Drawn To You by Lily Summers

No one knows my story. No one knows what happened. I'm barely holding on.

I'm more than ready to lose myself and keep my secret buried.

Then Ezra finds me. A tagger with a raw talent, he fills the city with his art, splashing color across Portland's grey skies. A ghostly woman in the depths of the ocean, a boy preyed upon by shadows -- everything he creates touches my soul. Authentic and raw, his work grounds me. Magnetic and brave, he heals me.

Ezra is everything I need; he's everything I don't deserve. 

I never imagined I'd meet a man like him... or that he'd rip my darkest secret out of me.

All I want is to fade away.

Why won't he just let me?

Drawn To You is a heart-wrenching debut about love, art, and a passion that brings color to the darkness. It's an angst filled romance about the lengths we go to remember and the love we can never forget.

**This is a standalone new adult romance novel**

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 Stars

Do you like NA? Have a thing for artsy books? Then this one is for you!

Drawn To You tells a story of raw emotion and soul connecting romance... There was lust, angst, secrets, and swoon worthy intimacy. It circled around hope and forgiveness and had a strong artsy foundation. It was a tragic story with a beautiful outcome...

Let me just say that NA is not my favorite genre. It tends to be very generic and often times has repetitive plots and similar themes. This one was different though... I felt a unique premise that led with an emotional punch. The art focus made this book stand out. I could visually see the paintings in my mind. Each brush stroke, every color contrast... The paint exposed inner feelings and a romantic connection. Mia and Ezra communicated through paint. Together they used colors of forgiveness to paint over their inner darkness. It was truly a beautiful story with amazing depth.

Wondering why it didn't get 5 stars? Well... some of the descriptions were a tad over the top. It's first person so we get Mia's every thoughts. That means we get cheesy descriptions of how perfect Ezra is. At times it was just too much. Other than that I enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend it to others. It was fast paced and left a lasting impression. I applaud the author for creating such an artsy whirlwind of a romance.

The Affair by Beth Kery Review

Available for the first time as a complete novel—the serial from the New York Times bestselling author that explores the dynamics of power and sex between two people who set the rules of desire…only to shatter them.
When unconventional hospice nurse Emma Shore secured a new position at the Breakers, the sprawling mansion of enigmatic and dangerously handsome racecar billionaire Michael Montand, she had no idea how soon she’d be drawn into his darker sexual games—or that it would be her own fantasies that would hold her captive.

Michael knew he shouldn’t have engaged such an innocent woman to share in his desires. But strong sexual appetites and selfishness run in his blood.

From Michael’s luxurious lakeside home to the sun-drenched, sensual shores of the French Riviera, Emma submits again and again to his intoxicating power. But she knows there is only one way to protect her heart.

The affair will continue, but under her conditions: Only she can end it, and when it’s over, they will part and never speak again of the things they dared to do behind locked doors.

 

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

 

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 STARS

 

**Thank you Berkley for the ARC**

This was my first read by Beth Kery and I was pleasantly surprised. While it was an erotic book, there was just enough depth in the plot to dilute some of the sexy and give it that complete story feel.

It was definitely not your cliché erotic read. It had your typical sexy scenes that at times felt redundant, but there was always a twist or turn to keep you guessing. I was invested in the romance and fell hard for Vanni. 

"It was nearly impossible to focus on her future pain when she was in the intoxicating clutches of falling in love."
 

Emma is a hospice nurse and Vanni is a billionaire. Both know death all too well and both let their pasts effect their present. Until they meet face to face, love is overlooked. When they are forced together in a professional setting, an intense sexual attraction is formed and they quickly find themselves desperate for one another. Emma wants to guard her heart though, so when he asks for more, she only agrees to a 5 week affair. After that she can choose to stay or walk away. As time passes, the romance grows fast and both feel as though they are in over their heads. Together they indulge in expensive gifts, bdsm sex, & a luxurious vacation to France. Emotions run deep and they become quite reliant on one another. Their relationship is push and pull and as secrets are revealed, their love is put to the test.

 

I devoured this book in just two sittings. The writing was on point and the flow was fast paced. I found myself sucked into the story and drawn to the characters. I think what made this book so good was the setting development. I felt like I was sipping on expensive wine, sitting seaside, reading this elegant story that was packed with secrets. It was really easy to picture the places the characters went and to feel the emotion pouring from the pages. I'm not a huge fan of erotica, but this one worked for me. I definitely recommend it to all readers that love European billionaires and a-whole-lotta sexy.

