ARC BOOK REVIEW...Blurred (Kissed by Death #2) by Tara A. Fuller

Cash is haunted by things. Hungry, hollow things. They only leave him alone when Anaya, Heaven’s beautiful reaper, is around. Cash has always been good with girls, but Anaya isn’t like the others. She’s dead. And with his deteriorating health, Cash might soon be as well.

Anaya never breaks the rules, but the night of the fire she recognized part of Cash’s soul—and doomed him to something worse than death. Cash’s soul now resides in an expired body, making him a shadow walker—a rare, coveted being that can walk between worlds. A being creatures of the underworld would do anything to get their hands on.

The lines between life and death are blurring, and Anaya and Cash find themselves falling helplessly over the edge. Trapped in a world where the living don’t belong, can Cash make it out alive?
Expected publication: July 2nd 2013 by Entangled Teen

Normally teen paranormal romances don't appeal to me but after hearing that it dealt with the topic of death I couldn't resist and accepted the ARC copy from the publisher.  Several months ago, my little brother passed away and made me curious about what happens to you after you die.

What sucked me into "Blurred" was it's different outtake on the afterlife and what happens when you fall in love in the paranormal world.  It actually made death sound appealing which is new for me since I am very skeptical about it and share mixed feelings regarding how books tend to portray it.

What made "Blurred" work was it's 'raw' quality and uniqueness.  For one thing, the plot is different which is refreshing and the characters pack heart.  Usually when I come across YA reads the characters are whiny and annoying.  Anaya and Cash are the complete opposite and are quite mature and stable in their nature.  They're not mentally and emotionally all over the place and always mean well.  

The storyline of "Blurred" is also very well  constructed and the pacing is thoroughly vivid and fluid.  There are no abrupt or unnecessary twists and turns or side blocks that take away from the quality of the story/characters.

 I highly recommend this read!! A wonderful installment of love and courage!!



My Rating:

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

BOOK REVIEW...Tiger Magic (Shifters Unbound #5) by Jennifer Ashley

He was once a captive, but his urges were never caged. Now he’ll release them on a beautiful stranger whose own secret desires are longing to be sated…

He doesn’t have a name. He doesn’t have a clan. The humans who held him prisoner for forty years have taken them away. He knew nothing but captivity until nearly a year ago, when he was released into the light. Now Tiger lives in the Austin Shiftertown, where he struggles to belong and searches for an identity.

Carly Randal thinks her fabulous life is complete—until her car breaks down on the side of the road, and a wild-looking Shifter is the only one to help her. Tiger takes one look at Carly and knows instantly—she will be his mate. As Carly is drawn into his Shifter world, she risks everything she has for that forbidden something she still wants: passionate love.
Published June 4th 2013 by Berkley Sensation

HOLY HOTNESS!! ISN'T THE COVER SUPER DELICIOUS?!?

Anyways on to the review....

Lately, I haven't been liking many shifter books since they have been disappointing me but "Tiger Magic" was  'purrfect.'  I have a weakness for alpha male types of characters and Tiger was all that and more.

The main female heroine, Carly, was a real treat as I enjoy "spunky" characters with flair and she brought that to the story.

My main complain is that there should have been more shredding and ripping of each other's clothes as that's what I would have done if I were Carly if given the chance to be with a super hot shapeshifter like Tiger.

As for the storyline and pacing, well, the storyline I'll admit is a bit bland but the pacing is 'just right.'  It's not too fast or too slow and draws readers in from the beginning.

I'm curious as to where Ms. Ashley is to venture next in this series and seriously can't wait!!  I want more!! 

My Rating:

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

Come Together (The Cityscape Series, #3) by Jessica Hawkins REVEAL and Amazon Card Giveaway!!

Come Together is the third and final installment of The Cityscape Series.

With a single decision, Olivia Germaine’s fantasy has become a reality. Now she is faced with two commitments: one she must make and one she must break. But in order to accept a love she never thought possible, Olivia will have to let go of the broken past that defines her - and of deeply-rooted fears that could ruin everything.

Everything is what David Dylan wants to give her, and it’s what he wants in return. He must prove to Olivia that despite his playboy ways, he’s worth leaving behind the stable future her husband can offer her. David is a man who always gets what he wants . . . but this time he may be fighting for something unattainable.

Can Olivia escape the past that threatens to consume her?

And can David break through to her before it does?

