Dark Instincts by Suzanne Wright

The Phoenix Pack VOL 4

Summary
It happens whenever wolf shifter Roni Axton is near Marcus Fuller: a crackle of sexual awareness that’s intoxicating…and deeply annoying. Marcus is a pack enforcer who oozes power, but Roni is lethal in her own right—nothing like the flirty females who flock around him. Even still, his possessive gaze makes one thing clear. Marcus has singled her out for seduction, and he wants to make her sit up and beg.

No matter how aloof and unfazed Roni acts, Marcus can tell she wants him. When a brutal attack by a jackal pack forces them to work together, it’s the perfect opportunity for Marcus to chip away at her defenses—until he falls into his own trap, completely unprepared for the intensity of their connection. Roni is the only one who’s ever seen past his shifter charm and discovered the man hiding beneath it. And for Marcus, claiming Roni once will mean needing her forever.

Impressions
Fun, sexy and feisty!

Didn't know it was a series before I started this book. And honestly, it wasn't bothered my reading or my understanding.
The author writing is entertaining, great and the sexy sexual scene very well written.

To be honest, I was looking for something light to read because I was bored and wanted to change my mind without thinking too much. I've chosen this wolf shifter story because it has been a long time since I hadn't read paranormal romance and wanted something sexy too.

I was pleased beyond my hope. Lately, I'm often bored with the plot but it was not the case with Roni and Marcus.
I've enjoyed the characters from the start. Roni is a badass woman with a very soft side. I like her attitude, her repartee and her personality. It was a fun change to read about someone strong, intelligent and antisocial with a weird sense of humor. Lol!
I've really enjoyed my time while following her adventures. Marcus, dominant and accepting sides were hot, sweet and sexy.

I can't say anything else…I've spent a great time while discovering a very cool new author. Will check her other books!
Great story, fun moment!


The Phoenix Pack series by Suzanne Wright
VOL 1: Feral Sins
VOL 2:Wicked Cravings 
VOL 3: Carnal Secrets 
VOL 4: Dark Instincts

The Paintbrush Playbook by Anna Montiel

The Paintbrush Playbook: 
44 Exercises for Swooshing, Dancing, and Making Dazzling Art With Your Brush by Anna Montiel

Summary
Sketch and paint right on the pages of this fun, modern, approachable practice and inspiration book focusing on one of the most popular drawing tools - the paint brush.

This playful, colorful exercise book is filled with fun, contemporary, beautiful illustrations by leading illustrator Ana Montiel.

The exercises explore mark making, patterns, geometrics, simple drawings, texture, and composition and includes professional tips and tricks that will enhance your skills as you work through the book. Each spread has one page filled with art examples and an exercise, with plenty of room to draw or paint right in the book. The Paintbrush Playbook is printed on high-quality, uncoated paper, allowing you to paint or draw anywhere that inspiration strikes.

Explore abstract drawing, pattern drawing, meditative doodling and more with this all-in-one learning and practice book. This is a great volume for artists, designers, doodlers, illustrators, painters, pattern illustrators, and zentanglers of all ages. You will not want to miss it!

Impressions
Interesting for people who want to explore how to paint differently.
I was a bit disappointed as there is not a lot of text but the tips are great and helpful.
In my opinion, sometimes the pictures are not selling enough the exercice.

A great book for beginners, painters who want to try new way with their brushes and people who enjoy art.

Source
*Arc provided by Edelweiss.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Wicked Play by Lynda Aicher

BONDS OF COURAGE BOOK 6

Synopsis
Pro hockey player Holden Hauke has kept his sexual needs buried for years. After a near miss over a picture of him bound to a spanking bench resulted in a mid-season TRADE, he's kept his image clean. But with the season over, he's ready to surrender control. And he's found just the woman to help him—if only he can convince her to give him a chance.

Bending men to her will is nothing new for Vanessa Delcour, aka Mistress V—she's a full-time rep for pro athletes, a part-time owner of exclusive sex club The Den, and an experienced Domme. But when Holden Hauke comes looking for a discreet partner, Vanessa's concerned about his motives. Touching his training-toned body during a scene wouldn't exactly be a hardship, but taking him on crosses barriers between work and play that she's had in place for years.

From their first intense encounter in Mistress V's playroom, Hauke knows he can't let this chance slip away; he's found the woman he's always needed. Submissive or not, he's willing to push her every limit to prove how good they can be together.

Reactions
I was following this series from the start. I really like the atmosphere and the characters Lynda Aicher has build. It's like a family.
It's a pleasure to encounter them again in different stories and see how they evolved.

Vanessa and Holden story was fun to read as the powers played have changed. The reader follows a domme mind at work. And in this case, what is under the cold façade.
Strange to see that women with powers are always pictured cold or icy. That's why Holden place in this story was great and interesting to watch. He is the one who put down the walls and see the woman behind the façade.

