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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Book #Review: Seized by Seduction (The Protectors 2) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: Seized By Seduction ( The Protectors 2)
Author:  Brenda JacksonWebsiteTwitterFacebook
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Romantic Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, mass market
Cost: $5.99
Pages: 400
How I got it: Purchased 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: April 25th, 2017
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
One glance is all it takes

From the moment his eyes meet hers across the crime-scene tape, ex-con turned bodyguard Quasar Patterson knows he has to see the mysterious Dr. Randi Fuller again. She's a renowned psychic investigator who can foresee danger for others, but not for herself. That makes Quasar doubly determined to watch over her—the closer, the better—as she's drawn into a dangerous gang rivalry.

Both her psychic gift and their blinding chemistry tell Randi that she and Quasar are fated to be entwined. Even as they surrender to the heat between them, there's no guarantee of a happily-ever-after now that an enemy has her in his sights. And claiming a future will take more than Quasar's strength and skill. If he can't risk the heart he's always held in check, they'll both lose for good…
I actually listened to the audio of this book and anything Ron reads I'm going to be listening to, my gawd that man's voice is everything. Just amazing.

I absolutely loved this one. Quasar was one of my favorite guys from the trio once we were introduced to them. He's funny and hell bent on making a life for himself that doesn't diminish his past but also isn't built around it either.  Having made changes while in prison and having created the beginnings of a new family for himself he isn't afraid of love so much as not willing to give his heart again after his last betrayal.  Randi herself has dealt with people doubting her abilities for as long as she has had them, she herself hadn't wanted the gift she was being given but when she's made to take the time to learn more about her gift and herself she comes out of the crisis a better woman, a woman who knows who she is and what she wants from her life.

These two met because of Randi's involvement with the case in Forged in Desire.  Her skills helped to save the life of a few people and helped bring the case to somewhat of a close. Having had a vision that she and the two other women she met on the case would one day be close she's not surprised when she realizes that will happen because of Quaser. Unlike him she's aware that they are fated to be together but she must allow Quasar the time he needs to come to the same conclusion and she must let the path they are on play out on it's own, she can't influence him or they won't end up together. (Talk about pressure) They have instant chemistry and Randi knows she has to deal with this the right way for her to end up with the love of a lifetime, but Quasar has to want it too, and for now he's only seeking to find out how deep this attraction goes.  Unlike most people she meets Randi can't read Quasar and this means he's a mystery to her.

I loved the way this unfolded. I loved that she was psychic because we don't often see black psychics in romantic thrillers/ suspense. I was so excited to read this story and loved it all the way to the end. I yelled at the book, talk back to the book, and had to fan myself a few times. This was one hell of a roller coaster of a ride. Every time I thought "nah, it really can't be that bad, maybe he misconstrued...oh.. wait .. nah he right they trash"  I was so addicted to seeing he common threads which tied back to the Granger series as well.  The criminals in this were savvy and went even deeper than anyone believed. Cases from years before became even more interconnected and we learned just how far some will go to line their pockets.

Randi is also a behavioral psychologist so she's not just relying on her gift to help her solve the crimes and this makes her even more dangerous to some. Called out to help with a potential gang war, Randi walks into the middle of a conspiracy with deeper ties than anyone is aware of.  Quasar follows Randi out there under the guise of seeing his family because his dad is insisting that they all need to come together around his brother who is announcing his candidacy for office.  Quasar would rather eat rusty nails but he goes because he's not willing to leave Randi unprotected, something in him tells him she's going to need him.  While there and getting to know her he's realizing this woman is even more different than he previously realized and this doesn't just intrigue him it makes him want to unravel the puzzle that is her.  There is so much that happens to make this one hell of a story, from the past unraveling for Quasar, to Randi understanding the depth of her talents. I just couldn't believe how much happened.

While working the case and getting to know each other they take on their pasts, challenge each other and of course rock each other's worlds. I loved every second of it.  I found myself hooked to the very last page, just dying to know and then very satisfied with the ending.  I highly recommend my loves, especially if you love a little paranormal in your mystery thriller.
 ★★★★☆
Series In Order
RECOMMENDATIONS
Happy Reading my loves, 

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

ARC Book #Review: Forged in Desire (The Protectors Series by Brenda Jackson #netgalley

Book Title: Forged In Desire (The Protectors # 1)
Author:  Brenda JacksonWebsiteTwitterFacebook
Publisher:  HQN Books
Genre: Romantic Thriller/ Mystery Suspense/ African American Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $5.99
Pages: 416
How I got it: ARC from NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: February 01, 2017
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Strong enough to protect her. Bold enough to love her.

When good girl Margo Connelly becomes Lamar "Striker" Jennings's latest assignment, she knows she's in trouble. And not just because he's been hired to protect her from an underworld criminal. The reformed bad boy's appeal is breaching all her defenses, and as the threats against her increase, Margo isn't sure which is more dangerous: the gangster targeting her, or the far too alluring protector tempting her to let loose.

Though Striker's now living on the right side of the law, he's convinced his troubled past keeps Margo out of his league. But physical chemistry explodes into full-blown passion when they go on the run together. Surrendering to desire could be a deadly distraction—or finally prove that he's the only man qualified to keep her safe, and win her love.
This is a spin off of the Granger series which featured the family of a man accused of murdering his wife and he was incarcirated wrongly. These men are some of the men he "adopted" while incarcerated and made a difference in their lives; with his help they fought for a change to their convictions or accepted their charges and improved their circumstances while in jail.  I absolutely loved that Brenda gave these men who aided the Grangers in their hour of need their own stories. In Captivated by Love we were left on a bit of a cliffhanger and I couldn't wait to see what happened.

This is the story of Striker who as a teen had his dream life in the palm of his hand and then a decision to put his little brother in a place he should have been safe comes back to haunt him. With the need to avenge his brother riding him he makes a decision that will impact his life and ends his dreams. Left with the guilt of failing his family Striker is in jail hellbent on making everyone feel his pain until Shep steps in to help him deal with his issues, he's not here for it though and it takes a while for Shep's influence to really make a difference but once it does, life changes for Striker. Fast forward a few years and he's here as a protector working with the men he met in jail and formed a bond with. and have built a business with. He's given a case to protect the niece of his best friend, except she's unaware they are related and he has to keep that under wraps as well.  He thought this would be a pretty easy gig, until the door opens and he's faced with a woman who hits all the right buttons for him and he's wondering if he'll be able to actually do his job and keep his attraction in check.

Margo comes from tragedy but has managed to live a great life, even if her Uncle is a little too over protective. She had done her civic duty and helped put away a man who was a career criminal with seriously bad ties to all kinds of bad people. When found guilty he puts a hit out on everyone in the court room, no one takes him seriously until bodies start hitting the floor and now everyone is scrambling to get into protective custody or hire bodyguards. Margo doesn't think she's going to be that high up the list of people killed so she's not as worried as her Uncle is and isn't very happy when he goes over her head and hires someone to protect her, but the alternative of living with him and his new girlfriend gives her nightmare so she'll suck it up and deal.  When the man meant to protect her walks in she's floored by her attraction to him and how good he looks.

As the circumstances heat up and more people are being killed Striker makes her aware that they are going to have to make changes to how she does things.  As a dress designer with a new bride who needs her dress by the end of the year, Margo can't give up her life because of a mad man, she'll make on the changes she needs to keep herself alive but she's not giving up her whole life.  As people who should have been well hidden begin to turn up dead they realize this is even bigger than a mad man who is flexing his power. This means there is some deep corruption within the ranks of the FBI and the local police and to help combat that they bring in a known behavioral scientist who also happens to be psychic to aide in the capture of this killer and those aiding him.

I loved how the mystery began to unfold and how we learned just what was happening why everyone seemed to be in danger. It appeared for a while that the criminal was going to win as so many were dying and the cops couldn't seem to get a bead on who was doing the work. I loved the relationship that developed between Striker and Margo. They had so much chemistry and tried their best to keep it professional but once they fell?? Girl get you a fan because my man Striker loves nothing more than working his woman from top to bottom ok?? Margo has never had this good. She is coming from a recent break up with a man who thought he was god's gift to women and treated her as less than, now back home she's surprised by the strength of her attraction to Striker and how well he treats her and makes her want.  With everything in her life in upheaval with this murderer on the loose she's finding that Striker is one of the few steady things she can rely on.

I loved how this all played together. I loved the romance between them was so hot and wild. They were brought together because of the circumstances but found they actually like each other. There are so many different little plot points that are coming together and I loved it all.  Margo led a more exciting life than she truly knew and I loved how it all was resolved.  Striker was an amazing character and the reason he was in jail sucked so bad. It impacted his life and how he viewed relationships and yet when given a chance to make a change he embraces it. I love their friendships and how close they were to their families (found family or otherwise) Striker and the men were hilarious and their witty comebacks aided in making this a great story. And that ending??? Girl!! Loved it.

I loved the mystery here and how it pulled on strings from the previous stories and how it laid the ground work for the rest of the series. I'm looking forward to more from the Protectors and can't wait for each of the stories. I highly recommend my loves, get you some.
 ★★★★1/2☆
Series In Order
RECOMMENDATIONS
Happy Reading my loves, 

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

ARC Book #Review: Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction by Carol Marinelli #SecretPrincesChristmasSeduction #NetGalley

Book Title:  Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction
Author:  Carol Marinelli Twitter|  
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, Mass Market 
Cost: $5.25
Pages: 256
How I got it: Publisher via NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: November 19th, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Claimed by the prince

For Christmas or forever?

Sicilian chambermaid Antonietta prides herself on her discretion, so she’s mortified by her inappropriate reaction to her hotel’s newest guest! Antonietta has no idea Rafael is the notorious prince of Tulano. All she knows is that his touch lights her up more brightly than a Christmas tree.

Their unexpected connection floors cynical Rafe. All he can offer is a temporary festive seduction before resuming his royal duties. But unwrapping the precious gift of Antonietta’s virginity changes everything. Rafe must choose—his crown, or Antonietta…
Antonietta returns home to Sicily after fleeing on her wedding day 5 years ago. Her family hadn't listened when she starting raising objections and went ahead with the arranged marriage and because she fled they have been holding a grudge ever since. She's home hoping her time away gave them a chance to forgive her and will welcome her home for the holidays.  To help her out her best friend has gotten her hired at her husband's newest hotel in their home town, there she will work part time as a chambermaid in the luxury suites and train the rest of the time as a massage therapist.

Not one for gossip she's unaware of the significance of the hotel's newest guest, when she's assigned to his room. Rafe is there to recover from a recent skiing accident that he can't allow the people of his country to learn about. Tired of being regulated to the life of a playboy he's been pushing for more responsibility from his father as Prince of his people, however his father has one stipulation and Rafe cannot abide by it. One of Rafe's best friend has given him a place to recuperate and rethink things. While there he finds himself drawn to Antonietta who meets none of the standards his family requires for a future queen but he himself can't get her out of his mind.

As time goes by and he heals and gets to know the woman who is  here to make his stay more comfortable he is forced to re-evaluate what he expects for his future. I really enjoyed how slowly they built this relationship. Even with their attraction they took the time to get to be friends first, Rafe especially was uncertain with how this friendship could develop and where it would lead. As the pressure mounts for him to make a choice Rafe realizes he doesn't want to be like his father. When given a choice he makes the best for himself. To be honest I was prepared for that, I kind of expected the story to be just a fling I should have remembered I'm reading a romance novel and HEA are guaranteed.

The friendships are what really help this story along. I loved that her best friend tries to help her and make her confront what is happening with her family and see it realistically. I loved that she's a safe haven for Antonietta and is a great sounding board as well.  I am enjoying how much these new romances challenge our beliefs about what a heroine can be and how they can fall in love. It's a sweet Christmas romance that makes Antonietta face what makes a 'family" especially because her own isn't the best.

I loved how sweet they were together and how Antonietta embraced her new life and the changes she wanted for herself.
 ★★★☆
Happy Reading my loves, 

Monday, November 25, 2019

ARC Book #Review: Boy In Luv (In Luv Duet # 2) by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

Book Title: Boy In Luv ( In Luv Duet)
Author:  Jay Crownover |WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagram
Author: Rebecca Yarros |WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagram
Publisher: 
Jay Crownover LLC
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, Trade paperback
Cost: $Free w/ Kindle Unlimited. 
Pages: 195
How I got it: ARC From Author
Purchase: Amazon |
Publication Date: October 21, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Distance sure as hell made his heart grow fonder… But it shattered hers into a million pieces.

Langley Vaughn knows she's never going to make the same mistake again.

Who falls head over heels in love in a week? Langley did, and she's regretted it every day since she handed her heart to a boy with too many secrets and too much baggage. Iker doesn't fit into Langley's world, and he made it clear he doesn't want to. He left before she even got a chance to try and change his mind or to prove to him how good they could be together. Langley's spent the last nine months healing her heart and making big plans for the future. Plans that absolutely don't include Iker… even though he's back, looking better than ever, and saying all the right things.

Iker Alvarez knows he made the biggest mistake of his life.

At first, the pretty blonde in the red dress was nothing more than a means to an end. But, she quickly became so much more. As soon as Iker walked away from Langley, claiming it was for her own good, he knew he screwed up. He left her so she wouldn't worry about him when he deployed, so she wouldn't waste her time waiting around for a guy who was never going to be good enough for her. Only, nine months and a deployment later, Iker still can't get Langley out of his head… and he totally underestimated the hold she has on his hardened heart. He's a guy who's not sure how love should work, or how to go about winning his girl back…he's about to get a crash course in both.
This one picks up right where Girl In Luv left off. It's been a few months since Iker made his move and since that fateful weekend, now he's been rotated home from his assignment overseas and he had realized his mistake in making the choice for them but will Langley???

As this story picks up a few months after the events of Girl in Luv and is being told mainly from Iker's POV.   We learn that pushing people away is a special skill of his.  Learning to navigate this world with Langley in it but not really in it, is hard for him. He realized too late that he was being very much like the people in her life in making the decision for her instead of with her. When he gets back Langley has shown that she's moved on and the news devastates Iker. He's proud of all her recent accomplishments bit when he realizes one of the decisions she's made without him means leaving him behind he's willing to fight to get what he wants.  Hr's not sure how to do this as he's never been in love before and he wants to protect her as he plans to remain in the military and he's always believed it to be too much to ask someone to wait for you.

Langley was devastated the morning after the wedding and finding that letter. She's pushed her way through her studies and is graduating. She's found herself the perfect opportunity to use her degree and it takes her away from town and from all the memories, except now Iker is here and she doesn't know how to navigate this space. She's always been open and trusting and Iker's betrayal showed her she shouldn't trust as easily even if Iker is giving her everything she had wished for, it's too late or is it??

It's funny to see the roles reversed here, int he first one it was Iker with a secret and now it's Langley. I loved that even though she missed him, she moved on, she made some changes and focused in on school. While her time with Iker had been brief he had made some lasting impressions on her. I loved that Langley was such a badass like she didn't breakdown, she just kept going despite the blow he'd dealt her.  I loved that her life was just as full as before and she's made changes that enhance it even more. I enjoyed the back and forth between them and the way in which Iker tries to regain the ground he lost when he made his decision in book 1.

I loved seeing his family in here and learning more about him and the people he'd been willing to date a stranger for.  Due to his family history, Iker isn't used to relying on others, he's always been the one to step up and to be vulnerable with Langley lets him learn about the gaps he'd created with his family. I enjoyed seeing both sides of their families, especially Langley's. The changes form book 1 were pretty good and even if it for me it's eff them bitches for life, I'm glad that there was a good resolution to it.  I loved the tension and how it's eventually resolved because for me it was touch and go there for a few. I didn't know if Iker was going to make it.

There is so much I want to gush about but I don't want to spoil you. Definitely read it and come back my loves so we can talk about it. It's a fantastic romance that talks about so many real things without trying too hard and becoming bogged down. It's a well done interracial romance that doesn't *other* the person of color and finds ways to wind his culture in without it being a glaring 'see we have a person of color in here'.  I loved when they talked about the differences between them from culture to socio-economic classes and how it affected them personally and as a couple. I loved that Iker was career military so that would impact who they became and what they could do.  And that it was a part of the tension in the relationship. It was well done and I loved the discussions they had to have because of it. Of course, it's not a Jay Corwonover romance if the sexual tension doesn't leap off the page and singe you when they are together.  Smoking hot tatted man and just to die for sex scenes?? It's the Crownover brand and I loved every second of it.
 ★★★★☆ 
Series In Order
RECOMMENDATIONS
Happy Reading my loves, 

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Stacking The Shelves (2019) #28:: The NetGalley Edition

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page! Stacking The Shelves now has a new host and check out that new image!!

Hi my loves

I'm back with a few more advanced readers copies that I got access to via NetGalley. I was invited to a few of them that I felt I couldn't turn down (they just sounded so good) and then one of my fave authors sent the arcs to the review team so I'm going to be reading that as well.

From Author:

The Bear's Fated Mate ( Borealis Bears# 2)  by Vivian Arend
Published November 19th by Arend Publishing 
Synopsis:
He’s going to pick someone perfectly wrong for him—because fate isn’t in charge of his world!

A stand alone title in a brand-new shifter trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Vivian Arend.

As head of security for the family company, polar bear shifter Alex Borealis has intel warning something big is about to happen. His prime suspect? Tantalizing, infuriating Lara Lazuli, youngest daughter of Borealis Gems’ main competitor. But when mating fever hits, he decides she’s the perfect one to turn to. They’ve got chemistry hot enough to melt the polar ice caps, but he doesn’t trust her enough for a permanent connection to form.

Being with Alex is one step shy of torture for Lara. As a wolf shifter, she scented the truth the instant she met him months ago—he’s her mate. But she’s not about to trap anyone into being with her, especially not a man who thinks she’s up to no good. Add in her own suspicions of wrong-doing in her pack and Lara’s caught between heaven and hell.

But tangled sheets lead to real communication, and a bond of friendship forms that neither expected. When Lara asks for help, Alex finds himself living in the pack house, scaring off random Alpha wolves and fighting at her side.

Because the mating fever knows a thing or two about fate and forever.

NetGalley:
Non-Ficiton:
Coming from St Martin's Press in January:
 
The Calling ( 3 Fundamental Shifts to Stay True, Get Pai & Do Good) by Rha Goddess  Publishing on Jan 21, 2020

All The F*cking Mistakes ( A Guide to Sex, Love & Life) by Gigi Eagle Publishing on Jan 21, 2020

The Warrior Heart Practice ( A Simple Process to Transform Confusion into Clarity & Pain into Peace) by HeatherAsh Amara  Publishing Jan 07, 2020

Fiction/ Romance
Dukes Actually (12 Dukes of Christma # 5 ) by Erica Ridley Published: October 22, 2019 by Webmotion
Things She's Seen by Pat Esden Published: October 22, 2019 by Lyrical Press (Kensington Books)

And there you have it. These are going to be great books to read int he next few weeks. What'd you get in your haul this week?? Share in the comments down below and I'll see you next week.

Happy Reading & Haulin' my loves

Thursday, November 21, 2019

ARC Book #Review: Girl In Luv (In Luv Duet) by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros


Book Title: Girl In Luv ( In Luv Duet)
Author:  Jay Crownover |WebsiteTwitterFacebook| Instagram
Author: Rebecca Yarros |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram
Publisher:
Jay Crownover LLC
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, paperback
Cost: $8.50/ Free on Kindle Unlimited 
Pages: 203
How I got it: Author for Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon |
Publication Date: October 20th, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Langley Vaughn is in desperate need of a date.

But not just any date.
She’s looking for a date to the wedding from hell. It isn’t every day you’re forced to be in the bridal party while your first love marries your arch nemesis… otherwise known as the world’s worst stepsister. The entire situation is a nightmare, and Langley is sick and tired of taking orders and forcing a fake smile. She’s done being the bad guy when she was the one who was wronged.

She needs to find a date who’s not afraid of her family’s money and someone who is willing to shake things up. She needs someone outside of her normal social circle, someone ready to go to war with the well-to-do. She needs someone who won’t back down. Someone willing to play the complicated game of tug of war she’s been engaged in with her family for years.

Never in a million years did she think she was going to stumble across her very own heroic heartthrob when she set her crazy plan in motion.

Not only does Iker show up for her time and time again, he also forced her to finally fight for herself.

He says he’s only there for the money… but his actions speak so much louder than his words.


Iker Alvarez would do anything and everything to get his hands on some quick cash.

Not just any cash, but enough to make sure his younger brother gets into the college of his dreams.

Thank goodness for a desperate, pretty little rich girl with too much money and her heart set on an outrageous scheme. Being in the right place at the right time might just be the answer to both of their prayers — and this smart soldier has never let a golden opportunity slide by.

Iker doesn’t mind coming to Langley’s rescue and being her plus-one… as long as the price is right.

Only, he didn’t plan on liking the blonde socialite as much as he does. He is totally unprepared for the pull he feels toward her, coupled with his growing desire to protect her from the vultures and villains living under the same roof.

He wants to be the guy who keeps her safe and gives her the courage to fight back that she obviously needs… But someone else, someone far more powerful and influential than Langley’s wealthy family, has dibs on Iker’s time and on his future. He knows he isn’t the guy Langley can count on in the long run, but damn if he doesn’t want to do everything in his power to be that man.
I absolutely loved this romance. Written with these two amazing authors it was an emotional ride that was also fun, funny, sexy and all kinds of crazy.  it's an unconventional love story that moves you while making you cry, yell at the protags and want so much for them to really say what's on their hearts instead of doing stupid face saving things UGH!!!!

Langley comes from a family with money, but her mother passed away years ago and when her father grieved she almost lost him as well. When her father meets a woman who seems to make him want to live she's so grateful she ignores that the woman isn't nice to her, but it's been years and the stepmother makes Cruella Deville seem tame, she and her daughter are horrid, selfish, self centered and honestly the worst of what women can become.  So much so that her stepsister stole her boyfriend and now they are engaged to be married and she's being forced to be part of the wedding to please her stepmother.  Listen, I immediately wanted to pop that woman in the mouth, You trying me and I ain't the one. Langley is the nicest person because the hell I would be in this at all.

Given the circumstances Langley hatches a plan to find someone to ruin her stepmother's plan to humiliate her and in the middle of doing so meets a man worth all the trouble. Iker's only here because he heard the rich girl who was slumming it make an offer he can't refuse, it has nothing to do with the way her eyes make him feel. He's going to do this because it will make a huge difference in his family's life.

While mascaraing as her date he realizes that her life while it might look nice from the outside it is however a nest of vipers on the inside. As the events between the wedding must be endured Iker and Langley work to make their fake relationship appear real. They begin to get to know each other and as the people around them unravel when they see Langley appear to be happy the more Iker wants to protect her. The two work together to make Iker appear as the 'worst' kind of date she could have brought while at the same time disrupting her stepmother and stepsister's plan to make her miserable.

I absolutely loved the story and how it all unfolded. I cackled when Iker and Langley met, because really these are the precautions my friends and I take, we send each other the profiles and the images of people we are with all the time. It made me lol ( I mean we can talk later about the fact that Langley was taking all kinds of risks with drunk strangers but that's for later).  Iker was sweet and just so funny, and I loved that Langley was a realist about her situation and about life. She's working her way through college and has dreams that are almost within her grasp, she just needs to make it through this wedding and she will be golden.  I personally can't relate to family like that, and they are truly trash for the way they treat her, and it's sad that this woman believes that she is worth so much but accepts so little in return for the 'glory' of the mirage.

I really got sucked into the writing and it flowed so well you couldn't tell it was two separate authors creating the love story. I loved Iker and Langley as characters. I really enjoyed how they connected even though they didn't want to. They kept trying to keep it light while sinking deep.




As the last few chapters unfolded I was rooting for them and begging Iker to not be stupid but as he said the agreement was for a weekend. Langley's reaction was perfect and so realistic. I was hooked and couldn't wait to dive right into the second book Boy In Luv. I can't wait to see how this all develops.  
 ★★★★☆
Series In Order
  • Girl In Luv  # 1
  • Boy In Luv # 2
RECOMMENDATIONS
Happy Reading my loves, 

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

ARC Book #Review: The Girl in 6E (Deanna Madden # 1) by A. R Torre'

Book Title: The Girl In 6E (Deanna Madden # 1)
Author:  A.R. Torre' |Website| Facebook| Instagram
Publisher: Orion
Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Mystery
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: Trade Paperback 
Cost: $9.99
Pages: 352
How I got it: ARC from BEA 2013
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: April 2013
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
I haven't touched a human in three years. That seems like it would be a difficult task, but it's not. Not anymore, thanks to the internet.

I am, quite possibly, the most popular recluse ever. Not many shut-ins have a 200-member fan club, a bank account in the seven-figure range, and hundreds of men lining up to pay for undivided attention.

They get satisfaction, I get a distraction. Their secret desires are nothing compared to why I hide... my lust for blood, my love of death.

Taking their money is easy. Keeping all these secrets... one is bound to escape.

What if you hid yourself away because all you could think of was killing? And what if one girl's life was depending on you venturing into society?

Enter a world of lies, thrills, fears, and all desires, in this original thriller from A. R. Torre.
This one took me a while to read because I wasn't originally int he mood for a thriller, I put it down then eventually picked it up and dived right back in. I know I love Alexandra's writing so I knew once I was ready I would be able to dive in and enjoy it. I will say that at the beginning while the story is being set up Deanna repeated a lot of her ideas about herself and this bogged the story a little. 

This story is being marketed * at least by those who loved it and recommend it* as for fans of Dexter and since I've never seen that show I wasn't sure how I would handle it I enjoyed it. I didn't understand why she believed what she did when she only thought about it. The way she was hyping it up you would have thought she's been out her slaying all day but nope. Having survived a nightmare from her childhood and believing herself to be like the killer due to her fascination with it she's locked herself away and even seeks therapy but doesn't share all the information she really needs to so she can get all the help she really needs.  

As the story progresses we learn more about Deanna who had put herself in self-imposed exile and then began working as a cam girl in hopes of earning an income. She wanted to occupy herself away from society and yet she didn't move into the middle of nowhere she lived in a building with people and paid others through their vices to help control herself. She's got a bit of a crush on the UPS man but she knows nothing can come of it.  She begins to get uneasy about a client (rightfully so) and what they had as their fantasy and when she found out a child is missing she decides to leave the apartment for the first time in years. It doesn't go as planned as she hasn't counted that she's stronger in her mind than in real life and when she challenges a the UPS guy for his truck he's able to subdue her fairly quickly.   *I cackled so hard, cause not so big and bad now huh??* Deanna is a pretty likable character once you begin to really get to know her. I understood her reasoning for not going to the cops right away and even when she does they don't take her seriously  *because duh* so she decides to take matters into her own hands. 

I absolutely loved what happened when she went to 'rescue' that little girl. Fantasy and reality are two different things and just because you believe something about yourself doesn't make it real.  I think she needs a few good hours with a therapist and to be genuine with them and cut the shyt.   I understand her belief that her ideation could be considered odd and concerning from a law enforcement perspective if she had an actual target in mind, which she doesn't.  Deanna is made to face some home truths about herself and her situation. While the mystery timeline is going on, we also have the UPS driver who actually has a fascination with her because he's been delivering for years and never gets to see her and when he does he realizes she's an even bigger mystery than he thought.  He's fascinated and his family is intrigued by his obsession with the mystery woman.  I thought they were pretty interesting together. Deanna is an intriguing character and I just know there are going to be repercussions from her actions in this book and I can't wait to see it all shakedown. 

This isn't a romance and beyond her job as a cam girl there isn't any sex, and yet it kept me intrigued. The slow revelations of who Deanna is and what shaped her to be this woman and wondering how it's all going to come out. Especially now that she has this attraction to the UPS guy, how will she handle her obsession?? 

I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series.
Happy Reading my loves,
 ★★★★☆
Series In Order
  • The Girl In 6E
  • Do Not Disturb # 2
  • If You Dare # 3
RECOMMENDATIONS
Happy Reading my loves, 

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Book #Review: The Melendez Forgotten Marriage by Melanie Milburne

Book Title: The Melendez Forgotten Marriage (Bride On Approval)
Author:  Melanie Milburne |WebsiteTwitterFacebook| Pinterest
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Standalone 
Format: Mass Market 
Cost: $4.75
Pages: 186
How I got it: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: July 2010
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
When fragile Emelia awoke from her coma she had no recollection of the strikingly handsome man before her, whose eyes glittered like fine-cut gems--hard and impenetrable. But he aroused "something" within her....Javier MelĂ©ndez had wed Emelia for convenience and bedded her for pleasure. The rules in place during their marriage had suited him perfectly, and he'd ensured his trophy wife adhered to them.... But as Emelia's memory slowly returned, she seemed to be laboring under a misapprehension...that their marriage was based on love! 
This story begins with Emelia waking up in the hospital not knowing where she was or what happened to her. She had been in an accident and when they make her aware of the date and that her husband was outside waiting she begins to panic because it appears she's forgotten the past two years of her life. How could she have forgotten the smoking hot and intense man standing by her bed???

Javier was furious with his wife but he couldn't let her know that he has to play it cool and give her time. It wouldn't do for him to be angry with a woman who states she can't remember him or their entire relationship.  When Emelia gets to their home she's shocked to discover the woman she has become. Perhaps that's why she's forgotten her life?? She's become a woman she doesn't recognize and the house she lives in is clearly not her home because there are no signs of her in it. What had happened to her??

I ended up giving this one a solid three, it's ok. I felt it could have been better if it had had the time to challenge the issues they had. Emelia was a woman who had made herself into the woman she believed Javier wanted instead of being herself and when she finally couldn't deal anymore she cracked and their marriage became rocky.  Having a major blowout with Javier about what she really wanted and having him shut her down was the final straw for her.  Throughout this novel, I just couldn't see why she felt she was somehow the victim. You went into this relationship with your eyes wide open and denied who you were and what you really wanted but were angry with your partner for not knowing that the person you presented yourself isn't the real you. How he supposed to know girl?? You don't even know what you want.

Both Javier and Emelia went into the relationship with hidden agendas beyond what was stated and they agreed upon. Javier clearly stated he didn't want children and she figured he would change his mind. Errm not how that works, if it's a maybe then yeah but a solid No?? You just asking for hurt.  They kept circling around the same issues with little advancement then by the end it's all solved. I do like that they have a few big discussions about why their relationship wasn't working as they originally wanted. Both of them were honest and worked towards the goal of staying married but for a good chunk of the book, they kept having the same issues and couldn't see each other's side.  I loved how much she really embraced herself and refused to continue like she had before. Not with his staff and certainly not with his sister.  While her memory loss complicated some things little things were retained like her ability to speak and understand his native language, even if she couldn't remember him or any of the other things about them.

I know it doesn't sound like I enjoyed myself but I actually did. In the parts that the story worked, it worked well and the characters flowed. I personally know no one was going to talk to me like the two women did and keep their lips attached to their faces but that's just me. I did like how it was all resolved and did enjoy the romance of it all. I loved how Emelia was trying to find out who she had become and decided what parts of that woman she wanted to keep and what she would leave behind.  She certainly gained a backbone due to the accident.
 ★★★☆
Favorite Harlequin Presents Authors:
  • Charlotte Lamb
  • Lynne Graham
  • Sandra Marton
  • Caitlin Crews
  • Jacqueline Baird
  • Sarah Morgan
Happy Reading my loves, 

Monday, November 18, 2019

Blog Tour & #Giveaway: The Rebel King ( All The King's Men Duet) by Kennedy Ryan .@Kennedyrwrites .@jennw23

Hello my loves, today is a blog tour post for Kennedy Ryan, last month I shared about the first book in the duet coming out and being free on kindle unlimited, well guess what?? The second THE REBEL KING is out now and you can read this one as well, cause it's finally here!!! I'm so excited, there are all kinds of links and info in the post so make sure to scroll and take a looksie.  There is even a giveaway for one lucky winner, make sure to enter. I can't wait to finish this baby and share my thoughts!!

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“Every time I think Kennedy Ryan can’t possibly raise the bar any further, she proves me wrong in the most delightful way possible. Lennix left me breathless. Maxim stole my heart.” — Katee Robert, New York Times Bestselling Author

The Rebel King, the stunning, beautiful conclusion to the All The King’s Men Duet, from USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is available now! Get ready for a binge read!



Ambition. Revenge. Love.
REBEL_KING_FINAL.jpgRITA® Award-winning author Kennedy Ryan delivers the gripping conclusion to the All the King’s Men Duet.
Raised to resist. Bred to fight. Survival is in my blood and surrender is never an option.
Though surrender is what Maxim Cade demanded of my body and heart, I had other plans. We were fast-burning fascination and combustible chemistry, but the man I trusted with everything was a trickster. A thief who stole my love. If what we had was a lie, why did it feel so real? The man I swore to hate will have it all, and wants me at his side. But power is a game, and we’re the pawns and players.
Facing insurmountable odds, will we win the world, or will we lose it all?
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Download your copy of THE REBEL KING today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2W69Umr
Start the duet with THE KINGMAKER today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/KingmakerKR
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2o7sNbZ
Add the All The King’s Men Duet to your Goodreads Shelf: http://bit.ly/2OxStYL
THE REBEL KING TEASER 1

THE KINGMAKER is available on audio!

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Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/2JGHUki
Listen to an audio sample from The Kingmaker: http://bit.ly/2K10MdX
Receive an email as soon as THE REBEL KING is available on audio!
Enter Kennedy’s giveaway for a chance to win a $100 gift card: http://bit.ly/2XtW3ak

About Kennedy

KR W Bckg Verti USA Today bestseller, RITA® Award Winner and Top 25 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy Ryan writes about women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine and Frolic, Kennedy’s writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Atlanta Autism families, she has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for families living with autism.
Connect with Kennedy
 Website:

Good Luck my loves & always
Happy Reading

Friday, November 15, 2019

Book #Review: A Princess In Theory (Reluctant Royals 1) by Alyssa Cole .@alyssacolelit

Book Title: A Princess In Theory ( Reluctant Royals 1)
Author: Alyssa Cole |WebsiteTwitterInstagram
Publisher: AVON
Genre: Romance, Black Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $7.99
Pages: 389
How I got it: Purchased 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?
This is the beginning of a wonderful series. Ledi gets the kind of email she normally marks as spam. She's not sure why she hasn't blocked the emails that claims she's promised to the future King of Thesolo, but the emails have become more persistent in the past few weeks. Ledi is a stubborn young woman who grew up in the system and she's managed to make it into a tough graduate program where she puts up with a lazy TA who passes all his work off to her and claims the credit. She can't afford to make waves so she deals. One night while working her second job her trainee arrives late and then is a disaster, there is no way he's the man who he says he is on paper.  After she has to fire him she sees him staying in her apartment building and before she knows it she's helping him and slowly falling for him.

Thabiso is on a mission to find his missing intended. They were betrothed as children and it's now time for them to reconnect and fulfill their contract. What he didn't expect was this young woman who clearly doesn't remember her home country, the language or the culture. He had been under the impression her family ran away to live high on the hog in the US instead he finds Ledi alone. He wasn't prepared for the woman he found, and not just that she's not at all interested in him for his crown because she doesn't know who he is, this is a novelty for him, having someone share their unbiased unfiltered opinion and he's addicted.  Even though his adviser Likotsi keeps warning him about his subterfuge he doesn't care, he's getting to know Ledi and she has no barriers up and he finds himself falling for her. Until one night when Ledi shows up where he didn't expect her and his secret is exposed.

This had one of my favorite tropes, and I loved how their meet cute happened.  That moment was so hilarious ( as a former server I can tell you it was legit). I loved the development of the story and how much the two characters struggled to determine if their feelings were legit. This is the first time I'm reading Alyssa's writing and I have to say she does a fantastic job of making the characters real and relatable. Ledi could have been any of the girls in my group chat. She was so relatable in her drive to succeed and her desire to create a better life for herself. I loved the way she loved her friends and didn't judge even though she was worried about Portia. While her family life was non existent she had begun to create her own kind of family with her friends. I loved found family stories.

When given the opportunity to explore and go for her dream she takes the opportunity even if it means leaving everything she knew behind. I am in love with the country of Thesolo, where their religion is based on a Goddess and she influences every aspect of their lives. This book had smoldering sexy times and great commentary on relationships. Thabiso is everything I would look for in a partner and I loved that even with everything he had to offer he wasn't arrogant when it came to Ledi, because he realized with her nothing was guaranteed and he actually had to work for it. For Ledi she was trying to understand what her parents would have been thinking in leaving a community they clearly were deeply ingrained in. She also has to decide if she's capable of doing all that would be required of her as a princess and if that would go with what she has determined her purpose in life to be.  As she begins to explore and learn about her place in Thesolo it appears that a new epidemic is taking hold, people are getting sick in a way she's never seen before and this is something she can handle. While she may know nothing about being a Princess or talking with royalty she's comfortable in the lab and she can do what she can to help her newly discovered country.

I loved that not only was this a romance that required the couple to learn more about each other and overcome their preconceived notions of the other. It also had some tension due to the circumstances surrounding Ledi's family mystery;  the new disease that seems to be spreading in their country and of course Ledi's welcome or not so welcome presence in the country.  Her return has upset the plans of a few people determined to have access to power and they aren't above getting what they want by any means necessary.

I loved how clear the consent was and just how freaking modern everything was. I've read a ton of romance books and reading Alyssa's writing made me fall in love with the genre all over again.  The characters were so well written and made you want to protect them, yell at them when they did something stupid and root for them when they finally figured it all out.

I think I'm in love with Alyssa's writing and I can't wait to see what the other stories have in store for me.
 ★★★★
Series In Order
RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Alisha Rai
  • Rebekah Weatherspoon
Happy Reading my loves,