The Revenge Plan by Linda Kage ~ Review

Source: ARC provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Revenge Plan by Linda Kage

After I caught my boyfriend cheating, I tried to be mature about it with an amicable split. But he took his retaliation too far, and I have officially had enough. No more Miss Nice Haven.

No one is allowed to lie to me, betray, embarrass, and devastate me, fill me with self-doubt, or put my future at risk, and expect to get away with it. He is going to feel my wrath.

Enter Wick Webster, his archenemy.

Nothing would provoke my ex more than to see me moving on with the one guy he hates most, so that’s exactly what I plan to do.

The only hitch in my brilliant scheme is Wick himself. He’s just gotta be all love-not-war and peace-is-the-only-way. He’s more concerned about helping me heal than seeking my sweet revenge.

And what the hell is it about his soothing presence and yummy looks that calls to me until I forget how much pain I’m in? He’s making it awfully hard to use and abuse him for my malicious means. The damn guy is making me fall for him.

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I was excited to dive into this book for two main reasons: 1) It's by Linda Kage, and her books tend  to be great to the point of favorites. 2) Just based on the description and first chapter preview I saw before I officially started reading I knew I was in the perfect mood for this one. And both of those reasons turned out to be solid because 1) The Revenge Plan was great to the point of a favorite & 2) I was in JUST the mood for it!

First and foremost, I've got to talk about my favorite part of this book which was WICK. The Revenge Plan has a fair few awesome characters, but Wick is the shining star. He's kind and loyal and caring and has such a great sense of humor. He's sweet with his sisters. So attentive with Haven. And honestly I could sit here singing him praises all day because he's one of my favorite characters--and love interests--ever.

As I said, there were more awesome characters too. I liked Haven. She was nice. Wick's sisters are so cool and funny. The cameos from Haven's family were a highlight of the book. Partly because it's fun to connect the dots to the Forbidden Men series (one of my favorite series of all time that is 100% not necessary to read before this one because this one truly does stand alone, but you SHOULD read that series anyway because it is so good) and partly because I laughed quite a bit during those scenes. Lastly there's Wick's football friends, especially Cannon. I loved Cannon as a friends to Wick, and I also looooved Cannon and Haven's development together.

The romance was so well done--which actually ties in with the well executed plot. Haven and Wick's relationship grew in a way that was organic and sweet and I was so invested in. From Haven's breakup to them becoming roommates then friends then more, I was here for all of it and loved it so much. Another aspect of the plot that was done well was the Henry chapters. At first I was confused as to why there was a third POV. Then I was kind of disappointed because I thought I'd figured it all out. But THEN I realized I did not, in fact, know everything and...I was a fan. It was a great addition to the story and a nice way to give some backstory without info-dumping or being boring.

Overall, The Revenge Plan is one of those books that really hit the spot for me. A character I'm now obsessed with, a romance I was head over heels for, and a solid favorite read of the year. Whether this would be your first Linda Kage book or your twelfth, I definitely recommend picking up The Revenge Plan!

5 stars  - A well executed romance that had me head over heels!

Monster Among the Roses by Linda Kage ~ Review

Source: Purchased.

Monster Among the Roses (Fairy Tale Quartet #1) by Linda Kage

“Do you know how to get to the rose garden?”
“No, you can’t go there. A monster lives there.”

Shaw Hollander is desperate.
Broke, unemployed, and determined to help his ailing mother, he falls on the good graces of a wealthy benefactor who is willing to give Shaw a job at his mansion in order to pay off his mother’s debts. Suddenly finding himself surrounded by lavish riches, he has no idea what his duties truly entail until he’s sent to the rose garden and meets the tragically mutilated Isobel.

This Beauty and the Beast story holds true to the core of the fable while shaking off the element of fantasy and dragging it into present-day reality. Shaw and Isobel are ready to let you climb into their four-wheel-drive pickup and take a ride with them into their version of happily ever after, but only if you first dare to gaze upon the monster among the roses.

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Ever since reading A Perfect Ten and then devouring the rest of the Forbidden Men series, Linda Kage has been an author I consider a favorite. This was further proven by her fantasy novel One True Love being great. So when I saw she'd released a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I was all over it. As it turns out, this one wasn't quite up to par with the other Linda Kage books I've read.

First I'll lay out the aspects I really liked:

- the premise. I mean, how can you go wrong with a B&tB retelling? But even so, Linda Kage's take on the tale was well done and unique. 

