THE TEMPTATION OF LILA AND ETHAN (The Secret #3) by Jessica Sorenson

3.5 STARS

It's hard for me to write this review.  I love Jessica Sorenson's writing, but I am not sure how I feel about this book.  It was not at all what I thought it was going to be, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but...it's all about pain, addiction and resisted healing.  It is definitely not a feel good kind of story.  It was a "good story", but something was lacking for me.  I think the first half of the book I was waiting for a connection.  Something to draw me in.  I cannot relate to drug addiction, and maybe that was part of my problem, but I just couldn't connect with Lila.  Understanding her background and why she is the way she is made me feel bad for her, but I just didn't feel a connection to her.  I kinda didn't feel like her relationship with her parents was believable.  The scene where she was at the dinner table and they were talking like she wasn't even in the room...the conversations she continues to have with her Mom on the phone...putting up with the horrible things her Mother said despite being on the path to healing...just wasn't believable to me.

I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first.  I understood more about Ethan (who I DID fall in love with!!) but the whole situation with him and London was a little disjointed for me.  I understand why he felt guilty for leaving her, but was missing a part of their story.  What happened between the time she had her "accident" to the time he left her and found out what happened to her.  I had a lot of unanswered questions with their story.  Even the way she reacted and acted while he ended up visiting her.  I didn't feel the resolution or his closure as much as I think I was supposed to.

In the end, I was glad for their HEA.  I definitely felt more of a connection with the epilogue but I think that's because we get more Ella and Micha!!  :)  Oh Jessica!!!!  How dare you create a cliffhanger like that??!!!!!!  Overall, as much as it may not sound like it, I did enjoy the book, it just wasn't one of my favorites.   (I'm giving it 3.5 stars which I have to round up to 4 on here but it's not quite a 4 for me.)

FUELED (The Driven Trilogy #2) by K. Bromberg

5 SEXY, ACE STARS!!!!

Again, I can't believe I wanted so long to read this series!!!!!  FUELED continues where DRIVEN left off.  The hotness continues in full force with lots of drama and banter and altercations to keep you hooked!

I did NOT expect to be ugly crying while reading this book!!!  Riley's final secret...OMG, I did NOT see that coming!  And Colton revealing more of his past...OMG, I think I cried for a full chapter!!

What an emotional ride!  I love that they are raging mad at each other one minute and then find so much comfort in each other the next minute! I love the fact that they give it to each other like it is and don't play games like in other books!  Ok, maybe sexy games LOL, but not mind games about the relationship and their feelings!!  There is no lack of passion and chemistry from these two!!

UGH, the ending!!!!!  I have to admit I predicted how it would end pretty early on, but that didn't make it any less nail-biting!!!  Seriously!!!  I NEED CRASHED!!!!!!!!  NOW!!!!!!!!!! 

DRIVEN (The Driven Trilogy #1) by K. Bromberg

 

 

5 SIZZLING STARS!!!!

I can't believe I waited so long to read this series!!!!!  WOW...I feel like I needed a cold shower every time I paused reading!!  Talk about HOT!!!! 

Colton, Colton, Colton...holy f'n hotness!!!!!!  **SIGH**  Riley had no idea what hit her when she fell into his arms backstage at that auction!!! 

Riley is as straight laced as they come.  Always planning, always walking the line.  Until she meets Colton!!  The bad boy race car driver who turned her world upside down!  Colton can have any woman he wants and sets the terms.  No relationships, just arrangements!  Until now...Riley has turned his world upside down too!! 

The story had me from the first chapter!  From the first time Colton spoke, omg!!  This story is not for the bashful for sure!  All I can manage to say is hot, hot, hot!!! 

I loved the ending, as painful as it was to read and can't wait to continue on to Driven! 

AFTER THE KISS (Sex, Love & Stiletto #1) by Lauren Layne

3.5 STARS

I have to admit I put this one off thinking it was going to be all sex and not much substance.  Thankfully, I was wrong!  It was not at all what I expected!  I was able to connect with the characters.  I found them humorous and real.  As much as I cannot relate to the fast lane of NY and Wall Street, their story was believable.  The awkward first dates and their banter were hilarious!

Great story and I will definitely follow this series!