 

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller“The Girl on the Train has more fun with unreliable narration than any chiller since Gone Girl. . . . [It] is liable to draw a large, bedazzled readership.”—The New York Times

“Like its train, the story blasts through the stagnation of these lives in suburban London and the reader cannot help but turn pages.”—The Boston Globe

“Gone Girl fans will devour this psychological thriller.”—People 

A debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller and an electrifying debut.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1BjyaU9

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

Oh goodness... I just finished this one and to be honest, I feel exhausted! It was complex, well thought out, and had tons of twists and turns. I really enjoyed the story, but it took me a few days to finish it because you had to pay attention to the simple parts. Each and every word played an intricate part in the story as a whole.

The Girl on The Train pulled me in with the creep factor and tangled me up in a web of lies. My mind was working double time trying to figure out what in the world was going on. The characters were so complex and weird... I started off thinking that Rachel was disgusting and hopeless, but then with a faint of heart, I started to feel really bad for her. She wasn't right in the head and I knew the secrets would slowly reveal themselves.

They compared this story to Gone Girl and I would say that's an accurate comparison. If you are looking for a book with sexy scenes though, this book probably isn't for you... Yes, there were intimate interactions, but the Author just grazed the surface by mentioning and moving along.

I would definitely recommend this book to readers looking for a good book that leaves you thinking.... What in the heck just happened? Please remember though, it is slow at times because in order to follow the story you need lots of details and the Author gives us LOTS of descriptions and little points you think are non sense at the time. They do play a crucial part in the end though!

Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan Review

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel from Lexi Ryan. Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is intended for mature readers.

"If you're broken, I'll fix you..."

I'm only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he's marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to...

"If you shatter, I'll find you..."

But now there's Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn't want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?
AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1qlPtxp

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

 

 Unbreak Me was really good!
 It was fast paced and kept me interested throughout the whole book.
It was emotional, romantic, frustrating at times, but all in all, A Great Read!

I loved how well the characters were developed. It was easy to connect to each one of them. Maggie however was my favorite. My heart hurt for all she went through. She had been stripped of her self confidence and dignity. She blamed herself for past mistakes. When Asher comes into the picture he shows her that she is worthy. He was an amazing add to the story. Yeah, he had his own demons and  secrets, but he was kind, compassionate, and protective... A TOTAL BOOK BOYFRIEND.

This was an emotional story with tons of twists and turns. You are placed in the shoes of different characters and are left to feel the pulls of decision making. There was heart break, family struggles, and a little bit of a love triangle.

I recommend it to all readers 18+. I would have given it 5 stars, but I did become annoyed at times with Maggie's Self Loathing.

The Perfect Game by J. Sterling

He's a game she never intended to play. And she's the game changer he never knew he needed. The Perfect Game tells the story of college juniors, Cassie Andrews and Jack Carter. When Cassie meets rising baseball hopeful Jack, she is determined to steer clear of him and his typical cocky attitude. But Jack has other things on his mind . . . like getting Cassie to give him the time of day. They are damaged, filled with mistrust and guarded before they find one another (and themselves) in this emotional journey about love and forgiveness. Strap yourselves for a ride that will not only break your heart, but put it back together. Sometimes life gets ugly before it gets beautiful...

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1rNe1Rx

 

My Thoughts:
2/5 Stars

 

 A lot of people recommended this book to me, but in the end, it wasn't for me.

 

I enjoyed the beginning. It was a sexy game of cat and mouse. Jack was dominant and persistent. I think every woman would probably find him attractive. Once they got together though, the story just went downhill. At first, everything was great. They couldn't keep their hands off of each other and romance was in the air. When Jack leaves to go play baseball though, things change. He does things that are unforgettable and do you know what she does? .... She takes him back. How does a strong woman turn into a weak one? I will never know, but I couldn't believe she gave in after everything he did to her.

 

While this book wasn't for me ... It could be right up your alley.

 

Please keep in mind: Most of the book is based around Baseball (practice, games, the draft, leaving home to play, and so on) Also, there is cheating in this book and the worst kind.....

True Love Story by Willow Aster Review

Growing up in an idealistic home, Sparrow Fisher is sheltered and innocent. When she meets Ian Sterling, a musician who is rising in popularity, she instantly falls for his charm. They run into each other over the next few months and eventually begin an unconventional relationship. At different places in their lives, Sparrow is off to college in New York, and Ian is traveling the country with the band. When they see each other, all seems wonderful and lighthearted, but when they’re apart, Sparrow is left to wonder if Ian really cares about her the way he says he does, or if she’s just another pretty face to him. Once their relationship steadies, they’re both happier than they’ve ever been, and it’s hard to not get caught up in the magic they have together. Until something so devastating comes to light that threatens to shatter everything they’ve built with each other. True Love Story is a story about the real highs and lows that come with a relationship—happiness, pain, angst, and finding out if love really is enough.