- Shaw. I was actually a HUGE fan of Shaw. I think it helped a lot that the story was in his POV. We got to know him so well, and it was easy to love him. He's kind and sincere and the kind of MC I could easily root for.

- the cast. The staff at the mansion and Isobel's family. Especially Isobel with her family. Since we only got Shaw's POV, we were on the outside looking in on those relationships but of what I saw, it was lovely.

- the sweetness. Shaw's a sweetheart. Shaw and Isobel make a sweet couple. I was glad for them to get together, their relationship growing the more time they spent together. It was so cute.

Now for the things that took away from the book for me:

- the one POV. I loved Shaw and his POV. But I really wish we could have gotten into Isobel's head too. The story could have been so much MORE if we'd gotten to dig deeper that way.

- I wasn't compelled to keep reading. This one surprised me because usually Linda Kage's books are compulsively readable. But with this one I didn't really itch to get back to it, to read on, to discover what would come next. 

- I never got to the point where I LOVED the book. You know what you're reading a book and you're into it and you're just having a great time? I never really hit that point with this one. I admired the storytelling, how the fairytale was being retold. But I wasn't head over heels for the story.

Overall, Monster Among the Roses is a solid take on Beauty & the Beast that I liked but unfortunately did not love. Luckily, it was a quick read with a great main character and supporting cast. Plus, there was so much sweetness. :)

3.5 stars - A solid take on Beauty & the Beast that I sadly did not love.

One True Love by Linda Kage ~ Review

Source: e-ARC provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

One True Love by Linda Kage

Custom demanded that Prince Urban get a love mark tattooed to the side of his left eye as an infant, just like the rest of his people, but to him, the stupid things have only brought on the scorn of his father, the misery of his siblings, and caused his entire kingdom to go broke from fighting so many wars over the irritating ink stains.

When Urban’s sister must travel to Donnelly, the kingdom within the sand, for her arranged marriage to align two realms, he goes with her. But he no sooner steps foot inside their castle than his mark starts itching like a son of a bitch, telling him his one true love is near.

It just figures, though, that the woman meant for him is completely forbidden. Now he must decide if he should ignore the persistent mark, telling him she's the one, in order to avoid a possible war between kingdoms, or if he should discover whether she's worth risking everything for so they can be together. Either way, his life gets sucked into chaos with threats of beheadings, dark magic lurking, castle traitors scheming, and sword fights eminent.

Who knew one little tattoo could cause so much trouble?

Releases June 6th, 2018!

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I've been a fan of Linda Kage for a good long while now -- ever since Val got me to read A Perfect Ten and I subsequently fell head over heels for the Forbidden Men series. Other than the FM, though, I'm not sure I've read any of her other books, so I was so excited to finally branch out with One True Love. As I should have been because this book was so utterly enjoyable!

First and foremost, the premise is top notch. Like, seriously it's right up my alley -- soulmates! One of the main characters has a mark that lets him know when he's meeting his true love; it's a custom where he comes from for everyone to get the marks at birth. So we start the book with him meeting his true love and then alllllllll of the thingssssss unravel from there.

The characters were fleshed out well. We have the two MCs, Urban and Vienne. But we also have an entire cast of characters that are interesting that I grew so fond of -- Nicolette and Allera and the prince and....well. I could go on, but I'll leave it there. Even the characters I wasn't so fond of (whom I shall not name for the sake of being non-spoilery) were written well enough that I enjoyed their involvement in the story.

As for writing of the overall story, I must say it was very well done. Most importantly, I was pulled into the novel and enthralled the entire way through. I read it in, what? A day? I couldn't put it down for too long in between reading, I know that for sure. But a few comments about specific aspects of the plot:

- Insta-love? So technically there is, since Urban is instantly obsessed with his true love the moment he sees her. However, I feel like it was handled well to show while he acknowledged his love, he also had to get to know her to understand it. Therefore, there was solid relationship growth.

- World-building? I don't read a LOT of fantasy myself, so I can't comment on anything other than the fact that I thought it was sufficient. I especially liked how common things in life today were the big trade items in this fantasy world (clear rock, lol). I can definitely say I didn't get bored due to too much wordiness.

- Romance? Okay, so this somewhat goes hand in hand with the insta-love thing. There was solid, well done relationship growth. That said, I wanted MORE. Because I'm a greedy reader. I loved (L O V E D) Urban's devotion -- and man was he devoted. It was amazing. But gosh darn it, I wish we'd gotten more couple time.

