Review ~ Exhale

Exhale

(Just Breathe #2)

By Kendall Grey

5 of 5 STARS

Her dreams brought them together, but reality could tear them apart…

The man of Zoe Morgan’s dreams isn’t only real, he’s interested. In her. But her boss wants her too, and is leveraging his unsolicited advances with the threat of blocking the huge promotion she's after. When he places a spy on her research team, the intense stranger discovers more than he should, and Zoe fears hiding a relationship with Gavin Cassidy from her boss is the least of her worries. The whale she must protect has been marked for death, and Zoe's old enemy Scarlet is eager to deliver the killing blow. To both of them.

Australia’s Sentinels must find and lock the door into the Dreaming before Fyre Elementals launch another attack on innocent dreamers. But corruption and distrust abound, and Gavin believes someone on the Sentinel council is in league with the Fyres. As he reluctantly embraces his new role as council leader, Gavin must not only keep Zoe safe from Scarlet's vengeful clutches, but organize a Sentinel defense strong enough to prevent a full-blown Elemental war—with a traitor fighting by his side.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face.

After finishing book 1, Inhale, I had to rush to start this one.  This book is even better than the first.  I am still kind of reeling with how amazing this was.  Lots of things happen.  Good things, bad things, sad things...

In this book we have Gavin and Zoe spending more time together in the real world AKA Realis.  Their relationship doesn't move nearly as fast as it did in the Dreaming, back when Zoe didn't realize what she did in dreams was real, just in a different realm.  Gavin is all for giving a real relationship a go but Zoe is hard to convince.  The chemistry they shared in Dreaming carries over into Realis but they have obstacles ahead of them.

The Fyre Elementals are still attacking Wyldings in the Dreaming.  As personal vendettas are made clearer, attacks carry over into Realis as well.  The Fyres are trying to throw the balance of power to take control, the Wæters  are looking for a new leader, Gavin has a new "mentor" and responsibilities.  The villain is a bitch of epic proportions.  Seriously.  I don't think I have ever hated a villain as much as I hate her.

Zoe and Gavin are great to read about.  Zoe has a lot going on with her boss/ex on the scene to help out CRN.  While trying to balance her career, she's also coming to terms with what her role is in this Elemental battle and learning what a threat she has become to certain parties.  Gavin has so much on his plate, at times it feels like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.  He's sweet, sexy, playful and head over heels for Zoe.

“You’re wicked beautiful, but don’t you dare try to kiss me,” he whispered, his lips bumping hers so lightly he wasn't sure they actually had. “I can’t be held responsible for any damages that might be incurred.”

She's reluctant but falling nonetheless.  The playful banter between these two is great.

“When you’re playing guitar, does your hand ever get tired of going up and down like that?” She made a wanking motion. 

He glanced at his right hand and laughed. The smart arse in her topped up the desire in the pit of his stomach. “Believe me, this thing’s been getting plenty of exercise since I met you. A simple ‘yes’ would make both of our lives a lot easier.” 

A grin spread slowly across her lips. “I’m gonna stick with my original answer.”

But we can't talk about Gavin without mentioning his other career.  Hello rock star?  Massive sex appeal.  Oh boy.

Wearing torn and faded jeans and a black button-down shirt with sleeves rolled up, Gavin stood center stage on the JumboTron. One combat-booted foot balanced on a speaker monitor as he slashed out guitar chords. With wild black hair sprouting every which-way, tattoos slithering down his forearms to the wrists, and silver glinting from both ears and his bottom lip, he was a rock god.

Seriously,  the boy is smooth.

Thumbs wriggled through the belt loops on either side of her hips and pushed her flush against the door. One black boot appeared between her feet. The other planted itself in the carpet to the left of her right shoe. She looked up to protest. His lips landed on hers, gentle as a falling feather. Breath shuddered out through her nose, and her eyes drifted closed as he staked his claim on her mouth. 

Umm…sold.

Besides all the quotes that clearly show my love for Gavin, this book was the definition of a roller coaster of emotions.  Just when you get used to a situation, something crazy happens.  The ending was just crazy and I CANNOT WAIT to read Just Breathe due to release August 7th.

To quote my own tweet to Kendall:
 @kendallgrey1 Just finished ‪#EXHALE‬.Wow, just wow. INTENSE. Holy shit. Oh my god. What the fuck. Just a few thoughts going through my head.

Teaser Tuesday

This is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading

• Open your current read and choose a page at random. 
• Share two sentences (or more) from anywhere on the page, being careful to avoid spoilers. 
• Be sure to share the title and author.