**Rec'd from NetGalley for an honest review.

FINDING CINDERELLA (Hopeless #2.5) by Colleen Hoover

 

5 SWEET STARS!!!!

What a great story!  I loved the story line, loved Daniel and Six, loved it beginning to end!  Read in about 2 hours (only because of interruptions :)!  So much emotion packed into this little novella!  When I read about what happened to her in Paris, my heart sank!  I was NOT expecting that!!  I felt every emotion along with this couple, which is rare for a novella!  Would love to read more about them in the future!  The only negative was that it was so short!!  :)

Thank you Colleen Hoover for providing this book free to your readers!!

ALL OVER YOU (Unforgettable You, #1.5) by Beverley Kendall

 

3.5 STARS

I found out this is part of a series, but was fine with it being a stand alone.  Rebecca is trying her best to ignore and hate her ex, Scott, for over a year now.  Everywhere she goes, she seems to run into him and he won't stop his advances on her.  He wants to get back together despite the fact that she broke up with him.  They cannot deny their honest attraction, but is it enough to keep them back together?

I enjoyed both characters and the supporting characters.  I loved how her best friend knew her better than she did and tries to do what's best for her even if she doesn't admit it is!  Scott is just HOT!  The sparks definitely flew in the bedroom!

All in all, I feel it was well written and will go back to read Unforgettable You #1 and #2.

*Rec'd from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

UNATTAINABLE by Madeline Sheehan

 

3 STARS

Liked it, didn't love it.  :(  Unfortunately, I just couldn't get lost in it.  I liked the parallel stories, but it seemed too predictable to me.  A little too similar to the other 2 in the series as well.  I was not into "Dirty" at all.  I didn't enjoy his back story and what it did to him.  A little to dark for me.

Tegan was a pain in the #ss.  Way too volatile and annoying with her going off and screaming for most of the book.  I did love Gage and wish his story was different.  He deserved a better woman!!  Sorry Tegan :)

What I also enjoyed is the family dinners and reading more about the Prez and Eva and the other previous characters!

I am a little disappointed because I loved Undeniable and Unbeautifully but I love Madelaine's writing style and look forward to more books by her! 

TREASURE YOUR LOVE by J.C. Reed

 

4 STARS

This was my favorite of the series!  A much quicker read because I couldn't put it down.  So much passion, drama and suspense!!!  It was so action packed but also very romantic as Jett continued his quest to save Brooke and his company. 

I loved to watch their relationship evolve and her feelings of trust growing each day!  I loved how he took care of her yet pushed her boundaries. 

I found the answers to all of my questions and was satisfied with how it ended.  I didn't see it coming...who ended up being the mastermind behind it all!!!   WOW!  Great series, great author!! 

*Rec'd an ARC from the author for an honest review.

CONVICTED (Consequences #3) by Aleatha Romig

 

5+ TWISTED, MIND NUMBING STARS

ALEATHA ROMIG IS A MASTER OF MIND MANIPULATION!!!  I don't even know how to review this book but to say it was amazing!  Never have I been so captivated by a series and felt such a connection to every character in it!  Every chapter had me full-on living these characters and feeling for every one of them!! 

I could go on for days about Claire!  She is such an amazing woman! 
Tony the sick bastard turned loving, devoted husband!  As much as I couldn't forgive Tony for what he did to Claire, I still loved him and felt their connection and his devotion to her in the end.
Catherine the sadistic, "evil stepmother like" character! 
I have to admit I fell in love with PHIL!!  :)  His devotion to Clarie and keeping her safe was overwhelming. 
I was not a fan of Claire's sister, Emily!  I didn't like her through the whole series. I understand she was doing what she felt was best for Claire, but she was too much! 
I could go on, character by character, but I will stop there! 

The whole book was a roller coaster, but the ending just did me in!  Just when I thought I knew what was coming...WHAM!!!  Blindsided with another trap door!!! 

WOW, I feel like I need therapy after finishing this series!!  LOL!!!  Way to go Aleatha Romig and I can't wait to read your next work!! 

PRESERVATION (Preservation #1) by Rachael Wade

 

 

 2 STARS

I just couldn't connect with the story.  I love a good teacher/student romance, but this just wasn't it for me.  The intensity of the relationship started way too quickly for me.  I didn't see a build up...it wasn't believable.  Although I did enjoy Kate's character, I didn't like Ryan.  He was way too arrogant for me and I felt nothing for him and didn't feel his immediate connection with Kate. 

I am giving it 2 stars because it had the potential for a great story. 

