Sunday, September 13, 2015

Stacking The Shelves (30): September 2015

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

I totally got a few book this week and can't believe I got 17 books for under $25.

Purchased at the Store:



Edge of Darkness by Christine Feehan, and Maggie Shayne.  because Christine and Maggie , that's all.



I'll Be Your Everything by JJ Murray.  Interracial romance written from a man's perspective and tends to be really good.  From the Dollar Tree, I can't believe I found it there and I totally snapped it right up.  


Celebrity In Death by JD Robb, already read this and just wanted it for my collection besides you can't beat $1.  



Knight Truimphant by Heather Graham. Call me late to the party but I remember reading this many years ago.  I wasn't aware this was actually Heather's writing. I loved this series when I read it. And now I want them all.  

Library Book Sale

I spent little over $12, and got all of these from the Hamden Library book sale, called Secondhand Prose. My video vlog of the day is listed here.


From Nora Roberts I got: 
I already owned this and read this series, ti was the first series I ever read by Nora and my first foray into romance, yep sentimental reading right here.  (my copy was destoryed a few years ago so, just getting them back. 
Born In Shame  
Born In Ice
Never Read These: Holding The Dream, and Northern Lights



Unhallaowed Ground by Heather Graham



The Gift Julie Garwood



Voyager Diana Galbadon



Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Galbadon



The Magical Christmas Cat by Lora Leigh, Erin McCarthy, Linda Winstead Jones, Nalini Singh



Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley. I have had this on my wishlist for years,  as soon as I saw it I had to grab it. First book I saw when I walked in.



Jingle Bell Rock by Janelle Denison, Susan Donovan, Donna Kauffman, Alison Kent, and Nancy Waren. 

Dash of Peril by Lori Foster


NetGalley

Everything I Left Unsaid by M. O'Keefe, sounds so good. I can't wait to get into it.

I am so excited about all these awesome books that I got this week, what'd you get?? Share in the comments down below. 



Friday, September 11, 2015

Book #Review: Greek Tycoon's Love Child by Jacqueline Baird .@HarlequinBooks


Book Title: The Greek Tycoon's Love-Child (Greek Tycoon's #26)
Author:  Jacqueline Baird |
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Cost: $4.50
Pages: 187
How I got it: Purchased 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: October 2004
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Bedded, then wedded -- by the Greek tycoon! When millionaire Theodore Kadros first sets his sights on beautiful Willow Blain there can only ever be one outcome: a night of incredible desire! But the next day Willow is gone.... However, their brief passion results in a legacy that Willow is eager to conceal. When the Greek tycoon discovers the shocking truth, he is enraged. Theo demands they marry, so he can have what he feels is rightfully his -- Willow as his wife... and at his mercy! 

I liked that she wasn't a push over although as she stated she liked to hide from change and reality she got her head straight and tried to work with facts and not just emotional fear.  I'm not sure if she realized she wasn't going to be able to hide the facts for much longer, how long did she think this secret would hold?? Although to be fair, she made several attempts to do the right thing but always ran just when it would have gotten harder to actually do the right thing.

As a male Theo (who I only just realized is the same name of Divergent's Four, yeah nothing to do with the story except, they kinda had some similarities in attitude, hmmmmm)  had his emotive moments and then moments when he just bulldozed his way in (think China shop and angry bull).  Granted he had many reasons in which to be angry, however there were a few moments that were all self created and then he took it out on Willow.

They had passionate explosive moments and boy did they have miscommunication issues; but they kept at it.  Willow never quite grew up and learned to accept herself as a confident woman, she was as her friends called her a Mole and she hid away from life so she had the confidence of the young child she had been when she first met Theo. I'm not sure I believe a grown woman who has managed to make it this far and accomplish this much wouldn't be more confident in herself, but I guess.

