Showing posts with label Second Chance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Second Chance. Show all posts
“You’re right. We’re not normal. We’re the most fucked-up, star-crossed lovers in history. So let’s not play nice.” - Reaver to Harvester
Please Note: this post includes two reviews — Reaver and Azagoth
Please Note: this post includes two reviews — Reaver and Azagoth
Reaver by Larissa Ione
Standalone - Lords of Deliverance #5 / Demonica #10
Rating -
Genre - Paranormal Romance / enemies to lovers / second chance
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - descriptive and somewhat explicit
Source - library ebook
Length - 417 pages
WARRIOR OF HEAVEN
Reaver is an angel with a past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his wings on a one-way mission to hell-he's agreed to go where no angel has ever gone before...to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of Satan himself.
ANGEL OF HELL
Harvester is one of the Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she's been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can snatch her away from Satan's lair, even if they can fight their way out of the underworld's darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can never escape-her newfound thirst for an angel's blood.
Reaver is an angel with a past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his wings on a one-way mission to hell-he's agreed to go where no angel has ever gone before...to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of Satan himself.
ANGEL OF HELL
Harvester is one of the Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she's been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can snatch her away from Satan's lair, even if they can fight their way out of the underworld's darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can never escape-her newfound thirst for an angel's blood.
Once an irresponsible angel, he lost his wings and became an Unfallen. Helping to save the world gave him back his angel status until he once again disobeyed orders to rescue Harvester. After finding out that for the last five thousand years, Harvester had sacrificed herself to protect his children and the world, Reaver wasn't going to let her be tortured for eternity. And considering their history, a past he's just coming to terms with, there's no way he'll let her go without a fight.
Harvester is being tortured by Satan and the scenes depicted were so eerie. The author did a great job with that and I was scared for this girl. She'd been traumatized so much before, what would this do to her? And when she learned the truth about Reaver, would she give him the chance they never really had before?
All of the scenes in Sheol were amazing and scary. I can't even imagine anyone or anything surviving there and yet, there's a thriving population. The imagination to create this place boggles my mind.
I loved this book so much. I honestly didn't know I'd enjoy it as much as I did. Reaver was such an incredible character, as seen in the previous books, but getting inside his head for once was a special treat. He was brutal and kind and compassionate and deadly. He was honorable and loving and he made it impossible not to love him. Harvester is someone I'm starting to really appreciate and I'm hoping to like her even more as this story continues.
I'm not stopping and I can only hope this series continues for the foreseeable future.
Spoiler -- Reaver is a Radiant (the only beings more powerful than him are Metatron, Satan and God) and his twin brother (equally powerful and a Shadow Angel) is Revenant. Go freaking figure!
Previous books in the series:
Pleasure Unbound * Desire Unchained * Passion Unleashed * Ecstasy Unveiled * Sin Undone * Eternal Rider * Immortal Rider * Lethal Rider * Rogue Rider
Pleasure Unbound * Desire Unchained * Passion Unleashed * Ecstasy Unveiled * Sin Undone * Eternal Rider * Immortal Rider * Lethal Rider * Rogue Rider
Azagoth by Larissa Ione
Standalone - Demonica #11 / Demonica Underworld #1
Genre - Paranormal Romance / forced proximity
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - explicit
Source - library ebook
Length - 166 pages
Even in the fathomless depths of the underworld and the bleak chambers of a damaged heart, the bonds of love can heal…or destroy.
He holds the ability to annihilate souls in the palm of his hand. He commands the respect of the most dangerous of demons and the most powerful of angels. He can seduce and dominate any female he wants with a mere look. But for all Azagoth’s power, he’s bound by shackles of his own making, and only an angel with a secret holds the key to his release.
She’s an angel with the extraordinary ability to travel through time and space. An angel with a tormented past she can’t escape. And when Lilliana is sent to Azagoth’s underworld realm, she finds that her past isn’t all she can’t escape. For the irresistibly sexy fallen angel known as Azagoth is also known as the Grim Reaper, and when he claims a soul, it’s forever…
I gave this one 4 stars. Azagoth was a beast, both literally and figuratively, and I easily fell for him. He was scrumptious in the darkest way and I loved the hidden depths to his character. Dude's an empath, he's not really a fallen angel, he's super powerful (especially in his realm), and he deserved someone special. I think Lilli was that person. She was strong and kind and despite coming to him with an agenda, she fell for him as easily as I did. I love how Sheol-gra was coming to life so beautifully in the end and I hope to see more of these two in future stories.
Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award.She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case.
She lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.
Visit https://www.larissaione.com for more information.
For the first time since becoming a werewolf, she didn't feel like an outsider, a freak. As strange as Shade's world was at times, it was where she belonged.
Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
Rating -
1/2Standalone - Demonica #2
Release - January 1, 2009
Genre - Paranormal Romance / second chance
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - explicit
Source - library ebook
Length - 420 pages
Previous book in the series: Pleasure Unbound
Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn't resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy.
