Thursday, May 30, 2013

BOOK REVIEW...Fight or Flight (Fight or Flight #1) by Jamie Canosa

Be smart.
Keep your head down.
And look out for number one.

These are the rules Jay has lived by for the past two years. The rules of surviving life on the streets. But when Em comes bursting into his life, in all of her disastrous glory, the rules go right out the window.

Survive.
Flee what’s been left behind.
And never look back.

Emerson’s plan was simple. Though, it was easier said than done. The city streets are dangerous and unforgiving to a new arrival. Especially, a seventeen-year-old girl who’s never known anything but life in the suburbs. Sometimes, however, what’s lurking behind those white picket fences can be more frightening than any dark alley.

Both of them made the same decision when life got overwhelming—to run from their demons. Brought together by fate or circumstance, Em and Jay find the kind of love neither of them ever expected. But, when those demons come back to haunt them and their love is on the line, which instincts will they choose to follow this time . . . Fight or Flight?
Published March 12th 2013 (first published March 2013)
A pleasure to have read!! OMG!
Never heard of Jame Canosa but boy am I glad I took a chance on this novel!!

I loved everything from the story line, the pacing, and the characters. You couldn't help but fall in love with Emerson "Em" and Jay and not feel for them. They're backgrounds and stories are so heartbreaking and their love story is so beautiful and pure. 

My only complaint is the ending. It was so rushed and illogical/unrealistic but at least our heroines got their happy ending.



My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 9
-Characters : 9
-Cover : 8.5

BOOK REVIEW...Saving Dallas by Kim Jones

When the self-righteous, millionaire bachelorette, Dallas Knox walks into Hattiesburg’s largest night club she is looking for one thing – a one night stand with no strings attached. What she doesn’t expect is to find herself at the mercy of the Devil’s Renegades Motorcycle Club and their President-Luke Carmical.

Luke is dangerous, sexy, and dark. The life he lives is far different from the privileged life Dallas is accustomed to.

Can she accept the lifestyle of an MC?

Can she handle the domineering nature of Luke?

Or is it too late to save Dallas from the path she has chosen…
Published April 30th 2013
WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!!
I was hoping that maybe with the good reviews and all that "Saving Dallas" could perhaps meet up to the hype of motorcycle gang books like Kristen Ashley's 'Own the Wind' or 'Fire Inside" but this doesn't even come close!

The plot was boring, the pacing was slow, there were a few typos in the text, and the characters were so annoying!! Especially Dallas!! So whiny and immature. And Luke, well, I didn't see the hype about him really. Nothing extraordinary about him.

These characters just did not mesh for me. I could not see how Luke and Dallas work as a couple. There's no chemistry at all. 

And the sex scenes! They were LAME.

Sorry guys, "Saving Dallas" wasn't able to even save itself from the likes of me. Bleh.


My Rating:

-Overall : 6
-Plot : 6
-Writing : 6
-Characters : 5
-Cover : 7


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Facade (Games #2) by Nyrae Dawn

Can love save them?

After her father commits a crime that shatters her family, eighteen-year-old Delaney Cross is tired of pretending everything is all right. Packing up her car, she sets out to find the people her father hurt. Her search leads her to places she’s never been—and into the arms of Adrian Westfall.

To the outside world, Adrian is a sexy, charming ladies’ man. But his playboy persona is just an act. Secretly his soul is tortured by a memory too painful to share. Only Delaney seems to see through his façade to the real man underneath. And for the first time in his life, Adrian feels he can begin to open up about his past.

Together, Adrian and Delaney share a passionate love they never expected to find. Yet both still harbor their own secrets. When the dark truth is finally revealed, will it bring them closer together—or tear them apart forever?
Expected publication: July 2nd 2013 by Forever Yours
The first book Charade was okay, but Facade was better. I love this book and the new cover. It is the perfect New Adult book. Readers who enjoyed Stealing Harper by Molly McAdams and Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire will be a fan of this book. Adrian is the definition of tortured soul, and so is Delaney. They both have been hiding behind a facade because of secrets and tragedy. Only they can heal by finding solace in each other. Their story will break your heart. Facade is such an emotional read.