- Plot? Here's my only big critique of the novel: it was predictable. I figured out the enemy veeerrryyy early on. But I enjoyed the rest of the aspects of the book (Urban and everything involving him, basically)! So it didn't ruin the book or anything. Just took away from the impact later on.

Overall, One True Love is an enthralling romantic fantasy that I really hope kicks off a series! I need more from this world. Most especially Nicolette's story! But really, I'm always here for soulmates and true love. If you are too, then definitely pick this beauty up!!

4 stars - An enthralling romantic fantasy!

Be My Hero (Forbidden Men, #3) by Linda Kage ~ Review

Source:  Received book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Once upon a time, there was this pampered rich girl who was kind of full of herself. She really only cared about appearances and hiding all her dark, ugly secrets under the guise of an opinionated snob. But then Eva Mercer got pregnant, shot by a psycho, and kicked out of the only home she knew. Now she’s broke, unemployed, and has to start anew with a newborn to raise. But how?

On the other side of town, sexy, tattooed orphan, Patrick Ryan, can’t get a break. He’s out on parole for defending the last damsel in distress while trying to help her support her child, but all he wants is to find his one true love. He knows this woman by scent, smile, and laugh, but he’s never actually met her. He doesn’t even know her name. He just knows she’s the key to fixing everything.

One kind of hero can save you from physical harm. Another can rescue you from a different kind of doom. To reach their dreams, Eva and Pick can save each other. But first, they must open their hearts and learn how to trust.

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Review...

I love this series.  It's one of the best New Adult series' out there.  The characters are all real and clearly with issues.  Nothing is average or packaged.  Each story has it's own flavor but the cast of characters that fill the books are some of the best people I know.  Yes, I feel like I know them.

I've read these books out of order and I'm trying to catch-up on the ones I missed along the way.  I know Pick.  He's this charmer with the biggest heart know to the male race.  I have wondered about him as I've read others stories so I was excited to get his story.  

Eva is this strong, opinionated women that I, frankly, didn't like very much.  She's getting in the way of one of my very favorite males in this series, Mason.  So she had a long way to go to earn my affection.  While I never really loved her, I did come to understand her and feel for her.  And I saw what Pick sees in her.  

This one is emotional.  There's just no getting around the idea that a pregnancy with a mom that has nothing and nowhere to go is gonna pull on my heart strings.  But then you add the issues from Eva's past and a twist I didn't see coming and you get some serious tears.  And that doesn't even include another scare that sends Pick racing into the night.  I was wanting to crawl inside this book and so some major damage with my mama claws.  

One of the things that I love about this series and this author is that no book feels like you've read it before in another setting.  Just so genuine and real, these books will addict you. 

When you just need something real, pick up a book from this series.   

                         

Be My Hero (Forbidden Men #3) by Linda Kage ~ Review

Source: e-copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Be My Hero (Forbidden Men #3) by Linda Kage

Once upon a time, there was this pampered rich girl who was kind of full of herself. She really only cared about appearances and hiding all her dark, ugly secrets under the guise of an opinionated snob. But then Eva Mercer got pregnant, shot by a psycho, and kicked out of the only home she knew. Now she’s broke, unemployed, and has to start anew with a newborn to raise. But how?

On the other side of town, sexy, tattooed orphan, Patrick Ryan, can’t get a break. He’s out on parole for defending the last damsel in distress while trying to help her support her child, but all he wants is to find his one true love. He knows this woman by scent, smile, and laugh, but he’s never actually met her. He doesn’t even know her name. He just knows she’s the key to fixing everything.

One kind of hero can save you from physical harm. Another can rescue you from a different kind of doom. To reach their dreams, Eva and Pick can save each other. But first, they must open their hearts and learn how to trust.

Review...

I've been obsessed with this series for a good portion of this year. Ever since Val peer pressured me into reading A Perfect Ten. I LOVED that book and decided I needed to get my hands on the rest of the series as fast as humanly possible--which I did. And then I decided I needed to read them ASAP--which I...am still working on. I've read books one and two already, and adored them. Then came this one, book three. I was looking forward to Pick and Eva's story, but I wasn't sure at all what I should expect. I knew shreds of their story through the previous books, but that only gave me a bare expectation.

The reality of this book is that it is absolutely amazing and a perfect addition to a breathtaking series.

We already knew Pick was cool, but in this book we get the full effect, and...dear goodness. Pick is such a wonderful person. Genuine, caring, and kind. Just an all around awesome person that I wish were real so I could be friends with him. Of all the good guys I've read about in books, Pick is at the top of that list, and I adore him.

