Sunday, November 17, 2013

Join Me?

I have been staring at my TBR list in my Kindle library (love the new categorizing in the Kindle app by the way) for awhile now and I couldn't make a decision on what to read.  I wasn't sure if I wanted funny, romantic, suspenseful or angsty.  I even thought about re-reading a favorite because I know what to expect and I know I'll enjoy it.  But I have 51 books in my TBR and I really need to pick one of them.  So I closed my eyes and pointed my finger on my iPad and let chance do the choosing.   And what a good choice it was..  Night Owl (The Night Owl Trilogy) by M. Pierce.  I just started reading it and after only a few pages I knew this book is for me.  So far, its funny sexy and grabs your attention.   I only took time out to write this post so if anyone is feeling the same way, I can offer a recommendation.   And the best thing is the price!  Right now the kindle edition is only $.99!! (fyi prices are subject to change)  You can purchase it from the link below.  So, who out there is a fellow Night Owl reader and wants to join me????


Thursday, November 14, 2013

It's been awhile since I have read that perfect book.  The one that you want to devour and savor at the same time (kind of like my lunch today.. hehe)   Where you escape into the books world and real world seems to fade away.   Shine Not Burn by Elle Casey was one of those books!   And now that I'm finished I miss it and I'm suffering from a massive book hangover once again.

I know that I after each book I read I have a new favorite book boyfriend, and now that I have found Gavin Mackenzie or "Mack" I must make room for yet another one.  But he's a sexy cowboy and I don't have anyone like him on my list!  Yee Haw! (Don't worry Kellan will never be replaced, he just has more company!)

I am so glad I didn't read any detailed reviews before I read the book.  The only information I read was that it was hilarious and had great reviews.  So I took a chance and I am so glad I did.  It was just what I needed and was looking for in a book.  I laughed, I cried and I had a smile on my face the whole time.  It was fantastic!  So, that's all I'm going to say about this book.  Don't read spoilers it will take away from the experience.  Well, maybe not! I'm sure the book will still be fantastic the next time I read it.  Which may be right now! :)


My Rating:
5  Cowboy Book Boyfriends
 



Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Freebie Alert!!



Oooh this book looks so good.  It has a great review rating and the best part it's free right now on Amazon! I can't wait to dive into this one! 

Book Description from Amazon:   Chasing Justice (Book 1) (Piper Anderson Series)

Piper Anderson has been given a fresh start in the picturesque town of Edenville, North Carolina. But her plans of settling into a normal life are derailed when she witnesses a prominent judge in her community committing a violent assault. Running from her own past and fueled by a passion to make the judge answer for his crimes, Piper is forced to decide if she’ll play by the rules or achieve justice in her own way.

Complicating things further, Piper finds herself fighting a powerful attraction to rookie cop, Bobby Wright. Although she’s increasingly enamored with Bobby, his staunch belief in the justice system is in stark contrast to her own. She may not share his opinions about the effectiveness of the law, but she certainly can’t deny how safe she feels when she’s in his arms or how every kiss leaves her desperate for more.

For Piper, the idea of finally living an ordinary life with a man to love is tempting. However, fate keeps placing the judge, quite literally, in her path. Will she decide the only way to win is to be as wicked as the judge, but with righteous intentions? And more importantly, will Bobby choose to let her go, or follow her as she crosses the line and takes justice into her own hands?

Monday, November 4, 2013

The cursed existence of Jessalyn Bell By Katie Johnson - Review

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review



I really enjoyed this book!  I'm sure it had to do with the fact the main character and I have a very similar life problem....BAD LUCK!  Of course Jessalyn's luck was much worse than mine and I would not be able to handle all the she endured. 

Jessalyn is a hard working college graduate that wants to make a life for herself.  Unfortunately, she experiences set backs in her "career" one after another.  She also struggles with her parents divorce,  her father's new family and her future step sisters who were a lot like Cinderella's evil step sisters! She has even more bad luck when it comes to her living situation and roommates.  Seriously, can she catch a break?


Even through all the hardships and set backs, a true romance develops between Jessalyn and  a dreamy blue eyed police officer named Kyle.  Despite the fact that their first meeting was not exactly ideal; Kyle arrested her because she was mistaken for someone else!  And that Jessalyn and Kyle's first few dates didn't exactly go has planned.  Their first date landed Jessalyn in the hospital! Most couples would have given up but they had a pull towards each other that couldn't be ignored.  I guess it's true love when you stick around when everything else seems to be falling apart to pieces.

