Book #Review: Owning Violet (Fowler Sisters 1) by Monica Murphy .@msmonicamurphy .@SullandPartners

Book Title: Owning Violet (Fowler Sisters 1)
Author:  Monica Murphy |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $4.27

Pages: 400

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Publication Date: Dec 12, 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase—that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves. I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I. Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul. My everything.

I bought this book simply because it's by Monica and I loved the first two books in her One Week Girlfriend series. I was pumped when I learned she was coming out with new books. When I picked this book up I almost didn't finish it, I bought it in december when it came out and didn't read it until march ;because the first chapter I read the male protagonist was a complete jerk, & was hanging out with a total a**hole.  And I wasn't down for the way it was being set up, but I should have remembered Monica is a wonderful storyteller, and trusted that it was going to be good.

Then I went online to goodreads and saw some good reviews from friends, and decided to give it a chance.  And I'm so glad I decided to go back in. This is one of the few times when doing so has actually panned out.  First of all, the book deals with an office romance that hot as heck and two characters who are working to move beyond what they know of themselves and what others want from them.  I loved the character development and boy did Ryder need to grow the eff up.

As we moved through the book we realized Violet has let life happen to her because of past things,she didn't want to rock the boat too much, not after what happened. Her dad was and is an a**hat for not supporting his daughter.  I loved that even though the Violet we first meet, who is a bit of a mouse who put up with being cheated on because her dad liked the guy and she wanted her dads approval, she learnt to kick that shyt to the curb. Being with Ryder gave her the chance to be as dirty as she wanted to be and she totally embraced having the affair on the down low. I loved every second of their steamy as hell scenes ( can I just say that Monica can write the hell out of a sex scene?!!)

I loved seeing Ryder's growth as well, because man oh man the douche he was before?? Yeah not my kind of a guy.  I can totally understand when we see his total history why he let the jacka** masquerading as his friend manipulate him that way. Boy that woman was a piece of work as well.  Ryder had a few moments where I wanted to punch him in the face, especially after a particular scene in his apartment and then he goes over to Violet's house. Bruh?!! WTF??? I loved when she felt confident enough & gave him hell for it.

I really enjoyed that his plot didn't work out the way he wanted it to. I'm glad for the strong sisterly bond that the girls had, and I can totally see the relationships strengths and weaknesses. I need the villain to take a long walk off of a short pier. And the dad needs his head examined because seriously Sir, you're an idiot.

Violet was one of my favorite characters because she was a circle squeezing herself into a square hole and she became self aware enough to decide to say eff it and be all her full on circleness!!  I loved every second of her growth and her moments of stupidity as well.  She was stronger than she thought and she stood for herself when she needed to. Her ex was an idiot, really though?? He was such a manipulative idiot and I can't believe she let herself be conned for that long, but then she woke up and no one was ready for the woman that was hidden for so long.

I did have a few moments of what the what aren't y'all supposed to be working?? Ain't this an office??? How long do y'all expect people to not notice.  But I think that was part of the thrill, because they had a few really steamy moments at the office.  Of course, once the intimacy grew, they took it from the office and it got even steamier.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, especially Lily's story.    Have y'all read the story?? Share in the comments down below.

 ★★★★☆

I can't wait to get to the other books, Stealing Rose comes out this month and I had it on my waiting on wednesday post. I'm diving in as soon as I get a chance. How about you?? Happy Reading

Waiting On Wednesday (April 2015) (14): Sweet by Tammara Webber, Safe At Last by Maya Banks

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

New Adult:

Sweet ( Contours of the Heart 3) by Tammara Webber
He’s the love of her life, but he doesn’t know it. She’s his one moment of sacrifice in a lifetime of survival. He was damaged and wild, but resilient. She’s always been obedient. Now she’s restless. Home for the summer between college and med school, Pearl Torres Frank knows two things: Boyce Wynn is the embodiment of everything she should run from, and everything she wants to run to. Rebellious and loud. Unconcerned with society’s opinion of him. Passionate. Strong. Dangerous. And one more trait he hides from everyone but her: Sweet.

Due Date: April 27

Print: ebook, Trade paperback

Pages: 

Publisher: Tammara Webber

Add To Goodreads

I absolutely LOVED Easy by Tammara. I enjoyed that book so much. I can't believe I hadn't heard of it before then. I'm glad I did read it, and I've been stalking her webpages looking for more info about more books from her, so I was super pumped to see this pop up one day.  I also have the second book in the series and I can't wait to just read all of them.


Adult Fiction/ Romance / Erotica

Safe At Last ( Slow Burn 3) by Maya Banks
The third book in the beloved #1 bestselling author’s sexy, romantic suspense Slow Burn series… They say young love doesn’t last, but a girl from the wrong side of the tracks with unique abilities and the hometown golden boy were determined to defy the odds. For Zack Covington, Anna-Grace—his “Gracie”—was the one. Until one night forever alters the course of their future, when a devastated Gracie disappears without a trace, leaving Zack to agonize over what happened to the girl he loved. As the years pass, his desperate efforts to find her uncovered nothing. Now working for Devereaux Security, he stumbles across a painting featuring a special place only he and Gracie would know. The image is too perfectly rendered for it to be coincidence. His Gracie must be alive. When he finally tracks her down, he is shocked—and heart-broken—to discover the wounded shell of the girl he once knew and still loves. Her psychic gifts are gone, and worse, she believes he betrayed her all those years ago. Zack has enemies, and once his weakness is discovered, Gracie becomes a target for revenge. He’ll have to save her before he can earn her trust and her love. And he vows they’ll never be torn apart again.

