Review: Play My Game - Lara Adrian

New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the sizzling, emotional world of the 100 Series with Play My Game, a contemporary romance between a tormented, brilliant painter and the beauty he is determined to have at any cost.

She stands out like a flame in the dark. Out of place in my orbit, she is a bright splash of color in an abyss of darkness. An innocent in a den of sin. And I, Jared Rush, am a master of corruption.

Like my paintings—dark, carnal images that have crowned me the king of the avant-garde art world while also making me a very rich man—I don’t flinch away from my baser instincts. And now, every one of those instincts is hungry for the fresh-faced beauty who made the mistake of wandering into my lair.

I don’t know her name yet, but that’s inconsequential. I know who she belongs to. And while she has nothing to do with the bad blood that’s been festering inside me for decades, I can’t help thinking about that old, unsettled score. I’m thinking about payback. And I already have a price in mind. One that begins with her.

When it comes to getting what I want, I always play to win. But in the end, will the cost of my vengeance be more than I can bear to lose?

While this novel is Book 5 in the 100 Series, featuring characters introduced in earlier books, PLAY MY GAME can be read as a complete standalone with a swoon-worthy HEA and no cliffhangers. 

100 Series:

For 100 Days
For 100 Nights
For 100 Reasons

100 Series Standalone Romances:
(These stories are set in the same world as the 100 Series but can be read completely separately with each book featuring a HEA for a different couple)
Run To You
Play My Game

Visit Lara Adrian's website for more information

Review:
I've been a huge fan of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series for years now but I also really love her contemporary romances and Play My Game was right up there with the best of them. We've met the mysterious and brooding artist Jared in previous instalments of the 100 series so I was already looking forward to his book, I'm not sure if we saw Melanie before but she is friends with Eve so does have a link too. As always it was fun spotting previous character cameos but Jared and Melanie rightly take centre stage for their story.

Melanie is actually pulled into Jared's circle when she finds out that her boyfriend has a gambling problem and has got himself in trouble. Jared offers to bail him out but only if Melanie agrees to pose for his latest painting. She has no idea that she's been caught up in a revenge plot that Jared has been planning for months though and her life is about to get extremely complicated. I was glad to see that the boyfriend became an ex the minute Melanie discovered how much he'd been lying to her so if you're worried about any potential cheating issues you can dive into this book without fear. I actually had a huge amount of respect for Melanie from the beginning, she knows her own value and she won't put up with anyone treating her badly which makes her easy to root for. I always love a heroine with a backbone!

Jared is dealing with some pretty big demons and has been using alcohol as a crutch but when he sees how much it upsets Melanie he realises that he needs to do something differently. The attraction between them was pretty instant but I liked that it took time to develop into a relationship. Even though Jared went into things with an agenda he realises pretty quickly that Melanie is important to him and this didn't end up being a story with a huge amount of drama. I don't know about anyone else but 2020 has been bringing more than enough stress into my life so I really appreciated being able to just relax and enjoy this story! If you enjoyed the previous books in this series then you're bound to love Play My Game too but it would work just as well for someone who is new to the series as there are only a few cameos to link it to previous books.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Cover Reveal: Play My Game - Lara Adrian

Check out the gorgeous cover for PLAY MY GAME, the next novel in Lara Adrian's bestselling contemporary romance 100 Series! Available June 30th in eBook & Print, then moving into #KindleUnlimited after release day. Pre-order now at major retailers! Learn more at www.LaraAdrian.com.

Story Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the sizzling, emotional world of the 100 Series with Play My Game, a contemporary romance between a tormented, brilliant painter and the beauty he is determined to have at any cost.

She stands out like a flame in the dark. Out of place in my orbit, she is a bright splash of color in an abyss of darkness. An innocent in a den of sin. And I, Jared Rush, am a master of corruption.

Like my paintings—dark, carnal images that have crowned me the king of the avant-garde art world while also making me a very rich man—I don’t flinch away from my baser instincts. And now, every one of those instincts is hungry for the fresh-faced beauty who made the mistake of wandering into my lair.

I don’t know her name yet, but that’s inconsequential. I know who she belongs to. And while she has nothing to do with the bad blood that’s been festering inside me for decades, I can’t help thinking about that old, unsettled score. I’m thinking about payback. And I already have a price in mind. One that begins with her.

When it comes to getting what I want, I always play to win. But in the end, will the cost of my vengeance be more than I can bear to lose?

While this novel is Book 5 in the 100 Series, featuring characters introduced in earlier books, PLAY MY GAME can be read as a complete standalone with a swoon-worthy HEA and no cliffhangers.

