Lovegame written by Tracy Wolff (320 pgs) – finished reading 6/18/16 – 3 stars - Contemporary Romance (Psychological Thriller)

This romantic suspense novel piqued my interest when I was reading the blurb as it featured a true crime novelist and one of Hollywood’s golden couple’s daughter as an actress. Ian Sharpe is a master at writing crime novels. He’s now written the ultimate novel that was put on film and starred the intoxicating Veronica Romero. And, when Ian is sitting down with the beautiful Veronica to write an article about her, she thinks that she can control Ian with all her sex appeal just as she does with others as she evades most of his questions. She’s a very private person. But, what she doesn’t know is that Ian is not like all the others. He doesn’t back down. He’s his own person. And, he won’t be controlled. As the two give into this dark relationship that is forming, their affair takes on a pretty intricate task of weaving through the difficult obstacles that the past has created. Both have been victims of some pretty harrowing situations. Ms. Wolff tackles some pretty heavy topics as the reader is pulled into this psychological thriller.  

This wasn’t a bad book, but for some reason I kept putting it down. There was just something missing for me. I guess I needed a little more of that shock element. More excitement.  I also couldn’t relate to the two main characters. I really wasn’t a fan of either one. I didn’t really see that much chemistry between the two. It seemed more lustful than loving. If you’re looking for some pretty hot and heavy sex scenes, then you have come to the right place. The intimacy was scorching and totally igniting. The two together radiated against the sheets. But, that’s about all I can say that entertained me. This was my first read by this author, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t be checking out her future projects.

Review Written, 6/24/16

Fool for Love (Believe, #2) written by Karen Ferry (359 pgs) – finished reading 6/24/16 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance (BDSM)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

So I just finished Fool for Love and I was totally blown away with Ms.  Ferry’s writing. The emotions I had as I was reading this gem just had me all over the place. In such a good way, though. This was not only a romance, but also a search to find out what’s out there. Discover new things. Really to begin again. And, for Suzy Christensen that entailed finding love. Finding that special someone to settle down with whether it be male or female. And, that’s why Suzy has left Denmark for a new start in a new city – NYC. She has a bad falling out with her parents because of finally telling them she is different. Bi-sexual. It doesn’t go over well at all. Horrible things are said, and she just needs a change. She always wanted to travel, so this seems like the answer. While renting an apartment for the six months that she will be in New York, the owner of the apartment comes back early. He catches her in a compromising position with another woman while he is drunk off his ass. Realizing that there’s nowhere else for him to go, they strike up a deal. She can stay for the next three months but she has to be neat, be considerate of her entertaining conquests, and stay out of his way.  As Suzy gets to know Garrett, there’s much much more to this grumpy older man. There’s pain in his eyes, and she knows that there’s a story there. But, will he eventually let her in?

There’s so much more that I could say about this book, but it’s best to read it blind. So many secrets revealed. Plus there’s the romance that is off-the-charts hot. Ms. Ferry can definitely write some amazing intimate scenes whether it be two females together or male and female! You will definitely be needing a cool drink when Garrett and Suzy get together. Their scenes are explosive and erotic with some BDSM mixed in. Whew!

I loved Suzy’s character! She was smart and feisty. Definitely a hardass. She didn’t really take s**t from anyone. But, she was also sensitive, which just showed me that she was such a caring person. Now, Garrett, he  was also a much loved character. Oh, he was alpha alright, but he had a soft side given the fact that he cared about people too. He just came off a little gruff. He didn’t really want to show anyone his emotional side. He just was all male, and Suzy loved that about him. Even when he finally tells her his story, she can’t help but be affected by the man.

There’s so many things that I loved about this book! Suzy’s flamboyant friends. Garrett being a restaurant owner and chef. Suzy still carrying on her friendship with her friend Emma who still lives in Denmark. The fact that her mom tries to repair the damage that she verbally inflicted on her daughter. The slow-burn romance that finally Garrett and Suzy decide to submit to. And, who could forget that beautiful dog, Rufus, that everyone loved. So many emotions running through me when I was reading this book. I was so sorry when I had to turn the last page. Just couldn’t get enough of Suzy and Garrett’s story! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series! So, Ms. Ferry, get a move on in cranking out that next book...