Additional information:

·        Genre: Adult Contemporary Fiction

·        Release date: September 19^th, 2013

·        Cover Photo: © iStockphoto.com/VikaValter (please credit)

·        Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18136828-come-together

·        Official Series Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlrwjnQDtzA

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. Some of her favorite things include traveling, her dog Kimo, Scrabble, driving aimlessly and creating Top Five lists. She is the helpless victim of an overactive imagination that finds inspiration in music and tranquility in writing. Currently she resides wherever her head lands, which lately is the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

Contact Jessica:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jess_hawk

Author Blog: www.jessicahawkins.net/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicahawkinsauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/jessicahawkins

Come Together is the third and final installment of The Cityscape Series. The following links are for the first two books, Come Undone and Come Alive.

Official Book Trailer

Request on NetGalley

Goodreads

The Cityscape Series Purchase Links:

·        Amazon

·        Barnes and Noble

·        Kobo

BOOK REVIEW...Caught by Menace (Grabbed #2) by Lolita Lopez

Menace's plan to catch a sweet, docile woman is shot to hell when he's tackled by a dark-haired beauty who wants to save her friend from being Grabbed. Refusing to leave the planet's surface empty handed, Menace claims the spitfire with his collar.

Naya clawed her way off the streets of Connor's Run and vowed to never let any man have control over her. She plans to make Menace so miserable he'll set her free but the ruggedly sexy warrior disarms her with his unexpected patience and kindness.

Against her better judgment, Naya surrenders to Menace's masterful hands and mouth. Submitting to her new husband brings her more pleasure and happiness than she'd ever imagined possible. For the first time in her life, she willingly trusts a man to protect her.

But when her past misdeeds catch up with her, Naya puts the depth and strength of that love to the test. Determined to show her he's worthy of her trust, Menace will stop at nothing to save her.
Published June 21st 2013 by Ellora's Cave

*Wheew!! I was so excited to read this, I read this in one sitting!! :D* 

While I did enjoy reading "Caught By Menace" immensely, I still liked "Grabbed By Vicious" a lot more.

In the beginning, Naya rescues her friend from being grabbed by Menace and gets caught and taken in her friend's place instead.

Naya, who's been been self-sufficient since she was young, is literally shocked that a warrior like Menace could actually genuinely care for her and want her for her and not just her body.  She begins developing feelings for him but when her past mideeds start to surface what will become of their budding relationship?

...............

Like I mentioned at the beginning, while I did enjoy this second installment a lot I still preferred the first.

While I will admit that there is more of a story line as well as an emotional attachment to the characters, notably Naya, there was something about the first book that caught my attention and made me giddy.  Naya and Menace's relationship does have more depth but Hallie and Vicious are still my bias. :D

There was one part though, in the story where my heart actually broke for Naya and made me want to clunk Menace on the head for being gullible and believing the lies.  I almost teared up reading that part. ;(

Also, on a side note: I ABSOLUTELY HATED TERROR  IN THIS BOOK!! HE PISSED ME OFF SO BAD!!  ESPECIALLY HOW HE TREATED NAYA AND SHE ALMOST DIED BECAUSE OF HIM!! I KNOW HE DID WHAT HE DID FOR THE BETTER GOOD, BUT HE WAS SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS WHILE TRYING TO ATTAIN HIS GOAL.  I'M NOT GOING TO FORGIVE HIM.

I hope the next book is on Flare, the warrior that tried to grab Naya but got injured and had to make a deal with Menace to find a bride willing to be with him since he is now disabled.

OR

Hazard.  Hazard looks like he really wants a bride and wants to enter the Grab but had most of his points taken away.

So yes, Flare or Hazard for book three please!!

My Rating:

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

ARC BOOK REVIEW...A Million Dirty Secrets (Million Dollar Duet #1) by C.L. Parker

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes a wickedly erotic new novel of innocence, desire, and unbridled pleasure.

Delaine Talbot has a secret. When a matter of life and death threatens to tear apart her family, Delaine makes the ultimate sacrifice. She auctions herself off at Chicago’s most exclusive erotic club. Now she belongs to Noah Crawford, a wealthy mogul who introduces her to a seductive feast of the senses, awakening desires she only dreamed about.  

Noah doesn’t know why Delaine sold her body for a cool two mil. But it’s the perfect business arrangement. The inexperienced beauty will learn to satisfy his every sensual need, yet never touch his heart. Almost immediately their relationship generates heat—in more ways than one. When they fight, they take no prisoners. When they love, they show no mercy. When they’re together, they never want to leave each other’s arms. But soon, their intense, physical bond will take an unexpected turn—evolving into something neither has bargained for: the promise of a lasting love.

