GRIEVOUS by J.M. Darhower Review

GRIEVOUS

(Scarlet Scars Book Two)

Dark Romance

J.M. Darhower

Release Date: February 6th

Scarlet Scars is a two-book series.

***Scarlet Scars contains dark elements that some readers may find disturbing***

***Synopsis***

Once upon a time, there was a girl who stopped believing in fairy tales after her innocence was stolen.

Morgan Myers is tired. So damn tired. Most people either push her around or brush her off, and she's not putting up with it anymore. Determined to reclaim the life that had been stolen from her, she puts her trust in the last person she ever expected to: the notorious they call Scar. Morgan sees a side of him that few people seem to know—the man, not the myth. Lorenzo. And what she sees, she likes, a lot more than she thought she would.

But fairy tales aren't real, as life likes to remind her. Some dragons, you just can't slay, no matter how hard you fight them. And when hers comes back around, breathing fire, she's forced to face some unimaginable horrors. But there's a white knight in combat boots out there that isn't afraid of monsters.

You see, it's impossible to be afraid of something you see every day in the mirror.

myBook.to/ScarletGrievous

MENACE

(Scarlet Scars Book One)

Release Date: January 16th

***Synopsis***

Once upon a time, there was a guy who got so fed up with life that he resorted to murder and mayhem just to feel alive.

Lorenzo Gambini is bored. So fucking bored. Most people either annoy him or avoid him, afraid to face him. Figuratively. Literally. With his face partially disfigured, scarred, he looks every bit the monster the stories make him out to be: the notorious menace they call Scar. They say he's a sociopath. Maybe he's a psychopath. Whatever path he's on, people tend to stay far away from it.

Until one day, a young woman bumps right into him—a woman just as fed up with life, but for much different reasons. With a Scarlet Letter inked on her wrist and secrets buried deep in her soul, Morgan Myers is running from something... or maybe somebody. Lorenzo isn't quite sure.

You can bet your ass he's going to figure it out, though.

myBook.to/ScarletMenace

About the Author

J.M. Darhower is the USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal/erotic/romantic suspense novels about the baddest bad boys and the ladies who love them. Fangirl at heart, J.M. is obsessed with books, music, and all things Marvel, especially the glorious Sebastian Stan. She spends her days in a tiny town in North Carolina, churning out words and chasing down Pokémon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmdarhower

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMDarhower

Website: http://www.jmdarhower.com/

Review

Grievous by J.M. Darhower

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story picks up where Menace leaves off. You definitely have to read Menace first. The dilemmas aren't solved when Grievous begins, but it has a lighter touch in comparison to Menace. The main characters are doing well. They still know that a showdown is inevitable, but they have some fun. The reader gets to know more about them and see more into their personalities. I actually started thinking this book wasn't going to have the hints of dark the first one did. I was wrong. It has a point where events are definitely taken further in the direction of dark than book one.

Despite everything Lorenzo and Morgan went through in the past and endure in this book, they don't loose their humanity. They're easy to understand and love. Some of the sweetest scenes happen. The ugly and precious balance out and give it a realistic feeling. I love the cast and the plot. If you like mob style tales, you should definitely check out this series. No one does organized crime like this author.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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MENACE by J.M. Darhower Review

MENACE

(Scarlet Scars Book One)

Dark Romance

J.M. Darhower

Release Date: January 16th

Scarlet Scars is a two-book series.

GRIEVOUS (Scarlet Scars Book Two) will release February 6th.

***Scarlet Scars contains dark elements that some readers may find disturbing***

***Synopsis***

Once upon a time, there was a guy who got so fed up with life that he resorted to murder and mayhem just to feel alive.

Lorenzo Gambini is bored. So fucking bored. Most people either annoy him or avoid him, afraid to face him. Figuratively. Literally. With his face partially disfigured, scarred, he looks every bit the monster the stories make him out to be: the notorious menace they call Scar. They say he's a sociopath. Maybe he's a psychopath. Whatever path he's on, people tend to stay far away from it.

