Tag: Holly’s Reading

What Are You Reading? (+ Lorraine Heath Giveaway)

Posted October 12, 2018 by Casee in Features | 15 Comments

Casee: I have been reading some great books this past week. I’m currently reading Seduction in Session by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake. This is book number two in their Perfect Gentlemen series. Holy crap, this series is so good. The heroes are alpha, the women are strong. Throw in a good mystery on top of that? I’m hooked. There are two more books in the series, with the fifth book coming out next year. I’m going to be traveling today so I know I’ll finish it and move onto Big Easy Temptation, the third book. I can’t wait!

I’ve also been listening to Sarina Bowen’s True North series on audio. I’m currently listening to Bountiful, which is book four of the series and probably the most boring. I had extremely high expectations for this book, but it’s just turned out to be meh. The book isn’t bad, just not what I was hoping for. Only two more books to listen to then I’m going to move on to her Brooklyn Bruisers series.

Holly: I had another slow reading week. I wanted to read, but I didn’t have a lot of time. I listened to Steadfast by Sarina Bowen this week after Casee was talking about it. I love Jude. The narrators were good (it was my first time in audio, though I’ve read it several times). I also listened to If He’s Daring by Hannah Howell. It was just okay. I didn’t love the way things played out in the end, but the romance and overall story line were pretty good.

I reread the last half of Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven, because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I’m currently reading Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh, Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter and I’m listening to Speakeasy by Sarina Bowen (currently $3.99 for Kindle, and $1.99 for the audio add-on).

Rowena: This week was for reading Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter so that Casee, Holly and I can review it together and that’s going to be an interesting review because I spent most of the book bored. shrugs After that, I jumped into Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven and enjoyed that book heaps more than I did Shadow and Ice. Now, I’m finishing up Fireworks by Sarina Bowen, which I’m enjoying a lot before I jump into my book club book, Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks. I also hope to finally jump into Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep. Wish me luck!

Giveaway Alert

We are very fortunate here at Book Binge. We have loads and loads of books to read and we want to share the wealth so each week, we’ll be tacking on a Freebie Friday giveaway to our What Are You Reading posts. This week, we’re giving away…

When a Duke Loves a Woman (Sins for All Seasons, #2) by Lorraine Heath
Series: Sins for All Seasons #2
Also in this series: Beyond Scandal and Desire, Beyond Scandal and Desire (Sins for All Seasons, #1), When a Duke Loves a Woman, When a Duke Loves a Woman (Sins for All Seasons, #2)
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: August 21, 2018
Format: Print
Source: Publisher
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 400
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

Gillie Trewlove knows what a stranger's kindness can mean, having been abandoned on a doorstep as a baby and raised by the woman who found her there. So, when suddenly faced with a soul in need at her door—or the alleyway by her tavern—Gillie doesn't hesitate. But he's no infant. He's a grievously injured, distractingly handsome gentleman who doesn't belong in Whitechapel, much less recuperating in Gillie's bed.

Being left at the altar is humiliating; being rescued from thugs by a woman—albeit a brave and beautiful one—is the pièce de résistance to the Duke of Thornley's extraordinarily bad day. After nursing him back from the brink, Gillie agrees to help him comb London's darker corners for his wayward bride. But every moment together is edged with desire and has Thorne rethinking his choice of wife. Yet Gillie knows the aristocracy would never accept a duchess born in sin. Thorne, however, is determined to prove to her that no obstacle is insurmountable when a duke loves a woman.

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!

15 Comments

What Are You Reading? (+ Iris Johansen Giveaway)

Posted October 5, 2018 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 13 Comments

Casee: October is going well for me so far. I started Nalini’s Rock Kiss series. I remember beta reading Rock Addiction way back in the day, but for some reason I never read the rest of the series when it came out. I have no idea why. So I just reread Rock Addiction for the third time, which made me love it even more. Then I read Rock Hard. Now I’m reading Rock Redemption. I’m really enjoying this series.

I’m also listening to Steadfast by Sarina Bowen. I was telling Holly and Rowena that I didn’t understand what was so great about Jude. They both told me how much they lurved him. I still didn’t get it. Lets just say, I get it now. Jude. sigh

Holly: I had a slower reading week this week. Life has been kind of crazy. I finished Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill, which I didn’t love. It was just okay. It read more like young adult than straight UF, and that bothered me a lot. I reread Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs.

For audiobooks, I listened to On the Surface by Kate Willoughby. The hero was super adorable, but the final conflict was annoying and marred my enjoyment somewhat. I also listened to Once Upon a Sure Thing by Lauren Blakely.