I started reading in the early evening, thinking I would start it, read a few chapters and pick it up later the next day. Nope! Around 3 am I read the last page.  It's been awhile since I have read a book in once sitting.  Even if the book is captivating and hard to put down, sleep usually wins out and I stop reading.  Not this one, I couldn't stop!  I had to see how it ended.  Although It didn't end quite how I expected, it did wrapped up nicely and made for a very entertaining story.

The Cursed Existence of Jessalyn Bell (Jessalyn Bell, #1) comes out November 1st.  Wait!!  Did you see the end of the title? Jessalyn Bell #1??  Looks like its a series.  Yay!!  I'm excited to see how her story continues. 


I really enjoyed this book!  I'm sure it had to do with the fact the main character and I have a very similar life problem....BAD LUCK!  Of course Jessalyn's luck was much worse than mine and I would not be able to handle all the she endured. 

Jessalyn is a hard working college graduate that wants to make a life for herself.  Unfortunately, she experiences set backs in her "career" one after another.  She also struggles with her parents divorce,  her father's new family and her future step sisters who were a lot like Cinderella's evil step sisters! She has even more bad luck when it comes to her living situation and roommates.  Seriously, can she catch a break?

Even through all the hardships and set backs, a true romance develops between Jessalyn and  a dreamy blue eyed police officer named Kyle.  Despite the fact that their first meeting was not exactly ideal; Kyle arrested her because she was mistaken for someone else!  And that Jessalyn and Kyle's first few dates didn't exactly go has planned.  Their first date landed Jessalyn in the hospital! Most couples would have given up but they had a pull towards each other that couldn't be ignored.  I guess it's true love when you stick around when everything else seems to be falling apart to pieces.

I started reading in the early evening, thinking I would start it, read a few chapters and pick it up later the next day. Nope! Around 3 am I read the last page.  It's been awhile since I have read a book in once sitting.  Even if the book is captivating and hard to put down, sleep usually wins out and I stop reading.  Not this one, I couldn't stop!  I had to see how it ended.  Although It didn't end quite how I expected, it did wrapped up nicely and made for a very entertaining story.

The Cursed Existence of Jessalyn Bell (Jessalyn Bell, #1) comes out November 1st.  Wait!!  Did you see the end of the title? Jessalyn Bell #1??  Looks like its a series.  Yay!!  I'm excited to see how her story continues. 


My Rating

4 Book Boyrfriends




Saturday, October 26, 2013

Theirs to Keep By Maya Banks - Review

I should have known by the title what I was in for with Maya Banks' newest book, Theirs to Keep (Tangled Hearts Trilogy).   But no, it didn't register and I was beyond shocked!  It's a bit out of my comfort zone but intriguing nonetheless.

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be, interesting.   The plot was interesting.  The THREE main character's relationship was um.... Interesting.  And their romantic relationship was very INTERESTING!!  I may have blushed more than a few times as the story progressed.

I have read several books by Maya Banks and they all have been very hot with many passionate and sexy scenes.  This one took a bit of a different approach and developed the characters and the main plot before diving into the steamy parts.  Even though there were only a few, they were very hot!!!

The story begins with Merrick and Cade, best friends and business partners of a security company,  who find a frightened and severely beaten Elle after she breaks into their client's gun shop.  Elle remembers nothing about her past, who she is or why someone tried to kill her.

Once Merrick and Cade laid eyes on Elle, they have an overwhelming need to protect and care for her. And despite the appearance of the two intimidating men before her, she feels safe with them but struggles with remembering her past.  She is scared to remember all the pain and trauma that she endured, but feels lost not having an identity.

The story continues on a roller coaster of dramatic events while the romantic relationship between the three characters develop. Unlike other books by Maya Banks, this one ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. There is so much more to learn about Elle's past.  The next book in the tangled hearts trilogy continues with her story and introduces a new character.  Do I smell a foursome???  eeek!  I guess I'll have to wait until the next book is released.  And I am looking forward to it!!

My Rating:

3.5 Book Boyfriends













Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Another S.E.C.R.E.T to share

Okay, how can a write this review without spoiling the first book, SECRET: A Novel by L. Marie Adeline?  This has been my dilemma for the past few days.  So I promise to try my best and not reveal too much.