“Have you already forgotten what I keep telling you? That life is for the living, and that we shouldn’t spend the time we have on this earth consumed by the past?” ~ Suzy (Chap. 33)

Review Written, 6/24/16

(mis)Trust written by Sarah Ann Walker (430 pgs) – finished reading 6/20/16 – 5 stars -Contemporary Romance (Dark)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

Oh, wow! This one will rip your heart out and stomp on it. It’s full of sadness and heartbreak. But, the end result will make you smile. I don’t know what it is about tragic books that seem to attract me lately. But, I seem to gravitate to them, and this one was so amazing! You will shed tons of tears, and you will be affected by this book long after you turn the last page. It’s one book that I will definitely be recommending to my Goodreads friends.

My goodness! Saige had everything happen to her that could devastate her life. From her boyfriend’s heartbreaking betrayal, to a graphically abusive tragedy, to her brother’s unfortunate fate. I couldn’t stop reading this story even though the heroine suffered such agonizing consequences. Sometimes I had to take a breath and just collect myself, but with those amazing characters I just had to carry on. And, when I say amazing characters, I mean AMAZING characters. The heroine. Her friends. Her mother. Her hero. They just all seemed to support her and standby her when she needed it the most. Saige just doesn't believe that she is worthy of love. Everyone leaves her. It's so sad to read about. And, Malcolm,(sigh) one of the most heartfelt book boyfriends ever, was the best. Sweet. Protective. Caring. And, oh so patient! He was just there for her no matter what. No matter how many times Saige pushed him away, he was right there taking care of her. With his sexy Scottish brogue and larger than life family, he just seemed like the whole package. Oh, and I love a big guy, and he seemed hugely intimidating.

This book had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I always say that I love a unpredictable book and this one did not disappoint in that area at all. Ms. Walker’s writing was remarkable as she wrote some pretty powerful scenes. I just didn’t want to put it down even to sleep. It was that intense and addictive! One of the best books I’ve read this year! Don’t let the amount of pages scare you, though, because it’s so well worth the time!! This heroine really is such a courageous young woman. I couldn’t help but cheer for her as I hoped everything would work-out for her in the end. Is the climax one of shock? Absolutely! Does the author answer all my most sought after questions? Definitely! Does Saige get her man?? Now, that you have to read this intriguing book to find out...

And, that cover?? Yowza!!! Gorgeous!!

Review Written, 6/22/16

Rock Your Heart Out (Sinful Serenade, #3) written by Crystal Kaswell (378 pgs) – finished reading 6/2/16 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance (Rockstar)

This was just what I needed after having read my last book. Low on the angst, but fun and flirty. Who doesn’t love a beautifully tattooed and pierced drummer of a popular rock band? With his shaggy dark blond hair and mysterious green eyes, Willow can’t help but fall for Tom. The first time they meet it’s under embarrassing but humorous circumstances. Willow struggles to stay in the friend-zone, though, when Tom labels their relationship as platonic. Tom is no good for her, plus she’s his best friend’s sister. That’s a no-brainer that she’s off-limits.

This was just a perfect read when reading a rockstar romance! The music. The excitement. And, the fans. I read this in one sitting because it held my attention totally, and I had to know what happens to Tom and Willow. I was entertained and consumed by their story. It also included bits and pieces as far as what was going on with Tom’s bandmates and their women. Even though there were two previous books in the series already released, it didn’t confuse me whatsoever. I’ll just have to go back and read the other ones.  So loved this book, and Tom and Willow were amazing characters! Tom with his sexiness and sense of humor. And, Willow with her feistiness and desire for Tom. They made a great couple! You will not be disappointed! And, let’s not forget about the HOT HOT HOT intimacy! Well, blow my socks off, it was intensely erotic!! Looking forward to reading another book by this author...

