Saturday, May 30, 2015

Book #Review: Once Pure ( Shattered Pasts Book 3) by Cecy Robson .@cecyrobson .@readloveswept .@tastybooktours

Book Title: Once Pure ( A Shattered Pasts Novel)
Author:  Cecy Robson |WebsiteTwitterFacebook| Goodreads
Publisher: LoveSwept (Random House)
Genre:  New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook
Cost: $3.99
Pages: 270
How I got it: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher | iBooks | Kobo
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
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Synopsis:
She bears the scars of the past. He blames himself for things he can’t control. Their defenses are up, but in Cecy Robson’s latest Shattered Past novel—perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—true love lands a knockout punch. Sofia Tres Santos remembers a time before her life went sour, before her innocence was ripped away, before she began punishing herself with risky behaviors and unworthy men. Now, at twenty, she just hopes she’s ready to rebuild some of what she lost. One way or another, it always comes back to her childhood friend and longtime crush, Killian O’Brien. As strong as Killian is, Sofia has always been his one weakness. He knows Sofia has suffered and wants to ensure she’s never hurt again—not like before, and definitely not under his watch. When Sofia agrees to work at his mixed martial arts gym, Killian seizes the opportunity to help and protect the sweet girl he’s always cared for. And yet, as he trains Sofia to defend herself using his hard-hitting MMA techniques, he’s drawn to the vulnerable beauty in ways he never expected. As Sofia grows stronger, she also grows brave enough to open herself up to love. And along the way, she challenges everything Killian believes to be true, showing him that no matter how much he dominates in the ring, the real battle is fought in the heart.
Reading Order Of The Series (so far) Each can be read as a stand alone.
  • Once Perfect
  • Once Loved
Trigger Warnings For Those who Need It

I went into this book blind, it had a MMA fighter and that's all I wanted to know.  It wasn't until I was half way into the book that I realized it was a third book in a series. It can certainly be read on it's own.  I wasn't ready for this story y'all. The story that unfold isn't your typical new adult, and yet it is. I personally enjoyed that this book had a bit of flair with the mixing of cultures, Sophie is Cuban & comes form a close knit family, meanwhile Killian is from a huge, loud and fun Irish family. Sophie could cook and she shared her love of food with us throughout the book, and this is the way her culture comes out the most.  Despite their cultural differences, their live were eerily similar growing up and as kids they were each other's safe havens.

You see these kids have known each other since they were young and have loved each other since then.  However life isn't easy and just because you met your soul mate at eight doesn't mean the road to your happily ever after is easy.  At  the beginning of the book you know something happened to Sophia that made her afraid of her own shadow, and extremely shy.  What unfolds is hurtful and make so you want to cry, but this story isn't about pain it's about the redemptive power of love.

I had big deep belly laughs with this book, because it's rare for books to talk about kids getting their butts whooped without it being a story of abuse. I totally could see my mothers reaction in Killian's mother's reaction to her young son. I loved every second of that scene, and I laughed so hard because what kid hasn't wanted to snapback at the their parent during their childhood?? Another storng reaction I had while reading was the urge to kick the reporter in the face after he went after Sophie at the press conference and personally as a bodyguard I would have let a few hits get in. But that's just me.

I really enjoyed the conversations, the growth of the characters and the blooming of their courtship and the unfolding of their relationship.  This book has time jumps in it to accommodate the growth of the characters and the relationships and of course to really make this book great.  The book had great secondary characters who helped to challenge the protagonist and push her when needed as well as to be her shoulder when she needed it as well. I loved that we got background on a few them and I have the feeling we're going to see a few of them in their own stories soon enough.

The world building was done great, while it's a contemporary it takes place in Philly, but it kinda makes it feel like it could take place anywhere in the US.  The sense of community was strong, as they were active members in their churches and shared the talk of their faith, even if at times they were laughing about not being good Catholics.  Even though they had grown up and moved away from their 'old' neighborhood the had a sense of home and even created their own home in their newer neighborhood.

I really enjoyed reading Sophie and Killian's story, I love their relationships with their families, their friends and their own relationship. I loved Killian from the start. I also loved Sophie's voice because she was so witty even if it was only in her head.  I loved that she sometimes had no filter (because I have totally done that before) and that she was totally over the moon with Killian.  As the story was shared and their secrets revealed you felt for each of them, Realizing that their secrets were burdens they each carried, sometimes they shared willingly and sometimes it was shared for them, and this helped to strengthen and show their weaknesses.  Their past both helped them and hindered them and it was wonderful to see that acknowledged.  I loved Sophie's growth especially because she was so painfully shy when she started, and even though she grew she didn't all of a sudden get a whole new personality transplant.  She simply became a more enhanced version of herself.

I am in awe of Killian and how he was with Sophie, I loved the way he was willing to do anything to make her feel better, safe and for her to trust him.  Their relationship was wonderful to read because he also pushed her boundaries when needed and he made Sophie feel daring, also while making her have a safe place to return to.  My favorite part was the end when we got Killian's short take on the story and how he saw everything.  The biggest time jump happens then and we really learn more form him and how on a day that should have been happy for a young man entering puberty, how it became a day that haunted him and Sophie.  I really enjoyed their story and how they came to be.

I'm getting the other books in the series, especially the first two. Because if Cecy writes all her characters this wonderfully, these books are going to be a breeze to read.  I ended up finishing this in a couple of hours when I got an unexpected break from work. I really didn't want to put it down when I got into it.

I recommend it if you love character growth, MMA fighters and the women who love them, strong familial relationships in books and of course the messiness and beauty of a love story.
 ★★★★☆
Want more ?? Make sure to check out the first two books (which is what I'm about to do). As well as keep a look out for the next four ( yes I said four) books in the series.

Happy Reading


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday (May 2015) (21): Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry |Bewitching Bibliophile

Hosted by: Jill over at Breaking The Spines.  This is a weekly book lust prompt, asking for us to share our absolute can't wait to get our hands on a copy books. Swing on over to find out how to participate and to see what others are sharing.  

Young Adult/New Adult


Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road 1) by Katie McGarry
An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible. Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both. Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down. No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.
Due Date: May 26th
Print: Hardcover, ebook
Pages: 496
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
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It's a new series by Katie. I've already Preordered this one because she promised us a copy of Abby's story from the Pushing the Limits series and I need that one in my life as well. But Katie wrote it and I want it. That's all.

Have you read any of Katie's writing??  If you haven't I highly recommend the series, especially Crash Into You. I just omgosh love Katie's work I can't wait to try this one also. Are you getting any of this?? What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!
Happy Lusting


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Book #Review: Undefeated by J.C. Valentine .@authorjcv .@indiesagepromo

Book Title: Undefeated (Wayward Fighters 3)
Author:  J.C. Valentine |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 3
Format: ebook, paperback
Cost: $0.99, $12.00
Pages: 
How I got it: Publicist
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Publication Date: May 26th
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Synopsis:
*Note* While this book is a part of the Wayward Fighters series, unDefeated can be read as a standalone. Spencer Bradley ruins everything he touches. Addicted to gambling, he’s lied, cheated, and stolen to get what he wants. Now, in order to protect those he cares for, he’s keeping his distance. Rehab’s taught him a lot, but when his time runs out and he finds himself with nowhere to turn, he seeks help from the one person he’s capable of destroying. Olivia Carter fell in love the day she met Spencer Bradley. Despite him being responsible for the downfall of his best friend’s career and landing himself in rehab, she can’t bring herself to stay away—even if it means risking her own recovery. (
I so didn't know this was a part of a series, and it doesn't read like it is. You meet some new characters who are clearly from previous books but these characters have their own arc and are only secondary characters here, so you don't need their stories to understand who they are to Spencer and Liv. 

I loved this series. It was amazing. I haven't read a book about addicts in recovery in a while , and they are struggling to become full humans again.  Having left his rehab, Spence doesn't have anyone he can go to. His past actions burnt all the bridges he once had, and now he has to rebuild his life all alone.  Liv has always loved Spence and when he went away he took her heart with him, she's slowly building her life without him in it, even though she doesn't want to.  Her friends all want her to move on but she can't without her heart.

These two are amazing characters to read, and it made me enjoy the story more, especially when you realize that Spencer was originally an anti hero and a character that wasn't the best character at all. He's done everything for his next fix and it cost a few people their livelihoods and of course has broken way too many hearts along the way.  Olivia is a child of privilege and her life hasn't been easy, her attempts to gain her parents attention led her down a dark path and this has led her where she is now.  In love with a addict who helps to feed her addiction to adrenaline and man does Spence help her embrace the dark side.

I wanted a bigger book because their story could have gone on for a few more chapters, I really want to know what happens with his sister, do Spence and Olivia make it, how do they look a few years from now. Will their therapist start seeing them alone to help them grow even more??  I loved watching the healing that took place, reading their pain and their triggers, watching as they learnt that they weren't alone and even seeing the struggle not to give into their addictions.  It was eye opening and very good to read, especially their love scenes. Very steamy.

My favorite scene will always be the bathroom scene no, not that one, the third one, when Spence and Olivia get into it, and just those moments leading up to her getting there, were just so..wow.

I really enjoyed reading this one and can't wait until the next installment comes out.
 ★★★★☆
Tell me what you thought down in the comments.  Happy Reading


Book #Review & #Giveaway: Cherry Lane ( A Cavanaugh Island Novel) by Rochelle Alers .@rochellealers .@

Book Title: Cherry Lane (Cavanaugh Island Book 5)
Author:  Rochelle Alers |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Hatchette Books
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 5
Format: ebook, paperback
Cost: $8.00
Pages: 400
How I got it: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BAM | iBooks
Publication Date: May 26th, 2015
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Synopsis:
A place to call home . . . In New York City, attorney Devon Gilmore devoted all her time and energy to fast-track her career. She lost her boyfriend . . . but found herself with a surprise baby on the way. To begin a new life, Devon needs a place to settle down-a place like Cavanaugh Island, where the pace is slow, the weather is fine, and the men are even finer. From the moment David Sullivan meets Devon, he knows he can't fight the laws of attraction. Whether it's helping fix up the old cottage she just bought on Cherry Lane or working together on a pro bono legal case, he can't help feeling a little protective. But will the most eligible bachelor in town be ready for an instant family? Only if he can convince Devon to put her heart on the line one more time-for all time.
This is a sweet romance that makes me want to relocate to North Carolina, because Rochelle has made the island and the coves sound so amazing.

