Book of the Week.

I decided to dedicate this week's BOTW to my all time favorite book boyfriend, Kellan Kyle.  And there is not just one book, but three and one on the way!!  Due February 2015!  ;)

Since I read Thoughtless and Effortless (Thoughtless Book 2) before I started my blog, I never wrote a review for these two books.  Honestly, I don't know how to without telling you everything about this amazing series and spoiling it.  However, I did write a spoiler free review for Reckless (Thoughtless Book 3) which can be found by clicking on the S.C. Stephens label at the end of this post.  

I have read A LOT of romance book and to this day, Kellan still remains my number one.  It seems that most romance book bloggers have their favorite book boyfriend and even though they may not all be Kellan, I love the passion that they have for their favorite and it makes me feel a little less silly for swooning over a fictional character! 

Now let's talk about Thoughtful, the next book in the series that releases in February. (sorry, no link yet ;( ) It is the story of Thoughtless told in Kellan's point of view.  There is always a chance that these - same story, different point of view books can be repetitive and sometimes boring.  But from what the author has said you will learn so much about his past and watch as he falls in love with Kiera. sigh.... Heck, the story could be about Kellan knitting a blanket and I would still read it!  :)

I can't get too excited because I still have six months before I get my hands on Thoughtful.  I guess I can always re-read the trilogy about a thousand more times while I wait!  

Taking it All by Maya Banks

I just finished the last of the surrender trilogy, Taking it All (The Surrender Trilogy) by Maya Banks.  It was a perfect end to a great series.  Not only did it focus on Chessy and Tate, who you got to know briefly in the first two books, but it also continued with the lives of the other couples.  And I must say it wrapped up all three couples stories nicely.

Of course it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows the entire book.  What fun would that be?  No, it was a rollercoaster ride with a lot of "WTF???" in between. J  But you will have to read the story to find out.  No spoilers here!

Chessy and Tate have been married for five years and Chessy is Tate’s world.  He cherished her and vowed to give her everything she wanted and needed.   That is except for his full attention.  After his business partner bailed, he was left with the sole responsibility to make his business a success.  That meant being at the beck and call of his clients at all hours of the day.  Chessy, knowing, how important it was to Tate to be able to provide for them, she let it slide until his distraction put her in a dangerous situation.  After losing her because he failed in his role as her husband and dominant, he was prepared for the fight of his life to win her back.

Of course this is a Maya Banks novel, so you know there are some steamy and "too hot to discuss on my blog" parts.  However, there was so much more in the story than just what happens at night.  (Ok, we all know in these books “it” doesn’t just happen at night.  Usually it’s all hours of the day and sometimes all day ;)) ).   Even though Tate messed up, he made up for it with his devotion and love for Chessy.   He is exactly what I love in a book boyfriend, gorgeous, rich, alpha male and madly in love with his girl.   Tate made me swoon.

If you haven't read the first two books in the Surrender trilogy I suggest you read them in order first for the full experience! :)  I included links to all three books below.  

My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends

 

Book Of The Week and a GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited to read Taking it All (The Surrender Trilogy) by Maya Banks.  I have been a fan of her books and this trilogy in particular.  Taking it All is the final book in the series and I have been waiting what seems like forever!  I have received an ARC and will be starting it tonight!  But don't worry, you'll get your chance soon enough, the release date is set for August 5th.

Since the first book, I have been curious about Chessy and Tate and their unconventional marriage.   While you get to know the couple briefly in the first two books, you also get a small glimpse of the mystery behind their relationship and the problems they face.  It's been killing me to have to wait this long to find out what's going to happen with these two!  However, I get the feeling Ms Banks' is saving the best for last and I'm it will be worth the wait!

And to accompany this week's Book Of The Week,  I have a giveaway for one copy!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Contest ends at midnight EST on 8/5/14

Open to U.S. Residents Only

Book Of The Week

For this week's book of the week I will feature one of my all time favorites.  If anyone asks me for a book suggestion, this is my "go-to".   It is a story that will touch you, and become a part of you.  By far, one of the most amazing stories I have ever read.  But be careful, it causes a major book hangover and you will compare everything else to this.  I also added my review that I wrote way back...

I wasn't sure where to begin with my review of The Sea of Tranquility.  I had to take some time to let it sink in and wrap my head around it.   I was frustrated that no one was reading it at the same time so I could talk about it.  I had to talk about it!  So, I spent my lunch break today explaining the entire story, all the secrets, and even the touching ending to a co-worker.  I pretty much ruined it for her.  Sorry CB!   I just couldn't help it,  I needed to talk about it.

I really don't want to give anything away so this is a difficult review to write.  I refuse to write  any spoilers on this blog (I just seem willing to do that face to face).  I want readers to start, knowing nothing, be completely surprised and get swept up in the story like I did.

There were times it didn't even feel like I was reading.  I was so engrossed in the story,  it was like I was watching a movie or even living it.  Absolutely nothing could distract me, not even the time.  I read until the very early hours of the morning and had to force myself to stop so I could have a few hours of sleep before work.  Everyone knows when I'm really into a book when I come into work looking like a zombie.  "Were you up all night reading again?"  is a common question I'm asked.   The story stayed with me all day and I couldn't wait to go home and finish it.  Once I did, I was sad it was over.

What I can say is that it was a truly beautiful, captivating, and powerful story that completely took my breath away.   I can't bring myself to start a new book at the moment because I am afraid I won't be able to connect like I did with this one.  Maybe I'll just have to read it again ;)

I do want to touch on the characters for a bit.  They were so beautifully developed, complex, and at times completely relatable.    I fell in love with all of the characters, but I was surprised with the way I changed my opinion about one in particular, Drew.  At first you just assume that he is going to be a selfish, shallow jerk and it turns out he was anything but.   He was just as special as the two main characters, Nastya and Josh, and the relationship between the three of them was very touching.

I am hoping that someone I know reads this soon (hint hint Abbey) so I can discuss it some more.  I could seriously talk about this book for days!!  It is definitely going on my favorites list!

My rating 5 stars.  (not sure if five stars is enough)