The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

In this riveting sequel to the national bestseller The Queen of the Tearling, the evil kingdom of Mortmesne invades the Tearling, with dire consequences for Kelsea and her realm. With each passing day, Kelsea Glynn is growing into her new responsibilities as Queen of the Tearling. By stopping the shipments of slaves to the neighboring kingdom of Mortmesne, she crossed the Red Queen, a brutal ruler whose power derives from dark magic, who is sending her fearsome army into the Tearling to take what is hers. And nothing can stop the invasion. But as the Mort army draws ever closer, Kelsea develops a mysterious connection to a time before the Crossing, and she finds herself relying on a strange and possibly dangerous ally: a woman named Lily, fighting for her life in a world where being female can feel like a crime. The fate of the Tearling —and that of Kelsea’s own soul—may rest with Lily and her story, but Kelsea may not have enough time to find out. In this dazzling sequel, Erika Johansen brings back favorite characters, including the Mace and the Red Queen, and introduces unforgettable new players, adding exciting layers to her multidimensional tale of magic, mystery, and a fierce young heroine.  I am in the midst of a serious book hangover. How is it possible that I loved this book, but have no clue what in the heck just happened. Talk about a wild ride with an epic mind mess ending. I'm going to be up front and honest... If you're expecting the same feel as book one, you won't get it. This book was about the same characters and followed a similar plot, but the Author added a twist. A dark pre-crossing story that will leave you white knuckling the pages. It was brutal, with graphiAMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1PnuNAO   MY THOUGHTS:  4.5/5 Stars   I am in the midst of a serious book hangover. How is it possible that I loved this book, but have no clue what in the heck just happened. Talk about a wild ride with an epic mind mess ending. I'm going to be up front and honest... If you're expecting the same feel as book one, you won't get it. This book was about the same characters and followed a similar plot, but the Author added a twist... A dark pre-crossing story that will leave you white knuckling the pages. It was brutal, with graphic scenes (not suitable for the light hearted). Lily was physically abused and sexually assaulted. She grasped for her life and in the end rebelled because she believed in the "Better World". I loved Lily so hard and for me that was the problem... Nearing halfway I found myself more interested in her story than in Kelsea's. I sympathized with her where I couldn't for the Queen. I was really hoping for a merge or a clear connecting piece that brought the two together, but still after the last page, I am left baffled and confused. I kind of, sort of get it, but then again I don't. For me the two stories were missing that linking piece... The information that makes your jaw drop and think OMG now I understand. With all of that being said it was still an amazing book. I liked the individual stories and found myself loving Aisa. I look forward to reading more about her in book 3. Also, I need more of the Fetch too because he was clearly missing in this story. In case you missed that... I need more FETCH to move forward. Yeah, Pen was okay, but Kelsea wants the Fetch. Please give him to her... Thanks in advance ;)

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut—the first novel in a trilogy.

Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in the care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdom's haunted past . . . or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.

Long ago, Kelsea's forefathers sailed away from a decaying world to establish a new land free of modern technology. Three hundred years later, this feudal society has divided into three fearful nations who pay duties to a fourth: the powerful Mortmesne, ruled by the cunning Red Queen. Now, on Kelsea's nineteenth birthday, the tattered remnants of the Queen's Guard—loyal soldiers who protect the throne—have appeared to escort the princess on a perilous journey to the capital to ascend to her rightful place as the new Queen of the Tearling.

Though born of royal blood and in possession of the Tear sapphire, a jewel of immense power and magic, Kelsea has never felt more uncertain of her ability to rule. But the shocking evil she discovers in the heart of her realm will precipitate an act of immense daring, throwing the entire kingdom into turmoil—and unleashing the Red Queen's vengeance. A cabal of enemies with an array of deadly weapons, from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic, plots to destroy her. But Kelsea is growing in strength and stealth, her steely resolve earning her loyal allies, including the Queen's Guard, led by the enigmatic Lazarus, and the intriguing outlaw known simply as "the Fetch."

Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals, and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend . . . or destroy her.  

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1LWVEPy

 

MY THOUGHTS:
4.5/5 Stars

 

There are some books that just capture you from page one and pull you deep within the pages. This one did just that. I was consumed by the regal world and caught up in the intense storyline.

 

It's about a new Queen that walks into a true mess. She learns that a treaty was made that honors a lottery where her people are sold and auctioned off for labor, sex, and more... Kelsea is destined to stop this process and in doing so she gains many enemies, but also earns the trust and loyalty of her people. It's a dangerous journey, but an honorable one at that. The suspense is edgy and the subtle romance will have you swooning. I was desperate for more of the Fetch and I hope in book 2 we get just that!

 

The overall concept was great and the writing was top of the line. I usually crave a more prominent romance, but with this book, less is more... rang true. I really enjoyed the characters and their connection to the throne. It was an intricate tale that was weaved with raw emotion, dark secrets, and passion. I loved it and definitely recommend it to all readers over 16. It didn't have too many graphic scenes, but there were some curse words and hints at non-consensual sex.

Cam Girl by Leah Raeder Review

Vada Bergen is broke, the black sheep of her family, and moving a thousand miles away from home for grad school, but she’s got the two things she loves most: her art and her best friend—and sometimes more—Ellis Carraway. Ellis and Vada have a friendship so consuming it’s hard to tell where one girl ends and the other begins. It’s intense. It’s a little codependent. And nothing can tear them apart.