Rowena: Like Holly, I’ve had a pretty slow reading week. I only listened to one audiobook at work because I was busy with other stuff but I did enjoy the books that I read. I read Rebel Hard (Hard Play #2) by Nalini Singh and even though Nayna was a bit frustrating at times, I enjoyed her story and even connected with all of the cultural stuff. The romance rocked too. Raj was such a dreamboat. I also read Fight or Flight by Samantha Young and after a rocky beginning, the hero stopped being a dickhead and I enjoyed the romance and how strong the heroine was. Lots of fun that story was.

I also listened to Archangel’s Consort (Guild Hunter #3) by Nalini Singh and enjoyed being back in Raphael and Elena’s world after a brief, okay I’m lying, a long ass break. I’ve got the next few audiobooks lined up and can’t wait to keep the Guild Hunter party going.

Right now, I’m reading Shadow and Ice (Gods of War #1) by Gena Showalter and then after this, I’ll be reading Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep.

Giveaway Alert

No Easy Target by Iris Johansen
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Format: Print
Source: Publisher
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 400
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, an explosive thriller featuring fan favorite Margaret Douglas, an animal psychicON THE RUN Margaret Douglas has worked hard to put her painful past behind her. Raised off the grid in an abusive home, her only escape was the nearby forest where she sought refuge whenever she could. There, in the peaceful woods, she discovered a strange gift: the ability to understand animals and to communicate with them. Now, Margaret wants nothing more than to live a quiet life, close to the animals and under the radar. But her abilities have not gone unnoticed...and there are those who would use them for their own purposes. Determined not to be a pawn in anyone's game, every time someone gets too close, Margaret uproots her life and outruns them.INTO THE LINE OF FIRE When CIA operative John Lassiter breaks into Margaret's apartment, she vanishes again. Still, Lassiter has good reason to be persistent: one of his men is being held captive by an unrelenting enemy--someone who has set his sights on Margaret. Which means that Lassiter must control her to use her as bait...With danger in hot pursuit, Margaret finds herself matching wits with a man who refuses to stop or be stopped. Turning from the hunted to the hunter, Margaret must use everything she has ever learned to not only survive, but to defeat a great evil. And to prove once and for all that she's no easy target. . .

This edition of the book is the deluxe, tall rack mass market paperback.

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!

13 Comments

Tagged: Casee's Reading, Giveaways, Holly's Reading, Rowena's Reading, What Are You Reading

What Are You Reading? (+ Eloisa James Giveaway)

Posted September 28, 2018 by Casee in Giveaways, Reviews | 18 Comments

Casee: I just finished up Consumed by J.R. Ward. It did not go well. After that cluster, I couldn’t decide what to read. I’ve been crushing on Ilona Andrews ever since I finished the Hidden Legacy series, but I don’t want to commit to the Kate Daniels series yet. So I decided to go with Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. I haven’t read m/m romance for years because I’m extremely picky about this genre. There’s a fine line to walk when writing m/m. You have to put feelings in the book, but can’t make the men look like they’re not manly. It can’t be all sex because they can’t look like they’re manwhores. Of course this is just my personal opinion/preference. I’m over halfway through the book and these two authors are doing an amazing job so far. I’m really liking these characters.

I’m also listening to Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen on audio. After the failure that was The Year We Hid Away, which Holly and Rowena loved, I knew that I had to give Bowen a second chance. Although the first book I read by her wasn’t for me, I still wanted to give her a chance. I’m really glad I did. I’m highly enjoying this book. I find myself laughing out loud and wishing I could take notes while I’m driving (which I don’t do). I only listen to audiobooks during the week. I’m going to have to finish this one up on my Kindle because I’m not going to be able to wait until Monday to finish it.

Holly: I finished reading Hot Dad by Whitley Cox, which I didn’t like at all. Hot Dad was a hot mess. Rowena and I will be reviewing it together soon. I reread Burn Bright and Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs. Burn Bright was slower than I remember, but Iron Kissed always gets me in the feels.

For audiobooks, I listened to Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks. I’d read the book previously, but the details were very hazy. I loved it. It’s such a fabulous story. The heroine is truly amazing. If you haven’t already, you must pick it up (coughrowenacough). Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone was really good. It was different (not a romance, though there is a romantic element and it ends in an HEA of sorts), but I recommend it. I liked Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven, the start of a new fantasy series. The world-building and sweeping tale really drew me in.

I’m currently listening to Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks and reading Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill. I should finish both today. I plan to pick up Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh next, then Lionheart by Thea Harrison.

Rowena: I can’t believe it’s been an entire week since I finished Hot Dad by Whitley Cox and Dearest Clementine by Lex Martin. Both books weren’t the great reads I was hoping they’d be though I didn’t hate Dearest Clementine the way that I did Hot Dad. Holly and I have taken to calling that book Hot Mess which I think it’s a better description of the book as a whole.

