ARC REVIEW : Return of the Chauffeur's Son by Tara Lain

 

Luca McGrath may be returning to Napa Valley, California as a promising chef with dreams of starting his own restaurant and winery, but his heart still lives with bad-boy billionaire’s son, James Armstrong. Luca spent his childhood playing games with the golden boy of California society, so blinded by James he barely noticed the dark, quiet lure of his conservative older brother, Dylan Armstrong.

But now, Luca’s home and his own powers of attraction are enough to make James question his dedicated heterosexuality and his promised marriage to a wealthy and powerful businesswoman. The obvious attraction between Luca and James spurs Dylan into action—but he’s fighting a huge secret. While Luca dreamed of James, Dylan dreamed of Luca. When Luca gets caught in the struggle between the brothers and gets accused of culinary espionage he’s ready to chuck the fairy tale—unable to even imagine Dylan’s power to make his dreams come true.

Return of the Chauffeur's Son by Tara Lain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As much as I want to love this book, there was something's missing, and some thing that was not supposed to be there in the first place. Blame my reading and taste references. Don't blame the book.
I enjoyed 3/4 of the story, the premise is great but I can't find myself too attached to Luca and Dylan.
Poor Dylan. Sigh. I really liked the guy. Dylan is a great guy, but he kept so much inside, and I hate what he didn't show and tell Luca.
While Dylan is busy protecting and doing every 'service' for Luca's sake, Luca is still 'busy' for his dream for James.
And what's this James's sudden attraction to Luca? Because he's so gorgeous, or just curious?
The whole love triangle irked me, because Dylan need to be more 'out' and 'brave' about what he feel about Luca.
I'm not sure about Luca's feeling. But I have a high hope that Dylan will finally make him feel that.
The ending was quite good, and I want to believe that Dylan and Luca will find their HEA in the future.
The HFN is enough for now.



*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press to review.*

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REVIEW : Enemies like You (Enemies with Benefits #1) by Joanna Chambers&Annika Martin

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They're dangerous men. Absolute enemies. And totally hot for each other. Will has never met anyone like Kit. He’s arrogant. Gorgeous. Lethal. The most expensive bodyguard money can buy. And Will can’t seem to resist him. A simple command in Kit's cut-glass accent makes Will want things he’s never wanted, do things he’s never done. Their red-hot chemistry is off the charts. Just one problem: Will has vowed to kill the billionaire that Kit is hell-bent on protecting. And Kit has secrets, too—his own reasons for sacrificing his soul, piece by painful piece, to keep one of the worst men on earth alive. This is a stand-alone contemporary M/M romance. 

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They're dangerous men. Absolute enemies. And totally hot for each other. Two years ago, the men in Will’s unit were killed in an ambush because they were betrayed. Now he has a chance to go after the corrupt billionaire who sold them out. One problem: the billionaire’s bodyguard. Nobody knows what he looks like; they only know him by the trail of bodies he leaves behind. Will their passion destroy them both? Kit’s a hardened assassin who’ll do what it takes to protect his boss. But when Will moves on the billionaire at an elite party, things with Will and Kit take an unexpected—sexy—twist.

Now Kit has to convince Will to walk away--from his quest for justice, and from the red-hot passion that keeps resurfacing at the most inopportune times.

REVIEW

This is not my Joanna Chambers first book but I'm not familiar with Annika Martin's writing style.
Adjusting is not easy.But since I was loving the Prologue because it was sexy and I loved Kit so much, adjusting is not a big deal.
Can't get Kit out of his head, Will keep coming back searching for the flamboyant guy and he's kind of surprise (not) of who's Kit is.
Both Kit and Will did their job with baggage on their back, they have to make pace with that before everything's solved and they can be together.
I had a little difficulties following Will's thoughts, maybe because all he can think of is how sexy Kit/Kate is and that how much he wanted to bang Kit. But you know what, I can understand that. Kit is 'that' sexy.
My only complaint is there's not enough romantic moments between Kit and Will, and seemed like the 'case' was outnumbered the romance.
But overall, this is a good story,and if you like mysteries and enemy to lovers book, you should read this one.

*I voluntarily read the ARC, no high rating required upon the receiving of this book.*

About the Authors:

Joanna Chambers always wanted to write. She spent over 20 years staring at blank sheets of paper and despairing of ever writing a single word. In between staring at blank sheets of paper, she studied law, met her husband and had two children. Whilst nursing her first child, she rediscovered her love of romance and found her muse. Joanna lives in Scotland with her family and finds time to write by eschewing sleep and popular culture.

Connect with Joanna: Twitter: www.twitter.com/Chambers Joanna Website: https://joannachambers.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanna.chambers.

