Monday, April 27, 2015

Vandal (Ashes & Embers, #2) written by Carian Cole (253 pgs) – finished reading 4/21/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

4/21/15 - Vandal made me feel! He made me want! He was what he is...hard-core! Amazing!!! And, Tabi felt it too!!!!

4/23/15 – Two damaged souls losing their lifeline to survive turn to each other when the will to go on is just too overwhelming. Part of me could feel their pain, the other part of me lived their pain as I immersed myself in Ms. Cole’s book while living their heartbreak. So sad it is as these two individuals really need and cling to each other. Vandal carries the burden of living with the guilt and trying to give Tabitha a reason to smile again. While Tabitha is actually keeping a few secrets from Vandal that he will never become privy to, or so we think. Is their story actually over? I’m curious to see what might happen to this powerful couple when Lukas’ book is released sometime in the summer.

There are some elements of BDSM portrayed within in this book, but I would call it mild. If the book was somewhat longer, I would think that Vandal would have experimented a little more with Tabitha. But, it had just enough to keep me invested in their love story. It seemed to fit perfectly with their tragic past. My heart went out to both individuals as they dealt with the repercussions of a senseless act that really could have been avoided. As the reader, I could just feel their powerful connection. It was cosmic! Almost feeling like their destiny to be together was already determined by some outside force. It was paramount! And, explosive! It was tearful, though, for them to get to this point, but so well worth it. Loved their story and loved both Vandal and Tabitha!! So, looking forward to Lukas’ story. Should be a winner since HE IS Vandal’s brother...

DAMN, that was one hell of a cover!!!

Review Written, 4/27/15

Under Locke written by Mariana Zapata (484 pgs) – finished reading 3/17/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance


3/17/15 - Damn, I hate saying goodbye to characters that I love!!! This was fantastic, and Dex and Iris were such an awesome couple...

4/21/15 – It strikes me as funny when so many people read a book and give a whole different opinion on whether they liked the book or not. Some people thought that this book was too long and dragged and the heroine was so annoying. But, me, I was sad when it was over.  I couldn’t get enough of Iris and Dex. I totally loved them! She just cracked me up and was such a strong vibrant woman. While he was so cool and confident, but was vulnerable in a whole different way. They were more an opposites-attract-type couple. But, in so many ways they just fit. They cared about each other, and when it came to the sex, it was passionate with feeling and hope. But, the intimacy really isn’t explored until the middle of the book. Don’t get me wrong, the sexual tension is there, but it’s not acted on until these two are definitely sexually frustrated with each other. She’s inexperienced and he’s definitely seasoned with the seduction of it all. The portrayed supporting characters just add more dimension to the storyline while keeping the main characters on their toes. I was so sorry to see this book end. It’s long one, but I never got tired of Iris and Dex and their close-knit clan of family and friends.  One not to be missed! Ms. Zapata sure had me entranced with her writing! Looking forward to reading another of her creations!!

Review Written, 4/27/15 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Books Read in March, 2015


Kyland written by Mia Sheridan

The Summer Remains written by Seth King

Boy Toy Chronicles (Boy Toy Chronicles, #1) written by Jay McLean

Stanton Adore (Stanton, #1) written by T.L. Swan

Under Locke written by Mariana Zapata

Rowdy (Marked Men, #5) written by Jay Crownover

Chasing the Wild Sparks (Wild Sparks, #1) written by Ren Alexander

Daring the Wild Sparks (Wild Sparks, #2) written by Ren Alexander

Igniting the Wild Sparks (Wild Sparks, #3) written by Ren Alexander

Letting Lox In (Marco’s MMA Boys, #1) written by S.M. Donaldson

Wild Reckless written by Ginger Scott

My Favorite Book of the Month...Drum Roll Please...Wild Reckless written by Ginger Scott

50+ Books That Are Being Released in April, 2015 (mostly Contemporary Romance and New Adult with some Paranormal & Historical Romance with a touch of Erotica)


(Listed in Chronological Date Order by Author)

