4.5 stars! Breath, book 10 of 10.  Jonathan Drazens continued seduction of Monicas mind, body and soul!
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Breathe!
It was a command.  And order, and I pulled in a breath before he shoved himself back in, invading me, breaking me

Songs of Submission is the whirlwind saga of aspiring singer Monica Faulkner and hotelier and real estate magnate Jonathan Drazen.  Books/novellas should be read in order:
Book 1: Beg
Book 2: Tease
Book 3: Submit
Book 3.5: Jessica & Sharon
Book 4: Control
Book 5: Burn
Book 5.5: Rachel
Book 6: Resist
Book 7: Sing
Book 7.5: Monica
Book 8: Dominance
Book 9: Coda
Book 10: Breath

Bend over the sink. Im going to show you who owns what around here.

Breath (part 10) is the continuation of Jonathan Drazens relentless seduction of Monicas mind, body and soul that started in Beg, book 1.  It picks up right after the ending of book 7.5.

Monica has a new project and for a moment she falters and loses track.  Story follows her on the journey with a mostly suit-clad Jonathon by her side, over her, under, her controlling her and loving her.

Breathe, told from dual POVs, was the perfect mixture of a glimpse into their relationship, insight into their minds and everything that is sex with a very kinky, commanding, controlling, intuitive, progressive and possessive Jonathan!

What did you do to your throat?
Jonathans d*** had been down it, but I didn't say that.

***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A, ARC
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
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AudioBook Review:  Stars:  Overall 4  Narration 5  Story 4

The first I have read/listened to of this series, I was hoping for a clever romance with the right mix of heat, heart and angst, and Chelsea Fine delivered just that with Right Kind of Wrong.  Jenna was that live on my own terms sort of girl: tattooed and kick-ass with more than a touch of control freak.  Jack is that sort of guy you cant help but notice, yet all of his attention is on Jenna, as he tries to convince her that he is the one for her.

A road trip home to New Orleans sets the stage for these two friends to have the uninterrupted time together: a nightmare for Jenna, a boon for Jack.  Shes desperately trying to ignore the palpable chemistry, their one night was a mistake, and she has no intention of letting anything change her mind.  Her fear of commitment and not being in charge comes from the struggles of her mother and grandmother, and she desperately wants to stuff Jack back into the friends-only box.  For his part, Jack knows that one night changed his world, and his outlook on the relationship with Jenna.  Hes willing to push every button until she comes to see the truth he knows.

Jacks delivery is smooth, but even more than that, he is sincere: intense and determined. It makes for a wonderful series of interactions.  And then, PLOT TWIST, and everything becomes darker and you cant help but worry for these two.  Fine used the secrets and dark history that Jack left behind to bring Jennas decisions and thoughts around to her truth: she cares for him more than she was willing to admit, and helped to open her eyes to what was there all along.

Narration in this story is provided by Susanna Duff, and I was honestly surprised at her facility of moving through characters, accents and tone changes that delineate different characters. I expected to find a bit more touch of the south in Jennas voice, despite her choice to separate herself from her roots and all things tied to the life she believed she couldn't have lost her accent in the time since leaving home.  Her portrayal of Jacks voice is solidly male without odd cadences or overemphasis. A wonderful listen, as Duff has used pauses, tone changes and emotion to fill out the narrations, particularly effective in the dual POV of the story.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title via Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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Ultimate Pleasure, that's how I would describe this book. Oh my!! Be prepared to have your breath taken away (as long as your 18+).

Amanda has revised her seduction bible ''Release Your Hidden Temptress Handbook' so much that she has now gone from theory to red hot practice at a masquerade bar crawl with the aim to attract exciting men into her life, one night at a time. And so the temptress game begins, she soon singles out Mr Hot, who by the way has had plenty of pleasurable experience, and they take their love dance elsewhere until he suddenly stops and arranges a meet up the next day but why? She soon finds out that her delicious Mr Hot is her boss Mick, both have had serious hots for each other for so long without the other knowing. Now the truth is out Mick offers to give her the hard pleasure she craves while keeping her safe so no harm comes to her, with a 'no strings attached' for 'one night only' offer then back to the office Monday. Seems a fair offer ;-)

Let's just say that those amazing chapters were quickly read, making my heart pump that bit faster, I couldn't wait to get back to my, I mean Amanda's sexy training! BUT to tease us even more the 'one night only' turns into a whole weekend as Mick offers to also show her the real ways to seduce a man while staying out of danger, for the girl he cares so much about. More sensational hot reading to be had!

