BOOKS READ in August, 2015 (19 total)

Broken (Broken, #1) written by Kelly Elliott (291 pgs) - finished reading 8/2/15 - 3 stars

Safe Distance written by Megan Green (275 pgs) - finished reading 8/3/15 - 5 stars

Loving the White Liar written by Kate Stewart (263 pgs) - finished reading 8/5/15 - 5 stars

Summer Temptation (Hot in the Hamptons, #2) written by Wendy S. Marcus (108 pgs) - finished reading 8/6/15 - 5 stars

Shine Not Burn (Shine Not Burn, #1) written by Elle Casey (360 pgs) - finished reading 8/7/15 - 5 stars

Easy Little Lick (Copperline, #3) written by Sibylla Matilde (245 pgs) - finished reading 8/9/15 - 5 stars

Sinful Intent (ALFA Private Investigations, #1) written by Chelle Bliss (300 pgs) - finished reading 8/10/15 - 4 stars

From Dust written by Freya Barker (308 pgs) - finished reading 8/12/15 - 4.5 stars

Gwendolyn vs. the Band of Barren Hearts (Monster, #1) written by Mary E. Palmerin (242 pgs) - finished reading 8/13/15 - 4 stars

The Emancipation of Love (Monster, #2) written by Mary E. Palmerin (177 pgs) - finished reading 8/13/15 - 4 stars

Freeing Her (Hart Brothers, #1) written by A.M. Hargrove (332 pgs) - finished reading 8/15/15 - 4 stars

Freeing Him (Hart Brothers, #2) written by A.M. Hargrove (299 pgs) - finished reading 8/17/15 - 4 stars

Kestrel (Hart Brothers, #3) written by A.M. Hargrove (279 pgs) - finished reading 8/20/15 - 4.5 stars

The Rise and Fall of Kade Hart (Hart Brothers, #4) written by A.M. Hargrove (314 pgs) - finished reading 8/23/15 - 3.5 stars

Awakened written by Shey Stahl (278 pgs) - finished reading 8/24/15 - 4 stars

Pulse: A Stepbrother Romance written by D.G. Whiskey (316 pgs) - finished reading 8/26/15 - 3.5 stars

Evergreen written by Jessica Florence (356 pgs) - finished reading 8/26/15 - 4 stars

With Every Heartbeat (Forbidden Men, #4) written by Linda Kage (504 pgs) - finished reading 8/29/15 - 4.5 stars

A Perfect Ten (Forbidden Men, #5) written by Linda Kage (434 pgs) - finished reading 8/30/15 - 5 stars

And, the BEST BOOK of the Month is....Shine Not Burn (Elle Casey)

BOOKS READ in July, 2015 (15 total)

Bone Deep written by Bonnie Dee (218 pgs) - finished reading 7/5/15 - 4 stars

All of Me (All of Me, #1) written by Gina Sorelle (271 pgs) - finished reading 7/7/15 - 5 stars

Not You It's Me written by Julie Johnson (377 pgs) - finished reading 7/9/15 - 4.5 stars

Make Me Believe (Believe, #1) written by Karen Ferry (337 pgs) - finished reading 7/14/15 - 4 stars

Price of a Kiss (Forbidden Men, #1) written by Linda Kage (373 pgs) - finished reading 7/15/15 - 5 stars

To Professor, with Love (Forbidden Men, #2) written by Linda Kage (396 pgs) - finished reading 7/16/15 - 4 stars

Be My Hero (Forbidden Men, #3) written by Linda Kage (377 pgs) - finished reading 7/19/15 - 3.5 stars

Easy Silence written by Beth Rinyu (254 pgs) - finished reading 7/20/15 - 5 stars

Color Me Crazy (Rock 'n' Spin, #1) written by Carol Pavliska (307 pgs) - finished reading 7/22/15 - 5 stars

Mr. Wright Now (Wild Card, #1) written by Alannah Carbonneau (270 pgs) - finished reading 7/23/15 - 3.5 stars

