The Book of You by Claire Kendal

A terrifying psychological thriller about obsession and power, perfect for fans of Gone Girl and Before I Go to Sleep.

Clarissa is becoming more and more frightened of her colleague, Rafe. He won’t leave her alone, and he refuses to take no for an answer. He is always there.

Being selected for jury service is a relief. The courtroom is a safe haven, a place where Rafe can’t be. But as a violent tale of kidnap and abuse unfolds, Clarissa begins to see parallels between her own situation and that of the young woman on the witness stand.

Realizing that she bears the burden of proof, Clarissa unravels the twisted, macabre fairytale that Rafe has spun around them – and discovers that the ending he envisions is more terrifying than she could have imagined. 

MY REVIEW:

3/5 Stars

This book was intriguing, mysterious, and creepy. It's about a crazy one night stand that begins with rape and ends with a crazy stalker. The guy is straight lunatic I tell you! He follows her everywhere and leaves her creepy photos at her doorstep. While she tries to uncover secrets and remain alive, he digs deeper into her privacy. He invades her friendships, her workplace, and her casual day to day life. She can't get away from him. He is always there and it takes extreme measures to finally be rid of him.

While I really liked this story... there was a lot of redundancy that became boring at times. Each journal entry was another encounter of him lurking and her noting. Most occurrences were similar. I think I really craved difference. More action... More intensity... 

All in all it was a well written book with a twisty plot. I recommend it to fans of You by Caroline Kepnes.

Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz

No one does romantic suspense better than Jayne Ann Krentz. Now, the New York Times bestselling author of Trust No One and River Road delivers a novel that twists and turns into a read that will leave you breathless.

Madeline and Daphne were once as close as sisters—until a secret tore them apart. Now it might take them to their graves.

They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother's hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn't be bothering them anymore...ever. Still their lives would never be the same.

Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother's mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered.

Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts...and wants.

Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack's brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth....

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

 

MY REVIEW:4/5 Stars

 

When I saw the cover and read the synopsis I knew I needed to get my hands on this one. Thank you Penguin for making that happen with an ARC! 

 

The book starts with a glimpse of the dark night that changed everything. The night that lies were buried 6 feet under and bonds were built off secrets. Madeline thinks the nightmares are all she has to deal with now, but a call from the past pulls her right back to that night. Her life is turned upside down when her grandma is murdered and she's left to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Luckily she has Jack... the security agent, AKA hero and Daphne her long lost secret sister.

 

When the characters go back to the island where it all started they are confronted by a rich island family that are a bunch of crazies. Each one poses as something they aren't, but as Madeline and Jack dig deep they find out what lies behind each golden face. The two brothers are against one another and the parents hate each other. They put on pretty political faces to get into the white house, but their secrets can only stay hidden for so long.

 

It was an intense wild ride reading about each character and how they fit together. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what in the heck was going on and who was behind it all. I could have guessed that someone was involved, but the others... I had no clue. It was horrifying at times and I loved when I had to look around my dark bedroom checking every corner to make sure the characters weren't jumping off the pages and into my dark space. The eerie feeling of reliving that night and running through the dank hotel were enough to pull me into the story and leave me staying up way past my bed time.

 

I really enjoyed the Secret Sisters and overall was impressed with the Author's writing. She was able to capture the essence of tragedy and intertwine thrilling suspense, edge of your seat mystery, and passionate romance. My mind was manipulated and while I did like the twists and turns, I couldn't help but crave a darker reveal. I secretly wanted someone closer to Madeline to be involved... Someone that would come in and rock our world with their involvement. With all that being said it was great book that I recommend to all readers. 

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 Museum of Extraordinary Things: A Novel by Alice Hoffman Review

The "spellbinding" (People, 4 stars), New York Times bestseller from the author of The Dovekeepers: an extraordinary novel about an electric and impassioned love affair "an enchanting love story rich with history and a sense of place"; (USA TODAY).

Coralie Sardie is the daughter of the sinister impresario behind The Museum of Extraordinary Things, a Coney Island freak show that thrills the masses. An exceptional swimmer, Coralie appears as the Mermaid in her father's museum, alongside performers like the Wolfman and the Butterfly Girl. One night Coralie stumbles upon a striking young man taking pictures of moonlit trees in the woods off the Hudson River.