*provided by NetGalley for an honest review*

A WILD RIDE by Jasinda Wilder

 
 
3 STARS

I was once again looking for a quick read.  Scanning through my kindle I came across this book and forgot it was by Jasinda Wilder (one of my fav authors!).  If your looking for something steamy, this is it!!  I have loved Jasinda's writing style since I read page 1 of the first book of hers that I read!  This book is no different.  By any other author, this could have easily gone the wrong way LOL, but with Jasinda's magic, I was thoroughly entertained!  Just what I needed!

OFF CHANCE (Off Series, #5) by Sawyer Bennett

 

 

5 SMOKIN' HOT STARS!!!

*ARC provided by the Author for an honest review.

I know I said it before but I'll say it again...Sawyer Bennett you've done it again!!!!  Never ceases to amaze me how she can write so intensely and I can feel every emotion from every character!!!

She had me crying just from the prologue!  OMG, what a way to start a book!!

Rowan and Flynn are fantastic, believable characters!  I fell in love with them both!  Who wouldn't love a smokin hot fire fighter!  **sigh**  But he was so much more than that!  He was heroic, sweet, loving, understanding and so patient with Rowan and her issues!  In fact I was getting frustrated with Rowan, not letting him in, but when she did...hoooooo wee!!!  Those were some steamy scenes! 

My favorite character was Capone!!  What a dog!!  So adorable!!  :)

I also loved the fact that we got to read about the rest of the Caldwell men and their woman!! 

Great job yet again Sayer Bennett!  Thank you so much for the opportunity at the ARC!! 

Raising Ryann by Alyssa Rae Taylor

 

 4.5 STARS

Wow, I am on a roll with good books this week!!!  The cover definitely got me on this one!!  A hot fighter book is usually a good time and this one did not disappoint!!  I loved just about everything about this book!  Alyssa Rae Taylor wasn't kidding when she said, " It's filled with action, suspense, mystery, and a touch of humor."  And I would say more than a touch of humor!  There were parts that I laughed out loud. Plus a lot of sexual frustration and tension as well, although no "sex" which was kind of strange, but the book certainly didn't lack any passion!

I have to admit, it was not what I expected.  I thought the focus was going to be on Ryann, but it seemed to focus more on Reese and her past as well.  Well, I guess it's more about them both and their connection from the past and now the present...  Anyway, I loved the idea of this book and I love a little suspense thrown in there too!

I don't want to get too much into the story since there was so much going on (in a good way), but I will say it's NOT an HEA and the ending was a definite CLIFFY!!  I can't wait for the next book to find out where it goes!

FREEFALL by Tess Oliver

 

5 FANTASTIC, MUST READ STARS!!!!

What a fantastic book!!!!!  Nix is my new book boyfriend for sure!!!  I wish this was not a stand alone!!  I want to know more about Nix and Scotlyn but also about the other characters!!!  Cassie and Dray AND Taylor and Clutch!!  I would LOVE to hear their stories!  This could easily be a great series!!

I LOVE Tess Oliver's writing style!  She kept me glued to the page and literally carrying the book around all day just to sneak a page or 2 in between EVERYTHING allowing me to finish in one day!!

Why did I love it so much?  Hmmm...the main characters Nix and Scotlyn were so far from anything I have read before.  Scotlyn not being able to speak was gut wrenching, but I felt everything emotion between her and Nix from beginning to end.  Not only that, every aspect of the story intrigued me!  I have never been so connected to ALL of the characters, not just the main couple!  The only character I did not like was Hammond!!  I despised him!!  BUT that's what I was supposed to be feeling so I loved his character and it was all again...so well written!

I LOVED the ending!  Although it ended pretty abruptly, I was surprisingly okay with that.  I was wondering how she was going to end this last set of intense scenes, which I felt something stirring, but think she did a fantastic job of ending it in a way I was NOT expecting!  I would have liked to see an epilogue so I could hear more, but I loved every word on every page!!!  I am just sad it had to end!

BEFORE NOW (Sometimes Never #2) by Cheryl McIntyre

 

5 PAINFUL, PASSIONATE STARS!!
 
The more I read into this series, the more I fall in love with these characters!
I am in love with Park!!  This was my favorite of the series by far!!  As much as I loved Hope and Mason, and as much as I hated Park in the first 2 books, I was so glad to read his story!  Reading Park's POV for the break up was enlightening!  I actually felt bad for him!!

The pain and passion between him and Lucy was fantastic!!  I don't even want to get into the story line...just know that it's Park's story and I loved every page of it!!  I loved reading about the rest of the characters as well!  What a great series!! 

