Book #Review: Rowdy ( A Marked Men Novel # 5) by Jay Crownover .@JayCrownover .@WmMorrowBks

Book Title: Rowdy ( A Marked Men Novel #5)
Author:  Jay Crownover |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone:  Series Book 5
Format: Trade paperback

Cost: $13.99

Pages: 400

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Publication Date: October 21st, 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with this sizzling, sexy story of love, heartbreak, fate, and second chances. After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned. Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister. Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.

This is the story of Rowdy and Salem, she's the sister of the woman who let Rowdy down horribly and sent him on the run.  Back when they were kids, Salem tried to be the good girl her family required she be and just couldn't quite pull it off, she loved the boy next door but he loved her sister and when it came time for her to grow up, she runs away and leaves Rowdy and her sister in the dust. Salem came back into Rowdy's life after Nash's dad pulls a stunt and tells Cora to hire her for the new downtown shop, this was his last gift to the two people he loved.  His intervention helps the story to unfold and I loved that this was his last act for them.

Rowdy is hanging onto the past and refuses to see that just because one woman hurt you doesn't mean you can't fall in love again, I loved the conversations he has with the men and how they school him on his stupidity.

“You're a dumb shit. There's a million first girls for a million different first things.There's the first girl you slow-dance with, and the first girl you go to bed with. There's the first girl to give you a kiss, and then the first one you take home to mama." His amber eyes lit up with humor.
"There's the first girl you fight with and the first girl you fight for. There's also the first girl you have to let go of. There's the first girl you love, obviously, and the first girl to break your heart.There's always a first girl, Rowdy, but there is also the girl that is going to come after her until you get to the last girl.  The last girl is the one that really matters.” 

Salem has her own hangups, her parents where strict and he dad was a bit of a jacka** when it came to his beliefs and their mother wasn't one to stand up to him.  Salem had to learn to not let the past be the reason she moved on so quickly and yet it helped to shape her into a pretty kicka** young woman who does what she wants and has embraced a lifestyle that makes her happy.  While she has always missed Rowdy and was ready to win him, she wasn't completely lonely, she wanted love but she wasn't unhappy with her life (which I absolutely loved).  I loved that even though they had different life paths, they ended up at the same place and had fallen in love with tattooing an it's 'alternative' lifestyle.    Salem has a habit of cutting and running when things don't work out for her and when she relocated here, Rowdy doesn't expect her to stay long and so he isn't willing to let her in because he's afraid she'll abandon him like before.

I did feel at times, like Salem just took it too hard, so what if they were strict, hating on religion shouldn't be answer. However I totally got her reasoning, I just wish she didn't relate it so often. Rowdy had a few moments that made me want to push him in front of a bus like Sir stop being such a punk and man up!!  I did love the meandering road that leads them back to each other and that they have to learn to forgive each other and their parts in their pasts.  I loved that this one took a little longer to get there, as Salem and Rowdy had to meet each other as they were now, and not who they used to be.  They also had to confront the past in the form of Salem's sister when she comes to visit of course throwing a wrench in the blooming relationship of Salem and Rowdy.

I loved how the relationship blooms despite both of their shields being up in some regards.  I of course really loved meeting the other characters, and seeing some of my favorite coming back, Cora of course is always there making life awesome.  I loved that the shop was doing so well and seeing the foundation being laid for the new series coming up.  I can't wait to meet those new tattoo artist and see their lives unfold.

I loved when Rowdy finally gets it:

“I always thought it was the firsts that matter, but now I know that it’s the lasts that stay with you.”

& I loved the final few chapters, when Rowdy asks Salem to meet his mama, and even when Salem confronts her past before returning to Rowdy. I just loved those moments, as they allowed both characters to open up and allow the past to go back where it belonged.

 ★★★★☆

I can't wait to see how Jay redeems Asa, which comes out in 2015 (oh gawd that's so damn far away). Have you started the journey with the marked Men??  If not I suggest you do!!
Happy Reading

Waiting On Wednesday: October Edition (1)

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.  This is by no means an exhaustive list of the books coming out thismonth, but these are the ones I have 1) pre-ordered b) can't wait to read~~~

Young Adult

Talon (Talon 1) Julie Kagawa (Receieved at BEA 2014, pre-ordered a physical copy anyway)

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser. Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George. Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons

Due Date: Oct 26,2014

Print: Hardcover

Pages: 400

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Sublime Christina Lauren

True love may mean certain death in a ghostly affair of risk and passion from New York Times bestselling duo Christina Lauren, authors of Beautiful Bastard. Tahereh Mafi, New York Times bestselling author of Shatter Me calls Sublime “a beautiful, haunting read". When Lucy walks out of a frozen forest, wearing only a silk dress and sandals, she isn’t sure how she got there. But when she sees Colin, she knows for sure that she’s here for him. Colin has never been captivated by a girl the way he is by Lucy. With each passing day their lives intertwine, and even as Lucy begins to remember more of her life—and her death—neither of them is willing to give up what they have, no matter how impossible it is. And when Colin finds a way to physically be with Lucy, taking himself to the brink of death where his reality an

Due Date: October 14, 2014

Print: Hardcover

Pages: 336

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

New Adult

Rowdy (Marked Men 5) Jay Crownover (already pre-ordered this baby!!)