The dashing photographer is Eddie Cohen, a Russian immigrant who has run away from his community and his job as a tailor's apprentice. When Eddie photographs the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, he becomes embroiled in the mystery behind a young woman's disappearance. And he ignites the heart of Coralie.

Alice Hoffman weaves her trademark magic, romance, and masterful storytelling to unite Coralie and Eddie in a tender and moving story of young love in tumultuous times. The Museum of Extraordinary Things is, "a lavish tale about strange yet sympathetic people" (The New York Times Book Review).

 

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

 

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

This book was unlike anything I've ever read before... It was dark and twisted, with a subtle romance and a thick mysterious plot. While it wasn't at all what I expected... It was really good in an eerie feel kind of way.

It follows two characters through past and present. Their connection to one another isn't vivid, but it's there and it's unavoidable. Eddie sees Coralie in his dreams and she sees him in the flesh. Both are drawn to one another long before they meet face to face, but they have obstacles to overcome first. Cora's father is possessive and uses her in sick twisted ways. She is his money maker and each day she is in an exhibit, is another dark day in her life. She seeks solace in the water and makes friends with a tortoise. Her hope is that someday she will be loved as the monster she believes to be. It is Eddie that opens her eyes and heart to everything she didn't know was possible.

"Edward realized it simply was not in her nature to abandon even the lowliest creature. He felt overtaken by his love for her. Love like this wasn't what he'd planned or wanted or expected, surely it was indeed a trap, for even when you tried to run away, it followed you through the grass and lay down beside you, it overtook common sense and will-power. "

The Museum of Extraordinary Things was a well crafted story with exquisite writing. The Author did a great job at creating a solid foundation with strong character development. While at times it was a tad slow, it continued to pull me back in. The words were quick to tug at my heart strings and the emotions really poured off the pages. The life Coralie lived was hell. She was a puppet and her father was the puppeteer. He controlled every movement, action, and thought. When she finally broke free from his gripp... I couldn't have been happier. It was long tough journey, but in the end I was pleased with how everything turned out.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to all readers looking for a unique read. When I saw it had a mermaid theme I was all in. I'm definitely happy that I picked up the book and gave it a chance.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously--and at great risk--documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1Tf53r6

 

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

 

Between Shades of Gray grips your heart at page one and slowly begins to dig it's nails in with each page you turn. It's an emotional book about survival and how having hope can make a world of difference.

 

Lina and her family are deported and we get to experience the journey through paragraphs of words. Each sentence holds a certain punch and each tiny mark of punctuation pulls out a new emotion. It's not always pretty, but it's a story that's felt deep within the soul. I couldn't believe all that Lina went through. The way she was treated made me sick. To think that there are people out there that experienced the life in which these characters lived makes my heart hurt. It was an awful way of life and so many were lost during this historical time. Children, adults, women, and men... Some even lost their selves. They were broken down, stripped of all rights, and left with little dignity. It truly makes you appreciate the life you live and all of the privileges that you take for granted each day.

 

I can't say enough good things about this book. The writing was flawless and the story is one that is all consuming. I loved the way everything played out and I especially loved the quaint hints of romance. It wasn't an in your face love, but more of an I will do everything to protect you kind of love. It is definitely going on my all time favorites list. I recommend it to anyone that loves stories with an utter rawness that will leave you breathless at times.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent Review

A brilliant literary debut, inspired by a true story: the final days of a young woman accused of murder in Iceland in 1829.

Set against Iceland's stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes, who, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution.

Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only Tóti, a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. But as Agnes's death looms, the farmer's wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they've heard.

Riveting and rich with lyricism, BURIAL RITES evokes a dramatic existence in a distant time and place, and asks the question, how can one woman hope to endure when her life depends upon the stories told by others?

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

 

MY THOUGHTS:

4.5/5 Stars

 

This book was rich in emotion and vivid in details. It crawled under my skin and tugged at my heart strings. It wasn't a story of redemption, but more of a bittersweet goodbye.

Agnes is convicted of murder and is sentenced to execution. She is sent to live with a family full of mixed emotions to wait out her final days. One daughter feels connected to her, the other despises her. The parents are stern, but slowly soften as time passes. A reverend is sent to be with her to help her find peace and during their meetings a beautiful, heartfelt story is told. Secrets are revealed and true closure is found.

