Stacking the Shelves (30th November 2013)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

For review:

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean (Rules of Scoundrels #3)
  
A rogue ruined...
He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London's corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he's dreamed of...absolution.

A lady returned...
Mara planned never to return to the world from which she'd run but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple's exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows...that he is no killer.

A scandal revealed...
It's a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady - and her past - are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything . . . even true love.   

Waiting on Wednesday: Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week Chrissie has a "can't-wait-to-read" selection for you:

Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard (Gabriel's Inferno #3)

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront her about the subject of her presentation – research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

Review: Private Paradise by Jami Alden (Private Series #2)

Publisher - Self-published
Publication Date - 5th October 2011
Ebook - 150 pages
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Kindle freebie

Rating - 3.5 out of 5: I liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - After years of catering to the whims of the rich and famous at one of the Caribbean's most luxurious resorts, there isn't much that can rattle Carla DeLuca.

Until Sam O'Connell shows up.

Tall, dark, and sexy, Holley Cay's new security chief is no stranger. He's the irresistible bad boy who seduced her over a long, hot summer only to leave her heartbroken, humiliated, and determined to never again fall for a player like him. But though her heart still stings with the memory of his rejection, her body can't forget the all-consuming pleasure of his touch.

Sam never forgave himself for his too cruel rejection of Carla over a decade before. Young, reckless, and convinced it was only a matter of time before Carla regretted hooking up with a trouble maker like him, Sam pushed Carla away before she could realize her mistake. But when Sam lands a job working for Carla in paradise, he seizes the chance to finally make things right.

When a hurricane strands them alone on the island, Carla is unable to resist the passion simmering between them. She doesn't fool herself that what they have will last past the storm. But little does she know, Sam will do whatever it takes to make her his - forever this time.

My Thoughts - Last year I read Jami Alden's Gemini Men series and loved them so much I rushed through the entire trilogy in just a week because I couldn't put them down. So when I saw Private Paradise on Amazon for free, I couldn't resist it. And although I didn't enjoy it as much as her other series, this is still well worth a read.

Part of the problem for me was that it lacked the excitement and suspense of the Gemini Men series, but then they are two very different types of books. The Gemini Men series is romantic suspense (with LOTS of sexy times!) and kept me on the edge of my seat. So I was kind of expecting the same thing from this one, especially when I read about the hero being hired as the chief of security. It just put images in my head of him having to be all alpha male and protective. And that is almost there, but it isn't as obvious in this series as the extreme outside forces aren't really there. In fact, not much really happens in this story and it is very much a story of the emotional development of the two main characters. The main thing that happens is that a hurricane hits but really that is just a plot device used to force Carla and Sam together into close proximity for a while.

But, as much as that all makes it sound as though I didn't enjoy it, that's not really true. It is a good, quick read that is full of steamy sex and sizzling chemistry. I liked reading about Sam. He was a typical bad boy when he was younger who broke Carla's heart, but over the years he has pulled himself together and made something of himself. Carla on the other hand, although I did like her independent spirit and strength, at times she came across as a little cold and heartless which affected the way that I saw her as a character. I know that Sam broke her heart but there were a few times I found myself cringing at things she said in her attempt to get back at him. But then there were also a lot of times when she was soft and caring towards him too, so I found that I had mixed feelings about her.

Summary - A very hot quick read that is perfect for warming up the cold evenings. Fans of erotic romance will enjoy Private Paradise a lot.

Other books in the series:
1. Private Party
2. Private Paradise
3. Private Pleasures
4. Private Passions

It's Monday! What are you Reading? (25th November 2013)

This is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey that gives us all a chance to list the books that we read last week and what we hope to read this week.

Books We Read Last Week:

Blackberry Blue and Other Fairy Tales by Jamila Gavin

Books We Reviewed Last Week:

Teadrop by Lauren Kate (Teardrop #1)

Blackberry Blue and Other Fairy Tales by Jamila Gavin

Books We're Currently Reading:

Private Paradise by Jami Alden (Private #2)

Temptation's Edge by Eve Berlin (Pleasure Dome #3)

Books Up Next:

Captive by A.D. Robertson (The Forbidden Side of Nightshade #1)

Kid's Korner Review: Blackberry Blue and Other Fairy Tales by Jamila Gavin

Publisher - Tamarind
Publication Date - 7th November 2013
Paperback - 240 pages
Genre - Children's Fiction/Fairy Tale

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4.5 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info -
Prepare to enter a world of magicians, enchanted forests, talking animals and wicked witches . . .