There are two key moments where I want to slap Willow, she doesn't trust Theo and takes EVERYBODY else's word over his. If this is the man you claim to love, aren't you aware of his basic character?? If he's never done something so dumb before why would he start now??  Girl???  Then the second time, she once again makes a arbitrary decision for them based on her own misconceptions  (yes intimately it's her body, her choice) but if he'd done the same?? She would have hit the roof.  Girl What??  I just thought it was funny how quickly she judged him in error and so did he judge her.  They both needed to throttle down and actually communicate.  Instead they clung to their pride and kept making stupid mistakes.

Still enjoyed it. Loved that she was a writer and was quick witted and when pushed could use her wit to come back at her husband; that party scene near the end was awesome.

I enjoyed the story but I have a few gripes.  The 'passionate times" especially in the second meeting where he threatens her that not all men know when to stop. Ummmm not sexy at all sir.

Yeah it's still a good quick read and I really enjoyed it even with the few issues that I had with it.
 ★★★☆
Happy Reading


Thursday, September 10, 2015

Book #Review: Bought By The Greek Tycoon (Greek Tycoons # 33) by Jacqueline Baird . @HarlequinBooks

Book Title: Bought By The Greek Tycoon  (Greek Tycoons 33)
Author:  Jacqueline Baird
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $4.50
Pages: 186
How I got it: Purchased 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: January 2006
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Why stop at just one night--when he can buy so many more...? Greek multimillionaire Luke Devetzi will do anything to get Jemma Barnes back in his bed for a night of blazing passion.... When Luke discovers that Jemma's father is in financial trouble and in need of a loan, he is willing to pay it...but only if Jemma agrees to become his convenient wife!
Le Sigh, how far would you go for family??  Girl why is your daddy so trifling??

Jemma was once happily married and is now widowed; she is struggling with the idea that she must move on from her happy memories and the happy life she once had with the perfect man.  But as we all know nature doesn't allow for the young to mourn forever.  Jemma is faced with so many challenges to her desire to remain numb to the world and then she escapes after being dealt another devastating blow.  She had one slip and she can't deal with that slip so she runs away and is faced with a new decision that she once again runs away from because she's not ready to let go.

But all things will come to light and the cushy life she's been leading is built on a lie and the decision she hid from comes back to life and it's all spiraling out of control.  I loved that Jemma was wary and knew her own mind, had some history and wasn't immediately blown away by Luke.  I loved that she wasn't an innocent woman who was down on her luck and wasn't on Luke's level. I mean in the end he does kind of use his position to get her where he wants her and he even has a few moments of being a world class douche especially close to the end. I was just so ready to freak out but he freaks out first and yeah, not totally redeemed because I'm not sure how much I believe Jemma when she comforts him, but yeah.

The back and forth between the two gave for an interesting read and was at times quite enjoyable.  The story moved quickly and I enjoyed the way the flowed together. Jackie writes great love scenes and wonderful female leads and I really enjoyed this glimpse into a love story.

This was a great break between my heavier paranormal reads, so I liked that I flew through it even more without having heavy character lists to keep up with.

 ★★★☆
Recommend if you're looking for a quick read and something light.  Happy Reading.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday (W.O.W) 36: Under My Skin, The Drafter, Your Voice Is All I Hear, Too Hard To Handle

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

Young Adult/New Adult

Your Voice Is All I Hear by Leah Scheier
Everything about Jonah is unexpected. On the first day of school, he sits next to April, when he could have chosen to sit with the popular girl. He turns down an invitation to join the school team and declares he'd rather paint. He encourages April to develop her musical talent and shrugs off the bullies that torment them. April isn't surprised to find herself falling for Jonah. The unexpected part is when he falls for her too. But the giddy happiness of their first romance begins to fade when Jonah's unpredictability begins to take a darker turn. April understands that her boyfriend is haunted by a painful memory, but his sudden mood swings worry her. She can't explain his growing fear of cellphones, electric keyboards, and of sounds that no one else can hear. Still, no matter what happens, April is sure that she'll always stand by him. Until Jonah finally breaks and is committed to a psychiatric ward. Until schizophrenia changes everything. Though everyone urges her to let him go, April stays true to Jonah. But as the boy she adores begins to disappear in front of her, she has to face her worst fear: that her love may not be enough to save him.
Due Date: September 1, 2015
Print: Paperback
Pages: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Add To Goodreads
I've already read this, and my review is posted. 

