Review: A Human Element by Donna Galanti

A Human Element
by Donna Galanti
Publisher: Echelon Press
Published: March 10, 2012
Genre: Adult Science Fiction/ Paranormal
Source: Author in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*Barnes and Noble/Amazon
*purchases made through buy links support this blog

One by one, Laura Armstrong’s friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her unique healing powers, she can do nothing to stop it. The savage killer haunts her dreams, tormenting her with the promise that she is next. Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to the site of a crashed meteorite–her hometown. There, she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents’ death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a mad man, they unravel a frightening secret that binds them together. But the killer’s desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts Laura and Ben’s emotional relationship and Laura’s pure spirit to the test. With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to his and she has two choices–redeem him or kill him.

I was drawn to the synopsis of A Human Element by Donna Galanti and it's promise of a girl with healing powers and a serial killer who haunts her dreams.  Galanti delivered a dark, gritty tale with a science-fiction twist that was both fascinating and disturbing. Three word review: dark, suspenseful and hopeful.

The tale begins with a tragic event caused by a meteorite. We then follow the lives of two strangers; Laura Armstrong an adopted woman with the power to heal who is surrounded in tragedy and Ben Fieldstone an orphaned man who strayed and then pulls himself back together. Both are plagued by dreams/nightmares and seek closure and understanding from events in their past. He returns to the summer town where he and his parents vacationed and Lauren returns to her hometown after another tragic event has her reeling. The tale that unfolds was dark, violent, tender and suspenseful as together they must face a mad killer.

Laura is such a unique and refreshing character. She is naïve at times and eternally optimistic despite the cards fate has dealt her. She knows she is different and guards her secret. Plagued by tragedy she still manages to see the beauty in a sunrise. Ben is plagued by guilt, and tormented by events from his past. He was lost, and now lives as a nomad. With the exception of one close friend he keeps the world at a distance. They both have dreamed about the other and when they meet there is an instant connection. This had a little insta-love feel but the set up allowed me to accept it. A stranger has appeared throughout both of their lives and he fascinated me. I liked how the author kept his intentions shadowed. The killer's thoughts are shared with us.  His upbringing has made him dark, sinister and blood thirsty. He has unimaginable power and feels such pain. Mr. B an old hermit living on the mountainside was a lovable figure and I enjoyed his interactions with Laura and eventually Ben. Other characters help guide the duo and steer the tale.

Galanti’s tale is a unique one and was well paced. It is very dark and violent at times, even uncomfortable for the reader as she gives us a detailed account of the violence as it unfolds. Some of the subject matter is taboo and added to the suspenseful and sinister feel of the tales darker moments. I squirmed as I read some scenes and was both disturbed and disgusted by the evil perpetrated. Galanti also gives us light, love and hope within the pages that helped offset the dark and allowed me to catch my breath. There is a violent climactic scene and then the author makes us privy to hope, rebirth and a unique chance. I really liked the ending and loved how she took this book from such horrible darkness to brilliant light.

Fans of dark science-fiction, suspense and romance will enjoy A Human Element and it's unique paranormal tale. While at times disturbing the author held my attention and gave me one heck of a ride.

Three and half cups of espresso out of five 

Review: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Phoenix
by Elizabeth Richards
Series: Black City #2
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: June 4, 2013
Genre: YA Dystopian Romance
Source: Publisher in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*:Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchases through buy links support this blog
My review of book one: Black City 

Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed. The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

I enjoyed Black City and Elizabeth’s Romeo and Juliet romance set against the backdrop of a dark and gritty dystopian world, so I was anxious to slip back into the series. Richards amped up the suspense, drama and delivered action-packed scenes in Phoenix the second novel.  I consumed this in a single afternoon and my three world review would be: intense, dramatic, heart-stopping.

We pick up a few months after Black City ended and Purian Rose is getting ready to hold the vote for Rose’s Law. He is determined to win. He threatens Natalie’s life if Ash doesn't vote in favor of the law. Ash has become a symbol for the movement against Rose’s Law and is referred to as the “Phoenix”. When Ash chooses to do the right thing all hell breaks loose and the tale that unfolds is fast pace, action packed and filled with romantic angst.