Here are six magical stories to thrill and enchant you. Watch Blackberry Blue rise from the bramble patch; follow Emeka the pathfinder on his mission to save a lost king; join Princess Desire as she gallops across the Milky Way on her jet-black horse.

These beautifully written and original stories will delight readers of all ages, and the stunning illustrations by Richard Collingridge will take your breath away.

My Thoughts - When I got this book through the post from the publisher, I was very excited to read it as I have always been rather fond of fairy tales. And I was not disappointed by this one in the slightest.

Blackberry Blue and Other Fairytales is a beautifully written collection of stories that belongs on pretty much everybody's bookshelf. The descriptions that the author gives of these wonderful worlds are just magical and it is so easy to lose yourself in those words. Even though the stories are fairly short I fell deeply into the world created by the author every time and ended up feeling disappointed at the end of each story because I didn't want it to end.

Some of the stories had a rather dark edge to them so I would only recommend this for older children as even I found some of them a little scary. In more than a couple of them children were killed and then put back together again and brought back to life, so it's certainly not a book for the faint-hearted!

My favourite of all the stories would probably be Blackberry Blue. It has a slight Cinderella feel to it with a happy ending and most definitely the most feel-good of all the stories. The Night Princess was another highlight for me, with beautiful descriptions of the night-time world inhabited by the princess. These really were magical stories.

Summary - Although a little scary at times, these stories are beautiful and magical and are perfect for older children and grown-ups alike. A book that would be a great addition to most bookshelves.

Series Spotlight: Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer

Series Spotlight is a new weekly feature here on Once Upon a Series, where I will be highlighting a series that I would either like to read if I get a chance to, or would like to finish reading at some point. Hopefully it will give you all some ideas for other series to read... or if you've read something similar that you think other fans of the series featured would like, then please do mention it in the comments.

This is a series that I've seen being reviewed a lot on other book blogs and I'm looking forward to getting a chance to read them myself.

0.5. Elemental

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn’t have much power. That’s okay—she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy. Dangerous. And completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn’t just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

1. Storm

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

1.5. Fearless

Being a force of nature doesn't keep you safe. Hunter Garrity is used to watching his back. The kids at school sense something different about him. And they're right.

Hunter has powers that have nothing to do with how hard he can throw a punch.

Maybe that's what Clare Kasten is picking up. She's shy, quiet, and intense, but she's sought him out. There's no telling what she wants from him.

But Hunter knows enough to sense a secret when it's close. And getting close to Clare is a danger he's ready to face.

2. Spark

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

2.5. Breathless

Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace.

3. Spirit

With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust...

Waiting On Wednesday: Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week Chrissie has a "can't-wait-to-read" selection for you:

Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells (The Prospero's War #1)

The last thing patrol cop Kate Prospero expected to find on her nightly rounds was a werewolf covered in the blood of his latest victim. But then, she also didn't expect that shooting him would land her in the crosshairs of a Magic Enforcement Agency task force, who wants to know why she killed their lead snitch.
The more Prospero learns about the dangerous new potion the MEA is investigating, the more she's convinced that earning a spot on their task force is the career break she's been wanting. But getting the assignment proves much easier than solving the case. Especially once the investigation reveals their lead suspect is the man she walked away from ten years earlier—on the same day she swore she'd never use dirty magic again.

Kate Prospero's about to learn the hard way that crossing a wizard will always get you burned, and that when it comes to magic, you should be never say never.

Review: Teardrop by Lauren Kate (Teardrop #1)

Publisher - Doubleday Children's
Publication Date - 24th October 2013
Paperback - 441 pages
Genre - Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 3.5 out of 5: I liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Seventeen-year-old Eureka won't let anyone close enough to feel her pain. After her mother was killed in a freak accident, the things she used to love hold no meaning. She wants to escape, but one thing holds her back: Ander, the boy who is everywhere she goes, whose turquoise eyes are like the ocean.

And then Eureka uncovers an ancient tale of romance and heartbreak, about a girl who cried an entire continent into the sea. Suddenly her mother's death and Ander's appearance seem connected, and her life takes on dark undercurrents that don't make sense.

Can everything you love be washed away?

My Thoughts - I am a fan of Lauren Kate's Fallen series so was very excited when I heard about the release of this book. Add to that the gorgeous covers that are a given with any book from this author, I knew I just had to read it. And for the most part it was an enjoyable read.