Adult Fiction/ Romance / Erotica


Too Hard To Handle (Black Knights 8) by Julie Ann Walker
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru "The Man" is back Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority. And this time she's ready A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.
Due Date: September 1, 2015
Print: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 352
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Add To Goodreads



The Drafter ( The Peri Reed Chronicles 1) by Kim Harrison 
Detroit 2030. Double-crossed by the person she loved and betrayed by the covert government organization that trained her to use her body as a weapon, Peri Reed is a renegade on the run. Don’t forgive and never forget has always been Peri’s creed. But her day job makes it difficult: she is a drafter, possessed of a rare, invaluable skill for altering time, yet destined to forget both the history she changed and the history she rewrote. When Peri discovers her name on a list of corrupt operatives, she realizes that her own life has been manipulated by the agency. She joins forces with a mysterious rogue soldier in a deadly race to piece together the truth about her final task, unable to trust even herself.
Due Date: September 1, 2015
Print: Hardcover
Pages: 432
Publisher: Gallery Books
Add To Goodreads
I've loved Kim's work for years so to see she has a new series starting?? I can't wait to dive in.

Under My Skin (Stark International ) by J Kenner
Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose. Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape. We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we’ve tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won’t let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both. There’s no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I’d do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we’re in deep, nothing can make me run. Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.
Due Date:  September 1, 2015
Print: Trade Paperback
Pages: 352
Publisher: Bantam
Add To Goodreads
This came out last week, and I already have it. I can't wait to dive right in.


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


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Release Day #Spotlight: Pure Wicked by Shayla Black .@InkSlingerPR .@Shayla_Black

Book Title: 1001 Dark Nights: PURE WICKED 9.5
Author:  Shayla Black |Website | Twitter| Facebook 
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Genre: Erotic Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, trade paperback
Cost: $2.99, $ 8.99
Pages: 100
How I got it: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Amazon eBook |
Publication Date: September 8, 2015
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
During his decade as an international pop star, Jesse McCall has lived every day in the fast lane. A committed hedonist reveling in amazing highs, globetrotting, and nameless encounters, he refuses to think about his loneliness or empty future. Then tragedy strikes. Shocked and grieving, he sheds his identity and walks away, searching for peace. Instead, he finds Bristol Reese, a no-nonsense beauty scraping to keep her family’s business afloat while struggling with her own demons. He’s intent on seducing her, but other than a pleasure-filled night, she’s not interested in a player, especially after her boyfriend recently proposed to her sister. In order to claim Bristol, Jesse has to prove he’s not the kind of man he’s always been. But when she learns his identity and his past comes back to haunt him, how will he convince her that he’s a changed man who wants nothing more than to make her his forever?
Excerpt:

“Where did you learn to dance?” she asked.

He couldn’t say that his very first manager had hired dance instructors to work with him to perfect his on-stage moves and that, more recently, he’d hired a “male entertainer” to show him how to make his moves sexier. Instead, he opted for something he could tell her.

“My grandparents owned an Arthur Murray dance studio. I spent my summers there. When I was thirteen, I thought it would be the happening place to pick up girls, so I paid attention. I learned a lot.”

“I’ll bet you were smooth even back then.”

“I thought I was.” He smiled at her. “I see the pictures now and think ‘dork in braces.’”

She laughed. “I can’t imagine it.”

“True story.”

Because he wasn’t digging even the small bit of distance between them, Jesse flattened his palm to her back, sliding down to the sway in her spine, bringing her petite frame and sweet curves even closer. He didn’t usually have any trouble controlling his cock. Now it had a mind of its own, and he ached to slide all of her against every inch of him too badly to care if she felt that.