Blackbird (Sometimes Never #1.5) by Cheryl McIntyre

4 STARS

BLACKBIRD is the story told between the time of the last chapters and the Epilogue of SOMETIMES NEVER.  It's the story of Hope and Mason going to therapy, alone and together and with family.  I like that it sheds more light on Mason's problem and focuses on his family as well.  I was satisfied with how his family moves forward,especially for his little brother's sake!

It's a painful but healing novella and I think an important part of this series.  I loved the ending and can't wait to continue their journey in BEFORE NOW! 

DELILAH'S DIARY (#1 A Sexy Journey) by Jasinda Wilder

3.5 STARS

I needed something "lighter" in between a series that was very serious and affecting!  This was perfect!!  A cute little novella..not so much an erotic tale as some said but more so the humor is what kept me entertained.  Don't get me wrong, there were a few steamy scenes!    Definitely worth checking out the rest in the series. 

SOMETIMES NEVER (#1 Sometimes Never) by Cheryl McIntyre

4 STARS

A bit young adult for me but I really liked it.  Kind of a sweet story but with a lot of anger and a lot of current issues because of the past.  Although they are in high school, they both come off more mature than their age because of their pasts.  Hope is a foster child with lots of step siblings but the only one she connects with and trusts is Guy, who has become pretty much her gay boyfriend LOL!  She has a love of all things candy and plays drums and cello in a band with Guy, her "not boyfriend" (because of her commitment issues) and some other friends AND she's hiding a secret that no one but her "not boyfriend" knows.

Then comes Mason.  He's a boy who moved to her town because his Mom has moved them "every 5 minutes" because of her own issues.  Hope and Mason both cannot believe the attraction to each other since neither has felt anything for anyone since their pasts won't allow them to emotionally connect with anyone.  But something is different...it's like they were made for each other!

After breaking up with her "not boyfriend" to be with Mason, he reveals her secret to Mason who is shocked but does what she thinks he is not going to do and he stays with her and wants to help her.

Just when things were going great, another bomb drops and I am glad to say it has a HEA!!  Looking forward to reading the next chapter in their lives in Blackbird!

TASTING NEVER (Never Say Never, #1) by C.M. Stunich

3 STARS

I had a hard time writing this review.  I have loved C.M. Stunich books, but this one just didn't do it for me.  I liked it, but couldn't get pulled in.  I liked Never's character, but the back and forth between her and Ty was slightly annoying for me.  I found myself really into it, then my interest would drop off.  I stuck it out until the end just because I was hoping I would get more sucked in, but it just didn't happen. 
Can't love them all!  :(

BROKEN BEAUTY (Broken Beauty Novellas #1) by Chloe Adams, Lizzy Ford

 

UNRATED

Unfortunately, this book was not for me.  I have to say it was well written, but the topic was too real and emotional and I couldn't get through it.  I was happy to read other reviews where it helped those who it was intended for.  I will seek out more books by this author based on her writing style.  Thank you for the opportunity to read it! 

*provided by NetGalley for an honest review*

ESCAPING REALITY (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #1) by Lisa Renee Jones

 

5 ROMANTIC, DRAMATIC, SUSPENSEFUL STARS!!

WOW!!  Romantic, dramatic, suspenseful, soooooo good!!!!  This book for me was a cross between James Patterson and a mild 50 Shades of Grey which as AWESOME!!!! 

Where do I start??  Lara, aka Amy Bensen, is forced to start her life over because of a past that is following her trying to kill her.  I would have loved to find out why this is, but so would she and that's what makes for most of the suspense!!!

Forced to run again, she ends up on a flight next to a billionaire, Liam, who she feels a reluctant but instant connection with.  He is just as drawn to her and immediately feels the need to take care of and protect her while not pushing her to reveal her past and what she is running from.  Can she trust him or anyone else??

I was blindsided by the ending and had my mouth gaping open for the final chapters!!!  I am so glad #2 comes out next month because I don't think I can wait much longer to continue her story!!!!  

*provided by NetGalley for an honest review*

BULLY (Fall Away #1) by Penelope Douglas

 
5 PAINFUL, REDEEMING STARS!!!

I wasn't sure how I would feel about reading this book.  1) I try to stay away from high school age stories and 2) did I really want to read about a girl being bullied??  I am so glad I took the chance!!!  I have had a streak of bad reads so I was soooooo happy to get hooked on this story and emotionally invested in the characters immediately!!