Due Date: April 14th

Print: ebook, Trade Paperback

Pages: 256

Publisher: Avon
Add To Goodreads
I read the first two books in the series and absolutely loved them. The second book was even better than the first and I was totally blown away by the world that Maya was creating and I can't wait to get back into it.

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

Happy Lusting

Book #Spotlight: Teaser from Sweet (Contours of the Heart 3) by Tammara Webber .@Tammarawebber .@wordsmithpublic

He's the love of her life, but he doesn't know it.
She's his one moment of sacrifice in a lifetime of survival.

He was damaged and wild, but resilient.
She's always been obedient; now she's restless.

Home for the summer between college and med school, Pearl Torres Frank knows two things: Boyce Wynn is the embodiment of everything she should run from, and everything she wants to run to. Rebellious and loud. Unconcerned with society's opinion of him. Passionate. Strong. Dangerous.

And one more trait he hides from everyone but her:

Sweet(A Contours of the Heart novel - can be read as a stand-alone story).

Pre-Order Links: Amazon | iBooks

Books In Order: Easy (Click for my Review)| Breakable | Sweet

Teaser 

I have been a fan of Tammara's work and I love talking to her on Twitter. She shares so much of herself on her blog and I highly recommend her writing.  This is new adult done right.  Recently she shared the Playlist for the Sweet book so you know what that means right?? Yep another playlist monday coming soon!!

Make sure to check this one out. I've already as I'm sure you've guessed pre-ordered mine and I'm highly anticipating it!!

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of EASY and BREAKABLE (Contours of the Heart series - NA), as well BETWEEN THE LINES, WHERE YOU ARE, GOOD FOR YOU and HERE WITHOUT YOU (Between the Lines series - YA/NA).

I'm a hopeful romantic who adores novels with happy endings, because there are enough sad endings in real life. Before writing full-time, I was an undergraduate academic advisor, economics tutor, planetarium office manager, radiology call center rep, and the palest person to ever work at a tanning salon. I married my high school sweetheart, and I'm Mom to three adult kids and four very immature cats.

Follow Her On The Web | Website | Facebook | Twitter |Instagram

Have you read her works?? I know she has others I'm also going to be getting. Make sure to check her out. Especially her blog.

Happy Reading and I'll see you tomorrow.

Book #Review: Marked For Magic by Daisy Banks .@DaisyBanks16 .@lyricalpress .@pumpupyourbook

Book Title: Marked For Magic
Author: Daisy Banks |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Lyrical Press (Kensington)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 204

How I got it: Publisher via Blog Tour Company

Purchase: Amazon |
Publication Date: April 28th
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

The witch mark on Nin’s hand is a curse. She has no magic powers, whatever the lore says. But the village believes. The old crone’s wisdom is to see her banished. Ragged and hungry, she must serve the Mage. Alone in his tower, she is his chattel. But Mage Thabit is not what Nin expected—the bright green eyes and supple form under his cloak are not the stuff of nightmares, and kindness hides in his brusque heart. Thabit senses that Nin is more than she seems, too. When true nightmares haunt the land, it is precisely her elusive powers that might deliver them…

I'm not quite sure why I agreed to this, but I'm happy I did.  This hit the right note that I needed at the right time.  Very rich and reminiscent of a good fairy tale, it's told from first 2 points of view then picks up a third closer to the end.  Our main p.o.v is Nin our protagonist and I kinda fell in love with her voice from the start, she really reminded me of Alys from Dragon's Bait by Vivian Van Velde.  They share similar circumstances and their voices felt the same and I absolutely loved Dragon's bait so when I realized Nin's story sent her on a similar journey I was so happy to read.  This is the grown up version and of course there is a Mage instead of a dragon and this isn't about revenge, but the loss of home and family is similar and finding their way and learning that they are stronger than they originally thought, well, this story had that lesson in spades.   It was a quick read, that was humorous, entertaining, filled with magic and a few of the crazies (as always).  The mystery kept you intrigued but really I was here for Nin and the Mage.

I loved the povs we got. The characters shared enough to create the world for us but not so much that we were bored.  The world building was done is such a way as to let it unfold for us the same as it did for Nin, as she learnt more about the world she inhabited so did we.  The plot moved quickly and the pacing was perfect, sometimes with time jumps to allow the story to move quickly.  I know for me there were times they mentioned things and I was like *sob* no that's too long off, but Daisy did a good job of making it all work.

I really enjoyed the use of magic and the glimpses of healing, & ritual and their mythology we were given. I really loved how herbalism was shown and made so simply beautiful.  This however isn't a perfect world and we learn that along with Nin in a particularly scary moment for her.

I loved the Mage, seen as a scary person for Nin, she's filled with trepidation but knows he's her last chance at survival, if he didn't take her in then she was doomed to wander the woods.  I hoped that he would be a kind man, but he was a hard taskmaster with reason, both for his and Nin's sake.  We learn his name as the story progresses and he moved form being the Mage to (well I'll let you learn it with the story because it changes who he is in the story), he wasn't amused at having a girl dumped on his doorstep, especially because he considered the practice barbaric.  I loved that he was smitten even though he didn't want to be and that he had some tricks up his sleeve to help make her just a student. I laughed at that pretty hard actually because Yeah too funny.

