Review: Dirty Empire

I'm back again with another Nina West review! The third in her now four book series, Dirty Empire, released last week and, just like all the others, I had it read in a day. These books are crazy addictive. They're also a true series and you have to read them in order. I'll also suggest not even reading this review if you haven't yet read Sweet Mercy or Gabriel Fallen. Spoilers are no fun! Already read the books or are one of those people who actually enjoy spoilers (I don't get it)? Read on!

Here's the synopsis:

Mercy Wheeler and Gabriel Easton’s sordid tale continues in Dirty Empire as Mercy finds her loyalties tested and Gabriel’s attempt to break free of his family’s legacy comes with unexpected consequences.

Yes, that's it. Honestly, it makes sense. You can't really talk about what happens in this book without giving away things that happened in the previous two. So, again, read this review with caution if you haven't yet read the first two books.

If you recall from my review of Gabriel Fallen, the second book (review here), I was anxious to get this one because of the cliffhanger West left us with. The good news is, not as many characters were affected as I feared. (No, I'm not giving away exactly what the cliffhanger was.) The bad news is...she wrote another cliffhanger! Ahhhhh. And the fourth book, Fallen Empire, won't be out until 2021. Which, thankfully, is only a few months away. (I don't know the release date and neither does she but I'm really hoping for some sort of relief when we turn the calendar to next year. Which may be wishful thinking.)

This book is way more about the dark storyline of Gabriel's father and drug business (that Gabriel and his brother, Caleb, desperately want out of) than it is the sexy times between Gabe and Mercy. It reminded me of a darker version of Tucker's Burying Water series (don't forget that Nina West is K.A. Tucker!). It's so great to see Tucker writing the kind of stories she obviously really wanted to and she's just as talented at writing the suspenseful and seedy storylines as she is the sexy, romantic ones. 

Since this installment is so focused on the business side of things, it's a lot more intense. No one knows who to trust and even Gabe and Mercy find themselves doubting the other. Tensions are super high and they're elevated even more by the fact that they're not on home turf. They're in Las Vegas and you just know what happens in Vegas will not be staying in Vegas. 

I've been struggling with Gabriel throughout the entire series and wonder how on earth Mercy could fall for a guy who is such an arrogant ass who thinks everything should be handed to him because he's so good looking and his dad is a drug lord, albeit a drug lord who is currently in prison. Now, Gabriel does treat Mercy with respect - when he's not essentially forcing her to stay with him so her dad will be looked after in prison - and he does seem to care about her. But it's really, really hard for me to wrap my head around how she thinks it's a good idea to fall for him. I've been going along with it because I am enjoying the story but the relationship is bordering on, if not outright, toxic and I feel it needs to be mentioned each time.

I'm enjoying the time I'm spending reading Nina West's Dirty Empire series and I'm really looking forward to seeing how she wraps everything up in the final book. Dirty Empire gave a hint at the storm that's about to hit and it's going to be intense but so worth it in the end.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the author, via Valentine PR, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Release Day Blitz: Dirty Empire

Dirty Empire by Nina West is now live!

From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker, writing as Nina West, comes the dark and sexy Dirty Empire series

Mercy Wheeler and Gabriel Easton’s sordid tale continues in Dirty Empire as Mercy finds her loyalties tested and Gabriel’s attempt to break free of his family’s legacy comes with unexpected consequences.

I've already read Sweet Mercy (review here) and Gabriel Fallen (review here) and am looking forward to sharing my thoughts on Dirty Empire with you very soon! (PS don't forget you need to read these books in order otherwise you'll spoil the entire series for yourself and where's the fun in that?)

Download Dirty Empire today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

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Sweet Mercy (the first book in the Dirty Empire series) is also FREE!
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And in case you want a little teaser to hold you over until you can read it too...

Meet Nina
Nina West is the author of the sinfully sexy and highly addictive The Wolf Hotel series and Dirty Empire series. She lives in the city but spends her summers in the wilderness.

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Review: Gabriel Fallen

Last week I shared my thoughts on Sweet Mercy, the first book in Nina West's Dirty Empire series (read the review here if you missed it). Gabriel Fallen is book two and is, if you can believe it, more intense than the first. It's just as angsty and sexy but now that the Mercy and Gabriel are getting to know each other better, stakes are higher and hearts are at risk. If you haven't read the first book, I'd suggest doing that and then coming back here for my thoughts on the second book - I don't want anything accidentally being spoiled for you!