Mr. Wright Forever (Wild Card, #2) written by Alannah Carbonneau (232 pgs) - finished reading 7/24/15 - 4.5 stars

Slade (Walk of Shame, #1) written by Victoria Ashley (176 pgs) - finished reading 7/24/15 - 4 stars

The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) written by Elle Kennedy (358 pgs) - finished reading 7/26/15 - 5 stars

The Mistake (Off-Campus, #2) written by Elle Kennedy (297 pgs) - finished reading 7/27/15 - 4 stars

Lukas (Ashes & Embers, #3) written by Carian Cole (241 pgs) - finished reading 7/30/15 - 4.5 stars

And, the BEST BOOK of the Month is...Price of a Kiss (Linda Kage)...

BOOKS READ in June, 2015 (12 total)

Stone Walls written by A.M. Madden (482 pgs) - finished reading 6/2/15 - 4 stars

Reason to Breathe (Breathing, #1) written by Rebecca Donovan (377 pgs) - finished reading 6/6/15 - 4.5 stars

Barely Breathing (Breathing, #2) written by Rebecca Donovan (385 pgs) - finished reading 6/8/15 - 5 stars

Amber to Ashes (Torn Hearts, #1) written by Gail McHugh (416 pgs) - finished reading 6/11/15 - 5 stars

Out of Breath (Breathing, #3) written by Rebecca Donovan (422 pgs) - finished reading 6/13/15 - 4 stars

Blurring Lines written by Chloe Walsh (236 pgs) - finished reading 6/14/15 - 4 stars

Whispered Truths (Truths, #1) written by Anne Mercier (323 pgs) - finished reading 6/15/15 - 3.5 stars

Killer (Stalker, #0.5) written by Clarrisa Wild (126 pgs) - finished reading 6/18/15 - 3 stars

Raze (Scarred Souls, #1) written by Tillie Cole (256 pgs) - finished reading 6/21/15 - 5 stars

Colton (Hadley, #1) written by Kelly Mooney (205 pgs) -finished reading 6/22/15 - 5 stars

Sloth (Sinful Secrets, #1) written by Ella James (475 pgs) - finished reading 6/27/15 - 5 stars

Frenched (Frenched, #1) written by Melanie Harlow (336 pgs) - finished reading 6/28/15 - 4 stars

AND, the Best Book of the Month is....a TIE between Raze (Tillie Cole) and Sloth (Ella James)!!!

Hard (Sexy Bastard, #1) written by Eve Jagger (187 pgs) – finished reading 9/17/15 – 3 stars - Contemporary Romance

A cute little romance with an alpha-male club owner and his fiery petite accountant vixen. She doesn’t quite tell the truth and he forgives her a bit too easily as the truth to her current relationship status is avoided. Ryder’s most important rule is “no lying”. And, Cassie’s biggest issue is learning to trust someone. So, they pretty much had problems from the start. Their romance was passionately HOT as they can’t get enough of each other intimately. I wasn’t too happy with either character, however, as things were tied up rather too quickly in the end for me. Eve Jagger does pen some entertaining comical instances with their friends, though. So, I will be revisiting the Sexy Bastard series onece again when Cash gets his story told next. One new author to keep an eye out for...

“And I’m trapped under him, or protected or maybe they’re the same thing when you trust someone. When he actually cares about you and you care about him. When you don’t fear that he’ll use his strength for anything other than keeping you happy, keeping you safe. If this is what it’s like to be Ryder’s captive, feeling the smoothness of his firm abs brushing my belly as he rocks in and out of me, lock me up and throw away the key. I surrender.” ~ Cassie (Chap. 26)

AMAZING ABILICIOUS COVER...

