The Keys to Jericho written by Ren Alexander (806 pgs) – finished reading 2/24/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN THIS REVIEW***

2/24/15 - DONE! Holy crap, now I have to think about writing my review! I need a minute or two or possibly three...

Jared and Kat, well let’s just say they were epic! I’ve read a lot of books, tons of books even, but there’s not that many that I would say were beyond stellar. But this was definitely one that achieves that level. Beautiful love story. A wounded but yet complicated Hero and a damaged but yet strong Heroine are the leads in this book. Both searching for that lost love. And, before I can go any further, hats off to Ren Alexander!!!! She made my day!!!! Love, LOVED, loved this book!!!!

Over 800 pages, and worth every paged turned...

2/27/15 - So, ladies, that’s how it’s done! One long book that tells the entire story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. No wondering when the next book in the series is coming out. No forgetting what you’ve already read after months have gone by and the next book in the series finally comes out. Just a complete story that gives you closure after the final page is turned.

I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate title, The Keys to Jericho, for a story about a young man that has erected such walls around his heart to protect himself after he’s been hurt in the past by two important women in his life. Jared Beckett is one hardass. He definitely speaks his mind. He doesn’t hold back and sugarcoat anything. With his crass language and need to be always right, he makes the reader almost dislike him. That is until the reader gets a deeper glimpse as to why Jared is so harsh. He’s actually far from perfect, but he lures the reader into his story because he’s just that appealing. He’s funny and smart, and when you get down to it, he’s really a good-hearted person. And, of course, don’t forget that he’s gorgeous with dark hair and hazel/green eyes that just screams attraction.

Ren Alexander really pulled me into Jared’s story with her impressive characters and heart-stopping drama. Not only is the story told in mostly Jared’s POV, which I loved, but we also get a glimpse of a former friend’s POV occasionally, which is female. Katriona Merrick and Jared have a past. They’re old high school friends. Both had wanted more of their friendship, but being young and inexperienced had them both scared of rejection. So, they really never pursued that avenue. Now after not seeing each other in about fourteen years, they reconnect under surprising circumstances.

Wow! There just was so much back and forth and push and pull with these two. Both afraid to admit their feelings, but also realizing that during all the years apart they’ve never really felt any connection remotely significant as what they have with each other. As Jared helps Kat with a project in her life that so long ago claimed a loved one’s life, they spend more time together rebuilding that irrevocable connection. It was beautiful to finally see them back together as at least friends, but heartbreaking to see them struggling with their relationship on a more romantic level. Some major tearful moments were depicted as Jared finally admits his apprehension to commit to Kat. It only comes from the love and caring of his friends and dad that he actually breaks down and admits to his fear. This was a major turning point in the novel that pretty much affects everyone. I loved every character portrayed – Dash, Rio, Liberty, Hadley, Finn, Adam, and Brenda. Jared had the most loyal and honest friends ever! I would love to someday see Dash get his own story! I’m sure it would be amazing!!!

I liked how the author just kept the story going with all the little details leading up to their final milestone – birthdays and holidays were celebrated along with Kat’s long-awaited achievement. The story just moved along so quickly, I couldn’t believe that I read over 800 pages in two and a half days. There was never a dull moment, and I was so sad when I turned the last page. Usually this type of thing puts me in a book funk, which I now am, and I just can’t get into reading anything for a few days. That’s how I know that it was such a great story!! It was heartbreaking, but yet triumphant. I found myself feeling just as each character was as each emotion was embraced. Jared and Kat’s love story is romantic and sensual. The scenes, once they got together, were HOT and EXPLOSIVE! After all of these years of waiting, they finally got to acquaintance themselves with their “soulmate’s” lusting passion and true spirit. Things that Jared never experienced with anyone else were intimately illustrated with Kat.