A Million Dirty Secrets is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
Expected publication: August 27th 2013 by Bantam

I'm sorry to say this but "A Million Dirty Secrets" was a slow and painful read.  Yes, it does have some elements for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You but it wasn't enough to make it a standalone title from those book series.

I felt like every chapter was a porno with a lot of weird words and phrases added in!  I do like hot sex scenes in book BUT IN MODERATION please!

I also found the character Delaine quite a little snotty b*tch.  I thought she was extremely annoying and kept wondering why a guy like Noah would even go for a girl like her?!

As for Noah, well, I liked him.  I love alpha males and he fit into that category. *does a happy dance*.  Noah does so much for Delaine and what does he get back for it?  B*tching and whining.  I would have kicked her out the door no matter what the circumstances.  If you want to be ungrateful, then fine be gone!!

I don't care that she's supposed to belong to me and that I'm supposed to take care of her.  She's a grown woman! Sheesh.

Such a frustrating read!


My Rating:

-Overall : 7
-Plot : 7
-Writing : 7
-Characters : 7 (because of Delaine!)
-Cover : 7 (how generic)

BOOK REVIEW...Beauty and the Bad Boy (Bad Boy #1) by Scarlett Dupree

A bad boy biker from the Ghetto. Born to the gang. Born to kill. 
A beautiful, young woman from the Heights. Born to be free. Born to love.

Polar opposites. But one thing binds them: A tragic past.

Jake vowed never to love again after his girlfriend was brutally murdered. He’s never forgiven himself for her death. As for Dakota, her happiness was killed by a loss so deep she'd stopped living. After years of sleeping with biker groupies, Jake's bad boy reputation is ripped apart as soon as Beauty steps into his life. As for Dakota, the hunky, inked, heavily muscled, bad boy forces her to live again. Her very life depends on it.

This story tells of Beauty's transition into Bad Boy's world of violence, betrayal and death. A world dominated by men who live by a strict code where love and beauty come second to the gang. It would take a woman of a certain calibre to stand by such a bad boy. But Dakota isn't just any woman. She can fight. She can shoot, and she has the mouth of a sailor. Her grim past has forced Dakota to be headstrong, and so she rebuffs Jake's need to protect her. But Dakota must realize she is as tough as her understanding that, once in awhile, she needs a tenacious man to lean on, especially if that man’s idea of love is to lay his life down for her.

They say when you're at your lowest point your soul is lost. But what happens when the ties of fate bind two lost souls? Would they choose to risk their last remnant of hope to be together? 

Beauty and the Bad Boy is about two lost souls who made such a choice one night, and the dangerous journey they embark upon because of it. But, will their instinct to fight for love save them or will it be their undoing in the end?

Published June 2013

Jake Rider lost his girlfriend Tina in a  vicious attack against his motorcycle club, The Firebirds.  He meets fellow tortured soul, Dakota, and feels instant sparks of connection (and lust) for her.

Jake, however, isn't the only one who's suffered loss as Dakota too has lost loved ones as well.

How will their love bloom as rival forces threaten tear them apart and the forces that took Tina's life are on the brink of claiming Dakota's as well?

MY THOUGHTS:

In all retrospect, I didn't care for Jake whatsoever.  I wasn't sold on the idea of Jake being this bad ass character that he was supposed to be nor had any sympathy or empathy for him either.  No matter what he had claimed to have done, his character was always fell short to me.  He was sort of like a pansy really (since he throws A LOT of mood swings and cries often) while Dakota wore the big man pants and sucks things up and moves on with her life.

I really admire a woman like Dakota and could totally feel for her throughout the story.  When I had read the plot synopsis, I had already figured that Jake's character would be this overbearing and exaggerating character as he had lost what he thought was the love of his life.  Wait to you hear Dakota's story and the story behind her rose bush tattoos (especially what represents the "bud" of it *tear tear).  Her's is tragic and put's what Jake has gone through to shame.  It's a heavy burden but what I appreciated about Dakota is that she doesn't wither in her loss and misery.  That's something that Jake needs to get a grip on.

I also thought it was cheesy for the characters calling each other "Beauty" and "Bad Boy."  How weird.  I hear some guys refer to their girls as their beauty but to call your guy "Bad Boy" (even though I didn't think he was) was quite a strange word of endearment.

Over all though, this was an okay yet painful read.  And when I mean "painful" I mean that I had to put my e-reader down several times because I was either bored or I wanted Jake to grow some balls and be a man! Sorry for my commentary but it's the TRUTH!