I loved how the legend of Atlantis was brought into this story, with all the mystery and intrigue that surrounded it, as it's not one I've really come across in novels before so it was a new twist on the paranormal romance genre for me. And as more was revealed about the war between the Atlanteans and the Seedbearers, I found myself getting pulled into the novel more and more as I wanted to know how Eureka was involved with it all.

I really liked the characters of Brooks and Ander. They were both good friends to Eureka and did everything they could to help her through all the difficulties in her life. If I had to pick between Team Brooks or Team Ander, I'm really not sure I could do that right now as they are both very much in love with her and want nothing but the best for her. And I'm sure that Eureka is just as divided between the two as I am.

The pacing of the novel however seemed a little off. It felt as if it took a long time for the story to get going so it took quite a while until I really started to enjoy it. At first it did feel like rather hard work. But then nearer the end, as the action picked up and a lot of the threads of the story started being pulled together, I was dragged into the novel and couldn't put it down. Also, even though I guess this is a minor complaint that may not bother others, I found it quite distracting to have a main character with such an unusual name as Eureka. I almost cringed every time another character called her by her name and I still wasn't really used to it by the end of the novel. But this is just a personal peeve. Others might enjoy reading about characters with unusual names.

Summary - Although it took a long time to get going, this was a good beginning to a new series with lots of groundwork being laid around a very interesting legend. After the ending of this book I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens next in the lives of Eureka, Brooks and Ander.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? (18th November 2013)

This is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey that gives us all a chance to list the books that we read last week and what we hope to read this week.

Books We Read Last Week:

Chrissie - Teardrop by Lauren Kate (Teardrop #1)

Maddie - Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger (Finishing School #1)

Books We Reviewed Last Week:

Chrissie - Beg by CD Reiss (Songs of Submission #1)

Maddie - Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger (Finishing School #1)

Books We're Currently Reading:

Blackberry Blue by Jamila Gavin

Books Up Next:

Captive by A.D. Robertson (The Forbidden Side of Nightshade #1)

Review: Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger (Finishing School #1)

Publisher - Atom
Publication Date - 5th February 2013
Paperback - 312 pages
Genre - Young Adult/Steampunk

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Maddie

Book Info - It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.
Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners—and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage—in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

My Thoughts - So, normally I hate it when books are compared to Harry Potter -or Twilight, or The Hunger Games, or The Fault in our Stars- but this time I understand.  Remember when you were reading The Philosopher's Stone and it just felt.... fun?  Well, Gail Carriger has recreated this but at 'Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality' and without the terrifying ending with Voldemort.

This book was clearly intended for the younger reader, preferably nine years or older, but as a fifteen year old girl, who normally wouldn't be seen dead with a cover like that (seriously?  Sophronia is meant to be a Victorian girl of fourteen!  Not a twenty year old model with a bad cosplay dress), this book would be enjoyed by any girl of any age who just wants some fun.

I didn't have to wait till Sophronia was sent to school to get interested.  I was really quickly involved in the steam-punk Britain she lives in.  Unlike Harry Potter, there is no moment where she moves from our world to the steam-punk world.  I have to admit I missed that moment of revelation.  However Carriger did successfully describe an alternative steam powered place, full of robotic service maids and flying carriages. 

When she arrives at the finishing school I couldn't quite tell if anyone would be surprised by the lessons.  In a world of mechanical butlers and vampires who be surprised by a teacher with werewolf tendencies?  It works though, because instead of being surprised by lessons on flirtations devices you just accept it and hop on the floating school of wonders.  Despite a mystery involving a brand new communication invention and Sophronia's new found enemy possibly concealing it, my focus was on the girls of the boarding school.  

A little gossipy and a little bitchy, all the girls have their own character and there not the cut out stereotypes we're used too.  There is a supposed love interest but he has a personality and it's not too gut wrenching.  It also peaked my interest for the sequel 'Curtsies & Conspiracies' which I will read when I need a little fun delight.

Other books in the series:
1. Etiquette and Espionage
2. Curtsies and Conspiracies

Series Spotlight: On Dublin Street by Smanatha Young

Series Spotlight is a new weekly feature here on Once Upon a Series, where I will be highlighting a series that I would either like to read if I get a chance to, or would like to finish reading at some point. Hopefully it will give you all some ideas for other series to read... or if you've read something similar that you think other fans of the series featured would like, then please do mention it in the comments.

This is another series that I have been seeing around on blogs and have been meaning to pick up. But you know how it is... so many books, so little time!

1. On Dublin Street

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare ...

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well - until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street, where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he's determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won't be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her . . . down to the very soul.