After Hot Dad, I jumped into the audiobook for the second book in the Dearest series by Lex Martin, Finding Dandelion and that was an okay listen. It wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t bad then I moved on to Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs and that completely cheered me up as only Charles and Anna can do. After that, I listened to Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks because I had to finish out that series and what a freaking fantastic ending to a fabulous series. I loved it. I just finished America’s Sweetheart by Jessica Lemmon and that was another good one. I really enjoyed getting to know Jax and Allie so that worked for me.

Now, I’m reading Hard Rebel by Nalini Singh and listening to Kissing Madeleine by Lex Martin. Both are going okay so far so everyone, please cross your fingers that they stay that way throughout the rest of the books. After this, I’ll be reading Fight or Flight by Samantha Young. Happy reading everyone!

Giveaway Alert

Born to Be Wilde (The Wildes of Lindow Castle, #3) by Eloisa James
Series: The Wildes of Lindow Castle #3
Also in this series: Wilde in Love, Too Wilde to Wed, Born to Be Wilde (The Wildes of Lindow Castle #3)
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: July 31, 2018
Format: Print
Source: Publisher
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

The richest bachelor in England plays matchmaker…for an heiress he wants for himself!

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there's only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he's chosen a far more suitable bride.

But when he learns of Lavinia's desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he'll find her a prince.

As usual, there's no problem Parth can't fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who's completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!

18 Comments

Tagged: Casee's Reading, Giveaways, Holly's Reading, Rowena's Reading, What Are You Reading

What Are You Reading? (+ Soraya Lane Giveaway)

Posted September 21, 2018 by Casee in Features, Giveaways | 16 Comments

Casee: I am currently reading Wildfire by Ilona Andrews. I am absolutely obsessed with this series. I adore Nevada Baylor. She is one of my top five all time favorite heroines. I love her almost (maybe even as much) as Elena Deveraux from Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series. She is just so amazing. Strong willed, yet still soft around her family. She’s finally given in to Mad Rogan, but knows that she won’t lose herself. She’s a power in her own right and no one can take that away from her. I am also really enjoying getting to know more about Nevada’s sisters. Holly and Rowena tell me that Wildfire is better than White Hot so I am so excited to read this book.

I am also listening to Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne on audio. My new favorite website/app is Audible. I am loving audio books! Given, I’ve only listened to five or so books, but it is still nice to listen to books when I am at work and can’t actually read. The only wish I have is that my local library had a better selection of audio books. The selection sort of really sucks. I think I’ll listen to I Wish You Were Mine by LL next, which is the second book in her Oxford series.

Holly: This week I finished reading Light My Fire by Christie Ridgway, which was an okay read. The MC’s felt a little young to me, but I liked the overall premise enough that I plan to continue the series. I re-read Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs and Fairytale Come Alive by Kristen Ashley.

For audiobooks I continued my Lauren Blakely Binge with The Hot One, which I DNF’d, and The Only One, which I didn’t much care for. I also listened to Trophy Husband and Nights with Him, which I liked better. Then I listened to The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood, because Tracy and I were talking about it and I couldn’t help myself. I also finished Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens, which wasn’t bad, but the narrator talked so slow it drove me crazy.

I’m currently listening to Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone (aka Victoria Dahl) and reading Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh and Hot Dad by Whitley Cox.

Rowena: It’s been a pretty eventful week for me on the personal front so I didn’t read as much as I did last week but it’s all good cause I do what I want. 😉 I did finish Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks, which I absolutely LOVED and then I read The Duke Buys a Bride by Sophie Jordan for my book club meeting on Monday. I also read and freaking adored Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs. I need a Charles and Anna kind of love because who doesn’t? They’re the best.

Now, I’m listening to Dearest Clementine by Alexa Martin and reading Hot Dad by Whitley Cox. Both are going well so far so I’m hopeful that will continue. Wish me luck!

Giveaway Alert

All Night with the Cowboy (River Ranch, #2) by Soraya Lane
Series: River Ranch #2
Publisher: Swerve
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
Format: Print
Source: Publisher
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 289
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

BACK IN THE SADDLE. STRAIGHT TO THE HEART. . .

At the Ford family ranch, getting thrown from a horseis a part of growing up. But one cowboy is still learning the ropes when itcomes to falling in love.

Tanner Ford has been riding bulls and busting broncos his entire life. So when he takes a hard spill—and sustains serious injuries—he refuses to believe his rodeo days are behind him. He’s determined to restore his body and revive his career. There’s just one problem: the finest physical therapist in town just happens to be the only woman he’s ever loved.

