3.29.2020

Dreams Anthology - Keta Diablo

DREAMS Anthology (Cradle, Whisper, Scoundrel)DREAMS Anthology by Keta Diablo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read these stories separately and thought the anthology would be better for me. I have problems keeping stories in series straight in my mind (not that these relate to one another at all - definitely able to read them as standalone books). Being able to read straight through with no distractions from my ever-calling TBR pile. If you're looking at buying or reading one out of the series, get the anthology and save yourself some money and time, you'll thank me.

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2.18.2020

Review: Scoundrel of Dreams by Keta Diablo

Scoundrel of Dreams (Dreams #3)Scoundrel of Dreams by Keta Diablo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All I can say is, "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!"

The author weaves another tale filled with passion, lust, and heat! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bridger and Lydia. Keta really knows how to make you relate to the characters and the ending of Bridger and Lydia's story, as with the other books, makes you gasp and go, "Oh NO!"

Thankfully the other couple in the story, Lilly and Briggs, give you the ending that makes all books worthwhile. A++ for making me love your characters!

You have to read an excerpt to understand why I love the book so much!

Excerpt:

The door handle turned and then the massive panel crawled open. Lydia held her breath, and with document in hand, tucked her arm behind her back. Under the dim light in the room, the outline of a man’s body came into view. Too tall and much too solidly built to be her father. God’s teeth, had the intruder locked the door behind him?
"Good evening, Miss Lydia," the cool voice said.
"You! How dare you enter my father’s study. Who do you think you are sneaking in here like a thief in the night?"
He stepped toward her with ease and agility. "I could ask the same of you." A smirk curled his wide, generous mouth. "Instead, I think I shall ask you what you are hiding behind your back."
"None of your business, Bridger Cantrell."
"Ah, so you do remember me?"
"I remember you broke Rose Ann’s heart when you cast her aside like last week’s rubbish."
Had a moment of guilt passed through those cerulean eyes? "Yes, I regret that happened." The sneer returned. "However, I saw her moments ago on Enoch Forster’s arm and she looked anything but despondent."
A brief moment of anger flared in her chest. "I imagine you like to think women never recover from your absence? I assure you Mister Cantrell, Rose Ann’s tears lasted no more than one day."
He bowed at the waist. "I’m relieved to hear it." Upon straightening, he advanced again. "Now, the document you are trying to hide…I will see it."
Wiggling past the corner of the desk, she retreated toward the sitting area. If he intended to assault her, she could pound on the window, hope some of their guests seated on the wide verandah outside would hear her screams.
Dogging her heels, he forced her to face him again. He stood so close, she saw every feature of his face, the storm-filled eyes fringed with thick, black eyelashes, the straight aristocratic nose and carved cheekbones. His hair fell past his chiseled jaw bone and came to rest on the collar of his white linen shirt. His mouth was full and entirely too kissable. His beauty was ethereal. She could think of no other word for it.
For a moment, she lapsed into a fantasy, imagined him claiming her lips with fierce determination. It had to be the wine taking over the sane part of her brain.
Get a hold of yourself, Lydia.
His distinct scent assailed her senses, a mixture of tobacco, leather and the pure scent of pine trees. Her head swam and waves of dizziness washed over her. She should not have indulged in her father’s port, not while Bridger Cantrell stood but inches away from her. She had never swooned in her life, but then, she had never swilled down several glasses of spirits in such short order either.
Her throat went dry. "The paper is no concern of yours."
His hand came out. "I’ll be the judge of that."
Cornered like a weasel, she had no choice but to drop the invitation into his hand. She studied him, waiting for his reaction. Would he be disappointed the document once he realized the document was useless to him? Worse, would he tell her father he found her snooping through his desk? She did not have to wait long for an answer.
Low-voiced, his expression gave nothing away. "Why were you attempting to steal this?"
"Ha! I would have succeeded had you not broken in."
"I did not need to break in."He tucked the paper into his high-top Hessian boots. "Some gray-eyed cat burglar beat me to it. Now answer the question."
"Give that back this instant!" She flung herself at him and beat on his chest. "You have no need of it and I…I must have it back!"
Strong arms gripped her shoulders. He set her back and looked into her eyes, his calm demeanor setting her already frayed nerves on edge. "Tell me why you must have it and I might take mercy on you."
"You…you what! You might take mercy on me! Oh, you black-hearted cad. Everything they say about you is true, wholly, completely true."
Dropping his arms, his face morphed into a sneer. "Pray tell, Miss Slayton, what does the snobbish elite, the self-righteous echelon of Savannah say about me?"
At last she had pierced his cold heart, and she didn’t intend to stop now. "That you are a notorious rake, a lowdown bounder and…."
"And?"
She met his aloof stare. "The highwayman."
His eyes widened and he barked a laugh.
"Are you?"

Below the surface, tension simmered between the inches separating them. He trailed a finger down her cheek. "Does the thought excite you, little she-cat? If so, I might be compelled to lie."