This was one brilliant read! My emotions were all over the place when so much drama and suffering caused distress to be inflicted between the characters. But, the final outcome was one of victory and happiness. This magnificent couple got their heart’s desire – each other. A moving love story filled with anguish, intimacy, and conquest. Cheers to Ms. Alexander for a novel well written!

Review Written, 2/26/15

Kinged (City’s Secrets, #2) written by B.B. Hamel (172 pgs) – finished reading 2/26/15 – 4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance

This book was out-of-the-blocks thrilling to say the least. The action and drama didn’t let up through the whole book. Powerful emotion and non-stop intrigue graced the pages of this intimate portrayal of two individuals just trying to find love and a place to fit in. Darcy moves to Philadelphia when a friend of hers offers her a job after getting bored with her life in New York City. And, then there’s Rex who is so far into his need for payback to an Irish mob boss that he doesn’t have much to offer anyone. When the two meet, it’s not without incident, and Darcy is attracted to the powerfully compelling man. He’s not her typical MO, but she’s more than fascinated with his handsome face and muscular physique. And, Rex is taken with Darcy as well. With her long blonde hair and mesmerizing blue eyes, she beams with wealth and arrogance. As Rex gets to know Darcy, though, he realizes that that is so far from the truth as to who she really is. She’s more down-to-earth and just wants to be needed. He, on the other hand, needs to get his life back on track. He’s been running for far too long and is all kinds of f**cked-up. When these two damaged people realize that they really need each other, will Rex’s harrowing past spoil it for them?

Loved this story! The two main characters were extremely likeable. I couldn’t help but feel sadness for Rex for not being able to drag his life out the debt that was keeping him down and holding him prisoner to a deeply disturbing man. But, meeting Darcy was a way to finally take charge of his life and get out from under Michael’s authority. Darcy was such a funny girl. She had a great sense of humor and a passionate presence. She just needed something more in her life, and Rex filled that role solely. And, talk about the intimacy between the two, wow!! Holy hotness!! It was definitely scorching!! I was more intrigued with this story than the first one mainly because it was suspenseful and not just romantic, which brought that edginess and raw grit into focus.  While the story is told mostly in Darcy’s POV, we do get glimpses of Rex’s POV occasionally. I read this book in one sitting and was totally entertained with this couple’s story!

“He was my king and I was his queen, and those empty, dark streets were our streets. People like Michael couldn’t bother us there, not in our kingdom of darkness. I kinged him in my mind and made him my ruler for the night.” ~ Darcy (Chap. 7)

Wow!!! And, look at the cover!!! GORGEOUS!!!

Review Written, 2/27/15

75+ BOOKS THAT ARE BEING RELEASED IN MARCH, 2015 (Mostly Contemporary Romance and New Adult some Paranormal with a touch of Erotica)

(Listed in Chronological Date Order by Author)

The Design (A Heart Novel) – R.S. Grey – 3/1/15

Very Twisted Things (Briarcrest Academy, #3) – Ilsa Madden-Mills – 3/1/15

Love Brewing (Love Brothers, #3) – Liz Crowe – 3/2/15

Sawyer (Alluring Indulgence, #7) – Nicole Edwards – 3/2/15

With Every Heartbeat (Forbidden Men, #4) – Linda Kage – 3/2/15

Losing Us (Sex on the Beach. #4) – Jen McLaughlin – 3/2/15

Sustain – Tijan – 3/2/15

His to Take (Wicked Lovers, #9) – Shayla Black – 3/3/15

On a Ring and a Prayer (Jessie Stanton, #1) – Sandra D. Bricker – 3/3/15

The List – Anne Calhoun – 3/3/15

Kiss Me Hello (Sweetest Kisses, #3) - Grace Burrowes - 3/3/15

Mad, Bad, and Dangerous in Plaid (Scandalous Highlanders, #3) - Suzanne Enoch – 3/3/15