The ending is what left me very unsettled and annoyed the most though. There could have been more done to it because I was not satisfied with it.  It just leaves me thinking what I've known from the beginning: Jake is one irresponsible guy and is lucky that someone like Dakota will put up with him and his sh*t.  I mean, she had some of her options taken away from her in which she can't go and get back and yet Jake still has a chance to with one person (and I'm not referring to Dakota btw) and he's not taking it.  I get that stability and safety is what he's looking at but he should work harder so that he can provide that.  I'm sure that if Dakota could go back in time she would have taken the chance that Jake has.  Pisses me off really.

My Rating:

-Overall : 6.5
-Plot : 6
-Writing : 7
-Characters : 7.5
-Cover : 7

BOOK SERIES REVIEW...Zorn Warriors (Books 1-4) by Laurann Dohner

I absolutely LOVED this series.  I started reading it two days ago and went on a marathon of reading all books available.  I checked the author's site and there looks to be more books to be added!  I hope the next book is on Vhon, the youngest brother, and the following is on Coto, Rever's bestie and almost-adopted like son to Berr.

My favorite of the series, would still have to be Book One, "Ral's Woman", though.  It was the most interesting and kept me wanting more.  I think what sold me was the beginning after Ariel was deemed unfit to breed with the alien race that had kidnapped her from Earth and then she is then out off for auction in front of another alien race that was also enslaved.  The only catch of course, is that in this "auction," warriors have to battle each other in order to win Ariel.

Enter, Ral, whom you find out is the first born son and heir to the kingdom of Zorn.  Ral, spots Ariel and enters the competition to win her as his own.  He wins her and the story is set.  Only, when Ral and his race escape capture and return back to his planet, his father (the ruler of Zorn) isn't too pleased with his choice of bound.

SO, MOVING ON....

I also liked "Tempting Rever," as I was curious as to how things would pan out since Rever had already bounded himself to a human woman but later falls in love with another human woman who's warrior had died in a rebellion on the ship that Rever was on.  The woman though is already spoken for as her as now she is set to now become the bound of her dead bound's brother! Aish.

As for "Kidnapping Casey" and "Berr's Arrow," they were just okay.  Enjoyable but rather not as pleasing as books one and three for me.  I can't wait for the next installments!!


My Rating:

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

BOOK REVIEW...A Beautiful Idea (Beautiful #1) by Emily McKee

Isabelle Clark always had ideas, but that’s all they ever were . . . until now. She grew up in a world filled with poverty and hatred from the person who gave birth to her and had decided she would finally make her ideas a reality. After moving away to college as a junior she ran into the University of Maryland’s walking one-night stand. Literally.

Maddox Mitchell was every girl’s wet dream all in one muscled, tattooed, pierced, baseball playing package. He thought he had the life: going to school, tattooing people by day, and giving girls the best orgasms of their life by night. When he found out that Financial Aid didn’t fully cover Isabelle’s room and board Maddox had an idea: Isabelle should move in with him.

On the outside everybody sees Isabelle as a quiet bookworm and Maddox as a player, both on and off the baseball diamond. They soon learn who the other truly is. Either way, they’re about to realize this idea was a beautiful one.
Published June 14th 2013 (first published June 1st 2013)

Is it me or did "A Beautiful Idea" have "Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGure" written all over it?

Isabelle "Iz" Clark is a struggling college student with a nonexistent father and a mentally/emotionally abusive mother. She leaves home to dorm and when she hits a snag with financial support in steps the campus one night stand, Maddox Mitchell. Maddox agrees for Iz to move in with him and with feelings growing and love on the rise how will it all pan out?

...........

So back to the whole "Beautiful Disaster" gimmick I was talking about. For one thing, Iz moves away to college (even though she's a third year student) just like how Abby leaves Vegas to attend college in another state to get away from an abusive parent. Then, she meets Maddox (*cough cough Travis MADDOX could you be even more unoriginal) and he's ALSO known as the "walking one night stand" of the college with tattoos and piercings (ok, Travis doesn't have piercings). Maddox, like Travis, is instantly struck with Iz the moment he sees her but unlike Travis doesn't doubt his feelings. The moment he meets Iz, he totally ceases his playboy lifestyle and is all about Iz. He tries to ease Iz into a relationship with him by starting off as friends but in turn hopes that there could be something more between them in the future. 

Iz, like Abby, tries to push away their feelings for Maddox/Travis away but of course it doesn't happen and of course they fall hard for each other. Btw, did I mention that Iz is also a virgin (like how Abby was pre-Travis days)? And it's no brainer that like how Travis got to be Abby's first, Maddox is also Iz's.