As much as I don't like the subject of "bullies", I know it has to be dealt with and as hard as it was to read about Tate's struggle, in the end, I grew respect for her sticking up for herself without violent retaliation...OK, maybe with his car LOL, but not with guns or anything!!

So Tate is the girl being bullied by her next door neighbor who she grew up being best friends with.  All of a sudden one summer, he decides she's his target and begins his quest, along with his best friend, Madoc, to make her life a living hell.  Not only do they spread horrific rumors about her, but they basically threaten any boy who would be interested in her to stay away!

The amount of mental torture this girl goes through and still remains strong enough to get away, leaving for a year to go abroad.  When she returns for her senior year of high school, something in her changes and she isn't taking it anymore.  How does the saying go?  "We always hurt the ones we love"?  Honestly, the fact that there is even a possibility of them ending up together is unrealistic, but somehow the author makes it believable!!  I absolutely loved the ending!  Did not see that coming at all!!!!

I could go on and on about this story, but I will stop there.  I'll just say, this is nothing like I have read before and loved every minute of it.  Even when I was hating Jarod and Madoc!!  Am I supposed to fall for Jarod, the bully???  Somehow in the end I did, a testament to the fabulous writing of Penelope Douglas!!!  Looking forward to Fall Away #2!!

THE BET (The Bet #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

 

 

4 STARS

I do not usually like "love triangles", but I don't feel like this really was one either.  I was laughing out loud at some points which was what I needed right now in a book!  I did not like Jake's character at all!!  Even when he tried to be regretful, I had no sympathy for him. 

TRAVIS is my new book boyfriend!!!!!  Who couldn't love him!! 

                  Because of you Kace. Everything I do, everything I’ve done in my life,
                  it’s all because of you.

SWOON!!! 

I enjoyed Kacey also!  Feisty thing LOL!  I loved her and Travis's "altercations"!  Had me laughing so hard!  OMG, between the pie and eggs I don't know where I laughed harder!   Although I think my favorite character...sorry Travis...was his Grandmother LOL!  HILARIOUS!!! 

The ending was great, I was on the verge of tears when she read the letters from her parents and knowing Travis kept everything from them...and she finally realized it was him all along!!!!  **SIGH**

All in all a quick, funny, entertaining, romantic read! 

Loving Me, Trusting You (Triple M #2) by C.M. Stunich

 

5 FRUSTRATING, TRIPLE M STARS!!!
I loved Austin and Amy's story in Triple M #1 and this story takes off where #1 left off.  The focus now shifts to Mireya and Gaine.  Mireya is so tortured by her recent and not so recent past and it won't allow her to love or be happy.  It's no secret that Gaine has had a thing for her for a long time.  He even professed his love to her and she shot him down.  She tries to convince herself, and everyone around her that their "friends with benefits" relationship works for her, but everyone knows better, especially Gaine. 

Although the back and forth, hot and cold that IS Mireya was a bit annoying, it was a good annoying that evoked the right emotion from me!  I feel like it was what I was supposed to be feeling all throughout the book.

There is so much to this story and that's what I loved about it.  There is no chance to get bored!!  It's not just about Mireya and Gaine!!   Triple M MC battle to stand their ground as a "real" motor club but they don't follow the rules of one and many other MC's are not happy about it.  Triple M believes that women can ride alongside men on their own bikes.  Then there is going back to Amy's hometown to save her best friend and bring her along with them...along the way, avoiding their biggest rival MC's due to events in Triple M #1 AND their not "following the rules".  Then there is the hate/love story between Mireya and Gaine, which is all consuming!  And then there is the bank robberies which allow them the money to take off and leave it all behind until things simmer down.  Like I said...a lot going on!!

I naturally try to predict what's going to happen and where the story is going, and I was WRONG most of the way in this one!!  I love the fact that C.M. Stunich keeps me guessing!!  Can't wait for #3!!!

Finished on 9/12/2013

BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorenson

 

3 STARS

What makes this book so different is that you start out with the prologue finding out what their pasts are instead of waiting the whole book to find out.  It's also NOT a HEA, which I was surprisingly okay with.

Both main characters, Nova and Quinton, have suffered tragic pasts.  Both were witness to losing the loves of their lives in horrific ways.  Both are left with unresolved, torturous guilt that they cannot deal with or get past.  When the two meet, there is an undeniable pull toward each other.  Both try to resist each other...for fear they will break the unspoken promise to their past loves.  They feel they do not deserve to be happy or experience love again.