There's two sides to this instant hot blooded man, he is smooth, caring, gentle and affectionate yet can melt a women's heart in an instant as the words slide off his delicious tongue and let's not even get to the spine tingling bits. I was totally in awe and in parts I totally forgot I was actually reading. With a lifetime of hurt and sadness, no longer believing in love, switching back to reality on Monday is no problem for Mick, is it? And what about Amanda, when Monday comes can she really go back to her dull, loveless life after such a fantasy?

This has been an unmissable serving of strong tasting Love Pie and I am now holding my breath for the next one. I've got to say that Melissa writing the 'Release Your Hidden Temptress Handbook' would be an absolutely amazing addition and so much fun!
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Resist, The Submission Series #6 by C.D. Reiss
5 stars

Monica, as much as she is a mess, and seems unsure what she wants to do, she is also equally certain she can't live without Jonathan. I love that she knows it is going to hurt to love him, but she won't give up on him this time. I love that she is finally ready to be there for him no matter what, and that she'll do whatever it takes to help him win this battle with Jessica. My loathing for Jessica grows with every book, she is so selfish and heartless in this battle to get what she wants. Jonathan has never really had this kind of love from someone outside of his sisters, and doesn't feel like he deserves it, but I'm so glad he can't help but be drawn back to Monica over and over. The emotional ups and downs take me with them at every page, but at the last of this book, I thought my heart stopped beating for a couple seconds as I wanted to yell "NO". Loved this book, love this series!
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Pawn (Mr. Rook 2) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

### 5 Huuuuuge Hashtags ###

*** Spoiler Free ***

Wow Mimi, you have totally outdone yourself.  This is probably my favourite ever series of yours - I am totally in awe, it may even knock your King Series off it's top perch.

This book is part of a trilogy and they certainly do need to be read in order.

I am loving this totally unique series so damn much, packed with suspense, mystery and intense chemistry I was completely and utterly hooked, fully immersed into the island with them (I wish)!  This is definitely a read-in-one-go book.

I have to admit I'm a teeny weeny bit disappointed as I was secretly hoping for some more of those wickedly filthy steaming hot fantasies twisted with a touch of humour.  However, we do get so much more from Mr Rook, Stephanie and of course the mysterious Island.

Oh and the mother of all cliffhangers, so many questions left open, do we really have to wait so long !
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4.5 out of 5 stars

This was so freaking good! Excellent introduction to the series that has my mind racing with a million questions. I cannot wait to read the next books. Im hooked!

This was seriously intriguing right from the start. I think everything was laid out extremely well. I really like Mac. She went through a lot in a short amount of time and sometimes she was completely overwhelmed. I love how she handles it all. I liked her internal dialogue, some of it was really humorous. I am completely fascinated by Jericho Barron's and can't wait for more details on him  I loved his bad ass attitude! He was just so in command and powerful. I was guessing who or what he was the entire story. The two of them have an interesting relationship because Mac wants answers and Jericho keeps secrets so there is a lot of tension. Theres an undercurrent of desire between the two of them as well and Im anxious to see how all that develops.

I loved the elaborate world that is being developed, all the paranormal findings about the fae and the cast of characters that have been introduced so far. Theres a nice build with lots of detail. Theres also a lot of new lingo to remember, Im really thankful a glossary was included or Id be lost.

The ending was great with a bit of drama. I liked the who-done-it element about who killed her sister, its dark and mysterious. While a lot was learned there is still a ton to be discovered and I will definitely continue. Im excited about where it could all go! I liked it so much that I ordered all the books that were available because I want to read the entire series.

A great foundation was made in Darkfever, Im really intrigued and so happy that I have a new series to read! Bring on Bloodfever!
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I think my vag*** and his d*** are going steady.

These novellas should be read in order:
Part 1: Pulse I
Part 2: Pulse II
Part 3: Pulse III
Part 4: Pulse IV

In Pulse, part 1 small-town girl Jessica Roth, Jess had one-night stand with enigmatic attorney, Nathan Moore, Nate.  A night of endless f*** ing lead to many more as Jessica became Ms. Wednesday night.

Pulse, part 2 picks up after part 1s shocking ending.  It continues to follow their rocky relationship of addictive sex blurred by lies, deceit and secrets.

JESSICA ROTH, Jess, Jessie:  23 years/Former paramedic/Aspiring chef/Blond hair/Blue eyes.
Five words to describe Jessica Roth, Jess: Indecisive, conflicted, weak, annoying and needy.

NATHAN MOORE, Nate:  30 (31) years/Attorney/$$$$/Black hair/Light blue eyes.
Six words to describe Nathan Moore, Enigmatic, complex, secretive, distant, demanding and commanding.