Still a fan of this series and of Lynda Aicher way of telling a story.
Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

The Organic Artist by Nick Neddo

The Organic Artist: 
Make Your Own Paint, Paper, Pigments, 
Prints and More from Nature by Nick Neddo 

Summary 
It's time to go back to basics! If you're interested in art, but find that it's becoming an increasingly expensive hobby, The Organic Artist is just the book for you! It encourages us all to return to those days when art was made with all-natural materials, such as charcoal and birch bark. Immersing you in the natural world, The Organic Artist seeks to inspire creativity by connecting you to your organic roots. In addition to offering a wide variety of suggestions for using nature as supplies for art, this book also introduces the concepts of awareness and perception that are foundational to the creative process. 

Readers will refine drawing skills, as well as increase their appreciation for the visual arts and the natural landscape. Some of the projects and skills covered include the following: making paper and wild ink, working with soapstone, clay, wood, and rawhide, printmaking and stenciling, natural pigments and dyes, camouflage and body painting, and nature journaling. 

"In his new book "The Organic Artist", Nick masterfully leads the reader on his own magical journey into nature as he collects and crafts organic materials for creating art. The book is not only filled with beautiful images, but easy to understand step-by-step instructions for the reader to follow, ensuring their success. 

I highly recommend "The Organic Artist" for anyone who wants to discover the joy of creating with nature." - Matt Tommey, Sculptural Basketry Artist 

Impressions 
As someone who likes to draw with pencil and charcoal, I was attracted and curious about how you could create all the stuff you are using.
Art is a way of expressing yourself so being able to make your own tools make it even more special.

When I was reading this book and starting to want to make my own Charcoal by going camping or trying to make my paper, someone point out that it's easier and faster to go buy your pen and paper at the store. True, especially when living in a big city.

But deep down, I'm thrilled at the possibility to personalize my material, to make something natural. I'm sure the colors will be different and full of real life. That's why this book attracted me. The explanation seem easy to try and their is a peaceful feeling while watching all this imperfect pens, brushes, paper create something beautiful.

Like it!

Source 
*Arc provided by Edelweiss. 
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Catching Heat by Alison Packard

Summary 
Life has taught Angie DeMarco that all baseball players are womanizers, and her incredible one-night stand with sexy San Francisco Blaze back-up catcher J.T. Sawyer seemed to prove it. Determined not to give in to their sizzling chemistry a second time, she’s kept her distance ever since, focusing on her accounting job with the team. But now she’s laid off…and pregnant. 

J.T. was hurt by Angie’s rejection, but with one more year with the Blaze, he has no time for love. He needs to spend the off season training hard so he can negotiate a better contract with a new team at the end of the year. But when Angie shows up on his doorstep, he‘s overwhelmed by wanting to not just do right by her but pursue a relationship with her. Hoping for a second chance, he proposes. 

Angie agrees to marry J.T. on one condition: the marriage will be purely a business arrangement. But as Angie spends time with him and his family, and J.T. neglects his training to spend time with her, what begins as a union in name only slowly grows into something more—something that looks a whole lot like love and friendship. 

Impressions 
Cute but predictable!

Ok ok, we don't always read to be surprised. :-)

The story is pleasant and I've spend a good time with the characters. Would have liked some more pimento, some fire and probably some drama to be really hooked. The author has done her job but hasn't taken any risk.

So, it's a nice easy read.

Source 
*Arc provided by Netgalley. 
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander

Summary
To Do:
Swim naked in the moonlight
Play in a high stakes card game
Ride an elephant
Be painted sans clothing.
Take a lover. . .

Lucy Merryweather has inherited a fortune--and her great-aunt's list of unfulfilled wishes. What better way to honor her memory than by accomplishing as many of them as possible?
And with Lucy's family an ocean away in New York, nothing stands in her way--if one ignores the private investigator hired to spy on her.

Yet Cameron Effington is infuriatingly difficult to ignore. . .

As a reporter, Cameron is always looking for a good story. An American heiress running rampant between Millworth Manor and Mayfair is the perfect subject. Not to mention captivating. And extremely kissable. And if Lucy believes he's a detective?
Well, the truth should never get in the way of a good story--or hinder delicious, impetuous passion. . .

Impressions
Lovely story with a funny adorable duo.

The story and the plot have piqued my curiosity as it has been a long time since I've read a Victorian Romance. I was not disappointed. The reader follows an interesting heroine who has a mind on her own.
Lucy is charming and adventurous with a bit of a temper. Perfect to make you smile.
Cameron has make me frown. He is cute as a pie but he reacts like a stuffy old man. Worst, like a virgin! Not at all what you expect from a gentleman! Lol!

If the duo is cool, the story has some length. It's a little long in the beginning as well as at the end. In trying to build some suspense and anticipation, the author has made me sigh once or twice. But she has nice characters who have saved me from my impatience.

Nice read.