Hell’s Kitchen (Hell’s Kitchen, #1) – Callie Hart & Lili St. Germain – 3/3/15

Unraveled (Mastered, #3) – Lorelei James – 3/3/15

Need (Need, #1) – K.I. Lynn & N. Isabelle Blanco – 3/3/15

Stone Walls – A.M. Madden – 3/3/15

Changing Everything (Forgiving Lies, #2.5) - Molly McAdams - 3/3/15

Return to Me (Covington Cove, #1) – Kelly Moran – 3/3/15

Stealing Rose (The Fowler Sisters, #2) – Monica Murphy – 3/3/15

Easy Love (Boudreaux, #1) – Kristen Proby – 3/3/15

Something Real (Reckless & Real, #2) – Lexi Ryan – 3/3/15

Becoming Rain (Burying Water, #2) – K.A. Tucker – 3/3/15

Unforgettable Sun (Hale Brothers, #3) – Kathryn Andrews – 3/4/15

Nobody’s Dream (Rescue Me Saga, #6) – Kallypso Masters – 3/4/15

For Authentication Purposes – Amber L. Johnson – 3/5/15

Hearts of Fire (Six of Hearts, #2) – L.H. Cosway – 3/6/15

Conviction - Lesley Jones - 3/6/15

#Player (Hashtag, #3) – Cambria Hebert – 3/9/15

Confess – Colleen Hoover – 3/10/15

The Scoundrel's Lover (The Notorious Flynns, #2) - Jess Michaels - 3/10/15

Rock Hard (Rock Kiss, #2) – Nalini Singh – 3/10/15

Vanishing Girls – Lauren Oliver – 3/10/15

Artificial Love (The Good Bye Series, #2) – Alisa Mullen – 3/11/15

Pocketful of Sand – M. Leighton – 3/15/15

Soaring (Magdalene, #2) – Kristen Ashley – 3/16/15

Death Row - Sienna Lane - 3/16/15

The Object of His Desire – S.R. Watson – 3/16/15

Chase Me (Broke and Beautiful, #1) – Tessa Bailey – 3/17/15

Shaken, Not Stirred (Last Call, #5) – Sawyer Bennett  3/17/15

Disillusioned (Swept Away, #2) - J.S. Cooper - 3/17/15

The Witch of Painted Sorrows – M.J. Rose – 3/17/15

Reckless Love (Hard to Love, #2) – Kendall Ryan – 3/17/15

Duplicity – N.K. Traver – 3/17/15

Jack Hammer (Part 1) - Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea - 3/17/15

Monster Chef – Margaret McHeyzer – 3/18/15

Kinged – B.B. Hamel – 3/19/15

One Last Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #3) – Georgia Cates – 3/23/15

The Cavendon Women – Barbara Taylor Bradford – 3/24/15

Finding Mr. Brightside – Jay Clark – 3/24/15

Edge of Forever (When You’re Gone, #3) – Taryn Elliott – 3/24/15

Manwhore (Manwhore, #1) – Katy Evans – 3/24/15

Flirting with Fire (Hot in Chicago, #1) – Kate Meader – 3/24/15

After Dark (Night Owl, #3) – M. Pierce – 3/24/15

Fisher’s Light – Tara Sivec – 3/24/15

G-Men the Series (G-Men, #1-3.6) – Andrea Smith – 3/24/15

Awakening You (Unraveling You, #3) – Jessica Sorensen – 3/24/15

Revved – Samantha Towle – 3/24/15

Deep Blue Eternity (Deep Blue Eternity, #1) – Natasha Boyd – 3/26/15

Sweet Hope (Sweet Home, #4) – Tillie Cole – 3/29/15

Breathe Me In (Blurred Lines, #5) – Erin McCarthy – 3/29/15

That Baby (That Boy, #3) – Jillian Dodd – 3/30/15

Jake Understood (Jake, #2) – Penelope Ward – 3/30/15

Fall with Me (Wait for You, #4) – Jennifer L. Armentrout – 3/31/15

Love After All (Hope, #4) – Jaci Burton – 3/31/15

The Day We Met - Rowan Coleman - 3/31/15

Broken (Lost, #1) – Cynthia Eden – 3/31/15

Holding Strong (Ultimate Book, #2) – Lori Foster, 3/31/15

The Dead Play On (Cafferty and Quinn, #3) – Heather Graham – 3/31/15

Where Sea Meets Sky – Karina Halle – 3/31/15

Collision (Portland Street Kings, #1) – Evie Harper – 3/31/15

Four Nights with the Duke (Desperate Duchesses, #8) - Eloisa James - 3/31/15

The Start of Me and You – Emery Lord – 3/31/15

The Slayer (Untamed Hearts, #2) – Kele Moon – 3/31/15

This Heart of Mine (Whiskey Creek, #8) – Brenda Novak – 3/31/15

The Virgin (The Original Sinners: White Years, #3) - Tiffany Reisz - 3/31/15

No Ordinary Billionaire (The Sinclairs, #1) – J.S. Scott – 3/31/15

Deep (Stage Dive, #4) – Kylie Scott – 3/31/15

The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers, #1) – Gena Showalter – 3/31/15

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #13) – J.R. Ward – 3/31/15

Promises of Forever (Promises, #3) – Jessica Wood – 3/31/15

Total Surrender (Sin Brothers, #4) – Rebecca Zanetti – 3/31/15

The Other Man – R.K. Lilley – March, 2015???

Is Reading Book Reviews Helpful or Harmful??

So what do you think, are reading book reviews helpful or harmful? Well, I was just looking to buy this book on Amazon, and then I decided to read a few reviews regarding it. What a huge mistake!! The first two reviews that I read were definitely helpful. They told me their likes and dislikes about the book and a little about the synopsis. But, then I got to the next one...uggghhh!! No spoiler warning, and then as I’m reading it, there’s paragraphs and paragraphs about the entire book. Letting spoilers rip like there’s no tomorrow!!! Now I’m pissed!! That really “spoiled” my reading of it. Who does that? Definitely reading this review was harmful. I will admit that when I write a review I always write a little about the characters, the plot, and the romance. But, I never, at least without a warning, post spoilers. That’s just nasty! Just because you don’t like the book or find it offensive does not give you the right to ruin it for anyone else. That’s downright MEAN!! So, now I have to decide if I want to buy this book, which is not right to do to the author who depends on selling her book to interested customers. Shame on the person who ruins the reader’s experience of discovering a new find when they post spoilers without a warning. That is not right, and nothing peeves me more than JACKASSES who don’t care about other readers!!! That just irkes the shit out of me!! Let me know what you think. Do you get angry too when there is no spoiler warning and reviewers give away the entire book?? Okay, now that I got that off my chest, I have to figure out if I still will purchase this book. I probably will. I’m such a sucker for newly discovered authors...lol!  

Crash Ride (Power Station, #2) written by T. Gephart (289 pgs) – finished reading 2/20/15 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Erotica)

Another amazing book written by T. Gephart! So freakin’ HOT!!! Couldn’t put this one down. I was just so immersed in the story. And, Troy Harris, was one amazing male specimen!!! He’s gorgeous with a bangin’ body! Oh man, there’s just something so irresistible about him that Megan Winters loves. When he’s around she just can’t think straight. Things come out of her mouth that are dirty and naughty. And, what does he think of her? Well, she’s beautiful and smart. A doctor. And, with a body like hers, he’s constantly re-arranging himself. But, their best friends are a couple, and if Troy Harris and Megs don’t work out, it could spell trouble for all. So, they make an arrangement. A “sex only” arrangement, and whatever happens, they won’t let it affect their friendship whatsoever. How long, though, can either one of them keep this up when feelings start getting in the way?

Wow! I just couldn’t put this down! Started reading this in the afternoon and was done by 1am. It was just that mind-blowing! Romance and drama at its best. Holy crap!! The chemistry between the two was off-the-charts HOT!! Tattoos and piercings just added to the heat!!! It was a funny book too. Megs still calling Troy by both first and last name all the time was still hilarious. She had some sense of humor. The whole idea of sneaking around and secret hook-ups just added to the excitement of it all as well. And, of course, there’s still the Power Station guys around with their gorgeous babes. Dan is just such a funny dude – potty mouth and all. While Ashlyn still is a protector and takes care of her man.  

Some things happened that brought big tears to my eyes. Didn’t see that happening!! But, Megs is a brave young woman. And, like I said, smart as hell. She knows when she has a good thing and knows when to jump on it as if it could be her lifeline to the future. With Troy Harris by her side, how can anything be but perfect? I loved this book. I’m still smiling about it as I write this review after only having finished reading it twelve hours ago. I’m just so sad that their story is over, however.  It was one that I was totally looking forward to, and I was not disappointed at all. There’s just something about this group of guys and their women that is thrilling and desirable. And, I’m so looking forward to Jace’s story! Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long...

“In his eyes I saw the love. I saw his commitment and I hoped he saw the same in mine. There was no mistake on what this was, there was no misunderstanding on what it could be. It was home. Mine. His. Ours.” ~ Megs (pg. 192)

This quote was so profoundly written that I just had to include it in my review: (and, for the short time that Josh was in the story, he just made it so much more sweet; he genuinely seemed to have such a beautiful soul.)

“There are usually three different types of people who come and get ink. One. the living canvas. For these people their skin is blank pages that they use to tell their story. There is no separation between the art and them. It’s a part of them as much as an ear or a toe. It’s an addiction as well as an expression. Two. The weekend warrior. They go under the needle to earn cool points or to follow trend. These are the people who usually get some lame tribal band around their arm or a tramp stamp. They get tats that are highly visible and often cheesy. I don’t judge, but I assume that five to ten years down the track they will be spending time with a laser. Three. The tortured soul. They use the art as therapy, to memorialize something or a loved one. They mark their skins with tributes and dedications or a connection to something or someone. It’s just for them; displayed or not displayed it wouldn’t mean any more or less.” ~ Josh (pg. 138)

Review Written, 2/20/15

She Writes Love written by Sandi Lynn (265 pgs) – finished reading 2/2/15 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance

Just a word of warning, you will need tissues to get through this tearjerker – plain and simple. You will feel heartbreak for these two individuals. How can life be so cruel you will ask. But, when the last page is turned, you will clap and cheer, and you will sigh with certainty that these two people are finally home. So many readers loved this story, and I can see why. It really gets to the heart and soul. It’s powerful. But, most of all, it’s a second chance. A second chance at life, at love, and to find that soulmate. Your forever. The love of your life.

Paisley Logan is drowning. Drowning in sorrow. She just can’t find the how or why to move on. Her husband was taken from her at such a young age. It was their one-year wedding anniversary in fact. How could God be so cruel? All their plans for the future – gone! She’s lost the love of her life. How could anyone even approach her to start dating. She’s not ready. There’s no way that that is going to happen!! Her family feels for her, but she’s still alive. It’s time to start living. When her brother, Keaton, suggests that she go to a widow/widower support group, she simply won’t even hear about it. Is he crazy??

Ben Preston lost his wife, Amy, to cancer after a five year battle. He’s heartbroken, and can’t seem to get passed it. It was painful to see his young wife suffer so acutely. She was such a beautiful and caring person. Why must all the delicate people suffer so? His family wants him to move on too. Start dating. Be more social. But, he’s not ready either. And, when he goes to his regular hang-out bar for his normal Friday night drink, he’s met there by a new customer, David. They become immediate friends and David suggests that he attend the same widow/widower support group on Friday nights. Ben really wants none of that, but what the hell,  it’s Friday, might as well check it out and see what it’s all about.

When Paisley and Ben meet, it’s like magic - pure and simply.They’re attracted to each other, but neither one is willing to take that plunge. Now I’m not going to discuss much more about their relationship because I don’t want to give away much else, but it made me smile. I loved these two characters. They were perfect for each other. And, it’s such a feel-good book. There’s a twist at the end that was wonderful. I really didn’t put two and two together when I was reading this lovely novel because I was just so focused on their love story. But, I will say this, it was totally celestial. Divine. Almost angelic. You will not be disappointed whatsoever!

“Keaton told me once that life is like the ocean. You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to ride them. Just like you can’t stop life, but you can learn to live it.” ~ Paisley (Chap. 20)

“I was drowning in my own misery and feeling like I was the only person in the world that this happened to. I’m here tonight to tell you that you will be all right. Your deceased loved ones don’t want you to stop living life after they’re gone. They want you to be at peace and continue to love life like you did when they were alive. Someone once told me to embrace the memories you had with each other. Remember them and let them heal you. We all know that life’s too short to drown ourselves in our own sorrow. Life can, does, and will go on for you. But you have to make the effort to live it right. I am a survivor and so are you.” ~ Paisley (Chap. 42)

This is such a beautiful cover!!!

Review Written, 2/18/15

Emerge (The Greyson-Slade Series, #2) written by Kristin Kitchen (300 pgs) – finished reading 2/17/15 – 5 stars - Romantic Suspense

Another intensely provocative novel by my newest find, Kristin Kitchen. Ms. Kitchen writes romantic suspense fiercely. Her characters are flawed and broken, but they’re strong and brave. Whether male or female, they rise to the occasion. And, with a group of friends that supports and loves them, they know that they will always be protected completely. This was another heartstopping explosive romantic suspense that took my breath away. When Kristy Swain/Kayla Abington meets Ryder Wilson there’s absolutely something there. Ryder finds the need to protect Kayla when something happens at the bar that she works at. But, Ryder finds Kayla shy and reserved. She’s just not his type. There’s more to Kayla, though, then what she actually shows. And, when a health issue occurs that gives Kayla no other option then to ask for help, Ryder and her begin a relationship that threatens all the walls that Kayla has built up around her as a need for protection.

I really liked Ryder and Kayla. They both were damaged individuals, but the two of them together made them a powerhouse couple. She was cautious and composed while Ryder was bossy and confident. They fit together, though, and brought out the best in each other. They needed each other in the best way possible. She was inexperienced in the intimacy department while he was more than seasoned with the knowledge of love-making. She just seemed to follow his lead as he was obviously a skillful teacher. It was passionate and on fire. The understanding between the two was one of powerful euphoria.  Neither thought that they would ever find love again, but it was apparent to both just where their friendship was headed.

Again we find the “girls” crew hanging out and supporting each along with the guys from Greyson-Slade security firm protecting their women. It’s a loving group of friends that has each other’s back totally. The reader is also introduced to Kayla’s young toddler, Jimma, who is cute and promises to bring heart to the story. Ryder completely accepts Jimma as him and Kayla get closer and closer.

I just can’t get enough of this group of friends that are funny, and fearless, and passionate. They really get under your skin and make you want to cheer for them to find their contentment. Find their one and only love. Find home. Another great addition to this amazing series written by Kristin Kitchen.

“Lastly, I learned that blood is not a requirement for someone to be a member of your family. Love is one of the deepest bonds you can ever share with another human being.” ~ Kayla (Chap. 28)

“A single tear streaks down my cheek as I allow the contement of life, love and happiness to settle deep. Life begins again today, as I emerge into the newest chapter of my life.” ~ Kayla (Chap. 28)

Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

“Well, if you knew how much this moment

means to me

And how long I’ve waited for your touch.

And if you knew how happy you’re making me

I never thought that I’d love anyone so much.

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me

It feels like I’m all the way the back where I came

from

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me

It feels like I’m all the way back where I belong.”

          (Chap.29)

Review Written, 2/18/15