When he arched into her, she gasped, then flattened herself against him. The friction as they swayed together blew his mind. She glanced up at him, and he curled a finger under her chin to bring her face beneath his. He really had to restrain himself from grabbing her ass. Public displays didn’t bother him but that sort of thing might bug her. And he wasn’t supposed to be drawing attention to himself.

“If you don’t want me to kiss you, say something now.”

“I…I can’t.”

Jesse eased back, trying not to let the surprisingly visceral disappointment consume him. “You can’t let me kiss you?”

“No, I can’t say anything.”

His entire body tensed. He wanted to throw her to the ground and get inside her in the next thirty seconds. Sure he liked sex. Loved it. But this compulsion to take off Bristol’s clothes and make her scream out his name seemed way beyond any normal urge.

He took her face in his hands. God, she was so small in his grip. Delicate. Lovely. Her stare clung to him, her green eyes so open and earnest. She wasn’t playing a game, wasn’t merely interested in him because of who he was. She seemed to like him.

Now was a really crappy time to decide that he seriously liked a girl. Jesse knew he should walk away. But Deke had advised him to make all the parts of his life meaningful. Bristol Reese might be the most meaningful thing he’d felt in years.



Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she's written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She's thrilled that she's been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her "free" time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.




Ok my loves, you know how much I love Shayla's writing, I have five more books on my list to be caught up with this series, so when I saw this??? Chile it went right on my most anticipated list for the year, In fact it's on a Waiting On Wednesday post.  I can't wait to read this, it comes out today on the 8th, which means at midnight on the 7th it was released to kindle. I'll share in a review soon how I feel about the newest addition to the series. I can't wait!!!

Monday, September 7, 2015

Book #Review: Better When He's Brave (Welcome To The Point) by .@JayCrownover

Book Title: Better When He's Brave (Welcome To The Point 3)
Author:  Jay Crownover |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 3
Format: ebook, and Trade Paperback
Cost: $13.99
Pages: 326
How I got it: Purchased from Amazon
Purchase: Amazon Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Publication Date: August 11th, 2015
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover’s third novel in her sexy, thrilling Welcome to the Point series, a woman’s search for repentance leads her to the one man from her past she can’t forget as they join forces to save their city—and the explosive love neither can live without. Titus King sees the world in black and white. Right and wrong. Which is why as a teenager he left behind the only family he’d ever known to make a better life for himself. Now a police detective in one of the worst cities in the country, he can’t deny his life has turned into a million different shades of gray. The new criminal element in The Point has brought vengeance and destruction right to Titus’s front door, and the difference between right and wrong is nothing compared to keeping those he loves alive. To add to his already strained moral compass, the beautiful and mysterious Reeve Black has made her way back to town, and she might be as dangerous to Titus as the guy trying to destroy the Point because he needs her—in more ways than one. Reeve knows all about how ruthless this new threat to destroy The Point can be… and instead of running away, she wants to help. She has a lot to repent for and saving the city, plus the hot cop that she hasn’t been able to forget might just be the only way she can finally find some inner peace. With an entire city poised on the brink of war, Titus and Reeve stand in the crossfire—and it will take two brave souls to fight for the ultimate love.

I absolutely love this one. Yaasss my dears, this is the one that makes all the stories come together.  I laughed, I loved, I wanted to cry, I wanted to hold Titus and hug Reeve, then kick Bax in the shins then love him all over again.  This is where we get to meet all the good, the bad, and the scary that is hiding out in the point, I loved that she (Jay) made a point (haha) to let us know why the Point has no name.  So it literally could be anywhere you wanted it to be.  

This time, we back up a little a get to see the meet from Titus's point of view that shows what we saw in Better When He's Bold.  We see Bax showing up at the station and we get that whole explosive scene from all perspectives, man listen, this time???!!! Just too raw and emotional, and I totally get where Reeve is coming from (even if she had been a cowardly bitch that put Dovie at risk, chile listen I'm prepared to side eye the hell outta her until she proves she's worth me liking).  