One thing I was not a fan of was the drug use.  Unfortunately, it turned me off.  I'm not afraid of reading about it, but there was just way too much and it took away from the story for me.

The prologue totally drew me in, but I am sad to say I could not help but feel with the rest of the book "it's gonna get really good again soon".  It just didn't keep me engaged and wasn't nearly as emotionally raw as with Ella and Micah and with Callie and Kayden!

The ending was okay for me.  I was not surprised by it and was kind of glad actually.  Don't want to spoil it so I won't elaborate, but I was content with how it ended.  Not a cliff hanger, but curious to see what happens in the sequel.  I am giving it 3 stars because I really did like it, but I didn't love it.

INFRACTION by K.I Lynn

 

4.5 BROKEN, HEALING STARS
What a complex, intense, brutal life these two lead!!!  You finally find out fully why they are so damaged and they are on their way to healing together.  The therapy and day to day was grueling but with each "episode", you could feel the love and longing to heal!  Just when I was getting used to this loving side of Nathan, here comes the dirty talk LOL!  What a beautiful ending.  Not completely unexpected, yet beautifully written.

Can't wait to read the final book Reciprocity to find out how their pasts are finally put behind them!!

Finished 9/8/2013

RUIN by Rachel Van Dyken

 

4 STARS

What a beautiful book.  I can't say too much about the story without giving away spoilers, but let's just say, I laughed with them, I was mad at them, and I cried with them.  A very emotional story with a very happy ending which I felt they both deserved!  

Finished on 8/14/2013

Wethering the Storm by Samantha Towle

 

5 FANTASTIC, ROMANTIC, GUT WRENCHING, LOVING STARS

There is no way I can do this book justice by writing too much of a description.  All I will say is that all you feel is the love and passion between these 2 characters!  I laughed, I cried...I ugly cried!!  What an amazing ending!!!!  Samantha Towle, your a fantastic writer!!!

PULSE by Gail McHugh

 

NOT RATING  :(

At the end of Collide at some point i got sucked into the story and couldn't stop until the end.  It was quite a cliff hanger so I was thankful that Pulse was out already so I didn't have to wait to continue, but...

Unfortunately, I just couldn't stay connected to this story.  I'm sad to say I stopped reading after 24% which got me through the cliff hanger from Collide.  Again, I felt like I was in a soap opera and I was just too frustrated to continue.  It's not fair for me to rate this book because I didn't finish.  I may come back to it at some point, but for now, it just wasn't for me.

COLLIDE by Gail McHugh

 

3 STARS

I started this book in March but couldn't connect with it so I stopped.  I kept putting off reading it again.  I've seen it pop up so many times with rave reviews, and then Pulse was on sale on Amazon, so I bought it and restarted Collide again.

The beginning was very slow for me.  Not that I wasn't interested, but it just seems like I would read a really great part, then I would want to skip paragraphs.  :(  Emily's back & forth between Dillon and Gavin was a bit annoying to me.  I am not a big fan of love triangles or cheating and there is a lot of that in this book.  (not a spoiler, I like to warn people who might be sensitive to it)  

I hated Dillon through most of the book for how he treated Emily.  Although when she started talking about how he saw her through her mom's cancer, I softened a little.  Just a little!!  But then I quickly hated him again!  You don't get much back story on him so i feel liked i was missing something with his character.

Gavin definitely interests me!!  Tall, dark, hot and successful!  What's not to like!  I did enjoy the banter between him and Emily.  Had me laughing out loud at some points.  But then I would hit another cycle of their behavior (for lack of better words) and I would get a little bored.

At some point i was really into the story...didn't want to stop reading but not in a way that i was connected with the characters, but in a soap opera/90210 kinda way LOL!!

I so wanted to fall in love with this book!!  I am giving it 3 stars because I enjoyed the story and the banter and the writing is good, but the subject matter wasn't that appealing to me and I didn't connect with the characters and their emotions.

LICK by Kylie Scott

 

 

4 STARS

 

I kept seeing great reviews for this book and when I read the synopsis, it sounded like nothing I've read before.  Ok, I've read a lot of rocker books, but nothing that started like this one!! 

Right off the bat, I thought it was a bit comical!  Really, Evelyn wakes up hung over and married to a rock star...not just any rock star, but one of THE most famous, sought after rockers there is!!  In the beginning she has a sad self-image and keeps reverting back to high school taunting which gave her a bad complex.  Can't say I blame her though, being thrown in the spot light, whether she like it or not!  I was glad to see later on she gets over that! 