Just as I was thinking that I wished Jessica would stop this wishy-washy mixed signals - such as going over to his house to tell him she is not going to do their one night stand (how about just not showing up, let him worry about finding you if he needs to!). Nathan throws me yet another shocking curb ball - 5-star cliffy!!! There is no other option, but for me to skip on over to part 3, Pulse III for the continuation of their story.

Borderline obsessive f***-fest!  Another brilliant cliffy!

***
Hero rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 3 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 3.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 3.75 stars

Would I re-read this series: Probably not.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
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Title: Fever

Series: Breathless Trilogy (Book 2)

Author: Maya Banks

Genre: Erotic Romance

Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They're accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it's a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise...

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They're powerful, they're imposing, they're irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything--including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he's never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him--and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn't sharing Bethany--with anyone. He's determined to be the only man in her life, and it's jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.

I really enjoyed the first book, Rush, but I loved this book even more.

Maya Banks writes very explicit, very graphic sexuality and She writes it very well. I love how authors that include a lot of sex scenes yet somehow manage to keep them fresh. Maya is one of those writers. The sex stays sexy while she crafts a story that is also engaging, emotionally captivating, and worth reading.

Jace is a force to be reckoned with. He's good-looking to the extreme, he's wealthy...as in filthy rich, and he likes control in all aspects of his life. He doesn't just want control...he craves it needs it. For years most of his sexual proclivities have included Mnage  Trois with his best friend and business partner Ash. No MM...they're all about sharing the woman...fulfilling her pleasure. That is until Bethany. I loved Jace...he can be  broody, and go off without thinking but he's a good guy and sexy as hell.

Bethany is unlike any woman who Jace has ever encountered. She brings out feelings in him that he didn't think he was capable of...jealousy, protectiveness, possessiveness, and the desire for something more. She also comes with a past and circumstances that make her feel unworthy of Jace. The relationship between Jace and Bethany threatens the deep seated and wonderful friendship between Jace and Ash. Not for the reasons you might guess though. Y'all know that it's not the chick in a story that rocks my world. It is important tho for me to like the female lead. I liked Bethany a lot. I was frustrated with her on several occasions, but bottom line...I wanted her and Jace together as a couple, and I wanted it badly.

Fever is a complex story that I didn't want to put down. It's a story that combines romance, sex, family, friendship and so much more. It has angst sprinkled throughout, but it's short-lived which is something I personally prefer. It's a story about characters who discover things about themselves they didn't know, and who finally let go of things about themselves they should never have held onto.

It's a book that I highly recommend if you love a great romance, and well written erotica.

Grade A+

Review By: Helen

Read more of our great reviews at [...]
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The action really picks up in this second book, and there's none of that lagging-middle-book syndrome so common in trilogies. I read this book all in one sitting; I was completely unable to put it down for a second! So many questions in this book that need to be answered, mysteries to be illuminated, bad guys to take down, and naturally, romance around every corner.

This time the setting is the dirty streets of New York in the 1980s. Wes and Lydia fall in with some homeless kids who are stealing and partying, and of course, running from both cops and government agents alike. The Montauk Project is a formidable foe, and the characters have to use all their brains and resources to stay one step ahead.

Lydia is a bit less innocent, a bit wiser, and definitely smarter in this book. She's tougher, but manages to keep her good heart, her kindness and compassion, and especially her fierce spirit. Her insatiable curiosity is tempered with some caution now, but she's also taking risks in other areas of her life, most notably in her relationship with Wes.

Wes is still such an enigma. I love the depth of his character! He relies on Lydia's blazing hopefulness as the counterpoint to his own cynicism. It was wonderful seeing him finally allow himself to relax a little and feel something, instead of keeping himself so closed off all the time. But still... there's so much delicious mystery surrounding him! I adore him!

I loved the new characters, LJ, Nikki, and Tag. They weren't just faceless homeless kids who filled a place in the plot; they were well-rounded personalities that leapt off the page and into my heart! Wonderful writing!

The pacing is perfect, the writing gives Lydia her own voice, and the character development is fantastic! I'm going to dive into the third book immediately! Love love love this trilogy!
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My thoughts:
~ the quick note ~
Demon Kiss is a fast-paced, tragic, triumphant, romantic, inspirational, emotionally loaded, powerful story.  It grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let you go!  This is a "cover to cover, hope you downloaded book three on the same day" read.

If you haven't started the series at all - go get all three books (four is coming soon) - or if you have already read book 1 - then grab something to snack on, something to drink and get set up in your favorite reading spot and plan for a read-a-thon!