We get to see Reeve's motivations for why she ended up in the Point because she originally doesn't come from there; she definitely tapped danced her way into the darkside like they were offering cake I mean I get why she was angry, but if she was really that angry why not just do it yourself?? Why b*tch out?? If I hate you enough for conspiracy you bet your a** I hate you enough for the full fledged jail time.  

As the story progresses we get some deep deep dark as hell confessions from both of them and I had to laugh when Reeve pointed out that this went from 'now" to diving into "more" in a hurry. That scene on the hill when Titus confesses?? Yooooooo, I my heart was like noooo baby noooo. But those moments with him and Reeve at the top of the hill were some of the sexiest moments ever and I loved every second of it!!  The women loved by the boys (Titus, Bax and Race and another that I'm not going to touch yet!!) are some of the luckiest women, because they KNOW they are loved, these men go all out to let them know and share with them that they are important, it's not always in the words, however their actions?? Yeah definitely showcases that they are worth it. 

And it of course almost goes without saying that Jay can write the hell out of a love scene. Sweet holy chilli peppers, these scenes are hot.  I loved that we got that and still got the mystery and the fight and fire without the Point being lost beneath the love story.  I wanted both and Jay delivered on both.  

There are moments where I want to slap both of them, especially Reeve, and then there are moments when you know it's going to be a kick butt scene, there are some seriously emotional moments, and moments that make the Point seem like it's not all that bad (sometimes, still not a place I want to live though). There are stories being laid down and I can't wait to see if she keeps pulling on those strings to give us the full story. There are so many characters that we're finally getting more from and I know at least one more book is expected but there are at least, at least two more stories that I can see. 

I loved seeing so many more things going on in the Point, seeing that there are more people and things and this isn't just about them.  I would love to see more from Titus because out of all of them, he's got the most amount of bravery, he could have easily walked the wrong path like his brother but he found his way out and still came back to fight in the trenches, so it's no surprise that the woman he choose was a fighter and a rebel.

I want to see how Jay is going to humanize the King of the Point, because let's be real this dude sells anything that isn't nailed down and a few things that are, he's so far from the legal side that it's beyond scary how close to the Devil he is. 
★★★
GO and get yourself a copy and even if you haven't read the rest of the Point series you can definetly pick this one up and read, you'll enjoy it more if you have the background, but this a good story in and of itself.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Book #Review: To Sin With A Viking (Forbidden Vikings 1) by Michelle Willingham .@michellewilling .@harlequinbooks

Book Title: To Sin With A Viking (Forbidden Viking 1)
Author:  Michelle Willingham |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Genre: Historical Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Cost: $6.50
Pages: 288
How I got it: BEA 2013
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: August 2013
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Playing With Fire! Caragh Ó Brannon defended herself bravely when the enemy landed—only, now she finds herself alone with one very angry Viking… Styr Hardrata sailed to Ireland intending to trade, never expecting to find himself held captive in chains by a beautiful Irish maiden. The fiercely handsome warrior both terrifies and allures Caragh, but he is forbidden territory. He is the enemy…and he is married. Yet Styr harbors a secret that just might set them both free… Forbidden Vikings Resist them if you can!
Sooo about that cover though?? Yeah no, I'm so terrified, and not at all turned on, but the rest of the story?? Yeah liking it, I've got the second book and I can't wait to dive in and finish this series.

I found the idea of what happens when an arranged marriage doesn't work, and was totally on board to see how Michelle would work a way to give these two characters the love they needed.  Would they come back together I was intrigued by the backstory of how Michelle came to write this and wanted to read as son as I got the book in my hand, I'm looking forward to reading Ragnar's story only because I love his name,

Styr wanted to save his marriage because well everything was going wrong, and for such a crazy reason.  I understood his wife Elena's struggle, she didn't want to fail her husband, and of course the families were also counting on her, but along the way she did what so many other women did wrong, she forgot that this is about her and her husband as well, not just about the future.  And Styr didn't help by letting her know he wanted her for her, and not just because their marriage had been arranged.

