Breaking Shaun (Breaking Free, #2) written by E.M. Abel (287 pgs) – finished reading 2/1/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

Natalie just moved to Virginia from California. When she was young, she was somewhat of a nomad, always moving around with her younger sister and mother. Now at this point of her life, moving to Virginia was an act of trying to save herself. She never had best friends or boyfriends. So, moving to be near her cousin Nick, who she had been close to at one time, seemed like a good plan. Her profession as a bartender didn’t really have her worried about finding a job. So, leaving California was ideal. Natalie is not the type who commits to any one person. She doesn’t do relationships. But, having random sex seemed to take the edge off and fit into her life-style perfectly. She meets Shaun at his sister’s gallery showing. With his tan buff body, long hair, and green eyes she knows he’s trouble and too in control. He’s hardly shy and plays to her obvious explicit exposure. The attraction is totally there, but there’s no way that this would be a one-time f**k. He’s deliciousness on a stick, and with that deep voice and those mesmerizing eyes, she knows that he would push her so far over the edge that she’d never be able find her way back.

Shaun is an extremely confident man. A “no strings” relationship is what he lives by. There’s just too much drama and too many constant headaches when there’s more to it than that. He works for his sister’s husband, Marcus, and loves to surf. He’s satisifed just doing his own thing. But, when he meets Natalie, there’s something there. Something that is raw and primitive between the two. They’re both so not used to wanting someone other than for pleasure. These new feelings that they were experiencing were not normal for either of them, and they were scared. Their relationship was sensual and exciting. Would either one of them admit to their true feelings and possibly take a chance of getting their heart broken?

I can’t say enough wonderful things about this novel! Ms. Abel certainly kept me interested in their love story. It was romantic and passionate. Erotically electric! The intimacy was fiery and intense. Their bond was pure magic! The reader gets glimpses here and there from past characters, Asia and Marcus from Freeing Asia, which only enhances the story’s ability to pull the reader in and keep them captivated. Breaking Shaun was such a feel-good novel. It involved family dynamic, romantic excitement, and emotional insight into what was really paramount at this time in their lives. It was a fun and cute novel as well. Both main characters seemed to fall head-over-heels, which I couldn’t be more happy about. I really liked Shaun and Natalie! Both just put a smile on my face!! Don’t miss reading about their coming together as a remarkable couple within the impressive pages of this book!!

Love the background for the cover!! It looks so tranquil and peaceful!!

Review Written, 2/13/15

Full Measures written by Rebecca Yarros (374 pgs) – finished reading 1/17/15 – 4 stars - New Adult

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

Wow! Right from the beginning this is one raw and painful read. A family is devastated from the loss of their beloved father, husband, and son when his life is taken so unexpectantly from his recent military tour. The family is beyond gutted with the news, and it comes down to the oldest daughter, December holding the family together. You will cry from this devastation. I cried from this devastation. It was painful and sad. From the grandmother who had lost her husband and now her son, to the devoted wife with two loving daughters, and his only young son now the only “man” in the house...it took my breath away. It was so obvious just how much this man meant to his family and how much he was truly loved.

There was so much that went on in this novel that I was deeply connected to the story. There was cheating and a past high school crush that became a reality. Intimacy for the first time was explored. Unimaginable heartache and loss was depicted. Grief and loneliness touched lives as well. It was pure hell, but as time went on and the loss was more or less accepted, the healing process began. So mind-boggling of how such a loss affects everyone differently. And, that’s just what this did to this ravaged family. Everyone was affected so differently.

I loved the characters’ names – December (Ember), April, August (Gus), and June. Very creative!! Quite the character young Gus was! He was just too young to really understand the impact of the loss that his father truly had on the entire family. Sure he missed him and was sad, but the kid was a blessing to this suffering family.

