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 ;)

Play of Light by Debra Doxer Review

I lived in paradise, and I loved Spencer Pierce.

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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!

Dragon's Lair by Chantal Fernando Review

The first in a new sexy romance series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.
When I found my boyfriend cheating on me, I did something stupid.
Or should I say, someone?
Because of that mistake, I’m now stuck in a world I don’t belong in.
I’m a law student. They’re criminals. He’s the vice president of a motorcycle club. I’m a good girl with a strict upbringing. He’s my ex-boyfriend’s brother.
And I’m screwed.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1E80zfz


My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

If you like MC books, Dragon's Lair is the book for you!

The author did an awesome job creating a story about life in the biker world. She pulled reader's in with her captivating words and her sexy bikers. I devoured it one word at a time and in the end... I wanted a cut of my own. 

This was a story about the MC Vice President having a one night stand with his childhood neighbor... He doesn't expect to get her pregnant, but when he does, he takes full responsibility and lays his life on the line to protect her. He has baggage and secrets though and is afraid of what Faye will think once they are revealed.

Faye was a firecracker... I loved her sass and the way she didn't take crap from the others at the club. She kept the guys in line and stood her ground when confronted by Dex's ex flings. I thought it was great how she connected with the guys... and I loved how Dex became jealous over it! The way he got aggressive and possessive was intense and let's just admit it, HOT!

I fell in love with Faye and Dex's romance. It wasn't easy and it wasn't always beautiful, but it was raw and real and sexy!

What made this story unique to me was the fact that we got the love story of Dex and Faye...  and we also got Faye's story when it came to living at the club, interacting with the guys and ladies. I loved the bikers... They made me smile and at times, laugh out loud. Each one had their own personalities and each one was equally likeable. Tracker was my favorite, but Arrow... Vinnie... & Rake were all charming in their own ways. I definitely would love to read their stories.

I highly recommend this read to all MC fans!!

Sweet Little Thing by Renee Carlino

Ever wonder what happened after the final pages of Sweet Thing?

From his candid and sometimes neurotic point of view, Will tells all in this musical and sexy follow-up novella to Renée Carlino’s USA Today Bestseller.

Life is pure bliss for Mia and Will. They have a puppy, a loft in Brooklyn, and a new music studio on the rise. It seems things couldn’t get any better for this talented couple when life decides to throw them a sweet little curve ball.

They quickly learn that things don't always go according to plan. Sometimes happily ever after is one giant leap of faith away.
With the help of good music, good friends, and one eccentric old lady, they overcome a few of life’s little bumps to find the sweetest thing of all.

Watch this duo grow in more ways than one in SWEET Little THING.  

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

I wanted a quick read and that is what I got with this one. I really enjoyed Will's POV. It was on point with the male personality. There were sweet parts and funny parts. A few times I laughed out loud. Will's friend was outrageous, but added so much humor to the story.

Mia and Will are adorable as usual. They are planning a wedding and getting ready for a new adventure. It isn't always easy, but they make it work. Their romance pours off the pages. From their simple gestures to their sexual attraction to one another... they have the perfect romantic connection.

I really enjoyed it, but wished there would have been a little more depth and a little less sexy time... Because it was a novella, it kind of felt like an overkill of intimate scenes. However, it was still a great read. I definitely recommend this book to those who loved Sweet Thing and want a quick read.