I KNOW it sounds like I'm ranting and bashing this book and in a way I am BUT....for some weird reason I still liked it. Strange eh? I can't explain it... similarities withstanding and a whole lot of cheesiness to boot, "A Beautiful Idea" was a decent read for me. Maybe it's my bias because of "Beautiful Disaster"??? 

I also appreciated how there's no love triangles and how none of Maddox's "slores"(sluts/whores) make appearances in the book. I always hate reading messy love lives with added people in the mix who try to break them apart. It gets old and makes me wanna threaten violence on some people! lol. 

Anyway....with all that said.....

Over all, not a bad read.

My Rating:

-Overall : 7.7
-Plot : 7.5
-Writing : 7.5
-Characters : 8
-Cover : 8.5

BOOK REVIEW...Make Me Yours by Alla Kar

Hustler. 

This best describes Layla’s life. Ever since her father passed, she has stuck to his rules: Never get caught. Never get too close. 

Layla’s game plan is simple, make all the extra cash she can, to make a living during college, hustling people at pool. If that means, flirting, and dressing sleazy, then so be it. It isn’t until she catches Taylor Jack’s eye that her shield is in terrible trouble of crumbling. The tattooed, bad boy, campus Fight Night champion, has his sights set on Layla, and isn’t about to give up.

After a weak moment, Layla leaves Taylor on top of his pool table half-naked and wanting her. Now it seems like she can’t shake him, he is everywhere she turns. But, when Layla hustles the wrong guy, her safety is threatened. She might have to take down her shield so Taylor can rescue her from herself.
Published May 4th 2013

What a waste of time!!

The book cover's hot, but the story was LAME!! Thank God it was a short read as if it were longer it would have most definitely ended up on my DID NOT FINISH pile for it's utter stupidity. SORRY. But that's all I can really say about it. PERIOD.



My Rating:

-Overall : 5
-Plot : 7
-Writing : 7
-Characters : 7
-Cover : 9

BOOK REVIEW...The Loneliest Alpha (The MacKellen Alphas, #1) by T.A. Grey

One look will change their lives forever.

Lingerie designer Alicia Clarkson just had to open her stupid mouth. Now thanks to trying to defend a fellow pack mate, Alicia’s been blindfolded, tied up, and carted off to the new alpha of the Oregon pack—Gavin MacKellen. 

However, the blindfold doesn’t come off so soon as Gavin reveals he’s searching for a mate. But Alicia’s curiosity gets fired up when Gavin refuses to reveal his face to her. Just what happened to him? He talks to her from shadowy corners and behind closed doors. The man is as allusive as a squirrely fox. But Alicia doesn’t play games and the quiet spoken, hoarse voiced alpha doesn’t stand a chance against her. They settle on an agreement, thirty days for them to get to know each other because that’s the only way this cowboy alpha will have it.

Gavin MacKellen needs a mate. But he knows no good woman would ever want to look at his face after the incident he suffered. After one look at Alicia Clarkson all his plans fly out the window. The woman’s beauty has stunned him damn near speechless. She torments his thoughts and Gavin finds himself yearning to know everything about her. He admires her creativity and intelligence, the cool way she handles herself in stressful situations. Most of all, he aches deep in his chest to taste her lips. Those beautiful sweet lips, but in order to kiss her without showing her what a monster he was, he has to get creative. 

A relationship forms and as love threatens to grow between them Gavin struggles to cope with his physical appearance in the face of the beautiful Alicia. Will she be the one to stand in the face of a monster and accept or will she turn her back on him as everyone else has?
Published June 14th 2013 by T. A. Grey

“Sweetheart, I’m gonna f*ck you till you can’t see straight.”

So before I begin, "The Loneliest Alpha" takes place shortly after book six of the Kategan Alphas.  Remember Vanessa Kategan and her marriage to Alpha Joseph Harrington?  Well, this is the aftermath of what happens to his pack after he is murdered.

...............
Alicia Clarkson is a passionate lingerie maker who dreams of expanding her business.  After opening her mouth by trying to save a female pack member she is then taken to another pack as a possible mate for the newly crowned alpha in Oregon.

Enter Gavin MacKellen.  As an alpha, Gavin needs a mate to rule by his side but after a horrible incident that left permanent scars on his face who could even want to look or consider him?  He scurries the country for possible brides and is instantly taken with Alicia the moment he lays eyes on her.