We already knew Eva was a handful, to say the least. But in this book, we get in her head and find out WHY. And we see what a great person she can be when she lets herself. I didn't expect to really like Eva, based on past experience, but ohmygoodness she is lovely. I'm glad she has Pick and Pick has her.

The romance was cute and sweet, and of course had some sexy times. There was a great balance of it all, which I loved. Pick and Eva had a connection that was cool to witness and made their romance even more stunning. They've both been dealt crap hands in life, but then they finally get each other. Sure, they had some obstacles to overcome (some pretty large ones), but they did it. And they so deserve to be together and have their cute, happy family.

Be My Hero reminded me yet again why I love Linda Kage's writing so much--her stories are utterly addicting! I pick up one of her books and suddenly I'm over halfway through wondering how that happened and what am I going to do with myself once I finish the story? And yes, this totally happened with Be My Hero. I get so attached to the characters and what's going on with them, and I just want everything to be okay but I also never want to part with them, never want to get to the end. But then I do, and I am just so satisfied, with everything. The characters, the story, the romance, the writing. I adore it all.

Overall, I loved Be My Hero. It's a very welcome addition to one of my favorite series, and I never wanted it to end. I adored the characters, their romance, and the addictive quality laced throughout the entire thing. I 100% plan to continue with this series as soon as I can, and I am so looking forward to reading Quinn's story! He's adorable and I love him and oh that is going to be great. I definitely recommend this series if you're looking for some beautiful, addicting romance!

5 stars - An addicting addition to one of my favorite series that I never wanted to end!

A Perfect Ten (Forbidden Men #5) by Linda Kage ~ Review

Source: e-ARC provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A Perfect Ten (Forbidden Men #5) by Linda Kage

Let your hair down, Caroline, they said. It'll be fun, they said.

I know I've closed myself off in a major way over the past year, ever since “the incident” where I messed up my life completely. It's past time I try to live again or just give up altogether. But this is quite possibly the craziest thing I've ever done. In a last ditch effort to invigorate myself, I'm standing outside Oren Tenning's bedroom, I just peeled off the sexiest pair of underwear I own, and my hand is already raised to knock. My brother would disown me for doing anything with his best friend, and he'd probably kill Oren. But if I play my cards right, no one will ever know about this. Not even Ten.

Maybe after tonight, I’ll finally get over this stupid, irrational crush I hate having on the biggest jerk I’ve ever met. Or maybe I’ll just end up falling for him even harder. Maybe I’ll discover there’s so much more to my crude, carefree hunk than meets the eye.

Review...

Once upon a time, Val was reading a book. She was reading this book and got to a point where she wasn't exactly sure how she felt about it. As she usually does when she encounters such situations, Val called me to discuss. And in that discussion not only did we decide that the book had serious potential, but that I needed to read the book, too. So I did read it. Val finished it first and loved it. And then I finished it...and I freaking ADORED it. 

Honestly, thank goodness for that conversation Val and I had because in convincing me to pick this book up, I found what has been my favorite read of 2015 so far and a new series to obsess over. 

Yeah, I said it. A PERFECT TEN has been my favorite read of 2015 so far.

This is the fifth book in the Forbidden Men series, but they can all stand alone. Which, yes, I know lots of series say that. But I can attest to this one--I read book 5 first. Then I read books 1 and 2, and at this point I still have not read books 3 and 4, but I definitely plan to as soon as I can swing it. I didn't get lost when reading this because it was the fifth book. I didn't feel like I was missing things. And it also didn't take away any of my eagerness to read the first four books. So, if you feel so inclined to start with this book, I can firmly say go for it. It worked for me.

The main characters of this one are Oren and Caroline. I'm going to be up front with y'all right now and say that I prefer to call him Oren. I realize pretty much everyone calls him Ten, but Caroline calls him Oren and I like that better. And the fact that he LETS her call him Oren warms my heart. As does loads of other things about Mr. Oren Tenning. He's one of those manwhore bad boys who try to act like they don't really care about much, but in actuality he's a wonderful human. A sad past that he still struggles with weighs on him, as well. But getting to know him in this book... goodness, I loved it. As for Miss Caroline--I honestly do not think there could be a more perfect girl for Oren. She can be sweet, but she doesn't sit back and take his crap either. I like Caroline a lot. She's a cool chick, and her past weighs on her just as much as Oren's does. 