As the story progressed and we got to see both Styr and Caragh's life, and how they intersected, I was really intrigued on how he was going to walk the line without breaking it.  There were some seriously close times not always because they wanted to but because circumstances conspired against them and even a few where Caragh's decision made it clear that Styr wasn't her only choice.  I loved Caragh because once she realized Styr's heart wasn't hers to have she tried hard to maintain a distance.  I found myself kinda hoping that things would work out for them and when we got to the crux of the problem, I totally loved the ending we were being given.

I will say after watching Vikings on tv, I'm not sure they would have the same sense of 'honor' that Styr had, it wouldn't be considered dishonoring your wife. Personally I think having emotional attachments are worse than physical cheating, one you never have to do again, but the other?? Your emotions are involved, I'm going to lose no matter what.

I loved the story we were given, it was sweet, haunting at times and still a story that kept me intrigued and turning the pages.
★★★1/2☆
Happy Reading


Thursday, September 3, 2015

Book #Review: Your Voice Is All I Hear by Leah Scheier .@Sourcebooks .@leahscheier

Book Title: Your Voice Is All I Hear
Author:  Leah Scheier |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Young Adult
Series/Standalone: Stand alone
Format: ebook
Cost: $9.99
Pages: 336
How I got it: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
"I was the one he trusted. I was the one he loved, the only one who believed him, even when his own mother had locked him up and thrown away the key. And now, I was going to pass down the white tiled hallway, knock on his doctor's office door, slam his secret notebook on her desk and make her read it, make her understand what he was hiding, make her see what only I had seen." April won't let Jonah go without a fight. He's her boyfriend-her best friend. She'll do anything to keep him safe. But as Jonah slips into a dark depression, trying to escape the traumatic past that haunts him, April is torn. To protect Jonah, she risks losing everything: family, friends, an opportunity to attend a prestigious music school. How much must she sacrifice? And will her voice be loud enough to drown out the dissenters-and the ones in his head?
This has got to be one of the most frustrating but good books I've read in a while. I both liked April and wanted to yell at her; then I had to remember that she's just a kid dealing with something even adults struggle with and I had to roll the attitude back several steps. 

This isn't your typical teen romance, April meets and starts to date the new boy in school, when he made a few choice words that made the teen school queen hate him.

 I already love the lead and I totally get that feeling.  At 6% there is a moment that makes me laugh so hard, then again at 12% her snark is so infectious it makes me love her even more.  At 13% there are female fighters that April could have listed instead of just men, she could have listed Laila Ali for example and she wanted modern MMA fighters there is always the Queen Ronda Rousey. Then at 14% April hit a whole new level of stupid, ugh girl no time to recover because you're a freaking idiot.

I understand that the female lead April felt she should stick with the young man because he was the first guy to show real interest in her, however I felt she had an unhealthy level of devotion for a relationship that was at first only weeks old.

As his disease progressed you realized that April's denial also added to his burden because she refused to admit something was wrong.  Jonah need her help and she only admitted something was wrong way later.  And only after there were some serious consequences,   I loved that this book didn't judge that it showed how devastating the disease is for those related and in love with someone who is spiraling down. Each incident was followed by denial by all those involved because no one wanted something to be wrong.  His mother's reaction in the doctor's office?? Yeah girl stop burying your head in the sand.    It was heartbreaking to read and it made me wonder how Jonah felt as he realized he needed help but others wouldn't see it because they had their own fears.

April's desire to be ignorant irritated me so badly because by ignoring it she was 'othering' him without realizing it.  Because only those 'other' people not Jonah.  The 'real' Jonah wasn't like this was her train of thought and that only seemed to push Jonah further away.  Her experiment however?? Made me cry.  When she humbled everyone??  And showed how desperately ill Jonah was.  Even as I write this I tear up.  Her classmates reactions were so raw and I just.  I needed a moment as the enormity of that scene sunk in.

I really loved the ending, it was perfect, not a perfect ending but a good one that let's you know the story continues in even if you're not reading it.  You get to kind of create your own perfect ending.