Pre-order Links

If you prefer to use your own retailer links or shortcuts, please do. These are provided for your convenience.

EBOOK LINKS
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Play-My-Game-Standalone-Romance-ebook/dp/B08998T4XK/
Nook: https://bit.ly/PlayMyGameBN
Apple: https://bit.ly/PlayMyGameIBOOKS
Kobo: https://bit.ly/PlayMyGameKOBO

*** PLAY MY GAME will be going into Kindle Unlimited a few days after release and will be exclusive at Amazon for at least 90 days. If you're a Nook, Apple, or Kobo reader, please be sure to pre-order! ***

PRINT LINKS
Available on release day

AUDIOBOOK LINKS
Release day TBA

Add it to your Goodreads shelf: http://bit.ly/2rl3chC

Review: Edge of Darkness - Lara Adrian

New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian is back with Edge of Darkness, the latest sizzling, spellbinding novel in the Hunter Legacy series of vampire romances set in the darkly seductive Midnight Breed paranormal story world.

As a survivor of the horrific Hunter program, Breed vampire and former assassin Knox is a solitary man, closed off to the pain of love—and loss. A loner by choice, Knox deals in death and dark justice, expecting nothing in return. Until one snowy night he drifts into a remote town in northern Maine, where a determined beauty enlists his lethal assistance, tempting not only his hunger, but his wounded heart as well.

Lenora Calhoun has lived in tiny Parrish Falls all her life. Owner of the local diner that’s been in her family for generations, Leni’s as stalwart and stubborn as the tall pines that surround her. That unshakable resolve doesn’t sit well with everyone, least of all the most powerful family in the logging town. Leni’s been the target of their animosity for years, but with their escalating threats now putting an innocent child’s safety at risk, she takes a desperate chance on a dangerous stranger—a man who is something more than human. Knox’s deadly skills and turbulent gaze should be warning enough for Leni to guard her heart, yet she cannot deny the yearning he stirs in her blood. For the merciless Breed male is the only man she can trust in a town full of secrets, and where taking a stand could rip away everything she holds dear.

While this novel is Book 3 in the Hunter Legacy series, each story in this Midnight Breed spin-off series can be read as a complete standalone with HEA and no cliffhangers.

The Midnight Breed Series:
A Touch of Midnight (Novella included in The Midnight Breed Series Companion, now also available separately)
Kiss of Midnight
Kiss of Crimson
Midnight Awakening
Midnight Rising
Veil of Midnight
Ashes of Midnight
Shades of Midnight
Taken by Midnight
Deeper than Midnight
A Taste of Midnight (Novella)
Darker After Midnight
The Midnight Breed Series Companion
Edge of Dawn
Marked by Midnight (Novella)
Crave the Night
Tempted by Midnight (Novella)
Bound to Darkness
Stroke of Midnight (Novella)
Defy the Dawn
Midnight Untamed (Novella)
Midnight Unbound (Novella)
Midnight Unleashed (Novella)
Claimed in Shadows
Break the Day

Hunter Legacy Series:
(A series of standalone romances set in the Midnight Breed world)
Born of Darkness
Hour of Darkness
Edge of Darkness

Visit Lara Adrian's website for more information about the Midnight Breed series you will find excerpts from each of the books. Lara can also be found on Facebook & Twitter where she posts regular updates or you can join other fans to chat about the books over at the LAMB (Lara Adrian Midnight Breed) Forum

Review:
Edge of Darkness is the third book in Lara Adrian's Hunter Legacy series and although it's a spin off from the Midnight Breed series (and fans of that series will appreciate the cameo appearances from a few familiar faces) these books have all been designed to work as stand alone stories that can be read in any order. They each focus on a different couple and I'm really enjoying seeing some of the lethal Gen One Hunters from Dragos's awful breeding program finally find their own happily ever afters.

Knox has loved and lost once before and in his grief he walked away from his brothers and the only people he cared about. He's spent months living a solitary existence travelling across the country trying to run away from his pain. While he goes out of his way to keep to himself and avoid getting involved that doesn't stop him from standing up for people around him and when he sees Leni being bullied he immediately steps up to her defence.

Leni has spent her life living in a small town in the middle of nowhere and she's been raising her young nephew Riley ever since her sister disappeared 6 years ago. She will do whatever it takes to keep Riley safe and if that means going up against the most powerful family in town then that's what she'll have to do. She's secretly living in fear though, worrying about how she'll keep custody of the boy when his father is released from prison. When she recognises that Knox is one of the Hunters she turns to him for help but as the attraction flares between them the price may include her heart.