I loved his sense of humor and his sense of honor.  He had me cracking up when he tried to save face and even when he tested Nin.  When he realized Nin was the real deal he made some decisions on her behalf and she wasn't amused in fact she became stubborn.  I loved the way they interacted with each other and the way he tried to teach her.  We get introduced to new characters because of the Mage's choice and we really get to see the world and Nin's growth explode.  Under new tutelage Nin really blooms as a character and I really loved the new glimpses we got of her.  I loved the love story that developed and how sweet the two characters were when they were together.  I found myself rooting for them as the story progressed and feeling so sad as circumstances conspired against them.

I loved the way the characters interacted and while the story was a bit bare bones in many ways, we got the most important parts and I loved it for that.  The story was written in a way that gave you the reader a chance to imagine as much or as little about the surroundings as you wanted.  I loved being able to picture it as she wrote it along with some of my own flares along the way.

I just really enjoyed reading and was kinda disappointed when I got to the end, because well it's the end and it appears to be a standalone, so no more Nin and the Mage. I loved how they bloomed as a couple, and as individuals.  I loved that the characters did grow and change and that they were so fun to read.  This is a world I wouldn't mind returning to again & again, as we got glimpses of great characters who had some good story lines within this one.

Want a taste?? Daisy shared this excerpt on her blog and I thought you would enjoy it as well.

Excerpt

What could he do with her? Gods of the water, why him?
He scanned the streambed for shells, picked up a handful, and rolled them in his palm as he thought through the problem. One path offered a solution, and she would never know. A glamour to change her appearance. With her charms disguised, he would be able to teach her, and those pert little attractions wouldn't get in the way. He skimmed a stone down the stream.
Yes, it might work, so he wouldn't be distracted.
Perhaps, when he took her to the castle, he might be able to persuade Lady Cassandra to take her. Even though it was late for Nin to join the other students, it might be a possibility. If she’d been found earlier, she would be in Cassandra’s care, learning from her skills. He closed his eyes. This was the best idea he’d had since yesterday afternoon. Cassandra would understand the problem. She could take Nin out of his life, at least until his maiden developed her skills, knowledge, and control.
When had she become his maiden? He couldn't tell, but after today, he’d never see her as a grubby little wench again. He’d need the stepping skills of a sword dancer to avoid her snare. Tilting his head back, he looked up to the clear blue sky as he tried to work out what he truly wanted.
The spring birds soared and circled, and no answer came to his questions. It seemed he must improve his self-awareness. Scraping his hair back, he tied the leather loop back in place before making his way to the tower.
By the time he walked into the kitchen, she had set dishes out on the table, ready to serve the food. From the look of her, she’d found peace with her sorrow for now.
One eye still on her, he trickled the shells from the stream into the small jar where he kept his collection. When she turned to stir what was in the cauldron, the glamour cloaked her. She moved to the table with the pot.
He stepped back in surprise. Oh! Perhaps he’d been a little extreme, but he’d get over it. Now, her image could not tempt him.
“Dinner’s ready,” she said with a gap-toothed smile

Make sure to check out the other bloggers who are sharing their reviews as well. Blog Tour Page

 ★★★★☆

What My Rating Means :★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ~ This is awesome!! It's an add to your TBR Pile, asap. & 4 ~ Steamy Stars: Okay plot, excellent love scenes

Happy Reading

Book #Review Darkness Eternal (Guardians of Eternity 7.5) by Alexandra Ivy .@alexandraivy .@lyricalpress .@pumpupyourbooks

Book Title: Darkness Eternal (Guardians of Eternity 7.5)
Author: Alexandra Ivy |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Lyrical press (Kensington)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 7.5
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $1.99

Pages: 108

How I got it: Publisher via Blog Tour Company

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks (For Ipad/Mac Users)
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

For the Guardians of Eternity, battle is a way of life—whether the plight of their world is at stake, or the fate of their heart… After being held captive by one vampire for four centuries, Kata had no intention of taking another one to the underworld with her. Yet even in the pits of Hell, there’s no ignoring the intoxicating desire awakened by Uriel’s touch… Previously published in Supernatural.

I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, but that cover sold me and I needed something different from the contemporary books I've been reading lately.  When I saw this one I was like ok, cool. I will say that even though this is book 7.5 it doesn't quite read like one, it moves quickly but doesn't bog down the story with history nor does it leave you out the loop.  Characters from previous books are previously mentioned and even though there are hints about their stories there aren't any real spoilers, which is great because I want to read the other books in the series now.

I really ended up liking this one because it flowed so well.  I did have one sticking point in the story and that was her history with the Jinn.  Because this is the novella we never quite get her full story of that time, and we understand that there is more to it than we know.  I am going to go backwards and read all the other stories because it sounds like this world is pretty intriguing.  I did feel bad for our heroine Kata because it's gotta hurt that the one person who should have your back in the entire world is also your worst enemy.  I really enjoyed Kata because even though she hasn't been of the world for centuries she kept up through her family and she was more than willing to learn and engage with life.  She was really funny and I loved that she was also willing to admit when she wasn't strong or adept at something. I really enjoyed Uriel, because he was a strong character who was willing to do all he could to protect those who needed it.  And when he was faced with a scary situation he still manged to grasp that not everything was as it seemed.