Until an accident on an icy winter road changes everything.

Vada is left deeply scarred, both emotionally and physically. Her once-promising art career is cut short. And Ellis pulls away, unwilling to talk about that night. Everything Vada loved is gone.

She’s got nothing left to lose.

So when she meets some smooth-talking entrepreneurs who offer to set her up as a cam girl, she can’t say no. All Vada has to do is spend a couple hours each night stripping on webcam, and the “tips” come pouring in.

It’s just a kinky escape from reality until a client gets serious. “Blue” is mysterious, alluring, and more interested in Vada’s life than her body. Online, they chat intimately. Blue helps her heal. And he pays well, but he wants her all to himself. No more cam shows. It’s an easy decision: she’s starting to fall for him. But the steamier it gets, the more she craves the real man behind the keyboard. So Vada pops the question:

Can we meet IRL?

Blue agrees, on one condition. A condition that brings back a ghost from her past. Now Vada must confront the devastating secrets she's been running from—those of others, and those she's been keeping from herself...

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1ikhYuo

MY THOUGHTS:
3/5 Stars

I am all kinds of torn with this review... On one hand I want to give it 4 stars because the writing was exquisite, but on another, I have to give it 3 because as a whole I just never really enjoyed/connected to the story. Now before I go on I want to make a note... My dislike did not stem from the subject matter, but more the characters, storyline, and overall outcome. I was pissed when the mystery was revealed and I still kind of am. I was all in with Blue. Something about his character was itrigueing, sexy and mysterious. It was basically my whole reason for continuing to read. When I got to that reveal though my jaw hit the floor, my forehead scrunched, my resting bitch face became a full on bitch face. For me that twist just ruined the story. I had high hopes and they were shot down with hollow point bullets.

With all of that being said... I did enjoy Vada. I liked her confusion, complexity, personailty, and struggles. I loved the "cam girl" parts and her flashbacks to the accident. I think The Author really showed us how a vulnerable character can turn into a fierce heroine.

Overall, I think many will enjoy this story and many will have issues. The theme is pushing the norm and teaching us to open our eyes to something we don't see everyday. It's about judging and bullying... About the trans world and how suicide comes into play. It wasn't really my cup of tea, but Leah knows how to write. The words are poetic and the vivid descriptions of the paintings add a subtle classic side to this unconventional story. I can't say I recommend it to all readers, but if you have an open mind and give it a try... I hope you enjoy it.

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward Review

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal.... For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1Shy0QO

 

My Thoughts:
4.5/5 Stars

 

* Thank you NAL for the ARC *

The Bourbon Kings was Southern Charm meets The Royals... It was classy with a whole lot of drama. This was my first read by J.R. Ward and I can now understand why everyone recommends her. The writing was top of the line and the story was intricately weaved and filled with angst, romance, and drama.

The overall gist of the story is that a wealthy family is not as well off as everyone thinks. Each family member is living in their own personal hell. Secrets are being revealed left and right and scandal is behind every door. The tension within the house is thick and the staff are just as intertwined in the plot as the family.

Lizzie is the head gardener and bourbon son, Lane's, ex-lover. What they have isn't on the surface though, it’s buried deep within layers of secrets and lies. They are finally getting their second chance at love and a darkness surrounds them. It's edgy, all consuming, and at times, just plain frustrating. My heart was quickly consumed by their fast paced roller coaster ride of a relationship.

The feel is what sucked me in.  I felt like I needed a big beautiful hat on my head and a mint julep in my hand. I could feel the air blowing as I read about the statuesque mansion and when things got dark… I could feel the egg shells cracking beneath my feet. It was a thrilling story that kept me hooked with all the intense mystery. While I loved the story a lot, I did feel that the ending was lacking depth. I think the biggest issue was that it was a lot of ideas being pushed into too few words. I would have liked to see certain parts better developed, with more definition. There were a lot of great scenes that were grazed upon and I just feel like they could have been amazing if fully explored.  

With all of that being said I think it was a GREAT  book that is a MUST READ. I highly recommend it!

 

The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor

A voyage across the ocean becomes the odyssey of a lifetime for a young Irish woman. . . .

Ireland, 1912 . . .

Fourteen members of a small village set sail on RMS Titanic, hoping to find a better life in America. For seventeen-year-old Maggie Murphy, the journey is bittersweet. Though her future lies in an unknown new place, her heart remains in Ireland with Séamus, the sweetheart she left behind. When disaster strikes, Maggie is one of the few passengers in steerage to survive. Waking up alone in a New York hospital, she vows never to speak of the terror and panic of that fateful night again.

Chicago, 1982 . . .

Adrift after the death of her father, Grace Butler struggles to decide what comes next. When her great-grandmother Maggie shares the painful secret about Titanic that she's harbored for almost a lifetime, the revelation gives Grace new direction—and leads both her and Maggie to unexpected reunions with those they thought lost long ago.

Inspired by true events, The Girl Who Came Home poignantly blends fact and fiction to explore the Titanic tragedy's impact and its lasting repercussions on survivors and their descendants.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1Mui8fj

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

 

I always love a good story with a bits of history and deep rooted romance. This one did not disappoint in that aspect. Maggie is a character that all readers will love and her romance with Séamus is understated, but beautiful. While it's not overly intimate, it's a classic love story about overcoming tragedy. I loved their journey, but I did have mixed feelings about Grace's story.