I struggled with Natalie and Ash a little in this book, not that they didn't feel genuine but rather their behavior. While I understood Natalie’s behavior it still made me want to scream. She thinks she is doing the right thing but I felt she was wrong, selfish and totally wanted to rip my hair out.  Ash is brave, confused, hurt, and I wanted him to just confront the issues head on. Elijah Theroux, the Bastet boy Natalie saved in her mom’s lab comes to her asking for help and offers a weapon to defeat Rose and his regime. He is an interesting character who aided them, added drama and at one point shook me to my core. Friends of Ash and Natalie are back and they make new friends as well. Each added to the overall tale. Sebastian makes appearances and ooh I loathe him. If Purian Rose doesn't make your blood run cold I don’t think anything ever will.

The suspenseful war between the people, darklings and government was thrilling and had me turning the pages as our heroes fought against unspeakable odds. There are dark moments, sacrifices and betrayals that had my heart racing. Total five star and exceeds the story of book one, however and this is a big however the character's romance made me totally crazy. They love each other; it’s clear to everyone and they have declared it to each other.  Something happens, and it’s a tearjerker, an earth-shattering thing but secrets, whispers, jealousy and lies blow it up and there are misunderstandings, pain, sorrow and  …ugh! It was frustrating and heartbreaking and eek gads people! Thankfully we get closure by the end of the book and I guess one could say the author had me full vested, rooting for them even as I wanted to slap them silly. The ending had my hear racing and loathing the idea of waiting a year for the final book.

Phoenix was emotional charged, intense tale that kept me immersed in its world. Despite my issues with the characters, Richards held me captive and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book which due out in 2014.

Four cups of coffee out of five from Mirror City

Release Day Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Dare You To
by Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limit #2
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date: May 28, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
Source: ARC provided in exchange for unbiased review
*purchases made through buy links support this blog
My review of book one: Pushing the Limits 

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does.... Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him. But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

I adored Pushing the Limits with Noah and Echo and was excited to read Dare You To by Katie McGarry. I found it to be a raw, brutally honest portrayal of a dysfunctional family and the depiction of the main character, her emotions and struggles felt breathtakingly real. I quickly consumed this and look forward to the third book Crash Into You. Three word review: raw, emotional, realistic.

In this second book we get up close and personal with Beth Risk and the drama she faces on a daily basis as she tries to take care of her mother. When the cops are called, Beth takes the heat and is whisked away to her Uncle’s home. A new school, the loss of her friends, an Aunt who doesn't want her and the need to protect her Mom have Beth looking to escape. She meets Ryan Stone; high school athlete, and dropped dead gorgeous. He’s able to get under her skin and begins to peck away at the carefully constructed wall she has built around herself. The tale that unfolds was bittersweet as Beth learns she is not her mother’s keeper.

Beth is angry, loud, fouled mouthed, and broken. Despite being annoying at times, I couldn't help but love her. She loves her friends Noah and Isaiah and works so hard to take care of her mother. She has been abused, and taken advantage of. She dresses in black, even dyes her golden tresses black. She smokes pot and drinks just to escape and dull the pain. I knew someone very much like her in high school.  Her emotions, fears and reactions rang so true.  Her self-esteem is a mess, she is snarky and attacks when her emotions threaten to surface. Isaiah and Noah are present in some scenes but this is really Beth's story. They realize she needs to be separated from her mother. Her interaction with Isaiah are emotional and felt very surreal. Ryan is a guy who looks like he has the world in his pocket. He is a good kid trying to please everyone. Athletic, with a killer smile you cannot help but like him. He has family secrets and the perfect nuclear family you see isn't the one that reveals itself within the walls of their home. The romance was slow to build and I enjoyed watching it unfold. I felt all of the characters were fleshed-out and the secondary characters in school are the classic ones that seem to creep into every story. We get the mean girl, who does catty things, the well meaning friends and the classic sidekicks.

While the romance takes a lot of stage time, there is a lot more to McGarry’s story. She addresses some really big issues, like homosexuality, drug abuse, physical abuse and the effects these play on children and families. The tale focuses on Beth and her issues and this was well done. Beth is broken, has abandonment issues as well as trust issues. I loved seeing her grow, and trust. There are some raw tender moments throughout the novel and not just between the couple. The romance developed slowly and there is some heat, but it was discreet. The interaction between Beth and her Uncle touched me, as did a few other events. Overall, I think McGarry delivered and while it isn’t always easy to get all warm and fuzzy about Beth you have to appreciate what a realistic character the author created.