For All To See (Bureau, #1) – Megan Mitcham – 4/1/15

Artificial Love (The Good Bye Trilogy, #2) – Alisa Mullen – 4/1/15

Thrust - Victoria Ashley - 4/2/15

Sabato:The Cross (Ties of Steel, #3) – M.J. Fields – 4/5/15

Blush – Cherry Adair – 4/7/15

Mate Bond (Shifters Unbound, #7) – Jennifer Ashley – 4/7/15

The Traveling Woman (The Traveling Duet, #2) – Jane Harvey-Berrick – 4/7/15

Without Me (Men of Inked, #5) – Chelle Bliss – 4/7/15

Rose and Jacob – Lexi Buchanan – 4/7/15

Full Contact (Redemption, #3) – Sarah Castille - 4/7/15

On the Run (Sugarland Blue, #4) – Jo Davis – 4/7/15

Inside the O’Briens – Lisa Genova – 4/7/15

When I’m Gone (Rosemary Beach, #11) – Abbi Glines – 4/7/15

Come To Me Recklessly (Closer To You, #3) – A.L. Jackson – 4/7/15

A Desperate Fortune – Susanna Kearsley – 4/7/15

Say My Name (Stark International Trilogy, #1) – J. Kenner – 4/7/15

Bliss and the Art of Forever (Hope Springs) – Alison Kent – 4/7/15

Still the One (Animal Magnetism, #6) – Jill Shalvis – 4/7/15

One True Heart (Harmony, #8) – Jodi Thomas – 4/7/15

You and I, Together (You and I, #2) – Melissa Toppen – 4/7/15

Silver Bastard (Silver Valley, #1) – Joanna Wylde – 4/7/15

Secret Regrets (Living for Today, #2) – Megan S. Smith – 4/9/15

Set in Stone – Rachel Robinson – 4/9/15

That Summer (Part One) – Lauren Crossley – 4/10/15

Sloth (Sinful Secrets, #1) – Ella James – 4/12/15

Interlude (Rockstar, #4) – Anne Mercier – 4/12/15

Only Trick – Jewel E. Ann – 4/13/15

Virtuous (Quantum Trilogy, #1) – Marie Force – 4/14/15

Hard To Be Good (Hard Ink, #3.5) – Laura Kaye – 4/14/15

Beautiful Secret (Beautiful Bastard, #4) – Christina Lauren – 4/14/15

Crushed (Redemption, #2) – Lauren Layne – 4/14/15

The Beekeeper’s Daughter – Santa Montefiore – 4/14/15

Dare to Hold (Dare to Love, #6) – Carly Phillips – 4/14/15

The Moment of Letting Go – J. A. Redmerski – 4/14/15

The Liar – Nora Roberts – 4/14/15

Play On – Michelle Smith – 4/14/15

Taken (Under the Skin, #3) – Charlotte Stein – 4/14/15

The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years, #4) – Sarina Bowen – 4/15/15

Rafe (Inked Brotherhood, #5) – Jo Raven – 4/17/15

Need Me (Broke and Beautiful, #2) – Tessa Bailey – 4/21/15

Blyssfully Undone (The Blyss Trilogy, #3) – J.C. Cliff – 4/21/15

Asa (Marked Men, #6) – Jay Crownover – 4/21/15

One Night – Eric Jerome Dickey – 4/21/15

Aflame (Fall Away, #3.5) – Penelope Douglas – 4/21/15

Dragon’s Lair (Wind Dragons MC, #1) – Chantal Fernando – 4/21/15

Valorous (Quantum Trilogy, #2) – Marie Force – 4/21/15

Things We Know By Heart – Jessi Kirby – 4/21/15

Garden of Lies – Amanda Quick – 4/21/15

Never Too Late (Willow Creek, #2) – Micalea Smeltzer – 4/21/15

The Consequences of Loving Colton – Rachel VanDyken – 4/21/15

Pretty Remedy (Finally Found, #2) – S.E. Hall – 4/23/15

Since Drew – J. Nathan – 4/23/15

Blackout – Chris Myers – 4/27/15

The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress (Millworth Manor, #5) – Victoria Alexander – 4/28/15

Be Afraid – Mary Burton – 4/28/15

A Scoundrel by Moonlight (Sons of Sin, #4) – Anna Campbell – 4/28/15

Twisted (Lost, #2) – Cynthia Eden – 4/28/15

Waiting for the One – L.A. Fiore – 4/28/15

Victorious (Quantum Trilogy, #3) – Marie Force – 4/28/15

The Duke and the Lady in Red (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James, #3) - Lorraine Heath - 4/28/15