~ the longer version ~ (spoiler alert)
I am totally in love with this series!  I finished the first book and immediately went looking for more! I was thrilled to find books two and three on Smashwords, so I bought and downloaded them both right then.  I couldn't wait to get going on The Demon Kiss.

  Demon Kiss started right away from where The Trouble With Spells left off.
Once again I was captured by the characters and intrigued by the story.
  We are in back in another  "Can love conquer all" situation.
Portia sets out in search of Vance - the love of her life - and in the company of her two best friends.  Once they find Vance, we are taken on an emotional whirlwind ride and left breathless.
  The connection between Vance and Portia is stronger than ever and they finally decide to work together to try to find and destroy Vance's demon father (Damien).  This sets them up for a multi-country search for Damien.  They discover that he is stealing power from other witches and warlocks with what is called the Demon Kiss and the only way to save everyone is to stop him.  They finally find him, but he has found them too and comes for Portia just like she has seen in her dreams so many times.
  Once Damien has Portia, the story seems to fly by as Vance sets out to save her.  There is an epic battle between Vance and Damien.  Of course (because there is a book 3) Vance is victorious.

This one too ends with a cliffhanger - hence my suggestion to have the next book already!
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The Breathing Series was recommended to me a few months ago and during my course of reading, Rebecca Donovan had me at her mercy--wildly anxious, in love and desperate to find a happy ending for all of her characters. Out of Breath left me on edge each time I had to put it down and pick up my real life. Her characters are so lovable and genuine.
I strongly, fiercely,wholeheartedly recommend this series!
1871598
4.5 - "Never doubt your value." Stars!

We return to the Blood of the Drakon series, with the third book; Drakons Plunder finally giving us Ezra Eastons story.

I am abso-blooming-loving, this series. N. J Walters has really hit the mother-lode with the guys/drakons that these books are telling the stories of, and just like his brothers before him, I absolutely adored Ezra. Nothing gets my girly parts zinging more than an Alpha growly male, going all possessive over the woman destined to be his mate, and Ezra was all that and a bar of chocolate.

She was his. Hed found her in the ocean, plucked her from the sea. By the laws of maritime salvage, that meant she belonged to him now

Once again the author managed to give the reader a really great love story between Ezra and Sam, another strong willed, sassy woman, not afraid to speak her mind, and do what she believes is the right thing. All the while their mutual enemy the Knights of the Dragon are still looking for clues as to whether there are further Drakon in existence and for ancient spells and curses to help them capture and use the Drakon for their blood.

It was rare for both sides of his nature-man and beast to be at peace. Sam gave him that.

As with the last book I felt this part of the bigger story hardly moved along in the scheme of things, in fact there hasn't been a huge amount of development around Karina Azarov, Herman Temple, and the whole Knights plot since the author set it all up in book one to be honest, a few bad guys may have died along the way, but nothing else of real note(yet). But after reading this one I have a feeling I know why, not that I can say as that would be a huge spoiler!

Hed bring ruin to the world before hed let anyone take her from him

That-said I still absolutely adored this book, there is involvement from the previous characters as well, so that keeps everything cohesive and current, and some of the banter between Ezra and his brothers bought a few giggles to the fore.

"I haven't known you very long, but it feels like Ive known you forever."

This isn't a series you can just dip into, you definitely need to read it from the beginning, I also love that the author/publisher are keeping the break between releases small, it means that I am not spending the first few chapters of each book trying to recall everything that has happened previously. On that point I really hope that we don't have to wait for the next book, Nicodemus Wilde, has been the most un-involved of the brothers up to this point in the story, so I cannot wait to get to know him better.

"Youre never leaving me. Not while I have blood in my body."
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Smoldering Hunger (Dark Kings #8) by Donna Grant

Darius is still in Edinburgh hunting down Dark Fae but his mind is on something more than taking down the vermin that plague the streets of the Scottish city. His mind is focused on the passionate interlude he had with the good Doctor Sophie Martin two weeks ago and how much he would love to repeat that moment. However, his past ways heavily on his mind and hes not interested in sparking up any type of relationship with a human but when Ulrik decides to play a game using Sophie as an instrument to hurt Darius in order to play out his plan to destroy Con, Darius is forced to spend more time with Sophie in order to protect her.

Sophie and Darius were hot from the very first moment they gave into their lust for one another and that heat grew each time they met up. It was almost too much passion and it overshadowed at times the emotional connection they felt for one another. However, once the two finally opened up beyond the physical and talked about their pasts and truths the emotional connection became the highlight of the relationship and helped build up the idea that the two were much more than mates put together by the hand of destiny. They became that once in a lifetime love that many dream about.