 

While I loved the historical aspect and Maggie, I wasn't a huge fan of Grace. There were multiple times I wanted to close the book during her parts, but the journal entries always pulled me back in. I know Grace was an important role in the story, but I just lacked any connection to her. Where with Maggie I felt the romance and emotion pouring off the pages... Grace's character wasn't as well developed. It wasn't until the end that I truly felt the importance of her. Speaking of an ending.... It was AMAZING! I wanted it to be true, but until it was written in ink I wasn't sure what would happen. It really answered all the questions I had.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The history sucked me in with it's rawness and the romance consumed my heart. I was pulling for a happily ever after and I feel satisfied with the way everything came together. I definitely recommend this book to all readers that have a love for history. The story of the Titanic is very important and I loved how a fiction tale captured the essence of reality.

Loving Mr. Daniels by Brittainy C Cherry Review

To Whom it May Concern,

It was easy to call us forbidden and harder to call us soulmates. Yet I believed we were both. Forbidden soulmates.

When I arrived to Edgewood, Wisconsin I didn’t plan to find him. I didn't plan to stumble into Joe's bar and have Daniel's music stir up my emotions. I had no clue that his voice would make my hurts forget their own sorrow. I had no idea that my happiness would remember its own bliss.

When I started senior year at my new school, I wasn’t prepared to call him Mr. Daniels, but sometimes life happens at the wrong time for all the right reasons.

Our love story wasn’t only about the physical connection.

It was about family. It was about loss. It was about being alive. It was silly. It was painful. It was mourning. It was laughter.

It was ours.

And for those reasons alone, I would never apologize for loving Mr. Daniels.

-Ashlyn Jennings

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1IYm9p9

 

MY THOUGHTS:
4.5/ 5 Stars

The writing in this book is top of the line! It was a fast paced storyline with tons of twists and turns. While it was a student/teacher romance, there was also a strong focus on deep rooted emotion. The characters help one another to overcome their inner struggles. Both are mourning and both are a looking to move on. Together they get tangled in a love affair that is not quite conventional. He is her teacher and it risky for them to be together. The sexual tension is thick and rules get broken. There are lots of ups and downs, with lots of back and forth feelings.

 

The letters were a sweet touch, but I wish they would have been more prominent throughout the whole story. Other than that I have no complaints... This is a story not to be missed.

Play of Light by Debra Doxer Review

I lived in paradise, and I loved Spencer Pierce.

At fourteen, my life was perfect. The beach was my playground, and the boy who stole my heart lived just around the corner. But perfect never lasts. In one horrifying moment, I lost it all. My family was destroyed, and the boy I believed in turned his back on me. Paradise became a nightmare.

That was five years ago. Everything changed when we moved from our home by the sea. I’ve changed, and I don’t like who I’ve become. I miss the smiling, carefree beach girl who disappeared that terrible night. I want to find her again. I want to face the people we ran from so long ago. Most of all, I have to face Spencer. So I can prove that when he broke my heart, he didn’t break me.

But when I see him again, Spencer Pierce is no longer the boy from my memories. He’s now a man who could devastate me if I let him. He watches me when he thinks I’m not looking. There’s regret written on his face when he’s near. Each time I see him, my heart aches for what might have been, and I think his does too. How can I convince myself I’m over him when I suspect he never got over me?

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1FK0NLn

 

MY THOUGHTS:
3/5 Stars
This friends to lovers read was sweet with a hint of spice. It was a New Adult story about getting a second chance at romance. Both characters are emotionally damaged from a past tragedy and are in search of closure. While I loved the bits of mystery... There was something about the book that didn't quite pull me in. I read the pages, but never felt consumed by the words. The Author did a good job coming up with a unique storyline, but the execution seemed to fall flat. Maybe it was the fact that I was craving a more intense, darker story? It just seemed too predictable for me.

Overall, I think if you love romances with a hint of mystery... This one is for you. If you like a story with depth and intensity, I'd pass.

Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas Review

Emily Vargas has been taken captive. As part of his conditioning methods, her captor refuses to speak to her, knowing how much she craves human contact. He's far too beautiful to be a monster. Combined with his lack of violence toward her, this has her walking a fine line at the edge of sanity.

Told in the first person from Emily's perspective, Comfort Food explores what happens when all expectations of pleasure and pain are turned upside down, as whips become comfort and chicken soup becomes punishment.

DISCLAIMER: This is not a story about consensual BDSM. This is a story about “actual” slavery. If reading an erotic story without safewords makes you uncomfortable, this is not the book for you. This is a work of fiction, and the author does not endorse or condone any behavior done to another human being without their consent.  

 

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/1KrNT7w

MY THOUGHTS:
3/5 Stars

I have mixed feelings on this one... It definitely was not what I expected. I thought it would be way darker than it was. While there were some graphic scenes... They were all consensual. The master left it to the female lead to decide how she would be treated. For me, it was a tad too bland. Yeah, it had the creepy feel and yeah, it kept me guessing, but it didn't quite pull me in and make me feel glued to the pages.