"Let me get this straight, you don't remember anything?"
"No," I said, swallowing hard. "What did we do last night?"
"We got fucking married." he growled.

I feel for David right away!  The fact that he remembers everything and had no clue just how drunk she was the night before when they met, had a great, unforgettable night, but she remembers NOTHING!!  Small pieces come back to her and I LOVED the 1st scene where he tries to jog her memory by kissing her LOL!  Was very well written...so cute! 

I love that he offers to take her away from it all and has her stay with him...just until the media simmers down and so they can work on their annulment, which they both want...or do they??!!

“It’s not fair that you remember and I don’t.”
“No,” he said, his voice hard, cold, in a way I hadn’t heard it. He looked over at me, jaw set. “It’s not fair that I remember and you don’t, Evelyn.”

I enjoyed the fact that he wasn't just your typical rocker trying to get in her pants.  They took their time getting to know one another and admitting their obvious attraction to each other!  He got the fact that she had only had sex with one other man so he took his time until she was ready.  Both of them have trust issues but I loved their banter and all out fights that led to angry sex LOL!  Some of the best scenes!! 

I hated David for putting Ev through what he did, but I kinda hated her for not giving him a chance to explain.  I loved what he did to get her back & loved that even though they didn't trust each other whole-heartedly, they only kept things from one another that would be harmful or make them look like they were doing it just to look good!!  Lots of emotions swirling around on this one!  I really enjoyed the ending.

“You asked me this morning in the car if I thought you were scary. The answer is yes. You scare me shitless. I don’t know what I’m doing here. But I hate the thought of leaving you.” – Ev

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, feel it was written well and I definitely recommend it.  My only problem is I still don't understand why it is titled Lick??  Did I seriously miss the boat on that one??  LOL. Someone please fill me in!!  :D

WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout )

4 STARS
I would not say there was anything extraordinary about the story itself...troubled girl leaves home despite her parents disapproval, moves to a new place to "start over"...meets her "bad boy", tries to avoid and resist him...only holds out for so long before lust and love wins.  The difference in this book is the writing!!  I couldn't stop reading!!  The emotions the writing brings out in me is what is so fantastic!!!  I am always saying, I have no idea what makes a good author, I just know how the story makes me feel and if I am feeling what the character is feeling that is what makes it a great read to me!

A cute story.  Avery moves to a new town, enrolls in college she is forbidden to go to, trying to hide from a past that has not only found her again after 5 years, but is now harassing her.

Enter Cameron (Cam)...of course he's tall, dark and steamy!!  He's also smart, witty, patient and most importantly...he can cook and bake!!!!!  ;)  He goes to the same college and seems to have a past of his own.  I say "cute story" because I love the cat and mouse game she is playing with him, BUT he wasn't giving up.  The banter and "friendship" they created was cute.  [I hate to compare books, and I mean this in a good way, but the beginning reminded me of Walking Disaster]  Clearly he was very into her but she just wasn't seeing or admitting to herself that this was happening.  That this hot, fantastic, hot, funny, hot, sweet, did I mention HOT man is interested in her!  I have to admit I was about to strangle her if she didn't say yes soon!!!!  When she finally did I could let out a breath.  Talk about an awkward first date!!  I was embarrassed for her awkwardness LOL!!  I love how their relationship progressed, I was just frustrated with her that although she said she trusted him, she was still holding back her past!

The ending was slightly predictable, but there were parts that I wasn't necessarily expecting that made it interesting.  I definitely feel that Avery gets closure from her past and her HEA, which she so deserves. 

There were small parts that I didn't care for, but the great writing made me forget about that very easily and made me just want to keep reading.  I see there is a sequel Trust in Me, told in Cam's POV.  I will definitely look for it when it comes out in Oct 2013!

Sorry if I seem a bit contradictory on this one...it happens!

*provided by NetGalley for an honest review*

ELITE by Rachel Van Dyken

 

 

4.5 STARS

Holy mackerel!!  I find myself saying this a lot lately, but that was not what I was expecting at all!!!  What a riveting, frustrating, emotional roller coaster of a story!!  A bit of violence and moments of cringing, but nothing I couldn't handle ;)

Trace was the one student chosen from the annual lottery to attend the prestigious Elite University!  Only high society and the truly "elite" attended and the rules were clear...