Review Written, 9/17/15

Loving Mr. Daniels written by Brittainy C. Cherry (310 pgs) – finished reading 9/20/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance (New Adult)

This was more than just a forbidden romance. It was a life’s lesson on how to survive the loss of a loved one while not losing your way to live your own life. It was super powerful! I highlighted so many passages throughout the novel that were poignantly expressed. Beautiful writing! Heartfelt characters! A story to get lost in! I’m not going to really go into too much detail because so many people have reviewed this book already, but I will say that I was blown-away by the emotions of all the ups and downs that these characters dealt with. My heart raced with anticipation a number of times when individuals were tested time and time again. A newfound friendship with two unlikely cohorts just gives a new meaning to the words “got your back”, and a romance that is soul-rendering. Some books are just plain silly. Some are romantically exquisite. Some are full of drama. And, some just make you feel just everything within its pages. This is one of those books that make you feel EVERYTHING! Love. Tragedy. Heartbreak. Family. Sadness. Commitment. Friendship. Hopefulness. Joy. And, Humor. Like I said “everything”! It was further entertaining when reading the  e-mails, text messages, and letters. Adding the Shakespeare references was brilliant! The musical aspect. The bucket list. It all just worked! I can’t say enough positive comments about this work of wonder! One of my favorites of the year!!! This author really has me hooked on her writing. So looking forward to her next release...

“She called it my golden.”

“Your golden?”

“Everyone has a golden. It could be anything – a song, a book, a pet, a person. Anything that makes you so happy your insides cry of pure joy. It feels like you’re on drugs but better because it’s a natural high. Shakespeare is my golden.”  ~ Ashlyn (Chap. 5)

“Besides, the best things in life aren’t easy. They are tough, they are painful, and they are raw. That makes the arrival to the final destination that much sweeter.” ~ Daniel (Chap. 5)

“Being a teenager is a curse and a gift. It’s the age where fairytales cease to exist and Santa isn’t real but parts of our hearts want to say ‘What if...’” ~ Ryan (Chap. 32)

“What do we want to be? That’s the easy one. Alive. I want to be alive, and I have no idea why, seeing how hideous life is at times. Maybe it’s belief, hope, and passion all wrapped into one shape that rests inside my chest. Perhaps my heart is just praying for better tomorrows to replace all of those shitty yesterdays. So to answer your question in a very depressing, teenage-angst manner, I want to be alive when I grow up. So now I ask you, Mr. D, What do you want to be when you grow up? Because growing never stops, and dreaming rarely ceases.” ~ Ryan (Chap. 32)

“May the winds be our friends, floating us home. May tomorrows be the beauty where each soul goes. May the journey be worth the ultimate death. May the sweet memories of us never be put to rest. Fine lines between here and there, bursting flames ignite the air. Breathe in, breathe out. Angels, listen closely now.” ~ Daniel (Chap. 41)

“I thought I made you up. I thought that I was living in a world of darkness and I imagined you into existence. That somehow my mind crafted you, placing you on that train months ago. But then I realized I could never dream of something so beautiful.You’re the reason people believe in tomorrow. You’re the voice that scares the shadows away. You’re the love that makes me breathe. So for the next few seconds, I’m going to be selfish. I’m going to say things that I don’t want you to listen to. Don’t go. Stay with me forever. Please, Ashlyn. Let me be your everything. Make me your golden. Don’t. Go.” ~ Daniel (Chap. 41)

And, from that last quote, as the reader, you’re just going to have to experience the joy of this book, and find out how Ashlyn and Daniel’s story ends...

Review Written, 9/21/15

Grayson’s Vow written by Mia Sheridan (319 pgs) – finished reading 9/11/15 – 3.5 stars - Contemporary Romance

So, I finished another one of Mia Sheridan’s books, and this was the first time that I felt that something was missing. Can’t put my finger on it, but I didn’t feel that angsty heartbreaking drama that I usually felt with her books. It was more like a feel-good romance. Now, don’t get me wrong, it was entertaining, and I was hooked from page one, but where were the tears that I usually shed when reading one of this author’s book? Or, where was the surprising climax? I don’t know, maybe I just expect too much sometimes when authors try a different style of writing.