My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 9


Monday, May 27, 2013

BOOK REVIEW...Heartstrings (Rock Star Romance #1) by Hadley Danes

She's made all the right choices, and always plays it safe, she's a good girl and a Registered Nurse for Christ's sake.

As Julia prepares to settle in for another typical 12-hour shift in the ER, she's ready to handle anything...That's before Slade Hale rolls into her life...on a stretcher surrounded by 15 doctors and nurses.

To her he's just another patient, and a cocky asshole Rock Star with an ego. Or at least that's what she thinks. 

When she's assigned to be his personal nurse, Julia suddenly feels out of her comfort zone. Slade is the most beautiful man she's ever seen in person and even in his vulnerable condition he seethes of raw sex appeal. When he starts to wake up, that's when the real trouble begins...Julia desperately attempts to fight his charm and wit, to stay professional, to keep the upper hand...

But she's no match for this man. He's untouchable and he can have whatever he wants. He knows it and she knows it. Will Julia risk everything...her career, her life, and her heart...all for a Rock Star?

This New Adult Romance novel contains mature themes, strong language, and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.
Published May 16th 2013 by Yuppie Bitch Press

What a huge disappointment!! Here I was excited to read a rock star romance (since I LOVE those!)with good reviews BUT then when I actually pick up the book to read I'm extremely bored to death!! What gives?!

The story is easy to read, the characters are okay, but the pacing is way too slow for me. Plus too, they don't even have sex till like the end of the book. Total smexiness let down. 

"Heartstrings" just did not pull on my heart strings. Sorry.


My Rating:

-Overall : 6
-Plot : 6
-Writing : 6
-Characters : 6
-Cover : 8

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Seductive Shadows by Marni Mann


Charlie is a passionate, sensually inspired art student, desperately seeking an escape from an abusive past that haunts her and a tragic accident that emptied her heart. Scarred and unable to love, her yearning for physical pleasure and contact leads her into a tantalizing, dangerous world of power and seduction. The anonymity of the deal offers security, the money provides financial freedom, and the madam’s authority is the mother figure she longs for.

But the thrill of the mansion and its arousing dominance quickly fades when she meets the renowned yet mysterious Cameron Hardy, whose intense, baby blue eyes send a nervous flutter through her core. He’s sexy, and not in a subtle way. Cameron stimulates her art, intellect and desires. Just as he begins to break through her emotional boundaries, Charlie discovers a devastating connection between her past and her scandalous work at the mansion, shattering everything she thought to be true.

Provocative, intoxicating and erotic, Seductive Shadows is the unforgettable tale of a young woman’s discovery as she learns to forgive, to love and be loved, and to find redemption amidst a memorable journey that will captivate your mind and stimulate your soul.

This book is for mature audiences. It contains explicit language and sexual content.
Expected publication: July 17th 2013 by Booktrope

"It's Always Darkest Before Dawn."

Charlie Williams is a talented art student with a troubled past and home life.  Five years ago, a tragic accident claimed the life of her best friend and the love of her surrogate "family" [her bestie's family].



With a nonexistent father and a neglectful and negligent mother who is at present dying from cancer, Charlie is now in extreme debt and uses sex as a general coping device to her demons at bay.

"Sex held me at night, stopped my mind from dwelling, remembering, regretting. It was the only time I didn't feel alone."

Charlie is later recruited by "The Mansion" where she can reenact her sexual fantasies and seek financial and emotional release.

"While they pumped, thrust after aching thrust, I conspired my new direction. I reveled in the growing financial freedom, feeling a slight release after each credit card payment I made. The sex was my release as well a release from being stuck in my past."

Along the way, Charlie's artwork begins to gain public recognition and she meets mysterious art student Cameron.  Sparks fly between the two and Charlie ends up learning that Cameron too, shares a gritty past like her.  As they grow closer, Charlie begins to realize that for once in her life, she may actually want a real relationship a guy and not just a sexual one. 

But how can she begin a relationship when he does not know about her secret life at The Mansion? Will he accept it and her?


