This was a very angst-filled, hurt-comfort book featuring an upcoming and coming writer Alexander Montgomery who has turned to S&M to deal with the paThis was a very angst-filled, hurt-comfort book featuring an upcoming and coming writer Alexander Montgomery who has turned to S&M to deal with the painful and abuse-filled past. When his series was optioned for a tv show, Alex finds himself infatuated with the lead actor Christopher Sage. I had a harder time decrypting the source of Alex’s agony than I had figuring out the bad guys in this book. But it was so uncomfortable because I wasn’t sure Alex really wanted to live because of the extreme amount of pain he was intentional enduring. I was so happy that Sage became a source of comfort but I don’t accept Sage’s “black Irish” moods as an excuse for some of his callous behavior and comments concerning the S&M. It was mean and it didn’t show patience after Alex had asked for some time. I just wished that maybe they had sought to see Melanie, Alex’s therapist together to help them navigate this uncharted territory. Melanie was the unsung hero in this novel to me because of her dedication and persistence with helping Alex. Other secondary characters were important too and I enjoyed their inclusion in this couple’s journey. I like that author tackled such an emotionally heavy subject but this story was painful to read. I was rooting for seriously healing and happiness for two people who have been through such tragic pasts but I felt that Sage could have been more understanding than he was to Alex. I liked this book but I didn’t really connect with Alex and Sage as a couple. I did feel more invested in Alex as a survivor. This book is difficult for me to rate because I liked it but didn’t love it.
This is a book I should have listened to AFTER I read the preceding books. I didn’t know it was a 4.5 in the series. I didn’t know any of these characThis is a book I should have listened to AFTER I read the preceding books. I didn’t know it was a 4.5 in the series. I didn’t know any of these characters.
Merged review:
This is a book I should have listened to AFTER I read the preceding books. I didn’t know it was a 4.5 in the series. I didn’t know any of these characters....more
3.5 stars! Much better sequel. I am definitely into the series now. Behind The Throne is definitely faster paced than Book 1:Enter the Night. The story3.5 stars! Much better sequel. I am definitely into the series now. Behind The Throne is definitely faster paced than Book 1:Enter the Night. The story really moved well in this sequel.
Here, the pregnant heroine, Morgan, was looking for a safe place to give birth. She goes to the house of an old friend from court named Vivienne. Unfortunately for Morgan, Vivienne has another house guest, Prince Khelvan, who “saw” Morgan murder his brother. The Prince wants to arrest Morgan for her crimes against the royal family. So there is constant tension in Vivienne’s house. Plus, Morgan is in a vulnerable state and assassins are still hunting her. Vivienne asks her brother in law Tyler, to guard Morgan. Both Morgan and Ty agree to the arrangement. (In Book 1: Ty was the young Were that wanted to challenge Malachi for Morgan when they were eating at the diner. But Morgan had squashed that fight). Present day Ty isn’t that scraggly young Were from Book 1. He has developed more and seems to be in search of something deeper in life. Vivienne hoped that guarding Morgan would be that “something” to keep Ty focused and busy. Her plan works. Morgan and Ty connect very well and a partnership of sorts was formed. Both of them seem to just develop a comfort level that allows their friendship to grow.
When the twins are born, Ty quickly becomes a helper with the children, which helps Morgan to depend on him more. Their arrangement just seems to work for them both until Vivienne gets kidnapped by Morgan’s enemies. The enemies want to draw out the Battle Crow, using her friend as bait. Morgan has to make choices about her children’s safety, her own safety as well as who will align herself with in this battle. In addition, Morgan’s baby daddy, Malachi, came back to make a claim on Morgan as his mate. So there will be a showdown between Malachi and Ty for Morgan. (I am rooting for Ty).
I really enjoyed Book 2. We got to see the softer side of the Morrigu. The pregnancy forced the assassin to have to trust other people, something she doesn’t do well. But now for the first time, as a mother of little boy and girl, she is out of her element. She will have to rely on others to have her back and it gives her a chance to grow.
The narrative of Book 2 was much more fluid than Book 1. It was engaging and less confusing. Book 1 had a lot of characters, but Book 2 kept the attention on Morgan, so the plot was more streamlined. In Book 1, the message Morgan kept getting was “trust no one,” but here in book 2, there was a lot of trust granted to various people whom I wouldn’t expect her to trust. It appears that the Battle Crow may not enjoy her status as lone ranger. I enjoyed seeing the maternal side of the lady assassin as she nursed and tended to her twins.