If you loved Pushing the Limits then Dare You To is a must read. While the two books are connected Dare You To would work well as a standalone too. These novels push the YA envelope and I would recommend this for more mature young adults. The next book Crash Into You will be published November  26, 2013 and share Isaiah’s story.

Four cups of coffee out of five

Blog Tour Review: Bare It All by Lori Foster

Today I am excited to be a part of the Lori Foster Bare It All Tour with BookTribs. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and I have been enjoying the Love Undercover series. Enjoy my review of book 2 Bare It All:

Bare It All
by Lori Foster
Series: Love Undercover #2
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: April 30, 2013
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
ARC provided for unbiased review
*purchase through buy links supports this blog
My review of Run the Risk; book 1

"A cop's craving to know more about the woman next door could prove fatal in the steamy new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster"  As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it...until the sexy cop next door comes knocking. Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice's secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire....

One of my favorite genres is romantic suspense and Lori Foster’s new series Love Undercover delivers all the elements I love; suspense, swoon-worthy heroes, humor and enough heat to leave me sizzling. We first met the characters from Bare It All in book one Run the Risk, and while they each can be read as a standalone I recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate all of the characters and an overall arc thread.

The tale picks up the morning after Run the Risk ends and we find Detective Reese Bareden sleeping on his neighbor's sofa.  His quiet, sexy, elusive neighbor surprised the heck out of him last night with her quick thinking and gun toting attitude and he is determined to find out more about her. He’s not the only one who realizes she is hiding something. Reese is drawn to her on so many levels and as secrets are revealed and the plot unfolds things quickly heat up.

Reese is a smexy, noble cop through and through and I loved getting to know him. The more he uncovers about Alice the more he is in awe of this complicated, flawed and damaged woman. Alice has been the victim and has taken steps to ensure that never happens again; this includes creating a wall around herself.  Reese keeps chipping away and she soon finds she wants to let him in. The chemistry between them is sweet, hot, and at times hilarious. Alice’s reaction to Reese’s tone body made me giggle as Reese kept saying, “Eyes up here doll.” It felt genuine and the fact that they had a mutual respect for each other in book one made the relationship click for me despite the rushed pace at which it unfolded. We see Logan, Pepper, police sergeant Marge and Logan’s brother again. They all helped propel the plot and added to the character connections. We also see Marge in a more feminine light and hints are dropped about a relationship. I am hoping we get her story soon. Rowdy is back as he too realizes Alice may need protecting. I loved the interaction between him and Reese. Rowdy has always lived in the grey area between the law and criminal world and watching him begin to trust the boys in blue was fun. While he is still a ladies’ man, his interesting and actions regarding Avery have me anxious for more page time with him. The villains are ruthless and kept the suspense and action in high gear.

The romance between Reese and Alice took center stage in this tale and the other threads kept me spellbound. A complicated, ruthless drug lord, corrupt police and a vigilante kept things interesting. I love how Foster gets us up-close and personal with the characters giving us a strong sense of who they are and what drives them enabling me to form attachments. While there are several threads, each one is well developed and kept me enthralled as she skillfully wove them together towards the climatic ending. There is an overall arc and connection between the characters in each book I love that each contains a romance and complete storyline. The next tale focuses on Rowdy and I cannot wait for its release.

Fans of romantic suspense, with swoon-worthy characters and tough woman will appreciate the Love Undercover series and the steamy, action packed tale Bare It All delivered. Getting Rowdy book three releases September 24, 2013. The first book Run the Risk is available in all formats.

Four cups of Hazelnut mocha coffee out of five

Run the Risk

Love Undercover #1

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Review: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Invisibility
by Andrea Cremer and David Levitan
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: May 7, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
ARC provided in exchange for unbiased review
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.

I have enjoyed David Levithan’s previous works and so I was excited to read Invisibility his collaboration with Andre Cremer. He takes his readers on a journey that leaves them in awe at the close of the book(s). From magic, to romance to friendship I was completely caught up in the tale and its characters. While I clearly heard Levithan’s voice throughout the novel, I was equally impressed by Cremer and look forward to explore more of her works.  Invisibility is a book to be both devoured and savored.

The tale begins when we meet a single mom and her two teenage children as they move into an apartment building in NYC. Recently relocated from Minnesota they are fragile and rebuilding their lives after a vicious hate crime tore their family apart. Laurie is attending summer school, Mom is adjusting to her new job and that leaves Elizabeth to unpack the apartment. While trying to open the door and unload packages she spies Stephen and no one is more surprised that she can see him, then Stephen. Stephen was born invisible; no one not even his mother has ever seen him. The tale that unfolds is filled with romance, danger and acceptance.