This weeks teaser comes from Exhale by Kendall Grey...

Though he didn’t want to let go, the break in contact helped him wrangle his scattered wits back into a manageable ball. He and Zoe were in the open, exposed. Gavin swept the street again with his Dreamsense. As far as he could tell, no Fyre Elementals had snuck up while his brain evacuated its cranial real estate in favor of warmer southern climes in Hardwood Heights.

Down, boy, he warned the tent itching for a pitching under his jeans.

So Gavin has stolen a piece of my heart.  I was tweeting Kendall and told her my fictional harem has a new gentlemen caller.  She replied that she wouldn't call him a "gentlemen".  Haha!  So it's now called my sexy scoundrel harem and he is a part of it!  I also love Kendall's writing style and humor as I thought the above highlighted nicely.

What's your Teaser Tuesday?

Review ~ Inhale

Inhale

(Just Breath #1)

By Kendall Grey

4 of 5 STARS

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face.


I was recommended this from Karina Halle and what a great recommendation it was!  The world Kendall Grey has created contains Elementals, Wyldlings (normal people), Sentinels and goes back and forth between the Dreaming and Realis.  Though the first part is really bogged down with descriptions, the last part of the book was amazing.

First we have Dr. Zoe Morgan.  She's headed to Australia to lead  the current project for Cetacean Research Network.  Zoe loves whales.  Hardcore.  But before she even gets to Australia, she has a situation and is saved by a mystery man.


 Enter Mr. Perfect aka Gavin Cassidy.  Boy oh boy is he hot stuff.  He's a Sentinel and is charged with watching over Zoe.

Soon they are seeing each other in Zoe's Dreaming often.  Thinking it's all a dream, Zoe gets pretty bold and makes the moves on Gavin.  They have definite sparks between each other but Gavin tries to keep it professional.  He's still trying to figure out how Zoe plays into the current drama.

Current drama you ask?  Well the Sentinels are charged with protecting the Dreaming and Wyldings.  They keep balance between all the elements.  The Fyre Elementals have invaded the Dreaming and are torturing and killing Wyldlings.  No Elementals should be in the Dreaming.  Only Wylding and Sentinels should have access.

Slowly the plot is revealed and we see the bigger picture.  Balance has to be maintained or the shit will hit the fan.  There is a prophecy involved, and with all prophecies, it's a riddle that needs to be figured out in due time.

Zoe and Gavin are wonderful together.  It's hot, it's sweet, it's all kinds of things as they learn to work with each other in Dreaming, and eventually Realis.

“I love the way you smile at me.” He started to touch her arm, but thought the better of it. “Knocks me on my arse.”

 Uh, did I mention that Gavin is a rockstar in Realis?  No?  How silly of me.  HE'S A SEXY ASS ROCKSTAR WITH TATTOOS AND A LIP RING!  He's the singer, songwriter, guitarist for the band Just Breathe.  Ok, now you know. ;)  That floats my boat in more ways than one.

Perfect was real. He was real.

“Did you see him looking at you? Like he wanted to devour you? That boy is hungry, and you’re a fuck sandwich with a side of chips.” Adriene’s grin grew so wide, it almost ate her face. Armpits resting on foam pads, she clapped her hands twice. “We’re gonna stick around after the show and meet him.”

Adriene is a great side character, she's Zoe's BF and the other captain of the boat for CRT.  She's really supportive, funny and has great page time.  Gavin's mentor Yileen is another great side character, so much more to him than meets the eye.

Overall thought:  There is so much world building that it took me a while to wrap my head around it all.  I immediately liked the characters, it just took a while for me to understand where the plot was going.  But once I did, I really loved this story.  It's so unique.  I haven't mentioned much about the whales.  There are a lot of whales.  They are a huge part of the story and it's great to see them in such a mystical and significant light.  The author is donating all proceeds for the Just Breathe trilogy to whales and whale awareness. Pretty cool if you ask me.  Just another reason to take the plunge and give it a try!