After the only girl he ever loved told him he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and decided he was going to do everything in his power to live up to his nickname. Life was all about a good time, good friends and never taking much too seriously. Rowdy learned his lesson early on, when you care that much about anything it can destroy you, and he never wants to risk feeling like that again. Only now he has a new coworker, a ghost from the past who’s making him question every lesson he ever learned. Salem Cruz grew up in a house with too many rules, too many regulations, and no fun allowed. That never worked for her so she left it all behind as soon as she could, but she never forgot the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been in love with her little sister. Fate and good intentions from an old friend have placed her right in Rowdy’s path and she’s determined to show him he picked the wrong sister all those years ago. A mission that is going along perfectly until the one person that ties them together shows up and could very well tear them back

Due Date: Oct 21, 2014

Print: Trade Paperback

Pages:400 

Publisher: William Murrow Paperback


These are the first few I'm looking forward to. I promise as the month goes along I'm going to find more to lust over!! How about you, find any you need to have in your hands??  Share down in the comments below and let's fawn over them together.

Happy Lusting

#Review: Taking It All ( Surrender Trilogy Book 3) .@maya_banks

Book Title: Taking It All ( Surrender Trilogy 3)
Author:  Maya Banks |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Comtemporary Romance/BDSM Erotica
Series/Standalone: Series Finale
Format: ebook, Trade Paperback

Cost: $16.00

Pages: 320

How I got it: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million
Publication Date: August 5th, 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them. But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love.

Overall in this story I had a blast. I'm not going to lie, I stopped reading in the middle of book two because I really wanted to know Chessy's story.  For me this was a highly anticipated sequel and I just couldn't wait much longer before tearing into it and I wasn't disappointed.  This story jerked at my heart, demanded I pay attention, made me mad, it even had me freaking out at characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and man listen, the hypocrisy?? Yeah why no one ever called him out I will never understand.

There are still some loose ends from the other books that weren't cleaned up but most were, and I'm going to go ahead and say Chessy (whose name is stupid if you ask me, I just kept calling her Cic because really who names their child this??) is a better woman than me because no freaking way would I be this forgiving, you would have to.. you know what nope no spoilers.  I read really quickly to get to that scene since they never gave a hint about it, and to say I wasn't ready??!!! Chile, I don't think I would ever be ready, when I was reading, my heart started to pound and I was like "no nonononononono don't do it, don't do it, OMG!!!"

Chessy kept suppressing her true opinion because she wanted to believe her husband would always love her and choose her above all others, She had doubts that she expressed to her friends in the other books but she wouldn't woman up and snatch her husband for ignoring her.  When I was reading that I kept saying "yeah she better than me because ain't no way" Lol I had such a blast reading this, it only took one day because I just couldn't last without knowing what happened.  As the story progressed we saw that being a submissive doesn't mean being a doormat and it takes a way stronger woman than most to actually full submit.  It's a gift and one that her husband took for granted because well she was always there.  The opening scene?? That whole anniversay meal?? Sir?!?!!! Get your Life!! I was like legit CiCi better cut him!!

This for me was the most emotional book of the trilogy, we had gotten to know CHessy throughout the books and connected to her way before now, so when we see the full story, it just jerks your heart out.  The build up from the other stories made this one so good and I had to speed read to see how it ended because the buildup was killing me.  It was good, it lived up to the build up and Maya doesn't disappoint with the character development, the heat between the characters, the conversations, the whole thing comes together to deliver an amazing story.

I loved that we got to see the other characters from the trilogy and see how their stories are advancing.  I'm personally hoping we can get a novella about Damon.  This story had hot sexy times, an emotionally heartbreaking scene, several fights that should have happened a long time ago, and quite a few come to Jesus moments.  I'm glad several things from book 2 (Giving In) were addressed because I really just couldn't handle the foolishness.

