Every once in a while I like to do a short write up of some  “mini reviews” for books that for various reasons were not able to be included on the review schedule. I don’t grade these reviews, I merely offer up my thoughts and opinions to you.
Takedown (Bannon’s Gym, #2) by Cat Grant
Romance Contemporary M/M
July 29, 2014
Samhain

I liked the premise of Takedown but found the story didn’t engage me. There were too many conflicts vying for attention, resulting in none of them being explored with any real depth. Grant chooses an interesting approach in this series is written almost like a serial with lots of action and minimal results. The story only seems to scratch the surface of the emotions we can sense circling within. Certain scenes were introduced then discarded, leaving me wondering the reasons behind their inclusion. The writing is good overall but it switches between 1st person to 3rd person and rapid POV changes adds to the confusion. I think you really need to start from the beginning in order to get the whole story.

GOODREADS I AMAZON I BARNES & NOBLE

Moon Kissed by Aline Hunter
Paranormal Romance
August 5, 2014
Samhain

Moon Kissed is a reissue from Aline Hunter. A paranormal romance novella that has all the right elements but failed to engage me story or romance wise. I’m not a fan of “mate bonding” to begin with and I felt the connection the couple had was magically manufactured and not due to actual attraction. An interesting main conflict falls short as the pseudo romance takes up a considerable amount of space and the length of  the story offers no real chance for it to develop and expand. A quick hot read that unfortunately doesn’t offer much beyond grunts of MINE and sex.

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Six of Hearts by L.H. Conway
Romance Contemporary
July 28, 2014

I became a fan of L.H Conway’s after I read Painted Faces. Conway has a gift for writing characters who resonate with the reader. She works her magic with Six of Hearts-a beautiful sexy adventure that offers readers an engaging and unique love story between a shy young woman and a flamboyant illusionist. Love and laughter balance well with an intriguing mystery that builds a remarkable tale of loss and revenge. A well defined cast of secondary characters adds to the depth and appeal of the story. One of my favorite reads for 2014.

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Hard Knocks (Ultimate, #0.5) by Lori Foster
Romance Contemporary
August 4, 2014

The first novella in Lori Foster’s newest MMA series, Ultimate, introduces us to fighter Gage “Savage” Ringer and the woman who wants him-Harper Gates. A short sexy story that helps to set up this new spin off series with news on Cannon (readers met him in Dash Of Peril), the rec center, and the various characters to be featured. I did feel the novella drops us into the story abruptly with little fanfare or build up. The romantic intentions were established firmly off scene and this novella just deals the deal. A promising start though I hope the first length novel-No Limits-eases us in a wee bit easier.

GOODREADS I AMAZON I BARNES & NOBLE