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1.22.2020

Review: Whisper of Dreams by Keta Diablo

Whisper of DreamsWhisper of Dreams by Keta Diablo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another saga with Calypso causing problems, silly cat. I bet those aren't words you expected to hear about an erotica book! *wink* But I digress from my review...

The second in the Dreams trilogy (don't forget to read Cradle of Dreams) I was hooked right from the beginning. You start all sweet and kindness at the antique store with Mrs. Higgins, Sahara, and Elias tending to a new box of books, that was just purchased at a recent sale. Calypso, the silly cat got in the way and ran into the back room with Sahara right on her little paws. She thinks the pesky cat is outside so she steps out onto the porch and...

The book shifts to a woman who needs help from a man, and the man wanting to have justice brought upon her. Holy smokes (grab the fire extinguisher ladies and gents) does the heat get turned on from there. Elijah (Eli) is out for justice and he certainly gets everything he's thought about these past years, but Sarah has no idea what she's done. Sarah didn't realize how much a past transgression changed her destiny. When Eli gets Sarah naked HOLY HELL! Yummy, Yummy, Yummmy!

If you're looking for a quick, spicy read, I'd try this book. I'd read the first one too - though not necessarily needed for this one, it can be read as a stand-alone.

I'd like to thank the author for the complimentary copy so I could give an honest review of this book.

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Excerpt:

Sarah came to her feet and faced him. “Very well, let us get on with it then.”
He nodded toward the items at her feet. “Choose your poison, nightingale.”
Heat crept up her cheeks and she hoped her sarcasm was not lost on him. “I could not begin to know. I will allow you to choose since you seem to have experience in debauchery.”
 “The quirt will do. Think on the bright side, nightingale, you might enjoy it.”
She pinned him with a lethal glare before he bent down and retrieved the riding crop from the floor. Tapping it against the palm of his hand, his eyes had glazed over with lust when they met hers again. “Take down your hair. Sarah.”
Her skin tingled, along with every nerve and cell in her body. His deep, lust-filled voice drew her like a magnet, not to mention his exquisite build sent her libido into tremors. Gone was the gangly youth she remembered. In his place, stood a man who exuded strength and mastery. And he wanted her. Without thought, her fingers fumbled with the pins in her hair. She removed them, allowing her long tresses to tumble over her collarbones and fall to her waist.
Eli’s fixed gaze and quick intake of air left her weak-kneed. “The dress, take it off.”
This cannot be happening. In a fog, she walked toward him and presented him her back. “The buttons…I need assistance.”

1.05.2020

Review: I Am the Night by Karpov Kinrade

I Am the Night (The Night Firm, #3)I Am the Night by Karpov Kinrade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The final pieces of the puzzle are finally laid out in front of you as Eve sees what/who she really is. With the help of the Night brothers, she'll do what it takes to save the world in which she lives, and is the very essence of her being.

I loved reading this book, being able to feel the intensity in which the author has so carefully crafted was intense. Eve is a woman who needs to get things done in situations that others would crumble under.

Characters, writing style, world development - check, check, check! Karpov Kinrade is a triple threat!

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9.25.2019

Review: A Darker Shade of Evil

A Darker Shade of EvilA Darker Shade of Evil by Keta Diablo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a read! Absolutely loved getting everyone's perspective on the demons and devils. I really enjoyed Keta Diablo's take of demons - not only demons on the loose but also the internal demons we all must bear.

I think that the steam that came off Cecily’s and Marcel could burn you to your soul. She knows (with the deep-down bond that twins have) that something was off about how her brother Calder died, but no one would give her any information. It was up to her and she took the initiative to figure it out. She definitely wasn't expecting the answers that she got. I love how this story gripped me from the first page and kept me paging through to the end.

Thanks for a great read, not only from Keta but from all the authors, good job.

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9.16.2019

Review: Cradle of Dreams

Cradle of DreamsCradle of Dreams by Keta Diablo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kendra's life is about to change unexpectedly and only the cat knows how. :)

Everybody thinks he's dead, but when he walks through the door and takes Kendrick by the arm, everything changes. Roane can't stand to know that his beloved Kendrick is betrothed to another. He is all set to punish her for ever thinking of another man but punishment is all thrown to the wind when things heat up.

I loved this book, it was short, sweet, and hot til the end. I can't wait to see what book 2 has to offer. Yum. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy.



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8.26.2019

Review: I Am the Storm by Karpov Kinrade

I Am the Storm (The Night Firm #2)I Am the Storm by Karpov Kinrade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another win for Karpov Kinrade. Picking up from where Eve left us hanging in the last book you are thrown immediately into a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue. Will Liam be charged, who's really behind the whole theft of the dragon egg? You learn a little about the controversy of philosophy as it relates to real life. KK has you questioning everything you thought you knew and leaves you with a better understanding of yourself. It's not just a fantastic story but it's a work of art.

I love how real the characters become, how you can relate to Eve's dilemma of who to care for, who to love. It's the perfect balance of story, feeling, and character.

I will admit though that at first, it was hard to get your head around the love square (it has four sides, not three) going on and who Eve has done with whom. But once you get into the story a bit more you can get your bearings.

I received a complimentary ARC from Karpov Kinrade

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