Lauren Lewis knows she made a huge mistake when she walked away from Tanner. But she was young, ambitious, and focused on her medical career. Now, after all these years, Tanner’s back—and, in spite of his injuries, looking better than she allows herself to admit. She agrees to work on Tanner’s big bruised muscles until he’s back in bull-riding shape again. But how can Lauren resist the smoldering attraction between her and her old flame. . .and find a way to live without him?

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!

16 Comments

Tagged: Casee's Reading, Giveaways, Holly's Reading, Rowena's Reading, What Are You Reading

What Are You Reading? (+ Caroline Linden Giveaway)

Posted September 14, 2018 by Casee in Features, Giveaways | 19 Comments

Casee: I am currently reading White Hot by Ilona Andrews. I immediately picked it up after reading Burn for Me because this series is ah-maze-ing. I love it! I’m only sad that it is only three books. I see that there is going to be a continuation with one of Nevada’s sisters, but how can anyone be as great as Nevada? I suppose it might be possible because the whole family is just fantastic. I love the dynamics between them. The series really does revolve around family. They’re always there for each other. Not to mention Mad Rogan. sigh

I’m also listening to Monster in the Closet by Karen Rose. I haven’t read her books for 2-3 years. The sheer number of pages has been daunting to me. I honestly don’t know why I had a problem because she is such a good writer. I’m always sucked in. I was surprised that the audiobook was just as good as reading it. It helps that the narrator is so good.

Holly: I rounded out my Jennifer Ashley re-read with The Seduction of Elliot McBride this week. I remember liking the book the first time I read it, but I absolutely adored it this time around. I don’t know if it was my reading mood or what, but it worked for me on every level. Then I read Touch the Sky by Kari Cole, which I learned after I started is the second book in the series. Oops. Still, the premise is interesting and I wasn’t too lost.

For audiobooks, I listened to Part-Time Lover and The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely. She’s fast becoming a favorite author. I’ve yet to read a book I didn’t really like. These are, for the most part, mature contemporary romances. Not a lot of drama, just two adults falling in love. They’re really working for me right now. I also listened to For the Love of English by A.M. Hargrove, a single dad contemporary romance. I liked the little girl, English, and the romance, but the external plot featuring the bio-mom was dumb. Still, her writing was good so I’d be willing to read more.

I starting sorting through my enormous TBR pile and pulled some books out. I started Take My Breath Away and Light My Fire by Christie Ridgway (Currently FREE for Kindle). I’m getting ready to start Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens in audio.

Rowena: This week was a pretty great reading week for me. I read a good stack of books and I’m looking forward to reading some more great books this coming week. I finished For the Dukes Eyes Only by Lenora Bell and that was a fabulous read. Both Daniel and India were a great couple and I enjoyed their bickering journey to true love. I really like Lenora Bell’s writing style. After that, I listened to Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan and though it was a good story and the narrator was great, I didn’t fully connect with Izzy and the rest of the cast. First, there were too many POV’s for me to keep up with and second, I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing substantial really does. Izzy opens up a bakery and she runs it while falling in love with the guy from the bank that gave her a business loan. Big whoop.

After that, I devoured Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan for a buddy review that I’m doing with Ames, which I found out isn’t until next month so I’m really early with that. Haha. This book was so stinkin’ good but it wasn’t an easy story to read. I had hella anxiety while reading it but never have I ever rooted for someone to get their happiest of ever afters as I have for Iris DuPree. August West and Iris DuPree were everything. After that, I read the next book in the Hoops series, Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan and enjoyed that one as well. Not as much as Long Shot, but still I enjoyed Jared and Banner’s story.

Now, I’m listening to Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks because I am excited to continue the MacCabe Trilogy with Alaric’s story. After that, I will be reading The Duke Buys a Bride by Sophie Jordan for my book club next week. Gotta get prepared for that. I hope it’s good.

Giveaway Alert

My Once and Future Duke (The Wagers of Sin, #1) by Caroline Linden
Series: The Wagers of Sin #1
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Format: Print
Source: Publisher
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

What happens at the infamous Vega Club . . .

Sophie Campbell is determined to be mistress of her own fate. Surviving on her skill at cards, she never risks what she can’t afford to lose. Yet when the Duke of Ware proposes a scandalous wager that’s too extravagant to refuse, she can’t resist. If she wins, she’ll get five thousand pounds, enough to secure her independence forever.

Stays at the Vega Club . . .

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, tells himself he’s at the Vega Club merely to save his reckless brother from losing everything, but he knows it’s a lie. He can’t keep his eyes off Sophie, and to get her he breaks his ironclad rule against gambling. If he wins, he wants her—for a week.

Until now.

A week with Jack could ruin what’s left of Sophie’s reputation. It might even cost her her heart. But when it comes to love, all bets are off . . .