This was a great therapy positive book and I loved that they discussed the stats behind the disease and what can trigger it.  I love this so much and even though I had issues with April hiding parts of the relationship that could have had seriously consequences I give it five stars for a great look at the spiral down.

It wasn't until later that I found out that the author is a doctor, which totally explains why she was so good at creating the world that Jonah and April live in.

I really enjoyed the novel and the way everything was unrolled and I want everyone who wants to read more diversely to check this one out.  It's a great look at how the people around the sufferer deal and how this affects more than the person who had the disease.

★★★★☆
Happy Reading


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday (September 2015) (35) Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan & Devoted In Death by JD Robb | 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


Dark Ghost (Carpathian 27) by Christine Feehan
In the new novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling “queen of paranormal romance,” (J.R. Ward) a wounded warrior and a woman on the run find salvation, passion and unimaginable danger in the ghostly darkness of the Carpathian Mountains… He wasn’t civilized or tame. He had his own code and he lived by it. Monk. Bounty hunter. Vampire slayer. Andre Boroi has spent centuries battling the undead, holding out against the dark with honor. But now, gravely wounded by master vampire Costin Popescu, Andre will be easy to track—his spilled blood marking the killing trail for Popescu and his hungry band of underlings. Andre’s only chance is to disappear into the gray mist of the Carpathians. To wait. To hope. She had a healing touch and a scent that was his lifeblood. In the mountains in search of a precious crystal, geologist Teagan Joanes suddenly finds herself hunted by those she once trusted. Then she comes across the warrior—wounded, wanting and irresistible. Andre has been craving her for an eternity: his lifemate. Her warmth envelops him. Her scent pulsates. And with every beat of her heart, Teagan surrenders to a passion she can’t possibly comprehend. Now they are bound by destiny, but is it enough to keep them safe from a stalking, relentless darkness that threatens to swallow them alive? 
Due Date: September 1
Print: Hardcover, ebook
Pages: 368
Publisher: Berkley
Add To Goodreads

This is one of my highly anticipated books of the year, so anticipated I didn't wait for the second list I had it as my last book on the spring list (lol) and I pre-ordered as soon as they would let me. I've been a fan for years and while there have been some hit or misses, for the most part this has been an amazing series.  


Devoted In Death ( In Death 41) by JD Robb
Eve Dallas tracks a couple whose passion is fueled by cold brutalityin the newest crime thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Obsession in Death and Festive in Death. When Lieutenant Eve Dallas examines a body in a downtown Manhattan alleyway, the victim’s injuries are so extensive that she almost misses the clue. Carved into the skin is the shape of a heart—and initials inside reading E and D . . . Ella-Loo and her boyfriend, Darryl, had been separated while Darryl was a guest of the state of Oklahoma, and now that his sentence has been served they don’t ever intend to part again. Ella-Loo’s got dreams. And Darryl believes there are better ways to achieve your dreams than working for them. So they hit the road, and when their car breaks down in Arkansas, they make plans to take someone else’s. Then things get messy and they wind up killing someone—an experience that stokes a fierce, wild desire in Ella-Loo. A desire for Darryl. And a desire to kill again. As they cross state lines on their way to New York to find the life they think they deserve, they will leave a trail of evil behind them. But now they’ve landed in the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Dallas and her team at the New York Police and Security Department. And with her husband, Roarke, at her side, she has every intention of hunting them down and giving them what they truly deserve . . .
Due Date:  September 8th
Print: Hardcover, ebook
Pages: 384
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Add To Goodreads
Another mystery from JD Robb, I need to go back into the world of Eve & Roarke. I need some Ace in my life right now.  