It took me about a week to finish this one, which is long for me, but that's only because there was so much to take in. I loved it because it wasn't the typical story with the mushy romance. It's about life and how love can truly be ugly. It's a historical tale of how things came to be... a retelling of hardships and utter betrayal. It's not light hearted, with a happily ever after, so please if you are a sappy romantic, pass on this one. If want to be sucked into a story full of exquisite writing and mind bending plot, one click today!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND~

A Pound of Flesh by Sophie Jackson

Orange Is the New Black meets Jennifer Probst’s New York Times bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire trilogy, featuring a strong-minded prison tutor who discovers that her sexy bad-boy student is far more than he appears to be.

Haunted by nightmares of her father’s street murder fifteen years ago, Kat Lane decides to face her fears and uphold his legacy of helping others by teaching inmates at a New York prison. There she meets arrogant Wesley Carter, who’s as handsome as he is dangerous, as mysterious as he is quick-witted, and with a reputation that ensures people will keep their distance.

As teacher and student, Kat and Carter are forced to leave their animosities at the door and learn that one should never judge a book by its cover. As Carter’s barriers begin to crumble, Kat realizes there’s much more to her angry student than she thought, leaving them to face a new, perilous obstacle: their undeniable attraction to one another.

When Carter is released and Kat continues to tutor him on the outside, the obstacles mount. Can they fight the odds to make their relationship work? Will Kat’s family and friends ever accept her being with someone of his background? And will Kat’s discovery of Carter’s role on the night her father died force them apart forever...or unite them?

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1LlJ9h7

 

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

 

I just finished this one last night and overall I really liked it. There were some great scenes and of course a few filler parts I could have done without. To describe it with one sentence... I'd say it was a unique romance with bland moments. ...

 

The storyline was well developed and the romance between the characters was great. The theme though... being that the lead male was in prison... was lacking for me. The prison parts were intense and captivating in the beginning, but there wasn't enough of them. I definitely think the Author should have played up those scenes and kept Carter there longer. He was in his element. The bad boy persona was shining and I craved his unexpected outbursts. When he got parole his character dimmed a bit. He became softer and it threw me for a loop. I think there definitely could have been more suspense that brought out the prison persona in a non prison atmosphere. I also thought that once the big sex scene took place the story kind of got lost in intimate scenes. It felt like there was too much sex and not enough story in the final chapters. With that all being said I LOVED Carter and I even had mad love for Kat. Them together was a whirlwind of deep rooted emotion and undeniable passion. Their romance made my mind race and my heart swoon for sure.

 

I highly recommend it to readers that like edgy romances with hints of mystery. The writing was captivating and the romance seeped from the pages. Can't wait for the next read by this Author!

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.

Do Not Disturb by A.R. Torre

Equal parts Dexter and 50 Shades, this is the eagerly awaited follow-up to the award winning erotic thriller, The Girl in 6E, by A.R. Torre.

My rules:

1. Don't leave the apartment.

2. Never let anyone in.

3. Don't kill anyone.

The rules were simple and I broke them.

Now I must face the consequences.

Everyone else must face me.

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

 

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 Stars
A.R. Torre did it again... Another heart racing read that was packed with sexy and suspense.

 

Do Not Disturb continues where the first book left off. Deanna is feeling different though... Almost, free. She starts pushing the limits and even gives in to temptation and leaves the apartment. Her doctor doesn't think it's a good idea, but hell what does he know... When she meets a new customer that pushes the limits, her world begins to slowly turn upside down. He wants to meet in person and she wants nothing to do with it. What she doesn't know is Marcus is dangerous and doesn't take no very well. He sets out to uncover all of Deanna's secrets and in the end comes face to face with the devil herself.

 

Gosh, this is my go-to Author for obvious reasons. Her writing is raw and intense. It captures a reader's attention and slowly and intricately weaves into their mind.... consuming and controlling with dark erotic words. I loved this book so much. While it was similar to book one, it brought a unique twist that made you feel like you were meeting Deanna for the first time. She was different in this book... Still a bad ass, but also a tad softer in a hard way? If that makes any sense... Her attitude was still dark, but her feelings were gray. Jeremy has rooted in her heart and even her hacker seems to pull out emotion. It really added to her character and made me love her even more.