This was another fabulous instalment of the series, Leni and Knox had fantastic chemistry, the romance is slow build but well worth waiting for, Riley was adorable plus there's a ton of action and danger that kept me on the edge of my seat. Throw in a couple of familiar faces from the Midnight Breed series and a fight against a dangerous criminal gang defended by corrupt police officers and you have another unmissable read from Lara Adrian. I honestly can't get enough of these books and I'm already eagerly anticipating the release of the next one!

Source: I received an ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Cover Reveal: Edge of Darkness - Lara Adrian

It's no secret I'm a HUGE fan of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series so I'm thrilled to be taking part in the cover reveal for the next book in the series Edge of Darkness. The book releases on the 30th of September 2019 in ebook and print and you can order from all major retailers now or visit www.LaraAdrian.com for more information.

Story Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian is back with Edge of Darkness, the latest sizzling, spellbinding novel in the Hunter Legacy series of vampire romances set in the darkly seductive Midnight Breed paranormal story world.

As a survivor of the horrific Hunter program, Breed vampire and former assassin Knox is a solitary man, closed off to the pain of love—and loss. A loner by choice, Knox deals in death and dark justice, expecting nothing in return. Until one snowy night he drifts into a remote town in northern Maine, where a determined beauty enlists his lethal assistance, tempting not only his hunger, but his wounded heart as well.

Lenora Calhoun has lived in tiny Parrish Falls all her life. Owner of the local diner that’s been in her family for generations, Leni’s as stalwart and stubborn as the tall pines that surround her. That unshakable resolve doesn’t sit well with everyone, least of all the most powerful family in the logging town. Leni’s been the target of their animosity for years, but with their escalating threats now putting an innocent child’s safety at risk, she takes a desperate chance on a dangerous stranger—a man who is something more than human. Knox’s deadly skills and turbulent gaze should be warning enough for Leni to guard her heart, yet she cannot deny the yearning he stirs in her blood. For the merciless Breed male is the only man she can trust in a town full of secrets, and where taking a stand could rip away everything she holds dear.

While this novel is Book 3 in the Hunter Legacy series, each story in this Midnight Breed spin-off series can be read as a complete standalone with HEA and no cliffhangers.

Pre-order Links

EBOOK LINKS:
Kindle US: https://amzn.to/2GQIGdf
Nook: http://bit.ly/2Ktsak4
Apple: https://apple.co/2KQRd0O
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2KoOVXR

*** EDGE OF DARKNESS will be going into Kindle Unlimited a day or so after release and will be exclusive at Amazon for at least 90 days. If you're a Nook, Apple, or Kobo reader, please be sure to pre-order! ***

PRINT LINKS:
Available on release day

AUDIOBOOK LINKS:
Release day TBA

Add it to your Goodreads shelf: http://bit.ly/2Ndj7qx

Review: Break the Day - Lara Adrian

Lara Adrian's New York Times and #1 international bestselling Midnight Breed vampire romance series continues with Break the Day, an adrenaline-laced, passionate new novel of paranormal adventure.

After a shocking betrayal nearly killed him and the people he cares about the most, what Breed warrior Rafe wants more than anything is revenge against the insidious brotherhood called Opus Nostrum. But to achieve that goal, he must turn his back on the Order and infiltrate a dangerous gang with ties to Opus. Risking everything to redeem himself and carry out his deep-cover mission, Rafe will let nothing stand in his way--least of all his desire for one of the loyalists he should despise, a mysterious, dark-haired beauty named Devony Winters.

But Devony has secrets of her own to protect, as well as a personal duty she will do anything to fulfill. And as a daywalker passing herself off as human to the gang she's been embedded with for months, the last thing she needs is a dangerous former member of the Order unraveling all her hard work. Her plans depend on keeping Rafe at arm's length, but if she surrenders to the dark need he stirs within her, it will be her heart that pays the ultimate price.