A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he'd seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever. As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts-or succumb to a madman's evil plans.
A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he'd seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever. As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts-or succumb to a madman's evil plans.
Ever since I learned that Shade and Runa broke up because she caught him in bed with two females, I wondered how the author was going to make them get together again. Seriously, I wouldn't touch him again with a ten-foot pole. Yet here I am, at the end, giving this book five stars because the relationship between these two worked so well for me.
Runa — an innocent woman who was turned into a werewolf against her will. She's angry about the changes to her life and Shade plays a huge role in that. She's sweet and strong and such a wonderful heroine. I wanted her to have the best of happy endings.
"I will bear this pain for you," he swore. "If one of us has to bleed, it will be me. It'll always be me."
Shade — like his brothers, he's on the verge of a major change. Unlike his brothers, he's not looking for a mate because of his curse. If he falls in love he'll experience a fate worse than death. Runa is his greatest temptation and he has to do whatever it takes to resist.
Runa brought out the best in him when he'd believed there was no best in him.
While the subplot continued from the last book, there was so much more going on here. There was betrayal, brotherly love, the romance that was building between Shade and Runa, some red room type of behavior, whatever was brewing between Gem and Kynan (I'm here for it), and tons I'm looking forward to in the books to come.
Seriously, if you love fierce and kind-hearted warrior females, lethal and compassionate males, and the entertaining plots they find themselves in, you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.
Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award.She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case.
She lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.
Visit https://www.larissaione.com for more information.
I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago, but I remember enjoying them.
The Interrupted series is a second chance contemporary romance.
Hopefully my reviews inspire someone to give this series a chance.
Part One
There are only three things Cam Ellison wants in life: a loving husband, a baby and to find her first love, Ayden Park. But all that is taken away from her in a blink of an eye.
Picking up the pieces to her life, Cam buries herself in work and her new boss, a young, millionaire CEO, A. Sharp.
But he’s the man with two rules:
1. No repeats
2. No relationships
Cam pushes herself into Sharp's life, breaking down the walls he’s built. Soon they find themselves in a situation neither wants to walk away from. But when the door opens, everything changes.
Rating -
I really liked this book. Both Cam and Sharp are likeable characters. I believe many women can empathize with Cam. Her struggle towards motherhood and a failing marriage is relatable. Sharp has a phobia against commitment but we don't understand why as of yet. But we do get to see that he is a devoted son and father and a great employer.
I hope we get some answers in book 2. Why didn't Henry want Cam in his hospital room? Where is Greyson's mom? I have some ideas and I'm excited to find out if I'm right!
I really liked this book. Both Cam and Sharp are likeable characters. I believe many women can empathize with Cam. Her struggle towards motherhood and a failing marriage is relatable. Sharp has a phobia against commitment but we don't understand why as of yet. But we do get to see that he is a devoted son and father and a great employer.
I hope we get some answers in book 2. Why didn't Henry want Cam in his hospital room? Where is Greyson's mom? I have some ideas and I'm excited to find out if I'm right!
Part Two
Lies.
Deception.
As soon as the doors open everything will change. As soon as my eyes connect with his I'm drawn to him as if I were a teenager again.
Little by little the truth is coming out. Everything he's done to get me back is coming to light.
Love is supposed to be easy when it comes to us, but there's nothing easy about this. I've finally come to realize...
We'll never be together.
Rating -
The plot was way too fast. I didn't get a chance to become intrigued by the storyline because I was busy suffering from whiplash. For practically 99% of the book, Cam is begging Sharp to forgive her for something she didn't do and trying to prove to him that she really loves him. Meanwhile he's already convinced himself that she's a liar and therefore untrustworthy and he won't give her more than sex. The reader knows he's mistaken about her abandoning him 10 years ago. I wonder when that "miscommunication" will be revealed. Dude did a lot behind her back in the name of hate. What he seems to think she did is minuscule in comparison to the crazy ish he's done.
I hope book 3 has a slower-paced plot. Some anticipation would be nice.
The plot was way too fast. I didn't get a chance to become intrigued by the storyline because I was busy suffering from whiplash. For practically 99% of the book, Cam is begging Sharp to forgive her for something she didn't do and trying to prove to him that she really loves him. Meanwhile he's already convinced himself that she's a liar and therefore untrustworthy and he won't give her more than sex. The reader knows he's mistaken about her abandoning him 10 years ago. I wonder when that "miscommunication" will be revealed. Dude did a lot behind her back in the name of hate. What he seems to think she did is minuscule in comparison to the crazy ish he's done.
I hope book 3 has a slower-paced plot. Some anticipation would be nice.
Part Three
His words play in my head over and over. Everywhere I look he's there and it's killing me. Whenever our eyes meet all I can see is the darkness in his eyes.
