emotional and feeds the need for vengeance
585007
Reviewed For I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore

*ARC*
Bound By Vengeance had my emotions all over the place.  It can take the love of a strong person to heal all the scars, both the ones you see and cant see, to get you to live again.  Sometimes we survive horrible things done to us but surviving doesnt equal living.

Austyn was doing just that but she finally was ready to start taking her life back.  But there is a reason why she is doing what she is doing.  Vengeance.  I understood why she needed it; I felt it deep into my soul, that darkness that overcomes you when you have been wronged like she was and the only way back into the light was getting vengeance.  Ryker was the one person she had loved for years, but when he makes his interest known she throws up walls so strong that you wonder if you will ever event make a scratch trying to bring them down.  Ryker wanted Austyn, but he knew after what she went through that he needed to go slow, work for her love and trust.  I really loved him and his strength, he completes Austyn.

I think it must be said that I am loving this series even more than the original one.  I cant wait to continue reading about the other kids and new characters we are introduced to.  Ryan Michele is an author that you need to check out if you haven't already.
3799165
Lots of action and angst. Plot has many unexpected twists.
4516418
I loved the sound of this book, expecting a strong romantic story.
Not having read Erickas previous book, Unkempt I was unprepared for the raw, unrelenting emotions that leapt at me from the pages.
This is the story of a young married couple and their young daughter. At first glance, an average family, but you don't have to look far to see the signs of trouble.
Watching Mitch trying so hard to be a typical family man and failing miserably is so painful. You are desperate to know what his problem is, but you don't discover his totally unexpected secret until chapter four.
His wife, Elena, is clearly struggling. First, with the frustration of wanting another child but failing to conceive. Her daughter adds to her worries and on top of everything, she knows something is wrong with her marriage. Nothing she can put her finger on but she suspects Mitch is seeing another woman, and this is slowly eating away at her nerves.
The characters in this book are very real, their emotions raw and bloody. The prose is unlike anything I have ever read before and I found it a refreshing change. Life is just like this but you rarely see it painted quite so eloquently. I especially liked the way the main characters have their own first person oriented chapters, putting you right there in their lives. You feel the pain of their struggling relationship as if it were happening to you.
When Elena finally learns Mitchs secret, it is far worse than anything she could have imagined and it tears her fragile world apart. This story is raw, brutal and uncompromising, and the shocking surprise ending will take your breath away.
I loved the part where Elena tells her friend she might kill him, and the friend asks which one?
This book is for anyone who has ever been unfaithful, to feel the excruciating pain of betrayal. One of the saddest stories I have read in a while.
384084
Ransomed Dreams has a gut-wrenching beginning. I cried when Gracie's family was wiped out in a tragic car accident. In fact, I needed a breather from the story because it made me so sad. Then I picked up the story again and the action pulled me right back in. Gracie's quest to determine who killed her family intersected with Steven's case--the plot to kidnap the British ambassador's daughter. Several points of view showed a variety of perspectives, all of which increased the tension in the story because you knew what certain people were thinking. The "bad guys" were twisted, yet believable in their perspectives. The author did a great job creating further intrigue that way. And the romantic element between Gracie and Steve was delectable.

Steven's ex and the subplot involving his son really grabbed my heart and my attention. I felt the hopelessness that both Steven and Gracie experienced at times, ultimately resulting in them having to do some soul-searching in regards to their relationship with God and His will for their lives. The theme of forgiveness was also very well done and believable. The reader will wrestle the characters' pain right along with them. There are no quick fixes and this story doesn't offer any, but it does give you a glimpse into the pain and struggles of the characters, and it shows the tender love and firm grip that God had on their lives, and has on the lives of all of His children.
261602
Bonded picks up a few weeks after Burned ends. It's time for Faith's birthday party, and the bonding ceremonies for Draven and Jesminda, as well as, for Royce, Ronin, and Belinda.

Tensions run high in this novella, as Draven's father shows his true colors. There are a couple of surprises in store for Jesminda when her family shows up for Faith's birthday party as well. There's more than enough times where the reader will be livid to the point of wanting to scream. A few times where there will be chuckles, and of course, plenty of steamy sex scenes. However, the tone of this book is a bit more subdued and serious than the previous books were, as this one seems to lay down and cement the foundation of the overall plotline.

Bonded in Shadows also opens the flood gates, as another key player in the series is found out to be part of the Red Sun Organization. It seems to me, this Organization has their hands dipped into every clan, pack, and group of immortals around.