I cracked up quite a it with this story because both of the characters didn't take themselves seriously, they were witty within their inner monologues and with each other. I loved their banter and how well their conversations flowed.  I had a good time reading and found myself finding time to jump into the book so I could find out what misadventure they had stumbled into next.  Together the characters were steamy in their love scenes and I felt like the emotions expressed were genuine for them and moved with the story and their world arc.

I really enjoyed myself with this one and now have even more books on the to be read pile because now I need more from this world.  I would recommend this for those looking for a good paranormal romantic comedy.

Want a taste before you buy?? Read an excerpt on Alexandra's Blog

Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour and show some love to our fellow bloggers.

Books featured at 3 Partners in Shopping

Guest blogging from Melody Johnson and Daisy Banks at Gothic Moms

April 3

Books featured at A Little Bit of R & R

April 6

Interviews and Guest Post with Melody Johnson, Daisy Banks and Alexandra Ivy at Theresa M. Cole

 ★★★★☆

What the Rating Means: This is awesome!! It's an add to your TBR Pile, asap & 

Erotica Rating: 5 ~ Extra Steamy: great story excellent plot, amazing sex scenes

Have you read it?? Did you enjoy the series so far??
Happy Reading

Books & Music: Take Me On Soundtrack by Katie McGarry .@KatieMcGarry

This series is about the music listed in books or the author's website listing the music they listened to while creating the series as well as Music that popped into my head while reading. When I was a kid I would always read with music on, after a while I noticed that when the song came on I would remember the plot, the characters, and even some fond memories of what I was doing when I was reading, was I traveling with my family to vacation, or was I with my girlfriends reading a 'dirty' book/magazine?? I have found many great artists, and bands all based on the books I have been reading and I thought I would share with you as well.

Schedule

Each week, on Mondays, a book that has struck a cord with me will be featured with the soundtrack for the book, you will have the songs listed and then I will add in the Youtube playlist as well. They are arranged by book genre.

This Week's Pick is Take Me On by Katie McGarry, this is another amazing addition to the Pushing The Limits series.
My additions to this list are in blue, black is from the author of the book.  My Review is already posted and you'll see that I absolutely loved it so of course I had to post the soundtrack.

Theme:

• Harder To Breathe by Maroon 6
• Wild Ones by Flo Rida
• Love Is A Battlefield by Pat Benatar
• Take On Me by a-ha (Because I just couldn't help myself, I mean come on the name alone!!)

West:

• Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy by Big and Rich
• This Love by Maroon 5
• Come On Over by Kenny Chesney
• Bitter Sweet Syndrome by The Verve
• Guts Over Fear by Eminem Ft Sia  (for West when he finally grows up)
• Home by Bone-Thugs ft Phil Collins (West & his family)

Haley

• Fighter Christina Aguilera
• The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert
• Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
• Roar Katie Perry
• This One's for the Girls Martina McBride Haley's Insecurities

Specific Songs For Scenes

• I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift  When they meet
• Guts Over Fear by Eminem Ft Sia School Lunch Altercation
• Good Feeling by Flo Rida  During Training
• Secrets by One Republic Haley sneaks west in 
• Secrets seal (my addition) Haley & West when they start to date
• Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor fight in the cage
• Who Are You When I'n Not Looking by Blake Shelton West & Haley at the end

Future of Haley & West:

• Price Tag by Jesse J ft B.O.B
• Heaven by Warrant

My link to the Youtube Playlist. I really enjoyed this book and listenting to the soundtrack while reading, It totally made the book. I have more music but I think this is great, if you have any you would suggest leave them in the comments section.

Of course we had to end on a ballad!! Have a great reading time and enjoy the music.
Lots of Love

Discussion: What is New Adult?? This is What it Means to Me

Discussion

What is New Adult??New Adult (NA) fiction is a developing genre of fiction with protagonists in the 18–25 age bracket. St. Martin's Press first coined the term in 2009, when they held a special call for "...fiction similar to YA that can be published and marketed as adult—a sort of an 'older YA' or 'new adult'."  (taken from Wikipedia "New Adult Fiction article)

Many of the top new Adult authors started as self published and got picked up by big name houses, including Tammara Webber, Cora Carmack, Collen Hoover, & Jamie McGuire.  

For many this is a new genre, I, however feel this genre has been around for a while and only just got an official name.  When I was growing up the "mature young adult/ new adult" books were all the same section. Katherine Applegate wrote the Boyfriend and Girlfriends series which were high schoolers, and then the Ocean City series which dealt with college kids.  And yes, they discussed sex, waiting for the right time, interracial relationships, abuse, drinking, all of what is now covered in "new adult".  I'm happy that new adult is one of the fastest growing genres out there, but I also feel it means along with good stuff comes the trashy poorly written stuff.  (this happens with all genres when they grow too quickly).

Everyone of course is going to define new adult how they want. Many authors have shared their ideas of the genre and what they want from it including a great article by Monica Murphy on What is New Adult, and another by Tammara Webber Will the Real NA Please Stand Up.  And those are just the ones I've read, I've seen tweets for other authors begging people to stop putting sex in where it doesn't belong (which makes sense if it doesn't further the plot why is it in there??) 

