Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

AMAZON- http://amzn.to/2qMh551

MY THOUGHTS: 

4.5/5 STARS

This was a slow one to get into, but by Chapter 3, I was hooked. Talk about a wild ride packed full of grit, adventure, and sexual tension. The story was unique and the book world was quite magical. 

Alosa is a female pirate and a total bada$$. She is also the daughter of the Pirate King. Growing up with him wasn't easy and she has many emotional and physical scars to show for it. Her rough upbringing has contributed to her fierce persona though and has left her battle ready. When she sets out on a mission to find a missing map, she finds herself in the middle of a ship full of hot blooded pirates with a handsome first mate. It is her intention to seek out the map and be on her way, but she is slowly drug into a world of pretending. She uses her nights to escape and explore and her days to interrogate those around her. She is full of snarky remarks and gives the guys a run for their money. Riden is the only one that is able to crack her tough facade. They share many fights, few kisses, and a couple secrets that lead to them being captured by yet another group of pirates. It is there that they are broke down and exposed. Alosa is forced to show her special skills and Riden is forced to show his true feelings. Together the fight to escape and end up face to face with the Pirate King himself. It is then that Alosa shines and takes control of the situation. She decides who stays and who goes and prepares for what I expect to be an epic journey. 

I really enjoyed the pirate theme, but I NEVER expected the siren twist, and man did it pull me under (pun intended). The scenic descriptions and magical skills really gave this gray story, color. I appreciated the poetic wording and I found the skills to be quite beautiful. I was intrigued by the stories and captivated by the beauty of something so fearful. I don't want to say much, but I will say this... If you love mermaids like me, then you MUST read this one. I highly look forward to the sequel!

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!

Emmy & Olvier by Robin Benway Review

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.  

 

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

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 Stars

 

*RECIEVED AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
This book fits the sweet YA mold, but has unique features that add intensity and angst. The story is based around a web of lies. It is our job as readers to reveal the truth and unveil the secrets. It is a wild ride that has an ending you will never expect...

Emmy and Oliver share a bond even after being apart for 10 years. It isn't an instant reunion, but slowly the old feelings form again. Everyone expects Oliver to be excited about being found, but deep down he feels as though he's been kidnapped all over again. Everything he knew is erased when he is thrown into a new life, with new siblings. He struggles to grasp the present and push away the past... Emmy tries to be the listening ear, but it's hard when she is faced with what brought her so much pain all of those years ago.

Was this story predictable? Maybe at times, but overall no! I was blindsided by the ending and couldn't believe how everything unfolded. I loved the romance and the cute additions that made this a swoon worthy read... Add in the mystery and I am hooked!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story... At times it was a tad slow, but in the end I was quite satisfied with what the Author gave us.
Highly Recommend to YA fans.

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 Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban

Tim Macbeth, a seventeen-year-old albino and a recent transfer to the prestigious Irving School, where the motto is “Enter here to be and find a friend.” A friend is the last thing Tim expects or wants—he just hopes to get through his senior year unnoticed. Yet, despite his efforts to blend into the background, he finds himself falling for the quintessential “It” girl, Vanessa Sheller, girlfriend of Irving’s most popular boy. To Tim's surprise, Vanessa is into him, too, but she can kiss her social status goodbye if anyone ever finds out. Tim and Vanessa begin a clandestine romance, but looming over them is the Tragedy Paper, Irving’s version of a senior year thesis, assigned by the school’s least forgiving teacher.

Jumping between viewpoints of the love-struck Tim and Duncan, a current senior about to uncover the truth of Tim and Vanessa, The Tragedy Paper is a compelling tale of forbidden love and the lengths people will go to keep their love.
My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

I just finished this one and my mind is going crazy....

From the minute I opened the book I was consumed by an intense, wonderful story. My heart surrendered to Tim and I began to think about the story when I wasn't reading.

It was about an Albino teen falling in love and getting twisted up in a forbidden romance... He isn't exactly normal so he isn't sure what to do when he is stuck in the middle of a love triangle. His feelings are all over the board. While struggling with that though his health takes a turn for the worse and at the end it plays a huge role in the outcome of the book. 

The story is told by recorded tapes. Duncan is the boy listening and we do get an insight into his life as well. Later in the book you will realize how the two are connected.

That ending... GAH! I need more Tim... like yesterday!

The reviews weren't great, but I gave it a chance and I am so glad that I did.

I definitely recommend this story to everyone looking for a plot with meaning.

Natural Love by S. Celi

My whole life, I wanted one thing: to be the perfect son.

Growing up, I did everything my father required. Straight A’s in school. Perfect manners. I forced myself to live up to his standards--standards that pushed the Chadwick family name to the highest rungs of society.

Over the years, we climbed so high that my father hoped we’d never fall.

If only he’d been right. With each successful year, the Chadwick family skeletons grew bolder and darker. Every lie threatened to undo us.

