Watch Me written by Ada Frost (237 pgs) – finished reading 8/30/16 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance (Erotica)

Get ready for some hotness! This book was off-the-rails delectable! Just when I didn’t think it could get anymore sizzling, the author throws in more heat. With a cast of characters that were amazing with humor, kindness, and dominance the author creates a story that was so entertaining! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! Even with all the sexiness, there was definitely more of a story here that did not disappoint. This is one to laugh, cry, and melt over! Can’t wait to see what this author releases next!

And that cover??? Super HOT!!!

Levi’s Blue written by M. Leighton (413 pgs) – finished reading 9/2/16 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

Totally totally loved this one!! Wow! Great love story with amazing characters! I was so sad when it was over. And, Levi, man the guy was so swoon-worthy! He knew just what to say and how to say it! What happened to him years ago was sad and heartbreaking. A victim of circumstance! And, I loved Evie! Her story was awe-inspiring! She was just so strong with a fabulous sense of humor to boot! Tears of joy and tears of sadness is what I felt while reading Levi’s Blue. The title was just so fitting. Ms. Leighton really hit this one out of the ballpark! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! That’s how much I enjoyed it!

“As Levi sets our son down and heads for the shower, I look back at the shirt spread out on the bed. It’s spattered and streaked with all the colors of my life, of our past and our future. I reach out to touch one spot, it’s right over where my navel hits when I’m wearing the shirt. It’s a thumbprint in dark red. Levi’s thumbprint. He put it there when we found out I was pregnant. I rub my finger over his print, thinking about the colors of my world, how much it looks like this shirt. My life is Evan happy. My future is Michaelson bright. And my skies are Levi’s blue. Nothing but Levi’s blue.” ~ Evie (Epilogue)

One of my favorite book covers EVER!!

Hotshot written by Ahren Sanders (350 pgs) – finished reading 9/1/16 – 3.5 stars - Contemporary Romance

3.5 star rating

I’m not too sure of how to rate this one. The story had so much back and forth. Truths were hidden. All trying to protect individuals. The heroine was “A Number One”. It was the hero, though, that had me constantly scratching my head. I’m sure that I’m in the minority here, but it seemed to me that he wanted pity and understanding for something that he did and had to take responsibility for. At times he was elusive and closed-off, even when he was the one at fault. And, the person that suffered the most was his amazing girlfriend. She was the one that moved the story along. She was spunky and funny. She just made everyone smile. The prologue in the beginning was cute and entertaining. A little sad, though. And, the book from what I first was thinking, went into a whole other direction. While I was expecting sadness, I got a whole other take on what was going to occur. I was really not prepared for the main story line. It was tedious. Like I said, a lot of back and forth occurred with feelings and unsure choices being made. The villainous of the story was spot-on, however. Nasty. Vicious. Not a care in the world for anyone but herself. And, in the long run, she gets her just desserts. No sympathy from me. This is the first time in a while that I am rating a book probably lower than it should be mainly because of the hero. I loved his family, however! His two brothers and parents. So supportive and loyal. It was just him that I had an issue with. The ending was fitting. And, everyone is more than happy!

The Play written by Karina Halle (562 pgs) – finished reading 1/5/17 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

Oh my goodness! This one is a tough one to read! The good. The bad. The ugly. The intensity. The emotions were all over the place. This was a long book, but it moved right along. The rescuing of abused dogs, the support of family, and the closeness of friendships were awe inspiring. But, the addiction was heartbreaking and painful to read about as the author writes honestly about the destruction it can cause. The depths of despair that sucks you under. The toll it takes on everyone; not just the addict. Man, I cried for all involved. Like I said, a very emotional read. But, in the end I loved Kayla! I loved Lachlan! I loved them together! And, after all the heartache, I was hoping that they would find their way back to each other. This was a powerful story of hope and hopelessness that had me glued to the pages. I haven’t read that many books from this author, but the ones I have read just slay me, and I so desperately want to pick up another book of Ms. Halle’s right away. The story stays with you on so many levels. The romance, which was steamy as hell. The characters, who I just adored. And, the story itself had me totally invested from page one to the bitter end. One unforgettable love story with a courageous message to basically take a chance and don’t give up on the ones you are empowered to love...

Such a beautifully creative book cover!!!

This Love written by Hilaria Alexander (396 pgs) – finished reading 9/23/16 – 4 stars - Contemporary Romance

Another awesome book by Hilaria Alexander! Her stories are rich in emotion with amazing characters! The story just sucks you in from page one. And, the setting that takes place in Amsterdam is mesmerizing. Ella is trying to find meaning in her life. With two classical musicians as her parents, they insist that it’s her duty to follow in their footsteps. But, she’s done pretending that that’s the life for her. So she runs away to Europe. While playing her guitar on the street, a man tips her more than others have. Their encounter, though, comes off brash, and Ella is sorry and embarrassed. If she ever sees the man again, she knows she must apologize. They do meet again. Ella does apologize. And, he seems familiar somehow. When she finally realizes who he is, she is totally taken with the man, musician Lou Rivers. As they get to know each other, their relationship intensifies and Lou wants more from Ella. Ella, however, first wants to make some decisions about her future. With that being said, their relationship takes a turn for the worst. Will they ever find their way back to each other??