The Midnight Breed Series:
A Touch of Midnight (Novella included in The Midnight Breed Series Companion, now also available separately)
Kiss of Midnight
Kiss of Crimson
Midnight Awakening
Midnight Rising
Veil of Midnight
Ashes of Midnight
Shades of Midnight
Taken by Midnight
Deeper than Midnight
A Taste of Midnight (Novella)
Darker After Midnight
The Midnight Breed Series Companion
Edge of Dawn
Marked by Midnight (Novella)
Crave the Night
Tempted by Midnight (Novella)
Bound to Darkness
Stroke of Midnight (Novella)
Defy the Dawn
Midnight Untamed (Novella)
Midnight Unbound (Novella)
Midnight Unleashed (Novella)
Claimed in Shadows
Break the Day

Hunter Legacy Series:
(A series of standalone romances set in the Midnight Breed world)
Born of Darkness
Hour of Darkness
Edge of Darkness

Visit Lara Adrian's website for more information about the Midnight Breed series you will find excerpts from each of the books. Lara can also be found on Facebook & Twitter where she posts regular updates or you can join other fans to chat about the books over at the LAMB (Lara Adrian Midnight Breed) Forum

Review:
I was so excited when I found out this was Rafe's book. I love his parents (Tess and Dante from book 2 in the series, Kiss of Crimson) and I've liked what we've seen of his character in the last few books so I was curious to meet the woman who would steal his heart. Rafe is still reeling from the betrayal he suffered in the previous book and it's made him more determined than ever to help the Order bring down the Opus Nostrum terrorist group. So much that he's agreed to go undercover and he's even let his entire team believe that he was kicked out of the order and has gone over to the dark side to do it. Rafe's task is to infiltrate a group of criminals that the Order believe has ties to Opus and to try and get more information.

Rafe immediately suspects there is something off about one of the gang's members. Devony just doesn't quite fit the profile and that has nothing to do with how attractive he finds her. Devony actually has her own reasons for infiltrating the gang, she lost everything in the London attacks organised by Opus and she's going to do whatever it takes to avenge her family and stop the terrorists from destroying more lives. When secrets are revealed the two agree to work together but Rafe is still holding back and it could end up costing him everything.

Break the Day was another fab instalment in this series, lots of action and some progress made against Opus Nostrum but more than anything I loved the steamy romance between Rafe and Devony. I also really like that we now have female breed members too and I love that Devony is a Daywalker like Caris and Aric. Devony never had any formal training so it was a little hard to believe she'd managed to infiltrate the criminal group but she did have a lot of her father's old notes and she's obviously really smart so I was able to push that to one side easily. I enjoyed seeing her work together alongside Rafe and I think she's going to be quite an asset to the Order in the future. The fight is definitely hotting up and I'm looking forward to seeing Opus Nostrum destroyed once and for all.

Source: I received an ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Love Letter Convention, Berlin June 2019

Back in June I was lucky enough to go back to the Love Letter Convention in Berlin, it's a fabulous romance focused convention that always has about 40 different authors. Obviously as it's organised by German publishers a lot of those authors are German, and unfortunately a lot of them don't have books translated into English which is disappointing when you hear someone talking about a story that sounds fabulous, but they always have some international authors there too from places like the UK, America and even Australia and they have a range of panels as well as meet and greets in English so international readers are made to feel welcome.

I wish UK publishers would organise something similar in London because it has such a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and you really get the chance to spend time with the authors and chat. I think because there are less English speaking readers at the convention those panels are always less crowded than the German speaking ones which is definitely a bonus for me too.

I have to admit the main reason I wanted to go this year was to meet up with a group of friends I have from all around Europe, most of whom I met at LLC a couple of years ago. We've stayed in contact ever since in a WhatsApp group (isn't technology wonderful!) and this was a great chance for us all to meet up again and spend the weekend together. Sadly one member of the group couldn't make it but we still had a fabulous time.

Me with Aly, Karin, Peggy (back row), Freya & Diana

(There are actually 6 different countries represented in this group: Austria, Belgium, 

England, Germany, The Netherlands & Romania, which I think is brilliant)

I have to confess that I was rubbish at taking notes in any of the panels so I can't really give you any info about what we all talked about. Instead this post will be more of a photo diary that I can look back on to remind me of the highlights!

Day 1:

We had an early start on day 1 to get to Cafe Moskau and register but it was worth it, the queues were already forming even before 8am and it only got worse after we arrived.

Diana & Freya with Ella Quinn

Getting there early meant we had even had time to hang out with author Ella Quinn in the courtyard before the first events even started. I love Ella's historical romances so it was great to meet her.

Clockwise from top left: Julie Cohen, Diana & Peggy with L.J. Shen, 

Aly with Kerrelyn Sparks, Cathy Maxwell & Freya

Our first stop was a Blind Date where you get a chance to chat with a whole bunch of different authors, almost like speed dating as they move around the room every 15 minutes or so. We got to talk to Julie Cohen, L.J. Shen, Kerrelyn Sparks and Cathy Maxwell. As a huge paranormal romance fan I was really excited to meet Kerrelyn but I've also fallen in love with Cathy's historical romances recently.