Until one day, a young woman bumps right into him—a woman just as fed up with life, but for much different reasons. With a Scarlet Letter inked on her wrist and secrets buried deep in her soul, Morgan Myers is running from something... or maybe somebody. Lorenzo isn't quite sure.

You can bet your ass he's going to figure it out, though.

myBook.to/ScarletMenace

About the Author

J.M. Darhower is the USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal/erotic/romantic suspense novels about the baddest bad boys and the ladies who love them. Fangirl at heart, J.M. is obsessed with books, music, and all things Marvel, especially the glorious Sebastian Stan. She spends her days in a tiny town in North Carolina, churning out words and chasing down Pokémon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmdarhower

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMDarhower

Website: http://www.jmdarhower.com/

Review

Menace by J.M. Darhower

4.5 stars

I respect how Lorenzo doesn't do a lot of posturing like some males, and Morgan doesn't apologize like some females. They are flawed people, but they are who they are. Both characters are awesome. You don't know what they're going to do next. It's easy to connect with them even if their behaviors are something you would never consider in your own life. Lorenzo is physically scarred across his face and blind in one eye; yet, he exudes loads more appeal than a perfect and fake male lead would. Morgan is definitely not the sweet and virginal type. Both are harsh and real with painful backgrounds, but it's not difficult to find their hearts underneath it all. Morgan is on a mission. A dangerous man is after her. No one wants to help. Lorenzo is looking for some excitement and trouble. They make a perfect match.

I loved this story. It kept my attention the entire time. It has mystery, action and raw grit. I stayed up late into the night reading. I haven't done that in awhile. No one knows how to write organized crime quite like this author, and no matter how many she writes, the cast in each is totally unique and believable. I definitely recommend Menace, and I can't wait for the next book.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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Sweetest Sorrow by J.M. Darhower Review

Dante Galante has evaded death a few times in his life, but held captive in a sweltering basement, he's certain that death has finally caught up to him. Bloody and barely breathing, he tries to stay strong, but there's only so much a man can endure before darkness takes over.

As a critical care nurse, Gabriella Russo witnesses suffering often. Thick-skinned, forever cautious, she doesn't take her work home with her... until Dante Galante lands himself in her hospital. Recklessly grieving the sister he believes he'll never see again, Dante needs a friend. Just a friend. That's all it's supposed to be.

But life has other plans for them, just as it had for Matteo Barsanti and Genevieve Galante. Away from the chaos, building a life of their own, there's only one thing that could ever bring them back to New York: Dante.

Rules get broken and boundaries are crossed as the fight between rival families continues on, drawing them all deeper into a war they want far away from... for good reason.

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bN3O2k

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bxswrB

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2bxtnbL

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2c0OdOi

Book 1 of the Forbidden Series

A deadly rivalry. 

Two families at war. 

Nobody is safe, not even the innocent. 

Especially the innocent. 

Blood will be spilled. 

Genevieve "Genna" Galante knows a thing or two about causing trouble. After all, it's engrained in her DNA. As the only daughter of Primo Galante, notorious boss of the Galante crime family, her life is dictated by a certain set of rules… rules Genna was never very good at following. 

Matteo "Matty" Barsanti never wanted anything to do with the family business, but as the first-born Barsanti son, certain things are expected of him. It's his duty, according to his father, to help take down the enemy... even if that enemy means something to him. 

A chance encounter on an elevator changes the course of lives, causing the biggest trouble of Genna's young life. The only good Barsanti is a dead Barsanti. She's heard it said time and time again. So what happens when she falls in love with one of them?

The story of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle of the biggest rivalry New York has ever seen, determined to make it… if only they can survive their parents' feud.