Oh, wow, I was so immersed in Ella and Lou’s story! It was beautiful and alluring! The music. The backdrop of Amsterdam. The love story. Everything just was breathtaking! I was going to give this 5 stars, but for some reason I just couldn’t. Something was missing. And, if I have to be honest, I really didn’t know what that was. Maybe I needed more angst. Like possibly the ex-wife putting a crimp into Ella and Lou’s perfect romance. She maybe wants Lou back. And, then Lou and Ella have trust issues. And, then having to fight to be together. That might have done it for me. I’m not sure. Mostly this was a heartfelt romance with two confident and courageous characters that were meant for each other. Looking forward for more from this author...

Ride written by Harper Dallas (364 pgs) – finished reading 3/27/17 – 4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Sports Romance)

4.5 star rating

So emotionally written that I couldn’t help but be drawn into Chase and Brooke’s love story. Chase Austin is a snowboarder. An elite-extreme sports junkie. And, he’s good at what he does. At one time he used to smile and laugh, but something heartbreaking snuffed that right out of his life. Now, he just lives for the thrill of the “ride” and all the different women he has been with to take that pain away. He’s only a one night man. “No serious”. And, when he meets Brooke Larson, who is strong and confident, not needing a man to survive and protect her, Chase is so taken by her. She’s like no one he’s ever met before. But, there’s no way that he will admit to his feelings because he’s too scared that he will ruin her. Brooke, however, doesn’t come without a broken heart herself. She just wants someone to love and take care of her. She’s a fantastic photographer and just wants to prove herself in the industry. Her passion is taking pictures of sports activities and its athletes. And, when she meets Chase, she just wants to be part of his team filming their riding stunts. But, he denies her that chance until an emergency gives him no choice. As these two get to know each other will Chase tell her how he actually feels or just let her walk away? And, will Brooke be able to trust in Chase’s honesty thinking that he will never be able to commit to anyone?

Damn! This was one amazing book! I found myself staying up well late into the night reading it as I just had to find out how everything ended. I wasn’t too sure if this couple was going to get their HEA; especially in one section of the book when their relationship just seemed doomed for them to find happiness together. The book is told in mostly Brooke’s POV until you get to the epilogue and we finally get a chance to hear Chase’s voice express how he actually feels about Brooke. That’s the only complaint that I have is that the book just sort of ends. A big thing was going to happen, and the author just left it at that. What did Brooke say? Or, do we just have to think that it was a positive reaction? Hence the reason for my 4.5 star rating instead of a full 5. Other than that, I loved both main characters. Chase was such a conflicted man. Not very confident with himself. But, deep down he really was a good person. And, Brooke had some not very positive results with the past men in her life. She had some trust issues. The pair together, though, had such great chemistry when at times all they would do is sit in silence and gaze up at the stars. They just seemed very content with each other. There was also a strong sense of loyalty and honesty with the supporting characters. Protective friends and loving family members graced the pages of their love story. I wish, though, that the author would have had Brooke tell Chase that she had his poster plastered on the walls of bedroom when she was a teenager. I think he would have gotten a kick out of that. Unless it was there among the pages, and I missed it. I really did enjoy this debut that Ms. Dallas recently released, and I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future...

And, I just loved that cover! It’s a real eye-catcher!!!

Chained (Caged, #2) written by D.H. Sidebottom (165 pgs) – finished reading 9/29/16 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance (Dark Thriller)

Holy crap, did I just read that ending correctly?? WTH!!! How can that be?? So many shocking twists and turns!! My God!! I was blown away by the reveals that completed Anderson and Kloe’s love story. And, that was definitely one roller coaster of a ride! I wasn’t always too happy with Anderson’s treatment of Kloe. I think, in reality, he was just trying to prove to her how unfixable he actually was. But, Kloe was determined to get through to him that he was the other half of her soul. They were partners. Each other’s need to survive this cold cruel world that stole their innocence. Their youth. Others had taken away the power for them to make their own choices and revel in some sort of happiness or acceptance, and Kloe was not giving up on her future with Anderson too. This book is a bit more graphic than the first. Yeah, I know, can you believe it? Some details were really hard to stomach. But, the author writes with hard-core emotion and substance. I do, however, think it’s time for me to read a book that is a little more on the fun side. The past three books I’ve read have been very dark and abusive reads. So, it’s onto something that can put a smile on my face and make me laugh not cry...