The secret Avery Jackson and I shared was the worst one of all.

She was the one person I shouldn’t love--the one person I couldn’t love. But I did. I loved Avery Jackson. I wanted her, even though a romance with her threatened everything.

It all felt so natural.

And that was exactly the problem.

Amazon Link-  http://amzn.to/1sSzIMr

 

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

 

I sat down to read this one and found myself so consumed that I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting. Forbidden romances are my favorite and this one did not disappoint. 

  

Avery & Spencer come from a well known, wealthy family. They are taught to always present themselves in a respectable manner and never let others see their flaws. Most importantly though, they are step siblings tangled in a forbidden romance. They know that their attraction towards one another is wrong, but their emotions take over and rules get broken.

 

The story is told from Spencer's perspective and while I'm not a huge fan of the male's POV, it worked wonders in this story. I found myself intrigued by his thoughts and feelings. He is so torn, yet so dead set on what his heart truly wants. He tries to keep Avery at arm's length for a while, but slowly gives in to temptation. Their romance is forbidden so obviously it is passionate, secretive, romantic, and suspenseful. I was just waiting for them to get caught and have to explain what really was going on.

 

While I enjoyed this book a lot I would have loved to see the story unfold quicker... The secrets to be revealed and the intense ending we got to go into more detail so we could really feel the emotion. I felt as though it was hard to connect because a huge plot point occurs then we are left with just one chapter to wrap it all up. I definitely think this had major potential to be an emotional, heart wrenching ending that left me thinking HOLY 5 stars, but sadly I was left thinking, What? That's all we get?

All in all, I definitely recommend this book to everyone who believes that love can surpass all.



The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin Review

The truth about Mara Dyer’s dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in this gripping sequel to the thrilling The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1uUWG6m

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

 

Wow! What an emotional roller coaster ride... To say this one was a mind f* is an understatement. My heart just broke for Mara. Her family still thinks she is crazy. They don't believe anything she says. She spends time in a mental ward and has to act like everything is fine to be released. Once released she finds herself tangled in more danger and eventually a seat at a daily therapy retreat. Noah is once again by her side and refusing to do anything, but protect her *swoon*. Together they try to piece together the nightmares, freaky dolls, charms, hallucinations, and the past to present relation.

 

This book is everything a sequel should be. You get answers to questions and there is true development in the storyline. It's like reading a book for the first time all over again. Nothing felt repeated or lacking in importance. Each and every word came together to form a hauntingly, emotional, beautiful read.

 

This is YA read, but edged on the adult side. The sexual tension has progressed to actions and the romance is actually quite yummy. Noah will always be one of my favorites and this paranormal series will always be on my top reads list!



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!

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!!

 

You Are Not Here by Samantha Schutz

A startling novel about love and grief from the author of the acclaimed memoir I Don't Want to Be Crazy.

Annaleah and Brian shared something special - Annaleah is sure of it. When they were together, they didn't need anyone else. It didn't matter that their relationship was
secret. All that mattered was what they had with each other.

And then, out of nowhere, Brian dies. And while everyone else has their role in the grieving process, Annaleah finds herself living outside of it, unacknowledged and lonely.
How can you recover from a loss that no one will let you have?

 

 

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

 

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

 

While reading this book I felt as though I was grieving a lost loved one.

The realness was there and it was thick! The emotions I felt were intense and the storyline easily pulled me in.

 

Annaleah had a secret relationship with Brian... She had true feelings and thought he did as well. When she comes to find out he passed away un expectantly her world is turned upside down. There is a hole in her heart and an emptiness in her life. As she grieves though, you come to learn that maybe Brian and her didn't have the relationship Annaleah thought they did.

 

Throughout this book you get glimpses of the present and the past. You get to see why she is the person she is and also why she was so wrapped up in Brian. Yes, you will have a love/hate relationship with him. Some parts I loved him and felt for him, others... not so much.

 

Overall I thought this was a great YA read with a HEA!!



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.*

 

Black Lies by Alessandra Torre Review

Brant:
Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years. Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.

Lee:
Cuts grass when he's not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his body. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.

Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.

If you think you've heard this story before, trust me - you haven't.

AMAZON LINK-  http://amzn.to/1u72ehT

My Thoughts:

4.5/5 Stars

 

I'm not even sure how you review a book like this without giving away too much. Let's just say you are reading, reading, reading, & BAM.... time to back track and figure out what in the hell just happened.

 

At the beginning of this story I was intrigued, but not quite hooked. The more I read though, the more I became consumed. The characters were great. The reality aspect was there and the story was packed with secrets and lies.

Like the synopsis said... If you think you have heard this story before, you haven't. This sentence is true in so many ways. While, the story has hints of things you see in different books... there are so many more unique twists. Secrets are what holds this story together and when they are revealed they threaten to tear the story apart.

I highly recommend this book to all mature readers looking for a unique, sexy read.