 

The beginning was good, but the middle parts were boring. I actually skimmed and thought about not finishing, but I am happy that I continued on because the ending was worthy of 5 stars. The twist was surprising and the story became quite addicting. Unfortunately, it picked up when the story was about to end. If the whole book was written from the master's POV, I would have given it 5 stars. I loved his journal entries!

 

Overall, It had it's high and lows. If you like the master/dom reads... You will love this one, but if you like your books dark and gritty with lots of angst... I would pass on this one.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid Review

This heartrending debut novel weaves a beautiful love story with an homage to the redemptive power of female friendship.

 

Elsie and Ben are average twenty-somethings, but this is not your average love story. It begins bright and promising: the newlywed couple is head over heels in love, having eloped six months after they met. But it all shatters in an instant; Ben out riding his bike, is hit by a truck—and dies on impact.

Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, his body has already been taken to the hospital. When she arrives, Elsie is greeted by an unexpected visitor—her mother-in-law, Susan, whom she has never met and who doesn’t even know she exists.

Both are seared with grief; Susan is still mourning the death of her own husband several years earlier, and the loss of her only son is almost too much to bear. The two women immediately sour on one another, fighting over what to do with Ben’s belongings and how to fulfill his wishes. But as time goes by, Susan and Elsie both realize that despite the terrible accident that brought them together, they are now the only family they have left.

Interweaving Elsie and Ben’s charmed romance with Elsie and Susan’s healing process, Forever, Interrupted will make you laugh, make you cry, and remind you that there’s more than one way to live happily ever after.  

 

AMAZON LINK - http://amzn.to/1Hdo3Os

MY THOUGHTS:5/5 STARS

 

I don't think I'll ever look at fruity pebbles the same way again... Talk about an emotional, gripping story that is life changing, inspiring, and an absolute MUST READ. This one exceeded all of my expectations. My heart was shattered into tiny colorful pieces at the beginning and with each word after, was slowly pieced together again.

 

Forever, Interrupted is about a woman finding her one true love only to lose him six months later to a tragic accident. Don't worry though... This isn't one of those books that makes you love the main guy, kills him off, and then sends in a new Casanova to sweep the woman off her feet. No, this one was about the mourning process and how sometimes in order to move on you have to face the past head on. You will get a love story, but through flashbacks. The root of the story is that time doesn't signify feeling. In the briefest moment you can experience something that others never feel.

 

I loved it... I absolutely loved it! The writing was superb. The story was intense and the characters were one of a kind. It made me thankful for my life and it made me hug my husband a little tighter. It is a story that every reader should experience!

Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes

When young, pretty Catherine Bailey meets Lee Brightman, she can't believe her luck. Gorgeous, charismatic, and a bit mysterious, Lee seems almost too perfect to be true.

But what begins as flattering attention and spontaneous, passionate sex transforms into raging jealousy, and Catherine soon discovers that Lee's dazzling blue eyes and blond good looks hide a dark, violent nature. Disturbed by his increasingly erratic, controlling behavior, she tries to break it off; turning to her friends for support, she's stunned to find they don't believe her. Increasingly isolated and driven into the darkest corner of her world, a desperate Catherine plans a meticulous escape.

Four years later, Lee is behind bars and Catherine—now Cathy—is trying to build a new life in a new city. Though her body has healed, the trauma of the past still haunts her. Then Stuart Richardson, her attractive new neighbor, moves in. Encouraging her to confront her fears, he sparks unexpected hope and the possibility of love and a normal life.

Until the day the phone rings . . .

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1PKP1Sd

MY THOUGHTS:4/5 Stars

Into the Darkest Corner was an intense read with a major creep factor. As I was reading I found myself looking over my shoulder and double checking the door locks. It was a scary story about a woman's knight in shining armor turning into her worst nightmare... She tries to escape him, but he is a cop and has more resources than expected.

 

Talk about a wild ride... I was shocked by this story and especially by Catherine's rotten friends! No wonder she was struggling with OCD. She was left alone, with no one in her corner. Her friends became her enemies. Life changed and everything she knew was thrown out the door. When Stuart comes into her life she begins to change for the better. It isn't an easy journey, but he puts a bit of light into her life.

 

It was such a gut wrenching read that left me on the edge of my seat. I felt the dark energy seeping off the pages and it affected me like no other book. It pulled me in and held me captive long after the last page.

 

My only complaint is... It did become slow at times because the book was so long. There were repetitive situations and overall it just had a slower paced plot. However, that didn't take away the fact that it is a must read!

 

I highly recommend!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes an epic novel of love and war, spanning from the 1940s to the present day, and the secret lives of those who live in a small French town.

In love we find out who we want to be.
In war we find out who we are.

FRANCE, 1939

In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France...but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When France is overrun, Vianne is forced to take an enemy into her house, and suddenly her every move is watched; her life and her child’s life is at constant risk. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates around her, she must make one terrible choice after another.

Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets the compelling and mysterious Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can...completely. When he betrays her, Isabelle races headlong into danger and joins the Resistance, never looking back or giving a thought to the real--and deadly--consequences.

With courage, grace and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah takes her talented pen to the epic panorama of WWII and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France--a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.  

Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1FiQ10i
 

MY THOUGHTS:
5 HUGE STARS
This was a beautiful, heart wrenching story about two sisters doing whatever it takes to protect their family and those around them. It was inspirational, romantic, suspenseful, and life changing. I wasn't sure what to think when I started reading, but I never expected to feel such an intense connection to the characters and story. It was truly an epic read that should be experienced by all.