Next was a panel with Ella Quinn, Kerrelyn Sparks, Jenny Colgan, Dani Atkins and Monica James where they all talked about how they first started writing and ended up getting published.

Next was another panel with Helena Hunting, Cathy Maxwell and Lara Adrian. If you've been following my blog for any length of time at all you'll know that Lara is one of my favourite authors so I was ridiculously excited to get the chance to see her again and I also really like Helena's contemporary romances so that was an extra bonus.

Top Row: Kerrelyn Sparks, Karin & Ella Quinn

Bottom Row: Jenny Colgan & Freya

Next up was another Blind Date, this time with Kerrelyn Sparks, Ella Quinn and Jenny Colgan.

After lunch was a panel with Julia K Stein, Ella Quinn, Cathy Maxwell, Mona Silver & Monica James.

Top Row: Lara Adrian & Monica James

Bottom Row: T.M. Frazier & her husband

Another Blind Date, this time with Lara Adrian, Monica James and T.M. Frazier. I've not read any of Monica or Tracey's books yet but they're both so funny that I definitely want to in the future.

Lara Adrian and me

I took a break from panels after that to spend an hour hanging out with Lara as she signed autographs for fans. I'd taken about 13 of her books with me so that took a while but we also got to chat in between her signing for other fans which was really fab.

Ella Quinn & Cathy Maxwell

The last event of the day was a Q&A with Ella Quinn and Cathy Maxwell. They both write fantastic historical romances but while Ella really focuses on getting every historical detail right Cathy is a little more relaxed about that as long as she's happy with the characters and the story.

Cathy Maxwell, Gwen Overland, Aly, Ella Quinn & me

In the evening Aly and I got to attend a blogger event organised by the LLC team. We didn't end up staying for long as it was mainly aimed at German bloggers but we did get to meet Gwen Overland and hang out with her, Cathy Maxwell, Ella Quinn.

Day 2:

Lara Adrian & Kerrelyn Sparks

We had a bit of a lay in the second day as we didn't have to be there super early for registration. The first panel was with Lara Adrian & Kerrelyn Sparks so it was all about paranormal romance and their mutual love of vampires. Definitely my kind of panel LOL.

The next panel was with Lara Adrian, Helena Hunting, Gwen Overland, Monica James and Cathy Maxwell. I can't really remember what they talked about but I do know that Cathy was in charge of asking the questions and we spent practically the whole hour laughing. I even had a chance to chat with Helena for a few minutes afterwards which was great as I've been a fan of hers since I read the Clipped Wings series years ago.

Helena Hunting & me

Kerrelyn Sparks & Ella Quinn

Next we got to listen to Kerrelyn Sparks and Ella Quinn reading from one of their books, Kerrelyn chose to read from one of the early Love at Stake books while Ella read from her upcoming release in the Worthingtons series.

Next was a workshop with Cathy Maxwell and Kerrelyn Sparks where we all spent time discussing the characteristics we look for in our heroes and heroines and how that sometimes differs when it comes to fiction compared to in real life.

Aly, Karin, Peggy, Freya & me with Cathy Maxwell

The final panel we went to was with Kerrelyn Sparks, Bianca Iosivoni, Mona Kasten, Inka Loreen Minden, Mona Silver and Lara Adrian.

Me, Aly, Cathy Maxwell, Ella Quinn & Freya

We just had time for a final chat with Cathy Maxwell and Ella Quinn before the afternoon signing session started. Most of the authors only have German books with them so I don't usually bother going to the signing. Especially since we had all managed to get the books we'd brought with us signed over the rest of the convention. Kerrelyn Sparks and Ella Quinn both had English books with them though so we braved the very, very long queues in the awful heat and came away with some new books for our efforts.

Later that evening, after the convention had finished we all went out to dinner at a restaurant near where we were staying and funnily enough Cathy Maxwell and Kerrelyn Sparks ended up there too with their husbands. We had a laugh about how they had started stalking us for a change and took a few pictures before we all enjoyed our meals.

So that was my experiences of LLC this year and we had a brilliant time. It was fab to catch up with friends, we had a lot of fun with the authors we met and we all came home with a mountain of books added to our wish lists. Sounds like a winning weekend to me!

