REVIEW: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle

Book Description:

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

***The Artists Trilogy is a dark and sexy contemporary ride about three flawed individuals caught in a world where it's so easy to justify the bad things we do. This is a pure adult read (Not YA or NA).

My Review

OMG!! Where the hell is book 2? Karina I need it Now!!
what a fucking cliffhanger that was!!

----
Post freakout...

"Everyone we meet, everything we do, it changes us. It makes us who we are. And, if we’re lucky, we’re given the chance to make things right again.”

Ellie is done with grifting. After her last stint she is ready to go legit. So she goes home. Back to where she is just plain ole Ellie Watt. But when she meets Camden McQueen she remembers the life left behind. And when temptation is too much she sets up a con on the one man that was once her best friend.

Camden remembers Ellie quite well. He remembers her sadness, her pains, her scars, her beauty but most of all her betrayal. When she walks back into his life he sets up his own revenge. He will capture your heart and never let go. He will show you his sweetness, loving heart, sadness and his own scars. And he is lovely all the same.

What ensues between these two is a love/hate relationship. One where old wounds are reopened, feelings are hurt, cruel words are spoken and hearts will break. A journey in which deep scars finally begin to heal for these two. Through their sins and needles the two find their middle ground.

"I wish he’d made his mark everywhere. I wished everyone could see how much he’d imprinted himself on my heart."

Sins & Needles is dark, intense, passionate and REAL. It starts off slowly. Showing us the past and present, but will quickly turn into an action packed read. Emotions will run high and an explosive cliffhanger will have you anxiously awaiting book 2.

Buy it. Read it. Love it.

Buy at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Happy Reading!

BLOG TOUR: EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY-Conquer Your Love by J.C. Reed

Book Description:

Meeting Jett was like bad luck. Dangerous. Unpredictable. And better avoided. In his game, the stakes are high. But are they worth the risk?
Brooke Stewart, a realtor in New York, finds forgetting is hard, but forgiving is harder. When the man she trusted, betrayed her, the only way to forget is to move on. Brooke is determined to start a new life, until she meets him again: the green-eyed, sexy as sin, six foot two sex god. The man who played dirty. The man who played her.
Sexy, handsome, and arrogant Jett Mayfield knows he has made mistakes. He could have any other woman, and yet it’s Brooke he wants. When second chances collide with secrets and Brooke is threatened by the past, Jett is determined to protect her. She accepts his help unwillingly because she needs him but she wants to play his game on her own terms. And she has no intention to forgive or let him back into her bed.
When the man she is supposed to hate is the one she should trust, will he conquer her…or lose her forever?
A man who has made mistakes.
Two lives that are about to cross again and more secrets laid bare.
A woman who can’t forgive.

Buy Book #1, Surrender Your Love, at: ~Amazon~ or ~Barnes & Noble~
Buy Conquer Your Love at: ~Amazon~ or ~Barnes & Noble~

~About the Author~

J.C. Reed is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of SURRENDER YOUR LOVE. She writes steamy contemporary fiction with a touch of mystery. When she's not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, she dreams of returning to the beautiful mountains of Wyoming. You can also find her chatting on Facebook with her readers or spending time with her two children. To get in touch with Jessica use the contact form below. She tries to respond to each and every email in a timely manner.

Connect with Jessica: Facebook ~ Website/blog ~ Twitter

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REVIEW: On Every Street by Karina Halle

Book Description:

When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

This 50K word (100+ pages) novella takes place six years before Sins & Needles. It can be read before or after Sins & Needles and may also be read as a standalone.

  MY REVIEW

"We all have our first loves. They come and they go. Just because he’s your first love doesn’t mean he’ll be your last. Take it from me, the human heart is much more capable than we give it credit for. Being able to love again is a choice.”

Ellie Watt used to be a pretty happy child until the dreadful day that left he with scars. Scars that ran deeper than skin. So years later, Eden White, is ready to extract the revenge on the man who ruined her life. Full of anger, vengeance and selfishness. She doesn't care about the others involved as long as she can finally feel peace. But when Javier is introduced Eden finds out that revenge is not for the weak heart. Once the heart is involved, control is lost.