What I really loved was how Maya discussed about trust, and how a relationship needs love and affection to sustain it even if the couple is apart.  I loved her talking about distance not having to actually be physical for it to do damage. And about forgiveness.  This story made me laugh, shout at it, tear up, freak out and want to hurt someone and definitely made me enjoy it and reminded me of why I love Maya Banks!!

I highly recommend it. I suggest reading the entire trilogy but whatever you do don't miss out on this one!!

 ★★★★1/2☆

Happy Reading

Waiting On Wednesday: Spetember (1):

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
Captivated by You Sylvia Day No Cover Yet
The release date will be announced and pre-ordering will become available once the book reaches the final stages of production. Now the #1 international bestselling author returns. The new Crossfire novel by Sylvia Day. Gideon calls me his angel, but he's the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own. The vows we'd exchanged should have bound us tighter than blood and flesh. Instead they opened old wounds, exposed pain and insecurities, and lured bitter enemies out of the shadows. I felt him slipping from my grasp, my greatest fears becoming my reality, my love tested in ways I wasn't sure I was strong enough to bear. At the brightest time in our lives, the darkness of his past encroached and threatened everything we'd worked so hard for. We faced a terrible choice: the familiar safety of the lives we'd had before each other or the fight for a future that suddenly seemed an impossible and hopeless dream...

Due Date: TBA And because of that I'm slowly dying

Print: Trade Paperback

Pages:TBD

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Romance/Erotica

Since I Saw You (Because You Are Mine 4) Beth Kery

When enigmatic billionaire Ian Noble sets Lin the task of “taming” his brilliant yet half-savage brother Kam Reardon, she eagerly accepts. She’s more than curious about the solitary genius and everything she’s heard about him. During their electric first meeting, her fascination increases a hundredfold. Kam practically oozes raw sex appeal. Lin is interested...very interested. But does her intense attraction and willingness to go places with him she’s never gone before in the bedroom really have to do with Kam? Or is her carefully hidden desire to blame for wanting a man she knows she can never have? An elusive outsider, Kam avoids intimacy, yet never shies away from satisfying his erotic appetites. But there’s something different about Lin—a reserve he’s anxious to break. She’s a woman he’s eager to take his time with…and possess completely. A sophisticated beauty like her would never want him anywhere but in bed, but he finds himself unable to resist her. Immediately Lin’s smooth facade is undone by Kam’s overwhelming masculinity and by his irresistible erotic demands—a lesson in subjugation that leaves Lin confused, reeling, and open to things she never thought possible. Now, as the unpredictable nights between them grow darker, Lin and Kam are certain of only one thing: they’re made for each other.

Due Date: May 6th 2014

Print: Trade Paperback

Pages:352

Publisher: Berkeley 

If I don't find out about Captivated soon I might scream. OMGawds what's taking so long??!!! Are you getting any of these?? What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!

Happy Lusting

Book #Review: Shatter ( True Believers Book 4) by Erin McCarthy .@authorerin .@berkleyromance

Book Title: Shatter ( True Believers 4)
Author:  Erin McCarthy |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Intermix ( subsidiary of Berkley Trade)
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 4
Format: ebook , trade paperback

Cost: $14.99

Pages: 304

How I got it: Pubisher via NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | B.A.M
Publication Date: September 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

From the USA Today bestselling author of True, Sweet, and Believe comes a tantalizing New Adult novel about finding love in the most unexpected ways… Kylie Warner prides herself on being optimistic, but after finding her best friend in bed with her boyfriend and flunking chemistry, her upbeat attitude has taken a dive. Even an impromptu hook-up with her sexy new chemistry tutor only brightens her mood slightly. After all, it’s not like she’ll ever see the tattooed scholar again… While he’s a whiz at complex equations, Jonathon Kadisch has trouble when it comes to figuring out women. So when Kylie tells him that she’s pregnant after their night of passion, he’s at a complete loss. He’s prepared to be a good father—unlike his own deadbeat dad—but he’s less prepared to fall for the genuine and alluring blonde bearing his child. With emotions running high, Kylie wonders if Jonathon’s devotion is out of growing love or looming obligation. And when heartbreak threatens to tear them apart, Jonathon will have to fight for the only girl who’s ever made him feel whole…

At first when I was reading Kylie was about as deep as a teaspoon, but I still wanted to get to know her, because she was such a good friend to the other girls..  And eventually I learnt to love her the way they did.  She's genuine, loves her firends, loyal to a fault, and a whole lot stronger than she gives herself credit for.  She has some fears ones I could understand, so many people are afraid of the same thing.  All of  Kylie's plans kind of fell apart before school started, her friends who were supposed to be living with her have had their own lives change and one by one they have left her and now she's gotta figure out what she's doing.  Kylie's not used to being alone, she's always had something and someone to be around and with and now she's in a new apartment without her friends and her boyfriend is now her ex, and she's a bit depressed.