Softening up the character was definitely a plus for me because I didn’t enjoy her that much until this book. The author did a good job of developing the characters. The personal growth made Morgan more likeable. I hope to learn more about her children, her sister and choice of love in Book 3.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants something out of the ordinary. This book has fae, magic and shapeshifters (Weres), as well as good storytelling. The sex wasn’t explicit, so it didn’t overshadow the storyline. I look forward to reading the conclusion of this trilogy.
***Reviewed for Paranormal Romance Guilds Review Team
Merged review:
3.5 stars! Much better sequel. I am definitely into the series now. Behind The Throne is definitely faster paced than Book 1:Enter the Night. The story really moved well in this sequel.
Here, the pregnant heroine, Morgan, was looking for a safe place to give birth. She goes to the house of an old friend from court named Vivienne. Unfortunately for Morgan, Vivienne has another house guest, Prince Khelvan, who “saw” Morgan murder his brother. The Prince wants to arrest Morgan for her crimes against the royal family. So there is constant tension in Vivienne’s house. Plus, Morgan is in a vulnerable state and assassins are still hunting her. Vivienne asks her brother in law Tyler, to guard Morgan. Both Morgan and Ty agree to the arrangement. (In Book 1: Ty was the young Were that wanted to challenge Malachi for Morgan when they were eating at the diner. But Morgan had squashed that fight). Present day Ty isn’t that scraggly young Were from Book 1. He has developed more and seems to be in search of something deeper in life. Vivienne hoped that guarding Morgan would be that “something” to keep Ty focused and busy. Her plan works. Morgan and Ty connect very well and a partnership of sorts was formed. Both of them seem to just develop a comfort level that allows their friendship to grow.
When the twins are born, Ty quickly becomes a helper with the children, which helps Morgan to depend on him more. Their arrangement just seems to work for them both until Vivienne gets kidnapped by Morgan’s enemies. The enemies want to draw out the Battle Crow, using her friend as bait. Morgan has to make choices about her children’s safety, her own safety as well as who will align herself with in this battle. In addition, Morgan’s baby daddy, Malachi, came back to make a claim on Morgan as his mate. So there will be a showdown between Malachi and Ty for Morgan. (I am rooting for Ty).
I really enjoyed Book 2. We got to see the softer side of the Morrigu. The pregnancy forced the assassin to have to trust other people, something she doesn’t do well. But now for the first time, as a mother of little boy and girl, she is out of her element. She will have to rely on others to have her back and it gives her a chance to grow.
The narrative of Book 2 was much more fluid than Book 1. It was engaging and less confusing. Book 1 had a lot of characters, but Book 2 kept the attention on Morgan, so the plot was more streamlined. In Book 1, the message Morgan kept getting was “trust no one,” but here in book 2, there was a lot of trust granted to various people whom I wouldn’t expect her to trust. It appears that the Battle Crow may not enjoy her status as lone ranger. I enjoyed seeing the maternal side of the lady assassin as she nursed and tended to her twins.
Softening up the character was definitely a plus for me because I didn’t enjoy her that much until this book. The author did a good job of developing the characters. The personal growth made Morgan more likeable. I hope to learn more about her children, her sister and choice of love in Book 3.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants something out of the ordinary. This book has fae, magic and shapeshifters (Weres), as well as good storytelling. The sex wasn’t explicit, so it didn’t overshadow the storyline. I look forward to reading the conclusion of this trilogy.
***Reviewed for Paranormal Romance Guilds Review Team...more
I am glad Hauk and Jolie got their happy ending, but this one wasn't as clean of a series ending as I would have liked. the author added a to Val HallI am glad Hauk and Jolie got their happy ending, but this one wasn't as clean of a series ending as I would have liked. the author added a to Val Halla and story with Valykries, Odin etc I think I liked book 1 the best. ★★★½.
Merged review:
I am glad Hauk and Jolie got their happy ending, but this one wasn't as clean of a series ending as I would have liked. the author added a to Val Halla and story with Valykries, Odin etc I think I liked book 1 the best. ★★★½....more
3.5 STARS I liked this one. It started off kind of slow but it picked up about halfway into the story and ended on a high note. Mabe Crassen was determi3.5 STARS I liked this one. It started off kind of slow but it picked up about halfway into the story and ended on a high note. Mabe Crassen was determined that the newly widowed Trix Stubben could use a better candidate for remarriage than her best friend Chris Ramsey. So she asked her youngest son, Jeremy, to distract Chris Ramsey so Mabe's older son Eric can woo Trix.