Javier Bernal is hot, exotic, charming and lethal. He falls for Eden and succumbs to her innocence and her heart. He embeds himself in Edens heart and marks his territory. He is possessive and acts very much like a member of a cartel. Hot. Cold. Lethal.

Their story will have you smiling, terrified, and tearing up throughout this novella. They have an intense and passionate relationship. Which boarders on an obsessive love. A beautiful song that has you feeling every emotion possible. But a love built on lies can never survive.

Eden learns a hard lesson. One I was happy she learned. Edens life with Javier was a train wreck waiting to happen and when the trains collided all hell broke loose.

It was great to read this novella before Sins & Needles because it gave me the story of Javier. With that said I have to prepare you for the greatness you will read in book 1. Sins & Needles will introduce you to a whole new Eden/Ellie and a new kind of love!
Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.

HAPPY READING!! 

REVIEW: The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst

Book Description:

A marriage in name only . . .

To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend’s older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart. Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his uncle’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister’s childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he’s offers Alexa a bold proposition.

A marriage in name only with certain rules: Avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn’t be that hard to follow, right? Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans . . .

My Review

“I was afraid I had nothing to give. But I do. And I want to give it all to you.” 

Alexa McKenzie is an independent hardworking bookstore owner. She doesn’t have a privileged life and works hard to support herself and help her family. But Alexa is lonely and wishes to have a loving husband and family.  Alexa is in need of a man that meets her criteria AND has a bonus $150,000 to give.

Nick Ryan is a hardworking Architect who doesn’t believe in attachments. He works hard for what he has accomplished. But his Uncle has different plans for him. When he passes, Nick is obligated to find a wife in order to inherit the family business.

So Alexa and Nick go into “business”. They expect a year to fly by with just the possibility of a friendship rekindled. But what ensues is a marriage that involves more than friendship.

Alexa is one feisty protag. She does not put up with Nick’s aloof and ruthless manners. She does agree to be his meal ticket but expects to be treated with respect.  She sticks to her beliefs, she works to crack Nick’s stoic personality and she works to not fall in love with a man that is not willing to reciprocate those feelings. Alexa and her wit will have you smiling and laughing out loud throughout this whole story. I was happy that she wasn’t weak and she stuck to her guns.

Nick doesn’t want to deal with a woman that wants anything more then maybe sex. He doesn’t believe in marriage, children or love. He fights to keep Alexa at arm’s length and to show her that he cannot be controlled. But Nick does have a need, and Alexa tempts him in every way. Nick and his stubbornness will have you frustrated and break your heart.

The secondary characters are just as wonderful and integral to the story. We also get a look into the beginning relationship of the couple featured in the next book.

The Marriage Bargain will have you feeling every emotion there is to a wonderful romance.

Do not miss out on this book!

Buy it. Read it. Love it.

Buy at: ~Amazon~ or ~Barnes & Noble~

HAPPY READING!

REVIEW: A Vampire's Saving Embrace by Darlene Kuncytes

Book Description:

Abigail Montgomery was happy with her life. She was independent, strong, and had managed on her own for a very long time. That was, until the dark, handsome Desmond LaGrange showed up at the bar where she worked. 
How could she know that this mysterious man would end up saving her from the evil that she didn't even know existed? And why was she so drawn to him? Why did he make her body heat with just a simple look? 

Desmond LaGrange was fighting a past he was trying hard to forget. But when he see's the beautiful Abby working behind the bar - something deep inside compels him to get closer. The only question is why? 

And when he saves her from danger - can he resist the strong pull between them to let her go when the time comes? Or will the passion that she ignites in him be his end?

 My Review

(A Thank You to Darlene Kuncytes for allowing the B4R book club to read and review her debut book.)

In A Vampire’s Saving Embrace Abby is working on living an independent life and getting over the trauma her ex caused her. The only problem is that there is a handsome man who continually shows up at her job and keeps his eyes on her. When Abby finds out that she is not an average human and Desmond is not some random sexy patron she must come to terms with the fact that someone is after her and the only person that can protect her is the handsome vampire that can’t stay away.

When I first picked up this book I instantly liked Abby’s independence. She seemed tough and I believed that she would be a kick ass protag. But that sadly isn't the case after she's rescued by Desmond. She becomes you typical damsel in distress and quite obsessed with Desmond.