I will say this, though, I loved the heroine Kira! She was smart and sassy. Always trying to figure out “a plan” to fix everything. And, when having to deal with her jackass of a father, she never tried to make up excuses for him. He was what he was, which was not a very likable person. Mean and manipulative is just what he was. And the ex-fiance’ what a deplorable jerk! He must really think that Kira would be insane to ever give him the time of day again after what kind of position he had put her in a year ago. NO WAY! NOT HAPPENING!! NOT IN THIS LIFETIME!! And, the hero Grayson, had me lusting after him from the beginning until he talks some real rubbish to Kira and hurts her with words that could only bring out those insecurities that she so desperately worries about. He’s, unfortunately, not had it easy neither with a father and step-mother that were pretty much verbally abusive to him, but that doesn’t give him the right to speak to her like that. All along she’s tried to get him to believe in himself because the man just didn’t feel worthy of love whatsoever. Kira tries to break him of his self-doubt with love and faith, that is until she totally blindsides him with a secret that threatens to steal their happiness with each other.

There were some pretty poignant moments that had me saying, “Awww, that was so sweet” or “Damn, that was really funny”. Kira was mainly to blame for most of it. She was just so thoughtful and lovable. She was hurt in the past, but she was so determined to give everyone hope and understanding.

Now, just because I wasn’t over the moon with this book doesn’t mean that I’m still not a Mia Sheridan fan. I guess I just have to learn that authors take their stories in different directions just to get a feel for how their audience will react to another style of writing. Or, maybe they just want to write the story the way they want regardless. Whatever the case, I’m still hooked on Ms. Sheridan’s books and will continue to support her writing...

“Listen to me, Grayson.” I leaned back and took his face in my hands, looking him in the eye. “There is always pain in this life. Not just for me, not just for you – for everyone. You can’t avoid it. And sometimes the pain is so great, it feels as if it carves out the very essence of who you are. But it doesn’t, not if you don’t allow it to. It carves out a place in you, yes, but love is meant to fill that space. If you let it, pain makes more space for love within you. And the love we carry inside makes us strong when nothing else can.” ~ Kira (Chap. 22)

Review Written, 9/11/15

My Biggest Mistake written by Leddy Harper (359 pgs) – finished reading 9/10/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

Wow! That was sure one emotional read. Have to get my thoughts together before I can review this one...

Ms. Harper says that this one was the “hardest thing she’s ever written”, and I believe her. It seemed to come from the most deepest part of her. The writing was amazing and showed true sincerity. Every heartbreaking moment seemed to come from within. I’ve never had to deal with postpartum depression myself per-se even after having four kids, but I’ve definitely seen first-hand how it can affect a family member. It’s hard to understand how a person can feel this way, and many people think it’s all an act, but believe me when I say IT’S NOT! It gets to be a really dismal and painful time. And, I can really see why it was so difficult for Edie not to be able to talk to her husband regarding it even though he was supposed to be her “hero”. Some of the choices she made were hard to swallow. And, you could really feel for her and why she had no alternative as to the decisions she made, but what about her family? She was trying to save them, but in the process she hurt them so irrevocably. And, her poor husband. Gosh! He was such a hero! At one point he tries to hurt her in return, only making it more difficult for both of them, but even that seemed to backfire when he really couldn’t turn off his feelings as to the fact that he still loved her and probably always will love her. So so sad! Man, when I tell you that at times the waterworks threatened to fall, and I couldn’t help myself. I was tearful for all of them. Edie, Donovan, and their three beautiful children. This is one book that I know will just stay with me for awhile! There was just so many underlying problems that were brought out as each level of Edie’s issues started to surface. Everything was peeled away until the truth of what really happened with Edie rose to the top. It took Donnie everything that he really had to dig deep and see what was really going on with Edie at that most difficult and dark time in her life. To totally understand just exactly what she was going through. He was, without a doubt, an amazing man, and she was truly a survivor. A fighter. A survivor that once she started healing, just would not give up no matter what mountains she had to climb to reclaim her family. She was there for her husband and children and nothing was going to change that now. Truly an amazing story! Tissues will be needed. Understanding will have to be forefront. And, what I took away from Edie and Donnie’s story was so powerful and beautiful! A book not to be missed! Ms. Harper really out-did herself with this one...