 

Now, let me say erotica is not my preferred genre, but A.R. knows how to write sex scenes that make us think. Each seductive word is meant to manipulate. If I could... I would unread this series just so I could start it again for the first time. It was truly that good!

Highly recommend it to all readers!

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*

The Contradiction of Solitude by A. Meredith Walters Review

You may notice me, but you will never know me.
I prefer it that way.
I am the daughter of a monster.
Born from blood and lies.
Dead before I have truly lived.
But Elian tells me that I'm different.
He tells me that I'm beautiful.
That I'm an enigma wrapped in irresistibly complicated skin.
Elian says that he loves me.
These words terrify me.
I can't trust love.
Or hope.
Or truth.
Because I fear the beast inside.
It threatens to drown Elian and his sweet, unconditional love.
It's a beast that will destroy everything.


**Reader Warning**
There is NO warning. I won't tell you if there's a HEA, a cliffhanger, or a love triangle. Just read it and find out for yourself but please don't post spoilers.
The fun of a story is figuring it all out!

*Note- this is a psychological thriller and nothing like my previous books!**

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

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

This book goes straight to the top of my 2015 Favorites list...
Talk about a psychological thriller!! This one picked me up, carried me to a dark, crazy world, and eventually blew me away. My mind was blown and my heart was shattered into ten million tiny little pieces time and time again.

I honestly feel like my mind was violated. I learned to trust and that was my downfall. The darkness slowly consumed me and I couldn't see anything in front of me. The story crawled deep within my soul and began controlling my thoughts and feelings. I was manipulated by fictional characters... How silly is that? I felt pain, but in some sick, twisted way... The pain set me free.

If you liked YOU by Caroline Kepnes... You will LOVE this one. It is similar, only better. The writing was flawless and the story was captivating. The Author gave us just enough info to rob us of our sanity and keep us guessing the whole way through. You may think you know what will happen in the end, but until that last page closes... nothing is certain.

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!

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.

 

YOU by Caroline Kepnes Review

Love hurts...

When aspiring writer Guinevere Beck strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe works, he’s instantly smitten. Beck is everything Joe has ever wanted: She’s gorgeous, tough, razor-smart, and as sexy as his wildest dreams.

Beck doesn’t know it yet, but she’s perfect for him, and soon she can’t resist her feelings for a guy who seems custom made for her. But there’s more to Joe than Beck realizes, and much more to Beck than her oh-so-perfect façade. Their mutual obsession quickly spirals into a whirlwind of deadly consequences . . .

A chilling account of unrelenting passion, Caroline Kepnes’s You is a perversely romantic thriller that’s more dangerously clever than any you’ve read before.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1xPP1uT

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

Let's talk about the book that left me feeling like I was slowly, seductively, and intricately mind f*cked.

 

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but with all the hype around it, I had to give it a read. Boy am I glad that I did, because this story was like no other.
Was it a romance? Kind of, but not really. It's basically a thriller that centers around obsession.

There is a guy that is infatuated with a girl. He makes her life his. He steals her phone and begins to control her life from the outside.  When he places himself in her life intimately things take a dangerous turn. Nothing will stop him from what he wants. He kills for her and eventually the danger spins out of control. The ending was not what I expected, but it was an ending that leaves you thinking "Damn, this Author is gooood."

What I liked most about this book is the fact that it's not a one and done. You don't sit down and devour it in one day. It's a detailed, thought provoking book that makes you want to take your time to savor and comprehend all that's happening. It's a book that you do not skim. Each page has a purpose and each gritty word has meaning.

I loved it and really hope that there is another book about Joe. Even though he was a messed up sicko... In some twisted way, I liked him. I enjoyed being in his cryptic mind and I devoured his story one murder at a time.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a read that brings more than hearts and flowers to the table.

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorenson Review

From the bestselling author of The Secret of Ella and Micha comes a mesmerizing novel of fate, friendship, and the healing power of love . . .

THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE & KAYDEN

For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck-and his life-might finally end . . . until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.

Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.

When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved . . .

Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1Hqz8Mn

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

I was stuck in a book rut and came across this book in the store. I couldn't be more pleased that I did! It was everything I was craving in a book and more. The story was gritty, emotional, romantic, mysterious, and just plain addicting!