The romance in this book was the definition of perfection. There's a bunch of time with Oren and Caroline as a couple, which was amazing. So often in books, the couple takes a while to get together, and even then they're pretty rocky. I understand why, but I was so glad these two weren't like that. I think the first four books was build up enough for them so that they didn't have to take a huge chunk of THIS book to get together. However it worked out, I'm glad it worked out the way it did. I loved seeing Oren and Caroline together. They are the literal cutest. And while they both have those pasts weighing on them, they also have the other to help them work through it. They are such solid support systems for each other. In general, this couple warmed my heart in all of the ways and I love them to infinity and beyond.

As for plot, the entire thing worked so well. I think that's one of the greater things about this book. There are time when things feel like they're on the edge of going wrong, and then instead of turning for the worst they head toward the better and turn out great--even if that "great" isn't what I'd originally pictured, it still made me feel so, so happy. Linda Kage's writing was super good, too. The novel is written in dual POV, with Caroline and Oren both having very distinct voices. 

Overall, A Perfect Ten is the kind of book that reminds me why I love to read so much. I had no qualms with losing touch with the world for a few days so I could immerse myself in Oren and Caroline's story. Fabulous romance, an addicting story, and characters that I just cannot forget created this lovely fifth installment in the Forbidden Men series. I can't wait to read more!

5 stars - A beautiful romance with lovable characters that I wished could go on forever!

To Professor, with Love (Forbidden Men #2) by Linda Kage ~ Review

Source: e-copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

To Professor, with Love (Forbidden Men #2) by Linda Kage

Junior in college. Star athlete. Constant attention from the opposite sex.

On this campus, I’m worshiped. While seven hundred miles away, back in my hometown, I’m still trailer park trash, child of the town tramp, and older sibling to three kids who are counting on me to keep my shit together so I can take them away from the same crappy life I grew up in.

These two opposing sides of myself never mix until one person gets a glimpse of the true me. I never expected to connect with anyone like this or want more beyond one night. This may be the real deal.

Problem is, Dr. Kavanagh’s my literature professor.

If I start anything with a teacher and we’re caught together, I might as well kiss my entire future goodbye, as well as my family’s, and especially Dr. Kavanagh’s. Except sometimes love is worth risking everything. Or at least, it damn well better be because I can only resist so much.

-N. G.-

Review...

After reading (and LOVING) Price of a Kiss, I wasted no time picking up this book. I'm not sure what my expectations were exactly, but I never thought this book would disappoint me--and it didn't. It was fantastic, actually. Each book of this series is turning out to be so DIFFERENT, but they are all wonderful in their own right. A Perfect Ten (book 5--yes, I read these out of order) was my big OHMYGOD book. Price of a Kiss (book 1--see, I went back from the beginning to read in the correct order after getting to know Oren) was my heartbreaking love. And this book, To Professor, with Love (book 2) falls into the category of heck yes.

This one has a teacher/student romance, which is something that can either feel awkward to me or can be so, so great. In this case, it was done extremely well. It's in college, and the teacher (the girl, Aspen!) isn't super old or anything. And the relationship and interactions never came across as gross or perv-ish. It just felt like a love story where the love interests just so happened to be in the positions of teacher and student, therefore creating some obstacles.

The characters were a great aspect of this story, too. Aspen was sweet. Shy. Her life leading up to where this book begins was cold and isolated. It was nice to see her change as she and Noel got closer, and she came out of her shell. It's always a good sign when I read a female character and get the notion that if she were a person I knew in real life, we'd totally be friends. As for Noel, he has a heard life himself. Brothers and a sister back home depending on him. He's under immense pressure to be the best he can be. He grew in this book just as much as Aspen did, and I liked watching it. He's so kind and sweet. I love him.

The writing is, of course, fantastic. I got pulled into this book quick--one of those situations where I was peeking at the beginning to see what would be in store and then ended up a quarter of the way through and still going strong wondering HOW I was already that far. The story pulled me in and kept me under the whole way through. It's written in dual POV, so we get to see the thoughts and internal struggles of both the characters. It was entrancing, really.

I mentioned the romance before when talking about the relationship, but I just want to clarify here that there is much--VERY MUCH--to swoon over. Noel and Aspen together warm the heart, y'all. I love them.

Overall, To Professor, with Love is yet another stunning novel in the Forbidden Men series. Riveting characters, beautiful romance, and superb writing all mix to create this lovely story. I keep falling in love with these books, and I am so looking forward to continuing on to the third book, Be My Hero, as soon as I possibly can. This series is so addicting!

 5 stars - Another Forbidden Men novel I fell head over heels for!