Annika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who enjoys writing dirty stories about dangerous criminals and hot spies. She loves helping animals and kicking snow clumps off the bottom of cars around the streets of Minneapolis, and in her spare time she writes as the RITA award-winning author Carolyn Crane.

Connect With Annika: Website: http://annikamartinbooks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annika.martin.52 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Annika_Martin Newsletter: http://www.annikamartinbooks.com/newletter/

ARC REVIEW : Romancing the Ugly Duckling (Romancing the... #2) by Clare London

 

Is this the makeover of a lifetime?

Ambitious fashionista Perry Goodwood lands the project of his dreams—track down a celebrity family’s missing brother in the Scottish Highlands and bring him back to London for a TV reality show. But first he must transform the rugged loner into a glamorous sophisticate.

Greg Ventura has no use for high fashion. He lives on the isolated island of North Uist to escape the reminder that he’s nowhere near as handsome as his gorgeous brothers and avoid the painful childhood memories of being bullied.

Greg wants nothing to do with city life, and Perry’s never been outside London. When Perry is stranded on North Uist, this conflict seems insurmountable. But Greg is captivated by the vivacious Perry, and Perry by both the island and his host. However, Perry’s one heartfelt wish remains: that ugly duckling Greg fulfill his potential as a swan.

Romancing the Ugly Duckling by Clare London
My rating: 4 of 5 stars








This is fun to read. Both Greg and Perry are likeable, and definitely made for each other.
The first book was an okay for me, but I liked this one better.
Grumpy and far from a city life, Greg suddenly met a very city guy, Perry. From the first met, I think Greg had already liked Perry, he's just so good with denying everything, especially in attraction to Perry. Except for his desire for Perry, of course. Duh!
Glad that Perry is kind of stubborn and can manage to cooperating with Greg's mood. Well, Greg had a reason for rejecting the city life himself, and Perry understood. Once he's determined to bring Greg to London whatever it takes, because his fragile job depends on Greg.
I wanted to slap Greg sometimes, but I can't! He's too adorable, probably that's why Perry can't stay away from him.
Overall, this one is a light low angst romance just the way I liked it. But I need epilogue or a better ending for Greg and Perry. I need more.



*I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press for Lelyana's Book Blog to review.*

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RELEASE DAY REVIEW : TEASE (TEMPTATION #4) BY ELLA FRANK

Tease - verb: to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it....unless your name is Tate Morrison.

It’s been four years since Logan Mitchell walked into Tate’s life and irrevocably changed it. Four years since the sexy as sin lawyer dared him to try, and four years since Tate won his love.

Now, as they approach the next chapter of their lives Logan is determined they won’t end up like many of their friends. Settled. Domestic. Boring. However, that’s easier said than done. With busy careers and working odd hours, finding time for one another is becoming increasingly difficult.

But that sh*t isn’t going to fly with Logan or Tate.

The two of them are determined to compromise to get what it is they want, and what they want is each other.

Tease is the sexy, tantalizing continuation of the two men who stole your heart... and popped your cherry.

Tease by Ella Frank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


* 3,5 stars*

As much as I’m loving meeting Logan and Tate again after four years of a long wait, I was worried if there’s something happen with the boys in the future, since the ending of book three was kinda vague to me. Lets just saying a happy for now, knowing Logan’s phobia of commitment. As much as I wanted to stop reading and seeing their HEA, it didn’t happen, and I knew that Ella is up for something leaving us hanging like that.

And suddenly, out from nowhere, out of the blue, she came out her writing cave and teased! With book four and two more in the future.
So this is me, reading again, visiting Logan and Tate after four years.
Hey, they’re happy and life’s goes on as planned. How good is that?

As much as I didn’t want to ‘watch’ any more drama with the couple and just wanted a happy settled life, it became old. Even the sex has become old. And I guess, I am to become old, blame my age for skimming some sex.

Don’t get me wrong, the sex as hot as always, Tate and Logan always hot for each other, admiring each other, hard for each other (hehe), the sexual innuendo is everywhere, but it's getting old. You get me?
All I can say is, this is Logan and Tate's daily life, more like a diary, with Tate had to solved his old problem and Logan with his work. And remember Robbie? You'll meet him in this book.

I did enjoy Tate and Logan came alive again, but the story's not going anywhere. I need more, not drama with all the tears and all, but something gripping and meaningful between the two of them.
I still have hope...I do...Maybe in the near future.