“You are forgiven. I forgive you. The kids too.” He pulled back and held my face in his hands, forcing me to look into his eyes as he spoke. “We wouldn’t have been so hurt...so broken if we didn’t love you that much. You and the kids are my whole world, Edie. My everything. You were my reason to breathe. And then you left and took my oxygen with you. That wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t love you that much. It doesn’t matter how long it took you to come home, the only thing that matters is that you’re here. My heart can beat again. I can breathe again. And I will never give that up. I can promise you that. So please, never worry about me leaving or that we’ll stop loving you. That will never happen.” ~ Donovan (Chap. 16)

“We are never given anything we can’t handle. Sometimes we think we are, but those are the times that count the most. It’s the Mount Everest, and when you’re standing on the top, nothing feels better knowing you’ve achieved it. You made it. You survived.” ~ Edie (Chap. 27)

“I learned a lot through my journey. But out of it all, I learned: Mistakes happen...you learn, you grow, and you teach. There’s no such thing as moving on...you carry on. You live on.” ~ Edie (Epilogue)

Review Written, 9/10/15

Memphis Black (Rockers of Steel, #1) written by M.J. Fields (320 pgs) – finished reading 9/4/15 – 3 stars - Contemporary Romance (New Adult)

Wow! I guess I’m totally in the minority with this one. Just wasn’t feeling it, and it just flipped from scene to scene with not much explanation. My apologies to the author, but I wasn’t that much of a fan of Memphis or Tally. He was just such a manwhore, and I didn’t see much evidence of him redeeming himself. I do love my piercings, though, so for that I give Ms. Fields props. Tally was not that much of a heroine, but she was sweet and her alligence to her mom was commendable especially after her father’s demise and his ugly indiscretion. And, sister and best friend, Madison was annoying as hell! But, the guys of the band were infectious, and I hope that they all get their own stories. So, with that being said, I’ll still be keeping a look out for more of the band members stories and hoping to connect with Ms. Fields’ writing and characters as she continues to release more books...

Review Written, 9/4/15

With Every Heartbeat (Forbidden Men, #4) written by Linda Kage (504 pgs) – finished reading 8/29/15 – 4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (New Adult)

This was a long book, but I loved every minute of it. Shocking twists and turns, which I kind of saw coming from questioning details from the very beginning. Cora was the perfect conniving villainous bitch from the very start. Always manipulating and trying to get her own way. And, she doesn’t change through the entire book. She just has no redeeming qualities. So, I loved her character from start to finish! Quinn is the perfectly shy hero. He’s been abused in the past, and the one person that he loved and who has loved in return, has been taken from him. College was a dream of his as he dives into his major of becoming a heart surgeon. The only way for him to honor his loved one’s memory is to help others. Meeting Cora made him pull himself out of that closed-off intimidating recluse. He’s such a sweetheart of a guy, but unfortunately he’s totally snowed by Cora as she deceives their relationship time and time again. Now when Zoey jumps on the scene, running away from her abusive father to help best friend Cora in a health-related crisis, Quinn is blown away from her striking appearance of innocence. The pair are attracted to each other but they know that they can never act on it because of each other’s relationship with Cora. I couldn’t help but pray that this couple gets together as it was definitely in the stars for them to find each other. Their pasts are relatable. Their personalities are similar. And, they just click as a couple. Let’s just say they are explosive together! Will everything work in their favor???

This is just another amazing book written by Linda Kage! I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough to hopefully see this couple get their most deserving “happily ever after”. Of course, all the guys and their women are still hanging around. Ms. Kage just further intrigues the reader by extending their stories within each book of the series. So, I was totally aware of what was going on in their lives at the moment as well. I just can’t help to get all excited and fuzzy to read the next book in this awesome series! Can’t get enough of these guys and their women! Onto Ten and Caroline’s story next...

Review Written, 8/29/15