Here's the synopsis:

Mercy Wheeler and Gabriel Easton’s sordid tale continues in Gabriel Fallen as Mercy finds herself heading down a dangerous path.

Gabriel has made an art of dangling what I’m most desperate for in front of me, what he knows I can’t refuse, no matter the cost. In this case, that cost continues to be me.

He is still a scoundrel, but I’m starting to see something more.

And while our bargain is proving advantageous in ways I never anticipated, the risks that come with being associated with a man like him are becoming painfully clear.

But how much longer before this arrangement with Gabriel costs me everything I am?

I mentioned in my review of Sweet Mercy that I wasn't a fan of Gabriel. He was far too controlling and, even though he treated Mercy with respect, he seemed to think everything should be handed to him, including Mercy. She has spunk and a spine, even in the face of the son of a very dangerous man, so she doesn't really allow him to walk all over her. That said, she has no real choice but to go along with his demands because he can help her father, who's in jail for murder even though he never meant to kill anyone. (You following?) You can tell, though, that he's starting to fall for Mercy and that is solidifying his feelings that he and his brother have got to get out of the family business. It's sort of like when the Grinch's heart grew three sizes if, you know, the Grinch was a very sexy young man whose father is an imprisoned mob boss.

Speaking of wanting to get out of the family business - I actually quite enjoyed that part of the story. It added an interesting layer to the drama as the reader (along with Gabriel and his brother, Caleb) doesn't really know who to trust. And making a mistake about who to trust? That kind of mistake can have permanent and fatal consequences. 

I have to say I'm so glad that I read these books so close to the publication date of book three (Dirty Empire releases on September 15) because OH MY GOD THE CLIFFHANGER. West's novels can be read as one big novel as each picks up directly where the other left off (at least, that's the experience thus far) and thank goodness because I am freaking the fuck out about what happened at the end. Just. WHAT??? Also - I was relying on the next book to wrap everything up (no idea if it'll be in a nice bow or if things will go completely off the rails) BUT this trilogy is now going to be a quartet. I don't know if my nerves can handle it.

Gabriel Fallen was just as addictive and steamy (oh so steamy) as Sweet Mercy and even though I'm still struggling with my thoughts on Gabriel, I'm completely into the story Nina West is telling and I cannot wait to read what's next in Dirty Empire. 

*A copy of this novel was provided by the author via Valentine PR in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Review: Sweet Mercy

A few months ago, K.A. Tucker, one of my favourite authors, bestowed a gift upon us during the pandemic. It turns out she's been secretly writing erotic novels under the name Nina West for a few years. WHAT!?! I immediately bought the four book set of the Wolf Hotel series and absolutely devoured all four in July. They're short, they're super steamy, and they were completely addictive. She's also working on the Dirty Empire series and, so far, I've read the first two, in anticipation of the next novel (Dirty Empire) coming out later this month. It was supposed to be the final one in the series but it's looking like a fourth book will be coming too! But this review is about the first book, Sweet Mercy. Buckle in, friends. It's going to be a sexy ride.

Here's the synopsis:

One visit to my father in prison—convicted for a murder he didn’t commit—and I’ve attracted the attention of the last man I’d ever want knowing that I exist.

Gabriel Easton.

Son of an infamous crime boss. Deplorable womanizer. Scoundrel to the core.

Worse, he has figured out how desperate I am to protect my father from brutality behind bars. He has the power to grant that protection, and he has offered it … for a price.

Me.

I am to become a “guest” in his mansion, to live with him until he tires of having me around.

I'll do anything for my father, including agree to Gabriel's cruel game. But I won't comply with his every whim and wish.

Not when he taunts me with that ruthless spark in his cold blue eyes.

Not when he requires that I share his bedroom at night.

Unfortunately for me, I think my loathing for him is what he’s enjoying most.

That's fine. By the time I’m through with him, he’ll be crying my name.

Mercy. 

This book does not fuck around. It is dark and it is erotic...aaaand it has a hero who I really struggled with. Gabriel was the kind of guy who thinks he's God's gift to women and he also has the added "bonus" (in his eyes) of being super rich but with dirty money that also ensures a whole lot of people are afraid of him. He just exuded this sense of entitlement, power, and disregard for any rules, even while West was trying to write that he and his brother did want to try to go legitimate with their nightclub. I struggle with super alpha males in any romance but especially when there's such a power imbalance between the hero and heroine. I tried to set it aside and just enjoy the story and that mostly worked but I knew I couldn't review the book without noting the toxicity in Gabriel and Mercy's "relationship."