While this book is about the half the size of the others in the series, it is packed with so much Shadow Unit action and drama, the reader will be continuously turning pages in the book.

I can't wait to get to work on Redeemed in Shadows, book 4 of The Shadow Unit series.

I give this book 5 of 5 paws.
378339
One question after another constantly arises in the second book of the Vengeance in Texas continuity series, and several crucial answers are gradually exposed. There are also numerous sensitive issues that must be dealt with by the main characters, and Jennifer Morey handles their dilemmas by conveying genuine reactions packed with honest directness. Mysteries and conflicted emotions abound in A RANCHER'S DANGEROUS AFFAIR.

When Eliza Harvey-Reed was in high school, she dated Brandon Reed and even thought their relationship might turn into something permanent. But after he unexpectedly breaks up with her, she ends up leaving Vengeance, TX and goes to California to pursue her dream of being a party planner. Now she has a successful business, but her love life has not gone very well. She married the brother of Brandon and hoped to actually be happy, but David has already cheated on her in the short time they have been wed.

Since it is her brother's birthday, Eliza and her husband return to their hometown so she can plan a special party for her sibling. When they come in contact with Brandon shortly after arriving, there is much tension between the three, as all can tell the desire between the former high school couple is perhaps even stronger than before. David unexpectedly disappears after the night of the party, and then Eliza learns that he has been murdered. Since she was seen arguing with him, she is a suspect. Brandon knows Eliza could not be a killer, but discovering who was responsible is difficult when no real clues can be found.

The town of Vengeance, TX is usually peaceful, but there seems to be way too many shocking problems lately. In A RANCHER'S DANGEROUS AFFAIR, there are a number of predicaments affecting the lives of Brandon and Eliza. While some troubles are physically threatening to this couple, the ones relating to their deep attraction to each other equally pulled me into the story. The affair between these two is shown through both of their eyes, and how they feel at a particular time frequently let me know the state of their mind concerning a current incident. Theirs is definitely not an uncomplicated romance, and Jennifer Morey took much care in explaining their most private thoughts plus reasons for any responses. What presently motivates Brandon and Eliza is told along with explanations about how the past has also influenced them, and this helped me to better understand many of their reactions. The almost uncontrollable magnetism felt by them leads to moments where lust is in charge of their heatedly expressed actions. And the guilt they often feel afterward is realistically displayed with sincere remorse. The peril this couple faces is sometimes very frightening, and the many unknown factors upped the suspense of what would take place in an upcoming scene. Ms. Morey cleverly interconnects the jeopardy in the town with the personal feelings of quite a few of its residents, and the result is a story where emotions are ever-changing and often unpredictable, regardless of who is involved. There are lots of turns in the story that I was definitely not expecting, and I was certainly surprised by how everything finally concluded. A RANCHER'S DANGEROUS AFFAIR is a passionate romance filled with suspenseful threats and emotional clashes.

CataRomance reviews
791094
In this book we see a bit more about Nicole and Geo and see what is happen to Nicole.  Then she tries to exact her revenge on the men she feel is responsible with devastating results.  I did feel sorry for Geo he does seem to get the raw end of the deal especially in love.

Selenge is dealing with her frightening diagnosis.

We also get a taste of Bloodlines, the story of the children of Selenge and Alfonzo's.
4871053
Jordel is dead and while grief stricken Loren must continue on in his foot steps.
This was an emotional book, reading what happened to characters that have grown and changed through the series. The character growth, as well as the deep story line, is what got me hooked to this book and why I could not put it down once I started it.
2200560
4 stars

This story tells how 4 characters became murder suspects with the death of Matt.

Each one has their own reasons and had their own opportunity to cause Matt's death.  But there is really anything the prosecution can do once one little piece of information comes to light.

Veronique has been abused by Matt all her life and Matt has taken the most important thing from her, violently, and in front of her.  She has never known so much hate.

Nico has suffered just as much from Veronique's loss as she has, but also he has lost a part of her as well.  The pain and loss of what Matt took from them has pushed him to his limit.

Ellen's emotional and physical pain Matt caused her has her on the edge and she will do whatever it takes to get him out of her life and their son's life.

Dean has seen enough of the hurt and pain, Matt has caused with the people whom Dean cares about and loves and will stop at nothing to end Matt.