But, what about the romance? Well, Josh Walker was Ember’s high school crush. A few years older than her, she never thought that she would have a chance with a guy like him. Experienced. Every girl’s dream. He’s just so magnetic. Delicious. Perfect. At the present time, he is Gus’s hockey coach. He makes his presence known. And, when Ember is devastated over another unforeseen situation, Josh doesn’t hesitate by making his interest in her known. Josh is just everything that Ember needs at the moment. Confident. Protective. But, most of all, a distraction from all the chaos that his been going on around the family. Unfortunately, there’s a secret Josh is keeping that he knows would end their relationship. It somehow is connected in a way to her dad. How does Ember react when the inevitable happens?

Oh, I can’t say enough good things about this novel. It was so sad, but it portrayed a family who eventually came together when they really needed to. Protecting and supporting each other when such a tragic loss destroyed their world. It wasn’t just a romance, but also a novel portraying survival and healing. The love between Ember and Josh was powerful. And, once Ember realized just how compelling it truly was, she knew that her place was with Josh. He was her forever irrevocably so...

He brought my hand over his heart, where the fire in his tattoo began. “I’ll carry it with me, Ember. You.” He tapped my hand against the flames. “Here. Always. It’s you, fire and ice; everything I know that’s December.” ~ Josh (Chap. 25)

“The love that filled this room was the stuff of movies and legends. It was the happy ending of every fairy tale, the epilogue of an epic love story. Epic love stories needed epic loves.” ~ Ember (Chap. 26)

Review Written, 2/11/15

Dare (Brothers of Ink and Steel, #1) written by Allie Juliette Mousseau (258 pgs) – finished reading 2/7/15 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance

One woman running with her child from abuse that was not supposed to happen. While a man is in constant pain due to a past split-second decision that changed the course of his young life. These two meet under distressing circumstances, and they’re both attracted to each other. Sophie has not had an easy life. No family to speak of. And, an abusive husband who is out for blood. But, she has her daughter, Charlie, who means the world to her. Josh is a mixed martial arts title holder who works as a firefighter on the side. He’s one awesome male! And, everyone loves him. With a hugely supportive family, and a reputation of being a man-whore, life seems perfect for the beautifully tattooed hottie. But, looks are not everything, and Josh has guilt and regret always in the back of his mind. As the two get to know each and eventually fall in love, it’s the secrets and Sophie’s inability to commit that finally rips them apart. Do they stand a chance to find their way back to each other? And, will Sophie finally trust Josh with her child, her life, and her heart?

This was one quick read. Action, both intimately and suspensefully, were apparently present from the very beginning. Sophie is a survivor. She’s both strong and courageous, and would do anything to protect her daughter. She’s scared, and who could blame her when she’s been looking over her shoulder for the past few years as she keeps one step ahead of a maniac that swears he will kill her and take her child. And, then there’s Josh. Sweet and caring beautifully sculpted, Josh! With those glorious tattoos and that handsome smile, who wouldn’t be caught under his spell?? And, his family is just so supportive and protective. Always there for him every step of the way. When Josh finally tells Sophie his story, she couldn’t help but feel for him. He’s a very passionate man. His actions come from his heart. But, most of all he was seriously devoted to Sophie and her child. Would he understand her story or would he dispise her when he eventually finds out the truth?

Both characters had painful pasts, but they needed each other. Sophie had to realize that not all men couldn’t be trusted. She had to let her guard down somewhat to let Josh in to see the real “Sophie”. The fun and affectionate “Sophie”. Not just the scared and cautious “Sophie”. And, when Josh really got to know her, it was beautifully romantic. Desirous. Intimate. I loved the suspense in the book. I was basically on the edge of my seat not knowing when the climax was going to appear and have both main characters come to their breaking point. Loved both Sophie and Josh along with cute little Charlie too. Her addition just strengthened the meaning of family. So looking forward to spending more time with the guys from Ink and Steel!! This was a great start to a new series that had me engrossed from page one!!

  

“I’m scared, Dad,” I confess before I get into that car to leave the only home I know. “What if I’m so lost, I can’t find myself ever again?”

