Books Read in August, 2016

One written by Jewel E. Ann – 5 stars

Your Mess Is Mine written by Stephanie Alba – 5 stars

The Nurse’s Newborn Gift written by Wendy S. Marcus – 5 stars

Ball Peen Hammer written by Lauren Rowe – 5 stars

Oxygen Deprived (Kilgore Fire, #3) written by Lani Lynn Vale – 4 stars

Cake written by J. Bengtsson – 5 stars

Nameless written by Helen J. Barnes – 4.5 stars

A Thousand Boy Kisses written by Tille Cole – 5 stars

Behind Closed Doors written by B.A. Paris – 4 stars

Hard Luck (The Luck Brothers, #1) written by Liv Morris – 3.5 stars

Vivienne’s Guilt written by Heather M. Orgeron – 4 stars

Casting Stones (Stones Duet, #1) written by L.M. Carr – 5 stars

Conquering Stones (Stones Duet, #2) written by L.M. Carr – 5 stars

Wrangler written by Dani Wyatt – 3.5 stars

Watch Me written by Ada Frost – 4 stars

A Beautiful Sin written by Terri E. Laine and A.M. Hargrove (267 pgs) – finished reading 9/17/16 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance (Religious Romance)

***Warning – there is abuse within these pages- so triggers may be present***

I can’t tell you how many times I threatened to put this book to bed and not touch it again. But, for some reason, I kept picking it up and continuing on. And, to be honest, it just kept getting better and better until I found myself at the end and cheering for both main characters. Religion isn’t my thing. In fact, I’m not Catholic either. But, this book had me totally interested. The two main characters, Canaan and Haven, were out of this world! Both of them had suffered at the hands of adults. People that young children are supposed to put their trust in. It was difficult to read at times as these two innocents were over and over again punished for things that were out of their control. As they become adults, each one puts their heart into their careers. One leaning towards his faith in God, and the other immersing in her artistic talent. When they encounter each other after many years gone by, it’s not without conviction. Boy was it harsh! Wow! I was blown away by Haven’s accusing outburst. She’s one tough cookie! But, as she gets to know Canaan, she knows that he’s not the monster she plagued him to be when she finally understands that he was just trying to protect her.

I really enjoyed their story! And, the writing was exquisite. The love between the couple was beautiful even though it was marked with indiscretion and abuse. The two were strong and courageous as the truths and secrets of their past emerge. But, it’s the ending that captured my heart. It was perfect! And, so fitting for two damaged individuals that come together with hope and peace for a very special future. You will not be disappointed with this one even if religion is not a strong factor in your life. It wasn’t preachy. It just presented a way to find your strength when the going was so rough and doubtful.

The below listed quote could possibly contain spoilers. Read at your own risk...

“Haven, I don’t know if you know this or not, but they misspelled your name. They left out the E. It should be Heaven, for that’s what you are to me. But then again, maybe not. Because you are also my Haven, my safe place, my sanctuary, my oasis. They say God works in ways beyond our understanding, and he certainly did with us. If anyone had told me a year ago I would be standing at an altar getting married, well, I would’ve called them crazy. And now as I look at my life, at our lives, I can’t think of anything any better than this. A love so true and all-encompassing that it makes me thank God every day over and over that he led us to each other. So, on this day, our wedding day, I can’t give you my heart, because you already own it, and I can’t give you my soul, because you already share it. But instead, I give you all of me until this life of mine or yours has ended, because you possess every single bit of me, and I know you will cherish it as much as I will cherish yours.” ~ Canaan (Chap. 35)

Review Written, 9/22/16

Blame It on the Pain written by Ashley Jade (510 pgs) – finished reading 9/15/16 – 3.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (MMA Romance)

3.5 star rating

From the very beginning I was sucked into this book. Great characters. Impeccable storyline. Sizzling romance. Amazing writing. But, towards the end I was getting bored. Enough already. Let’s wrap it up. That’s not to say that I didn’t like the book. I just was done. I did enjoy seeing Jackson and Alyssa’s relationship florish, though, but I was just kind of done with all the nonsense. I was sick of Ford and all the back and forth with Alyssa. He was not who he seemed to be. And, I was not too crazy about that. He was a liar and a cheater, and I had expected so much more from Alyssa’s father’s best friend being that he was such a stand-up guy. I did enjoy the supporting characters, however. Tyrone and Momma were great! So loyal and supportive! And, funny too!

Yes, this book has practically everything I require in a book to keep me interested. Hot guy. Beautiful girl. And, a story that had drama coming out of its ear. I don’t know. Was I looking for more when I say that I was starting to get bored? Now I know that I’m in the minority with my review, but I wouldn’t hesitate to read another book by this author. From the start I was enjoying every page that I was reading. Maybe it was just a little on the long side, which usually is my thing. I liked the unpredictableness towards the end. Some truths were revealed that I didn’t see exactly coming, but had an inkling there were going to be some doozies. And, I’m all about the shocking factor. So, I was glad for the closure that the ending brought to the main characters. Don’t let my review sway you from reading this book. I might have been just having a bad reading day, and you might find it just what you were looking for. Just look at that cover...AWESOME!!!

Review Written, 9/21/16

Hotshot written by Ahren Sanders (350 pgs) – finished reading 9/1/16 – 3.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Sports/Medical)

I’m not too sure of how to rate this one. The story had so much back and forth. Truths were hidden. All trying to protect individuals. The heroine was “A Number One”. It was the hero, though, that had me constantly scratching my head. I’m sure that I’m in the minority here, but it seemed to me that he wanted pity and understanding for something that he did and had to take responsibility for. At times he was elusive and closed-off, even when he was the one at fault. And, the person that suffered the most was his amazing girlfriend. She was the one that moved the story along. She was spunky and funny. She just made everyone smile. The prologue in the beginning was cute and entertaining. A little sad, and the book from what I first was thinking, went into a whole other direction. While I was expecting sadness, I got a whole other take on what was going to occur. I was really not prepared for the main storyline. It was tedious. Like I said, a lot of back and forth with feelings and unsure choices made. The villainous of the story was spot-on. Nasty. Vicious. Not a care in the world for anyone but herself. And, in the long run, she gets her just desserts. No sympathy from me. This is the first time in awhile that I am rating a book lower than it should be mainly because of the hero. I loved his family, however! His two brothers and parents. So supportive and loyal. It was just him that I had an issue with. The ending is fitting. And, everyone is more than happy!

Review Written, 9/2/16