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

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 

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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 ;)

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!!