* ARC provided by the author for Lelyana's Book Blog to review.*

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ARC REVIEW : Farlough by Xavier Mayne

 

Newly turned thirty, Cameron North is preparing himself to spend his life alone. When he inherits his great-aunt's teashop on the remote island of Farlough, he returns for the first time in more than a dozen years to a place where memories—and demons—flit close to the surface of his mind. There he meets Gwyneth, a sassy barista who becomes his instant best friend—until Cam discovers she’s the wife of his first love, Matthias. She has only the best of intentions when she arranges a reunion between the two men, and it forces them to finally discuss why Cam left the island so long ago.

With his heart broken anew, Cam retreats to his great-aunt’s house—where he learns he is not alone. Someone—or something—has pledged an oath to look out for Cam, and as he investigates the presence, he uncovers wounds that both he and his mysterious guardian sought to escape by coming to Farlough. Now Cam must figure out how to heal them—and himself.

Farlough by Xavier Mayne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had difficulties to keep going and interested.
I loved the blurb and the possibilities of a newfound love and forgiveness of an old love.
But I found this too long and too much telling. Until 60% mark, Cam was still trying to make peace of his past and solved his impending problem with Mads. I didn't like Mads's wife. I think she's annoying and sounds like a nosy old woman, and that's bothering me.
We met Tristan way much later. There's nothing really happen in this book, I kept waiting for a little drama or whatever that make my heart beating faster, but no.
Cam and Tristan got their happy ending of course. But, even the ending did not really gripping.
I need more, or less...No idea. This is kinda let down.

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for reviewing on Lelyana's Book Blog.*

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ARC REVIEW : Breaking Bonds (The Walker Boys #2) by Ari McKay

 

From the frying pan into the fire.

After a critic’s review attacks both Chef Liam Walker’s culinary skills and his personal life, Liam can no longer take the heat of the cutthroat New York City restaurant scene. He needs to get out of the kitchen—at least long enough to cool down and regroup.

At the Overlook Resort in North Carolina, Liam meets owner Carter Galloway. Carter has a passion for the hospitality business to rival Liam’s own, and it’s not hard to see where their shared interests—and attraction—could lead. But Carter has no interest in a fling, and Liam has no intention of walking away from the career he fought so hard for. If they want a taste of happiness together, they’ll have to find the courage to break the bonds threatening to pull them apart.

Breaking Bonds by Ari McKay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars








Despite of a fan fiction of Marco Pierre White in Marco the arrogant chef, it's quite enjoyable.



Running away from people who judged you is not easy, especially if you didn't really know what you're looking for. Is it your dreams, or not?
Longed to be the best chef in New York, Liam in fact only the shadow of the arrogant master of manipulation, Marco, his mentor.
And then he met Carter on his getaway, and everything seemed even more confusing.
What is it he's looking for in life? Name of happiness?
Is New York really his dream? Is Marco really worth all his sacrifices of happiness (after he met Carter). Because Carter is very determined for what he wanted in a relationship, and Liam couldn't give him that.
There's a little angst (just a low portion). a little sadness and doubts.
A little cheesy at the end of the story, but this is a fun read, especially when you enjoyed stories with chef and cooking, some recipes, a low angst sweet romance, this is for you.

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press. Thanks Hayley!

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What Matters by Gracie Leigh

 

“It’s a good fear, Sam. I’d miss it if it wasn’t there...”

Musical prodigy Eddie Dean gets everything she wants. The best violin, the best boyfriend, and a place at the best music school in London are hers until her father goes bankrupt. Once the financial facade comes tumbling down, Eddie’s broke and her boyfriend couldn’t care less.

The doorstep of Jimmy’s Café is the last place she expects to wash up.

Scrubbing dishes and serving fried breakfasts to pay her rent is as hellish as she imagined, and her new life is made worse by the distain of her boss’s sneering grandson. Sam Novak is arrogant, rude, and gorgeous, and if Eddie never sees him again, it will be too soon. Shame she can’t stop thinking about him. Dreaming about him. Craving him.

And then there’s his best friend Dylan.

Dylan is as light as Sam is dark, and Eddie wants him too. She can have him too—according to Sam—but when Sam reveals a vulnerability that could cost him his life, it’s time for Eddie to face the music. Does she still need to get everything she wants, or should she choose what matters?

What Matters by Gracie Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this for my reading challenge this year to read more than one MF books.
Good thing is, Garrett Leigh written as Gracie Leigh offered her first MF book to read.
I admit I was kinda staggering and scare what if I wouldn't like it or even hate this.
As many MM readers usual 'high standard' in romance, I doubted I'll like this.
But it didn't happen, I liked this book, despite of Sam's annoying behavior and Eddie's slutty attitude, this one was enjoyable. The sex, especially the three-way, was freaking hot.
And I liked Dylan, a lot. I bet he has a story with Sam in the past.
I wouldn't mind to know it in the future. In Dylan's MM book, perhaps?

*ARC provided by the author for a chance of reviewing this title.*

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