And I liked Desmond’s straight forward attitude at the beginning. I find it infuriating when characters take forever to reveal what they are and what is going on so this was a breath of fresh air. I also initially thought that Desmond was one hot and sexy vampire. He was sweet and attentive but he was lethal which makes a pretty bad ass combination. 

Sadly Abby quickly becomes very dependent on Desmond and he in turn becomes possessive and a horny vampire. Most of the book is set inside of Desmond’s room and consist of the same sequence of events. They talk, they get it on, they’re attacked, they have sex, they fight, they have make up sex, and so forth. It really reminded me of an adult Twilight with a mix of True Blood, as my friend pointed out.

The secondary characters were great additions to the story and enhanced the reading experience. I liked Luke, Kat, and Marcus and can’t wait to read their stories.

Overall this read was an okay. I don’t fare well with insta-loves so I struggled to get through this book. I wished there was more depth in Des and Abby’s relationship and that there were more action. I was also a little put off with the fact that he calls her “my pet”. Now I know it’s supposed to be an endearment but every time he said it I felt like she should be obeying some command. It actually made me cringe and laugh. That along with other parts brought forth the humor while reading which made for an okay read.  

I will let you all decide on this one! 

 Buy at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

HAPPY READING!

COVER REVEAL: The Light in the Wound by Christine Brae

Book Description:

Affected by her parents’ highly publicized divorce, Isabel grows up isolated and alone, with a resolve to never fall in love and repeat their mistakes.

When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him, and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up. Things can never stay the same forever.

Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to their first love. But can a second love be enough to make her forget?

Release date: July 23, 2013

~About the Author~ 

I love to read, write about reading, shop, write about shopping, three day weekends, high heels and purses. I’m a wife, a mother, a corporate executive, a loyal friend and a passionate believer in true love. This is all you need to know about me. If you get my stories, you get my heart.

Connect with Christine on: Facebook ~ Twitter

*TEASERS*

Join the Blog Tour Event: FACEBOOK  

 and a GIVEAWAY!

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COVER REVEAL: Hold On To Me by Elisabeth Naughton

Check out the cover for book 2 in the Wait For Me series, Hold On To Me.

Book Description: 

He thinks he’s finally found the one.
Mitch Mathews never believed in love—at least not the happily ever after kind. Then he met Simone Conners. Just one night with the sexy lawyer made him reevaluate his priorities and look toward a future he never planned. The only hang up is making her see it too.

She’s almost ready for a second chance.
What started out as a casual hookup with a rugged geologist has turned into something a whole lot more. Simone’s on the verge of handing over her heart, but fear over what Mitch will say and do when he learns who she used to be holds her back.

The past could destroy their future... Just when Simone is about to take a chance on forever with Mitch, the mistakes of her past catch up with her. Suddenly it’s not just her safety on the line anymore, it’s his too. Forced into hiding, Mitch demands answers, and Simone realizes the only way to protect everything she holds dear is to delve into a past she’s spent fourteen years trying to forget. As they search for the truth, they discover secrets, lies and a rekindled passion that burns hotter than before. But they also uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. One that could cost them more than just their future…it could cost them their lives.

Release Date: "COMING SOON"

~About the Author~

I was never one of those people who knew they wanted to be an author at the age of six. I didn’t have imaginary friends. I didn’t write stories in my journal or entertain my relatives by firelight after Thanksgiving dinner. For the most part, I was just a normal, everyday kid. I liked to read, but I wasn’t exceptional at it. And when my teachers complimented me on my writing abilities, I brushed them off. I did, however, always have a penchant for the unique and absurd. And as my mother told me all throughout my childhood, I should have been an actress—I was a drama queen before my time.

Years ago, my husband bought me Scarlett: The Sequel to Gone With The Wind. If you ever saw the book, you know it’s a long one. I sat and read that thing from cover to cover, and dreamed of one day being a writer. But I didn’t actually try my hand at writing until years later when I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. And my husband? After that week of reading where I neglected him and everything else until I finished Scarlett, he vowed never to buy me another book again. Little did he know I’d one day end up sitting at a keyboard all day drafting my own stories.