He puts an arm around my shoulders and moves in close. “Don’t let the fear defeat you, Josh. We all fall apart, and we all love ourselves in this life. You’ve got to dare to push through the fear. You’ve got to dare to find the broken pieces and put yourself back together. And when you can’t find all the pieces, you have to dare to be stronger, so new ones can grow in their place. That’s when you’ll find your true self and be whole again.”  ~ Josh and His Dad (Chap. 1)

“Do the thing you fear the most.” Mark Twain ~ Josh’s tattoo (Chap. 2)

And Wow! THAT IS ONE MOUTH-WATERING COVER!!!;)

Review Written, 2/11/15

Country Heaven (Country Love, #1) written by Vicki Green (269 pgs) – finished reading 2/4/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

My 5 star rating goes to Memphis! He’s hot! He’s amazing! But, most of all, he’s a gentleman! Who wouldn’t swoon over this hot cowboy from Montana??

The most sweetest guy you ever want to meet is Memphis Johnson! He’s kind and caring with not a mean bone in his body. As he runs his own farm alone since both his parents’ passing, he decides to help others that are not so fortunate as himself by giving them a place to eat and sleep and in return they can help him out with the farm. He thought it sounded like a great idea and one that his pa would be mighty proud of. Things seem to be going along just fine until he meets wealthy and spoiled Sadie Tisdale. Encountering Sadie was like nothing Memphis ever imagined. She was angry and difficult. Having been sent to the farm by her father because of some trouble she had been in, it was his only hope that she would see what a great big wonderful world was out there. So here she is mad at her father and everyone she came in contact with, spouting off how life was unfair and how dare her father send her to this God forsaken place in the middle of nowhere. But, Memphis just being the absolute gentleman, pays no mind and actually gets a kick out of her. She’s actually very pretty, and he has to hold in his laughter because of her pouting theatrics. What will happen as these two get to know each other? Will Sadie realize that her snobby and ignorant ways are no longer necessary as she grows to appreciate Memphis and the beautiful land that he calls home?

Ah, this was such a beautiful love story. It was tender and sweet, and you could just feel the romance building as the story moved along. Two young people who really just needed each other in order to feel alive again. This novel was not just about the romance, however. There was also some suspense thrown in too with a cast of characters so memorable. Who could forget the wise and heartwarming Mable who welcomed Sadie with open arms? And, what about the renegade, Jag, with his piercings and tattoos who stirs up danger and destruction as he becomes a resident at the farm? Will Sadie survive the whole ordeal when chaos and devastion come knocking on her door? Do Sadie and Memphis stand a chance of finding happiness together?

There was so much going on in this book. From the first page turned my engrossment into this novel was immediate. It kept my attention totally, and I was delighted with quite a few swoon-worthy moments. If all cowboys were like Memphis Johnson, I’d be on my way to Montana pronto! He was a total hunk of deliciousness!! And, when all is said and done, Sadie becomes someone that her father virtually can be proud of. She matures into a smart and confident young woman. A very entertaining read! Now let’s see what Colby Carter is up to when his story is explored in the next installment of this series...

Review Written, 2/6/15

Halligan to My Axe (The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC, #2) written by Lani Lynn Vale (351 pgs) – 1/12/15 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance

Kettle and Adeline meet under dire circumstances, so she thinks. She smells smoke, and he’s a firefighter. So, who better than he to help her and her litter of renegade housepets out? He’s tall and gorgeous. And, she’s dark and beautiful. The girl made me laugh. She said some of the funniest shit. And, boy was she ever confident. No doubt about it, she was silly!! She was practically drooling everytime she saw Kettle running down the street with that magnificently toned body of his. Jeez, if he ran down my street, I’d be totally salivating too!!

This book seemed more suspenseful than the first, and I totally enjoyed it more. The drama seemed to stem from their personal lives as they both learn about each other’s family backgrounds. While there is serious theatrics within the story, the comical banter between the characters is still bopping along. When the reader is introduced to Addy’s sister, Viddy, it’s comedy times two. TWINS!! They are quite a pair, and even though Viddy has a visual disability, I couldn’t help but laugh at their cheekiness. They just cracked me up!!