The tale is told in dual POV’s going back and forth between chapters giving us an intimate look into the minds of Elizabeth and Stephen. Elizabeth is struggling after her brother’s attack and betrayal from people in her life. She immediately connects with Stephen, and while at first it felt a little like insta-love the romance settled and gained more substance. She is really trying to discover herself or reinvent herself and we see this from simple things like trying to change her name to the way she is drawn to Stephen. While I didn’t always agree with her, I understood what drove her. She has moments of kick-ass-ery which I adored, she can be selfish and in the next moment put others ahead of herself. In a nut-shell she is complicated, and felt fleshed-out and genuine. Stephen is strong, an island unto himself and doesn’t realize how lonely his existence has been until Elizabeth and her world collide with his. A part of him embraces all of it and another wants to keep a bubble around himself and Elizabeth. Their romance was pure, slow, tender, and bittersweet. You cannot help but wish them a happy ending. Laurie is a shining star, an optimist and a survivor. He is there for both of them and I adored this young man. Millie, Saul and Stephen’s grandfather help us understand the curse and magical aspects of the tale and added to the overall suspense.

Invisibility is a tale you want to savor, and the tale flows beautifully. It’s the type of book where you slide right into the world, look up and realize you’ve consumed a hundred or more pages. I did not find myself rushing towards the conclusion and instead basked in the unfolding of the tale. The curse, spellbinders, spellcasters and cursecasters were all fascinating. The authors did an excellent job of providing enough history to make it feel plausible and yet I craved more. I loved the descriptive style used to describe the curses afflicting victims and the way Elizabeth was able to see them. There are intense battles, and scenes which were vividly described and I felt like I was right there in the middle of it all. There were lessons to be learned, questions to be asked and ideas to be pondered as I weaved further into the tale. The ending gives us both resolution and unanswered questions but most of all hope. Another book could easily be created and this tale continued or the author(s) can leave us to create our own idea of happily-ever-after.

For fans of Levithan’s Every Day, Invisibility is a must read. If you are seeking an original paranormal with fleshed-out characters that will make you ponder some of life’s biggest questions then this book is for you. Andrea Creamer is the author of the popular NightShade series and I look forward to exploring more of her works.  

Four and half cups of NYC finest coffee out of five

Coffee Pot Reviews: Waking Up Married and Savage Angel

 
Welcome to Coffee Pot Reviews! These are short and sweet reviews done in the length of time it takes my coffee pot to brew! I have a few Adult books to share with you today..enjoy and stick around for a cup of Italian Iced coffees!

Waking Up Married
by Mira Lyn Kelly
Publisher: Harlequin Kiss
Publication date: December 1, 2012
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

Her first thought: "Who are you?" It's the morning after her cousin's bachelorette party in Vegas and Megan Scott wakes up with the mother of all hangovers. Even worse, she's in a stranger's penthouse having woken up with something else as well - a funny, arrogant, sexy...husband. Up until now, finding even a boyfriend had seemed impossible - been there, got the broken heart, sworn off men for good. Then a few martinis with Carter...no, Connor Reed and she's gone from first meet to marriage in one night! Megan wants a lawyer. But Connor's shocking bombshell? "I don't want a divorce."

A few of my blogger peep's recommended Waking Up Married and since I adore tales about marriages of convenience I grabbed a copy. This was delightful, and the romance despite the "I Do's" developed slowly and felt genuine. Both characters are successful and independent but when it comes to relationships and commitments they are both carrying a lot of emotional baggage. Conner is a planner, and he wants a family, without all the mess and emotional attachments love brings. This made him go from perfect to the ice man. I really enjoyed his struggle. Then we have Megan, who doesn't make it past the six month mark in any relationship, and has serious abandonment issues. I loved their banter and watching the two of them discover something more. This was well paced and made me smile.