Review Written, 6/21/16

738 Days written by Stacey Kade (432 pgs) – finished reading 6/12/16 – 4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (New Adult)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

4.5 star rating

Wow! This one practically broke my heart. It was so hard to imagine the pain that this young woman was going through. At fifteen years old Amanda Grace is abducted as she walks to school. Not seen from in two years and presumed to be dead, her family is elated when police find her. Broken and abused beyond belief, it is hard for her to bounce  back into society. Not only is it hard for Amanda, but it is as equally hard for her family to be around her. Her mother tries too hard, older sister Liza is hard-nosed and tough to be around, younger sister Mia blames her for coming back and changing their family, and her father is distant and wants nothing to do with her. Slowly as feelings are revealed, it really isn’t as seems with her family. They are just afraid of losing her again both mentally and physically now that they’ve just found her. And, some blame themselves for the horror that has happened to her. During Amanda’s imprisonment, the only thing that keeps her going is the picture on the wall of actor Chase Henry. It’s with his constant voice in her head that she has the will to survive. Unfortunately for Chase, his career has stalled because of bad decisions in his past. He now has the chance to regain that respect and start over if he comes up with a way to jump-start his career. And, his publicist Elise has just the idea. But, it’s not really an honest one. It’s manipulating and selfish as Chase sees it, but he’s willing to take that chance even if it involves abuse victim Amanda Grace. Chase and Amanda meet for the very first time and it’s a bust. Amanda still suffering violently from PTSD, has a total meltdown during their first encounter. Chase is not too sure that he can go through with this publicity stunt. He decides to call it off, but is still talked into it by Elise. It snowballs out of hell, and Chase now is in deep. And, gets deeper when he and Amanda take their relationship to a whole new level through only the five days that they’ve known each other. What will happen when Amanda finds out the truth? Will she ever be able to forgive Chase??

This was a pretty long book. Over four hundred pages. But, it moved rather quickly. I was so praying that Amanda would figure out how to deal with all the heartbreak and trauma that affected her. It was nothing but with sadness that Amanda tries so hard to leave her past behind and try to live without always having to look over her shoulder. Not being to withstand someone touching her along with unidentified noises just seemed to provoke trigger after trigger as they happen. She is so living in the past but wants to find the strength to not be the victim. In reality she was a survivor, she just couldn’t find that balance between victim and survivor on a daily basis. It was so hard to read about. Oftentimes my emotions took over. And, while Chase was the sweetest person ever, he just was lost and needed to be put on the right path with the right someone. So many people had used him in the past for his celebrity status. When it came down to it, he just wanted to be a good person.

The only problem that I had with the book was the fact that they got intimate after only a few days of knowing each other. And, with such severe PTSD that Amanda suffered from, I found that a little hard to believe. The only thing that is viable is the fact that maybe she was just so fed up with being the victim and was ready to stand on her own two feet and be the strong one for once without always needing someone’s protection. That made sense to me after awhile. So, with that being said, I was totally engrossed in Amanda and Chase’s story. It was hopeful and liberating. Showing a most vulnerable side to each character. The relationship was not without sweetness and intimacy. It made sense in a romantic way when experiencing love for the first time. They seemed to lean on each other, which I think was necessary for both their recoveries. Such a promising story with such courage for survival. Looking forward to reading another book by this most talented author!

“Life is too short to hold yourself back. From love, from happiness, from the fear of falling when you could have the joy of jumping.” ~ Amanda (Chap. 29)

Review Written, 6/13/16

Unveiling the Sky (Unveiling, #1) written by Jeannine Allison (323 pgs) – finished reading 6/10/16 – 4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (New Adult)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

There are millions of people living with the disorder of depression. It affects a person’s daily life constantly. Not only does it affect their life, but the loved ones around them. This is the story of Alara who suffers from depression. There was no real reason for her to be depressed all of a sudden. She just knew that something was just not right. And, all she really wanted was people to understand her and not pity her. This is also the story of Gabe who loses his mother to cancer. She was one of the most important people in his life and it pained him for her now to be gone as she suffered with such misery in her final days. His relationship with his father is strained. They don’t see eye-to-eye on anything, which just complicates his life so much more. So, when Alara and Gabe first meet, they form a friendship that just fits. As their friendship grows, so does their attraction for each other. Gabe confesses the truth about losing his mother, but Alara holds on to her secret of her disorder. She just couldn’t handle the look of sadness that she knows would be in Gabe’s eyes should he learn of her condition. Not from Gabe. He’s the one person that she’s felt such happiness and acceptance with in such a long time. When she finally let’s down her guard and let’s him in with her secret, will he still want her? Will he still be there for her? Will he still want her in his life?

