Organic Chemistry (Chemistry #1) by Andrew Grey (3 Stars)

Jan15

Brain and brawn connect to create a romantic reaction.

Brendon Marcus is the socially awkward genius professor with a heart of gold. Josh Horton is the hunky new assistant football coach who loves to help people. After a chance meeting in the hallway, they begin a sweet romance while dealing with college politics.

Brendon was presented as almost childlike in his behavior and responses to others. After losing both of his parents, he found himself alone in the world. However, since he was a genius, he was able to lose himself as a college professor and research scientist. Although completely inept at interacting with others, he never came across as mean or arrogant, but simply clueless.

Josh managed to see past Brendon’s social issues to find the kind man underneath. Josh was also a really strong character who cared deeply for his team and wanted to help them become better people. They made a great couple, especially as they worked to resolve issues with Brendon’s department head. The only issue with this story was some of the dialogue. At times, Brendon sounded like a young child while talking which hurt the romantic angle and took you out of the story.

Otherwise, it was a quick and easy romantic read with really nice characters and a sweet ending.

Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
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In Your Eyes (Mates #3) by Cardeno C. (5 Stars)

Jan11

Samuel Goodwin spends his entire life training to be the best alpha, both mentally and physically, but until he can connect with his pack on an emotional level, he knows he’ll never be truly successful. The story is told from his point of view, and with his uniquely quirky personality, it was quite the treat to read. He takes his responsibilities very seriously, and he would do anything to ensure the safety of his pack. Unfortunately, he is missing the other half of his soul and isn’t sure where to look for his mate.

Korban Keller, who was absolutely adorable with his sweet and pleasant disposition, is next in line to be the alpha of his pack. Samuel and Korban meet at a young age and run into each other fairly often. Samuel is convinced that Korban couldn’t possibly have good intentions and is always leery of everything Korban says. This made for some very interesting interactions between the two of them.

While the first half of the story focused on Samuel and his viewpoint on life, the remainder of the story focuses on his relationship with Korban. Korban brings out the passionate side of Samuel that nobody had ever seen before. For the first time in his life, Samuel understands what it means to truly love and care about somebody. These two alphas made an amazing team, and you can easily envision their future together.

I really enjoyed the action that takes place as the pack alphas fight to gain control. Although this is part of a series, each of the stories can be read on its own. However, I highly recommend each of the three stories. They are each uniquely told, and this is one of my absolute favorite paranormal series.

I love the concept of one true mate, and this story delivered it beautifully.

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Originally reviewed for Swept Away By Romance. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
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Hunt and Pray by Cindy Sutherland (3 Stars)

Jan10

When your captor becomes your lover, can it really be true love?

Drew Edwards is an investigative reporter trying to find out why gay men have disappeared without a clue. He is abducted and quickly learns that his captors are behind the other missing men. Except that one of the captors, Chance Collins, is actually innocent. It’s Chance’s father who is behind the kidnappings and murders. Drew and Chance must work together if they hope to survive.

Almost the entire first half of the story is focused on Drew’s capture and his internal thoughts about what’s going to happen to him. We get to know Drew pretty well, and start rooting for him to escape. We see glimpses of Chase, and quickly realize that Chase is a good person in a really bad situation. Drew is released into the woods like the prey of a hunt. Chase is then given orders to find Drew and kill him. The remainder of the story is spent watching Drew and Chase try to escape from the woods while developing a relationship with each other.

Unfortunately, while some portions of the story worked well, others didn’t. The beginning was very slow since we were living inside Drew’s head and watching him suffer under the hands of the kidnappers. We really didn’t get to hear too much about his job or research into the earlier kidnappings.

Watching Drew and Chase work together and try to escape was very suspenseful. However, at the end of the story, it was hard not to look back and wonder a little about Chase and his relationship with his father. It didn’t make a lot of sense that he would have had anything to do with his father once he was out on his own. Also, the relationship that Drew and Chase developed didn’t seem to be based on very much outside of their circumstances. We didn’t really get to see their connection grow, but instead we were informed of it. There was a nice epilogue that did help to bring closure.

If you enjoy a good, suspenseful story about kidnapping with some romance, this should fit the bill!

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Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Lines in the Sand by Lyn Gala (4.5 Stars)

Jan8

A very interesting story about two guys who leave the mob and now have to hide from it. I would have liked a lot more dialogue, but I’m not sure that would have worked well with these guys. They were more of the strong, silent type. I was glad we got both points of view. It helped explain why it took years for these two to admit their feelings for each other. I enjoyed the suspense aspect since it felt very realistic. They never knew who might be looking for them or who might try to turn them in for a reward.

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