My writing journey has not been easy. I didn’t just sit down one day, decide I was going to write a book and voila! sell my very first attempt. As most authors will probably agree, the path to publication is filled with hours of work, pulling all-nighters I thought I’d given up in college, sacrifices, rejections, but a love I discovered along the way I just can’t live without. Instead of a big, thick book to read by lamplight (I do read much smaller ones when I get the chance), I’ve traded in my reading obsession for a laptop. And I’ve never been happier.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a wonderful family and fabulous husband who put up with my writing—and obsessive personality—even when life is chaotic. More than once my kids have been late to swimming or baseball because I needed just five more minutes to finish a scene. Their support and encouragement mean the world to me. I also have amazing friends and a support network I couldn’t survive without. So to all of you out there who have encouraged me along the way, sent me emails and fan letters, phone calls and congratulations, I just want to say, thank you. You make this whole writing gig that much more enjoyable. I truly wouldn’t be here without you.

Connect with Elisabeth: Website/Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter

Do not miss out on Book 1 of this series! Amazon~Barnes & Noble~Goodreads

My review:Wait for Me 

Thank you to Enchantress of Books Blog Tours for hosting this Cover Reveal!

COVER REVEAL & TEASER: Playing With Fire by Ashley Piscitelli

Check out the cover for Ashley Piscitelli's debut novel Playing With Fire!

Book Description:
 
Madison Stevens has had a shitty life, her mother died at the age four and her father has always blamed her for it. She went through the foster system and is now attending college. Her boyfriend Chris is not willing to share Madison with anyone, not even her friends.

Her first day at college she meets Carter James, who makes her want everything she never thought she could have. She knows that she should ignore her feelings for Carter, but it's not as easy as it sounds.

As Carter and Madison begin to fall in love, they face many obstacles. Their biggest one is Chris who is not going to let her go easily.

Playing with Fire will be the first book in a three book series. It is about the obstacles that stand in your way on the path to love. It tests the characters strength and commitment to each other on every level from old boyfriend/girlfriends, to insecurities, and throws a little violence and scheming into the mix.

"Chris was like fire. It was pretty to look at but if you got too close you got burnt, and if it wasn’t controlled it would destroy everything in its path. Doing what I was about to do with Carter was dangerous, but what can I say I never had parents to warn me not to play with fire."

Expected Release Date: July 15th!

For more information visit Ashley's page: ~FACEBOOK~

~BLOG TOUR~ REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Recovery by L.B. Simmons

Book Description:

I have the perfect life.

I’ve finally found my happy ending.

I fought through the loss of one husband, lucky enough to be given a second chance at a lifetime of happiness. Settling into our new lives, however, may not be as easy as it seems.

What really happens after the fairytale ending? What happens after the prince rescues the princess? After he sweeps her off her feet and carries her off into the sunset? Do they truly live happily ever after?

Well…

This is our story.

MY REVIEW

(Recovery is the continuance to Running on Empty. RoE should be read before this book.My review for the first book: Running on Empty)

First thank you to Brandee Book Endings for including my blog in the Recovery Blog Tour and to L.B. Simmons for giving me the chance to R&R this great book!


Alex and Blake are heading into the next phase of their lives. Marriage. The phase where they are suppose to live in wedded bliss, live happily and be partners. But Alex's isn't ready to give up her hold on her life. And Blake refuses to accept being pushed away. 

On their road to Recovery there will be fights, things will be said that can't be taken back, there will be tragedy but at the end their will be a HEA.  

Alex is very stubborn in this book and I again wanted to smack some sense into her. I understood her view on things but also couldn't see why she was being so stubborn about things that just weren't important. I think that her circumstances at the end was something that sadly she had to experience. I thought that it was an eye opener to her and a lesson. 

Blake is still his lovely self in Recovery. He finally has the women of his dreams and the family he's always dreamed out. But this time he's pushing back. He needs Alex to see that they are partners now and he holds his ground. He was still incredible and I loved his relationship with the girls as much as I did in RoE. 

This book is a sweet and quick read. It is the extended epilogue we all wanted for Alex and Blake's story. 

Buy this. Read it. Enjoy it.

Buy at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

HAPPY READING!!