May & June 2019 Recap

Books read in previous months but reviewed in May & June:

(Links will take you to my reviews)

1. Sweep of the Blade - Ilona Andrews (Read in January, review coming soon)
2. Snowed In - Navessa Allen (Read in March, review coming soon)
3. To Free a Captured Heart - R.L. Naquin (Read in March, review coming soon)
4. The Near Witch - V.E. Schwab (Read in March, review coming soon)
5. The Ash-Born Boy - V.E. Schwab (Short Story) (Read in March, review coming soon)
6. Their Second Chance - Katee Robert (Novella) (Read in March, review coming soon)
7. The Undying King - Grace Draven (Novella) (Read in March, review coming soon)
8. Fate's Danger - Amanda Carlson (Read in March, review coming soon)
9. Wolf Rain - Nalini Singh (Read in March, reviewed in June)
10. Sapphire Flames - Ilona Andrews (Read Twice) (Read in April, review coming soon)
11. The Queen's Advantage - Jessie Mihalik (Read in April, review coming soon)
12. Barbarian's Mate - Ruby Dixon (Read in April, reviewed in May)
13. Having the Barbarian's Baby - Ruby Dixon (Short Story) (Read in April, review coming soon)
14. Worth Fighting For - Laura Kaye (Read in April, reviewed in May)
15. Grave Visions - Kalayna Price (Read in April, reviewed in May)
16. The Winter of the Witch - Katherine Arden (Read in April, review coming soon)
17. The Women's War - Jenna Glass (Read in April, reviewed in May)
18. The Dom Who Loved Me - Lexi Blake (Read in April, reviewed in May)

Books read in May:

(Links will take you to my reviews)

1. King of Fools - Amanda Foody
2. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire - Kerrelyn Sparks
3. Middlegame - Seanan McGuire
4. Hot Rocks - Nora Roberts
5. Big Jack - J.D. Robb
6. Remember When - Nora Roberts & J.D. Robb
7. The Culling Trials book 2 - Shannon Mayer & K.F. Breene
8. Incredibuilds: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Express (Deluxe Book and Model Set)
9. Sleepless Vol. 1 - Sarah Vaughn & Leila del Duca (Graphic Novel) (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
10. Sleepless Vol. 2 - Sarah Vaughn & Leila del Duca (Graphic Novel)
11. Memorial - Kit Rocha (Short Story)
12. The Men with the Golden Cuffs - Lexi Blake
13. Grave Ransom - Kalayna Price
14. Clean Sweep - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
15. Sweep in Peace - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
16. The Beyond - Chloe Neill
17. Siren Unleashed - Lexi Blake
18. One Fell Sweep - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
19. Three Weeks to Wed - Ella Quinn
20. Vamps and the City - Kerrelyn Sparks
21. Meet Cute - Helena Hunting
22. Fierce Protector - Kit Rocha (Short Story)
23. The Match of the Century - Cathy Maxwell
24. Grave Destiny - Kalayna Price
25. Divided in Death - J.D. Robb
26. Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons - Dugald A. Steer
27. A Questionable Client - Ilona Andrews (Short Story) (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
28. Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)

Books read in June:

(Links will take you to my reviews)

1. Her Dark Legion - Pippa DaCosta
2. Heart Mate - Robin D. Owens (Review coming soon)
3. High Stakes - Erin McCarthy (Review coming soon)
4. The Rowan - Anne McCaffrey (Review coming soon)
5. The Culling Trials book 3 - Shannon Mayer & K.F. Breene
6. Blood Engines - T.A. Pratt (Review coming soon)
7. Visions in Death - J.D. Robb
8. A Dom is Forever - Lexi Blake (Review coming soon)
9. When a Marquis Chooses a Bride - Ella Quinn (Review coming soon)
10. The Bride Test - Helen Hoang (Review coming soon)
11. The Girl in Red - Christina Henry (Review coming soon)
12. Enchanted - Lexi Blake
13. Kingdom of Exiles - Maxym Martineau (Review coming soon)
14. Magic Burns - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
15. Magic Strikes - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
16. Magic Mourns - Ilona Andrews (Novella) (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
17. Memento - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (Novella)
18. Magic Bleeds - Ilona Andrews (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
19. Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews (Novella) (I re-read this book but the link takes you to my original review)
20. In Moonlight and Memories Volume One - Julie Ann Walker (Review coming soon)
21. Survivor in Death - J.D. Robb (Review coming soon)

Other May Posts

1. Cover Reveal: In Moonlight and Memories - Julie Ann Walker
2. Book Trailer: Everless - Sara Holland
3. Book Trailer: Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi
4. Book Trailer: The Wizards of Once - Cressida Cowell
5. Blog Tour: Kingsbane - Claire Legrand (UK Giveaway)
6. Book Trailer: Great Library Series - Rachel Caine
7. Winner: Kingsbane - Claire Legrand
8. Book Trailer: The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
9. Cover Reveal: Break the Day - Lara Adrian