Because this is a series, and I had already read West's other series, I had an idea that the first book would be mostly foreplay. There was a lot to set up as Gabriel and Mercy got to know each other plus Gabriel had to convince Mercy that he was her only hope to get her father out of prison. A lot had to happen before they could give into their lust for each other. But once they did? Holy fireworks, Batman. It's intense and even though Gabriel is a scoundrel, he is respectful in the bedroom and that, honestly, helped it be a lot sexier because I was still trying to accept him as a love interest. 

I think at one point I described the series as what Fifty Shades of Grey could have been. The bare bones premise of it is really similar and follows what Twilight set up. There's a controlling guy with a secret, who isn't innocent but does want to be at least a little bit better but also doesn't think he should be allowed to be better. Then there's a fairly naive female who has no real choice but to rely on the hero even though she does have her own mind. And then there's a bunch of sexy times - that are much, much better written (and just plain better) than anything James wrote. It's not the same story but the tropes are there.

I really liked Mercy and my heart broke for her as she was trying to deal with such terrible circumstances. I liked getting to know her and realizing how strong she was even in the midst of all the terribleness. She's the kind of character I would love to hang out with, have a drink with, and get to know better. That made up for being so hesitant about Gabriel.

Fans of erotic romance should probably check out Sweet Mercy by Nina West. Though, I'll probably recommend waiting until at least the third book is out because you're going to want to binge the hell out of these books. They get under your skin, let me tell you! Stay tuned for the review of book two, Gabriel Fallen, coming at you soon!

*A copy of this novel was provided by the author via Valentine PR in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Review: SECRET Revealed

Finally! The last book in L. Marie Adeline's S.E.C.R.E.T. trilogy is out! If you're like me, you've been anxiously awaiting the release of SECRET Revealed. I actually had to wait almost a whole month to read the book after receiving it because I was going on vacation and this is not the type of book you explain to your boyfriend's aunt (70something) and uncle (90) when you're staying at their house. Just...no. ;) So, I got back from vacay and dove right in. Damn. Adeline has written one hell of a conclusion to this series!

Here's the synopsis:

The only thing that Cassie Robichaud has ever really wanted is Will Foret, the love of her life. But when Will discovers that Cassie is part of S.E.C.R.E.T., an underground group devoted to helping women experience their deepest sexual fantasies, Will breaks it off. Heartbroken, Cassie dries her tears and devotes herself to helping the latest S.E.C.R.E.T. recruit, Solange Faraday. Cassie also reignites her relationship with sexy bad-boy Jesse, even if he can never love her as deeply as Will did.
Meanwhile, beautiful, brilliant Solange, a local news anchor and divorced mom, has a great career but a wilting love life. She rekindles long-lost passions, going deeper and hotter than any other S.E.C.R.E.T. candidate before her. Will she find what her heart most desires? And when Will realizes he's made a tragic mistake, will Cassie be able to forgive him? In the end, as both women blossom as sexual beings, they also discover that ecstasy and true love are closer than they ever imagined.

I was really looking forward to this one because I needed to know how it ended. Adeline ended both S.E.C.R.E.T. and S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared with major cliffhangers (links lead to my reviews) and that upped the need for a final conclusion. At the end of the previous two books the reader was left wondering if Cassie and Will would ever be able to get together and there was also something else major happening at the end of each book. So, it's no wonder, with those major issues, that I (and every other reader) was looking forward to a nice conclusion.

I'm not a fan of prologues. I find a lot of them give too much away and just don't benefit the overall story. The prologue in this one, though? Perfection. It gave a little bit of insight into what had happened with Will and Cassie (and, boy oh boy, was it hot) as well as reminding the reader what had happened at the end of S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared.

I knew going into this book that I was likely going to be disappointed but happy. Sounds weird, right? I knew Cassie needed to end up with Will. They were just meant to be. But that meant that she didn't get Jesse. And I am Team Jesse. Don't get me wrong, I like Will. I just happen to like Jesse more. I'm also not entirely sure I loved how Jesse's storyline ended. I get it, I guess, but it felt kind of odd to me. But, all that being said, I'm really happy with how Adeline decided to wrap up Cassie's story.

I hope that my reviews have let you all know that these books are so much more than their incredibly sexy scenes. Of course, that doesn't mean those erotic scenes are to be passed over. Oh, no. Adeline knows how to write these scenes to make them feel realistic and that, I think, makes them even hotter than some other erotic novels you may have read.

Finally, I have to say, probably again, that I adore L. Marie Adeline (well, technically Lisa Gabriele, as Adeline is a pseudonym). I really liked reading her S.E.C.R.E.T. series and I'm so happy with the way she wrapped everything up in S.E.C.R.E.T. Revealed. I think I love these books so much because there's an actual story behind the erotica. Cassie and the other women are relatable. They're real women who make mistakes along the way and learn from those mistakes. If you want a really good and enjoyable new series to read and you still haven't read these ones, do it. Bonus: you won't have to deal with the crazy cliffhangers like I did and you can read all three back to back to back!

Happy reading :)

*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher, Random House of Canada, in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared

I've been waiting to get my hands on a copy of S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared by L. Marie Adeline (aka Lisa Gabriele) ever since I read the last page of the first book in the series, S.E.C.R.E.T. Adeline left us with a hell of a cliffhanger - one that a lot of readers hated. I enjoyed the first book (you can read my review here) but I liked this second book so much more.

Here's the synopsis:

Still wounded from a recent heartbreak, Cassie Robichaud throws herself into service with S.E.C.R.E.T., the mysterious organization that changed her life last year by bringing her deepest sexual fantasies to life, one step at a time. Now, it’s Cassie’s turn to guide the group’s newest candidate, Dauphine Mason, recruiting men to execute a new set of fantasies. While it gets Cassie’s mind off Will, the man she truly loves, it also gives her the chance to help watch S.E.C.R.E.T. work its magic on someone new.
At thirty-one, Dauphine is the proprietor of a New Orleans vintage clothing store—the kind of buttoned-up career woman who has no idea how attractive she really is. In order to reignite her sexual flame and reawaken her dormant heart, she must leave behind her bitter past.
As both Cassie and Dauphine navigate the rocky path between their hearts and their passions, they discover what they truly want in life and in love. SECRET Shared is a liberating, passionate and sexually charged sequel to one of the hottest new series in erotica.

I liked how Adeline wrote this book (apart from the prologue...I didn't like that. Then again, I'm not a fan of prologues in general). The chapters alternated perspectives - one chapter was Cassie, the next, Dauphine - and that worked for a few reasons. It allowed us a fresh perspective into the world of S.E.C.R.E.T. What does Dauphine think of these women and what kind of fantasies will she have? I think the two perspectives allowed us to see how far Cassie had come since the start of the her S.E.C.R.E.T. journey by comparing her to Dauphine and how she was doing. It also kept things a little more exciting because there was just plain more going on. Having two stories happening at the same time allowed us a wider view into S.E.C.R.E.T. Which leads me to my next point...

Seeing more of the inner workings of the organization was great and I think that added layer is part of what helped me enjoy this book more. We got to read about how the S.E.C.R.E.T. men are recruited and trained (and hoo boy, that training session was HOT) as well as how the organization is funded and legally run. 

I liked Cassie so much more in this book. Seeing her (continuing) growth was great and she was a really fun and interesting character to read about. She's still a little timid but she's much more alive than she was when we first met her. Dauphine was also a lot of fun. I loved that she owned a vintage clothing store and how her S.E.C.R.E.T. journey also helped her professionally. 

I loved reading SECRET Shared. L. Marie Adeline has once again succeeded in writing an intriguing story with erotic elements woven in. There's another doozy cliffhanger (why, Lisa, whyyyyy???) so I'm once again anxiously awaiting the next instalment in the series - SECRET Revealed - which is supposed to be released next year. If you're looking for a new erotic series to read - check this one out!

*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher, Random House of Canada, in exchange for an honest review.*

Just Finished: S.E.C.R.E.T.

I need to start this review off by saying that S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline (pseudonym for author Lisa Gabriele) is not like Fifty Shades of Grey. I'll get into why in a bit. What you need to know now is that this novel was entertaining and sexy and I enjoyed reading it. 

Here's the synopsis:

No judgments. No limits. No shame.
Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed. The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.

As I mentioned, this is not just another Fifty Shades knock off. Why's that? There are a few important differences...

• the writing won't make you cringe
• the sex is actually quite normal (or vanilla if you want to call it that) - no whips or chains here - but that doesn't make it any less steamy       
• the heroine is timid at first but is on a journey of self discovery, not aiming to be the plaything of a billionaire
• there's no creepy, controlling, Room of Pain owning man who you're supposed to swoon over         

I did read Fifty Shades so I am doing an honest comparison here. That trilogy didn't do anything for me. Anna was just so irritating and I did not find Christian attractive. All that being said...I don't want to compare the two books. I'm not going to say if you liked Fifty you'll like this because I don't think that's fair to either story. I saw Chapters do that the weekend before this book was released on their Facebook page and I fear that the comparison will turn people off since so many people hated Fifty Shades. Of course, if you did enjoy the erotic elements definitely pick up this book.