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bzLoBB

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bxu4Se

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2bEpcI5

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2bEpPS5

JM Darhower is the USA Today Bestselling Author of romance novels of all flavors (erotic, suspense, contemporary, paranormal). She lives in a tiny town in the Carolinas with her family, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and human rights, and when she isn’t writing she’s usually ranting about those things. Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a social media addiction. You can find her there.

http://jmdarhower.tumblr.com
https://twitter.com/jmdarhower
https://www.facebook.com/JMDarhower

REVIEW

Sweetest Sorrow by J.M. Darhower

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a dual couple story. Matteo Barsanti and Genevieve Galante from BAON are expecting a baby and on the run. Dante Galante has evaded death again, but he is in critical condition under the care of Gabriella Russo. Every character is completely intertwined. There's the big arch nemesis situation between Primo Galante and Bobby Barsanti, and practically everyone is a mortal enemy really. Despite everything, some are able to see past the war of the last couple of decades.

I was into the storyline from the start, but it wasn't fully holding my interest during the beginning part. The later half or so greatly picked up me. There were so many stand out lines that I actually was compelled to highlight and read over them a couple of extra times.

If you've read this author, you know she gives her mafia stories a realistic feel. They aren't over the top or guaranteed to end well for everyone. These characters have lived through and/or perpetrated acts which forever changed everything. No matter how things happened to go, there were bound to be bittersweet feelings.

Sweetest Sorrow was a win for me. I liked and felt sorry for certain characters unexpectedly. I was shocked by the complete heartlessness of others. A blast from the past person of obsession for me showed up. It felt like time travel to see someone you know you will miss in the future. The book ends in a way that could definitely be the conclusion of the story, but I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the cast pop up again. I want to give a shout out to Gavin Amaro. He is a favorite from this series for sure.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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TARGET ON OUR BACKS by J.M. Darhower Review

Target on Our Backs

(Monster in His Eyes #3)

USA Today Bestselling Author

J.M. Darhower

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 23, 2016

http://amzn.to/1Q89ssL
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AXNKOHW
http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01AXNKOHW
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01AXNKOHW
http://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01AXNKOHW
http://www.amazon.de/dp/B01AXNKOHW
http://www.amazon.it/dp/B01AXNKOHW
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/target-on-our-backs
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/target-on-our-backs/id1086800584
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/target-on-our-backs/id1086800584

The best way to keep your word is never to give it.

Not long ago, in a chapel in Vegas, I swore to love Karissa for the rest of my days. But nobody's promised an infinite number of tomorrows. Nobody's promised forever. Sometimes, all we have left is today.

Carpe Diem

Seize the day.

It should've been over, we should've been happy, but people are making it hard for me to live in peace. I've got so much blood on my hands they'll never be clean, and somebody out there seems to want me to pay for it. Happily Ever After always comes at a cost, one any real man would be willing to pay. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to roll over and accept these consequences.

Because when it comes to the woman I love? The life I've fought for?

Nobody is safe.

REVIEW

Target on Our Backs by J.M. Darhower

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We all know the type of man Ignazio is. He knows. Karissa knows. Everyone knows. He makes no apologies for his past, but he is trying to lead a different life now for Karissa's sake. The problem is that the other players don't want to let him go.

Target on Our Backs isn't full of unexpected or shocking moments, but so much is life-changing or life-threatening. Naz and Karissa know how serious everything is, but the vibe surrounding them is subdued. They're so strong and practical, the perfect matches for each other.

This author is a master at delivering a powerful, stoic male lead. The fearlessness isn't bravado. He knows he isn't invincible. He has nothing to prove. He isn't afraid to die even. The only thing that concerns him is the woman he loves.

I enjoyed seeing a different side of Naz, the subtle exchanges that mean so much between him and Karissa. Getting to know Giuseppe a little more is a special treat. Some new characters from Naz's past also pop up.

I was not expecting a third book. I thought the story was over. I didn't think I wanted more, but I was wrong. I needed this book. It gave me that consumed feeling that I haven't had in awhile. Even days later it's still heavy on my mind. I loved it, and the ending is perfect.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents 

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By Any Other Name by J.M. Darhower Review

By Any Other Name

(Forbidden Series Book One)

By

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

J.M. Darhower

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 23rd, 2015

A deadly rivalry. 
Two families at war. 
Nobody is safe, not even the innocent. 
Especially the innocent. 
Blood will be spilled. 