Man, this was one heart-wrenching read! It all starts off with the author’s note that describes the intention of writing this novel, and it’s a doozie. It’s the author’s struggles throughout her life that inspired her to embark on such an important task. It was actually a very real and intriguing beginning to the novel. So, with that being said, the heart of the story is with Alara’s struggles to maintain her true self while trying to be open and honest about her struggles with depression. Her character seemed so believable and true to life. She was such a strong and courageous young woman. Gabe’s character was so compassionate. From the devotion to his mother, to the support of his younger sister, and now to his acceptance of Alara and her disorder, this young man just melted my heart. He was sympathetic and tender. Sweet. Caring and kind. A true hero in my eyes!!

I can’t tell you how many passages I highlighted within Ms. Allison’s book. It will bring tears to your eyes, but somewhere along the way they become happy tears. Such a moving debut novel! It was so touching, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!!!

“I couldn’t always see the stars, I couldn’t always feel the warmth. But maybe, I could still believe it. I could still believe that despite the storm, the bright, blue sky would always return. I could still believe that happy days were in my future; they were just waiting for me to find them.” ~ Alara (Chap. 11)

“I love the way you can’t seem to keep from touching me whenever I’m near you. I love how you tell me I’m beautiful whenever we’re...intimate. I love that you won a dragon for Megan and that you lie to Naomi whenever she asks you if she’s good at singing. I love you because you help me love everything else.” ~ Alara (Chap. 24)

“I don’t know how to help because the truth is I don’t understand how you can be so sad, when seemingly you have everything you need to be happy. But that doesn’t matter because that’s not what you need. You don’t need me to understand it. All you need is for me to be there and just love you. Maybe someday we’ll understand or maybe we’ll forever be in the dark, but either way it doesn’t mater. I wish I could say that if I could change anything, I would change the fact that you have depression. But I don’t think I can because the truth is, it has made you who you are and I love who you are. I love every part of you even the part I hate.” ~ Gabe (Chap. 24)

“It’s ironic, isn’t it? That the girl who thought her life had no purpose gave me mine.”  ~ Gabe (Chap. 24)

“So maybe beating this disorder wasn’t about conquering it; maybe it was simply about continuing the fight. Refusing to give up, even when I wanted to most, even when I saw no happy end in sight.”  ~ Alara (Epilogue)

Review Written, 6/10/16

Into the Blue (Black & Blue, #2) written by Melyssa Winchester (266 pgs) – finished reading 6/6/16 – 4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Sports)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

4.5 star rating

I’m so glad to see that these two couples got their forever. It was a little cheesy at the end. But, that didn’t matter because it was perfect for them. As book one finished, it was pretty painful. So I wasn’t surprised when book two proved to be intense with emotions running high while not knowing what the future would hold. All four main characters will go through some pretty life-changing circumstances, but it just increases their feelings for each other. It clarifies some important questions as to where does their heart lie. What is most important to them? And, who do they want in their lives?

There was quite a bit of back and forth when the two couples thought that they had everything figured out. So, to me, it dragged a little in the middle. But, once I got passed that, it was full steam-ahead with energetic appreciation for the wrestling world and its many fans as the author further intrigued me with details within its confines. And, like I said in my previous review, this book still had tons of romance and passion. Jax still was such a swoon-worthy character. He just seemed to say the most perfect and beautiful things to Avery. While Brady, always with a plan, made me appreciate that fact because he wants what he wants and he’s willing to do anything to get it even if Emery was not privy to it. So props to Brady!! Emery had no idea the lengths he would go to get to her. To show her that she was the one. He definitely pulls out all the stops to prove to her just how much she means to him. While her sister, Avery, realizes that she’s really in deep with Jax. He’s it for her, and she most definitely has to let him know it.

Ms.Winchester really tugged at my heart with both couples. Between the finding of the lost sister and the romance building between each couple, the reader will be entranced and celebrating in their new found happiness. There were also some pretty awesome supporting characters that added to the book nicely. Here’s hoping that maybe a few of them will get their own stories as well. I was totally invested in these two stories of finding that “one”, and I’ll be looking for more from this author in the future.