Three cups of Maxwell House coffee with a touch of cream

Savage Angel
by Stacy Gail
Series: The Earth Angels #2
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: February 4, 2013
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon
ARC provided in exchange for unbiased review
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

Feel nothing. Sara Savitch's personal mantra has been hard to live by ever since her torrid one-night stand with army doctor Gideon Mandeville. Descended from the Seraphim, angels known as heaven's soldiers, Sara may be an expert fighter, but she's an amateur when it comes to relationships. Physically unharmed, but still battle-scarred, Gideon has returned to Dallas in the hopes of regaining his faith in humanity—and in himself. Instead he's walked into a nightmare. His father is on a serial killer's hit list, and has hired a personal bodyguard—the very woman who has haunted Gideon's dreams for a year.  As Sara works to build an impenetrable fortress around her client, she yearns to tear down the one around Gideon's heart. With his bitter rejection of warriors, will he ever be able to accept her true nature? Sara must find a way to trust Gideon with her secret as the killer closes in.

I enjoyed Nobody's Angel the first book in the earth angel series and was excited to begin Savage Angel. This tale was a little darker, and smexier! Sara is a Seraphim and her family has concealed themselves from humans by building a top-notch security firm. Their natural speed, and agility make them the perfect warriors and protectors. Last year at the Mandeville home she had a hot encounter with Gideon Madeville before he went overseas as a medic. With no romantic relationships experience she was hurt when he stopped returning her emails. When a serial killer threatens Gideon's father both Gideon and Sara are on edge when they learn she will lead the security team. Ooh, the tension was yummy and at first Gideon was an arse, but he's got troubles of his own and I came to adore our hero. The tale was delightfully paced with moments of suspense, intense action and mystery. The romantic aspect was delicious and at times I expected the pages to catch fire from the heat coming off these too. Gail blends angelology, humor, suspense and a lot of heat into her stories and I was highly entertained. Each novel works as a standalone but the overall ARC is intense and worth reading the series in order. Wounded Angel the third book releases May 27, 2013 and I am anxious to start reading. 

Four cups of Red Eye coffee out of five 

The Secret Vol 1-5 by H.M. Ward: Review/Excerpt/Giveaway

Today I am delighted to share H.M. Ward's Secret serial for the Fiery Hot Reads for Icy Cold Nights Blog Hop. Check out my mini- reviews, read a scene between Anna and Cole from Volume One and enter to win the series, then go visit the other hop stops today!

Secrets
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #1
Publisher: Laree Bailey Press
Publication date: August 18, 2012
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

Sex is supposed to be sexy, tantalizing, and completely erotic, but Anna never seems to find the right guy. This one seems to be a germ-a-phobe, and the previous boyfriend wasn’t much better. Anna just wants to be wanted. Is that too much to ask?  As she tries to wiggle out of one relationship, a new one surfaces, but it’s forbidden. Cole Stevens is twice her age, arrogant, rich, sexy as hell, and her boss. When Anna’s internship plans derail, she ends up interning at Cole’s elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole’s run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He’s nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.

In the first novel we meet Anna an ambitious college photographer interviewing for her internship all while dealing with her strange but sweet boyfriend; Edward. This was fun, evenly paced and filled with twists that made me laugh. I loved the interaction between Cole and Anna from the onset, and really felt their chemistry. 

Secrets 2
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #2
Published: August 25, 2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

Sexy thoughts about Cole fill Anna's dreams. Every detail burns brightly in her mind; the way his hands feel on her bare skin, the soft brush of his lips against hers, and the way their bodies fit perfectly together. Anna awakes breathless, tingling as if it really happened. What caused her to think about Cole like that? It was completely forbidden. And Anna didn't feel that way about him, at least she didn't think she did. Cole was fun to flirt with, that's all, and the sexual tension between them was normal, right? Everyone has that from time to time with some super-hot guy. It made sense. Her mind was just telling her that she needs a boyfriend. But what if Cole's the right guy? What if he's right there and Anna lets him slip through her fingers? Cole's more than she bargained for, with enough sex appeal to make Anna realize everything she's been missing. 

In the second book of Secrets Anna begins to make decisions and step out of her comfort zone as she embraces the photography style Cole uses. Cole drove me batty with his cold/hot moods and I so want to know what is driving him. Anna needs to decide what she wants from Cole and go after it. The sexual tension between these two literally oozes from the pages. I am hoping more is revealed in the next volume. 

Secrets 3
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #3
Publication date: September 8, 2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

When Anna admits she's falling for Cole she can't believe his response. He pushes her away with an excuse that seems too flimsy to be real. Crushed, Anna continues working at Cole's Long Island studio, but she can't stop thinking about him. It isn't until Anna is called into the dean's office that the real trouble starts. To make matters worse, Edward keeps popping up at the worst times reminding her of everything she wants to forget.

