Tag: NetGalley (Page 30 of 37)

Playing the Part by Darcy Daniel

April 19, 2013 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I was provided with a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Anthea Cane is a successful actress—well, action star. Her films are mostly about how hot she looks silhouetted by fiery explosions. But Anthea is determined to prove she’s more than just a body. With the role of a lifetime up for grabs—a serious adaptation of her favorite novel—Anthea sets off to her small hometown in the name of research.Cole Daniel is a blind farmer with no patience for divas, especially one who mercilessly teased him as a young boy. When Anthea shows up using a fake name and pestering him into letting her stay, he can’t pass up the opportunity to torment her just a little.But Anthea won’t let the stubborn farmer deter her from her goal, even if he is hotter than any man she’s ever met. Cole finds his form of payback less than satisfying when Anthea keeps turning the tables on him, proving her mettle and gaining his respect. Will Anthea’s research land her a man, as well as the part?

Warning: This review may be mildly spoilerish. It is also a bit on the ranty side.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): Anthea Cole is an action movie star who wants to be taken seriously as an actress. When she receives notice that her favourite book, The Farmer’s Wife, is being made into a movie, she begs the producer for an audition. She has 3 weeks to prepare and convince him she’s perfect for the part. She returns to her hometown of Mayfield in New South Wales, determined to find a farmer to help her win the role by letting her work on the farm. Cole Daniel is a blind farmer who was teased mercilessly as a child by Anthea. Even though Anthea uses a fake name, Cole isn’t fooled. He agrees to ‘help’ her, intent on exacting some revenge for her past treatment of him and teach her a lesson.

Rush Me by Allison Parr

April 16, 2013 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I pre-ordered this one from Books on Board (*sobs*) after I saw a column by Carina editor Angela James and Harlequin HQN editor Margo Lipschultz on the Harlequin blog regarding New Adult. (I completely agree with the definition by the way.) I bought the other book mentioned as well (My Favourite Mistake), but haven’t read it yet. After BoB went belly up, I had my doubts that my pre-order would be honoured (to my surprise, it was) so I downloaded Rush Me from NetGalley because I didn’t want to buy it twice.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) When post-grad Rachael Hamilton accidentally gatecrashes a pro-athlete party, she ends up face-to-face with Ryan Carter, the NFL’s most beloved quarterback.While most girls would be thrilled to meet the attractive young millionaire, Rachael would rather spend time with books than at sporting events, and she has more important things to worry about than romance. Like her parents pressuring her to leave her unpaid publishing internship for law school. Or her brother, who’s obliviously dating Rachael’s high school bully. Or that same high school’s upcoming reunion.Still, when Ryan’s rookie teammate attaches himself to Rachael, she ends up cohosting Friday night dinners for half a dozen football players.

Over pancake brunches, charity galas, and Alexander the Great Rachael realizes all the judgments she’d made about Ryan are wrong. But how can a Midwestern Irish-Catholic jock with commitment problems and an artsy, gun-shy Jewish New Englander ever forge a partnership? Rachael must let down her barriers if she wants real love–even if that opens her up to pain that could send her back into her emotional shell forever.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): I’ll be honest, I thought Ryan was a bit of a dick at the start. In fact, I found myself flipping to the back of my e reader to check whether he was the hero, that’s how much of a dick I thought he was. (then of course, I remembered that flipping to the back was completely pointless because it was an E READER. *sigh* I swipe my finger to turn the pages when I read a paper book too – very frustrating).

Beyond Control by Kit Rocha

April 4, 2013 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I received a review copy from the author(s) via NetGalley. Plus I enjoyed the first book, Beyond Shame.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) She refuses to be owned.Alexa Parrino escaped a life of servitude and survived danger on the streets to become one of the most trusted, influential people in Sector Four, where the O’Kanes rule with a hedonistic but iron fist. Lex has been at the top for years, and there’s almost nothing she wouldn’t do for the gang…and for its leader. Lie, steal, kill—but she bows to no one, not even Dallas O’Kane.He’ll settle for nothing less.Dallas fought long and hard to carve a slice of order out of the chaos of the sectors. Dangers both large and small threaten his people, but it’s nothing he can’t handle. His liquor business is flourishing, and new opportunities fuel his ambition. Lex could help him expand his empire, something he wants almost as much as he wants her. And no one says no to the king of Sector Four.Falling into bed is easy, but their sexual games are anything but casual. Attraction quickly turns to obsession, and their careful dance of heady dominance and sweet submission uncovers a need so deep, so strong, it could crush them both.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): Following on about 4 weeks after the events of Beyond Shame, Dallas finally makes his move on Lex. Or, possibly, Lex makes her move on Dallas. That part wasn’t quite clear to me. But either way, moves are made and the pair are soon scorching up the sheets.

Too Stupid To Live by Anne Tenino

March 19, 2013 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) It isn’t true love until someone gets hurt.Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.Until he meets Ian.Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.

Until he meets Sam.

Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong . . . can they?

What worked for me (and what didn’t): This book was a whole lot of fun. It’s more than just funny but it is certainly that.I have the prequel books on my reader (they’re available free from ARe) but haven’t read them yet (no time!). Given my enjoyment of this story, I don’t think there is any need to have read the earlier stories. Given my enjoyment of this story, I definitely plan to read the earlier stories. Continue reading

Wolf With Benefits by Shelly Laurenston

March 14, 2013 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for…

What worked for me (and what didn’t): I confess I haven’t read any of the previous 7 books in this series. Looking back, I think that put me at a disadvantage. There were a lot of characters in this book. A lot. I lost count at 30. Toni has 2 parents, 10 siblings and a best friend, Ricky Lee has 3 siblings plus his mother and various cousins and there are multiple other characters who play a part in the book. Trying to keep track of them was difficult at first. And, because there were just so many of them, the set up took a long time.

Take It Off by LA Witt & Aleksandr Voinov

March 13, 2013 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Turnabout is foreplay.High-end Market Garden rentboys Tristan and Jared have found their niche. Men are willing to pay good money to watch Tristan tease Jared, and the two of them seduce London’s elite with sex and power games.Except Tristan is less and less interested in getting money out of the johns these days. He wants his partner in crime, and he wants the seduction to be real. But is Jared just in this for the pay?When Rolex, the john who started it all, returns to Market Garden, the boys jump on the opportunity to service him—and each other—for a fresh pile of cash. Rolex isn’t the only one itching for a rematch, though. Jared’s been waiting for a chance to get back at Tristan for teasing him so mercilessly the first time.

And for a former stripper, revenge is a dish best served extra hot.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): In my review of the first book Quid Pro Quo, I mentioned that Tristan was not well known because it was told from Jared’s point of view. Delightfully, this story is told from Tristan’s perspective so I feel I have a better handle on the couple now. I know from the first book, that Jared was very attracted to Tristan. In this book, which takes place some little time afterwards, Tristan has found himself smitten but is uncertain of Jared’s affections. Because there has been some time which has passed and Tristan acknowledges that he recognised Jared’s crush earlier, the reader is left in somewhat delicious doubt of Jared’s affections – just as Tristan himself is.