And, of course, just like the first one, the cover for this book was BEAUTIFUL!!!

Review Written, 6/9/16

Shades of Blue (Black & Blue, #1) written by Melyssa Winchester (356 pgs) – finished reading 6/4/16 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Sports)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

Another great start to a new series of books from author Melyssa Winchester! What first drew me into choosing to next read this book was the beautiful cover. So reading the blurb was the obvious next step. Who wouldn’t be intriqued by the thought of engaging in a story with two hot wrestlers who travel from town to town showcasing their love for the sport? So when they encounter twin sisters, Avery and Emery, they’re totally smitten with the two. At first the guys don’t realize that there’s twins involved, which turns out to be pretty humorous, but then when they do, both men are even more attracted to the two. The story revolves around each couple’s romance with some pretty heavy emotional drama within each character’s life. Avery and Emery meet for the first time and it’s an emotional moment. One of them didn’t know that the other existed not realizing that she was lied to all her life. But, they embraced their relationship and became close. As a family member is battling a terminal disease and their impending death is soon approaching, the two women are strickened with the imminent loss.The guys, Brady and Jax, are also forced to deal with painful and unwanted distress with both their families and their careers. Brady’s soon to be ex-wife is just a pain in the ass. Bothering him constantly when both of them know that their marriage is over, which puts pressure on Emery and Brady’s relationship. And, poor Jax he’s been hurt in the past, and now he just keeps making mistake after mistake with Avery when he knows that relationships are difficult for her. Her past was such a lie, and she just can’t move beyond it.  Will these two couples be able to survive all the repercussions from their actions even though their heart is in the right place??

What I loved about this book was the romance! As much as I liked Brady, Jax was really it for me. What he says and how he acts is romance at its very best. The dancing was just so swoon-worthy. And, even though most of Jax and Avery’s intimate moments were fade-to-black, they still were just so exquisite and dreamy. A little corny at times, but that’s okay, the romance made up for it. As for the two sisters, Emery takes the cake! She just seemed much stronger than Avery and more wild, which thrilled me. The cliff-diving and her and Brady’s sexual encounter was exciting. It was spontaneous and freeing. Even though Brady had to be talked into it, he realized that this girl was doing something to him. He was totally into her. He soon realizes that their relationship was nothing like he had ever experienced before. There definitely was insta-love between each character, but I didn’t mind at all. It just fit with the characters’ personalities and the storylines within the book. And, even though there was that insta-love, each couple did experience their own set of problems.

“The haze I’d been living in, going from one show to the next, never really paying attention to anything going on around me, determined to just do my job and move onto the next one, it lifted when I saw you, Avery. You, even with your eyes all wide and frightened, were the first person since everything fell apart that I could actually see. I saw you then, the same way I’m seeing you now. Clearly. You’re the only thing that is.” ~ Jax (Chap.36)

And, that epilogue, it was really moving to read. Painful, but meaningful. Tearful. I just have to see how all this plays out in the end. Four beautiful people that deserve to find their happiness with their one true love. Like I said, the romance was what this book was all about. Such a stunning creation! So looking forward to reading the next installment in this duet!

Review Written, 6/8/16

More Romance Books that were released June 3-7, 2016

White-Hot Hack (Kate and Ian, #2) written by Tracey Garvis-Graves - 6/7/16

Brazen (B-Squad, #1) written by Avery Flynn- 6/7/16

A Promise Kept written by Anissa Garcia - 6/6/16

Stirring Attraction (Second Shot, #2) written by Sara Jane Stone - 6/7/16

Lovegame written by Tracy Wolff - 6/7/16

Shut Out (Bayard Hockey, #1) written by Kelly Jamison - 6/7/16

Playing the Perfect Boyfriend (Gone Hollywood, #3) written by Julie Particka - 6/6/16

Struck from the Record written by K.A. Linde - 6/7/16

Pay for Play (Alphachat.com, #1) written by Victoria Ashley - 6/3/16

White written by Aria Cole - 6/3/16

The Other Side of Someday written by T.K. Leigh - 6/3/16

BOOKS TO BE RELEASED IN JUNE, 2016 (Listed in Chronological Order by Date and Author)

(Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Historical Romance, New Adult, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, and Fiction)

Flash Point (Kilgore Fire, #2) – Lani Lynn Vale – 6/2/16

Dark Sexy Knight (A Modern Fairytale) – Katy Regnery – 6/5/16

Stanton Bliss (Stanton, #4) – T.L. Swan – 6/5/16

Six – K.I. Lynn – 6/6/16

Foolproof Love (Foolproof, #1) – Katee Ryan – 6/6/16

The Leaving – Tara Altebrando – 6/7/16

What Happens in Texas – Carolyn Brown – 6/7/16

Idol (VIP, #1) – Kristen Callihan – 6/7/16

All Summer Long (Follow Your Heart, #2) – Melody Carlson – 6/7/16

Targeted (Callahan & McLane, #4) – Kendra Elliot – 6/7/16

All the Rage – T.M. Frazier – 6/7/16

Unbreak My Heart – Nicole Jacquelyn – 6/7/16

One True Loves – Taylor Jenkins Reid - 6/7/16

738 Days – Stacey Kade – 6/7/16

Daring in a Blue Dress (Matchmaker in Wonderland, #3) – Katie Macalister – 6/7/16

Downtown Devil (Sins in the City, #2) – Cara McKenna – 6/7/16

Ink and Bone – Lisa Unger – 6/7/16

Raw Redemption (Crossing the Line, #4) – Tessa Bailey – 6/13/16

Sacred Heart – A.M. Johnson – 6/13/16

A Wildly Seductive Night (Seductive Nights, #3.5) – Lauren Blakely - 6/14/16

Last Kiss (First and Last, #2) – Laurelin Paige – 6/14/16

Bay of Sighs (Guardians Trilogy, #2) – Nora Roberts – 6/14/16

Allegiance of Honor (Psy-Changeling, #15) – Nalini Singh – 6/14/16

Here’s To Us – Elin Hilderbrand – 6/15/16

Luka (The Rhythm, #2) – Jane Harvey-Berrick – 6/16/16

The Prince’s Bride (A Modern Fairytale, #2) – Diane Alberts – 6/20/16

Man Candy – Melanie Harlow – 6/20/16

Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon, #2) – Jamie Beck – 6/21/16

Branna (Slater Brothers, #4.5) – L.A. Casey – 6/21/16

The Playboy – J.S. Cooper – 6/21/16

Escape (Blackstone, #2) – J.L. Drake – 6/21/16

A Measure of Love (A Pound of Flesh, #3) – Sophie Jackson – 6/21/16

Born of Legend (The League, #9) – Sherrilyn Kenyon – 6/21/16

Inseverable (Carolina Beach, #1) – Cecy Robson – 6/21/16

Driftwood Point (Chesapeake Diaries, #10) – Mariah Stewart – 6/21/16

Mr. Romantic (Mister, #2) – J.A. Huss – 6/22/16

Unbelievable (Beg for It, #4) – Callie Harper – 6/27/16

Sweet Alibi – Adriane Leigh – 6/27/16

Gun Shy – Lili St. Germain – 6/27/16

Forevermore (Darkest London, #7) – Kristen Callihan – 6/28/16

Brooks (Benson Brothers, #1) – Chelsea M. Cameron – 6/28/16

Chaos Bound (Sinner’s Tribe MC, #4) – Sarah Castille – 6/28/16

Undead and Unforgiven (Undead, #14) – MaryJanice Davidson – 6/28/16

Under the Wire (Bad Boys Undercover, #4) – HelenKay Dimon - 6/28/16

Awakened (Intimate Relations, #3) – Kate Douglas – 6/28/16

Defending Hayden (Second Chances, #7) – L.P. Dover – 6/28/16

Shadow Rider (Shadow, #1) – Christine Feehan – 6/28/16

Rake’s Redemption (Wind Dragons MC, #4) – Chantal Fernando – 6/28/16

Beautifully Decadent (Beautifully Damaged, #3) – L.A. Fiore – 6/28/16

Up in Flames (Rosemary Beach, #13) – Abbi Glines – 6/28/16

A Gentleman Never Tells (Essex Sisters, #4.5) – Eloisa James – 6/28/16

The Curse of Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson, #10) – Darynda Jones – 6/28/16

