Kay

Taking Shots by Toni Aleo

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

Taking Shots (Assassins, #1)
Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Assassins #1
Reviewed by Kay

Shea Adler is a hockey pro at the top of his game. He loves hockey, his team, family, especially his twin sister and women. The first four of the above things he loves with some staying power but women, not so much. He’s kind of a love ’em and leave ’em sort of guy. He’s cocky, self assured and has never had to wait on or chase anyone he has wanted.

Eleanor “Elli” Fisher is a rich girl. She’s a photographer with a thriving business. She has a father that adores her. A best friend she loves and a great support staff of other close friends. But she is very insecure about a lot of things: men, family, weight and self worth.

These two see each other at a sports photo shoot and the sparks fly. This is an emotional read in regards to a woman who is almost broken but desperately wants to be loved and a man that never saw her coming. Elli is a character that is easy to like. She’s kind, shy and cares about people. Shea is absolutely precious. I love his character so much I can’t even tell you! He starts off wanting Elli and his pursuit is patient but persistent. When he fell,….sigh, he fell big time. Head over heels and so did I, with him.

I liked this book so much. Even through the “big misunderstanding” I loved Elli. She had been hurt before and she wasn’t taking any chances. I cried a couple of different times in the book: when he had dinner with her family and when he realized he was in love with her. This is a great new series for me and can’t wait to read the next one! Toni Aleo has gained a fan in me!

Fatal Heat by Lisa Marie Rice

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

Fatal Heat: A Navy SEAL Novella
Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Genre-Military Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay

Max Wright is an ex-Navy SEAL. He was injured in battle very badly. After leaving the hospital, he stays at CO’s beach property to finish rehab.

Paige Waring is a plant geneticist and neighbor to where Max is staying. His CO is her godfather. She has a supper hyper but lovable dog named Max. Confusing, huh?

This is a novella that is about healing physically, mentally and emotionally. The characters are engaging, including the dog, Max. The love scenes were hot but it was the suspense that didn’t gel for me. Then, there was the dog as a helper that I couldn’t buy into.  I love Lisa Marie Rice. I think if the mystery/suspense would have been better, I would’ve loved the novella

Captive In The Dark by C.J. Roberts

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

Captive in the Dark (The Dark Duet, #1)
Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-Low
Series-The Dark Duet #1
Reviewed by Kay

Well, I wouldn’t classify this as a romance. It’s a dark suspense novel in my opinion. It has been all over a review site I frequent and I assumed there was something more to it than it’s blurb. I have had it on my Kindle for awhile and decided it was time. Anne and I spoke about this book months back and thought it was too dark. After reading it, I think we were right.

Caleb is a flesh peddler. A human trafficker. A horrid, horrible person. His only feelings are those of revenge. It is what he lives for and for what happened to him, I feel his desire for revenge is justified. However, he is a despicable human being.

Livvy is an eighteen year old high school senior. All she wants is an escape from the life she leads through a college scholarship. She’s innocent, inexperienced and beautiful. She somehow captured Caleb’s attention. God help her.

Livvy is to become the instrument of Caleb’s revenge against the man who wronged him. She is to be a submissive, willing to do whatever is asked of her. Caleb needs to break her down to make her into a virginal prize on the trafficking market. As they spend more time together, Caleb feels more and more for Livvy.

I’m not saying anything else regarding the outcome of the book but know there is a second one out there. This is a dark, gritty, powerful and life changing novel. I sat my twenty year old daughter down and told her about this book as a warning. C.J. Roberts has penned an excellently written novel. I certainly hope this book doesn’t try to make this more romantic because this man in my opinion is beyond any sort of redemption.