The Scoundrel and the Dubutante (The Cabot Sisters, #3) – Julia London – 4/28/15

Getting Lucky Number Seven – Cindi Madsen – 4/28/15

Hold Me (Fool’s Gold, #16) – Susan Mallery – 4/28/15

Wild Heat (Northern Fire, #1) – Lucy Monroe – 4/28/15

Black Iris – Leah Raeder – 4/28/15

Adrenaline – Sunniva Dee – 4/30/15

Double Dare (Neighbor from Hell, #6) – R.L. Mathewson – 4/30/15

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Stanton Adore (Stanton, #1) written by T.L. Swan (375 pgs) – finished reading 3/12/15 – 5 stars - Contempoary Romance

***THIS REVIEW IS PART OF A BLOG TOUR***


Where to begin? Well, I can honestly say that I was totally blown away by this novel. It really had me chomping at the bit from the very first chapter. The two main characters hit the sheets from the very first page, and it’s HOT!!! Smokin’ dirty talk from two teenagers that definitely set the stage for their intimate encounters. And, that whopper of a secret divulged from that first chapter leads me to believe that this is going to be one heck of a ride. I was so totally into the story and no way in hell was I ever bored. Man, it was just so heavy on the hurt and pain that these two caused each other. Back and forth, “let’s break up” , “this will never work”, “what are we thinking”. They just couldn’t seem to get it together as a couple until they both decided “f**k it, it’s our life”. Damn, what a dilemma that could have devastating consequences for all.

Natasha and Joshua have been in love since they were teenagers, but on that fateful day when Natasha broke Josh’s heart, they have not seen each other since. Josh just can’t forgive her for doing the unspeakable, but what he doesn’t realize is that Natasha was trying to save him. After seven years of no contact whatsoever, the two have no choice but to encounter each other again at a family wedding. Of course there’s friction and tense moments, but neither can forget that extreme feeling of love and infatuation that they felt for one another. What will happen in the coming weeks as both question their real feelings and ultimate choices?

This book was amazing! The characters were confident and compelling. Both main characters seemed to really want everything their own way, though, but when push came to shove they absolutely were in love with each other. Natasha really hasn’t been able to move on with anyone else. Sure she’s had other relationships, but nothing and no one can even come close to the intimacy and feelings that she had for Josh. And, Josh, just seemed to be trying to replace Natasha with every woman possible, but no one ever measured up to “presh”. Now there’s all kinds of things that go on here...jealousy, fighting, partying, drugs, alcohol, and sex. And, wow the sex was explosive!!! HOT and STEAMY! So, scorching between the two!!! These two definitely set the sheets on fire!!!

As the story moves along, the reader knows that something is going to either bring these two together permanently or pull them apart indefinitely. It’s drama and intrigue at it’s very best. Why does Josh have all these bodyguards around? Will their love be strong enough to keep them together? What happens when a distressing secret told to Natasha in desperation has her questioning the ability to destroy lives? The supporting characters has the reader entranced in some fun and entertaining dialogue as well. With some loyal and honest family members and friends, the story takes on a very protective balance. Both main characters know that they will be protected physically as well as emotionally by loved ones. It’s the secrets and lies that has everyone unsteady and questioning the two lovers' real connection. Wow! And, that ending!!! God, that was epic!!! Damn, that was shocking!!! Magnificent story telling! Carnal and passionate intimacy!!! Mind-blowing drama!! And, a profuse amount of secrets and lies!! Who’s to say what will happen next. Well, book two is out now, so it’s onto that I go!!! You will not be disappointed with this intriguing find!!!

Beautiful engaging cover as well!! 

Review Written, 3/17/15

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Love Anthony written by Lisa Genova (320 pgs) – finished reading 9/29/12 – 5 stars - Contemporary Fiction


This is an older review that I had written in September, 2012. It has a very special meaning to me as you will learn if you read it. So, if you enjoy the review and it intrigues you, please read the book and have a compelling emotional experience...it will totally captivate and entertain you. Lisa Genova is one engaging author!!

First, I just want to say ”thank you” to Ms. Genova for writing a book about autism. Regardless if this is a book of fiction, I found myself re-living daily episodes from the past years 19 years with my own son. The author really did her research well. It just gave me a sense of peace that I haven’t felt in a long time. I could relate to the main character, Olivia who constantly questions - “Why my son?”, “Why my family?”, “Was it something I did wrong while I was pregnant?”, and “Will we ever find out the true answer?”. Every day in this world we are faced with destruction, chaos, and tragedy – just trying to pick up the pieces for a life gone wrong. But autism does not come from life’s hard-knock choices. It comes from the unknown - a force yet to be reckoned with. So how do we live through the challenges of not knowing what’s in store with our innocent trusting children? Day by day, that’s how – knowing and hoping that you’re making the right choices for them because that is all they have in their corner – you!  

This book didn’t just deal so much with the medical and scholastic aspects of autism. It dealt a lot with the feelings that come with having a child diagnosed with this life-long tragedy. It was beautiful, heartfelt, and meaningful. Now some people have criticized the author’s novel for having too many unnecessary details that were not needed to enrich the story. Well I, for one, thought that the details were important and necessary. It made the story more believable...because, after all, we all have a life to live. I have three other children, and life couldn’t be more hectic. I had to learn to spread myself pretty thin when they were young, and my husband held a job that was very demanding and time-consuming. Now, life is a little easier because my kids are 21, 19, 17, and 16. Without those extra details present in the book, it wouldn’t have shown how autism can have a huge impact on anyone who comes in contact with the disability, not just family members. For example in my experience, I have had people not be able to talk to me or look me in the eye when they first found out about what my son was dealing with, and other times, people wanted to know everything – they were just so interested and supportive. People’s reactions were weird at times. Some people treated my son like any other child, not drawing unwanted critical attention to him, and other people looked like they were scared to death, and didn’t know how to treat him. You never knew what people were going to think or blame you for when they didn’t really know what was really going on. I had people scream at me to take him home when he was having a episode in public, and other people offering their help. I was always surprised one way or the other. And, that’s exactly how Olivia is portrayed in the book when faced with awkward situations from her son, Anthony.

I absolutely loved the book-within-a-book idea. The other main character, Beth, writes a novella told by Anthony, while also living through her own more intimate family crisis. It’s written from his point-of-view. It was simply magical! After reading numerous books and looking up things on the internet for years, it just gave me a different incite as to how these children think and learn. What’s in their head is such a mystery. One minute you think you know what they are thinking because of a past episode, and the next minute, you’re scratching your head saying, “How can that be? It wasn’t like that the last time.” It definitely always keeps you on your toes and constantly keeping your brain in working order. There’s never a dull moment. It’s not all about the tough times, though. It’s also about the happy ones – seeing progress right before your very eyes when looking back through the years. The first word spoken – years later than a normal child, but spoken none the less. The first time they actually look in your eyes – not very often, but when it does happen, you’re so excited that just maybe you’re getting through that barrier built from the inside out. And, of course, the first hug – perhaps they will feel, just a smidge, how much they’re loved.

On that note, I just want to acknowledge to Ms. Genova how much I enjoyed her novel. It was inspiring and moving. It was beautiful and mesmerizing. But most of all, for me it was home.This is the life that my son lives each and every day. Every morning he gets up and takes on the same routine – something that feels comfortable and calming to him. You never know what that particular day will be like – good or bad. But I do know this, whatever it takes, he can count on us to do our finest; whatever he needs, we will provide it the most superb way we can; and, whatever makes him happy, we will always have his best interests at heart.

As the reader, you will probably need a few tissues to get you through the sad parts, but hopefully it will give you a better understanding of just what a child and a family goes through when autism is present in their every day lives. It’s not easy, but you do it because you’re all your child has. I do believe that someday there will be a cure to unlock the mysteries surrounding this spectrum disorder that affects 1 in 88 children – autism. Until then, we just have to practice patience and understanding for these children who are just simply extraordinary in every way possible.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Boy Toy Chronicles (Boy Toy Chronicles, #1) written by Jay McLean (152 pgs) – finished reading 3/7/15 – 3.5 stars - New Adult


This was a short read that had me laughing out loud. What happens when a college fraternity loses their funding? Well they create a male escort service that’s what! This novella packs a punch full of humor and their wacky sexual hook-ups that promise to totally entertain the reader. It wasn’t the most impressive book that I’ve read this year, but all the silliness of it all took me away from the book hangover that I had from just reading an overly emotional heartache. It was told in Tyler’s POV, who happens to be the president of the fraternity, and he really didn’t hold anything back. Funny as hell he is!!! And, the guys that live in the frat house? Well, they’re just as comical. We’re also introduced to Tyler’s friend, Allie, who really is hung up on him secretly. But, what she doesn’t realize is that Tyler is attracted to her and it’s not in a friendship-type manner either. What will happen between these two best friends should they act on their attraction?  Hmmm...it can only get more interesting from here!!!

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

Review Written, 3/9/15