I was so excited there was another book since the last one left me a little high and dry.  Alright there is one spoiler.... it's a cliffhanger! Since SECRET Shared: A SECRET Novel is now released I feel okay sharing that teeny tiny little tidbit.    

I was privileged to receive an ARC of SECRET Shared: A SECRET Novel and didn't have to wait long to see what happened next. Not only does it continue with Cassie's story but we are introduced to Dauphine as well.  She is much like Cassie was before she meet the women in S.E.C.R.E.T.

Now it's Dauphine's turn and Cassie is there to guide her on her own journey of rediscovering herself and her desires. After being burned by her boyfriend and her best friend, her self esteem was damaged and she chose to focus on her business instead of her personal life. Once she meets Cassie and the other ladies of S.E.C.R.E.T., she is intrigued and ready to start living her life.

Even though the steps are the same, the journey and fantasies are very different. Dauphine's fears and desires are challenged and met by a variety of new enticing hot men. One in particular is someone she fantasized about before she joined  S.E.C.R.E.T.  Who happens to be my favorite, being a musician and all. :).

I was pleased the book continued with Cassie's story along with Dauphine's. There was so much that was up in air and the ending of the last book.  Unfortunately, this ones ends very similarly and I now have to wait until the next one! (Sorry another cliffhanger). I am anxious to see what will happen with Cassie and if Dauphine and ......... (Nope, you're not getting anymore S.E.C.R.E.T.S out of me!)

My Rating:
It's the same as the first
4 Charm Bracelets 








Want to win you own copy of SECRET Shared: A SECRET Novel?  Enter to win below! 
Available to US residents only.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Present Perfect by Alison Bailey - Review

Whoops! I had this review of this absolute amazing book in my drafts for about 2 months and never posted it.  Better late than never, I guess.   I'm sorry I kept it to myself for so long.  Well, maybe I was feeling a little possessive over Noah Stewart. ;)

(Read August 2013)

I just finished, no devoured Alison Bailey's debut novel, Present Perfect.  I will try and convey my feelings about this incredible story without giving anything away. You know when I REALLY enjoy a story I don't want to take away from the experience.   I will not write a synopsis or any quotes (although, I highlighted a handful).  I want you to go through every emotion I did while reading it.

You will get frustrated.  I know I was!  But keep reading and enjoy the ride.  It's worth it!

I will touch on the awesomeness that is Noah Stewart!  From the age of 6, this boy captured my heart.  I was only disappointed in him once!  I completely understood why he did what he did and I didn't stay mad at him for long.  The heartfelt and swoon worthy words that would come out of this boys mouth will make the coldest person's heart melt and their knees weak.

I apologize if I'm being to vague, its necessary to keep the secrets.  However, if I could compare this story to another book, it would be The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski.  The story lines are very different but there is a commonality that makes it an appropriate comparison and closest I can think of.  For those who have read both, you understand.  If you haven't both books, they should be on the top of your TBR list.

I know I said I wouldn't write any quotes, but.......this one doesn't affect the story and was just too good not to share (for obvious reasons)!

"The D-Bags blasted through my head.  Kellan's voice always soothed me.  I closed my eyes and tried to listen to the lyrics."

Nothing like a Thoughtless Series reference to put a huge smile on my face!

This story is a roller coaster!  You will laugh, you will cry, and you will probably sob and hiccup and shed some ugly snot inducing tears. But, isn't that why we read the books we do?

My Rating:

5 Book Boyfriends and 5 pieces of Chocolate Cake with extra frosting (I guess you'll have to read it to understand the cake reference)






my little book boyfriend had some work done ;)









Thursday, October 3, 2013

Want to hear a S.E.C.R.E.T?

So, I will let you in on a little secret.... I just read a fantastic book that was unlike any I have read, SECRET: A Novel by L. Marie Adeline.  It's in the erotica genre that I enjoy, but with a different approach to your typical romance story.  It still has hot and sexy content but with a twist.  There really isn't a book boyfriend to swoon over.  Well, maybe there are few, but I wouldn't exactly call them boyfriends.  ;)  Instead the story leads you on a journey of sexual desires and self discovery.

Cassie, a 35 year old widow, who spends her days waitressing at a cafe and her nights with her cat,  accepted her fate of a lonely life.  Her marriage wasn't the greatest, which soured her to any future relationships.  Not feeling worthy, she turns down any male attention she recieves.  Even when the attraction seems to be mutual.  That is, until a couple that fequents her cafe intrigues her and has her longing for the love and chemistry they seem to share.  