The Crassen brother's begin trying to working together to attract the object of their desire. In the beginning, it took awhile to get going but I eventually enjoyed Eric and Trix's connection more.
The narrator Rusty Topperfield was okay. I can't say he added anything to the story. The pace was also a bit erratic. The last 1/3rd of the book was actions leading up to the HEA, so that's really what cinched the story for me.
Merged review:
3.5 STARS I liked this one. It started off kind of slow but it picked up about halfway into the story and ended on a high note. Mabe Crassen was determined that the newly widowed Trix Stubben could use a better candidate for remarriage than her best friend Chris Ramsey. So she asked her youngest son, Jeremy, to distract Chris Ramsey so Mabe's older son Eric can woo Trix.
The Crassen brother's begin trying to working together to attract the object of their desire. In the beginning, it took awhile to get going but I eventually enjoyed Eric and Trix's connection more.
The narrator Rusty Topperfield was okay. I can't say he added anything to the story. The pace was also a bit erratic. The last 1/3rd of the book was actions leading up to the HEA, so that's really what cinched the story for me....more
3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her,3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her, Michael Tripp came to the rescue. Tripp was an ex military but current arms smuggler and he just didn't do relationships. Once he met Terra, everything changed. He told her that he "wanted to earn the right to watch you pull your panties up your thigh...to reach around and clasp your bra while watching me watch you..."
They began seeing each other but withholding some crucial information about each other. The more time they spent together, the more it was clear that they both were in it for the long haul. Of course, mob life is never smooth sailing.
Tripp was sexy and very direct. I enjoyed his character a little more than Terra's. She wasn't stupid but a little more naive than a mob princess should be. The narrator made this book even better for me and I plan on going right into book 2.
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Merged review:
3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her, Michael Tripp came to the rescue. Tripp was an ex military but current arms smuggler and he just didn't do relationships. Once he met Terra, everything changed. He told her that he "wanted to earn the right to watch you pull your panties up your thigh...to reach around and clasp your bra while watching me watch you..."
They began seeing each other but withholding some crucial information about each other. The more time they spent together, the more it was clear that they both were in it for the long haul. Of course, mob life is never smooth sailing.
Tripp was sexy and very direct. I enjoyed his character a little more than Terra's. She wasn't stupid but a little more naive than a mob princess should be. The narrator made this book even better for me and I plan on going right into book 2.
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Merged review:
3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her, Michael Tripp came to the rescue. Tripp was an ex military but current arms smuggler and he just didn't do relationships. Once he met Terra, everything changed. He told her that he "wanted to earn the right to watch you pull your panties up your thigh...to reach around and clasp your bra while watching me watch you..."
They began seeing each other but withholding some crucial information about each other. The more time they spent together, the more it was clear that they both were in it for the long haul. Of course, mob life is never smooth sailing.
Tripp was sexy and very direct. I enjoyed his character a little more than Terra's. She wasn't stupid but a little more naive than a mob princess should be. The narrator made this book even better for me and I plan on going right into book 2.
Very impressed with this book! It was everything I had been wanting in a book for a long time.
Big Brother Tommy O'Shea was struggling raising 7 brotheVery impressed with this book! It was everything I had been wanting in a book for a long time.
Big Brother Tommy O'Shea was struggling raising 7 brothers and sisters while his dad and stepmom were off on a drug binge. Tommy worked 2-3 jobs and had been holding the family together since he was 15, trying to keep them outside the purview of Child Protective Services.
When rookie detective Bobby McAlister came to check out a call relating to a neighborhood disturbance, Tommy resolved to keep Bobby at arms length to avoid getting the "cops" involved in their crazy lives. But Bobby wasn't to be waylaid. He figured out about Tommy and his siblings, so Bobby would come and check up on them. Slowly, a friendship gave way to a romance. Trust was a whole other issue because Tommy had been burned and couldn't afford to lean on anyone else. Bobby decided to show Tommy and family that he could be a person they could depend on.
The story had family, loyalty, abuse, surviving, love and little kids. It was well written, entertaining and just so enjoyable. I loved both Tommy and Bobby separately and together. They were good men and were trying to do good in their lives. I loved Bobby's mom, and Tommy's siblings. I was so engaged in Tommy trying to keep everything together, that the romance wasn't the most important thing anymore. It's so nice to see kind and honorable people people. Bobby and his mom are so thoughtful and just what the kids needed.
I highly recommend this audiobook if you enjoy a complex story with a happy ending.
