopened old wounds of guilt and regret.

There were times when his callousness towards Cady had me weepy, yet part of me could not fault Coert for his reactions. Falling in love while on assignment complicated their relationship, but his heart was unfailingly sincere, regardless of his circumstances. Through the years, his love for Cady never died; just buried beneath his insurmountable pain.

As tension between the two escalated, then finally exploding in one of the hottest scenes ever, Coert's character transformed. Gone was the angry, resentful man and in his place, a romantic hero who was determined to let go of the past and move forward with his woman.

Tender-hearted yet never losing his Alpha male edginess, Coert's devotion to Cady made my heart sigh.

Another fantastic, emotional read from The Queen!! Coert and Cady's journey to their happily ever-after and forgiveness was slow building, fraying my nerves to no end, but I enjoyed every moment. A compelling story of infinite love, the importance of family and friends, of hope, of healing and second chances ~ there's just so much goodness to savor with every turn of the page. Brilliantly written, filled with passion and unforgettable characters, The Time in Between has become a new favorite of mine and a MUST READ.