Holy cow..so much happens in the third installment of Secrets. Cole is obviously tormented and we discover why. Poor Anna; everything is upside down for her in this one, and Edward is really starting to creep me out. Oh and there is a certain hoity-toity bitch I want to whack over the head with my heel. *too violent?*  We get some hotness and a whole lot of reason to quickly grab book four..LOL 

Secrets 4
by H.M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #4
Publication date: November 20, 2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

At night, when Anna closes her eyes, everything comes rushing back; the sensuous sound of Cole’s voice, his scalding touch, and the way his eyes roved over her body like he could never get enough. Flirtation, promises of passionate sex, and nights filled with Cole’s sexy smile are gone. Anna worries that her crush on Cole was something more, because her life is total agony without him.  Anna realizes she’s at a turning point. Someone burned her. This isn’t a little blister that would go away on its own, it’s an inferno that destroyed everything it touched. In a matter of minutes, Anna lost her future and the man who holds her heart. Anna has to decide how and when to get even with the person who destroyed her life—Sophia Sottero

We get some answers in Secrets 4, but things get complicated for Anna. Anna decides to put Cole behind her, but then as she uncovers the truth things get complicated. I found myself completely captivated. Who is trying to hurt Anna or are they trying to hurt Cole...so many questions eep! Upon finishing this one, I immediately began reading book 5 because I need answers and some resolution..please! 

Secrets 5
by H. M. Ward
Serial: Secrets #5
Publication date: December 21,2012
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

The pounding in Anna's heart rings in her ears as she sits naked in the tub. The bath water sloshes around her bare hips, even though she tries to stand without making a sound. All this time, Anna thought someone was following her, but every time she turned around no one was there. The chills that climbed up her spine those few times seemed silly, but not now. Now, they seem horrific. Cole is gone, Emma is at work, and Anna is completely alone. A shadow darkens the space under the door. The metallic clink of a hand touching the knob sends Anna out of her mind. Pulse pounding in her ears, Anna has no other option, but to open the bathroom door and come face to face with her stalker.

Secrets 5 the last book is very climatic and a lot is revealed. I love the way Ward threaded all of the piece together in this action packed and intense conclusion. Anna and Cole's romance was a whirlwind but I enjoyed every delicious moment. I am so glad I read this series.

I really enjoyed these serials. I think I would have just preferred one novel, but I am very glad I read them and certainly got caught up in Cole and Anna's story.

Three and half Irish creme coffees out of five for the series

Excerpt from vol 1

"I feel restless, like I won’t ever be satisfied. Cole’s hands are warm. His smooth skin slides over my bare waist as he kisses me harder. My lips burn, they throb as I pull him closer to me. His thick hair is tangled in my fingers, his strong arms around my waist, pulling us closer—tighter together. Heat fills me. A burning desire to feel him inside consumes every thought I have.

There is nothing but him and me.

My nails claw his back as his kisses leave a hot trail down my neck. Our clothes are gone. It’s just his slick body against mine, but he won’t take me. He won’t push inside of me. I cry out, saying his name, begging him to take me. The third time I plead, he answers me. Without a word, he flips me over. I land on the sheets, and look up at him. My legs are splayed before him, completely exposed.

Cole doesn’t hesitate. His hard body meets mine and he pushes into me, rapidly, over and over again. I can’t stop calling his name. I want him, I want him to fill me with come.

I want things I shouldn’t want. I feel things I shouldn’t feel.

There is no hesitation, no holding back. We move together like we were made for each other.

“Cole,” I say softly.

A hand shakes my shoulder. The dream shatters, and fades, but the emotions are still flooding my body. The spot between my legs is pulsating like he was really there, even though he wasn’t. Slowly, I realize I was dreaming and open my eyes.

Horrified, I’m looking up into Cole’s face, “Anna, you okay?” His eyes are concerned, searching my face for answers that I can’t say.

Pushing up, I shake the sleep from my eyes, “I’m fine.” My voice catches in my throat.

Cole nods and sits on the coffee table across from the couch. He’s still watching me. I feel his sapphire eyes on the side of my face, though I don’t look at him.

After that dream, I don’t think I can ever look at him again. Heat sears my cheeks and I wish I could hide, but there is nowhere to go."

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Veronica@Mostly Reviews: Jessica Spotswood: Born Wicked

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Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Juliet Dark: Water Witch