Little did she know that the woman she envies holds the S.E.C.R.E.T to her new life and a whole new world to discover.  

I aboslutley loved this book and embraced its unique story.  For being a true sap and romantic, it didn't bother me that this isn't your typical love story.   It had me intrigued and excited to learn where the story was headed and the final outcome. 

I wasn't sure how to rate this book since I use book boyfriends in my rating system.  Since it doesn't really apply to this story, I decided to use my iPad drawing app and come up with something more relevent.  (please excuse that kindergarten like picture, it's really hard to draw on the iPad!) 

My rating for this book will be charm bracelets.  And if you don't understand why,  I guess you'll have to read the book to find out! 


My Rating:
4 charm bracelets :)






If you can't get enough of SECRET: A Novel the next book in the series SECRET Shared: A SECRET Novel, will be released on October 15th!!

Also check back in a few days.  I will be having a contest for a free copy of S.E.C.R.E.T shared!!




Thursday, August 15, 2013

Fire On Ice by Dakota Madison

I received a copy of Fire on Ice (Fire on Ice Series) by Dakota Madison in exchange for an honest review

 

Well, it looks like there's a new book boyfriend in town and he's a hot hockey player!!  I don't even like hockey!  But, if Kian were my boyfriend I would learn to love to sport.

Taylor a, very driven psychology major, is focused on school and has no interest in boys or other distractions.  That is until she meets Kian the star hockey player of the local minor league team. A guy "from the wrong side of the tracks" who spent is adult life focused on hockey, his dreams and one night stands.   However once he lays eyes on Taylor he is instantly intrigued and everything else seems to fail in comparison.   Taylor is not interested and makes it known, but deep down she feels the instant connection between them and can't resist the pull she has towards him.  The one thing holding her back is the fact that he is a hockey player.  She was burned badly by her high school boyfriend who also happened to play hockey.   She assumed all athletes are same.  It took some time but Kian proved to be nothing like the jerk from high school. 

I enjoyed this story and learned quite a bit about hockey. In one particular scene when Taylor is watching Kian play, it is very detailed and descriptive of every play in the game and what's happening around her.  It's almost like you are there in the middle of the action experiencing right along with Taylor.  

The author took her time developing the characters and added a little mystery to keep it interesting and the reader captivated.   It may seem at first that story was going in the direction of, boy meets girl, they instantly fall in love and spout "I love yous" after the first date.   But, it was a little more real than that.  Kian had to earn her love and he figure out how to make up for the mistakes he made along the way.  However, there was definitely lust at first sight for both of them.  But Kian showed restraint which help create a build up for some steamy scenes when the relationship finally progressed. 

Oh one more thing... and I do not mean to spoil anything, because you know I hate to do that!  Just a warning, the story is left a little unfinished.  It's not like it you go to turn the page and nothing.  It ends where you know there is more to the story and there is some major drama lurking around the corner.  As you can tell from the title (the part where it says series, that I somehow missed at first)  It's not a stand alone book.   But there is good news!  The second book is coming in September. YAY!  I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!

I still may not be a hockey fan, but if there was a Kian Kavanagh on my local hockey team I may have to get season tickets :) 

My Rating:


4 Book Boyfriends 


 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Burn by Maya Banks - Review



 


Since the first book in the Breathless trilogy, Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY), I have been dying to know more about the character Ash. He was the easy going, laid back one.  I knew there was more to him than that.  And boy is there.  Introducing, Ash the alpha male!!

After seeing his two best friends leave their playboy lifestyles behind and fall madly in love with their soul mates, Ash felt left out.  He was used to sharing his women with Jace and now he was on his own.  That is until he met Josie.

Ash was completely captivated by Josie while first noticing her in a local park.  He was determined to get to know her and make her a part of his life.  Josie, being an independent and strong women, she wasn't interested in a "knight in shining armor" type trying to sweep in and rescue her.  She wanted to have her own successful career as an artist and support herself.  However, she couldn't deny the effect Ash had on her and she had to see what this gorgeous intense man was all about. 

Ash respected her determination to succeed and be independent and he was supportive of that.  Well, as long as he was in control of her success and independence.  This proves to be a recipe for drama and disaster!