Personally I love new adult that is well written because it takes on more than young adult does. Also the characters tend to be more mature and they are worrying about stuff I care about. I'm way too out of high school to care about some of the stuff kids care about, and now that I'm done with college and having to worry about finding a job, a life time partner, purchasing my first home and wondering about planning for retirement, I really don't care to travel back to high school, so for me new adult is that gap between adult romance that talks about having adult kids and divorce, and women finding themselves again. Like dude I'm no there yet, can we please have some happy before the bitterness??

And right now new adult romance in particular is experiencing a great boom, but there are other sub genres out there.  And slowly they too are gaining popularity.  I'm personally looking forward to when paranormal new adult books become popular because then more of them will be published and it won't be such a hunt to find them.

The only problem I'm truly having with new adult at the moment is the monotone of a lot of the stories.  As I said when I was reading Katherine Applegate or Linda A Cooney they were characters of color, those that were disabled (some where blind, some where in wheelchairs), but the characters were diverse. Now a days almost all the new adult books are about white kids (not that there is anything wrong with that) but umm what happened to the rest of us??  I love that in new adult difficult topics are being discussed and we get well rounded characters when the books are done right, so why then can't this be extended to characters of color?? In your worlds do Latinos not exist?? Did Blacks fall of the face of the planet, do immigrants not go to your schools?? Did you not have young men & women who were from diverse backgrounds?? Adopted, single families, gay parents, physically different?? I went to a small college and we had a girl who was covered in scars when she was a kid she'd been in an accident and was burnt, she was funny, and popular and dated (and ended up engaged) to a one of the most popular guys on campus.   We had a well loved DJ on the school radio who was in a wheelchair, if he threw a party in his room everybody was there.  We had students who were blind or almost blind, who participated in the international club, all kinds of kids from other countries attended and as I said it was a small school. So you're telling me in your books  (i.e your world) you don't have any of these diverse characters?? Why?? Is it shear laziness?? Or do you not feel like you can do them justice??

What do you think of the discussion?? Clearly as I said not everyone is going to have the same definition of new adult. And there are "clean" new adult as well as full on raunchy new adult.  I know I kinda like my new adult somewhat in the middle I need there to be good plot along with the raunchy exploration.  As long as it's well written I'm down to read it.  

If you have any recommendations please share down below, who are some of your 'gateway authors', some of your favorite authors and who should I avoid??  I'm also going to be sharing of the 'original' at least to me new adult authors and their series that I read and loved as a kid.  If you have any you can think of share down below please.  

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great one

Happy Reading 

ARC Book Review: White Trash Beautiful by Teresa Mumfort

Book Title: White Trash Beautiful
Author: Teresa Mummert |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: ebook, Trade paperback

Cost: $16.99

Pages: 240

How I got it: Publisher via NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 9, 2013
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

A word-of-mouth bestseller that’s captivating readers with its honesty, grit, and headstrong heroine, White Trash Beautiful is a story for anyone who has ever felt trapped in life, cheated by love—and longed for something more . . . Cass Daniels isn’t waiting for her knight in shining armor. She knows that girls like her don’t get a happily ever after. Not if you live in a trailer with your mom, work at a greasy spoon diner, and get leered at by old men. Maybe that’s why she puts up with Jackson—her poor excuse for a boyfriend, who treats her like dirt. Cass has learned to accept her lot in life. That is, until he walks into her diner. . . . His name is Tucker White, and he’s different from any man Cass has ever known. Tall, tattooed, and bad-ass gorgeous, he’s the lead singer of the rock band Damaged. From the moment they meet, Tucker sees something in Cass he just can’t shake. Something beautiful. Something haunted. Something special. And he’s determined to find out what it is—if only he can get her to open up and let him in. . . .

WARNING!!!!! This review may contain spoilers. 

Meh. I can't get behind this one, I just can't, the female character is dumber than a box of bricks and I refuse to cosign. I didn't want to not like this book, she's a character who has been abused and I wanted her to be able to grow and change and adapt, but she just was so dumb and had so many way too stupid to live moments  Like I kept reading and going "what an idiot" Le sigh, I really tried y'all but it wasn't happening and I'm not continuing on with the series. And let me tell you why I couldn't deal with this one.  If you follow my goodreads, you will see all the snark that came out while I read this book, I have had it on my list for a while and I just couldn't do it. Really couldn't.

This child is so thirsty for love she rather drink salt water than risk drinking something new. Chile move on this drug addicted asshole is never going to put you first" 

10/04 page 200 83.0% "Is truly the most boring book I ever read. this girl is sooooo stupid. I just don't care to know anymore can we just get to the end already. Ugh." 