Have you read any of the Carpathian Novels?? Are you a fan of JD/Nora Roberts as well?? If you love romantic suspense I highly recommend this series. You don't even have to read it in order ( I certainly didn't)  What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!
Happy Lusting

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Book #Spotlight: Under My Skin by J Kenner


Jackson and Sylvia are back in the third and final part of J. Kenner's sizzling erotic trilogy. You definitely don't want to miss how their story ends!

undermyskin
 About UNDER MY SKIN
Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, andComplete Me.
He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose. Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape. We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we’ve tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won’t let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both. There’s no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I’d do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we’re in deep, nothing can make me run. Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.
Find out more about the first book, SAY MY NAME: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play

EXCERPT

  She slams the door shut, the limo pulls back out onto the street, and I am left beside Jackson who sits perfectly, dangerously still. I swallow, my skin prickling from the rising heat. I’m breathing hard, my breasts rising and falling. My skin is warm, and beads of perspiration have gathered at the nape of my neck. He turns his head slowly, his eyes meeting mine, wild and feral and hard. There’s a hungry glint to them, and for a moment I fear that he will tear me to pieces. That I will truly stand as proxy for the bastards who leaked the news. For the fear that I know must be consuming him, just as it is consuming me. But haven’t I repeatedly told him that I can handle it, no matter how bad it gets? That I will be his release valve, his safety net? That I’ll willingly take in his pain—and then we’ll turn it around into passion. I am still holding his gaze, and I feel locked in place simply from the force of his will. He has not touched me, and though we haven’t spoken, I know that he will not until I acquiesce. Not tonight. Not when he needs to push. To go as far as he needs, and then some. “Yes,” I say. A muscle twitches in his cheek, but he doesn’t otherwise move, nor does he say a word to me. He simply watches me for one beat, then another. It is as if he is sizing me up, testing my resolve. I stay where I am, looking back at him. But slowly—very slowly—I part my thighs. Jackson sucks in a breath through his nose. Then he twists at the waist so that he can reach the intercom button. He jams his finger down on it. “Don’t go home, Edward.” His voice is hard. Tight with control. “Just drive. I don’t care where. Just drive until I tell you to stop.”  


Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures. Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries. J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Y'all know I love me some J Kenner, so when they said there was going to be a second book?? I was all over it. I've already pre-ordered so be aware that as soon as it shows up at my door I'm disappearing until it's done.

What about you?? Have you been enjoying J Kenner's newest series?? Share down below and we can fangirl together.


Monthly To Be Read (TBR) Pile: September 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: 91
TBR Pile :200
TBR Balance: 109


Banned Books Week TBR:


  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Jungle by John Updike
  • Beloved by Toni Morrison
  • Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
Letter Of The Month is "Z" which the only title or author name I have is Zane's The Othe Side of the Pillow

and I want to get some of the books from August which I totally skipped reading, done.  Which was "T".excluding "the"
  • Truckee Wolves "Toxic"
  • Two sides of a Heartbeat
  • Truth or Dare
  • Truly
  • To Walk a Pagan Path
  • To Tempt a Viking
  • Torn Away
  • Tibetan Cross
  • Those Girls
  • Thornbrook Park
  • Third Degree
  • Tyrant's Daughter
  • The Twins
  • The Truth About Alice
  • The Traitor
  • Temptation of Anna Jacobs
  • These Shallow Graves
15 Ebooks (NetGalley/Edelweis/ Kindle Purchased):
Book on shelf for more than 3 years
New Adult I've already started
Two Young adult titles
2 Brenda Jackson Novels
An ARC from BEA 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Catch Upon Two Series from my shelves (Christine Feehan, JD Robb,)
Nora Roberts book I haven't read
Two 2015 titles I have on my shelf
Five Books from my shelf
Physical ARC (non BEA)
Finish a Series
Start a Series
Read 2 Pre-Ordered titles from 2015
Classic/Non Fiction from my shelves
Genre I haven't read often this year
2 Books over 300 pages

To complete my challenges that I signed up with at the beginning of the year:
And I want to finish any books left over from "c" or "y" from June and July reading challenge.

What's on your reading list?? I'm hoping to get as many completed as possible, I did really wonderful in August and I just want to keep carrying on with the greatness.

Happy Reading and Good Luck this month