Dark Soul Vol 4 by Aleksandr Voinov

4 STARS

Dark Soul Vol 4 - Books 8, 9 & 10

They fascinate me. All these characters just fascinate me. Stefano and Silvio, of course, but Donata and Franco too. This is one thing that the author does well, I think. Create memorable and layered characters - no cardboard cutouts here!

A purely shallow moment - I must say that the image of Silvio in his leathers, on his bike... OMG, so damned hot. :) 

What also has totally hooked me is the evolution of Stefano. Up until Dark Temptation I was thinking of him being in his early 40s, but he's younger. early 30s. and NOW I understand him a lot better. *LOL* Or I think I do. 

I love Aleksandr's writing and I love this series. I HIGHLY recommend it.

The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

4 STARS

Inn Boonsboro Trilogy - Book 3

And thus ends the trilogy. And I loved it. :) I think I love everything Nora writes to some degree. 

I have to admit that I wasn't as fond of Hope, this book's heroine as I was of Claire and Avery. Even when she was puzzled by or even upset about what was going on in her personal life, she had this cool, almost detached way about her that didn't endear her to me. 

Ryder, on the other hand, was a perfect Nora hero. And I ADORED that he didn't change by the end of the book. He didn't find it easier to talk about things, he still was puzzled by women, he was still wonderfully grumbly. I love how Nora writes men and that her books are as much about them as they are the heroines and in some cases even more about them. (One of my fondest dreams is that Nora write a M/M romance, but I know it will never happen.)

The Lizzy plotline wound up as I had suspected it would way back in #1, but you know what? I bawled my way through it. *LOL* And I also loved Justine SO much in this book. Coolest mom EVER!

So yes, I totally recommend the whole trilogy!

Dirty Kiss by Rhys Ford

4 STARS

The Cole McGinnis Mysteries - Book 1

I enjoyed this! Good book. Good characters. Definitely the beginning of the series. This really could have been a great book if only the editing had been a little tighter. Not that there were huge, glaring errors, but little things, details, repetition of words, things that made my eyebrows knit together and slightly pull me out of the story. 

That being said, I totally love the unfolding of Cole and Jae's relationship. There's physical chemistry from the get-go, and it gets acted upon, but there's still so much emotional chemistry to be explored and the author takes that nice and slow. I also love Cole and Neko, the cat. :) 

The story is written in the first person POV, which is not everyone's cup of tea, but it is well-done in that respect. The mystery is good - I didn't have it figured out after 2 chapters which happens far too often. The supporting characters, Cole's brother and his secretary/conscience keeper are great. And I'm wondering if the lady detective is going to be a recurring character. 

I am very comfortable in recommending this book and am looking forward to reading #2 myself! :)

Priceless by Cat Grant

4 STARS

Irresistible Attraction - Book 1

I really enjoyed this and again, found it way too short. :) I want to know more about Connor and Wes, especially Connor because this is really Wes' story. 

I have discovered that while I quite enjoy novellas, I'm really a novel girl. I like to sink my teeth into good characters and good stories. BOTH of which this is, just... I want more. I know... I'm greedy. :) 

Read this one, it's good.

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts

4 STARS

Inn Boonsboro Trilogy - Book 2

Another fun Nora comfort read. :) The dialogue is delightful, especially between the brothers. They talk like men and I love it! :)

The Flesh Cartel - Choices by Rachel Haimowitz and Heidi Belleau

5 STARS

The Flesh Cartel - Episode 3

And it continues. Episode 3 kept up everything that was great about episodes 1 & 2. We finally get to really meet Nikolai Petrovic and watch the man go to work. It's horrifyingly fascinating.

Mat and Dougie continue to break my heart but I can't help feeling that they are in a better place with Nikolai than they ever were back at the processing centre. At least, at first look, it's not as inhumanely brutal. I may be in for a rude awakening at some point, though. *LOL* 

If you have the wherewithal to tackle this series, I highly recommend it. The writing is wonderful, Heidi and Rachel are totally on their game. And while the premise might be out there, the looks we get into the minds of our main characters are utterly fascinating. And real, I think. And now I must wait with impatience for the next installment. February 4th... it's not THAT far away! *LOL*

Quid Pro Quo by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

4 STARS

Market Garden - Book 1

Loved this! I just wish there was MORE of the adventures of Jared and Tristan. I can't wait for more tales from Market Garden. I think Riptide and Aleksandr and L.A. have a hit on their hands. (And the cover art is terrific!)

O Come All Ye Kinky by Various Authors

5 STARS

What a great anthology! There's something for everyone. M/M, F/F, menage... all here. A great introduction to authors I hadn't read that I wish to check out. (I had only previously read L.A. Witt before.) 

Really, this is kink done right. None of this 50 Shades apologetic bullshit. These people enjoy their kinks! I can't even pick a favourite story out of the bunch because they were all that good. :) 

I guess I especially liked "Fireworks" by Katie Porter because I read so little f/f fiction. Of course that could change tomorrow. *LOL* But believe me, there are stories here that I will read again and again. Do yourself a favour and whatever time of year it is, check out O Come All Ye Kinky. You won't be disappointed. :) 

(And yes, I did finish it in the wee hours of Christmas morning. *LOL*)

A Knitter in His Natural Habitat by Amy Lane

4 STARS

Knitting Series - Book 3

Loved it and I love this series. :)

How to Raise an Honest Rabbit by Amy Lane

4 STARS

Knitting Series - Book 2

LOVED IT!!