01/31 page 220 91.0% "yeah I'm going to get to the end. she really is a bad character. no sense of self esteem or self worth, is afraid to leave because he might hurt her but she's having an affair. girl if you don't find some seats and stop chasing after these men and be by your damnself for five minutes. ugh"

This book really felt like a 'modern fairy tale ' and not in a good way. Like this is the fantasy of a broken young woman who wants someone rich and handsome to come rescue her from her shitty life, and I really couldn't get behind them as a couple.  Instead of rescuing her damn self, she remained in a horrible situation and the more you learnt about her the more you just wanted to tell her to stop whining and get gone, like you know it's ain't shyt but you stay then do the "woe is me line", chile no. Cass as a character was weak, she let life happen to her, she didn't fight for change, she fought to REMAIN in the crap life she hated, every chance she got to get away she found a way to run back then complain. It's like she really needed something to feel bad about, because you know her father left when she was little and this guy didn't so she can't move on because that would make her like her father. O_o Girl whatever.

She's so thirsty for some sign of affection, she's willing to remain even though she says it over and over again she needs to leave before he kills her, then she goes back to him. She's written as the "classic victim", latching on to whomever would give her some sign of affection, instead of becoming her own hero. She pays lip service to being her own kind of woman but truly it's just lip service. However I felt like too much was done to try to give a her a woe is me life, yes I know some people deal with a tough life, however Cass really doesn't give us a reason for her ending up with her current boyfriend. Like I don't understand how it got so far, and why is she so attached to him?? Oh her dad left, her mom fell apart so she decided she needed to hang on to this one?? It just didn't make any sense at all.

Cass is a dummy, I'm sorry, I know, I know we can say she's a victim and her life does suck balls, but there were plenty of chances for her to change it and she refused to do so, so no I have no sympathy.   At 68 percent into the kindle version of the book Cass literally takes her escape funds and throw them away, and then starts to cry that she's stuck in the trailer park. What?? Really?? Who made you do that?? He was about to sell your a** to pay for his habit and you rescue him?? Are you kidding me?? Then she starts throwing all these pity parties and feeling all this angst,  Personally he would have gotten shot right then and there and I wouldn't have cared Why?? YOUR drug habit, your mess, no damn way I'm putting myself in that. Handle your mess buddy.

The male character felt like a cardboard cutout, he wasn't much of character, he meets this girl and then proceeds to go way outta his way for a girl that was rude five minutes after meeting him.  She's shallow as hell because she didn't want anything to do with him until she realized he was an up and coming singer.  Then here is this chile who has the self esteem of a gnat, (so very little if any) and she decides to hook up with a up and coming singer, one who "every girl wants" you can't even look yourself in the mirror but you think you can handle women throwing themselves at a guy you like??  Really??

When she got sick and couldn't figure out why she was sick I was like really?? You REALLY CAN'T THINK OF one reason?? Not ONE?? *flips over tables*.  And then for this man y'all I just really you're willing to go that far someone you LITERALLY just met?? Like I mean literally just met, but you're willing to take on your surrogate mom, your band and friends all for a girl you met five minutes ago?? Nope don't buy it.

I know that life isn't easy, and I understand how abuse works, I understand that monsters don't look like monsters. I know the psychology of abuse and how they get you to stay.   However this character didn't have that, he literally was an asshole all the time, he didn't give her glimpses, she knew he was unstable but would take risks knowing he would hurt her if he found out. Instead of just running away like she always said she would when given the opportunity she instead shoots herself in the foot then turns around and wonders what went wrong and why she's stuck in a rut. Like really??  I felt this was poorly written, and just badly executed.  There are way better versions of this out there.  I'm not down for people who drink acid then wonder why they can't taste anything sweet, you literally did everything to remain where you were then wondered what happened. I'm not here for that.

Then the villain why'd he start being a villain?? What's his reasoning?? Why'd she stay??  WTF is wrong with her mother?? There are just so many questions and at the end of the book I didn't even care anymore I just wanted it over.  and then the ending happened and I'm looking around like wait what?? You serious?? Just like that?? That's it?? What the what?? So why the hell did I just ?!!! you know what? No... I'm out of here

 ★★☆☆☆

I'm not sure what to say to y'all. Just no. 

Book #Review: Take Me On (Pushing The Limits 4) by .@KatieMcGarry

Book Title: Take Me On ( Pushing The Limits 4)
Author: Katie McGarry |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Genre: Young Adult/New Adult
Series/Standalone: Series Book 4
Format: ebook, Hardcover, paperback

Cost: $17.99 Hd

Pages: 455

How I got it: Purchased on Amazon

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: May 27th 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Bonus novella included: Crossing the Line. Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means. Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help. West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her-fighting for her-is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future. Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

***********SPOILERS AHEAD for Crash Into You, which takes place right before this book.******

I have bit of beef with the cover, I like it, however I feel like Haley should be wearing the boxing gloves or some tape something to indicate that she's a fighter as well. Other than that I absolutely love this story.  It's the story of Rachel's brother and I love it especially because we got to see Rachel's other side and see Isaiah as well. OMG I loved this story. It's important to note that Rachel & Isaiah's story and  West & Haley's take place at the same time, just after Rachel's accident but before the end of the book, instead of like the others where each story happening after the other.

Once again it's told in alternating viewpoint which totally enriches the story.  We meet Haley who is a former martial arts fighter and she's on the run from some really bad kids because they know she won't fight back. I totally fell in love with Haley who was struggling to keep her head above water after her life went downhill because her parents lives were shattered by job loss and depression.  I totally felt for her and her need to try to hide how bad it had gotten, her need to protect her family and her desperate attempt to just survive in a world gone mad.  At first I was a bit annoyed with Haley even though we were only a few pages in,but as the story progressed and we got more from her I totally understood why and who she was.   I was also hella annoyed with West because look here bro, you not going be talking about my baby Isaiah like that, you and I will fight & you ain't going to win this one I promise you that.