I hate him. I hate that I spent all my time worrying about him and looking for him. I hate everything he stands for. I don't care if we share an unbreakable bond.
It doesn't matter that he won't let me go. I won't go back to him. I'm moving on with my life with my other half and I'll be happy.
How can I spend my life with someone who lies? How can I love him again knowing his cold heart will never thaw?
I'll never fall for his games. I'll never believe his words.
I hate him.
Rating -
Though not as rushed as the second book, I still found the plot wasn't fleshed out as much as it could be. Ayden was still being a hardass and Camila was still pretty pathetic at times. She even apologized for things she didn't do. They were both so confusing that they left me confused. I should... I shouldn't... They kept flip flopping and the word love was thrown around like the word hello. Other than the pace and what seems as a lack of direction, the story was pretty good. I think I more enjoyed the concept rather than the actual plot though. And what was that teasing us with swingers??? Too much was happening behind the scenes for me.
Though not as rushed as the second book, I still found the plot wasn't fleshed out as much as it could be. Ayden was still being a hardass and Camila was still pretty pathetic at times. She even apologized for things she didn't do. They were both so confusing that they left me confused. I should... I shouldn't... They kept flip flopping and the word love was thrown around like the word hello. Other than the pace and what seems as a lack of direction, the story was pretty good. I think I more enjoyed the concept rather than the actual plot though. And what was that teasing us with swingers??? Too much was happening behind the scenes for me.
I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago, but I remember enjoying them.
I'm a sucker for second chance romance and this one was alright. Let me know if you plan to read it too!
Book One
What do you do when you’ve just lost everything?
You fight.
For four years, I’ve been punching and kicking my way through hundreds of unworthy MMA opponents.
For four years, I’ve kept seeing her face. Maddie’s face. My one great love.
After a brutal cage match that sent me to the ER, Maddie took off across the country. Six months pregnant. She left to have my baby as far from me as she could. No more violence, she said. No fighting.
I had to live with it. I had no choice.
But last night I got a phone call from my little girl, asking me to come to her fourth birthday party. Her friends all have daddies, she said. Would I be hers?
Damn right I will.
I decide that when I get to New York, I’m not going to care about Maddie. I’m not going to even look at her.
But I do. And the moment I see her again, I know one thing is true.
This ain’t over.
Rating -
First time reading anything from this author and it was fun. I'm not sure if it was strictly the writing or because I happen to love the male pov so much. It was only after I started reading this that I realized that this is a series within a series because now I'm a bit intrigued by Cole's story too.
I'm a big fan of second chance love stories, simply because there's hope that the characters can right any past wrongs, they've grown up and matured, they can give and receive love at a more mature level, handle situations maturely... shoot just deal maturely. I like to see growth in characters and that's what these stories show.
I also love reading about daddies and their children and the growing relationship between Parker and Lily was really sweet to read. Maddie and Parker seem to be getting closer and more on track, despite their 4 year separation. I'm kinda curious about whether that conversation happened behind the scenes? Regardless, there's a bit of a cliffy so hopefully there are some answers in book 2.
First time reading anything from this author and it was fun. I'm not sure if it was strictly the writing or because I happen to love the male pov so much. It was only after I started reading this that I realized that this is a series within a series because now I'm a bit intrigued by Cole's story too.
I'm a big fan of second chance love stories, simply because there's hope that the characters can right any past wrongs, they've grown up and matured, they can give and receive love at a more mature level, handle situations maturely... shoot just deal maturely. I like to see growth in characters and that's what these stories show.
I also love reading about daddies and their children and the growing relationship between Parker and Lily was really sweet to read. Maddie and Parker seem to be getting closer and more on track, despite their 4 year separation. I'm kinda curious about whether that conversation happened behind the scenes? Regardless, there's a bit of a cliffy so hopefully there are some answers in book 2.
Book Two
Only one person in the world could get me and Maddie back together.
Our little girl.
But just when I feel like we’ve got it made, I lose an MMA fight, a big one. I take a blow that might have killed anyone else.
For a while, we don’t even know if I’ll be able to fight again.
But the bone-crunching footage goes viral, and the world is calling for a rematch.
Surely one more fight will be enough. The money means Maddie and I can make a new start.
But my old enemies have noticed my sudden fame. And they want to make sure my career, and maybe even my life, goes nowhere.
Whether I fight them in the cage or in the street, this time I have everything to lose.
Rating - 1/2
I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I liked to see that both Maddie and Parker are willing to make sacrifices in order to be together and make each other happy.
I still have some questions and I'm hoping they get answered soon. Parker made a reference to his parents, indicating that he wasn't close to them. And Maddie mentioned that her father is homeless in L.A.
Once again this book ends on with a cliffhanger because of some douche named Striker. Really wish I had read the series involving Colt and Jo to get a better picture of what a total a**hole this guy is. Seems his sister and his friends aren't any better either.