Other June Posts

1. Sneak Peak: In Moonlight and Memories - Julie Ann Walker
2. Book Trailer: Dread Nation - Justina Ireland
3. Book Trailer: The Thousandth Floor - Katharine McGee
4. Release Blitz: Enchanted - Lexi Blake
5. Book Trailer: Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun - Guillermo del Toro & Cornelia Funke
6. Chapter Reveal: Handle With Care - Helena Hunting
7. Book Trailer: Kingdom of Exiles - Maxym Martineau
8. Blog Tour: Enchanted - Lexi Blake
9. Cover Reveal: Lost in You - Lexi Blake

May Books of the Month:

(Choices are made from books reviewed this month and the links will take you to my reviews)

My top YA read in May:

King of Fools by Amanda Foody (read my review here)

My top adult read in May:

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire (read my review here)

June Books of the Month:

(Choices are made from books reviewed this month and the links will take you to my reviews)

My top YA read in June:

The Culling Trials book 3 by Shannon Mayer & K.F. Breene (read my review here)

My top adult read in June:

Her Dark Legion by Pippa DaCosta (read my review here)

June Events:

I haven't had the time to do a proper write up yet but at the beginning of June I had a fantastic time with a group of friends at the Love Letters Convention in Berlin. We got to meet some great authors and attend some fun panels but most of all I got to spend time with friends that I've not seen for a couple of years which was brilliant. Hopefully I'll have time to post more about it in the next couple of weeks but here are some pics of just a few of the authors we met in the meantime.

Top Row: Cathy Maxwell, Gwen Overland, my friend Aly, Ella Quinn and me

Bottom Row: Lara Adrian, Kerrelyn Sparks & Helena Hunting

My Challenge Updates:

Here are the 2019 challenges I've signed up for:
2019 Read 100 Books in a Year Challenge - Read 107/200
2019 British Books Challenge - Read 3/20
2019 New Author Challenge - Read 13/20
2019 Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Challenge - Read 56/100
2019 Contemporary Romance Challenge - Read 15/20

Cover Reveal: Break the Day - Lara Adrian

It's no secret I'm a HUGE fan of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series so I'm thrilled to be taking part in the cover reveal for the next book in the series Break the Day. The book releases on the 30th of July 2019 in ebook and print and you can order from all major retailers now or visit www.LaraAdrian.com for more information.

Story Synopsis

Lara Adrian's New York Times and #1 international bestselling Midnight Breed vampire romance series continues with Break the Day, an adrenaline-laced, passionate new novel of paranormal adventure.

After a shocking betrayal nearly killed him and the people he cares about the most, what Breed warrior Rafe wants more than anything is revenge against the insidious brotherhood called Opus Nostrum. But to achieve that goal, he must turn his back on the Order and infiltrate a dangerous gang with ties to Opus. Risking everything to redeem himself and carry out his deep-cover mission, Rafe will let nothing stand in his way--least of all his desire for one of the loyalists he should despise, a mysterious, dark-haired beauty named Devony Winters.

But Devony has secrets of her own to protect, as well as a personal duty she will do anything to fulfill. And as a daywalker passing herself off as human to the gang she's been embedded with for months, the last thing she needs is a dangerous former member of the Order unraveling all her hard work. Her plans depend on keeping Rafe at arm's length, but if she surrenders to the dark need he stirs within her, it will be her heart that pays the ultimate price.

Pre-order Links

EBOOK LINKS
Kindle: https://amzn.to/2McG6Dq
Nook: http://bit.ly/2G2UvPu
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Qd99rY
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2zM0l1X

PRINT LINKS
Available on release day

AUDIOBOOK LINKS
Release day TBA

Add it to your Goodreads shelf: http://bit.ly/2BCWjdF

Excited about BREAK THE DAY? Vote for it on Goodreads - http://bit.ly/2W9FQcX

Review: Run to You - Lara Adrian

He will do anything to protect her . . . even if it means breaking her heart.

Combat veteran Gabriel Noble survived the war overseas, but the stoic Baine International security specialist is in for the fight of his life when he's tasked with bodyguarding beautiful lingerie designer Evelyn Beckham.

RUN TO YOU is a sizzling, suspenseful new standalone contemporary romance set in Lara Adrian's bestselling 100 Series story world. Swoon-worthy HEA, and no cliffhangers!

Lara Adrian’s sizzling, suspenseful 100 Series continues with Run to You, a scorching new standalone contemporary bodyguard romance featuring friends of billionaire Dominic Baine and his artist fiancee Avery Ross.