*Special Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Very impressed with this book! It was everything I had been wanting in a book for a long time.
Big Brother Tommy O'Shea was struggling raising 7 brothers and sisters while his dad and stepmom were off on a drug binge. Tommy worked 2-3 jobs and had been holding the family together since he was 15, trying to keep them outside the purview of Child Protective Services.
When rookie detective Bobby McAlister came to check out a call relating to a neighborhood disturbance, Tommy resolved to keep Bobby at arms length to avoid getting the "cops" involved in their crazy lives. But Bobby wasn't to be waylaid. He figured out about Tommy and his siblings, so Bobby would come and check up on them. Slowly, a friendship gave way to a romance. Trust was a whole other issue because Tommy had been burned and couldn't afford to lean on anyone else. Bobby decided to show Tommy and family that he could be a person they could depend on.
The story had family, loyalty, abuse, surviving, love and little kids. It was well written, entertaining and just so enjoyable. I loved both Tommy and Bobby separately and together. They were good men and were trying to do good in their lives. I loved Bobby's mom, and Tommy's siblings. I was so engaged in Tommy trying to keep everything together, that the romance wasn't the most important thing anymore. It's so nice to see kind and honorable people people. Bobby and his mom are so thoughtful and just what the kids needed.
I highly recommend this audiobook if you enjoy a complex story with a happy ending.
*Special Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review....more
I need to start by saying I barely remember Rafe Mendoza from the prior books. He was a pretty minor character. I do not believe Ava was mentioned at I need to start by saying I barely remember Rafe Mendoza from the prior books. He was a pretty minor character. I do not believe Ava was mentioned at all, and if she was, I missed it!
I found this last book to be the funniest in the series. I also found the writing to be a little different. Ava was a hand model who found herself trying to rescue her best friend from mob boss Duvall who is holding her hostage.
The adventure between Ava and Rafe reminded me of Six Days, Seven Nights with Anne Heche and Harrison Ford. It was survival in the jungle, where romance also bloomed. Ava wasn't as prima donna as I expected but I loved the jokes about Rafe's male member. It was just too funny. Godzilla, the monster etc. Hilarious.
The plot was okay, but the gradual relationship between Ava and Rafe, where they were able to provide a new lease of life for each other was a clincher for me. I like how the authors made each book different. Each heroine had their own quirks, their own personality and I never felt like I was reading the same book again. In addition, I appreciate it when authors don't add gratuitous sex scenes. Even though there was a good amount of sex talk, it worked for the book.
The adventure, sex, and eventual defeat of Duvall's cartel made this series one of the more enjoyable Romantic suspense series I have read in a long time.
*Special Thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
I need to start by saying I barely remember Rafe Mendoza from the prior books. He was a pretty minor character. I do not believe Ava was mentioned at all, and if she was, I missed it!
I found this last book to be the funniest in the series. I also found the writing to be a little different. Ava was a hand model who found herself trying to rescue her best friend from mob boss Duvall who is holding her hostage.
The adventure between Ava and Rafe reminded me of Six Days, Seven Nights with Anne Heche and Harrison Ford. It was survival in the jungle, where romance also bloomed. Ava wasn't as prima donna as I expected but I loved the jokes about Rafe's male member. It was just too funny. Godzilla, the monster etc. Hilarious.
The plot was okay, but the gradual relationship between Ava and Rafe, where they were able to provide a new lease of life for each other was a clincher for me. I like how the authors made each book different. Each heroine had their own quirks, their own personality and I never felt like I was reading the same book again. In addition, I appreciate it when authors don't add gratuitous sex scenes. Even though there was a good amount of sex talk, it worked for the book.
The adventure, sex, and eventual defeat of Duvall's cartel made this series one of the more enjoyable Romantic suspense series I have read in a long time.
*Special Thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review....more
These are the mafia stories I enjoy. Just enough crime but not too gory, and a well developed relationship betweenjust the right amount of everything
These are the mafia stories I enjoy. Just enough crime but not too gory, and a well developed relationship between the love interests. Noemi was a smart girl and Connor was a delicious hero, faithful and strong. There wasn’t silly miscommunications and misdirections. Their journey to love was nicely paced. Irish and Italian and Albanians are interesting cross partners in the mafia world....more
This relationship started with being a mentor to a young footballer and it quickly become about the mom and the c3.5 stars for two codependent lovers
This relationship started with being a mentor to a young footballer and it quickly become about the mom and the coach. I liked it but it was a bit long and dragged out. ...more
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