I appreciated Sophies independence and I loved how Darius placed emphasis on her not giving the career she adored so much. He saw that part of Sophie as one of the things that made her an admirable person. That adoration for her talent of healing made for an equal stance in the relationship, which I found lovely and refreshing.

 As much as I liked Sophie and Dariuss story I have to admit my mind was far more focused on my favorite character, Rhi. There was so much going on with Rhi in this book I could hardly contain myself. The change in Balladyn, the watchers turn from neutral viewer to someone reaching out to comfort Rhi, and the angry confrontation with Con. I cant wait to find out what all this means and WHO Rhi is destined to be with in the end and what side will she choose!

Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
1452184
Book two starts immediately where book one ended. I couldn't put it down because I was immediately pulled back into the intensity and emotion.

This was such a amazing story! I love Sidney and Peter together. There was such a roller coaster of emotion going on. I love that Sydney was strong and unselfish and overcame so much. Peter is such a great character and we got to see a whole other side of him in this story. Their conversations and witty banter and playfulness were so real to me.

Their tender moments were beautiful written and several times throughout the book my heart was in my throat. Peter and Sidney's romantic connections to one another were so romantic, sweet, and sensual all rolled into one. I was completely captivated.

Sean and Avery from The Arrangement series are in this book. I think Sean is an interesting, intense character and I'd like to learn more. Peter's whole family is pretty intriguing actually so at this point anything having to do with the Ferro Brothers I want to get my hands on.

The turmoil that went on and the bit of drama and suspense were perfectly mixed in. Thank goodness for Mr. Turkey. He was a fabulous addition to the book. I'm serious about Mr. Turkey - I was laughing out loud and my family was looking at me like I was crazy!

I loved the ending. I was emotionally all over the place with it because it was so intense but I thought it was the perfect ending.

I am such a fan of H. M. Ward! Excellent author!
1322678
Wow, character development jumped exponentially, depth was better, loved the way Jonathan and Jessica responded to each other can't wait to finish I'm in love with Jonathan Drazen and wish I was as strong and talented as Monica
1160215
I thought I was going to have a heart attack right along with Johnathon while trying to read this book!  That isn't a spoiler as we were left in Resists with Johnathon collapsing to the ground unconscious.

Sing starts us off in the hospital with Johnathon and Monica fighting against all odds.  This will be a hard book to review as I don't want to reveal any of the plot.  Just know that our fearless, sexy couple is in the fight of both of their lives, literally.

In the midst of the drama, we meet all the Drazen sisters and the Senior Drazen himself.  There is a new character added to the mix who I loved to hate, Dr. Brad, Monica's neighbor.  It seemed as though he had something up his sleeve the entire time.

Sing shows a vulnerable side to Johnathon that I couldn't imagine he even had in him.  I also couldn't tell where C.D. Reiss was going with our favorite couple.  They were at the end of their rope so many times, only to be brought back and dropped again.

Sing is a perfect ending to the imperfect (on the outside) relationship of Johnathon and Monica.  We get even more questions answered and a nice epilogue to boot.  This is a well written, sexy, angsty series that I highly recommend. I also love the cover art that C.D. Reiss does herself, so beautiful and fitting to each story.
2925299
Breathless is book #1.5 in the Breathe Series by Rachel Brookes. This time around, its Trents turn to share his thoughts & feelings with Breathless being in his POV. I LOVE when series switch POVs so I know what both sides are feeling and thinking. Trent is a deep man. He has a giant heart with good intentions but has fears that sometimes make him do things or act out like he shouldnt.

As we know from the ending of Just Breathe, Savannah is pregnant with Trents baby and now playboy Trent wants to settle down with the love of his life Savannah and be a one woman kind of guy. Because of his fears of losing the woman he loves he acts out, he is possessive, but really his insecurity gets the better of him. Sav and Trent are back and forth again over their relationship. A lot of miscommunication is the problem, it felt a lot like the first book in that aspect and in all honestly, I was over it. I just wanted these two to get their act together and be together.

When Sav & Trent are together and actually happy and not fighting its beautiful. I totally understand the connection between the two and how they feel for one another. Savannah is the same as Trent and that could be scary or a wonderful thing but they make it work (for the most part).

This is a short novella but a wonderful treat for those who are fans of the Breathe series. I cant wait to read the next book in the series and see where Trent & Savs journey takes them,

I give Breathless 3.5 Stars.