Addicted (Outlaws, #2) – Elle Kennedy – 6/28/16

All the Missing Girls – Megan Miranda – 6/28/16

Defender (Long Tall Texans) – Diana Palmer - 6/28/16

A Summer to Remember (Tallgrass, #6) – Marilyn Pappano – 6/28/16

Once A Soldier (Rogues Redeemed, #1) – Mary Jo Putney – 6/28/16

The Bourbon Thief – Tiffany Reisz – 6/28/16

Sweet Little Lies (Heartbreaker Bay, #1) – Jill Shalvis – 6/28/16

Having Hope (Blow Hole Boys, #4) – Tabatha Vargo – 6/28/16

And I Darken (The Conqueror’s Saga, #1) – Kiersten White – 6/28/16

A Certain Age – Beatriz Williams – 6/28/16

Tough Luck Hero (Copper Ridge, #5) – Maisey Yates – 6/28/16

Unworthy – Cassia Brightmore – 6/29/16

Burn (Duplicity Duet, #2) – Elizabeth Grace – June, 2016

Drawn Deeper (Lockhart Brothers, #3) – Brenda Rothert - June, 2016

Leave A Mark written by Stephanie Fournet (330 pgs) – finished reading 5/26/16 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

I really was so consumed by this couple’s story. A doctor and a tattoo artist meet during an unfortunate medical emergency, and he wants to get to know her better while she’s hellbent on continuously turning him down. Lee is totally intrigued by Wren, but she’s been hurt in the past and doesn’t think herself worthy of him. He’s so good and compassionate. He’s just so driven to make her see that she’s worth so much more than she thinks. With Lee’s kindness and understanding, Wren works towards healing. This book is so beautiful, but extremely emotional as well. With loyal friends and a sweet man, Wren may just be able to lift herself up from the past that has so often plagued her quest to just let go and live.

The author displays a real honesty for the abuse that was inflicted.  It was horrific and violating, but Wren was a survivor. And, as soon as she believes that, then she can get on with living.  And, that’s why Lee was such a vital part of her healing. The couple couldn’t be more different in their looks, but the chemistry was there and they seemed to really be smitten with each other.

You will definitely shed some tears with this one. It will make you angry at certain family members that let such a violent act occur. But, it’s the end result of the abuse that really had me surprised and heartbroken. The truth and honesty with Wren was powerfully enlightening. She was much stronger than she lead people to believe with that feisty and confident personality. Lee just couldn’t get enough of her even though his life was not absent from chaos either. With a father so domineering, Lee had to prove over and over that he was a very capable and resilient guy. Not a very easy task when your family member is a smart and well-known man.

You will not be disappointed with this one. The story is engagingly written. From the first page that is turned, you will be hooked. There’s humor, drama, and romance. And, the romance is very enticing. Intimate. Sweet. Lee and Wren just fit together perfectly. Can’t wait to read another of this author’s work!

Review Written, 6/1/16

BOOKS READ MAY, 2016

Ocean (Damage Control, #5) written by Jo Raven – 5 stars

Viktor written by Clarissa Wild – 3.5 stars

Elite (Eagle Elite, #1) written by Rachel Van Dyken – 4 stars

Elect (Eagle Elite, #2) written by Rachel Van Dyken – 4 stars

Broken (Broken, #1) written by A.E. Murphy – 5 stars

Connected (Broken, #2) written by A.E. Murphy – 5 stars

Hetch (Men of S.W.A.T., #1) written by River Savage – 4 stars

Leaving His Mark (Leaving Marks, #1) written by T.a. McKay – 4.5 stars

Leaving Her Mark (Leaving Marks, #2) written by T.a. McKay – 5 stars

Into the Deep (Into The, #1) written by T.a. McKay – 5 stars

Into the Dark (Into The, #2) written by T.a. Mckay – 4 stars

A Right To Remain written by Beth Rinyu – 5 stars

Leave A Mark written by Stephanie Fournet – 5 stars

Young Hollywood 1: Deep Focus written by Madisyn Ashmore – 3 stars

Untamed (Beg For It, #3) written by Callie Harper – 5 stars