All the emotional damage and physical damage Matt has caused, is finally pushed everyone over the edge, but he just can't seem to stop his torment, until one or all of them set him on a course to meet his maker.

Matt has a severe problem and can only strike out towards the ones he feels betrayed and used by.  This is a very dark read with emotional and physical abuse, that is very disturbing.  Matt is a violent, cold and evil person, but why?
1685843
This is a book that will put you through the wringer emotionally.  The characters are unique and three dimensional and full of both admirable traits and flaws.  With a paranormal twist I didn't see coming, I was involved with this story from the start.

 The author has a strong, clear voice and helps the reader really see the scene as it unfolds.  Sometimes what happens isn't good or happy, and sometimes the characters make me want to slap them silly (Roxanne at the beginning and Nick for much of the book about drove me batty).  That I got so involved in them speaks volumes, though, to Ms. Gamble's skill with her writing.

 There were some parts of the book I didn't like ... but not because of the writing. Because I didn't like the route the story took in places.  Some decisions that were made rubbed me wrong, even when I could understand why the character made them.  And certainly the author doesn't give her characters and easy time of things... it's just heart-breaking so much of the time, right up to the end.

 This is a good book for readers who appreciate character driven, intensely emotional stories.
3623617
This sequel to Sadie is intense and takes Sadie on a dark journey as she tries to decide whether to testify against her old boyfriend, Guillermo Vasquez, who almost succeeded in killing her and making it look like a suicide. Sadie is in witness protection pretending to be Josh's wife. Vasquez wants Josh dead, as he believes he stole Sadie away from him before she died (was murdered).

Belliston did a good job taking the reader on a very emotional journey of guilt, grief, fear, want, rage, and ultimately redemption. Both main characters (Sadie and Josh) grew a lot through the book as they struggle to trust each other and let go of the pain and fear the past has caused. There are new characters introduced--Agents Croff and Harrison, Josh's family, and Amy (Kevin's wife)--that were well-done and fun to get to know. A good plot needs a slimy villain, and Guillermo Vasquez is perfect in this role--from the swamp of evil itself. His vile plans never stopped, even when he was behind bars. The guy was powerful, confident, and unwilling to go down. I loved hating him.

I loved seeing Sadie's growth as she learns that she has value in God's eyes and forgives herself for the past. She's a sweet character who's been dragged through a lot of muck in both books, but she becomes strong...and it has been a wonderful journey with her. I couldn't put the book down near the end--it got so tense and scary. Bravo!
1572365
I received this as an ARC. Marshal Howard is a veteran with a vengeance. While in combat his whole group of comrades were killed when a local town hero made an incorrect call, and created a mess. Marshal has such a rage and anger to avenge his fallen comrades because of what this local hero did. He is known as the Castoff, and towns meanest person.  He just needs to find a way to get vengeance and not get caught. Sadie is a student trying to get her certification in the medical field. She also is the sister of the local town hero. Her mom is an artist, who had a breakdown when she could not get an inspiration to paint again. Her brother is the local town hero who turned bitter, and cold since his return from combat. He also hates Marshal. Her dad is trying to pick up the pieces between his wifes breakdown, and his bitter son, while feeling guilt to have to bring his daughter back from college to help with his wife.
They meet when Marshall posts a Nanny position for his daughter. Everyone in town will not go near that position, even if it was the last position on Earth. Sadie sees it as a opportunity to get away from the troubles at home, and a way to make money to help her family, so she goes for an interview. Once she sees Mia, Marshalls 4 year old daughter, she wants this job. She sees that there is more to Marshall than a castoff, and a loner.
Marshal is smitten with her from the time he brings Mia to the doctor, and Sadie is the only one who does not make Mia cry. Sadie sees more than anyone gives her credit. She wants to understand why Marshall is bitter, and angry. Why is Mias mom out of the picture, and why everyone dislikes Marshall.
When Sadie becomes Mias nanny, she sees things in Marshall that no one else sees. She begins to fall for him, and wants to help him heal.
When Marshall realizes that Sadie is his nemesis sister, his plans for revenge begins to unravel. Her trust and belief in him as a person and a father begin to change him.
When Sadies brother Jackson finds out who she is working for, and that there is more to their relationship than work, he becomes unglued. He also hates that his mother found her passion in painting again, but because of Marshall and Mia.  He flies into a rage. Partial truths, lies, and true colors are shown. Accusations fly, and situations get ugly.
Can this relationship be saved? What other truths or lies will develope? This was a emotional ride of happy, sad, surprises, and justice that kept me turning pages! I could not put this book down!
Nicole Snow has done it again! This book has it all! Marshall and Sadie are well matched, and Mia is the glue that helps keep them true in check. This is a magical read! Love is much sweeter than revenge!
1118070
There was a ton of passionate and raw emotions being thrown around in this book. The plot is dramatic and relentless. Both characters have such a strong voice that their stories feel real. Some moments when the story changes between 1st and 3rd person narrative but it didn't keep me from enjoying this one!
4495044
I bought this book as a guilty pleasure in between 'serious' reads. I did not expect to be up into the early hours absolutely riveted to the story. The complex and volatile relationship between Pestilence and Sara is heart-wrenchingly, desperately, passionately gripping, and the distressing toll of the End of Days only intensifies the violent turmoil. The chasms between the good and evil innate to humankind and the starkly contrasting reactions of a doomed and grasping mankind are portrayed in gritty detail. Theology takes a beating, so I wouldn't recommend this if you are deeply religious.