"But I wanted something more with Cameron. He made me better. He made me want better. He made me want…only him. We had only kissed, but I knew he could give me enough where I wouldn’t crave something from another man. And I knew this because it wasn’t just his body that I desired. I wanted his words, his thoughts, and his tears. I hungered for his imagination. I wanted him to nuzzle my cheek the way he rubbed the paintbrush against his. I wanted his darkness and the scars that covered him. I wanted his secrets, even the ones that were too painful to share. After all, I didn’t believe any of his secrets could ever touch the ones I feared to divulge."

And what will happen when life at the mansion, her art career taking off, and new love all start to collide?  Especially when dark secrets surrounding the mansion and Charlie's birth arise with deadly consequences that now threaten her life?  Come find out July 17th!


My thoughts:
First and foremost, I would like to extend a big thank you to the publisher of "Seductive Shadows" for extending to me an invitation to review their title.  It was greatly appreciated.

"Seductive Shadows" was a much darker tale than I had anticipated.  The first part of the story I kept thinking to myself, "Is this story going to pick up?" or "what is the deal with Charlie?" since the pacing in the beginning was a little slow and for a while I kept trying to figure out Charlie.  She's pretty emotionally closed off due to her upbringing and the trauma she's faced so for a while I kept wanting to know things like what made her tic and what not.  She was pretty composed that's why majority of the time.

I also at one point questioned her sexual orientation at one point! lol.

Plot wise, the story of Charlie was a little cliche as I've read many tales where the main character is involved in a life altering accident that affects her to the core and her everyday life from there on after.  What sets this novel apart from others was the approach from which the character takes which is immersing herself in her passion for art and an escape in sex.  It's the first for me.

As for the characters, I also really liked the characterization of Charlie.  It was very consistent and her feelings and actions made sense to me.  I loved her artwork and how it signified cataclysmic events of her life.  Very nice.

Cameron was also a total plus as well.  I kept finding myself always intrigued with him wanting him to make more appearances in the book!  I guess you could say that I had a semi secret crush on him! lol  ;)

And "The Doctor," well he just totally threw me through a loop.  I wasn't expecting him to lay those bombshells on Charlie about who he truly was as well as the truth behind the Mansion's operations.  That was totally unexpected.

I'm hoping that their will be a second installment in the series.  The ending of "Seductive Shadows" the future of Charlie very questionable since it relatively is an open ending.  There's still a lot to be wondered and a lot on the line to still be worked out.

My one tic if anything regarding the story was the minor involvement of a psychic.  I didn't like that and found it unnecessary.  

Other than that, PLEASE INSTALL A SEQUEL!! I'm curious to see how everything pans out now that "The Mansion" is on the hunt for Charlie!


My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8
-Cover : 9 (very sexy)

Sunday, May 26, 2013

BOOK REVIEW...The Enforcer (NHL Scorpions #1) by Nikki Worrell

Lacey Benoit is in need of a fresh start. Her best friend, Dr. Zoe Millis, has been begging her to make the move from Maine to California. Taking a leap of faith, Lacey does just that.

Living in San Diego definitely has its perks, such as, sunshine and beaches. The best part of moving to the west coast, however, is that Steven is still on the east coast. Catching your almost husband having sex with one of your bridesmaids on your wedding day would make even the strongest woman jaded. Therefore, Lacey has sworn off men for a while, especially men who travel a lot that have easy access to loose women.

When Lacey meets the new enforcer for the San Diego Scorpions, she thinks she might be in trouble. But she is determined to fight her attraction to the sexy NHL hunk. And she is successful...for about a day.
Published May 11th 2013 by Nikki Worell
A new fan to the world of hockey, I absolutely loved this story.  It was a bit corny and unrealistic at times but I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't smitten with Jody and his alpha maleness. lol

I'm curious as how the next installment involving Lacey and Jody's BFF's and how that will turn out given that  it is off limits for department workers to fraternize or get involved with their players and all though.


My Rating:

-Overall : 8
-Plot : 8
-Writing : 8
-Characters : 8
-Cover : 8

Friday, May 24, 2013

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Being Me (Inside Out Trilogy #2) by Lisa Renee Jones

NOW OPTIONED TO STARZ for TV!