Then we meet West, he's the bad boy in his school who has been fighting to keep his family together despite the failure of the people who should be adults in his life.  He goes through a massive change once his sister has her accident and he's desperate to make it up to her since he blames himself for her being there in the first place.  West really believes that his sister's problems started with Isaiah and was completely unaware of all that went down to lead her to meeting Isaiah.  As the story progresses what he thought he knew and the truth come out.  In the meantime, West and Haley come together because they need each other, she is like him and he's newly introduced to her world and the two of them stand together because they desperately need someone.

I loved Haley's family and the other characters we were introduced to and I can't wait until we get Abby's story because I just know it has to be interesting.  We got to see so much more of Isaiah and quite a bit of Rachel as well. We got the parents a bit more fleshed out and we got to learn some deep secrets.  This story was so emotive and I found myself finding time and reasons to get back to it.  It was way bigger than the other books in the series and I felt it was a better story for it, Katie wouldn't have been able to give us such a complex story if it didn't have the time to unfold.  I loved reading the different ways in which they came together and how they each healed the other.

I really enjoyed seeing the counselor again because really she's one of the best adults in the books.  She's a really good counselor because she helps them all even when it's no longer her problem. Unlike a few of the adults in this book she's a positive influence and a good listener.  As for the other 'parents'  Rachel's & West's dad is a serious piece of work; his misconceptions and a**hole tendencies almost killed his daughter and yet he acts as if it's everyone else's fault.  He stalled out her car after not getting her the one she really wanted because he didn't respect her as a human being and almost killed them because he couldn't accept that she knew more about cars and even understood cars better than him. When he went in on West?? Yeah I snapped back at the book like he was really in the room with me, like no sir ain't nobody else to blame here but you. Then the uncle?? Yeah there aren't any words, I almost freaked out until she addressed my fear, because listen here...girl I almost cried.

As I said they each grow and change as the story progresses each coming to their own moment of crisis and facing it with a bit more courage than before because they grown with each other.  West really grew because at the start of the story he blamed Isaiah for Rachel being in the accident, mostly because he simply judged Isaiah for being different and from being from the other side of town instead of how he was with Rachel and how much she loved him.

It's sad to think of kids having to survive their parents instead of thriving under their tutelage but so many kids do have to survive them and I love this series for highlighting the different struggles.  Now if only other authors would realize just like you write these complex and wholly flawed HUMAN beings you can write characters of color just the same. 0_o noshade

 ★★★★☆

I love this addition to the series and truly can't wait for the next, I hope her cousin and brothers get their own stories as well.
Happy Reading

Book #Review: Raine by J.C. Valentine .@authorjcv

Book Title: Raine
Author:  J.C Valentine |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Self Published Via Createspace
Genre: Romance, New Adult
Series/Standalone:  Standalone
Format: ebook, Trade paperback

Cost: $2.99, $10.99

Pages: 320

How I got it: Received a copy from Publicist

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: August 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Shy. Intelligent. Naive. Statistic. Raine Forester was an average girl leading an average life. She slipped beneath everyone's radar, until Camron Moss, the most popular guy in school, took interest in her and changed everything. Some acts are unforgivable. Raine thought she'd been accepted. She thought she was one of them. She thought she was in love... until one moment made her realize she'd trusted the wrong person. Lies are told, hearts get broken, secrets are revealed, and sometimes, true love is found in the least likely places.

Do you ever get nervous for your characters?? From the synopsis of the book you knew something was going to happen and as I read I kept fearing this would be the moment and I was so scared for her. Like, no, I want to save her and keep her safe and nothing bad ever happens.  I'm so glad I agreed to read this story because it was amazeballs.

The story starts with Raine and we begin to watch it all unfold and I'm so happy that girlie had a backbone even though she was originally shy, shy doesn't mean doormat and Raine let them all know that right from the get go.  I loved her as a character, she felt real and relateable, she reacted to life in a way that was very believable and she didn't think way too hard about what others were thinking because she was more focused on making it through each day even though the people who should have had her back disappointed her.

I teared up a few times in this novel and even had to take a moment to breathe deep before I went on. This isn't a novel with guns and big scary scenes, this is a new adult novel that shares growth, the ability to forgive ,learning to stand up for oneself, and to have faith in other and also about the power of redemption. This is what new adult is about, that moment when you figure out daily what makes you you, and what helps to shape the person you want to become.

Told from dual perspective we get to see the options left for others and what it must be like to be related to someone who does something you never thought they were capable of.  I really loved reading that scene and I loved Raine even more when she put it all out there.

On page 180 in a totally innocent scene Jarrett showed himself to be a bit sexist, I was like Wait what?? Bitch I kick ass at cards, dominoes, chess, checkers, any boards games I'll have you know I'm hella good.  But I also had to laugh because really that is a stupid thought to have.  Initially I was like wait no why does he have to be so stupidly flawed??

I really loved it and it ended well. I don't know if I would have pressed Raine as hard to do what he wanted but at least the author didn't give it a 'perfect' ending, even though  at the end it was perfect for the story.