 

Please keep in mind that this wasn't an in your face kind of romance... While it had intimacy and romantic scenes, the overall gist of book is classic love, family love, and love that can withstand war. The ugly words come together to form a beautiful journey. Please one click this one. You won't be disappointed!

Vicious Cycle by Katie Ashley

New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley revs up the danger and sexual tension in her brand-new Vicious Cycle romance series.

Deacon Malloy’s life is dedicated to the Hell’s Raiders motorcycle club. Tough, hard, and fast with his fists, he serves the group as sergeant at arms. But his devil-may-care approach to life is thrown for a loop when the five-year-old daughter he never knew existed lands on the club steps.

Alexandra Evans is devoted to all her students—but there’s always been something about Willow Malloy that tugs at her heart. There’s an aura of sadness about her, a girl in need of all the love Alexandra can give. When Willow stops coming to school, Alexandra’s search leads to a clubhouse full of bikers…and a father hell-bent on keeping his daughter always within sight.

The moment Deacon sees Alexandra, he has to have her in his bed—and he’s never met a woman yet who couldn’t be persuaded. No matter how attracted she is to Deacon, Alexandra refuses to be just another conquest. But it’s Deacon himself who could be seduced—into a brighter future for himself, his daughter, and the woman he’s falling for against all odds.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1F2xQZq
MY THOUGHTS:3/5 Stars

 

*Received an ARC for an honest review*
I'm a huge Katie Ashley fan, but this one fell a bit flat for me. She came out of her comfort zone to write something different and I think it showed. A lot of the content reminded me of tv shows and other biker reads. It followed the cliché mold and while I know bikers probably do similar things... I would have liked to see some twists that made the story stand out from others.

*SPOILERISH*
The characters were a touchy subject for me. While I loved Willow and her tiny spirit... Alexandra was not one of my favorites. When she was first introduced I thought she was going to be awesome. She was strong willed, smart, and sweet... However, somewhere near halfway she started to change. She became desperate for Deacon's attention. She went out of her way to throw herself at him and as a reader, that took away the appeal. Near the end she did start to redeem herself. Unfortunately by that time everything was in a rush to an HEA.

 

Overall, I thought this story had all of the ingredients to be a five star read, but unfortunately just lacked the confidence to execute. It was a dark read concept wrote as a contemporary mc read. You will see in the beginning Deacon says some vulgar things and than there is a huge description about how his club would never do what he threatened. To me, this just made him come off as unsure. I say if you're going to go mc dark, go mc dark. Let the actions do the talking.

I applaud the Author for trying something new and I am sure biker fans will devour this read... It just didn't work for me.

Fisher's Light by Tara Sivec Review

Fisher,
I guess this is it, huh? After fourteen years together, starting a life of our own on this island, five deployments and countless letters I’ve written you through it all, I finally go out to the mailbox and see something I’ve always dreamed of: an envelope with your handwriting on it. For one moment, I actually thought you’d changed your mind, that all the awful things you said to me were just your way of coping after everything you’d been through. I was still here, Fisher. I was still here, holding my breath, waiting for you to come back even though you told me you never would. You always said you’d find your way back to me. Out of all the lies you’ve told me, this one hurts the most.

Enclosed you will find the signed divorce papers, as requested.
I hope you find what you’re looking for. I’m sorry it wasn’t me.
Lucy

To get the ending they want, Lucy and Fisher will have to go back to the beginning. Through the good and the bad, they’ll be reminded of why they always made their way back to each other, and why this time, one way or another, it will be the last time.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1bycubE

MY THOUGHTS:
4.5/5 Stars

Fisher's Light was filled with raw emotion and utter beauty. It reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book because the flow was flawless. It was easy to fall into Fisher's Island and feel like a new resident. We are taken on a journey through the past and left to hold onto the words of the future. It's about a second chance at love and the intense battle of PTSD. It's not always an easy read, but in the end I found myself quite satisfied with how everything turned out.

 

The Author did a wonderful job at creating vivid pictures in our mind. Each detail about the town displayed a beautiful painting and each deep, dark emotion the character felt was painfully portrayed. Fisher and Lucy have an intense connection and even after divorce they still are drawn to one another. It's not always pretty, but the love they share is something to be desired. I loved watching them reconnect and overcome the obstacles of life.

 

My only complaint would be that towards the end I felt that the emotional aspect was pushed aside for the sexual connection to be focus. I would have liked to see less sex even if that meant a shorter read.

 

Overall, this book was fantastic! I was captivated from the beginning and consumed long after the last page. My heart ached at the emotional parts and swooned at the romance. I loved how the lighthouse tied the story together like a beautiful bow.

I HIGHLY recommend this read!

Black Rose by Kris Thompson Review

Lillian Locke had the perfect life in Boulder, Colorado. She had the boyfriend of her dreams, a wonderful family, awesome friends, and a spot on the track team at a great college. There wasn’t anything life could throw at her that she couldn’t get through . . . until he found her.

Lillian never could have imagined being abducted and chained up in the dark. Worse yet, being just one of many girls kidnapped and held captive by a madman. All she can do now is hope that she survives the brutality of their captor long enough to find a way to free herself and her new captive friends.