Now the question is, how to woe Alicia into staying and becoming his mate and queen?  How will she react to his horribly disfigured face?  And with tensions on the line, old rivalries resurface, and a new enemy that threatens a huge betrayal to the pack and threat to Alicia's life, how will it all turn out?

My Casting For Gavin MacKellen

My Casting For Alicia Clarkson

.............
My thoughts:

HOLY SH*T can't even comprise of what I'm thinking after I finished reading "The Loneliest Alpha."

Normally even though I may be a fan of a writer or some of their previous works there's normally a book or two that will fall short for me.  Well, not "The Loneliest Alpha!"  I swear, T.A. Grey knows how to write some addictive story lines with new and refreshing characters.  I was literally turning the pages at a rapid pace because I was so engulfed and captivated by what was going to happen next in the story.

I liked how this series tied into Ms. Grey's previous series on Lykaens, The Kategans.  It was a nice touch  and I really appreciated it since that is my all time favorite book series from Ms. Grey thus far.

Everything from the plot and characters in this story to the placing  were flat out amazing and just right which is NOT OFTEN for me.  There was never a time where I got frustrated with unnecessary plot gimmicks, character issues/personalities, or even problems with the pacing being too fast or slow so I really commend Ms. Grey on that.

My heart really broke for Gavin after he learned some hard truths within his own pack.  He already suffers major esteem issues from his appearance, personality (which I found funny since he's so much like me except for the alpha/dominating trait! lol), interaction with women, and his public dishonoring of his youngest brother in the alpha dual (which he of course won).  Then he had to encounter a MAJOR betrayal by someone who he trusted wholeheartedly? I wouldn't have known what to do in his shoes.  Some of the events I could predict but this one was heartbreaking.

Trust me guys.  This is a WORTH READ.  Gavin and Alicia's relationship was so plausible and complimentary to each other that I could see how they could "work" together as a couple.  I also found it so endearing that Gavin really wanted Alicia to come around on her own terms to want to mate with him and fall in love with him for him (scars and all).

"What if you’re the one?”
“The one what?” “The one woman who can stand to look me in the eye. The one who will give it a
chance. I need you to get to know me so you can see past my face."

And YES GUYS, there is definitely some steam factor in this book!!  I often had to fan myself from the sizzling chemistry they have for one another and the "smex" scenes. *wink wink*  ;)

Don’t know if I’ve ever felt anything this good,” he said roughly.
“Wait ’till you’re inside me.

“Holy hell, I have to get inside you,” he said against her lips.

“A lot has happened... but I don’t wanna talk about that right now. I just want my mate, naked, in my arms.”

I'm now a little curious as to where Ms. Grey is going to take the next installment, Hanna and Alex's' story.  I read the teaser at the end and am exhilarated.  Ms. Grey you are such a tease! *sticks out tongue*



My Rating:

-Overall : 10
-Plot : 9
-Writing : 9
-Characters : 9
-Cover : 9

BOOK REVIEW...Spring Training (Game On #1) by Parker Kincade

For baseball superstar Garrett Donovan, his contract with the New York Empire baseball team meant he’d finally have the means to secure a future for his family. He should focus on that…not on the sassy, beautiful Jessa Montgomery — or what she looks like naked. Getting involved with the daughter of the Empire’s owner would be career suicide. Jessa is a distraction he can’t afford.

Her father had warned her never to get involved with his athletes, so his request that she keep an eye on his new star player came straight out of left field. The last thing Jessa needs is another spoiled, egotistical ball player to deal with. But Garrett is none of those things. His no-nonsense attitude and smooth Southern charm make her blood burn and her knees weak. Giving into temptation, she is consumed by the pleasure she finds in Garrett’s arms.

Jessa wants to protect his career. Garrett won’t let anything get in the way of their passion.

A passion that could cost him everything.
Published May 18th 2013

“You're mine, Jessa. I’m not going anywhere. Unless it’s to find a more appropriate place to get you naked."

If you're a fan of Jaci Burton's Play by Play series and Toni Aleo's Assassins series (a hockey themed series) then "Spring Training" is for you!

Garrett Donovan is a baseball superstar looking "to secure a future for his family."  He meets Tessa Montgomery, daughter of his boss, and things get sticky.

Basically, Garrett and Tessa's relationship was a steamy play of cat and mouse.  Steamy because from the get go they were already ripping each other's clothes off and having sex.  And cat and mouse because they had to hide their relationship away from everyone, especially Tessa's father.