I absolutely love then together and I felt the story was extremely awesome and realistic.  I loved the growth of the characters especially Jarrett, because for him it was a total change from what he knew and had in mind.  For Raine, she learnt that she was stronger than she first thought, that she was more capable than others thought and that love doesn't always come easily.

I really loved this story and even after reading it, would think on the scenes and smile.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Happy Reading

Pulled From My Shelves Check In (March 2015)

Hi my loves
Today I'm sharing with you just a few of the books on my selves that I really want to read.  This Challenge is going to run from Jan 1 until April 1. Then I'm going to write another list of books to read.
The goal is to read as many books off my selves before May 26th which is the start of BEA 2015. 'Cause I know myself and no matter how much I caution myself I always get talked into another book and another one an oh look that one looks good.

Goal: 30 Books

Read So Far: 5

Challenge End Date: May 21st

Books & Time Left: 7 weeks / 25

So here we go, I want to finish up a few series as well as clean up the shelves so here we go:

1. Dark Melody by Christine Feehan
2. Dark Demon by Christine Feehan
3. Walking Disater by Jamie McGuire
4. Finding it Cora Cormack
5. Losing It Cora Cormack
6. Faking It Cora Cormack
7. All Lined Up (Rusk University) Cora Cormack
8. Savage Blue by Zoraida Cordova
9. A Vast & Brutal Sea by Zoraida Cordova
10. Afterburn/Aftershock by Sylvia Day
11. Captivated by You by Sylvia Day
12. Spellbound by Sylvia Day
13. Take Me On by Katie McGarry
14. Now & Forever Suzanne Colasanti
15. The Night is Alive by Heather Graham
16. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
17. The Witch's Boy by Kelly Barnhill
18. Talon by Julie Kagawa
19. Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
20. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
21. Rogue by Gina D'amico
22. Ours to Cherish by Shayla Black 
23. Theirs to Love by Shayla Black
24. Surrender to Me by Shayla Black
25. Wait for me by J Lynn
26. Quade's Babies by Brenda Jackson
27. Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson
28. Courting Justice by Brenda Jackson
29. A Brother's Honor by Brenda Jackson
30. A Man's Promise by Brenda Jackson

So yeah I have done serious work on my list, and still have a bit to go.  Make sure to click on the links to see my reviews.  Let me know if any of these are on your list and share down below.  Happy Reading

  

Waiting On Wednesday (April 2015) (13): The Enticement by Tara Sue Me | Bewitching Bibliophile

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

Adult Fiction/ Romance / Erotica

The Enticement (The Submissive Series) by Tara Sue Me

Limits were made to be pushed. Abby West has everything she wanted: a family, a skyrocketing new career, and a sexy, Dominant husband who fulfills her every need. Only, as her life outside the bedroom becomes hectic, her Master’s sexual requirements inside become more extreme. Abby doesn’t understand Nathaniel’s increased need for control, but she can’t deny the delicious way her body reacts to his tantalizing demands… Between Abby’s reluctance and Nathaniel’s unyielding commands, the delicate balance of power between the Dominant and his submissive threatens to shift. And as the underlying tension and desire between them heats up, so does the struggle to keep everything they value from falling apart …

Due Date: April 7

Print: Paperback, ebook

Pages: 304

Publisher: NAL
Add To Goodreads
I have been a huge fan of this series so far, I gobbled up the first three books within a day or two of getting them and I can't wait to see what else is in store for Abby and Nathaniel. I still crack up that it says on the Goodreads page the Submissive Trilogy book 4., Bwahahaha

Have you read this series yet?? Are you getting any of this?? What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!

Happy Lusting

Monthly To Be Read Pile: (TBR) April 2015: Bewitching Bibliophile

My goal this year is 200 books, if I break that down it comes out to 19 books per month , and  4/5 books a week. Totally doable in my books, so as the proverb says, you can eat an elephant one bite at a time, so here's my first few bites:

Read So Far this Year: 24
TBR Pile : 200
TBR Balance:  176

I liked the old method of picking books, but I wasn't reading as much, so I though why not do themes, see if that will get my reading mojo going. This Month's Theme is Faerie Tales and the Letter of this month is "A", any paranormal books featuring the Fae in all their guises is up to be read. These are a few on my shelves I want done so I can move on to other things:

1. Fathomless by Jackson Pierce
2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
3. The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
4. The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa
5. Ironside Holly Black
6. The Darkest Part of the Forest Holly Black
7. Darkfever Karen Marie Moning
8. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas
9. Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas

From The Library I wish to borrow these titles so I can catch up on series that have Fae in it that I haven't read in a while:

1. Divine Misdemeanors (Merry Gentry 8) Laurell K Hamilton
2. A Shiver of Light (Merry Gentry 9) Laurell K Hamilton 

Ebooks that I want to read that start with the letter "A". I get to choose 2 from this list for review.

1. Accidentally In Love with a ...God??
2. An Affair to Dismember
3. Addicted To You
4. All Fired UP
5. All For You

Purchased Ebooks To Pick From:

1. At Any Price

These are the books on my shelves, once I have read these then I wish to just read whatever finds it's way into my hands.  

What do you have on your TBR Pile??  Check back at the end of the month to see how I did this month.  Share down below your feelings if you have read any of these.  

Thanks for stopping by 

Happy New Month and Happy Reading