And now I know that you’re the one I’ve waited my whole life for
You’re the budding leaves turning green in spring
You’re the fresh breath of air that summer brings
You’re the autumn sky painted in rainbow hues
You’re the wintry ocean dancing in shimmering blues
 You’re the air I breathe
You’re the water I drink
You’re the fire inside me
The earth under my feet
You’re the one

Review ~ Rogue's Pawn

Rogue's Pawn

By Jeffe Kennedy

3 STARS

July 16th, 2012 from Carina Press
ARC provided from Netgalley

This is no fairy tale…

Haunted by nightmares of a black dog, sick to death of my mind-numbing career and heart-numbing fiancé, I impulsively walked out of my life—and fell into Faerie. Terrified, fascinated, I discover I possess a power I can't control: my wishes come true. After an all-too-real attack by the animal from my dreams, I wake to find myself the captive of the seductive and ruthless fae lord Rogue. In return for my rescue, he demands an extravagant price—my firstborn child, which he intends to sire himself…

With no hope of escaping this world, I must learn to harness my magic and build a new life despite the perils—including my own inexplicable and debilitating desire for Rogue. I swear I will never submit to his demands, no matter what erotic torment he subjects me to…

(via Goodreads)

Who knew that there would be such life altering consequences when Gwynn decides to walk out on her husband during a boring business party?  She quickly finds herself driving, not seeing but knowing exactly where to go.  What happens when she wakes up in the morning changes her life forever.  

After some adventure walking, she's thrown into a new world with only the clothes on her back.  She's confused and a little scared, wishing for things to make this foreign place just a little less creepy, finding that her wishes are coming true.  Things escalate pretty quickly from there as we learn be careful what you wish for.  A lone black dog, the one from her nightmares, tries to put an end to her wishful thinking.

Thrown into the world of Fae and magic, she wakes up in pain, chained and unable to speak.  Enter Rogue, 

"And call me Rogue-that's my name."  I snorted out a painful giggle and he paced into my view.  "I take it that translated oddly?  Show me a picture of what that word means to you." 

I Pictured Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean, scraped and bruised from escapades, a bottle of booze in one hand and a couple of girls in the other, wicked mischief on his face. 

Rogue laughed, then winked at me.  I found myself staring at his darkly glowing eyes. 

Gwynn is healed and headed to a party in her honor while Rogue is warning her, giving her advice on bargaining.  This is no normal party and soon Gwynn's fate is decided.

Decisions made, Gwynn starts training to hone her magical abilities.  I wish I could say this was the fun part.  This book gets dark and desolate.  Feelings of despair.  She is a tool, used in a war where strategy is done in Sheikh like tents with absurd costumes.

This book is split up into five parts, each one signifying a new direction in the story.  Rogue and Gwynn have parted ways on not so good terms but his absence is sorely missed.  He was the best part of the storyline for me and I was a little disappointed that though his name is in the title, he was hardly there.  But to be fair, he was there when it mattered most.

Rogue piled up a few pillows, smacking them to his desired brightness and arranged himself as if for viewing a show.  He peeled off his leather boots and, reaching back, he pulled the tie off his tail of hair, releasing it to spill around him.  He looked like a raven Viking, all masculine cheekbones and streaming hair, his bare feet as long and elegant as his hands. 

"Tug the skirt up higher," He suggested, "and blow me a kiss." 

"No." 

"It would be a mild flirtation and you've yet to do anything that qualifies as vaguely flirtatious." 

I tugged my skirt up a grudging inch and pursed my lips at him.

So much happens in this story.  The first part has so much world building that I really had to concentrate.  It was a lot to take in at times but I persevered.  The land of Fae is really involved and full of checks and balances, be careful what you agree to is the lesson learned.

Gwynn, apart from the lab rat doctor she was in her world, learns magic, how to curb her power, becomming a strong woman that one should not mess with.  It was great to see her growth.  But my favorite character is Rogue, without a doubt.  Such a complex character.

Overall I did enjoy this book.  It was very different and a unique approach to the Fae that I have yet to see in an urban fantasy.

Teaser Tuesday

This is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading

• Open your current read and choose a page at random. 
• Share two sentences (or more) from anywhere on the page, being careful to avoid spoilers. 
• Be sure to share the title and author.

This week's teaser comes from On The Edge from the wonderful writing duo that is Ilona Andrews.

“It’s hideous.” 

Rose felt her hackles rise. The neon green uniform was hideous, but she didn’t appreciate him pointing it out. She opened her mouth.  

“Yet despite it, you look lovely,” he said. 

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” she told him.  

“It’s not flattery,” he said coldly.  “Flattery requires exaggeration. I’m merely stating a fact. You’re a beautiful woman wearing an ugly sack of unnatural color.”

Andrews, Ilona (2009-08-28). On the Edge (p. 71). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition. 

Way to be a charmer Declan! LOL. This Blue Blood learns to loosen up though. I really enjoyed this book and rushed to read the other 2 in the series.  Great way to pass the time getting ready for Gunmetal Magic out in July. 

What's your Teaser Tuesday?