~GIVEAWAY!!~

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REVIEW: Pretending He's Mine by Lauren Blakely

Book Description:

Once upon a time in New York City, there was a down-on-his-luck actor named Reeve, who was talented and gorgeous in that dreamy, broody sort of way that makes all the women swoon. But show biz is a rough biz – he lost out on a part in a big film, and now his day job hours have been cut too.

What’s a handsome young thing in need of a role to do? Enter Sutton Brenner. She’s sexy and shrewd and the most top-notch casting director there is. She’s this close to landing a coveted gig casting a film based on a best-selling mega-romance novel, but there’s a catch. After one too many transgressions with lovely single ladies, the film’s philandering producer has been put on a short leash by his wife, who’s forbidden him from working with anyone unattached. So the happily single Sutton strikes a pact with Reeve – play the role of her fiancee until she closes the deal, and he’s guaranteed to get an audition for the starring role in the film.

But as the two play pretend, the lines between make-believe and matters of the heart start to blur. Especially after that hot night in the balcony of the Broadway theater. And that scorching afternoon in the stacks of the New York Public Library. Who’s playing who? Or is someone else really the director in the secret affair of their lives?

My Review

 

“He locked eyes with her and she felt goosebumps on her arms. Then, he dipped in closer, his mouth inches away. 'The one you like best. That's my favorite. My favorite thing is making you feel good.”
 
Holy crap! Pretending He's Mine was chuck full of HOTNESS!! When I finished reading this book I didn't want to let go! 

Reeve is down on his luck when Sutton Brenner decides that he is the perfect person to fulfill the role she needs filled.  Just one week. One week where Reeve will play her fiance and then she will have the job she has always wanted and he will have a chance at a role for a popular movie. One week will not be a problem for Sutton as long as she stays in control of the situation. But with Reeve, there is no such thing as being tamed. He ignites a fire in her that she is not used to letting show. Through every "rehearsal" and every touch Reeve and Sutton are consumed with each other. Both learn to just let go and somewhere during that week hearts are captured, feelings are developed and things get REAL, quickly.

The romance that brews between these two is quick and full of passion. Since it was a quick read and intended to be short I wasn't upset with the instantaneous relationship. It was what it was intended to be. A quick and passionate read. There wasn't an insta-love but an insta-like. The desire they both possessed for each other took over the pages more than anything. 

Buy this. Read it. Love it.

 Buy at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Happy Reading!

REVIEW: Love and Skate by Lila Felix

Book Description:

On the rink she’s tough, she’s a leader, she’s fast and she’s the epitome of a rebellious girl. But Nellie’s been hurt, only once, but it was enough to make her look at life through different eyes and off the rink she’s a timid girl who loves with no pretenses.

A long time ago Owen Black was betrayed by the girl he thought he loved and the guy he called his best friend. The anguish set off a domino effect of negativity in his life and he never has fully recovered. He meets Nellie Forrester and thinks he can let it go for her. 

But how can you love someone when the wounds from your past are still wide open?

My Review

"Everyone hangs on to the bad things about themselves. It’s just life."

Love and Skate tells the story of Nellie and Owen. Two individuals broken by people they loved but put together by the love and kindred souls that they share.

Nellie has lived the past couple of years getting away from her judgmental parents and her backstabbing best friend. She does what she wants and doesn't care what her mother or her hometown has to say about her or her choices in life. Roller Derby, school and her job are her real HOME. Everyone in her new life accepts her for who she is. And when Owen Black comes into the picture she finally has a chance at her HEA.

Owen has been living with the guilt of letting his bitterness consume him. After losing the love of his life and his closest friend Owen isn't prepared for the escalating feelings that overcome him when he first lays eyes on Nellie...and her blue hair. He is captivated by her and finally works up the courage to talk to her.

What ensues is a beautiful and sweet romance. One where both Nellie and Owen will learn to finally let go of the past and just fall happily in love.

I cannot say how much this book oozed sweetness. It was all rainbows and sunshine and it made for a beautiful read. My only wish for this was that the love between Nellie and Owen had been built slowly instead of being an insta-love. I find it hard to read books in where the hero and heroine fall in love so quickly. I also wanted there to be some drama between them which doesn't happen until the very end and ends quickly. But other than that this book was chuck full or sweetness.