 

It was about a guy named Kayden and a girl named Callie. Both characters were broken with deep set, emotional damage. Both held their hurt inside and both were afraid to reveal their darkest secrets. Eventually though, the truth needed to be set free and when it was, it caused a whirlwind of changes.

 

Talk about an emotionally intense story packed with twists and turns. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat begging for answers. I wanted to know what their secrets were. With each page I was captivated and sucked into the character's world. When the secrets were revealed my heart about exploded. It hurt for Callie and Kayden. I just wanted them to find happiness within one another and shut out the rest of the world.

 

The ending was not what I expected... It was a cliffhanger that leaves many things up in the air. I would have liked to have more answers before the end, but I guess I will just have to read the next book to find out what happens.

 

I highly recommend this read to all readers looking for a read with substance, that will pull out tons of emotion.



Crow's Row by Julie Hockley Review

For college student Emily Sheppard, the thought of spending a summer alone in New York is much more preferable than spending it in France with her parents. Just completing her freshman year at Callister University, Emily faces a quiet summer in the city slums, supporting herself by working at the campus library.

During one of her jogs through the nearby cemetery while visiting her brother Bill’s grave, Emily witnesses a brutal killing—and then she blacks out. When Emily regains consciousness, she realizes she’s been kidnapped by a young crime boss and his gang. She is hurled into a secret underworld, wondering why she is still alive and for how long.

Held captive in rural Vermont, she tries to make sense of her situation and what it means. While uncovering secrets about her brother and his untimely death, Emily falls in love with her very rich and very dangerous captor, twenty-six-year-old Cameron. She understands it’s a forbidden love and one that won’t allow her to return to her previous life. But love may not be enough to save Emily when no one even knows she is missing.

 

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

 

My Thoughts:

5/5 Stars

 

Yes, Yes, Yes! If you like a darker read with danger and sexual tension.... This one is for you!

Emily comes from a wealthy family, but insists on living with the lower class and blending in as much as possible. She lives in a dingy apartment and wears old clothes. Her Walkman is her best friend and her jogs are her escape.

 

When she jogs into the wrong part of town though, and comes face to face with Cameron, her world is turned upside down. He tells her firmly to stay away, but she pushes her luck and ends up witnessing a murder. She is taken to an unknown place and fears for her life... However when she gets there, secrets are unveiled and she comes to realize that maybe Cameron isn't all bad.

 

Crow's Row is one that pulled me in from page one. I had a hard time putting it down and found myself wanting to tell everyone about it. The romance is not a love at first sight kind of thing... It is more like a slow, seductive dance. As the book progresses, feelings do as well.

 

I literally loved every character in this book... I felt connected to them and found myself intrigued by their stories just as much as the leads. Cameron though.... He was my FAVORITE! He was dangerous, dark, mysterious, and protective. He was a book boyfriend that everyone should experience!

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry Review

From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a romance forged in the fast lane 

The girl with straight A's and the perfect life—that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy family…and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker—a guy she has no business even talking to. But after the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

The last thing Isaiah needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks. But when their shared love of street racing puts their lives in jeopardy, Isaiah and Rachel will have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

 

 

Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1wCHEq4

 

My Thoughts:
3/5 Stars

 

Crash Into You was about a well off girl falling for a boy in the system, with a mom who just got out of prison. Their paths cross when they end up at an illegal street race and are forced to run from the police together. They find themselves with big problems, owing a bad guy a lot of money. Isaiah wants to take care of the debt on his own, but Rachel insists on doing her part. As much as he wants to tell her no and push her away, he can't help but to be sucked into her and an unexpected romance. Together they build a forbidden relationship around secrets and cars.

 

This was a darker read. There was tons of danger and suspense. It was a page turner for sure, but I don't think it was as good as the others. While they brought out a lot of emotion this one lacked connectors. I wanted to connect to Rachel, but something kept me at arms length. Maybe it was the fact that she was fearless one minute and collapsing with a panic attack the next... It was hard to follow her illness and what triggered it exactly. If there was more consistency I think I would have felt more emotion towards her and maybe loved the book even more. However, the romance in this book and the twists and turns made this book a 3 star read!

 

I enjoyed the story and found myself addicted to Isaiah, but definitely craved more when it came to emotion.



Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick Review

There are stories where the girl gets her prince, and they live happily ever after. (This is not one of those stories.)

Jenna Lord's first sixteen years were not exactly a fairy tale. Her father is a controlling psycho and her mother is a drunk. She used to count on her older brother—until he shipped off to Iraq. And then, of course, there was the time she almost died in a fire.

There are stories where the monster gets the girl, and everyone cries for his innocent victim. (This is not one of those stories either.)

 

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

 

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

 

I love a good mind f and this one provided just that! The Author left us on the edge of our seats trying to piece together what happened in the past and what would happen in the future.

 

The main character is damaged and emotionally broken. She alters the truth and hides secrets about the past. When she meets Mr. Anderson he shows her the attention she seeks. He protects her and provides a safe place for her. She opens up to him and they slowly form a more intimate relationship. Yes it is taboo... Yes it is illegal, but somehow and someway it worked for me.

 

This story is about a tormented soul trying to forget and live a life she can tolerate. My heart hurt for Jenna. She had deep set issues and her family was a train wreck. Her self confidence was gone and she was addicted to cutting.

Mr. Anderson was sneaky and kind. He was a book boyfriend for sure.

The things that I didn't like about this book were... At times the mind f was bit confusing and I felt some of my questions were left unanswered. Overall though I enjoyed it and would recommend it to all readers....

*The sexual scenes are not descriptive. They often cut out and give no details.*

 

Sempre Redemption by JM Darhower Review

In this thrilling and sexy follow-up to Sempre, two young lovers struggle to keep their relationship intact after they become deeply enmeshed in the dangerous mafia-run crime ring they once tried to overthrow.

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco have been through a lot. Haven was taken in by Carmine’s father, and with his family’s help, she escaped a gruesome fate. However, saving Haven from the dark intentions of a mafia family cost Carmine a steep price: he was forced to swear loyalty to them.

Now, still passionately in love, Carmine and Haven must face the fall-out of Carmine’s forced service, as Haven discovers terrifying secrets about the family that enslaved both her and her mother—and why she matters so much in this intricate web of lies.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/VKYPpX 

 

My Thoughts:

3.5/5 Stars

 

I enjoyed this book, but Sempre is still my favorite!

 

Even though this book follows the same characters, Haven & Carmine, they are separated for most of the book. We got to see Haven follow her dreams and Carmine live out his promise. All in all it was a suspenseful, emotional book packed with lots of twists and turns.

 

When Haven and Carmine reunited my heart filled with love and envy. I have always found their relationship intriguing and to see them back together made the book that much better.

 

Sempre captivated me, where this book fell short in that area. I would have liked to see more of the Haven/Carmine relationship and less of the dark suspense. 

 

I recommend this book to all readers, but for those who fell in love with timid Haven, be prepared... She is in the real world now. Her and Carmine are not together in this book and as much as I wanted to connect to it like I did book 1, I didn't.

Better When He's Bad by Jay Crownover

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover returns with a heart-stopping new series… Welcome to the Point.
There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who’s bad . . . meet Shane Baxter.
Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too soft…and standing directly in his way.
Dovie Pryce knows all about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced.
Bax terrifies her, awakening feelings she never thought she’d have for a guy like him. But it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize . . . some boys are just better when they’re bad.

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

 

My Thoughts:

4/5 Stars

Let's face it... Bax is one bad ass Book Boyfriend.

 

This book starts with Shane Baxter looking for his best friend. When a clue leads him to Dovie Pryce he is met with a tough redhead. At first they butt heads, but eventually a connection sparks and a relationship is formed. Together they search for her brother and his best friend. When they find him, the timing is unexpected and no one knows what will happen next.

 

Let's talk about the characters. Dovie Pryce is a strong willed, young woman. She concentrates on work and school and spends her free time at a children's home. Bax is a bad boy. He isn't afraid of anything... Actually he seeks out trouble. He does have a hint of softness when it comes to Dovie though. 

 

The storyline was packed with suspense and twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all pieced together, I was thrown for a loop.

 

The beginning was a tad slow, but keep reading. By Chapter Three, Bax had me wrapped around his bad ass finger.

 

All together I enjoyed this book a lot. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a darker read with sexy characters.