 

Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1s0aY5o

 

My Thoughts:

3/5 Stars

 

A beautiful story about a raw, emotional heartbreak.

 

Sparrow has the perfect family and a sweet boyfriend. However, when he proposes she can't help but crave the darker, mysterious man -Ian. They run into one another on several occasions and each time the connection grows deeper and deeper. Ian wants to maintain a long distance "situation" with no commitments, but eventually it leads to relationship and a heartbreak...

 

The heartbreak in this book gutted me. I fell for Sparrow and Ian's bond immediately and when I found out what Ian did... my jaw hit the floor. I was furious. Truthfully I wanted to throw the book. My heart ached for Sparrow and I envied the way she stuck to her guns. Even though her heart wanted Ian, she was strong and held him at arm's length.

 

Second chances is the theme of this story. While I loved some parts, others pissed me off. Cheating is never a turn on. When the book boyfriend commits this crime.... I have a hard time finishing the book. Sparrow is gutted and when she gives in, I am at a loss for words.

 

This book to me was not romantic... It was an agonizing roller coaster ride of emotions.

 

The writing was great. The concept was okay.

I recommend this book to readers who don't mind the book boyfriend cheating.

Love in English by Karina Halle Review

He’s thirty-eight. I’m twenty-three. He speaks Spanish. I speak English. He lives in Spain. I live in Canada. He dresses in thousand-dollar suits. I’m covered in tattoos. He’s married and has a five-year old daughter. I’m single and can’t commit to anyone or anything. Until now.Because when they say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, boy ain’t that the f*#king truth. *** To a restless dreamer like Vera Miles, it sounded like the experience of a lifetime. Instead of spending her summer interning for her astronomy major, she would fly to Spain where she’d spend a few weeks teaching conversational English to businessmen and women, all while enjoying free room and board at an isolated resort. But while Vera expected to get a tan, meet new people and stuff herself with wine and paella, she never expected to fall in love. Mateo Casalles is unlike anyone Vera has ever known, let alone anyone she’s usually attracted to. While Vera is a pierced and tatted free spirit with a love for music and freedom, Mateo is a successful businessman from Madrid, all sharp suits and cocky Latino charm. Yet, as the weeks go on, the two grow increasingly close and their relationship changes from purely platonic to something…more. Something that makes Vera feel alive for the first time. Something that can never, ever be. Or so she thinks

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1lNhtr1

 

My Thoughts:

2/5 Stars

 

I wanted to love this book. I really did, but unfortunately for me it was a DNF.

 

The story was a about a young woman going to Spain to teach English. There she meets older, married man Mateo and they begin to fall for one another.

 

-> Keyword being married. I don't usually mind cheating in books, but this one rubbed me the wrong way. I prefer the married person to push the other away showing some sort of devotion to their spouse. Not Mateo... He pursued Vera and pushed his wife away. This was a very unattractive characteristic. When the book boyfriend loses his appeal I check out.

 

Vera however, intrigued me. She was real and I liked that a lot. I enjoyed reading about her emotions and how she realized that Mateo was off limits. Eventually though she gave in.

 

About halfway through I had to close the book. At that point I expected some sort of excuse to why Mateo was so uninterested in his wife. Was she mean? Had she cheated? Something to make me feel okay with him being with Vera.

 

The writing was good, but the storyline really fell short for me.

Arsen: A Broken Love Story by Mia Asher

One glance was all it took…

I'm a cheater.
I'm a liar.
My whole life is a mess.I love a man.
No, I love two men…
I think.

One makes love to me. The other sets me on fire.
One is my rock. The other is my kryptonite.

I'm broken, lost, and disgusted with myself.

But I can't stop. This is my story.
My broken love story.

 

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/1g5f7O4

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 mind blowing stars!

 

This book left me with the biggest book hangover ever. I feel gutted and empty.

The emotions in Arsen are real and raw. With each page I turned, I felt more and more.

The Author did a fabulous job writing so the reader felt like they were living the lives of the characters. I honestly can't express how much I loved this book...

 

Cathy has it all, or so everyone thinks she has it all... She has a nice house, a perfect husband, and a dream job but something is missing. After experiencing multiple miscarriages she wants to be forget about that life and move on with new things. Arsen comes into the picture like a wildfire. He is hot, cocky, and Cathy is tempted. She tries to stay loyal, but eventually she gives in. Struggling with her feelings for two men she learns that she could risk losing both.

 

This book was just fabulous. It well written & provoked tons of thought. There was a lesson within it as well. About love and how things may seem better at first, but sooner or later you will regret and want what you once had. It makes you realize that lies flow out easily, but eventually you will get tangled up in them.