I'm curious know as to where Ms. Kincade plans to take the next book as I assume that this is a series by judging by the title.  If there is a next book then I hope it'll be on Tyler, Garrett's BFF and fellow teammate on his baseball team.

Random liners:
“Did you touch yourself this last month, baby? Did you pet that sweet pussy and think of me?”

“What do you say, princess?  Meet me at my place after?” “Let me guess. You want me waiting, naked and in your bed?"


My Rating:

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

BOOK REVIEW...Private Message by Danielle Torella

Tess has never had sex. Believe it or not, she’s never had a decent kiss. 

The aspiring Seattle painter and photographer is still recovering from the trauma of being beaten and nearly raped at a rock show nearly three years before. So she keeps life simple: she goes to school, goes to work in a coffee shop, goes home, goes on living.

But then Ben’s naked body crashes—almost literally—through Tess’s wall against the world. 

Ben is doing his dad’s art-teacher girlfriend a favor when he agrees to pose nude for her drawing class. But what he draws is the interest of the irresistible punk-looking girl—and it’s interest he reciprocates, with interest. 

Their sexual chemistry is too much to resist. But it’s when they have their clothes on that their heat quickly slips on ice. Ben’s womanizing history is one thing, but it’s history of another kind—related to that fateful night at the rock show—that threatens to tear the young lovers apart forever.
Published May 27th 2013 by Danielle Torella

"Tess do you touch yourself?" "Why do you want to know?" "Because I am hoping to be the first and only person inside of you."

I really enjoyed "Private Message" a lot.  Although it's a very simple love story, I found myself engrossed in it and ripping through the pages without constantly checking on how many more pages till I get to the end.

Tess is an aspired painter juggling her time between school and work.  She sees Ben (or Big_Ben) at a local bar (where patrons may engage in private messaging of each other, hence the title of the book) and is instantly taken with him.

Ben is a magazine journalist for Tone Magazine and covers rock concerts.  He sees Tess  also at the bar and is also captivated with her in not a one night stand kind of way (since yes, he was a man whore before Tess).

"You don't get it. I want to take you out. I want to show you my place. I want to make love to you, NOT fuck you. You are more than just a fuck or any one-night stand."

Now comes the twist of fate when Ben turns out to be the nude model for Tess' art class!! Haha. And what's more is that he was the rescuer that left Tess alone in the hospital right after she had been nearly beaten and raped at a rock concert! What a douche!

What will happen between when Tess learns the truth? And with someone looking to set revenge on Tess, how will it all play out? Will Tess and Ben get their happily ever after?

....
"Private Message" was a fast and light (well, for me anyway) read.  I must have finished it in like two hours since I was so into it.  I thought Tess and Ben's relationship was very cute although it seemed rushed at the same time.  Their relationship takes off really fast (a little too fast in my book) and I couldn't help but want more 'depth' to them.

I also thought that Tess' relationship with her bestie, whom she meets at the very same bar she sees Ben, was  completely rushed and forced as well.  I mean, one night of hanging together for like an hour or so and they're best of friends?!  So not something that happens in REAL LIFE but whatever.

Over all, nice adorable read that had me squealing of cheesiness.


My Rating:

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

BOOK REVIEW...Defiance (Defiance #1) by Stephanie Tyler

Rebelling against her legacy as the MC's princess, Tru Tennyson escaped the ruthless, male-dominated culture of the Defiance motorcycle club. Three years later, her newfound freedom is ripped away, thanks to a massive hybrid storm that killed millions. Now, in the post-Chaos world of semi-darkness and near-total anarchy where gangs rule, she discovers the dangerous world of Defiance may be the one thing that can keep her safe.

Tru is at the MC's mercy when she's dragged back to her former home … and to the only man she's ever pictured a future with. Caspar is the bastard son of the club's leader, her safe haven when life got rough — and her onetime lover the night she left. When Tru refuses to trade sex for power and be claimed by a rival club leader, she also dares to announce she wants Caspar instead, throwing the MC into turmoil.

Tru's brazen revolt could start a gang war and destroy the club from within. Now both Tru and the MC must wait for Caspar's response … and the inevitable fallout.
Published June 10th 2013 by Carina Press

"I’m not going to survive you. I’ve made it through war, the Chaos...but you’ve always been my goddamned Kryptonite."

"Defiance" just didn't defy the odds to prevent it from ending up on my dump list of motorcycle reads.  Honestly, the plot was boring and a complete train wreck.  I must have skimmed and skipped over 80 percent of the book and only paid attention to the Tru and Caspar parts.