Genevieve "Genna" Galante knows a thing or two about causing trouble. After all, it's engrained in her DNA. As the only daughter of Primo Galante, notorious boss of the Galante crime family, her life is dictated by a certain set of rules… rules Genna was never very good at following. 

Matteo "Matty" Barsanti never wanted anything to do with the family business, but as the first-born Barsanti son, certain things are expected of him. It's his duty, according to his father, to help take down the enemy... even if that enemy means something to him. 

A chance encounter on an elevator changes the course of lives, causing the biggest trouble of Genna's young life. The only good Barsanti is a dead Barsanti. She's heard it said time and time again. So what happens when she falls in love with one of them? 

The story of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle of the biggest rivalry New York has ever seen, determined to make it… if only they can survive their parents' feud.

"A Roman Coke," Genna mused. "What's that?"

"It's rum and Coke. We just call it a Roman Coke around here."

"Because you're Italian?"

"And because when you get drunk enough, it all just slurs together anyway."

"Ah." Genna picked hers up, motioning toward him with it. "So what are we drinking to?"

"Today."

"Today?"

He nodded. "Right now, this moment. Let's drink to it."

Smiling, she clinked her glass with his. "Today, then."

They threw them back at the same time. The liquor hit Genna's taste buds and she grimaced, the vicious burn seeping down her throat and settling deep in her chest. "Ugh, is there even any Coke in this damn thing?"

Matty laughed, setting his empty glass down. "Just a splash."

"I couldn't tell."

"That's because I prefer it that way," he responded. "Strong and rough, enough to leave a lingering ache. I like it to hurt just a bit."

Oh good God. Those words sent a chill down Genna's spine, one she couldn't hide, as Matty waved for the waitress. Eyes never leaving Genna, he ordered another round of drinks.

"Another?" she asked, picking up the water to take another sip, this one to soothe the sting in her chest. "You said one drink."

A sly smile curved his lips. "I like to keep them coming."

"Is that right?"

"Absolutely." Matty stood, leaning across the table, his lips near her ear. "Maybe you'll let me show you later."

J.M. Darhower is a USA Today bestselling author, best known for her Mafia romantic suspense novels. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn't busy writing (or being a fangirl) she's usually ranting about those things.

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By Any Other Name by J.M. Darhower

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nobody does organized crime like J.M. Darhower. Good lord! Amazing story. I'm so emotionally wrung out now.

So obviously I loved it. BAON is about two kids from opposing crime families. They weren't always this way. Once they were very close. Both family's histories are super intertwined. Many things have happened that can't be taken back. Each act builds causing a snowball effect, more pain, more drama, more death and so on.

One thing that I want to point out for those that loved the Forever/Sempre series is Gavin (from Sempre:Redemption, the one that overran the construction site and watched over Haven for Corrado) is in this series. The DeMarco family of Chicago is mentioned by name and references are made to Haven and Corrado. Gavin Amaro is in one of the five families in New York. I expect we will see more of him in future books of this series. He is one of the first to know of the affair going on between Matty and Genna.

"Look, Matty, I'll tell you what someone told me once, a few years ago, when I got curious about a girl...don't plant your seeds in someone else's garden or you're liable to get buried sex-feet under with fertilizer."

Genna is different than any female lead I can remember Darhower doing before. She is a wild child. She isn't virginal and sweet sitting at home while the boys play. She isn't involved in the family business either. So while they're all busy, she's off getting drunk, screwing around and stealing cars.

Matty has never been a part of the family business. He was shipped off as a boy. Now after getting a college degree he has returned home to take care of his dying mother. He's a good, sweet guy.

Needless to say, these two have no idea who the other is when they meet. Both have been raised to stay clear of anyone with the other's surname, but without knowing this about each other, they immediately hit it off. While everyone around them is preparing for war, they're beginning to fall for one another.

He'd bought her an abundance of drinks and followed it up with even more orgasms. The boy was a giver, for sure.

Be prepared for lots of emotions. There are deaths and heart moments. It's a very easy story to get caught up in. It's heavy in sibling love, forbidden romance and decisions that change everything.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***


toni

FangirlMoments and My Two Cents

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