Random Review: Fangs with a Heart by Tempeste O'Riley #Review #Giveaway

Author: TempesteO'Riley
Book: Fangs With A Heart
Series: Chain of Fate #2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Publication date: May 22, 2017
Length: 236 pages


Reviewed by Meredith


Synopsis

Lynx shifter Trace Wilson’s fun-loving exterior hides a heart scarred by severe domestic violence—a heart that might not ever trust another male, fated mate or not. When Trace moves to Seattle to take his place as trainer and council representative to the Glacier Rim Tribe, he discovers his mate is the vampire prince Sasha Tolstoi, leader of the Konstantin Coven. It’s not something Trace is ready to accept. Not now, maybe not ever. But if there’s one thing Sasha knows how to do, it’s how to be patient, especially when his fated heart is also his perfect sub.

When an outside force threatens the fragile bond slowly forming between them—and nearly kills Trace—Trace’s instincts shift into high gear. Sasha is powerful, and that means he has enemies, among them several rival covens and an uncle determined to force Sasha into a marriage with a vampire princess. But why involve the lynx Trace in their maneuvering? Finding the culprit won’t be easy, and it will mean building trust—a slow and difficult prospect for someone who’s suffered as much as Trace. Finding a way to move beyond the past, and to love, before those out to finish Sasha can destroy either, is a race the two fated hearts have to win.

Buy Links

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Review

Fangs with a Heart is book two in Tempeste O’Riley’s Chain of Fate Series. Whiskers of a Chance came out in 2015 and was one of my favorite books of that year. So naturally, I was excited to read this one. I adored Sasha in Whiskers of a Chance and pretty much begged the author to make another book. I am so glad she did.

Now, I’m going to say I didn’t love this story like I did book one. I had massively high hopes for this one. I hoped to see more of the fun loving Sasha. The one that rocked every scene he was in. This book took on a much more serious feel.

Trace actually made me laugh when he was in his lynx form. He was so endearing and the clearer thinker in Trace’s head. Suffering from an abusive relationship is a struggle and a half. Even after the abuser can no longer physically hurt you, it still eats at your mind and makes loving another near impossible.

This story was slow moving at first. I will go so far as to say it dragged in some places and sort of became repetitive in the back and forth. I got the state of mind Trace was in and was sympathetic. I think I felt that when the declaration came it would be like breathing fresh air. It was sort of just an “okay yeah now let’s go do this.” SO much was happening in this story that parts stumbled. Sasha and Trace made plans for dates that never happened but the absence of them wasn't discussed so the reader has to assume.

I adored the suspense with who was trying to kill Trace but again we got the ruling on the “whodunit” but then it died away. The ending threw me for a loop. It was very much way out of nowhere in the hope of tying up a loose end and it left me with more questions than answers.

All in all, it was okay for me. I was happy that Sasha and Trace got their HEA (maybe HFN?) And that I got to see Jason again (he’s my favorite) The cover is stunning! It is an entertaining series and the dialog is thoroughly enjoyable so I do recommend you given this series a go. You should read them in order though.

Giveaway

Enter the monthly review giveaway! 

Contest ends May 31st!

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Random Five #Giveaway

It's the fun time again... Random Five time. When I pick 5 random books I've read and share them with you so you can love them too. At some point in my reading I've read and adored these. They've stuck with me. You may have read all, some, or none of these. But either way I am showing them to you. At the end you can enter the giveaway and win one! YAY! Let's do this!

The Good Boy by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock

Released March 2013

Introverted college student Lane Moredock is in a bad place. His mother has been arrested for securities fraud, his father is on the run, and everyone, including the SEC, suspects Lane knows where the missing millions are. Lane, with no money and nowhere to live, makes a desperate deal that lands him in trouble and leaves him unwilling to trust a so-called Dom again.

Photographer Derek Fields lost money to the Moredocks, and is as sure as anyone that Lane is guilty despite his claims. A chance meeting with Lane shows him there might be something more to the young man than arrogance and privilege, and Derek wonders if Lane might be just what he’s been looking for: a sub with the potential to be a life partner.

As Lane slowly begins to open up to Derek and explore his needs as a submissive, the investigation closes tighter around him. Lane might be everything that Derek wants, but first Derek needs to trust that Lane is innocent—and Lane needs to trust Derek with the truth.

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Only Love by Garrett Leigh

Release Date: April 2014

The diagnosis of a chronic stomach condition leaves thirty-two-year-old Sergeant Jed Cooper with little choice but to call time on his Army career. Then on the dusty streets of Kirkuk, an ambush gone tragically wrong decimates his team, and he returns to the US with a shattered leg and the memory of his best friend dying in his arms.

Life in his sleepy hometown proves intolerable until he finds solace in a lakeside cabin with vivacious young carpenter, Max O’Dair. In the shadow of the epilepsy that periodically plagues Max, he and Jed form an unspoken bond. After a late night episode, Jed realizes how much Max means to him, and life has taught him not to waste time.

But the lines between contentment and complacency are blurred. Things left hidden resurface to tear through their world, and before they can repair the damage, death comes to call again. Faces, past and present, rally around them to weather the storm, but before long, they are left with only love.

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Designs of Desire by Tempeste O’Riley

Released July 2013 

Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.

As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.

James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?

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Collide by Riley Hart

Release date:  November 2013

At ten years old, Noah Jameson and Cooper Bradshaw collided mid-air when they dove for the same football. For three years, they were inseparable…until one day when Noah and his parents disappeared in the middle of the night.

Noah and Cooper never knew what happened to each other. Now, seventeen years later, after finding his boyfriend in bed with another man, Noah returns to Blackcreek looking for a fresh start. And damned if he doesn't find his old friend grew up to be sexy as sin. Coop can’t believe Noah—the only person he trusted with the guilt over his parents’ death—is back. And gay… Or that Cooper himself suddenly wants another man in his bed for the first time.

There’s no denying the attraction and emotion between them, but can they overcome the ghosts of their pasts to have a future together?

This title contains two strong, sexy men, and a passionate friendship that transforms into a sizzling hot romance.

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The Back Up  Boyfriend by River Jaymes

Released November 2013

Professionally, Dr. Alec Johnson has almost reached his goals. As this year’s recipient of a humanitarian award with his ex, Dr. Tyler Hall, Alec’s work with the homeless is about to be recognized. Unfortunately, his personal life sucks because now he has to attend several events alongside Tyler—with his ex’s new boyfriend in tow. In an attempt to lift his mood and break out of his rut, Alec purchases a motorcycle he has no idea how to start.

Dylan Booth doesn't have time for Dr. Clueless and his fickle 1964 Harley, but the cocky mechanic can’t say no to the request for help. Having spent his teen years on the streets, and losing his best friend to HIV, Dylan decides teaching the do-gooder how to ride is the least he can do. But watching Alec flounder in his ex's company throws Dylan into protector mode, and the confirmed hetero introduces himself as Alec's new boyfriend.

The ex-suspects Dylan is lying.

Alec claims Dylan’s plan is insane.

And Dylan’s not sure he can fake being gay.

But he’s a master bullshitter, and the phony PDA soon turns ultra-hot. Alec can’t afford to get attached, and Dylan’s learned everyone eventually leaves. Unfortunately, playing the backup boyfriend is starting to feel way too real…

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Giveaway!

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Contest will end August 12th!

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