The humor was there, but so was the heartache. Kettle suffered a loss in the past that was so tragic. He didn’t know if he could ever get passed it. It was sad. My heart felt for him. And, Addy, her life was far from perfect as well. But, she was a survivor. I could just tell from her personality and outlook on life that she would make something of herself. Kettle and Addy together spelled completeness. Between her sister and his “brothers”, they were loved and cared for unconditionally. They were a captivating couple!

The author enthralls the reader with thrilling intensity and comical foolishness. It was fun and appealing. I was highly entertained in this installment of the series. Two thumbs up to Ms. Vale for making me want to continue to read this series!! I couldn’t recommend it enough!!

AND, OF COURSE, ANOTHER REMARKABLY SEXY COVER!!! OH, MY WORD, WHEREVER DOES THE AUTHOR FIND THESE GUYS???

Review Written, 2/4/15

Lights to My Siren (The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC, #1) written by Lani Lynn Vale (383 pgs) – 1/11/15 – 3.5 stars - Contemporary Romance

This was more like a 3.5 star rating for me. I didn’t always agree with some of the things that Sebastian said to Baylee or how he always treated her. His heart was in the right place, but sometimes he was a bit too condescending. Baylee was dealing with some difficult health issues, and I thought that Sebastian could have been a little more understanding and sensitive towards her. But, it is a motorcycle club series, and they tend to be more brusque with their women. Baylee can hold her own, though. She’s smart and funny. The story is written in dual POVs, and each chapter starts off with a cute little quote that was funny. I did find myself shedding some tears when something that’s supposed to be a beautiful moment almost ends up to be tragic. Wow! That was close!! And, the HOT and HEAVY chemistry between the couple was pretty passionate and exciting.

Within the story we’re introduced to the other guys in the club, and they all seem to be just as close as family could be. Loyalty and honesty was key.  The club is made up of cops, firemen, and ex-military personnel, which is a totally different take on MC books written now. This wasn’t shadowed in the gritty MC sort of way. It was different – more romantic and family oriented I would say. I pretty much enjoyed the story. I just had a some issues with Sebastian. But, Baylee was a fantastic character! She really rose to the occasion! And, Sebastian’s son, Johnny, what a hoot!!!

Looking forward to reading the next installment to this series...

LOVE THIS COVER!!! HE’S SO GORGEOUS!!!

Review Written, 2/4/15

Books Read in January, 2015

Truce: The Historic Neighbor from Hell (Neighbor from Hell, #4) –  written by R.L Mathewson

Chasing Serenity (Seeking Serenity, #1) – written by Eden Butler

Noah and Me – written by Beckie Stevenson

One Night Stand – written by J.S. Cooper

Bull (Fall Away, #1) – written by Penelope Douglas

Drops of Rain (Hale Brothers, #1) – written by Kathryn Andrews

Starless Nights (Hale Brothers, #2) – written by Kathryn Andrews

Lights to My Siren (The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC, #1) – written by Lani Lynn Vale

Halligan to My Axe (The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC, #2) – written by Lani Lynn Vale

Until You (Fall Away, #2) – written by Penelope Douglas

Dylan (Inked Brotherhood, #4) – written by Jo Raven

Full Measures – written by Rebecca Yarros

Winter (Four Seasons, #1) – written by Frankie Rose

Crazy Good – written by Rachel Robinson

High Strung (Power Station, #1) – written by T. Gephart

Post Breakup Sex (Copperline, #1) – written by Sibylla Matilde

Undersold (City’s Secrets, #1) – written by B.B. Hamel

Three, Two, One (321) – written by J.A. Huss

AND, MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE MONTH IS.....DRUM ROLE PLEASE...

CRAZY GOOD written by Rachel Robinson