Ash really surprised me.  I liked how strongly he wanted to care and protect her.  He gave the impression he would be too over the top demanding and controlling.  However, he really showed his sweet and caring side with a dash of over protection.   Okay, it was more than a dash! ;)

The story started out slower than the first two books in the sex department, which surprised me.  I liked that the readers get to know the characters and watch the relationship develop before all the sexy heat begins.  But when it did, it was HOT!!!!

In all the romance novels that I read, I have come to expect drama and major hiccups in the relationships and I usually prepare myself.  When it came to that part of the story, I thought to myself  "That wasn't too bad".  I thought it was over and then BAM!!  I was way wrong! From that moment on,  I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't read fast enough to see how it ended.

Before I finished the series, I thought it would be easy to choose one of the three as my new book boyfriend.  I was pretty sure it would be Ash.  But now I don't think I can pick just one.  I think I take all three!  ;)


My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends



Don't forget to enter to win your own copy of Burn!
See the previous post to enter.


Sunday, August 4, 2013

BURN GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY) that comes out this Tuesday August 6th, (Yippie!!!) I am giving away a copy to one lucky winner!!

I have been so excited for this book and can't wait to share my thoughts with all of you.

The contest will end at midnight on August 12th.

Good Luck!!




This contest is for U.S. and Canada residents only


We have a WINNER!!

THE LUCKY WINNER IS..........









 










Abigail!!!


Don't worry if you entered and didn't win.  I will be posting a chance to win the third and final book, Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY),  very shortly!  

Thursday, July 25, 2013

FREEBIE ALERT!!!


 


I just added a new book to my ever growing TBR list!  Wrapped in Silk by M.J. Fields.  And as a bonus it was FREE!!!  Get it now before the price goes back up!

Can't wait to dive into this one!




Monday, July 15, 2013

AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!






I have been waiting and waiting for the next book in Maya Banks' Breathless Series, Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY), to be released.  I absolutely loved the first two but there is something about the character Ash, that intrigued me and I want to know more!  Well, Burn is his story and the August 6th release date is almost here!

In anticipation of Burn's release I am excited to have the opportunity to give away a paperback copy of  first two books in the series Rush (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY) and Fever (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY).




The contest ends July 29th and is open to U.S. and Canada residents only.

Good Luck!

Oh and I may have another special prize to giveaway later  ;)  Stay tuned!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Only Exception by Magan Vernon - Review


 


I received an ARC of  The Only Exception in exchange for an honest review.

Liberal Monica transfers to a new school looking to start over and put the past from her former school behind her.  Unfortunately, moving into the same apartment building as the ultra conservative Governor's son, Trey, makes her new transition a little irritating and difficult.  Having a class with him and forced to partner with him on a debate is just what she didn't want.  But, it all happens.
Surprisingly, the more time they spend together and the more they debate and express their polar opposite views, the more they seem to connect and a relationship builds.  Of course, it's not always easy.

The story had a nice flow and the characters were nicely developed.  I would have thought I would feel more connected to the character that shares the same political views as me, but surprisingly I didn't.  The arguments and points made by both characters were very well made and I could understand where they both were coming from.  Very much like the characters felt about each other.

It was nice to read a story that doesn't follow the typical college romance plot; boy meets girl, they fall in love and then some misunderstanding happens and they break up, then fall in love again.  blah blah blah.  You  know the typical NA story.  This was different.  A little lighter on the unnecessary drama and more intellectual debates about real life situations and issues that are not always black and white.  Just like real life, not every situation is the same and not everything can be solved the same way.  There  can always be an exception. ;)

My Rating: 

4 Book Boyfriends


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Back from Hiatus

I took a little break from my blog for a bit but now I am back!   During this break I only read a few books. (I know sooo not like me).  Anyway, I am currently working on some reviews and will have them posted very soon.  And I am excited for the next couple of books I plan to read and hopefully make up for some lost time.

Right now I am having trouble deciding on which book to read.  I have the third book in the slammed series, This Girl and I just downloaded The Great Gatsby and can't wait to dive into that one!  I think I was supposed to read it in high school but I don't remember it so I may have read the cliff notes instead. Shhh don't tell! ;)  Well, I will make up the assignment I may have missed in high school and write my review (or book report) as soon as I finish!



In case you were wondering what books I did read in the last month they are listed below.  By the way, they were all excellent books!!