1.5. Until Fountain Bridge

Ellie Carmichael has been in love with Adam Sutherland for as long as she can remember. What started as a childhood crush on the protective and best friend of her older brother bloomed into full-blown infatuation over the years. Unfortunately, it also meant full-blown heartache, as Adam refused to fall for his mate's little sister.

But it takes a crisis for Adam to realize he's wasted too much time denying his feelings for her. Unwilling to waste a second more, he decided to make Ellie his, no matter what the consequences. Now happily settled with the woman he's pined after for years, he's about to find out what their ten year courtship was like for her, through the journals she kept during their ups and many downs. And though Adam may have Ellie now, he has no idea how close he came to losing her...

2. Down London Road

Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that's a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole - something her parents have never done.

But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work, Jo can't deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn't fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all - but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head.

And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps?

3. Before Jamaica Lane (Published January 2014)

Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.

Nate Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting and to help her become more sexually confident.

The friendly education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia is left broken-hearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may lose her forever...
 

Waiting on Wednesday: Night Broken by Patricia Briggs

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week Chrissie has a "can't-wait-to-read" selection for you:

Night Broken by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #8)

An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.

Soon, her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.
Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s ex is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.

Review: Beg by CD Reiss (Songs of Submission #1)

Publisher - Self Published
Publication Date - 16th January 2013
Ebook - 103 pages
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Received for review via NetGalley

Rating -  3 out of 5: I liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - My name is Monica. I’m a singer born and raised in Los Angeles.
I’ve stopped dating. When I cut a record, or win a Grammy, maybe then I’ll be with someone, but every man in my past has done everything he could to make me submit myself to him, and it’s gotten in the way of my career. I won’t do it again.

But there’s Jonathan. He owns the high-rise hotel where I work, and he is gorgeous and charming. I refuse to fall in love with him, even though when he asks me to submit to him, I want nothing more.

My Thoughts - When I saw this book available on NetGalley, it looked intriguing. And for the most part it was an enjoyable read. There is a fair amount of talk about music, the band that Monica is a part of and her band mates, and for me, they added an interesting backdrop to the romantic element between Monica and Jonathan. Well, not that I'd go so far as to call it a romance just yet. The chemistry between the two main characters is sizzling but as this is quite a short novella they haven't yet made the move from lust to love yet. Which I think works well as they haven't really spent enough time together for it to be any more than just lust yet. But I did enjoy the chemistry between the two of them.

As this novella is written in first person point of view from Monica's perspective the reader only knows a limited amount about Jonathan, so it's hard to get a real feel for him. But so far I like him. He's a bit of a womaniser but he is upfront about that and as far as I can tell isn't in it to hurt women. He just seems a bit like a loveable rogue and personally I can see why the women seem to fall into his bed so easily.

I had a bit more trouble with Monica as a main character though. She has been hurt in the past and is reluctant to get involved in a relationship with anybody. But she comes across as incredibly cold. Not just to men who may possibly be interested in her, but also to the people who are supposed to be her friends, which I found hard to understand. She is incredibly driven when it comes to her music and singing, but this seems to be the only thing she cares about and I felt that she was very selfish. At one point, Monica leaves her suicidal friend to go home on her own for the night all because she wants a night of passion with Jonathan. I wasn't particularly fond of Monica and that was why i didn't give this novella a higher rating.

Summary - An interesting and enjoyable plot, with a likeable hero. Unfortunately, trouble connecting with the main female character meant that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I possibly could have done.

Other books in the series:
1. Beg
2. Tease
3. Submit
3.5. Jessica and Sharon
4. Contol
5. Burn
5.5. Rachel
6. Resist
7. Sing
7.5. Monica

It's Monday! What are you Reading? (11th November 2013)

This is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey that gives us all a chance to list the books that we read last week and what we hope to read this week.

Books We Read Last Week:

The Mistress by Tiffany Reisz (Original Sinners #4)

Beg by CD Reiss (Songs of Submission #1)

Books We Reviewed Last Week:

The Mistress by Tiffany Reisz (Original Sinners #4)

Books We're Currently Reading:

Teardrop by Lauren Kate (Teardrop #1)

Books Up Next:

Captive by A.D. Robertson (The Forbidden Side of Nightshade #1)

Blackberry Blue by Jamila Gavin

Stacking the Shelves (9th November 2013)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

For Review:

Running Back to You by Suzanne Sweeny (Running #1)

Juliette Fletcher is a girl with a plan. Not one to sit back and wait for life to happen, she moves back home after graduation and begins to carve out a life for herself.