As for Tru and Caspar, well, aren't they just a pair of misfits?  Both are stubborn, hard headed outcasts  coming together and lighting the MC world on fire.

Tru's character was very plain Jane for a rebellious woman trying to find herself in a male-dominated club and world.  I don't have much to say about her so I won't even try.

Caspar, was super smexy and an alpha male.  He's tattooed, pierced (nipples and his c*ck) and is a total man whore.

Pierced. Caspar’s nipples were both pierced with silver bars through them. They showed through the tight T-shirts he wore, maybe the most sensuous thing she’d ever seen.  His c*ck was pierced too, according to the rumors (silver ring in his c*ck).

He has no reservations when it comes to public sex, and in fact, prefers is as it leads to a fast lay, no lingering attachments, and up keeps his "8 ball patch" (what you earn from public displays of sex) .  That is, with every female except for Tru.  Tru, of course, is 'special' to him.

      Truth was, he didn’t like any of these women enough to be with them in private. Public sex was easier—he didn’t have to deal with anything but coming and the women were all too happy to provide the show.  But Tru was cool and she didn’t do shit like public fucking.

Although I don't get what pulls Caspar and Tru's relationship together (other than them being like the scum of their MC club) and what makes them so 'in love' or 'dedicated' to each other I did think it was super hot when Caspar would go all possessive and dominant on her.

“Gonna fuck away memories of anyone else. Tried to do it the night you left—wanted to imprint myself on you.”  “You did.”   “But tonight...this isn’t about the bond. That comes later. This night here is my erasing all the goddamned past. Fucking it out of you.”

I also liked when he got all territorial over Tru when discussing her with an old boyfriend of hers.

"Silas stepped right up to him, toe to toe. “What the fuck? You knew how much I missed her. You knew and you didn’t—”
 I knew and I made her mine, Silas. Took her out of here, made love to her under the stars and made goddamned good and sure to ruin her for anyone else. Tru’s mine. Always was. And trust me, she didn’t fight me at all.”

I guess through and through, what kept me reading this story was just the sex scenes and the steamy displays of male dominance on Tru.  Make no qualms, that although I find it hedonistic and sexist, it is extremely fascinating to read in print!

Other than that, as I had said in the beginning, "Defiance" just wasn't for me.

Some hot scenes:
(A shortened excerpt of a public BJ from Fiona)
"He likes his dick sucked after he fights,” Fiona whispered in her ear.
 Tru stared at her, unblinking, and Fiona smirked, shrugged and walked through the crowd and over to Caspar, who’d ducked through the ropes and balanced on the stool outside the ring. She ran a hand along his biceps and he watched her carefully, warily.
And then he nodded, and Fiona turned around, gave Tru a smug look and got on her knees. Pulled his shorts down and got in between his thighs.
His eyes closed for the briefest second and his expression was almost pained. And then his icy blue eyes opened and his gaze locked on her (Tru) and wouldn’t let go.
She was mesmerized by how hot and dirty all of it was as she stood, sheltered by the crowd watching the next fight, eyes locked to Caspar’s.
 No one else was really watching—public sex was commonplace in the MC, really almost expected. She wondered if Caspar ever had sex in private. If he’d even want to.
 Caspar raised his brows and glanced down and then back at her, a question in his eyes.
 He was inviting her to come between his legs. A bold and completely insolent move that could get him killed.
 And he didn’t seem to care.

(Two Tru & Caspar scenes)
She didn’t expect what happened next, but Caspar was on his knees on the hard tile. He murmured, “Pretty baby,” before he buried his face between her legs.
He licked her cleft while he looked up at her, his icy blue eyes wicked. His hands steadied her, holding her hips and she had nothing to grab onto but him. One hand curled in his hair, tugging and tightening her grip as his tongue grew more insistent. She looked down; he looked up at her and licked her cleft in a long stroke, and then pressed his tongue there hard.

Only then did she remember that they weren’t exactly alone. There was a group of people who’d been drinking and partying while waiting for the sun to come out. They were close and maybe not exactly watching...but they could.
She went to pull away from him but couldn’t. His body pressed hers, covered it as his hand went between her legs outside of her pants and rubbed. He undid a couple of buttons on her shirt, nudged down the tank top she wore underneath to suck on a nipple.
 She was going to come, right here.

My favorite two-liner from "Defiance": 
"You're going to undo me.
And then I'll put you back together."


My Rating:

-Overall : 6
-Plot : 7
-Writing : 7
-Characters : 7
-Cover : 8