The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You—in the seductive tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey

Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the lost journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.

In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but not before his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca, but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?
Expected publication: June 11th 2013 by Gallery Books
"Being Me" picks up where the first book leaves off.  Sara is so in love with Chris and yearns to be back together but he has very prominent dominant type of personality in which he won't compromise.

Sara seeks help in Rebecca's journals where she learns a lot of revelations which makes her question a lot about herself and if this is what she wants in life.  I was a bit sad when I learned what happened to Rebecca though. *tear tear*

Anyways, "Being Me" really made me question the future between Chris and Sara and their compatibility.  Even though we all know that Sara is irrevocably in love with Chris, she goes from being "I love him" to "things just wouldn't work between us."  Very hot and cold.  Eh, make up your mind woman!

As for Chris, he was well, Chris.  What can I say? *wink wink*  He's still smexy as ever and is hot as hell in when it came to the sex scenes.  Loved those!!

Marc also becomes more present in this story but I still don't really think his character is necessary.  Don't ask since I don't know why.  I mean I liked him but at times found him a little unnecessary in the story.

"Being Me" has a nice twinge of mystery, suspense, love, and smexiness.  It is a must read! I can't wait for the next installment!!

Received this ARC via publisher for an honest review.


My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8.5

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Extinguish by J.M. Darhower

One… Two… Three… Four…

I Declare War

Serah always believed the world around her was perfect. As a Power, one of the warrior angels, she has spent her existence defending the innocent from evil. After tragedy strikes, tearing Serah's brother from her life, she's given the task of stopping the approaching apocalypse before it's too late.

Only one thing, though: she has to venture to Hell to do it.

Lucifer—or Luce, as he prefers to be called—has been biding his time in Hell, longing for revenge against those who oh-so-easily cast him into the pit. When the heavenly beauty shows up at his gate, he's just as captivated by her presence as she becomes of him. The attraction between them is palpable, and Serah's willpower slowly slips. How can this charming creature, this scarred Archangel, be the one annihilating the world she so loves?

As the war wages on, the world entwined in chaos, Serah starts questioning everything she ever knew. When the light and dark, hot and cold, finally collide, she has to make a choice—a choice that sets her world on fire, black and white exploding into colorful flames.

Serah has questions. She wants answers.
Luce just wants to play a game.
Expected publication: June 2013
So for starters, when I received an email from JM Darhower herself providing me with "Extinguish" for an honest review I literally jumped up and down with glee.

I've been a big fan of JM Darhower since "Sempre," my all time favorite read, and was waiting and waiting for another book to read from her.  Now "Extinguish" is here! *squee!*

Now ends fangirling and on to the review... ;)
.........

Is it so wrong to love? Well, in Serah's case it is.

The precipice of "Extinguish" was a bit cliche: two star crossed individuals representing the epitome good and evil fall in love in a forbidden romance.

Nonetheless, I still frickin' loved this book!!

From the beginning, JM Darhower automatically draws readers in.  I swear, the prologue had me thinking "OMG! what's going on? what's going to happen?!" due to it starting at the climax of the story.

There's a war brewing between Heaven and Hell and Serah and Luce find themselves in the center of it.  Serah is a Power, one of Heaven's warrior angels, who defend the innocent and fight against evil.  Lucifer "Luce," is well the Devil himself, so need I say more?

The characters of Serah and Luce in a way reminded me of Carmine and Haven from"Sempre" in some forms.  I mean, they're also polar opposites in character as Serah is innocent and forthright where Luce is troublesome, manipulative, charming, and cunning.

I was really drawn to both Serah and Luce's plight as they both fell in love with the wrong person on the wrong side of the spectrum.  I felt so bad at times for Serah since she was torn between love, duty, and doing what's right.  She was literally ousted as a traitor by her own 'family' and that broke my heart.

Luce, on the other hand, love was the last thing on his agenda.  Pre-meeting Serah, he had no hope for mortals and was annihilating the world while also declaring a war against those who caste him outside of Heaven.  Then he meets Serah and falls in love with her and is like, "what do I do now?"

Trust me guys.  The tension is so thick in this book it kept me on my toes!! Everything from the plot, the pacing, and the characters are brilliant.

The ending is so sad and left me unsatisfied and wanting for more.  Please tell me there's going to be a sequel?!


"It's not black and white.  If it were, I wouldn't be here right now, and neither would you.  We're the gray area, angel.  We're the pieces of the puzzle they don't know what to do with, the pieces that don't quite fit into their perfect little picture."



My Rating:

-Overall : 9
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

BOOK REVIEW...The Temporary Wife by Jeannie Moon

It was an offer she couldn’t refuse…from a man she couldn’t resist.

Kindergarten teacher Megan Rossi is devoted to being a mother to her best friend’s five-year-old daughter, Molly. When the child was orphaned, Meg became the little girl’s legally named guardian—over the objections of Molly’s wealthy grandparents, the Campbells. Now the Campbells are petitioning for custody, and Meg is faced with a long and expensive legal battle. The last thing she expects is for her former high school boyfriend—and the Campbells’ estranged son—to offer a solution: marriage.

Billionaire software developer Jason Campbell knows his parents don’t have Molly’s best interests at heart—it’s all about control for them. There is one way he can ensure that his sister’s last wishes are honored. He will offer Meg the protection of his name and lawyers until the custody arrangement has been finalized , then he’ll secure his niece’s future with a very generous divorce settlement. Jason’s considered all the scenarios, except one—that the sparks that once flew between he and Meg might reignite a burning passion. And that his confirmed bachelor heart might just melt away from the heat…
Published May 21st 2013 by InterMix
Wow.  "The Temporary Wife" was different from your typical contemporary romance starting from the beginning.  Normally when I begin books, the characters usually hate each other or are at complete odds.  This was not the case for this novel as from the start the characters put aside their differences for the sake of five year old, Molly and try to do their best in doing the right thing which is to get married.

I was really gripped from Moon's different approach in executing Megan and Jason's rekindled love story.  I may have read many synopsis' that resemble this novel but the difference between them and "The Temporary Wife" is that there is actual heart in this.  I could actually feel the characters' emotions and chemistry come out through the pages and went through many laughs and tears that bested a tribute of the power of love.

Definitely a cute read!


My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Don't Bite the Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee

Alice Shepard needs one thing: a date for her sister's wedding. And not just any date. A hunk who will make her fiancé rue the day he left her for her best friend. Her drop-dead gorgeous neighbor fits the bill—even if he is a bit quirky and never comes out during the day—and Alice has downed just enough appletinis to ask him. But she makes it quite clear that there will be no funny business. 

Spending a week on a cruise ship full of humans while sleeping close to his sexy next-door neighbor sounds like a helluva bad idea to vampire Noah Thorpe. But his friends need time to get him out of a shotgun wedding—a vampire bonding that will tie his fate to a female vampire he's never met. And Alice's offer comes at just the right time. 

What could possibly go wrong?
Expected publication: May 27th 2013 by Entangled: Covet

I normally don't  like vampire reads since I automatically think of "Twilight" and compare it to that but "Don't Bite the Bridesmaid" was a super cute and original read. I read it within one sitting since it was a different take on vampires and had a combination of intrigue, fun, and humor. 

I think readers who want a contemporary take on "vampiric romance" will appreciate the bubbling chemistry between Noah and Alice and will be like me not wanting it to end.

Thanks Tiffany Allee for a refreshing read!! I was kicking around looking for a book that could keep my attention and "Don't Bite the Bridesmaid" did it for me. Such a breathe of fresh air I must say!

My Rating:

-Overall : 8
-Plot : 8
-Writing : 8
-Characters : 8
-Cover : 8


Monday, May 20, 2013

BOOK SERIES REVIEW...Marriage to a Billionaire Books 1-3 by Jennifer Probst && Preview of Book 4, The Marriage Merger




Quick shout out: I FREAKING LOVE THIS SERIES!! The first installment, The Marriage Bargain, is still my all time favorite while the second, The Marriage Trap, reigns in as my least favorite due to too much drama. I hate over dramatic books. ;)

The Marriage Bargain was a lovely introduction into this series.  Nicholas and Alexa are a match made in Heaven and I loved every minute of it!

The second and third books I'll admit their synopses are a but cliche but nonetheless they still packed sensuality, heat, and drama that will hold your attention.  

The Marriage Trap, like I said before, was a bit overwhelming and overflowing with drama but in a way it helped fuel my desire to keep turning the pages to find out the end of it.  And The Marriage Mistake was just   what every girl hopes to get in a way: the man of your dreams who didn't really see you before but sees you now kind of a thing.

Brilliant series!


What I look forward to:  The Marriage Merger (Marriage to A Billionaire, Book 4)
Her sisters have found wedded bliss with their wealthy,
wonderful dream men, but not Julietta Conte. She’s stayed
on terra firma as top executive of the family’s corporation,
La Dolce Famiglia bakery. Work is her passion, and her
trendy Milan apartment her sanctuary . . . until Sawyer
Wells, a masculine masterpiece in a suit, lures her out of
hiding with an irresistible offer: an exclusive partnership
with his international chain of boutique hotels.

Julietta’s been burned before—and trusting her brother-in-
law’s friend, whose powerful gaze alone has her
rethinking the best use of a conference room, is the
riskiest proposition. But with a once-in-a-career chance
to take the bakery global, will she mix stone-cold business
with red-hot seduction?
Expected publication: July 30th 2013



ARC BOOK REVIEW...Come Alive (The Cityscape #2) by Jessica Hawkins

Determined to move on with her life, Olivia Germaine has vowed to forget David Dylan. Struggling to keep her head above water, she focuses on her new promotion and refuses to drown in the memory of their night together.

But when Olivia realizes what life without David means, she must decide if she is willing to risk everything for him . . . and if she is ready to reopen the wounds of her past.

Can Olivia move forward with her marriage despite her feelings for David?

And can David stay away like he promised?
Expected publication: May 30th 2013
"Come Alive" picks up where "Come Undone" ends.  To say that I loved it would be an understatement as I completely loved and devoured it!!  I literally couldn't put it down and read it through one sitting.

"Come Alive" is a bit darker than the first with no side character stories.  Liv and David's relationship goes through many push and shoves but as usual, their chemistry is scorching!! You can't help not pay attention whenever they're in the same scene interacting with one another anticipating what will happen next.

I am definitely team Liv and David and am curious if Ms. Hawkins plans to make a book three due to the abrupt and incomplete ending?? Well, I hope so!! Please do!!



My Rating:

-Overall : 9
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 9
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8





BOOK REVIEW...Louie Morelli's Mistress by Patricia Bellomo

New Orleans realtor, Robert Fontenay, sells a house to Mercedes Glapion. But Mercedes is no ordinary client. She’s drop dead gorgeous, owns a voodoo shop in The Quarter, and is the mistress of crime boss, Louie Morelli.

Within days of meeting Mercedes, Robert’s life is turned upside down. He falls in love with Mercedes and starts playing daddy to her eccentric little girl. His fiancée goes berserk and breaks off their engagement. Then he witnesses the murder of a prominent politician and becomes the target of investigating FBI agents. Robert is expected to spy on his lover, but Louie is one step ahead of the Feds, and he makes Robert an offer he can’t refuse.

Caught between mob and FBI, Robert is plunged into New Orleans’s gritty underworld. Lines between good and evil blur as Robert struggles with his passion for Mercedes, his conscience, and his growing admiration for Louie. Soon, Robert realizes that the only person he can trust is Louie. But trusting the enigmatic mobster is dangerous, and it’s not too long before Robert becomes embroiled in a horrific crime.
Published March 11th 2013 by Libreria Publications

First and foremost, I did not like this story.  I did not like it so much that I stopped at like 55 percent because it was too much going on with the story and characters.  It was ridiculous.

The story was not concrete and nor was the characters and also the pacing was lagging.

What a waste of time!!



My Rating:

-Overall : 6
-Plot : 6
-Writing : 6
-Characters : 6.5
-Cover : 7

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Secret for a Song by S.K. Falls

Saylor Grayson makes herself sick. Literally.

She ate her first needle when she was seven. Now, at nineteen, she’s been kicked out of college for poisoning herself with laxatives. The shrinks call it Munchausen Syndrome. All Saylor knows is that when she’s ill, her normally distant mother pays attention and the doctors and nurses make her feel special.

Then she meets Drew Dean, the leader of a local support group for those with terminal diseases. When he mistakes her for a new member, Saylor knows she should correct him. But she can’t bring herself to, not after she’s welcomed into a new circle of friends. Friends who, like Drew, all have illnesses ready to claim their independence or their lives 

For the first time, Saylor finds out what it feels like to be in love, to have friends who genuinely care about her. But secrets have a way of revealing themselves. What will happen when Saylor’s is out?
Expected publication: June 2013
"Secret For A Song" is not a light read.  It's very deep and centers around heavy topics and issues.

Saylor, what a cool name btw,  basically hurts herself to gain attention.  How messed up is that?

She has no support system or foundation so she goes through extremes to try to receive love and care since deep down she's lonely and uncared for.  I could really feel myself reeling for Saylor and her deep detachment from the one person who is supposed to love and care for her the most.

When she is mistaken to be a member of a local support group for terminal diseases, Saylor feels as if her existence finally makes sense or matters to people for once in her life and also experiences feelings of first love with the leader of the group, Drew.

But what will happen when Saylor's secrets and lies are revealed?  How will the ones she's grown such a heavy bond with react to her?  What will happen with her budding relationship with Drew?  And most of all, what will become of Saylor?

"Secret For A Song" is a brilliant and emotional read with lovely themes of love, dreams, and hope, as well as claiming/making something of yourself on your own.

A definite must read!!


My Rating:

-Overall : 9
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 9
-Cover : 8.5





BOOK REVIEW...Bitter Disenchantment (Coveted 0.4) by Shawntelle Madison

Werewolf Natalya Stravinsky's outspoken sidekick, Aggie McClure, is featured in this prequel novella. Before Agatha set foot in South Toms River, New Jersey, she had the fight of her life to face. Destined to be the alpha female over her Manhattan pack, Aggie was fully prepared to take on her role until her father arranges a marriage without her consent. She wants out–but the only way is with money–something her new controlling husband won't give her to escape. But such odds never kept a wolf like Aggie down. To sever the twisted tie, she finds herself pitted against raging wood nymphs and backstabbing brownies in an underground supernatural fighting ring. With every victory, the sweet taste of freedom is closer, but her husband isn't willing to let her go that easily. Until the very end, Aggie must fight for the one thing she's never had: a choice.
Published April 23rd 2013 by Shawntelle Madison
I was really sad with how Aggie's relationships with her father and her husband fall apart.  Being the daughter of a powerful alpha and having  a marriage setup is one thing but after getting married to the guy and thinking you're in love with him and finding out his true motives as to why he married you totally sucks.

I was really pissed at how both Aggie's father and hubby were two power hungry pricks who gave her no choices of her own.  Basically, it was their way or no way.  Selfish bastards.  Sorry for the language but it's true.

Aggie spends a lot of the book trying to establish contacts and connections to meet a powerful alpha that can annul her marriage and set her free.  She's a determined little thing, which I admire, and in the end I love the part where she confronts her dad and hubby [well, on the phone for hubby] basically telling them that she is her own person and won't take their sh*& no more.

A very good prequel novella that sizzles!!



ARC BOOK REVIEW...The Elusive Wife by Callie Hutton

Jason Cavendish, the Earl of Coventry, is trying to discreetly locate his unwanted and abandoned bride among London society to request an annulment. However, he doesn’t remember what she looks like because he was blind drunk at his arranged wedding and hasn’t seen her since. The fascinating Lady Olivia has captured the Earl’s attention. Newly arrived from the country to stay with her school friend for the Season, she is appalled to discover that her husband, Lord Coventry, doesn't even recognize her. She's not about to tell the arrogant arse that she is his wife. Instead, she flirts with him by night and has her modiste send her mounting bills to him by day. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned… Too bad this woman finds her husband nearly irresistible. 
Published May 20th 2013 by Entangled: Scandalous
I normally shun historical romances, but "The Elusive Wife" looked interesting and the guy heroine's last name intriguing me since it made me think of 'James Cavendish" from R.K. Liley's "Up in the Series" so I had to pick it up!!

"The Elusive Bride" was a nice read.  I loved Lady Olivia but I also felt bad for her as well since she gets trampled all over by everyone, especially Jason, while keeping up a charade during the course of the book.  I don't know if I could put up with stuff like that and would have cracked.

As for Jason Cavendish, I hated him throughout most of the book but he did win my heart in the end.  I got why he didn't want to get married but there is right way to handle it and the way he dealt with it was prick.

Furthermore, how bad is it when your own BFF is calling you out on your stupid behavior?  Jason was such a douche bag who in my eyes didn't deserve Olivia!!  He's lucky that she even put up with him since he didn't even remember what she looked like since he was too drunk at the wedding!! OMG.

I do, however, like the fact that throughout the course of the book, Jason falls in love with Olivia without even realizing it.  Olivia is already intrigued and has a special part of Jason in her own heart.  But, I like that Jason falls in love with her gradually instead of it being forced so that everything that happened between them would be 'raw' and 'real'.

Anyways, I highly suggest "The Elusive Bride" even for you non-historical romance people.  Once again, I'll reinforce that I don't normally like this book genre but "The Elusive Bride" won me over.  The plot, characters, and pacing were all nicely done.  Very enjoyable read.  Well, when Jason wasn't behaving the scum of the earth that is.


My Rating:

-Overall : 8.5
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8

Sunday, May 19, 2013

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Fire Inside (Chaos #2) by Kristen Ashley

Lanie Heron isn’t looking for love—no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club...

For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She’s too polished and too classy for his tastes. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can’t say no. And he doesn’t regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that’s ever happened to him—in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.
Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Forever
Kristen Ashley gave me 'WOW'...again with the "Fire Inside". It was fantastic!

Lanie and Hop are only suppose to have one night together but Hop decides he's never had a lady and the beauty that is Lanie, and he's not letting go.

I didn't know what to expect with Hop,he didn't leave me with the best 1st impression when I met him in Motorcycle Man. Boy, Hop redeems himself in a BIG way. 

Lanie has major problems that stem from a dysfunctional family and having witnessed her fiance Elliott shot and killed eight years earlier when he got involved with the mob. 

This book is a emotional roller coaster of a ride as Hop try's to slay the monster the Lanie carries inside herself and she has quite a few. Lanie is scared to give love,she had a fiance that was taken away from her in a horrific way and a father that was never committed to her family growing up.
Hop goes the distance with Lanie and the end result is KA signature epilogue.


I received this ARC in exchange from publisher for an honest review.

Hop



Lanie



=SEXY




My Rating:

-Overall : 9
-Plot : 8.5
-Writing : 8.5
-Characters : 8.5
-Cover : 8

Saturday, May 18, 2013

ARC BOOK REVIEW...Dragon Mine (The Hidden 0.5) by Jaime Rush

His Dragon, her magick, a dark mystery, and hot sparks!

Kirin is summoned home to Miami when his father goes missing--the man who ruined his life, and his relationship with Elle, by being a suspect in her mother's disappearance. When he runs into Elle, sparks fly, especially when he discovers her father is missing, too. Suspecting that their disappearances are linked, they must combine his Dragon power and her magick to find the truth in the darkest shadows. But as their desires flare again, can their burning passion overcome their past—or the danger that the future holds?
Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Forever Yours

Talk about B.O.R.I.N.G!!!  Aside from the boring plot, pacing, the unrealistic characters and dialogue, I don't know what was worse.

This was literally my face during all but one scene in the book....

   

Then, when the love scene happened....  



And I was like "Oooh la la!!" So smexy.




 Then after that it went back to....


And,




My Rating:

-Overall : 7.5
-Plot : 7
-Writing : 8
-Characters : 7.5
-Cover : 8.5