Once a celebrated model, Evelyn Beckham dominated the fashion runways of New York, Paris, and Milan. But life under the lights nearly destroyed her, and at the height of her career she walked away from it all. Now, five years later, Eve’s built a new life at the helm of Manhattan’s premier high-end lingerie boutique, L’opale. Chosen to design the bridal ensemble for billionaire Dominic Baine’s fiancée, Avery Ross, it seems Eve’s stars have finally realigned—until her return to the spotlight thrusts her into the crosshairs of a danger that’s been watching from the shadows, waiting for the chance to strike.

Gabriel Noble didn’t go to war to become a hero, but when he returned from the battlefield in Afghanistan it was with a chest full of medals and a broken body filled with shrapnel. Losing his leg derailed more than Gabe’s career, and when no one else was willing to take a chance on him, Baine International put him on their security team. Now, Gabe would do anything for Dominic Baine—including keeping a covert, protective eye on beautiful Evelyn Beckham as a personal favor to his boss and friend. But keeping Eve safe means keeping her close, and soon the lines between duty and desire begin to blur into a consuming passion too powerful to be denied. With Eve’s life in escalating peril and her faith in him certain to shatter, Gabe will have to risk everything to protect her while facing the most intense fight of his life . . . the battle for Eve’s heart.

100 Series:
For 100 Days
For 100 Nights
For 100 Reasons

100 Series Standalone Romances:
(These stories are set in the same world as the 100 Series but can be read completely separately with each book featuring a HEA for a different couple)
Run To You
Play My Game

Visit Lara Adrian's website for more information

Review:
Run to You is the first standalone romance set in the same world as Lara Adrian's 100 Series. If you're familiar with the original trilogy you'll enjoy spotting familiar faces but if you're new to this world then you won't have any problems diving in here as the romance stars a brand new couple and gives them a full happily ever after. There's no worrying about possible cliffhanger endings but we may see this couple again as side characters in future stories.

Evelyn Beckham was an international superstar who modelled all around the world until the lifestyle nearly killed her. Since then she's kept out of the limelight and chosen to focus on building her business designing bespoke lingerie for wealthy clients at her boutique. When she is chosen to design wedding and honeymoon lingerie for Avery Ross she knows this could be a massive boost to her business but when more and more strange things start happening in the boutique it looks like she may be in danger from an unseen enemy.

Gabriel Nobel is a veteran who lost a leg serving in Afghanistan that now works as the head of Baine International's security team. Gabe considers Dominic Baine, and his right hand man Andrew Beckham, friends but also feels he owes them for taking a chance on him and giving him the job he loves. When they ask him to personally keep an eye on Andrew's sister Eve he will to whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means keeping secrets that he knows will break her heart.

I was really pleased when I found out Lara Adrian is writing more contemporary romances, as much as I'm addicted to her Midnight Breed world I also really enjoyed Avery and Nick's story and I'm looking forward to getting to know more of the side characters. This book introduces us to Andrew's sister Eve and Nick's head of security Gabe. I'm not sure if we met either of them in the original books but if we did I don't remember them so they definitely weren't major characters and I don't think anyone would have any trouble reading this if they're new to this world.

Eve and Gabe don't exactly hit it off on the right foot, they're both quite fiery personalities who manage to rub each other up completely the wrong way the first time they meet so although the attraction between them is pretty instant neither of them is very keen on acting on it. Eve because she's busy focusing on her career and Gabe because he doesn't want to break the bro-code by going after his friend's younger sister. They're pushed into closer proximity when it appears that Eve's life is in danger but Andrew insists on keeping Eve in the dark about the fact that she may have a stalker so Gabe is forced to hide the fact he's trying to protect her. I have to admit I didn't like the way Andrew did that but because the story is told from both Gabe and Eve's points of view we could see how difficult Gabe found it and that made it easier to forgive him for his actions.

The two characters have a brilliant connection, in a lot of ways they're completely different. They have very different lifestyles and histories but at the same time they're also looking for the same things in life and they suit each other really well. It doesn't hurt that they have fantastic chemistry but they also enjoy spending time together out of the bedroom so their relationship felt totally believable and realistic. My one complaint about the story was that I found it a little too easy to guess who the stalker was but since this is primarily a romance and not a murder mystery that's really a very small niggle. Apart from that I loved getting to catch up with some familiar faces while meeting a whole bunch of new ones, the romance was both sweet and hot and I absolutely flew through this story. I'm looking forward to more books set in this world and already have a whole list of side characters I'm hoping to read about!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle: