Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 34

  

• Kiss Off: Valentine's Inc. Book 2, Michelle Frost
• The Seer: New Vampire Disorder Book 7, Marie Johnston
• Rebel Ink: Wanted, An Outlaw Anthology, Daphne Loveling

A growly Jackson doesn't know what to make of the stunning, effervescent Westley.  With a meddling grandmother and open hearts these two men make a connection that was handled really well.  They could feel something between them and didn't let angst, misunderstandings, or miscommunication get between them.  While keeping things professional during the contract's duration they learned quite a lot about one another thus forming a foundation that spelled all kinds of solid believability for their future.  Even when Jackson gets a visit from his past there were no second thoughts on his part, he believed in and fully embraced what he was building with Westley.  Even though West had his moment of insecurity, he didn't behave childishly, he waited until they were able to discuss things, even if he guessed that he'd get the short end of the stick.  This was a fluffy, sweet, sexy story between men who definitely needed one another.  4.5 stars.

A gift of sight should be pretty obvious in its benefits and uses.  But since Isabelle doesn't receive prophecies or visions that are easily interpreted, she's sequestered in the compound and has limited access to anyone socially.  And then she gets a vision of someone like her that needs help, a child that will be used for evil and selfish gain if she can't get there in time to help.  Politics and Isabelle's isolation have stunted both her personal growth as well as her relationships so watching her lead the expedition is both awkward and amusing at times.

Her ever-present bodyguard is released from his position and having done nothing but guard Isabelle for a century, he's determined to remain by her side even if he has no clue what his purpose is anymore.  As Scurn helps Isabelle he gets an eye-opening adventure that shows him how truly good he is inside and just who and what he wants for his future.  There's definitely a lot of chemistry between Isabelle and Scurn and while it feels a bit juvenile (as in youthfully naive), it's definitely steamy.  As Isabelle faces the council she makes some interesting realizations that will be really, really exciting if things play out the way I hope they will with her new role.  I really enjoyed watching these two characters mature and grow over the course of this short story in a world that I'm completely crazy about.  4 stars.

Six is hiding from a dangerous ex and while she's no stranger to picking up stakes when her gut tells her it's time, there's something about her current situation that makes her want to stay.  Maybe the sexy biker that comes in for ink on the regular has something to do with it...  I really liked their chemistry and the slower way they built something to keep them coming back to one another.  When Six finally gave in to that chemistry they really set things on fire.  As they learned to trust one another they built a pretty good foundation to support something lasting.  The drama surrounding them was sufficiently crazy to warrant big declarations, tense moments, and quite a bit of action.  Revealing what they meant to one another with more than words, namely a tattoo, was so perfect for the couple.  But the best part was the tenderness they showed one another and all the heart a sexy tatted biker laid bare for Six.  4 stars.