Evan McGuire is desperate for a fresh start. His career in the NFL depends on it. Years of partying and carefree living have caught up with him. After buying a beach house in need of renovations, he begins to rebuild his life and his reputation. 

What Evan doesn’t expect is a chance meeting with Juliette out on an early morning beach run with her dog. A strong mutual attraction draws them together, but fear of scaring her away keeps Evan from revealing his true identity. Evan finds himself in an unfamiliar situation – forced to work harder than he ever has before to prove himself worthy of her affections.

Tragic misunderstandings and unexpected obstacles threaten to derail a fragile relationship. Someone is watching, waiting, and tormenting Juliette, desperate to destroy everything. Can they find the strength to overcome jealousy, insecurity, and fear before it’s too late?

Review: The Mistress by Tiffany Reisz (Original Sinners #4)

Publisher - Mills and Boon
Publication Date - 2nd August 2013
Paperback - 560 pages
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 3 out of 5: I liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Nora Sutherlin is being held, bound and naked. Under different circumstances, she would enjoy the situation immensely, but her captor isn't interested in play. Or pity.

As the reality of her impending peril unfolds, Nora becomes Scheherazade, buying each hour of her life with stories-sensual tales of Søren, Kingsley and Wesley, each of whom has tempted and tested and tortured her in his own way. This, Nora realizes, is her life: nothing so simple, so vanilla, as a mere love triangle for her. It's a knot in a silken cord, a tangled mass of longings of the body and the heart and the mind. And it may unravel at any moment.

But in Nora's world, no one is ever truly powerless-a cadre of her friends, protectors and lovers stands ready to do anything to save her, even when the only certainty seems to be sacrifice and heartbreak....

My Thoughts - Please note that this review will contain spoilers for previous books in the series, so if you haven't already read them, look away now. As you've probably seen from my earlier reviews, I am a big fan of this series. Huge fan. So I was expecting this book to deliver something very special, much like the previous books, but I have to admit that I was rather disappointed.

When Nora got kidnapped at the end of The Prince, I couldn't wait to get started on The Mistress to find out what happened next. But not a lot really happens. Nora is held captive by a woman hell bent on revenge and her two henchmen, while Soren, Kingsley, Wesley and a few other characters try to figure out the best way to rescue her. And it should have been fraught with tension to keep the reader on the edge of their seat... but that just wasn't there for me. I have to admit that the first 300 or so pages were really hard to get through and it took me a long time to read this book as a result. The only reason that I didn't give up with it is because I loved the previous books in the series and I have come to love the characters and needed to know how things ended for them in this book, even if the journey to finding that out wasn't an easy one.

A majority of the book was dedicated to Nora telling her kidnapper stories about her relationships with the many men in her life. And, although this was interesting as it was a closer look at the complex relationships that I have come to love so much during the course of the series, I didn't feel as though it pushed the plot forward at all. In fact, I'd already heard about many of the stories in previous books, but they were just covered here in more detail. For this reason, it felt as though a lot of the book was just "filler".

However, the last 150 or so pages were just fantastic. As everything came to a very dramatic conclusion I was pulled right into the story again and couldn't put the book down. I wasn't sure how it was all going to end with the kidnapper and there were some very good twists and revelations along the way that had me turning the pages avidly. And I can't wait to see how things continue for this intriguing cast of characters.

Summary - A very slow start which I found to be fairly disappointing, but it was made up for by the ending which wrapped everything up nicely with a bang. Definitely not the best book in the series, but still worth a read.

Other books in the series:
1. The Siren
2. The Angel
3. The Prince
4. The Mistress

Series Spotlight: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Series Spotlight is a new weekly feature here on Once Upon a Series, where I will be highlighting a series that I would either like to read if I get a chance to, or would like to finish reading at some point. Hopefully it will give you all some ideas for other series to read... or if you've read something similar that you think other fans of the series featured would like, then please do mention it in the comments.

This is a series that I've been seeing on other book blogs for forever and I really need to pull my finger out and get to reading these. Have you read this series yet? Let me know what you thought of it in the comments.

1. Perfect Chemistry

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

2. Rules of Attraction

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado. Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

3. Chain Reaction

Like his brothers, Luis Fuentes is a risk taker; whether he's scaling the Rocky Mountains or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis is always looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by certain rules ― don't trust a boy who says "I love you", boys lie to get their own way and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Then she meets Luis at his brother Alex's wedding and suddenly she's tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to give him a chance is Luis's biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by the head of the gang that nearly destroyed his brothers' lives. Will Luis's feelings for Nikki be enough to stop him from entering a dark and violent world that could prove to be the ultimate risk?