I can't wait to read about the other Black boys and see what other sweet romances Lila has in store for us! 

Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.

Buy at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

HAPPY READING!

REVIEW: Inescapable by Amy Bartol

Book Description:

My name is Evie Claremont and this was to be the making of me--my freshman year of college. I had been hoping that once I had arrived on Crestwood's campus, the nightmare that I've been having would go away. It hasn't.

I may be an inexperienced seventeen-year-old, but I'm grounded...sane. Since meeting sophomore Reed Wellington, however, nothing makes any sense. Whenever he is near, I feel an attraction to him--a magnetic kind of force pulling me towards him. I know what you're thinking...that sounds fairly awesome. Yeah, it would--if he liked me, but Reed acts as if I'm the worst thing that's ever happened to Crestwood...or him. But, get this, for some reason every time I turn around he's there, barging into my life.

What is the secret he is keeping from me? I'm hoping that it is anything but what I expect: that he is not exactly normal...and neither am I. So maybe Crestwood won't be the making of me, but it could be the breaking of me. I have been left to wonderif the dark future my dream is foretelling is...inescapable.

My Review

“There is one thing I have learned in all of the time that I have been here, and it is the best lesson I can teach you. It is this: never presume to know the mind of God.”

In Inescapable we meet Evie. Ever since getting into Crestwood she has been having the same recurring nightmare. When she finally starts school she realizes that the school holds the answers to all of her questions. And most of those answers lie with Reed. The sophomore who seems to be annoyed with Evie being at Crestwood. But Evie, isn't intimidated so easily and does not let him treat her like crap or let the "butterflies" she is feeling toward him get in the way of her getting her answers. Then there is Russell who quickly becomes Evie protector and who which Evie feels a deep connection with.

As Evie tries to figure out who she is, she also comes to realize that her life will never be the same. She will fight to keep Russell safe from any harm and fight to show Reed that he is her true destiny. But life isn't easy when you are special. Evie must learn to tell the difference between the good and bad and come to terms with her new identity. During the way she is coveted by the fallen and resented by the angels.

I must say that this was a good book. I did enjoy the angel aspect of the story and enjoyed the twist to the storyline. This was also one of those books that had me actually rooting for the underdog. Reed was great but I felt like he was really stoic and very distant. But Russell...my goodness Russell and his sweet southern gentlemen self, captured my heart from the beginning. I loved him and I will continue to root for him because he deserves to be happy.

This book is a 3.5 star only because I felt like the connection between Evie and Reed was instantaneous and felt forced. The blossoming friendship between Russell and Evie was beautiful and I enjoyed it much more. I also noticed that this series has 5 books and counting and I don't know how I feel about that.  Nonetheless, I will continue reading at a later time to see how it all pans out.

Buy it. Read it. Enjoy/Like/Love it.

Buy at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Happy Reading!  

REVIEW: Running on Empty by L.B. Simmons

Book Description:

I had the perfect life.

Beautiful and loving husband.

Three gorgeous little girls.
Successful career.

The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence.

Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse.

But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.

There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down. Absolutely no way. The question is…

How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?

My Review

 

“But you'll never have your happy ending unless you're brave enough to open the book and start your story.” 
 
After having the perfect life, a husband, three beautiful daughters and the white picket fence Alex wasn't prepared for the tragedy of losing her husband. After years of running on empty, Alex works through the struggle of refueling.  And it isn't a good journey. In the beginning Alex is a total bitch, as Harlow, the BFF, would say. She was cranky and she lashed out at the people that loved her and wanted to help her. When Blake enters the picture she is terrible towards him and lashes out for no reason other than because he wants to help her.

Blake has always been Alex's best friend up until Derek entered the picture. As the two drifted apart Blake fought with the regret of never telling Alex's how he felt. Years later Blake is back in town and is intent on showing Alex that she never lost her best friend. With his smile, his humor, his compassion, and his love for her daughters Blake slowly shows Alex that moving on is not a bad thing. He took everything in stride and that alone gave him mad points. He was perfect. Sometimes a little too perfect.