 

I truly highly recommend this book.

Down London Road by Samantha Young Review

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control....

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets…even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.

AMAZON LINK:http://amzn.to/MBe9Rv

 

My Thoughts

3.5/5 Stars

 

I had high expectations after reading On Dublin Street, but this book fell short.

 

I understand the Author had to set up the story with background info, but the beginning was slow. Once Cam started working at the bar I became sucked into the story. It had amazing scenes and just okay scenes. The connection and interaction between Cam and Jo was wonderful. I loved them as a couple. The friend parts and background stories... I could take or leave.

 

The emotional aspect of this book was realistic and gut wrenching. I felt for Jo every time she had to tend to her mother's drunkenness. The way her mother spoke to her was just absolutely hateful.

 

I loved the characters. Cole was a favorite. His relationship with Jo was heart warming. They took care of each other and it was very sweet.

 

The sex scenes were hot. The Author did a great job making you really feel the emotions the characters were feeling.

 

Overall the book was pretty good. I wish it was a fast page turner like On Dublin Street, but I still enjoyed it.

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins
THREE FEMALE FRIENDS FACE MIDLIFE CRISES IN A NO-HOLDS-BARRED EXPLORATION OF SEX, MARRIAGE, AND THE FRAGILITY OF LIFE.Holly: Filled with regret for being a stay-athome mom, she sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Will it bring the fulfillment she is searching for?Andrea: A single mom and avowed celibate, she watches her friend Holly’s meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for—a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly’s castaway husband?Marissa: She has more than her fair share of challenges—a gay, rebellious teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, and a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts.As one woman’s marriage unravels, another’s rekindles. As one woman’s family comes apart at the seams, another’s reconfigures into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman’s up is another one’s down, and all of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.Unflinchingly honest, emotionally powerful, surprisingly erotic, Triangles is the ultimate page-turner. Hopkins’s gorgeous, expertly honed poetic verse perfectly captures the inner lives of her characters. Sometimes it happens like that. Sometimes you just get lost.Get lost in the world of Triangles, where the lives of three unforgettable women intersect, and where there are no easy answers.

 

My Thoughts:

3.5/5 stars

 

This book was surprisingly a life changing read. It makes you appreciate what you have and take a closer look at your own marriage.

 

Andrea is a single mom struggling with dating problems and raising her daughter. Her story was entertaining and lonely. I felt for her... It seemed as though she sulked alot. When she meets a charming guy and thinks he could be the one of course he turns out to be a douche. Towards the end of the book though there was a twist and I loved it!

Holly basically wants to be a cougar. She sheds the weight and prances all around. She puts extramarital activities before her family and even decides to write an erotica. When her husband finds her writing he realizes the stories within the journal are real. Together they grow apart and their marriage wears thin.

 

Marissa has it tough and I loved her story. With a gay son and a terminally ill daughter her life is consumed by being a caretaker. She argues with her husband trying to get him more involved. Little did she know he was having an affair. Towards the end things change... Will they mend their wounds??

Overall if you like reading about older women with depth this book is for you!
Wonderful, emotional read.

Come Undone by Jessica Hawkins Review

Olivia Germaine has already found love. Devoted wife, loyal friend, determined career woman - she’s created the life she always envisioned.

But when Olivia locks eyes with a handsome stranger across a crowded room, he peers a little too closely and sees emotions she thought she’d buried long ago.

David Dylan, alleged playboy and eternal bachelor, challenges Olivia to confront the life she’s built and to make decisions that could either lead to happiness . . . or regret.

Will Olivia be able to draw the line between lust and love?

And can David respect that line

 

 

 

My Thoughts:
A great story with lots angst & romance.

4/5 Stars

 

This book is about a married woman (Olivia) who has a great job, loving husband, and strong friendships. She feels content in life until she sees sexy David across the room. After days of thinking about the mystery guy, she finally comes face to face with him. There is an instant connection and Olivia can't help but ask what it would be like to be with another man.

 

David knows he shouldn't feel the way he does, but he can't help it. Going back and forth between keeping his distance and not being able to get enough, he finally loses himself within the beautiful Olivia. Together the sparks fly and their romance is quite addicting.

I found myself intrigued by this book. I was in love with David and despised Bill (her husband). I honestly thought he was cheating, the way he was out of town all of the time. He was always pressuring Olivia, so I totally understand why she would have eyes for someone else.

I enjoyed this book a lot... I just wish there was more David and less friend time. The friend time reminded me of Sex & the City. Too many side stories and not enough of the main characters. There was however some suspense, which really added to the story.
I LOVE SOME DRAMA.

Overall this is a great read. I recommend it to mature readers!