When Richard Haines’ girlfriend goes missing, he makes it his personal mission to find the woman he loves and bring her home to the safety of their loved ones. Seeking the help of friends and family, Richard abandons everything except for his pursuit of Lillian. But when someone else close to Richard goes missing, and the bodies of the abducted girls start showing up in the hills outside Boulder, the only thing he can do is hope that he finds her before it is too late.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1Gwy5Kd

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS
I've never read a book that crawled into my bones and put fear in my veins. This one did just that...
It was raw, gritty, and scary.

 

The story will consume you from the beginning and stay with you long after the last page. It is about a girl who is kidnapped and taken to a cellar where other girls are being kept. Together they form a bond and help one another survive the brutal torture they receive. Their time is limited though... The girls witness murder and realize they must get out before it's too late.

 

The story is told in switched POVs. We get to see Lee's story of trying to survive and we also get to see Richard's search for his girlfriend. Normally, I am not a fan of multiple POVs, but with this one... it worked.

 

If you are wondering if it's similar to other books, I will say this... It is in a league of it's own. Yeah, it's your typical dark read, but the twists and turns along the way are incredible. They will have you on the edge of your seat, begging for an HEA.

Now, if you like your stories clean and romantic... This book is probably not for you. As stated, it is a wild ride with a MAJOR creep factor. There is rape and torture. You have been warned*

If you like a slightly messed up story... THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
Highly Recommend!

Hearts of Fire (Hearts #2) by L.H. Cosway

The Circus Spektakulär is proud to present Jack McCabe: Fire-breather, knife-thrower, risk-taker. My house burned down when I was just a boy, robbing me of both my parents.

Now I breathe fire, eat the poison that almost killed me.

Crowds come to see me night after night. Men for the spectacle, women for the thrill. I’m an oddity to be stared at and desired. With each flame I spit, I risk my life.

I wear scars on my body that will never go away, but the scars inside my head are far more difficult to overlook.

My brother doesn’t know me, and if I have it my way he never will.

Life was going exactly the way I’d planned until Lille came along. She wanted to run away with the circus, have an adventure, but this world was never meant for her.

I try to keep her safe, because she doesn’t know the dangers that are out here on the road. She doesn’t know the monsters that lurk behind the bright lights of the ring. In truth, I could be considered one of them.

We were fashioned from different cloths, never intended to mix. So I watch her. I try not to touch, even when her eyes invite me.

Join us in the Spiegeltent and let us give you a show. Allow my Lille to draw a picture for you in paint and sweat and skin.

The truest love is always the hardest to let in.

This is a standalone romance that tells the story of Jack McCabe, Jay Fields’ long lost, presumed dead brother. It is not necessary to have read Six of Hearts in order to enjoy Hearts of Fire.  

AMAZON LINK -> http://amzn.to/1HFsV2E

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars
Lately, I've been coming across so many books with similar premises, but Hearts of Fire was outside the box and in a league of it's own. It was captivating, magical, suspenseful, and romantic. I instantly found myself wrapped up in the storyline and consumed by the characters.

Jack was quite the book boyfriend... He was sexy in an emotionally damaged, fire breathing way. I loved him! At first I thought he was just a hot guy with lots of talent, but as the book progressed I started to realize that there was more to him than meets the eye. When he finally revealed his secrets, I felt pain and empathy in the deepest parts of my soul. My heart ached for him and I was so glad that in the end Lille helped him find a bit of peace.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read... I think I would have enjoyed it even more if there weren't as many sexual scenes in the second half, but I still enjoyed the other parts enough to rate this one a solid 4 stars.

If you like risqué, one of a kind reads... Hurry and one click this one! You won't be disappointed.

This one can be read as a standalone....

*I DID NOT READ BOOK #1 FIRST*

God Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo Review

When I was twelve, a fortune teller told me that my one true love would die young and leave me all alone.
Everyone said she was a fraud, that she was just making it up.
I'd really like to know why the hell a person would make up a thing like that.

Written with the snap, glitter and wit of The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing, God-Shaped Hole is a memorable, poignant love story that will leave you weeping with laughter. It is told in the wry, vulnerable voice of Beatrice "Trixie" Jordan who replies to a personal ad, "If your intentions are pure I am seeking a friend for the end of the world."

In doing so, she meets Jacob Grace, a charming, effervescent thirty-something writer, a free spirit who is a passionate seeker of life. He possesses his own turn of phrase and ways of thinking and feeling that dissonantly harmonize with Trixie's off-center vision as they roller coaster through the joys and furies of their wrenching romance. Along the way they try to come to terms with the hurt brought about by their distant fathers who, in different ways, forsook them.

This story will prove so touching you will rush to share it with a friend or loved one or even a stranger.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1CLQ8eV

My Thoughts:
5/5 stars

I'm going to be honest with you... When I picked up this book, I had no idea what to expect. I thought is was your everyday romantic comedy, but what I got was something extraordinary. The characters were unique and the storyline was witty, romantic, heartbreaking, and inspirational.

It is a story about Beatrice, a woman in her late twenties, looking for something more from life. When a personal ad in the newspaper catches her eye she thinks what the hell and dials the number listed. She never expected the guy to be her soul mate. When they meet in person there is a quirky kind of love at first sight. Both have outrageous personalities with crazy interpretations of life.

The romance is fast paced and they quickly move in with one another. Things are great. Their sexual connection is fierce and their mental connection is on point. Something changes though... Jacob sees his father after many years of absence and is thrown off by what he comes face to face with. His whole outlook changes and he turns into a bitter person that leaves Trixie to wonder where he goes when he leaves and doesn't return for weeks. Their romance is still there, but Trixie is forced to move forward and let Jacob face his problems on his own.

*SPOILER*

The ending, GAH, the ending.... It was gut wrenching! Everything was just starting to get better and them BAM. All of sudden, Trixie's nightmares become reality. My heart ached, but I felt inspired. It showed us that we must make each day in our life memorable. That no matter what we always should chase what we believe in. To never let absent relationships eat us alive and to always put the present first and foremost.

I HIGHLY recommend this one to all readers that like a funny, emotional, inspirational story with some sexiness!

Nine Minutes by Beth Flynn Review

On May 15, 1975, fifteen-year-old Ginny Lemon is abducted from a convenience store in Fort Lauderdale by a member of one of the most notorious and brutal motorcycle gangs in South Florida.
From that moment on, her life is forever changed. She gets a new name, a new identity and a new life in the midst of the gang’s base on the edge of the Florida Everglades—a frightening, rough and violent world much like the swamps themselves, where everyone has an alias and loyalty is tantamount to survival.
And at the center of it all is the gang’s leader, Grizz: massive, ruggedly handsome, terrifying and somehow, when it comes to Ginny, tender. She becomes his obsession and the one true love of his life.
So begins a tale of emotional obsession and manipulation, of a young woman ripped from everything she knows and forced to lean on the one person who provides attention, affection and care: her captor. Precocious and intelligent, but still very much a teenager, Ginny struggles to adapt to her existence, initially fighting and then coming to terms with her captivity.
Will she be rescued? Will she escape? Will she get out alive—or get out at all? Part psychological thriller, part coming-of-age novel, filled with mystery, romance and unexpected turns, Nine Minutes takes readers into the world of one motorcycle gang and inside the heart of a young girl, whose abduction brought about its fall.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/151YynW

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

 

This book sucked me in from page one...
I was captivated by the plot and intrigued by the mystery.

 

It was a dark, gritty read about finding love in all the wrong places. A girl is abducted and doesn't realize it at the time, but the love she receives while being abducted is greater than any love her family ever gave her. She is scared at first, but slowly becomes comfortable with her new identity/life.

Grizz, her captor is and has been obsessed for years. He is a dangerous man with many secrets. He is part of a gang and commits crimes daily. Kit or Gin tries to block out the bad parts and embrace the good. He is compassionate towards her and will do whatever it takes to make her happy, sometimes though, he crosses the line.

I quickly became obsessed with this book. It was hard for me to put it down once I started. I loved all of the characters, but Grunt was definitely one of my favorites. Even though he was a background character, he shined. His love poured through the pages. I wanted him to sweep Kit away and for them to start a life of there own. However, Grizz was also an equally appealing character in some sick way. Yeah, he was dark and edgy, with a bad attitude, but he cared for Kit and protected her with everything he had.

 

I wasn't expecting the ending and my heart hurt in so many ways. It was a tear jerker with an HEA. It worked... and I can't wait for the next book!

I highly recommend this one to all readers that are okay with a darker read.

 

Captivated by You by Sylvia Day Review

Gideon calls me his angel, but he’s the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own.

The vows we'd exchanged should have bound us tighter than blood and flesh. Instead they opened old wounds, exposed pain and insecurities, and lured bitter enemies out of the shadows. I felt him slipping from my grasp, my greatest fears becoming my reality, my love tested in ways I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to bear.

At the brightest time in our lives, the darkness of his past encroached and threatened everything we’d worked so hard for. We faced a terrible choice: the familiar safety of the lives we’d had before each other or the fight for a future that suddenly seemed an impossible and hopeless dream…

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1vOJLsd

 

My Thoughts:

2/5 Stars

 

Okay, so let's talk about the book that had us waiting for over a year....
Was it worth the wait? I honestly do not think so.
    Yeah, Gideon Cross is delicious and the more I read, the more I became obsessed, but one character does not make a book good.
     The story continues where book 3 left off. Eva and Gideon are working at a hidden marriage. There are more secrets... more lies... and definitely more drama. Their romance is hot, but their mental state is a bit crazy. They both have issues and while trying to deal with them, they are also dealing with each others.
      Eva is still confused about Brett? I don't get it, but let's move along. Gideon is struggling with his past demons and what happened when he was a young boy. He refuses to discuss it and the more he holds it in, the more dangerous he becomes. Together they are a whirlwind of emotions. On again and off again. They love each other one minute and despise each other the next... Sex is their answer to everything. Gideon demands it and Eva gives in.
      That is where the book lost me... Eva lost herself somewhere along the way. She went from  standing her ground and being strong willed to letting others control her actions. She seemed so weak in this book. I saw hints of the old Eva, but the oblivious Eva consumed the story. One minute she was hurt and angered, the next she was letting Gideon control her body. Let's be real.... Sex doesn't fix things and that is what made this book a filler. Each time they had sex the answers were pushed farther away.
We got more back story, yes, but as for a clear conclusion... we are yet again left to wait for another book.
     The only thing that made this book a fast paced read was the fact that Gideon Cross was in it. His dreams intrigued me and each time we were in his head my mind was boggled. If it was a story from only his side I think I may have enjoyed it more, but because there are so many people's stories involved I had a hard time connecting.
      If you asked what I thought halfway through... I'd tell you I loved it and couldn't put it down. By the end though I was just so mad that we didn't get answers, that it ruined the book for me. I want some kind of closure...
      Will I be reading the next? No, I won't... I think I'll pretend Eva and Gideon broke up and both moved forward. The story is finished for me... No more reading books that go no where.
      I wanted to love this one. I really did...
I'm sad that because of this book the series flat lined.