This book was a sweet story of learning to love after having loved before. My complaint with this book was that Alex wasn't a character I connected with. She was at times annoying and selfish.I also thought that the story was a little rushed in some parts and I didn't feel that Alex really shut the book on her life with Derek. I don't for a second think she should forget it but I felt like he would always be in the picture concerning her relationship with Blake. 

I'm looking forward to reading Recovery and seeing what happens next for these two.

Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.

Buy at: Amazon

  HAPPY READING!

REVIEW: Fallen For You by Carlie Sexton

Book Description:
If you believe your life is the sum total of your choices, what do you do when things just don’t add up? You are about to find out. It won’t be pretty. It won’t be dull. And surely, it won’t be safe. In fact, making just one wrong choice could put evil at your bedside watching you sleep.

And so it is with Kate Simmons, a young woman who, by choosing to regain her life, actually puts it at risk by the very choices she makes. After unimaginable heartbreak stops her world on a dime, Kate falls into a three-year blackness of self blame that brings her to the edge of life, itself. As time finally brings light back through tiny cracks of renewed desire, Kate moves out of the prison she made for herself in her mother’s home to find a new reality, rooming with her best girlfriend, Charlie.

Yet, to be free is to be vulnerable, and Kate’s choices more than ever mark a splattered line between being happy and being dead.

Care to choose? Here’s your menu:
A strangely alluring building manager so possessed with wanting you for his own, he’ll bury more than the fact he has a girlfriend; a buff college student for whom you are clearly hot, as are all the other girls on campus; a pushy lawyer who is as handsome as he is intoxicated with conquest, who doesn’t take no for an answer, who gets what he wants — always.

Sometimes, it’s whom you choose. Sometimes, it’s who chooses you. If you’re Kate, it’s both, and it puts you on a perilous road where good looks and humor are the thin masks of jealous delusion and utter violence.

You’re in trouble when the sum total of your choices is written in blood red.

MY REVIEW

"I want to know everything about you. I want to figure out what makes you tick. I want hours to go by with you and have it seem like minutes..."

First let me start off by saying "OMG! Do you see that beautiful cover?" That was my first reaction when I was asked by the author to read and review this book. I then read the synopsis and honestly I didn't know if I wanted to read about a "love box". But then I kept looking at the cover and I just HAD to find out what was behind it.With that said, I'm not sorry I took the chance...

Sometimes the guilt of losing a loved one weighs you down and withdraws you from the world.  This is Kate’s circumstance when we begin Fallen for You. Three years after a terrible tragedy Kate is ready to try and open herself up again. Wanting a new start, Kate and her best friend Charlie move in together. This is where Kate first meets Roger, the building manager. Later, she begins classes at the University and meets Mark, the gorgeous ladies’ man. Afterwards, at her mentor program, she meets Neil, the handsome but persistent lawyer.

One of these men will capture her heart, one will try but strike out, but one will do anything to have her…even if that means committing murder.

Neil is a hard working successful lawyer at his father’s firm. He gets what he wants when he wants. He isn’t used to women saying no to him so when Kate offers a challenge he is up for the task. He will win over Kate and make her his. As the two get to know each other their attraction and desire for each other explodes.

Mark is a ladies man at the University. But Mark is looking for a girl that has beauty and brains. Not just beauty, like Kate quickly assumes. When Kate walks into the classroom he is instantly enchanted with her and decides that he wants her. As he tries to talk to her he realizes that she does not care for his lifestyle. But the two have an attraction for each other and when they are together it is hard to fight off.

Roger is an ex-military man who has a dark past. When Roger first hears Kate during their phone conversations he knows that he must get her to rent out the apartment next to him. And when she does he realizes that he also wants Kate to himself. At all cost.

As the story unravels you will find yourself at the edge of your seat. You will be angry with one of the men, enraptured with the other and terrified of the other. You will be invested in this book because of the suspense and relationships brewing throughout the pages.

But I must address the 3.5 rating...

1.  While reading I felt there was a sense of aloofness from Kate's perspective. I felt like her parts were not very engaging and consisted of pretty much all the same series of events.

2. I thought the “winning” guy was a little too possessive and he didn’t really capture my attention until maybe later on in the book.  I however quickly enjoyed the other “potential” guy and wished that there were more scenes with him. I was saddened with his outcome and my heart broke for him. I will not give you names because it will be a spoiler and I try to steer clear of them.