S.E.C.R.E.T. is another story. Literally. I was talking to someone about this book and she made a good point about what makes this novel intriguing. You kind of want to be a part of this secret society. You want to know where you can sign up because who doesn't want to have some of their fantasies come true? Between wanting to know what the group's secret is and the (really irritating) cliffhanger, I'm looking forward to seeing what book two will bring.

Cassie was an interesting character. She doesn't think much of herself in the beginning. She's quite boring and keeps to herself instead of going out or flirting with her attractive and interested boss. Agreeing to the first step signifies the first change  in her. She realizes that she needs to change herself and she agrees to go on this seemingly crazy adventure.       

Overall, I was pleasantly surpised by S.E.C.R.E.T. and think many others would also find this to be an enjoyable read. There's a good storyline along with the erotic element. If you're looking for a good weekend read, I suggest picking this one up!

*A copy of this novel was provided by Random House of Canada in exchange for an honest review*                                           

My Thoughts on Fifty Shades of Grey

Yep. I finally gave in and read Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James. I was curious to see what all the hype was about. Would I fall into the "OMG Christian Grey is sooooo hot and I LOVE these books!!!" camp or the "How the hell did this crap get published" camp? As it turns out, I kind of fell somewhere in the middle.

In case you've been living under a rock, this is what this book is about:

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.
The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.  Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.
Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

My boyfriend's mom always shares books with the ladies at work - it's like a giant book exchange. I've become their go-to girl for book recommendations and after hearing about their latest smutty book (can't remember what it was...a Bertice Small book, perhaps?) I figured I should mention the phenomenon that was E.L. James' Fifty Shades trilogy. Boy, were they happy about that suggestion. The books quickly made their rounds through the hospital where they work and caused much discussion. She made sure the first instalment was back in her hands for the May long weekend so I was able to read it. And read it I did.

I finished Fifty Shades of Grey in one day. It's not that I couldn't put it down, more that I had to have it finished before I left at the end of the weekend. It also wasn't a difficult book to read. I can see why many people have said that it's absolutely awful but I didn't find myself bothered by the writing quality. I didn't pay much attention to the quality of Twilight either - I read that for the story, not the writing.

Speaking of Twilight - I was constantly looking for comparisons between the vampire series and Ana and Christian's story. I knew that Fifty Shades started as a fan fiction and I can definitely see some similarities. Controlling bad boy? Check. Male best friend who's in love with the heroine? Check. (PS did she really have to call him Jose and make him Hispanic? Um, Jacob who's Native? Too similar for me) Takes place in Washington? Check. Naive, clumsy, "average" heroine? Check. Hero who had a tough upbringing, was adopted, and has adopted siblings? Check. Need I go on? Even though there are tons of similarities, many people could read Fifty Shades and not see any connections. Also, I thought it was...amusing? interesting?...that I wasn't in love with Christian. I don't really see his appeal, nor do I see Edward's appeal. I just find it interesting to note how the two series are so similar yet can stand alone quite easily to those who haven't read the other.

I can't complete this post without mentioning the erotic aspect of this book. Yes, there's a lot of sex. Is that all it is? No. There is a storyline there (even if some people will tell you that it's horribly written). It just so happens that Grey has a sexual fetish that factors heavily into his relationship with Ana. Nothing really shocked me - and I'm not sure what that says about me, perhaps I'm desensitized with all that stuff "kids these days" are seeing on TV? - but there were a couple of scenes that made me exclaim "WTF?!?" (If you've read it you probably know exactly what I'm talking about). It's not for everyone, that's for sure but it didn't really bother me at all.

Like I said, I fell somewhere in the middle of the "thought it was amazing" and "thought it was awful" scale. Did I enjoy reading it? Sure. I don't think I wasted my time. Did I think everyone and their mother should read it? No, not really. It's definitely a personal choice as many people would be mighty offended by the content. I can also tell that I wasn't that into it because I finished the first book almost a month ago and have little desire to read book #2 (Fifty Shades Darker, by the by). I'll eventually get around to finishing the series because I am curious to see how it wraps up. And yes, I'll probably watch the movie when it's released.

So, fellow readers, what did you think of Christian Grey? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading :)