Blog Tour Book #Review: Nash ( A Marked Men 4)

Book Title: Nash (A Marked Men 4)
Author: Jay Crownover  |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $13.99

Pages: 400

How I got it: Blog Tour eARC

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 4/29/2014
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Synopsis:

Saint Ford’s life is exactly how she likes it—calm, serene, and all about work. Since she was a little girl all she wanted was to be a nurse, a caregiver. Not on her agenda: doing a back and forth dance with the guy who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember it—or her for that matter—but he changed her life forever . . . and now he’s trying to change it again. Nothing in Nash’s life is what he thought it was. And after a deeply buried secret about his family hits him like a one-two sucker punch, he has a lot to sort out. He absolutely doesn’t have time to try to figure out the sizzle between him and the hottie he keeps bumping into, or why she seems so desperate to avoid him. But Saint is far too pretty to ignore and much too kind for him to give up on without a fight. And just when she becomes the one person who can help him out of his tangled mess, Nash learns he may have given up his right to her heart years ago . . .

Jay pulled no punches when writing this book, this go around she changed up the formula a little and really changed the way I looked at all the Marked Men.  In a lot of these books the woman is the seriously strong one who makes the man change for their love, but this go around??? It was a great change, one I hadn't been expecting because I make it a point not to read the synopsis's on these books. I like going in and having the story unfold for me like it is for the characters.  Normally I don't read the beginning stuff before the book,but I'm so glad I did in the instance. Jay picked some wonderful quotes to share and of course shared quite a bit about herself that made me really love the story even more * and add her to one now favorite list of authors and must buy lists*.

Once again we're back in the world of Denver where the smoking hot Marked Men are working hard at making their lives the best they can be.  Our favorite background character Nash got the world's harshest surprise in Rome and is struggling to keep his head above water with the double news he got and a run in with his past.  I mean at the end of Rome, she really kicked the world off it's axis for Nash and didn't give us any hint how it would be righted, but did give us a little hope.

I really loved Saint, and I could totally relate to her issues of dealing with the past, body issues, social anxiety, a low self esteem and pessimistic outlook on life and love.  It's like someone told Jay my life. Normally I would want to shake the female character and demand she grow up but reading Saint was so real and raw and I totally understood her plight of holding onto the past or embracing the unknown future.  Her struggle was real, plus she's a freaking nurse, she like ahead of everyone else in every book just because of ( Yeah if you don't know by now I'm a medical professional with an eye on midwifery, I love reading books with women or men in my field).  I loved how confident she was in her field but struggled with accepting that she was just as amazing out of her comfort zone. And of course there is her home life. Le Sigh man Le Sigh.

Our hero Nash is well, perhaps the calmest of the Marked Men, and one of the most damaged ones from a young age.  Reading his mother's explanation of why she was the way she was I wanted to knock her block off, like really?? All of that to make your life comfortable?? I'm sure she has some pent up background story but really I don't give a f*ck; you tried to ruin a good young man & you allowed your a**hole husband free rein at doing the same. I should kick you.  Nash even though he had every reason to struggle was actually doing amazing & it had to do with the confidence instilled in him by Uncle Phil, his real family maybe shyt, but the one he built for himself was amazing.  Nash had the strongest sense of self, even with brief moments of doubt that made him real instead of too perfect.

I enjoyed reading their coming together story. While personally this story was less intense than Rule. less raunchy than Rome (at least to me) it carried a greater emotional impact for me.  Their love making scenes were sweet, raw & ground breaking (for both of them) and of course once again sent me running to wiki to double check the newest thing in my sphere. (I'm no vanilla, but learning about these piercings are fascinating and hell I'll admit really new, plus wiki has pictures y'all, pictures, that's way better than imagining it).  I loved how Nash worked to make Saint comfortable with him instead of overwhelming her; how Saint left the staid comfortable world behind to embrace everything he has to give (even if she was waiting for the other shoe to drop).

The expansion of their worlds as they embraced each other was great to read. Saint's awakening and creating a fulfilled life, not just because of Nash but in all aspects was beautiful.  I loved that she had a good life before she embraced Nash, she had the great relationship with her sister, and a wonderful calling that became a career, while her love life might have been semi dormant, everything else was going good.  She has a few issues she was working on, and that made her so real to me.

As we progressed we realized that the story of the other characters were included in a way that helped each of our new lovers move forward.  Learning about Asa I'm not going to lie, his speech?? Yeah I might be looking forward to reading his book and seeing if the woman I think is going to kick his butt into gear is really the one he gets.  I loved catching up with Rule & Casper, Cora & Rome, and even Jet & Ayd; seeing these characters continue to develop & expand on their lives is a really good treat.  It's amazing how they interact with in the story & grow and develop.

With the new shop opening up, we have a new character coming to town and bringing another of our men to his knees (I just know it's going to be rockabilly awesome).  We have new characters being introduced from the house & soon one is supposed to blow into town via the bar ( I hear she's trouble). And of course we're going to have six new artist to add to the Marked Clan, of course there is Zeb & Wheeler got mentioned so I'm wondering if they are going to be joining the crew too.  It's going to be interesting and I don't see leaving Denver anytime soon.

That's ok, I'm here for the long haul anyway and while we wait... I'm going to check out the new town over and discover the difference between Bad boys...and boys that are just bad.

 ★★★★★

I highly recommend the newest addition to the series, which is now available.
Happy Reading

Book #Review: Rome (A Marked Men Novel #3) .@JayCrownover

Book Title: Rome (A Marked Men Novel)
Author: Jay Crownover |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Romance/ New Adult
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $4.54

Pages: 387

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 1/7/2014
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Synopsis:

Sometimes the wrong choice can be just right . . . Fun and fearless, Cora Lewis knows how to keep her tattooed "bad boy" friends at the Marked in line. But beneath all that flash and sass is a broken heart. Cora won't let herself get burned again. She's waiting to fall in love with the perfect man—a baggage-free, drama-free guy ready for commitment. Then she meets Rome Archer. Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He's stubborn, rigid, and bossy. And he's returned from his final tour of duty more than a little broken. Rome's used to filling many roles: big brother, doting son, supersoldier—but none of those fit anymore. Now he's just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the dark demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer through it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes a blinding flash of color in a sea of gray.Perfect may not be in the cards, but perfectly imperfect could just last forever.

I cried.. I shed genuine tears while reading this book and when you read it you will see why.  I just... I can't wait to read Nash's story and about him and the mysterious nurse, but for now let's talk about my man Rome. The military guy who is struggling with his family grief and his secrets.

Rome is so wounded and just so in need of a shoulder and some serious love and non judgement and our girl Cara is here to apply for that position. I loved Rome, I liked Rule (I mean he's so badass how can you not) but I really loved Rome. I liked Jet just fine, but man oh man these moments between Cara and Rome really made me burn. They just burned up the sheets and the pages.

It's an amazing story and my words aren't doing it any justice, we catch up with all the Marked Men and their lives are all going great, we are introduced to a whole new slew of men, given a glimpse of love's redemptive power, shown what bitterness can cause, seen what real PTSD looks like and just generally given an amazing story.

I loved every moment of reading this story and stalled on finishing it because I just didn't want them to leave.  The characters are so emotive and fleshed out you can't help but to relate, understand and truly love them,  Cara has a lot of baggage and she's so kickass and hell bent on being strong that she almost destroys her own happiness.  Rome was struggling and didn't want anyone to know, but a kick ass biker took a chance on him ( the moment that made me tear up) and it gave him a sense of direction.

I loved how he and Cara worked at become 'normal'. how funny they were together, how hot they were for each other and just generally how much each character grew throuhgout the story.  I really loved the girls all being there for her and of course getting all in her business because that's what Cara would have done.

There are several moments that made me gasp because really I didn't see them coming, and I'm totally dying to know just exactly what did Cara's dad mean about knowing the whole story. What story and what does it have to do with my baby Nash??  Also that moment in the parking lot?? *sobs* Yeah don't ever do that to me again Jay, I can't take it, just don't scare me like that again.

But I will say I'm not sure if I'm ever going to be a fan of ASA, I'll read his story and see which poor girl gets stuck with him but I'm not sure if he even knows what being good looks like.  I'm not sure if I can forget all he did, nor am I sure I trust him, but Rome does and I trust Rome so I'm going to be nice and read it. Jay has done a wonderful job sharing her story with us and I loved every moment I got with Rome and Cara. Now where is Nash??

 ★★★★★

Happy Reading

Book #Review: Jet (A Marked Men Novel 2)

Book Title: Jet (Marked Men 2)
Author: Jay Crownover  |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 416

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 5/28/2013
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Synopsis:

With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire. Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships. Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?

This one gets another five stars, loved the whole story even though there were moments I wanted to shake Ayd, I could see why she was doing what she was doing. Especially when we learn her whole back story. Jet is a pretty good character too, well written with depth and made me like him, he took a little longer than Rule but he worked for it and I love him now.  I loved that they had their moment in Rule and they struggled to move on from it. Either move forward separately or to move on together.

I loved that it's written from each characters perspective so you see both sides and get a whole story instead of inside just one person's head. Meanwhile the story got to advance while giving each character a chance to grow and develop.  Jet had some seriously deep legitimate fears and after meeting his dad, I so don't blame him.  He struggles with living within the tight boundaries he's setup for himself due to his personal home life and I can totally see why he struggles with the boundaries Ayd tries to put up.

Ayd had a pretty rough life, constantly doing all she could to keep her family from falling apart especially because of the town she lived in she had a narrow definition of what she was cut out for. The past came back hard for her and I don't blame her for being so controlling even though she was breaking her own heart in the process. She hadn't forgiven herself, nor did she think she was worthy of love and because of it she hurt herself and Jet.  I loved that Rule, got in Jet's face after his little move on Valentine's Day, yeah that was a bit of an a**hat move Jet.  There are a few moments in the book where I wanted to push Jet off the stage, because well he earned it. But like Rule, he drags himself back from the brink of ain't shytness and makes you love him allover again.

The dynamics of the relationships were great to read, to see even though their story was one book ago, that Rule & Shaw were still working out the kinks and setting a great example for their friends. Jet's reaction to Ayd was great and their love was beautiful to read.  I just couldn't get enough of either of them.

This is a great follow up to the breakout Rule and I loved reading the interwoven stories and seeing the other characters and how they interacted with Jet & Ayd as well as seeing their stories be continued.  The development of new stories was also done well and in a way that made you want to read the next story. Of course I already purchased the next one. *Don't.gimmie.those.looks*. It was awesome reading this one and I have no regrets.
 ★★★★★

Get it Read it Love it!!
Happy Reading

#Review & #Giveaway: Reason Series (Books 1-4) CLOSED

Book Title: The Reason Series
Author: Zoey Derrick |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Zoey Derrick Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Complete Series
Format: ebook

Cost: $6.99

Pages: 634

How I got it: eARC via Wordsmith Publicity

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords ~~ Book 1 is FREE
Publication Date: Feb 2014
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Synopsis:

The Collection All four books in Zoey Derrick’s Best-Selling Paranormal Romance Give Me Reason Give Me Hope Give Me Desire Give Me Love Vivienne Callahan has known only hardship. As if growing up with an alcoholic, drug addicted mother wasn’t traumatic enough, she’s escaped from her physically and verbally abusive boyfriend only to struggle every day to make ends meet as a waitress in a Minneapolis diner. Along comes Mikah Blake…

Make sure to Follow the Tour to the other stops for excerpts, quotes, reviews & guest posts by clicking here

Amazon Best Selling Angels, Demons & Devils and Paranormal Author of Give Me Reason - The Reason Series Book One comes from Glendale, Arizona. Zoey, was a mortgage underwriter by day and is now a paranormal, romance and erotica novelist full-time. She writes stories as hot as the desert sun itself. It is this passion that drips off of her work, bringing excitement to anyone who enjoys a good and sensual love story.
 

Not only does she aim to take her readers on an erotic dance that lasts the night, it allows her to empty her mind of stories we all wish were true.
 Her stories are hopeful yet true to life, skillfully avoiding melodrama and the unrealistic, bringing her gripping Erotica only closer to the heart of those that dare dipping into it. 
 

The intimacy of her fantasies that she shares with her readers is thrilling and encouraging, climactic yet full of suspense. She is a loving mistress, up for anything, of which any reader is doomed to return to again and again.

I'm glad I read this as the full collection because it wasn't until the end that I realized that the 'chapters' were the actual books.  They flowed well with very little break so you didn't feel the change from each book.  They do however change perspective each time the book changes and that's kinda how you know it's a new book.  The first book is solely from Viv's pov, then the second from Mikah's then the third & forth from both their points of view with a few others thrown in.

I liked the build up to whatever was coming. Books I & 2 gave a great background story for each of the main characters, and book 3 had a few surprises thrown in that helped to change the perspectives of each character involved.  The introduction to their powers and what they were came with great reactions (somewhat realistic if you asked me).Book four completed the changes in perspective, as we learned some secrets that others were keeping.

Viv's life hasn't been easy and she's not at all down for taking charity from someone even though she's struggling pretty darn hard.  There were moments of reading Viv's life where I really felt for her, to be that broke and to be that alone has got to suck.  I've been college student broke, but she's on a whole other level of broke, she was pretty darn close to not making it work at all.  Having been dealt a really bad hand she's trying to take it one day at a time, which means she's not at all aware of all the help out there, nor is she thinking about what that bump means.  Life is pretty tough as it is, thinking too far ahead might just break her.  Enter in Mikah, who is following a hunch which leads him right to the diner that Viv works, not knowing what else to do, he starts coming back and even bringing a few of his friends.  Viv is numb and hiding from the truth of her condition, but slowly with Mikah's constant attention she progresses towards hope.

I liked book one & two, because it was a great story of recovering from trauma, of learning to lean on others, learning to trust, and even going beyond what you thought was your fate. There are growing pains, as Viv isn't used to trusting and she sometimes overreacts to simple things & way under reacts to the big things.   I liked the story as the first two books laid it out: them growing together, healing, and getting rid of the bad guy.  Miakh is a guy who is used to getting what he wants, having suffered a bit in his personal life, he does what he can to help those in need. he has a feeling that draws him to the diner to where Viv is and he can't stop himself from trying to help.  His insistence on helping, makes Viv nervous because she's only ever know 'kindness with a price'. And Mickah doesn't know how to back down when he sees someone in need.

Then book three somethings happened and it kinds got weird.  I'll be honest I really didn't know what the whole series was about so the paranormal aspect was kinda new to me.  (Although it's been popping up throughout the whole novel book three takes it to a whole other level)  For me the addition of a certain character as a way to explain some of the earlier things going on in her life was kinda out of left field, because up until now, it's just been because humans suck, now it's someone else entirely. The reveal was weird and just didn't gel for me.

Once this character is revealed, Viv's whole story changes, it's no longer about her just learning to love and go beyond merely existing, she's all of a sudden the "biggest most important thing ever". Even with this transition change, it was still good enough to keep me entertained and engaged; the vagueness of the reasoning of why these things were happening kinda threw me, heck even the characters called out certain people for their vague answers.  Because it was so vague, the third book kinda dragged, there was no real action, very little character progress, just the mundane changes of their development. Although they grew more as a couple in book three and really began to explore who they were to each other. And I mean really explore each other!! The chemistry that's been banked before comes roaring to life in this book.

I did like Mikah, however I felt after a while like he wasn't a realistic portrayal of a guy. He felt too 'perfect' his reactions after a while became way too "just exactly" what they should be, maybe because he's grown up knowing the stories. I don't know, but it just after a while didn't feel like a guy, at least not an Alpha man, who by his age had turned his business into something so successful.  He started off great, strong, Alpha, then he kinda just became like a half version of himself (if that makes sense).  In books one and two he was really strong, and yet struggling with the changes in his life, after a while it became almost like the struggle never happened, he would say it, but nothing about his demeanor showed it.

In book four we begin to see the full spectrum of the story, and who each character really is and how they affect the full arc of the story.  Each person in their lives become a little more important than before, secrets are revealed, intrigue happens, someone get punished for stepping out of line, and shyt gets real.  We see the full growth potential in Mikah & Viv,and even though she's really grown as a character, she still has her moments of complete stubbornness.(and I'm here for it!!)

In the end I felt the books were great as a whole, however taken individually I would have personally skipped reading book three (although to be fair it would have been hard to know what was happening in four without book three). Book four gave a good conclusion to the story of Viv & Mikah, however it left room for I guess the other characters, as new questions and new romances were introduced before the end of the story.  There were a few plot holes, questions and characters that were not followed up on so I'm left wondering if there is going to be more  It should be interesting to see where the author takes this plot.

★★★1/2☆☆

And now it's time for the Giveaway, Best of Luck to everyone!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

eARC given to me via 

Children's #Review: The Last Akaway (Brody Boondoggle 1)

Book Title:The Last Akaway
Author:  Gary Karton |Website| 

Publisher: Brattle Publishing Group
Genre: Children's Fiction
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: ebook, hardcover

Cost: $3/99 Z$11.

Pages: 273

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 3/22/2014
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Synopsis:

What’s an Akaway? An Akaway is a rare and magical creature that connects you to your spirit animal. Once you’ve connected, you have all the special powers that your spirit animal possesses. But those powers are in serious jeopardy when the diabolical Uncle Skeeta tricks 11-year-old Brody Boondoggle into helping him steal the Akaway’s spirit. Now, aided by his skeptical big brother, Jake, and guided by his quirky Grammy, Brody must lead the way on an adventure to defeat Uncle Skeeta, save the last Akaway, and protect the special powers of kids everywhere.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I read this book to my four year old Goddaughter J who absolutely loved it. We read it at night time for a bout 4 days, with about 50 pages per day except the last day we actually started reading earlier and finished the story.  She ran around asking what is an akaway to everyone just so she could crack the joke.  I enjoyed seeing the way she and her brother determined what creatures powers they had that day.

I believe it's engaging enough to hold the attention of young children and certainly entertained both J and her older 10 year old brother, who helped to read to her.  The story is good and the moral of the story is clearly written in and completed in this book. I liked that it was a mystery, and an adventure book that encouraged children to explore the outside world.

The characters are written in a way that allowed the children to see them however they wanted (race wise, since how they looked wasn't mentioned).  The few illustrations made it interesting, I personally loved the chapter titles which kind of let you know what was going to happen.

Gary wrote in a way the younger children could understand and even had the explanations written for them.  My goddaughter J got a kick out of the Akaway joke and so did her brother.  I will be getting the book for him as well as any others that come out.

I think this books is great for children who maybe a little too invested in staying inside. It made the natural world a place to be, a place to want to save and a place of magical adventure.  As a pagan I truly enjoyed the book for what it was trying to teach.  There aren't too many books written for those of us in the 'alternative' lifestyle, the green moms, the homesteaders, the earth worshipers (you know those some call hippies/hipsters/new agey). Although I'm sure * or I don't think he intended to* the author didn't intend to write for us, this is a great book for those of those subcultures to read to their kids, because it speaks to many of our ideals.

I highly recommend this one and suggest getting the package with the animal necklace, or even making the necklace with your children so that it's something to bond over.  I think this is a book any parent would enjoy their children reading.

 ★★★★☆

Happy Reading & May you have many blessed adventures!!!

#Review: What the Greek's Money Can't Buy ( Untameable Greeks 1)

Book Title: What the Greek's Money Can't Buy
Author: Maya Blake |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre:Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $4.99

Pages: 193

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 3/18/2014
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Synopsis:

The forbidden tastes all the sweeter… Oil magnate Sakis Pantelides always gets what he wants -- after all, he's drop-dead gorgeous, powerful and wealthy beyond words. But the one thing he can't have is his stunning assistant, Brianna Moneypenny -- because she's the only woman this cynical Greek can trust. But when an international crisis throws them together 24/7, intriguingly buttoned-up Brianna reveals a sensual hunger that rivals his own, and he realizes just what he's been denying himself for so long. But when his perfect PA's secret is discovered, will he pay the price for taking what he wants?

A cute story, it flowed well and pretty quickly. A nice little snack between larger books, this was a good read featuring hot alpha Greek men & the strong stubborn woman who didn't want to but really loved him.

In this go around we meet the ever efficient Brianna Moneypenny (yes, that's really her name) who was everything her boss needed to keep his head above water and keep his business running. I loved that Brianna made herself over despite her rather rough beginning. I loved that she had tattoos and they were good reminders of her past, but gave her hope for the future as well. It was a harsh lesson learnt but one she wasn't going to repeat. Stakes was also a man with a rough beginning even though he came from money it didn't stop his life from going haywire. When he realizes he needs Moneypenny for more than keeping him sane at work, he goes to the tilt to make her realize he's serious.

His idea of therapy was both hilarious (because really??) & sweet but it totally worked for them. It gave them a chance to be just themselves and relax without feeling pressured into a relationship which would have sent Brianna running. We do learn the truth about Brianna's past, the full story of Stakis' family drama and of course face a modern foe. There are a few heart wrenching moments, a few smoking hot rop the sheets moments and a few OMG I totally love it she's a lucky woman moments. And of course there are the What the Heck is wrong with him, why are you so dumb moments too. All in all it's a good story.

And of course he's got two brothers so there are going to be two more good stories lined up for us with even more hot alpha Greek men *swoon*. I always love these Harlequin Desire books because they are great fast reads with contemporary women living and loving in a fast paced world.

These always give me great stories, wonderful plot lines, smoking hot love and a good ending generally.  I won't lie there have been some duds through the years, but this is the first of this author I'm reading & I enjoyed her writing style and story line, I'm going to check her out again. I always pick these up when I need a quick read and a quick smile because the endings always make me smile.

 

3 1/2 Witch Hats: Engaging Plot with well rounded and well written characters. It's a good story to add to your TBR Pile and recommended read for the genre. It's not too heavy a subject matter & great read for it's kind, if there are sequels I will be checking them out. 

It earned the hats, I'll be checking out the other brothers when they come out.  
Happy Reading

Blog Tour #Review: Sex & The Single Vamp

Book Title: Sex & The Single Vamp
Author: Robin Covington |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Entangled Covet
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: ebook

Cost: $0.99

Pages: 143

How I got it: Blog Tour

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 3/24/2014
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Synopsis:

Cici Trent, vampire and media darling, spends her days finding true love for humans and supernaturals (the "Others") at her dating agency. But someone is trying to sabotage her business and she needs help. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the one who broke her still-beating heart two hundred fifty-four years ago. 
Deacon is a patient vampire. He’s only loved one woman in over three hundred years— CiCi— and she chose another. So when she shows up in his office asking for help, he finally has the chance to lay that demon to rest. He’ll help her, but for a price—a night in his bed. 
Adrenaline, mischief, and a little late-night B&E light the passion that even a couple of lifetimes couldn’t put out. But Deacon has a secret and when Cici is suddenly mortal, his deception might be the only way restore her immortality. Can love bridge the gap between a heartbeat and forever?

I couldn't put this down. I didn't want to put this down, for a book under 200 pages, it really manages to build a great world and a really great romance.  It's fun, quirky, funny, so sensual and smoking hot that I just couldn't wait to continue reading. This reminded me of old school Katie McAlister & Kerrlyn Sparks, modern Others in the human world and they are funny as hell.  Deacon was amazing and so hot, a but slow but hot. I mean I get why he did it, but damn son, have some self love.  Cici was a woman after my own heart, if you can't beat 'em for now join 'em then move on. Or not.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story. ( I feel like I say that a lot, but it's true, so far this year I've enjoyed a lot of the books I have read including this one).  This was just a fun story and as I was reading I kept thinking she's a lucky woman.  I loved that when faced with heartbreak she decided to help others instead of hiding away and dying slowly.  Not having the happily ever after that she wanted she created a match making business to help others find their own happiness.  Which was funny when you found out her nickname. Felicity has done so much for others than when given the chance to take something for herself this time she doesn't hesitate.

Deacon has given Cici the last two hundred years to find another and make herself truly happy, it is what he can do since he failed her, even though she broke his heart by rejecting him.  Boy oh Boy does Deacon have it coming to him, he's so clueless when it comes to Felicity.  I loved his best friend Andy and the life he was leading, even his debauched friend Antonio ( who I totally thought of as Eric, yeah now that's a nice image *drools*.. wait what were doing..ok sorry back to the review).

I loved how Deacon and Cici had history & secrets & still had a smoking hot chemistry between them.Their story moved through history and made them a couple before they became a couple.  Although the explosive secret Deacon was keeping totally warranted her reaction.  At the end I was happy the way the story turnout out, even though for a few minutes there I might have teared up at the emotions expressed. I kinda figured out who the villain was before that, but I'm a suspicious gal ( plus I read tons of suspense/mysteries) I give everyone the side eye until the end of the story

I loved the little re-write to history that made this story plausible and made it fun and great to read.  I wish this was a series so we can see what happens to Grand Fey Mya ( who I love by the way) & to Andy and even Rodriguez.  I enjoyed the jaunt into this world and the hottest that was Deacon & Cici together.  Their adventures were well worth the lack of sleep to finish it because I started it late at night ( why do I do this to myself??).  Check out the excerpt to see why it's so hot.

Excerpt

He rose from his perch on the desk, straightening to his full height, and pressing as much of it as he could against her body. She stiffened at first contact, but as they stood and stared at each other, her body melted into his, softening and warming with the heat they created by just being in the same room. He moved his hand from her chin, skimming the soft skin of her jaw until he speared his fingers into the silken titian strands of her hair.    They were slippery and cool against his skin as he burrowed in and palmed her head, tugging her forward. His movements were fueled by need and less smooth than he normally used in the seduction of women, but this was Cici in front of him with her full breasts pressed against his chest and her lips parting on a sound somewhere between a whimper and a sigh. “I think…” She licked her lips, the wetness triggering a response in him that made his knees buckle slightly. “I think you might be exaggerating this attraction between us.” “Oh really?” He let his fangs descend, the tension in his body screaming for some release—screaming for her blood. But he never engaged in blood play. It was too intimate for him, a connection with another person that he had no interest in making. Sex was fun. Sex was hot and dirty and very over once the sweat cooled on your skin. But Cici made him want to sink fang and cock into her so deep they were one body. He wouldn’t allow it, but the need was distractingly powerful. “Happy.” He murmured his nickname for her against the warm column of her neck, his fangs grazing lightly as he blazed a trail of kisses up to her ear. She shivered, her small hands clutching at his shirt and dragging him closer, her legs parting slightly, skirt riding higher, to allow him to insert his thigh between hers and wedge their bodies together. His dick, hard and aching, pressed against her core as they humped slowly in an ancient rhythm that felt new with her. He whispered in her ear. “You are a woman who has pretended to be other people for your country. You have stolen, betrayed, and killed to protect others. You are brave, smart, and proud.” He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, the flash of blue resembling the purest part of flame. “You’re not a coward or a liar.” Deacon kissed her then, his mouth coaxing the truth from her that her pride would not let her admit. She opened to him immediately and he took what she offered. His tongue swept inside her mouth, tangling with hers before he retreated to run a fang along the tender skin on the inside of her lower lip. Cici gasped, her hands traveling from his shirt to tangle in his hair, her tug not so gentle as she dragged his mouth his mouth back to hers. This time she led the possession, taking him with a rough need that contradicted her earlier words. He palmed her ass, the skirt riding up high enough for him to feel smooth skin and give him the fantasy-inducing knowledge that she wore a thong. Cici rode his thigh, the kiss becoming messier and more carnal with each passing second. Deacon wanted to reach down, unzip his cargo pants, and free his heavy length from its current place of strangling torture. It would take no time to push aside her flimsy excuse for underwear and slide inside until she covered him with her warmth. Now was not the time. His entire crew was just outside of her shitty excuse for a security door and he would not be caught with his pants around his ankles by one of his men. He pulled back reluctantly, breaking the physical connection, but unable to do anything to sever the tether of emotion that tied them together. Cici stumbled backward on her high heels, catching herself on the small conference table behind her. She looked dazed, aroused, and delicious. “You. Wet and willing. In my bed.” He licked his lips, tasting her as he willed his fangs to recede. “Anything less than that and I will go mad. You get me?” She nodded. “Yes. I get you.” “No more lies about how we don’t have to do this, that we don’t want to do this.” He could hear Andy walking toward the office down the hallway, but this needed to be said once and for all. “No lies between us as long as your life is in danger. Agreed?” “Agreed.” Cici looked as if she’d just signed away her soul to the devil. He knew what that felt like; he’d done just that two hundred and thirty-nine years ago.

I enjoyed it enough to put it on my favorites to re-read collection and I can't wait to read more from the author.

 ★★★★★

I highly recommend!!
Enjoy & Happy Reading

#Review: Ask Me For More ( A Homeland Book)

Book Title: Ask Me For More (Homeland Book 2)
Author: Elise K Ackers |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Penguin Australia
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.73

Pages: 134

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Kobo | Publisher
Publication Date: june 2013
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Synopsis:

When Olivia Law returns home for her best friend's wedding, it stirs up a lot of unexpected memories – not all of them good ones. Liv has a history here she'd prefer to forget, and a life in the city she wants to get back to. She certainly doesn't expect to find herself attracted to the bride's elder brother, Cal O'Hara. Cal remembers Liv as the trouble making friend of his little sister. He doesn't expect to be faced with an incredibly sexy grown-up version. But Cal has been hurt in the past and is not prepared to risk his heart again. Certainly not for someone who is leaving town in a few days. Nothing is certain in this delicious tale about escaping the past. Ask Me for More is a poignant story about finding love where you least expect it.

This is the second book in the series. Unfortunately I didn't know that when I picked it up I simply liked the sound of it and grabbed it.  Unlike the third one (yes I read the third one before reading the second) this one relied heavily on the relationships from the previous book. I was a little lost as to who all the characters were at first and wasn't really feeling it. I put it aside and came back, it took a while to come back into it and learn who all the people were, once the slew of characters kind of backed off to just them it became a little easier to read and get back into.

I liked them as a couple, and the story moved well and actually was pretty good.  I liked that apparently it was the continuation of the first book (which I haven't read) because those characters took a lot of time in this book as well.  We also got to see the friendship between the main male characters especially Dean who I loved in the third book.

I loved the story of their love because it was sweet and moved fast.  The opening of their hearts started with a little dog, and that was cute.  Their previous heartbreak just made it easier for them to spot the good stuff when it came along which really made them even better together.  Sam was a little too nosy for a sibling but it was cute none the less.  As I was reading I kept cracking up at how fast she kept trying to run in the other direction of the wedding planning.

This book reminded me of why I disliked small towns, and also why I loved them, the friends are key to loving a small town, but small town sometimes do equal small minds and this town is well very small.

The development of characters was good and the story flowed well. I guess it would have been better if I was 1) from Australia and could therefore understand the lingo better 2) or had traveled to the sections of the country being mentioned.  I used to watch McLeod's Daughters so I knew some of the lingo and this kinda reminded me of the show, how it seemed like the couple were friends one minute and in love the next.

I liked it fine, would have probably loved it if I was from Australia, but it was still ok.  I recommend it because the love is universal and the issues getting there are ones anyone would understand.  Very sweet story.
 ★★★1/2☆☆

Happy Reading

#Review: Wrecked ( An ArrowHart College Novel)

Book Title: Wrecked ( An ArrowHart College Novel)
Author: Priscilla West |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Blackbird Publishing
Genre:New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, 

Cost: $9.99, $2.99 Nook, 

Pages: 286

How I got it: eARC via NetGalley 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: 12/6/2013
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Synopsis:

“There would be no happy ending for us. He was too damaged. I was too broken.” Two years ago, Lorrie’s mother was murdered. But that wasn’t the end of it. Reeling from the tragedy, Lorrie’s father spiraled into alcohol, depression, and finally suicide. The two most important people in Lorrie’s life are both gone but she’s still alive. Trying to recover from the tragedy, Lorrie returns to campus, ready to pick up the pieces of her life. All Lorrie wants is to get back to “normal.” Then she meets Hunter. The man, the legend, “The Hammer.” Hunter is a cage fighter who takes on every fight like he’s got nothing to lose. His life is a tangled mess of girls, booze, and fist fights. And while it may seem like he’s got a devil-may-care attitude, he’s fighting a private cage-match with a monster he can’t defeat. Lorrie knows that Hunter is exactly the type of guy she should stay away from, especially in her fragile state, but Hunter has other ideas. As Hunter and Lorrie grow closer together, will they be able to overcome their pain and heal each other? Or will they both end up wrecked?

This was an impulsive click on NetGalley for me, I have the author's other books on my queue of books to read, as this has a pretty solid four stars on goodreads and a few of my fave and trusted reviewers like it; so of course I wanted to read it. As I said before I see the ratings, but I don't read the reviews until I'm either half way through and have an opinion or I'm struggling with the book and want to see if others had the sane problem.  This one I'm glad I didn't read the reviews. I liked going in with no preconceived notions.

The story starts of fast then slows down and then crawls for a while before it picks up right before it finishes, since I was already so invested I went ahead and bought the next book *yes once again I broke the ban but whatevs I'm reading aren't I??*.  I enjoyed the story enough to want to know the ending, I personally thought she could have made this one large book especially because for literally the first half of the book it was just boring ground laying stuff.

Question for y'all since when did fight club move to college?? This is like the third or fourth new adult novel I've read where the character is a boxer/fighter/ MMA fighter. Is this a way of showing how bad boy the male protagonist is supposed to be?? I just don't understand the trend but hey at least in this one he's legit instead of underground fights.  As a character he was clearly a woman's interpretation of a man, there were many times he said something that I wanted to laugh like, how many young guys do you know who really talk like this?? Yeah not too many or maybe even none at all.  We didn't really have a read on him until the very end of the book (at 90%) is when he began sharing his side of the story and we begin to learn why he is the way he is.  And that's kinda when he went from a flat character there for the female to lean on to being a bit more of a full character himself.

For about 50 percent of the book we have Lorrie denying that she had any feelings for him at all and really the way she was written, it clearly didn't appear to be any feelings.  I kinda don't like Lorrie, who tells him she doesn't want to be anything but friends but then gets hella jealous when he dates other girls.  She holds rumors about his life above his head but yet demands he not listen to the rumors about her.  I get why she's confused and out of focus I mean really her life went to hell in a hand~basket and she was left with the fallout of other people's mistakes and selfishness, but ummm why are you punishing him?? He didn't do anything to you.  While I get her hesitancy towards dating when she isn't ready, why be his friend if you know you have feelings??

I kinda got frustrated reading this book, because we spent so much time in Lorrie's head, and getting the story from her POV, she was way self centered, wanting him to be there for her but not really giving him a chance, like how was he supposed to know something was wrong when you haven't told him your last name.  I just wanted to shake her and tell her to take her head out of her hindparts, especially because you claim to love him but don't really talk to him about important things.

I really felt like there was more going on than she knew about.  I, of course, as we are supposed to disliked Ava, but I totally got why Ava went in on her because really Lorrie you are too self centered to be a good girlfriend. I don't think they had a shot because Lorrie was hell bent on not being in a relationship and when we learn Hunter's secret we see why he was holding back too & quite frankly his was way more important to them moving on as a couple than hers was. With both of them hiding important parts of themselves back they never really had a chance.  Add in friends who are concerned but won't share what they really know and you just have a clusterf*ck of foolishness masquerading as a relationship.

Once we hit the second half of the book the story really took off and got way better, the character development really began to come together and we learnt more about each of them and their lives together. I personally loved how well they worked together once they moved from friends to lovers.  I really really liked reading their love making scenes, because they were sweet and sexy.  There were a few moments I had to re-read to make sure I wasn't making it up, there were a few awkward to read scenes in there, they didn't really flow as well as the rest of the story.

Other than a thin plot point to get them coming together often what was the point of the kittens??  I would have liked for their friends to be described more, a little more background on each of them, giving us clearer picture of them would have been nice as well.  I doubt I could truly describe how anyone but Hunter looks because she barely describes herself.  Her aunt and uncle are also only thin flat characters, we know they took her in, but what do they really do, how do they look, how are you related, was your aunt you dad's sister, or your mom's sister. There were so many ways to make the story richer and fuller that were left on the wayside in a attempt to get to the romance of the two of them.

Even though I was frustrated with both characters, I did enjoy reading the story. Enough to get the second book and I'm going to read that soon as well.  Overall the story felt a little disjointed and I was left feeling confused and frustrated, but then again so was Lorrie so maybe that's what we're supposed to feel?? IDK but I'm going to go read Rescued now and let you know what I think of that later.
 ★★★☆☆

Happy Reading

#Review: Dial M for Menage

Book Title: Dial M for Menage
Author: Emily Ryan~ Davis  |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Erotica Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 150

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 2/3/2014
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Synopsis:

Katrina Holland began the new year by waking up with two men in her bed. Introducing marine Hunter Croft into her marriage was passionate and explosive—for Katrina and her husband Liam. But now that the honeymoon period is over and they've returned to the real world, can this arrangement ever work? Liam Holland thought he had it all—a beautiful wife, great home, and a solid career. Only one thing—one man—eluded him. When he saw an opportunity to grab Hunter, Liam reached out with both hands, determined not to let go. But as the first rush of passion fades, Liam must identify exactly how far he's willing to go to keep Hunter a part of their lives. Hunter needs something only Liam and Kat can give him. But while he's willing to change some aspects of his life to be with the couple, he's a marine before all else. When a reassignment means relocation, he'll need to move on—with or without his two lovers. See how Kat, Liam and Hunter's love began in Ménage on 34th Street.

I was super excited to see that there was a follow up to the novella Menage on 34th Street.  I was intrigued enough to request it and see how the trio had made due & how they were getting on after the tete of the Christmas reunion.

I enjoyed this story and loved how well written each of the characters were. I felt however, like there were a few questions not answered, which makes me wonder if there is supposed to be another book. After their reunion Hunter made them aware what he needed from them and they attempted to comply, however the reality is a little more complex than any of them had expected.

Liam is still dealing with his background and struggling not to let old fears and doubts come between him and his lovers, however the past won't stay there & each attempt to ignore it only puts pressure on him.  I liked Liam as a character most of the time, however he had moments where I wasn't a fan at all.  In dealing with his foster sister and ignoring his wife's feelings on the matter, he was allowing the sister to step in between them. I get he feels responsible for her but there comes a time when a person has to stand on their own, if they know you're always going to intervene they never have to learn.  Liam wanted the trio but when he has to change things in his life becomes a bit resentful in a way that makes me wonder what the heck he thought was going to happen.

Hunter was struggling with hiding his non conventional relationship and maintaining his standards for the military. He was a Marine and that to him mattered greatly, because it was in the Marines that he found himself.  Even though he loved his partners he also needed the comfort of his career, he was however at times left feeling as if he visiting instead of being a full third. I liked the tension brought into the relationship and the story as a third coming into an established duo, even though there was history there, it was still him coming in after they had found their rhythm as a couple instead of all of them coming together.  It made it interesting and intriguing enough for me to fly through the pages.

Katrina wanted whatever she needed to keep her relationships going. She saw the cracks but wasn't willing to fully face them, because she was afraid of losing either of the men she loved.  Kat was both a strong character and an foolish one, there were moments she should have put her foot down & she didn't, moments to push & she let the issue go, not from knowing it was right but because she wanted the easier path.  Katrina/Kat eventually made the push to get them all together.  I really loved how emotive the story was.  I felt for her when she had to face those moments of what would happen to all her dreams if Hunter wasn't interested in the dreams she and Liam had dreamt together.  That moment made me really feel for her and love her at the same time.

I enjoyed how the trio strove to fit in all their needs while honoring the relationship.  The military aspect made the relationship very different from a regular menage and I enjoyed reading it.  The things that we normally take for granted weren't something they could take for granted & that was very eye opening.  I loved that it wasn't easy that it was something they had to work on.  The boundaries that were necessary, and the story they would need to be seen as 'normal'  made for a great background tension that helped them grow as a poly`triangle & as individuals.  I loved the tension between Lian ad Hunter, due to their approaches to how they handle Kat as an individual and as a unit, Liam learning to not make decisions for everyone was a great lesson to read.

I wanted to know more about the relationship between Liam & his foster sister. I also wanted more background from all the characters.  I enjoyed the story, but felt like we could have used more information on their lives before and how it really set them up to be the characters they are now.

It was enjoyable and a good start if this is going to be a series, if not it was still a good read especially when they were all together.  Even though this is listed as an erotica, I felt that the story took over and made it more of a love story with a few really good and raunchy scenes.  I loved it as such, because the emotions made the raunchy scenes that much more.
 ★★★★1/2☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★★★ *Extra Steamy: great story with an excellent plot, amazing sex scenes*

I suggest making space on your TBR pile for this series, especially if you love a good bit of hot m/m action.
Happy Reading