After the Rain by Renee Carlino Review

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a deeply emotional contemporary romance about the second chances waiting beyond the shattered dreams of youth.

When eighteen-year-old Avelina Belo meets a charismatic cowboy the summer before her senior year of high school, she doesn’t know that accepting his invitation to dinner will lead to a whirlwind marriage three months later and an exciting new life on a Montana ranch. She also doesn’t know that, in a few short years, fate will send everything crashing down around her.

A thousand miles away and fresh out of medical school, Nate Meyers is poised to become UCLA’s next superstar heart surgeon. His laser focus is the key to his success, but it’s also his greatest liability. When a routine surgery ends in disaster, derailing his career, he’s confronted with the hard truth: there’s no one waiting for him at home, no one to help him pick up the pieces.

Regrouping on his uncle’s Montana ranch, Nate meets Avelina, a beautiful but mysterious young woman who keeps to herself and barely speaks a word. As he discovers the details of her devastating past, Avelina teaches him more about matters of the heart than he ever knew before. But can they trust each other enough to put everything on the line?

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1yHLvQN

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

 

Renee Carlino has done it again. Another touching romance that will forever remain on my all-time favorites list. It was emotional, captivating, intense, and utterly beautiful.

After the Rain isn't an insta love... It is slow burn romance that will capture your heart. The story shows how one thing can alter your whole perspective of life. That one thing can pull your soul out and leave you as an empty shell settling for what you believe you deserve. It is a story of finding hope and remembering that even though life seems really tough at times, you can always escape the darkness.

I fell in love with Ava and Jake’s love story first and when tragedy struck my heart ached for all Ava dealt with. Everyone understood why she kept them at arm’s distance, but no one truly could feel what she was feeling. When Nate showed up her whole outlook began to change. We got to see the broken layers peel away to reveal a more happy, confident Ava. She didn’t let him in immediately, but when she did, it was done in such a delicate way. Nate had his own demons he was facing as well, so each minute they shared played an important role in their healing process.

There were so many twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat. I could feel my heart beating fast and at times I felt broken down emotionally. The way the Author made each scene thought provoking made it hard for me to put the book down. The real factor was a ten! I felt as though I was in Ava’s shoes and when it was Nate’s part…. I felt like I was in the surgery room with him.

I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. All I can say is go read it!! You will not be disappointed.

*There are sexual scenes, but they aren’t rushed and they are wrote in a classy fashion. Renee makes each one meaningful with just the right amount of deatails.*

Unteachable by Leah Raeder Review

An edgy, sexy USA TODAY bestseller about falling for the one person you can’t have.
Maise O’Malley just turned eighteen, but she’s felt like a grown-up her entire life. The summer before senior year, she has plans: get into a great film school, convince her mom to go into rehab, and absolutely do not, under any circumstances, screw up her own future.

But life has a way of throwing her plans into free-fall.

When Maise meets Evan at a carnival one night, their chemistry is immediate, intense, and short-lived. Which is exactly how she likes it: no strings. But afterward, she can’t get Evan out of her head. He’s taught her that a hookup can be something more. It can be an unexpected connection with someone who truly understands her. Someone who sees beyond her bravado to the scared but strong girl inside.

That someone turns out to be her new film class teacher, Mr. Evan Wilke.

Maise and Evan resolve to keep their hands off each other, but the attraction is too much to bear. Together, they’re real and genuine; apart, they’re just actors playing their parts for everyone else. And their masks are slipping. People start to notice. Rumors fly. When the truth comes to light in a shocking way, they may learn they were just playing parts for each other, too.

Smart, sexy, and provocative, Unteachable is about what happens when a love story goes off-script.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1sHSQep

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

Wow! I love a good student/teacher romance and this one didn't disappoint one bit.

 

Oh the feels this book gave me....

Maise and Evan are a book couple that will forever be in my heart.

Their romance begins at a carnival. From there it goes to high school with him being her teacher. I'm sure you know how the rest goes... Secrets, lies, and sexy escapades.

The angst is thick. They know they shouldn't act on their feelings, but they can't stay away from each other. The relationship gets messy and as the truth is unveiled, ties are broken.

 

I loved loved loved this book!! Yes, student/teacher books have the same feel to them, but this one brought so much to the table. Talk about a page turner... The plot had just the right amount of twists and turns to leave you craving more. Once I started, I couldn't stop. The sexual tension made me squirm in my seat and the lies left my mind wandering.

 

I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. Evan was the perfect book boyfriend. He was protective, yet dominate. He wanted control in the best of ways. Maise was a fierce lead. She was seductive and strong. Both characters complicated one another so well and their romance was quite intense.

 

I highly recommend this read!!