This book tore out my heart, ripped it into tiny pieces, and set it on fire. By the end I was raw and broken, and nothing but a good cry would do. I think the story will haunt me for a good while and I'm still in two minds over whether I can handle the next book in the series when it arrives.
1015779
Cameron Sinclair has to relocate to the heart of the wolf pack after receiving letters and emails threatening Chastity and the children. It appears someone is trying to destroy him by taking away that which is precious to him. At the same time Clayr suddenly shows a side of her that was hidden until one of her charges is threatened. She then has to contend with a ghost from her past which sends her wolf crazy - can she work her way through this while the pack is in such danger?

Wow - so much drama, danger, passion and raw emotions in this story with two threads that combine together even though they are not really related. The emotions were very clear and easy to feel and empathise with. (I recommend reading this with wine, chocolate and tissues). There is a lot of drama and men who have feelings and emotions (and express them)! I loved the speech from Shaney - you need tissues for that one.
3411207
Setting :
Dirty, seedy underworld of Detroit, MI

Players :
Jase Hawkins - main motivation is revenge for the slaughter of his family. After nearly a year of torture, he ventures out into the underbelly of Detroit to find out why everything went down the way it did.

Lucy - a photographer by trade, she sees things she's not supposed to. Her life gets turned upside down & her new mantra is SURVIVE!

I've said it before with Keri's writing, but the way she weaves a hypnotic tale is straight out of a movie. She sets the scene, dirty, grimy, and takes these anti-heroes she's created and pushes them to the limit. As the reader, you're just along for the ride. And what a twisty, turning ride it is. Every time a new character gets introduced, you're immediately suspicious. Who's this? Is he/she crooked? I'm not sure they're trust worthy....watch your back Jase & Lucy! Ahh! The thrill of it is an emotional, adrenalin junkie high that's seldom achieved by reading, but Keri does it every time. There are twists and turns in this story that sucker punch you. Jase goes through so much emotional turmoil on his quest for vengeance, it left me ragged. This book is not for the faint of heart.

Jase and Lucy are an explosion. They've known each other for a long time & their chemistry is off the charts insane. In and out of each other's lives, their coupling almost seems like fate. Destiny. Bound in blood.

"I hated that she saw beneath the mask, beneath the bones and flesh, and yanked at my soul like a beam of sunlight fighting its way through murky waters of a swamp."

Through the blood, carnage, gunfire and death, Keri Lake reveals certain truths. Lives are intertwined. There are certain people who are pushed to the brink, but bounce back. People will fight, to the end, no matter what it takes. Vengeance can be beautiful. Fate does exist. And most importantly, love can triumph.
3026751
I do my best to avoid spoilers when writing about books, but this is more of a warning than a spoiler, the story does touch on some very strong emotional triggers, and some folks might find some of the incidents in the book a bit disturbing.

The author works in family counseling and draws from her experience to write this book that is often torn between love and hate, and sometimes the blurred lines between the two.

Mayu seems to hear the unspoken cries of the suffering, and sometimes does things that cross the line between good and bad in order to do what she believes will help those in pain.

The lessons she learns about life take on a stronger influence on her life, when she realizes that her marriage, to a man that seemed to be perfect turns out not to be what she expected.

More an emotional story, but with many true to life facets, I ended up reading this in one day, because I became so caught up in the story and wanting to know what would happen.