3. The third guy. He is the main reason for the rating. Any part with him simply gave me the creeps. He was a sociopath. I was repulsed and just wanted to quickly read beyond any of his parts.

What I do have to do is applaud Carlie for mastering the view into the sociopaths head but it was creepy and I found myself feeling quite nauseous reading his parts.

So here’s what I suggest: Buy this. Read it. Enjoy/Like/Love it. 

Fallen For You will be released on June 6th. For more information visit Carlie's pages:  Facebook ~ Website

HAPPY READING!! 

Fallen for You Trailer: 

REVIEW: Extinguish by J.M. Darhower

Book Description:

One… Two… Three… Four…

I Declare War

Serah always believed the world around her was perfect. As a Power, one of the warrior angels, she has spent her existence defending the innocent from evil. After tragedy strikes, tearing Serah's brother from her life, she's given the task of stopping the approaching apocalypse before it's too late.

Only one thing, though: she has to venture to Hell to do it.

Lucifer—or Luce, as he prefers to be called—has been biding his time in Hell, longing for revenge against those who oh-so-easily cast him into the pit. When the heavenly beauty shows up at his gate, he's just as captivated by her presence as she becomes of him. The attraction between them is palpable, and Serah's willpower slowly slips. How can this charming creature, this scarred Archangel, be the one annihilating the world she so loves?

As the war wages on, the world entwined in chaos, Serah starts questioning everything she ever knew. When the light and dark, hot and cold, finally collide, she has to make a choice—a choice that sets her world on fire, black and white exploding into colorful flames.

Serah has questions. She wants answers.Luce just wants to play a game.

My Review

“Give in to it, angel."
"Give in to what?"
"The hunger," he said, his tongue slowly running across his bottom lip. "The need. Give in to the craving. Give in to me."
"Never," she whispered, the word impulsively tumbling from her lips, no conviction in her feeble voice.
"I know you feel it, deep inside of you, screaming out to be acknowledged, to be satiated," he continued as if she hadn’t spoken. "I can sense it, clawing underneath your skin, begging to be let loose, begging to be invited out to play.”  

First of let me say how excited I was to receive and ARC of this novella by J.M Darhower! As soon as I got the email I downloaded onto my Kindle!  I’ve read Sempre and LOVED it. I knew that I couldn’t be disappointed with this one! This is the first time I’m reading a story of an angel/demon romance and I was filled with anticipation to get this started!

Serah is a Power in the heavens fighting to keep the peace on Earth. She and her twin brother, Samuel, have always been opposites but they both have lived serving their God. When a great tragedy happens Serah is left with questions. Questions that no one will answer, not even, Michael, the Archangel. So when she is asked to try and negotiate a truce with Satan, Serah starts to finally see a way to find her answers. Entering the gates of Hell, she realizes that Satan is fond of his games. But she doesn’t put up with being bullied and plays her part well in the game Satan has started. 

Satan, or Luce as he likes to be called, is tired of Hell. He is tired of the angels asking for a favor when they have condemned him to his purgatory because of his curiosity. He is egotistical and evil but has a side that you find so tempting that you can’t help but quickly adore him and, for most, feel sorry for the hand he was dealt. When Serah walks into the gates of Hell, Luce finds the fiery angel too tempting. After each game and each visit, Luce comes to realize what it means to really feel something other than pain, suffering, fear, and every other agonizing emotion that he deals with every day. 

As the two come to know each other, Serah realizes that she might be in over her head and that maybe…just maybe…evil isn’t all that evil and good isn’t all that good…or maybe it is.

The writing in the book quickly captures your attention and holds it throughout. This book was great! I only have 2 complaints. One being that throughout the book I felt like something was missing and to this day I can't tell you what it was. I will have to reread this again and hope to figure it out. The other complaint I have was the ending!! This cannot be it! There HAS to be more! It just cannot end that way and expect us to be happy! Please J.M., write more!! Soon!

Extinguish will be released on June 4th. $2.99 for the e-book copy and $9.99 for paperback. 

Buy it. Read it. Love it.

Happy Reading!