On to book 3 to find some answers.
1/2I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I liked to see that both Maddie and Parker are willing to make sacrifices in order to be together and make each other happy.
I still have some questions and I'm hoping they get answered soon. Parker made a reference to his parents, indicating that he wasn't close to them. And Maddie mentioned that her father is homeless in L.A.
Once again this book ends on with a cliffhanger because of some douche named Striker. Really wish I had read the series involving Colt and Jo to get a better picture of what a total a**hole this guy is. Seems his sister and his friends aren't any better either.
On to book 3 to find some answers.
Book Three
They took her.
I can’t believe it.
Striker and his thug fighter friends kidnapped Maddie.
I don’t know how, or when, or where, but there will be vengeance.
And there is one thing I can guarantee.
I will be the last man standing.
Rating -
Did Maddie annoy anyone else as much as she freaking annoyed me? She was rescued and then threatened. And instead of going to her boyfriend and his friends, you know, the people who amazingly helped her before, she decided she's savvy enough to handle things on her own. Doesn't Parker have a right to know that there is a threat against their daughter? I'm incredibly aggravated right now. And her wishy-washy ways are extremely frustrating!!
At least I got to read about her dad. Funny how she kept saying that she hasn't figured out a way to help her dad. AA? Rehab? A home perhaps? Dumbass!
Anyway, I'm going to keep reading for Parker and Colt. I have no complaints for either of them.
Did Maddie annoy anyone else as much as she freaking annoyed me? She was rescued and then threatened. And instead of going to her boyfriend and his friends, you know, the people who amazingly helped her before, she decided she's savvy enough to handle things on her own. Doesn't Parker have a right to know that there is a threat against their daughter? I'm incredibly aggravated right now. And her wishy-washy ways are extremely frustrating!!
At least I got to read about her dad. Funny how she kept saying that she hasn't figured out a way to help her dad. AA? Rehab? A home perhaps? Dumbass!
Anyway, I'm going to keep reading for Parker and Colt. I have no complaints for either of them.
Book Four
Maddie has left me again, and I can’t blame her.
I failed to protect her.
I don’t even know if I deserve her and Lily.
But I’m determined to make things right.
First, I’m going to find her father. He’s been living on the streets too long. That has to end.
Second, I’m going to give up this career. If she wants me to sit behind some security desk, I’m going to do it. For us.
But when Maddie’s father turns up in the hospital, and she flies into town to see him, I learn something that changes everything.
Someone I used to call a friend has threatened my little girl.
The game has changed, and now the only person who’s determined enough to win is the one who almost bowed out.
Me.
Rating -
I think the series on a whole was pretty good, however... I still can't stand Maddie. Here's why: when she met Parker, he was a fighter. She knew this. He lived with 3 other fighters and didn't hide the fact that he was a fighter. She stayed with him, fell in love with him, and got pregnant with his child. She left him because he's a fighter. What?! He didn't wake up one day and become a fighter behind her back. He didn't betray her. He stayed true to himself and she found fault in that. Fast forward 4 years later and she still has a judgmental attitude. She wants him to give up his passion... to work a security guard job. Are you freaking kidding me?! Who does that? It's not like he asked her to give up her passion for fashion because then they'd be even. No, she asked him to stop being HIM!! It made no sense to me. Real love comes without judgment and she should have been supporting him, not trying to change him. She had every right to be concerned about his health and well-being every time he went in the ring/cage, but not to the extent she took it to.
So because I couldn't like Maddie, despite all of my efforts, I couldn't give this series any more stars. I gave this book 3 stars mainly because of Parker, Colt, and Jax. And to be completely honest, this entire series should have been told from Parker's pov only (IMO).
I think the series on a whole was pretty good, however... I still can't stand Maddie. Here's why: when she met Parker, he was a fighter. She knew this. He lived with 3 other fighters and didn't hide the fact that he was a fighter. She stayed with him, fell in love with him, and got pregnant with his child. She left him because he's a fighter. What?! He didn't wake up one day and become a fighter behind her back. He didn't betray her. He stayed true to himself and she found fault in that. Fast forward 4 years later and she still has a judgmental attitude. She wants him to give up his passion... to work a security guard job. Are you freaking kidding me?! Who does that? It's not like he asked her to give up her passion for fashion because then they'd be even. No, she asked him to stop being HIM!! It made no sense to me. Real love comes without judgment and she should have been supporting him, not trying to change him. She had every right to be concerned about his health and well-being every time he went in the ring/cage, but not to the extent she took it to.
So because I couldn't like Maddie, despite all of my efforts, I couldn't give this series any more stars. I gave this book 3 stars mainly because of Parker, Colt, and Jax. And to be completely honest, this entire series should have been told from Parker's pov only (IMO).
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