1. Do not touch The Elect.
2. Do not look at The Elect.
3. Do not speak to The Elect.

From the very first moment she was dropped off by her Grandpa, she was targeted as a weak one who didn't deserve to be there.  Her biggest "hater" was Nixon.  She was to find out he was the "president: of student boy and controlled EVERYTHING that went on there.  If she chose not to follow his rules, she would surely regret it.

Oh Nixon!!!  I hated him!!  Then I loved him, then I hated him again, then I felt sympathy for him as a child...then back to hating then ended with love!!  Although, I really fell in love with CHASE!!  He was like a big brother mixed with a secret crush if that makes sense LOL!!??  His one-liners were hilarious!

I don't even know how to get any further into this story without giving anything away so let's just say you discovered piece by piece...secret by secret and I felt such sympathy for this poor girl!  A definitely cliff hanger and I am definitely looking forward to finding out where the story is going next!  AND I would love to see Trace with her HEA!!! 

Rachel Van Dyken did a great job of making me forget how unrealistic the story was and I just got lost in the characters and the suspense of it all! 

A must read!  

 *provided by NetGalley for an honest review*

THE STORY GUY by Mary Ann Rivers

 

3.5 STARS

All I can say is what an odd story, but in a good way.  Not at all what I was expecting.  I would describe this as a cross between a soap opera and erotic romance all wrapped up in one little novella...LOL!

I was hesitant to read this book but something intrigued me.  I mean really...a guy puts an ad in the paper for someone to kiss in the park, only on Wednesdays, no strings attached.  Come on!  But something told me there was more to this story and boy was I right!!

The beginning was very slow for me.  For a novella I seemed to get way too much detail that I didn't need.  I would have rather had more focus on the characters and their interactions than what was going on around them.  I can't explain what it was about the writing, but I just wasn't hooked in the beginning and found I was forcing myself to continue at some point...

BUT THEN...

When the details about his sister started coming out, OMG...those scenes I was in tears!!  And the steamy, sexy, kissing scenes and love scene!!  WOW!!  That was some great writing!  So you see I am torn on this one...between glimpses of beautiful writing that had me in tears and then sometimes wanting to skip paragraphs.  I am settling on 3.5 stars because when the writing was good, it was GOOD!!  It evoked personal emotions for me that I was not expecting.  I would definitely like to see more from this author.

*provided by NetGalley for an honest review*

DEEPER by Blue Ashcroft

 

4 SOLID STARS

WOW, what an intense young story!  Nothing like I have read before, which is rare!  As soon as I read her age, I was hesitant to continue because I try to stay away from these, BUT I seemed to forget all about that very quickly and for most of the story.

2 young adults.  Raine, who is 19 years old and Knight, mid twenties.  Both trying to heal from tragic pasts and trying to hide from the pain by burying themselves in their work as lifeguard supervisors at a water park.  Sounds kinda cheesy, but it is written in such a way that I could take it seriously and could focus on their story.

From the moment they meet at the beach that first night, there was an undeniable attraction.   These 2 main characters, although young, were very wise beyond their years because of what they had been through, but then there were also scenes that kept it fun.  They do after all work at a water park! 

I love Raine from the start.  A strong, independent, young woman, yet so pained from her past and harboring so much guilt it was actually painful to read.  She knows she shouldn't be having anything to do with Knight because of the promises she made to herself.

Knight is just HOT!  He's just as strong and independent.  From the moment he sees her across the bonfire, despite his guilt, he has such a connection to her...to protect her and longing to be with her for the first time since his tragic past.

I was so mad at Raine for pushing him away so many times!!  I just wanted to shake some sense into her.  But then I remembered that young love is that way...add in her past and it was torture for her to admit she wants to be with him and still stick to the promises she made to herself.

I don't want to give the story away too much since there are a lot of things I would consider spoilers.  I will say, if anyone has any issues with suicide or attempted rape, this is not the book for you.  Although it doesn't go into details, there are a couple scenes that could be hard to read.

My only constructive feedback is the amount of scenes showing young men/boys with such threatening and negative actions toward young women.  There seemed to be a lot of that and in my opinion, maybe a little more then was necessary to make certain points in the story.  It didn't necessarily take away from the story, but these scenes made me cringe and although I understand maybe the author's way of making him the hero in her eyes, but I just didn't feel it was necessary.  Sorry, just being honest!

Despite that one thing, I really did enjoy this story!  The flashbacks from their pasts had me in tears and I absolutely loved the ending.  A great way to end a great story and I highly recommend it!

*provided by NetGalley for an honest review*

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