I really liked the romance of this story, this being book five, which can be read as a standalone, (the story would be richer if you read it as part of the series) was very well done, yet done in a way that allows you to meet and fall in love with the characters from the other books as well. I very much liked Devon and like her I kept looking at everyone wondering why they were so nice to a stranger, yet as a woman who spent most of my summers as a kid in West Virginia totally getting how having roots in the area instantly makes you family (to some people at least).   

I really enjoyed and loved that the author acknowledged the differences in their relationships, the way in which they both came to be on the island and the fact that they really had only just met, yet they were feeling like they had known each other for far longer that than.  I loved their family dynamics and how the cousins teased each other because it reminded me of my own family and made me feel like I totally understood where they were coming from when they talked to each other and to Devon.  I enjoyed the history that was shared and how it was interwoven into the story without being a heavy handed history lesson, The richness of Gullah life was shared in a way that made it all the more amazing to read and I laugh because so much of Gullah culture is the same for the Jamaicans in my family and it felt like reading about home.  

Devon and David as characters were pretty interesting, yet I felt we could have gotten more from them that would have made the story richer, but I understand that they are learning about each other and as they do we learn about them as well.  I loved that Devon wasn't a character that was too afraid to stand for herself and made a career choice and a life choice that made it easy for her to move and live how she wanted, her life was on her own terms even if her family didn't accept it completely.  The same can be said for David who when given the choices made a life that would allow him to be closer to home and still have a great career helping those who needed it most. And the quote that he choose to live by is amazing. 

I however still felt that David should have shared with Devon and let her have a choice in how things were done.  Had he done so she would have be more aware.  He made an arbitrary decision and then was surprised when it didn't pan out well, she isn't a child and didn't need to be coddled away, and in the end that came back to haunt him.  We knew who was involved due to the cut away scenes and this did add a few moments of tension and mystery for the characters, and it certainly helped to move the plot along.  I loved that actual real life examples were used and that Rochelle shaded so many with just simply sharing the facts. I laughed quite a bit reading this book, especially those scenes.

I loved that they shared so much in common and even if the romance developed quickly you could see where they messed well.  I loved that they were a great mix of modern and old world, they acknowledged their backgrounds of being mixed race without it being a huge issue in the book.  they loved food, so when they cooked together they shared so much about themselves and I enjoyed reading those as well.  Plus those scenes both made me envious and hungry, because the man can cook,. dance, and he's educated, Devon is one lucky girl.  

The romance was a slow burn and wasn't a fast buildup because they both made decisions at the beginning that allowed them the time to grow and know each other.  I am looking forward to seeing them more in the other romances and I loved Francine and can't wait to read about her wedding as well.  

Want a chance to read all about it yourself?? Enter into the giveaway down below to win a copy.


 ★★★1/2
Happy Reading and Good luck to all those who enter. Excuse me while I go look at Gullah brochures


Thursday, May 21, 2015

Book #Review: Hocus Pocus by Teresa Roblin

Book Title: Hocus Pocus
Author:  Teresa Roblin |WebsiteTwitter| Facebook|
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Paranormal Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: ebook 
Cost: $2.99
Pages: 288
How I got it: Word Slinger Publicity
Purchase: Amazon | ARE | iBooks
Publication Date:
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Synopsis:
Trying to outwit the spell only makes matters worse. Shy and quiet Amanda Santorelli is unhappy watching the world go by around her. When her well-meaning but wacky aunt casts an assertive spell on her, Amanda’s orderly world is turned upside-down. Unable to control herself, Amanda blurts out whatever is on her mind every time someone asks her a question. With no control over her own mouth, it’s only a matter of time before her boss discovers her secret. Mark Abbott is happy with the way his unassuming assistant runs his office. But all of a sudden she’s become a new person—both in attitude and appearance—and he’s not sure he likes the effect on his orderly work routine. With each passing day, he finds himself waiting to see what will come out of her mouth next. Before long, he can no longer deny the truth—the new Amanda is seriously making him reconsider his vow never to mix business with pleasure. Mark doesn’t know if it’s love—or if he’s just a victim of Hocus Pocus. Hocus Pocus was originally published in 2004 with Ellora's Cave. Scenes have been added and the novel has been professionally edited. 
I received a copy via the publicity company in exchange for an honest review.  This clearly didn't influence my review.

This started out great, it was going to be a romantic comedy with drama, and quirky characters and a spell thrown in that would bring the main characters together,  sounds awesome gimmie that book. No really gimmie that book, because what I read had nothing to do with that premise. I'm not a fan of books where the main characters fight like cats and dogs then end up together in the end.  It's not even the fun Mr & Mrs. Smith fighting either, it's the hurt people' feelings deeply then turn around and tell them you love them. Nah I'm not here for it, and for a while neither was the female protagonist  if in the end she hadn't ended up with him, I would have believed that more, because really for the life of me I couldn't see them together.

Over 90 percent of the book goes by before we see the 'attraction' most of the book they spend trying to figure out what is wrong with the other and why each person has changed.  I was looking forward the romantic comedy and at moments it was fun and quirky but then those moments would be followed by some seriously down moments each scene negating what happened before.  They had a few kisses, but then Mark went back and skewed those as well, so nope not even then.

Amanda, our female protagonist is in desperate need of a make over and gets one because her sister and her aunt want her to move on from a past relationship that hurt her deeply.  It was an verbally abusive relationship and at times no matter how much she wants to change she doesn't because she's afraid that what her ex said is the truth, so instead she hides and keeps her true thoughts to herself, she becomes a shadow of a human being and then doesn't understand why people are shocked when they see the changes from her.  The spell works to make Amanda see herself as more than she has before by helping to build her confidence when things she says are seen as valid and taken into account, because normally she wouldn't speak up at all and has earned a well deserved nickname of the company mouse. Her boss Mark is shocked by the changes in his normally quite and unassuming assistant, now she's been replaced by this woman who speaks her mind, wears amazing clothes and actually does something to her hair, and Mark isn't sure what the hell happened to his orderly work life.

I really like Amanda at first, because she was a fun, funny, witty and quirky character who just had bad tastes in clothes. She just needed a confidence boost, which in her initial fantasy was what she wanted then came the man.  Somewhere along the way the spell worked on Amanda's confidence, because people saw her as more than the company mouse, she shared valid opinions and was given a few opportunities she wouldn't have if she didn't share her thoughts.  As she grew in her career standing she grew in confidence.  Which I absolutely loved, it was awesome to see her take charge and bust the gonads of those who needed it.  I liked the relationship she had with her sister and her funny Aunt, they seemed like they would have been funny characters to get to know.  Amanda and her sister seemed to have been raised by their Aunt and we never get the back story there, we just know that they and their Aunt are really close, which is good to see, as Amanda has almost no relationships with anyone else in the book.

What I didn't like was as we went on she kept saying she wanted to remain this new confident woman then whine about being the old woman from before, I get that sharing your feelings and emotions makes us vulnerable, however she can't have it both ways, either you're the mouse or you're a confident woman. The whining about Mark not loving her started to get on my nerves, I would have liked it better that he was the man she crushed on but another man was her real love interest.  I think that would have worked better, because there really didn't seem to be any real attraction between the two. Amanda hated the way he dated and would judge him and the women, in reality, he was honest about his standards and women were happy so why is she getting to judge because it doesn't work in her favor??

As the story builds we coming back to the spell and it's effects, seriously I'm not even sure why Amanda is freaking out, her candidness helps her become noticed by the people in charge and helps her career, if you're wanting to be someone at the firm shouldn't being noticed be a part of the plan to move up?? Yeah I get that it means she can't really help it, but plenty of people are candid in their everyday life, she kept acting as if it was a mortal sin to speak the truth and that got old really quickly.  The fight between her and a clients' wife was so unnecessary to the story because Amanda still didn't learn anything from it, and before long I began to get frustrated, this story was starting to drag because really how many more ways does someone have to say they aren't interested before you realize you might have just had a crush because he was unattainable before??  Nothing Mark did beyond a few moments really came off as someone interested in the Amanda at all.

The story came to an end but I kinda felt let down, this wasn't what was being written in the beginning and as it went along it kind of meandered before coming back to the point. Apparently there is going to be a second story for the sister, but I'm not sure I'm going to be reading it, because this one really let me down.  What really cinched it for me that this wasn't a book for me?? A line in the book where the character's best friend (the love interest in the second book) makes the comment that "girlfriend he's so done" or something such and in it he is described as using a 'high urban voice'. Buzzfeed's article on coded words for "black people".


Yeah I didn't need the article, but I thought people would understand more why this irked me if you see it for yourselves. Yeah as a black woman I wasn't amused,  I don't think the author wrote to offend, but I'm still not amused, it was just one more reason why this book wasn't for me.  I ended up rating between 21/2 stars to 3 stars, because it wasn't horrible, it just wasn't for me. And I accept that.
★★1/2★
Have you read it?? Share your comments down below.  

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Waiting For Wednesday (20): Cherry Lane (The Cavanaugh Island 5) by Rochelle Alers, Glimmer by Beth Kery

Hosted by: Jill over at Breaking The Spines.  This is a weekly book lust prompt, asking for us to share our absolute can't wait to get our hands on a copy books. Swing on over to find out how to participate and to see what others are sharing.  

Young Adult/New Adult

Glimmer by Beth Kery
After graduating from her M.B.A. program, Alice Reed is surprised when she’s recruited for the management training experience at legendary Camp Durand, owned by Durand Inc.’s young, billionaire CEO, Dylan Fall. The company usually recruits from Ivy League schools, not insignificant colleges like Alice’s. Alice enthusiastically accepts, but she still wonders why Dylan would choose a girl from the wrong side of the tracks for the prestigious program. But after a passionate encounter one night, she discovers exactly why—Dylan wants her, and Alice can hardly resist his fierce sexual appetites, though she is amazed that she could appeal to an experienced, sophisticated man like Dylan. As Dylan introduces her to thrilling, erotic territory, Alice discovers a delicious new part of herself. Night after night, she steals away to find ecstasy and escape in Dylan’s arms. But behind her lover’s powerfully magnetic facade, Alice senses darkness, secrets from Dylan’s past lurking in his beautiful, lonely mansion—secrets that are starting to haunt Alice. And the ghosts of the truth might tear Dylan and Alice apart forever . . .
Due Date: May 5, 2015
Print: ebook, paperback
Pages: 384
Publisher: Penguin/NAL
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I wasn't aware that Beth had another book coming out. So when I checked and saw this, why yass I want. IT. Gimmie now!!! It's already out and I'm getting it soon.  

Adult Fiction/ Romance / Erotica


Cherry Lane ( Cavanaugh Island 5) by Rochelle Alers 
A place to call home . . . In New York City, attorney Devon Gilmore devoted all her time and energy to fast-track her career. She lost her boyfriend . . . but found herself with a surprise baby on the way. To begin a new life, Devon needs a place to settle down-a place like Cavanaugh Island, where the pace is slow, the weather is fine, and the men are even finer. From the moment David Sullivan meets Devon, he knows he can't fight the laws of attraction. Whether it's helping fix up the old cottage she just bought on Cherry Lane or working together on a pro bono legal case, he can't help feeling a little protective. But will the most eligible bachelor in town be ready for an instant family? Only if he can convince Devon to put her heart on the line one more time-for all time.
Due Date: May 26th
Print: ebook, MM paperback
Pages: 400
Publisher: Forever Grand
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I've been loving the series by Rochelle and I have like three more to read before I'm caught up, when I saw this was coming out, I needed to add to my list, so here it is!!


Are you getting any of these?? What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!
Happy Lusting


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Book #Review: "Summer by Summer" by Heather Burch .@heatherburch .@blinkyabooks

Book Title: Summer by Summer
Author:  Heather Burch |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Blink
Genre: Young Adult
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: paperback
Cost: $12.99
Pages: 288
How I got it: Unsolicited from the Publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
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Synopsis:
When Summer took a job as a nanny for a couple vacationing in Belize, she imagined it would be a fresh start before starting college in the fall. And while she adores her charge, Josh, she can’t say the same for her employers’ oldest son, Bray. He’s cocky, inconsiderate, and makes her feel she’s a chore he has to put up with. In short, he’s everything she dislikes in a guy. Bray had a plan for the summer: party, hang out with friends, and forget all the responsibilities waiting for him back home. But every time he’s forced to be around Summer, her dour, serious mood sets him off. Not to mention she has a habit of picking up on what he already knows is wrong with him. Then the two find themselves on a dive trip gone wrong, stranded on a remote island. As they focus on survival, their differences melt away, and they find being together may be what both needed all along.
This has been one of the best Christian romances I have read in a while.  This book really did a wonderful job of sharing the faith of the character without knocking you out with a sermon that would make you feel guilty. I loved how the character growth took place, because let's be real this could have gone oh so wrong for her.  I loved the lessons shared without them being loud, brash or in your face and I think this would be a wonderful addition to any teen of faith's library.  It's a good clean romance, that shared that what is important isn't the trappings and the words; but the actions of the person who claims to love you.

At the end of the book Heather wrote a note sharing how she named certain places for God and it really enhanced the story in my opinion and made it so much more especially when you realized how much this affected their growth and facilitated the story progress. I would have loved a cut away from the characters showing how their parents were handling the search and what was going on, but since this was told through the two characters point of view, we only knew what they knew and learnt what they learnt as the story progressed. This didn't take away from the story, but I was curious to their families reactions to them being missing.

I loved that at the beginning the two characters were at crossroads from each other, Summer having her own issues and needing the vacation as a way to heal and progress before she went off to college.  We learnt only when Bray did, why she needed this job and it was heartbreaking to learn, but I loved Bray's reaction to the news & how Summer learned to progress in her growth and healing.  This story kept me glued because I wanted to see how they would progress, I laughed at both of them because boy; they certainly had their moments of being silly, and yet they were so realistic it felt like this story was one of them sharing in a conversation of what happened to them.

The story really relied on both Summer and Bray to move  and even though there were a few times where things  could have gone wrong, if it weren't' for the fact that both of them were down to earth and good campers, they wouldn't have survived the first day.  Reading the story as it progressed I felt sucked in, I wanted to know what was going to happen next, I felt their despair, their fear, their anger at each other and at fate, the desperation when it seemed like nothing was going to go right and then oh my gosh as things slowly started going in their way I loved it.

Summer grew so much in this story, learning to look beyond the surface, and truly see the human being that is revealed is her biggest lesson, not just about Bray but about herself as well. I loved that when tested she felt comfortable falling back into helpful habits and made no apologies for it. I loved how she embraced herself and her faith and how she quietly shared that with Bray without being preachy or superior.  This endeared her to me and I loved reading those moments when she took the time to talk to God.

Bray had a bit of growing up to do, as a college freshman with the world as his play ground he wasn't at all enchanted to discover his parents had hired a nanny, one who dressed like she was 90 when she was only 18 and one who acted as if he were a plague in his own family.  Summer wasn't fazed or fascinated by him and when she called him out about his behavior, he wasn't at all thankful for her presence.  However, she was a enigma and he loved finding ways to annoy her and as they lived and fought to survive the island, he came to realize there was more to Summer than meets the eye.

I loved watching how they worked well together, and how they kept each other motivated and sane; as it seemed like hope dwindled each day of a early rescue.  I loved the discussion of Summer keeping the promise she made years ago and how Bray decided he wanted to be the kind of man worthy of her.  I totally loved their conversations and how they got to know each other and felt like the progression of the love and the story were done extremely well.

I enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to more books by the author.
 ★★★★1/2☆
It's a wonderful clean love story for those looking for that, and it carries a great message.
Happy Reading


Monday, May 18, 2015

Book #Review: Accidentally In Love With a ..God?? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff | Bewitching Bibliophile

Book Title: Accidentally In Love With A..God??
Author:  Mimi Jean Pamfiloff |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher:  Forever Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Fantasy
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $5.99
Pages: 294
How I got it: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Feb 17, 2012
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Synopsis:
Trapped for decades, a powerful god seeks freedom . . . and revenge. But the only thing that can save him is the passion of a woman's touch . . . Emma Keane is your average city girl trying to get a date. There's just one thing holding her back: the disembodied male voice speaking to her through her mind. Sound kind of crazy? Maybe. But crazy turns downright deadly when the voice persuades her to travel to the wilds of the Mayan jungle. There she will free his body-his incredibly hot, muscled, naked body. Humans are so frail, so undisciplined, so susceptible to love. And when this ancient being connects with Emma, the feelings she sparks drive him utterly mad. Protective, keep-her-close, never-let-her-go kind of mad. Which might not be such a bad thing because from the moment the beautiful, passionate Emma unshackles his body, they are hunted at every turn. Now he'll have to do everything in his power to keep her safe. But will it be enough?
This started off great, and then the female character got on my nerves because as the male character says, she is whiny.  Then again, he isn't much better, the only saving grace so far has been the story surrounding them. I did love that they were witty, spunky and that Emma when necessary could be relied on to do some funny as heck things, or say something outlandish.  I loved seeing Guy attempt to adapt to the modern world, especially to cell phones.

Guy's trapped in a well because he was an arrogant man who thought eh couldn't be harmed and his enemy managed to one up him.  He did a small ceremony that allowed him to follow a descendant and eventually when she passed on the spell jumped to another of her descendants, who he has talked to since she was a child.  Emma the descendant who is the only one who can hear Guy is being driven crazy by the hot voice i her head.  Guy ruins her every attempt at a 'normal' life and she wants to be done with him so she agrees to lie to her family and go off into a world where no one knows where she is to rescue a man she's never met, in a country she's unfamiliar with. Yeah nothing should go wrong at all.

This fantasy was at first really good, and I enjoyed it and laughed because well this was a new concept, I don't think anyone has ever thought of the gods in this fashion and that makes it pretty awesome actually.  Ok let's talk about what I loved, the characters were witty, and fun to read, when they weren't contradicting themselves. I loved that the story focused more on the mystery and gave the time for the story to unfold instead of it becoming a side piece to the romance.  I loved the world we are introduced to and the mythology she was building.

Let's talk about what didn't work for me. If I hear the name Tommasio one more time, I'm going to chuck my kindle across the effing room, seriously for a dude that's not the love interest he sure had a ton of screen time.  Also I really didn't feel it for the couple, they didn't seem to really be into each other, they spent 90 % of the book snarking at each other and calling each other hurtful names then BAM they are together. I'll admit it took a while for them to go there but nah I didn't feel like they really went together.  Separately they were hilarious people and they had some seriously witty and fun conversations and inner monologues but when they got together they fought over who was more Alpha in the relationship, the God or the puny human??

Guy (which isn't his real name) had a few moments where I thought she should have left him where she found him, especially because he kept calling her little girl. Yeah no, does nothing for me at all. i get that he's like 70000 years old but umm nope.  Then he would feel strongly for her then sometimes he would talk about her being whiny, which let's be really the girl whined a whole lot. I get why they both were the way they were, but each time they got the other's reason they would turn around and mess it up again, like didn't we just talk about this two seconds ago.  Also why the evasive maneuvers, every time Guy was supposed to share something he would clam up then not understand why Emma wanted to drop kick him across the room.  Then her crazy move to get revenge?? Really what are you doing?? How does that constitute revenge?? She stopped listening to the priest because she heard half a sentence and didn't move passed it. Yeah she got annoying fast. ESPECIALLY after she pulled the same move not once but TWICE, how many times are you going to do stupid stuff before you learn?? Right in the middle of a battle you decide to make stupid decisions, are you serious?? Especially when other people's lives depend on your decisions?? I'm too done with your idiot self.  Emma's head was way too far up her own butt way too many times for her to remain a likeable character, everything revolved around her according to her and she didn't see how it really didn't.

Emma would have moments of epiphany and understand Guy and why he did what he had to do to save her and her family and then she would turn around and throw it back in his face and not get it.  She was beyond naive and annoying with her back and forth whenever they got anywhere near each other.  She only ever believed him when others would tell her how amazing and wonderful he was and what he had done for humanity, then and only then would she think of someone else besides herself.  I'm not sure how stupid you have to be to not understand that your parents survival is more important than a small moment of comfort, the fact that she kept harping over the same shyt got on my nerves quickly.

Beyond those moments, I actually enjoyed the story, not so much the romance, but the glimpses of other characters, especially Cimil was wonderful. The story was great for laying the groundwork for the world and introducing us, but let's see how the others work out.  Yes I have the other book Accidentally In Love with A ..Vampire, I bought it before I finished this one.  I'm hoping that the kinks will be worked out before too long.

The romance of this one was tamer than most paranormal romances now a days, but I can't say I didn't like the couple coming together. I normally do like mine a little raunchier, but when they finally got there, it worked with the characters they had been written as, so yeah, it worked for them.

But about that ending though?? Never would have seen that coming.  Yeah even for a first book that was just so cruel to end on a cliffhanger like that. Cruel Mimi, just Cruel!!!

I'm going to read the second book (well because I already own it) and because it sounds good, maybe because it's already had the world created it will move faster.

This was a funny story with a few hinks thrown in but if you ignore those hinks this was actually really good.  It may not be burn rubber to get it, but I know if you're looking for some quirky paranormal romance that isn't too serious then I would recommend this.
★★★
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ~ It's Okay, check it out when you have a chance.
Have you read this series?? Share down below what you thought.  Happy Reading


Sunday, May 17, 2015

Series Spotlight & Excerpt #Giveaway : The Rules by Monica Murphy


You are going to LOVE this new series by Monica Murphy! We're celebrating the release of FAIR GAME! Join us in the fun!  I've shared my love of Fair Game already this week, but I'm so excited about this new series I thought I would highlight the whole series, especially because I'm just dying to read the other two books in the series.  If you have read it can we please gush in the comments together??  Also when you get to the end the giveaway link is listed, good luck to everyone and thanks for stopping by.

Book Title: Fair Game (The Rules 1)
Author: Monica Murphy |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Monica Murphy
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook
Cost: $3.99
Pages: 431
How I got it: Blog Tour Company
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo
Publication Date: May 12, 2015
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New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica
Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with
her husband and three children. She's a workaholic who loves her job. When
she's not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She
writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and
Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen
Erickson.
Excerpt
Bad enough Jade Frost's boyfriend drags her to a boring poker game. Even
worse that he actually threw her into the betting pot during an intense
round...and lost. Talk about the perfect excuse for Jade to make him her exboyfriend.
Now she supposedly belongs to the ultra rich, extremely gorgeous Shep
Prescott. He could have anything he wants yet he seems to be in hot pursuit of
her. No matter how rude, how snarky, how impossible she acts, it doesn't stop
him. More like her horrible behavior seems to make him want her more.
When she finds herself starting to fall for him, Jade's confused. There's more to
Shep than the carefree rich charmer he portrays. No way could he want a
serious relationship with her...or could he?

Excerpt:
“I hate Shepard Prescott.”
“Of course you do. Heaven forbid you’re normal and think he’s hot like
the rest of the female population on campus.” Kelli rolls her eyes, flicking her
long, perfectly wavy brown hair over her shoulder. I dodge out of the way
before all that glossy perfect hair smacks me in the face.
“Do you really think he’s hot?”
The pointed look Kelli sends my way is answer enough.
It doesn’t matter if I think or Kelli thinks he’s good looking because he
just is. There’s no denying that fact. But his arrogant attitude and smug
personality cancels out the sexiness.
“Seriously. He’s an asshole.” I stare at the back of the asshole’s head.
His hair is this streaked golden brown that almost looks like he paid for those
highlights, which I really hope he didn’t because oh my God, that would make
him even more pretentious. Though I’m sure he received those naturally
glorious blond streaks by sailing on his family’s yacht or whatever. Or perhaps
sunning himself on the beach during one of the many tropical vacations he no
doubt takes.
To say we run in different crowds is putting it mildly. He’s older than
me by two years. He’s in a frat and I’m not in a sorority. He’s rich as hell and I
am most assuredly not. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever for him to
know I exist and I’m fine with that.
Really.
“Even his name makes him sounds like an asshole. And his nickname is
stupid too. Shep.” I grimace. All rich dudes have stupid nicknames I swear.
“Sounds like a dog’s name. ‘Here boy. Here Shep. Mommy’s got a treat for
you’,” I sing song then roll my eyes. “Ridiculous.”
“I just bet Mommy’s got a treat for him,” Kelli says, her droll voice
dripping with sarcasm.
“Pfft. Please. He wishes.” I wave my hand, sending a cautious glance in
Shep’s direction. I may be mocking his ass but the last thing I want is for him
to actually hear me.
“You’re on a roll tonight aren’t you?” Kelli sounds bored. That’s
because we are bored. Holed up in a crappy little underground poker palace run
by the supposedly legendary gambler Shepard Prescott and all of his rich,
asshole friends. Our boyfriends brought us here so they could play against Shep
and his gambling posse because they have a reputation. As in, they bet big so
they tend to win big. But more often than not, they lose. Really big…
Our boyfriends are counting on the losing really big part.
“I can tolerate maybe two more rounds of this and then I’m walking,” I
mutter before I finish off the rest of the warm beer in my requisite red Solo cup.
Grimacing, I set the cup on the table behind me and heave a big sigh, earning a
quick glance from my boyfriend. Pretty sad he recognizes my irritated sighs but
we really haven’t been getting along lately so it’s no surprise. He flashes me a
tense smile before returning his gaze to the cards in his hand.
“He looks stressed.” Kelli nudges my side with her pointy elbow,
making me yelp. Does she sharpen those things or what? “Joel. Look at him.”
I’m looking at him. And she’s right. Joel does look stressed. What else is
new? “He’s been wearing that look a lot lately.” Lack of funds will do that to a
person. Instead of saving the money his parents gave him at the beginning of
the semester to bail him out since he lost his part time job, he went and blew it
on stupid stuff. Like that pair of designer sunglasses he promptly lost when he
was at one of those lake parties, got drunk and went swimming with them on.
In February.

My boyfriend doesn’t always make the best choices.
“He doesn’t have very many chips left either,” Kelli mentions, leaning in
close to me so she can see past Shep. But who can really see past that guy? He
has shoulders as broad as a mountain. And all that wild does he pay for
highlights or not hair that sort of springs up as if it has a mind of its own.
“Good. Maybe that means we can leave soon.” I grab my cup from the
table and bring it to my lips only to realize it’s empty and I frown. Not that I
want more warm beer but…
“Get her another.” Shep raises his hand above his head and snaps his
fingers, his finger pointed backward.
Right at me.

“How the hell did he do that?” I ask no one under my breath, glancing up
at the barely dressed girl who’s suddenly standing in front of me, fresh Solo
cup in hand outstretched toward me. I take the drink from her with a mumbled
thank you and she flashes me a toothy smile before she bounces away.
“Look.” Another nudge from Kelli’s pointy elbow—that should be an
illegal weapon—before she’s pointing at the wall across from us. There’s a
mirror mounted there.
And Shepard Prescott is looking right at us, a smug grin stretching his
lips wide, revealing perfect white teeth.
The Series Continues with 

IN THE DARK (Book 2) August 25, 2015
Stuck spending the summer with his screwed up family, Gabriel Walker is bored out of his mind and looking for an adventure. And he seems to find it with the hot girl who lives next door. The attraction between them is instant. Electric. Soon they’re spending every stolen minute together. Talk about the perfect summer fling…

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the maid who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

They don’t count on running into each other at college. Now Lucy must keep up the pretense of being a rich girl—and it’s exhausting. She knows she’s falling in love with Gabe and she’s scared he feels the same. Will he still care about her when he discovers the truth?
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SLOW PLAY (Book 3) November 3, 2015
Newly broke girl Alexandria Asher just wants to live a normal life. After her parents are sent to prison on embezzlement charges, she enrolls in college under her mother’s maiden name and tries her best to pretend she’s someone else.

Tristan Chadwick is everything Alex is trying to avoid. A seemingly egotistical, lazy, rich jerk, she dumps her beer on his head when he comes on to her one night at a party. This only spurs Tristan into action. He loves nothing more than a challenge. And the beautiful Alex is exactly the type of challenge that intrigues him.

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?

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Now for the fun stuff, Click below for the giveaway. Good Luck to all who enter!!

$100 iTunes Gift Card

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a501259514/?

This is going to be a long year, until I can get my hands on these two.  Have you read Fair Game yet?? Make sure to share your love with Monica on any and all social media sites!!