As the story progressed we realized Kylie's actually kinda funny, and really sweet. She's holding a bit of a grudge and she's gotta a right to do so, she's angry with her friends and with herself for not seeing what was there, and this put some strain on her relationships and on herself.   She has some expectations for herself and is afraid to acknowledge them because, well it's not accepted by society for a woman to want these things so she's hiding them and it's making her life a bit difficult.  She's taking a class she's flunking and when she goes to get help the man she meets isn't who she expected him to be, he's way hotter than your average nerd and they hit it off so quickly but she's not going there she's been burnt once before and nope she's not ready.  I loved how they were so quirky together, and that they had corny jokes that gave them a connection.

I loved the characters more as the story progressed, as we got to see them deal with all sorts of unexpected situations, from the past coming out; it was so much darker than we knew and I totally see why Kylie kept that one as a secret, somethings once known will never be the same.  To Kylie and Jonathon are thrown for a loop when the future they thought they wanted is put at risk.  I was so heartbroken for them when certain events happened.  I got why each character felt that way but I totally knew they weren't being honest with each other and with themselves.

OMG when Kylie and Jonathon's fight happened over her professor I wanted to hit both of them. Jonathon really went there and man oh man dude why?? Never say something like that. I wanted to yell at both of them.

This was a bit more dramatic than the other books, and I loved meeting some new characters and seeing a few of the past characters,. I love Jess and Riley, his honesty totally made me laugh, like he tried so hard to run out of the room when he walked in on their conversation. I loved that he dropped some serious knowledge on Kylie who was being stubborn for no reason other than she felt the need to be.

I loved the conclusion to the story, and to the series. It was so good for all of them to come together. I loved it and I wanted so much more. I really didn't want the series to end. I'm going to get all of them in physical form as well.  I find myself going back to the stories and reading my favorite parts whenever I feel a little slumpy in my reading.

Erin's writing pulls you right into the story, making the characters, the scenarios, the emotions felt and you just want to read until it ends and then not even then.  I loved it and I can't wait to own them so I can go back and read them whenever I want.

 ★★★★☆

I'm so sad to see the series go, hopefully she'll revisit the characters, beause *sobs* I don't want them to go away.  Happy Reading

My Favorite Reads for: Halloween/Samhain (VEDA 31, 2014)

And it all comes to an end. I did pretty good actually. I did vlog almost every day and I'm happy with the vlogs I did manage to accomplish.  Now I know what you're thinking it's only the end of August beginning of September, but I prep for Samhain as early as November 1st the year before, I hunt down decorations on half or seventy percent sale and stock up for next year. I'm always on the hunt for great deals when it comes to Halloween, that way each year my collection will grow and be better than the year before.  And that takes planning, while I like to plan and prep one of the ways I get into the mood of the season is to read Halloween and Samhain-themed books.  Samhain being the nonfiction books and Halloween being the fictions books.

Here are a few of my favorite and a few authors to check out for your selves, as well as a few more recommendations than in the video:

For Non Fiction :

For Reference, at times I turn to Halloween by Silver Ravenwolf.  It has some great fall recipes to try and a few places listed so you can find other resources.  There are many who take issue with the book, however, I feel it's like anything, take what works and leave the fluff or incorrect information behind.


For Fiction:

Anything Maggie Shayne and Heather Graham works for me.  For Maggie I especially love her Portal Series which included:  (my review is on the title, the portal series brings you to Maggie page where you can see all the series and the goodies)

• Prequel *which is Free * Legacy of the Witch
• Mark of the Witch
• Daughter of a Spellcaster
• Blood of the Sorceress

Witch Moon Rising Witch Moon Waning by Maggie Shayne & Lorna Tedder Although not a part of the series by Maggie Shayne I love reading this one, it's the first time I read her writing and I have loved it ever since.

I also picked up Lorna Tedder's other work including Flying By Night which is perfect for Halloween. 

Another adult favorite of mine is Goddess of Spring by P.C. Cast, now I know what you're thinking, however, this is a Persephone retelling, and if you know anything about the myth you know it is perfect for this season.

Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters series features quite a few books set in New Orleans and even a few set around Halloween.  (she however writes way too many for me to list here, we might be here all day).

My Favorite Anthologies:

• Trick or Treat by Lark Eden, Lori Handeland, Stobie Piel and Lynda Trent
• Bewitched by Susan Krinard, Maggie Shayne, Lisa Higdon, & Amy Elizabeth Saunders
• When Darkness Falls by Susan Krinard, Tanith lee & Evelyn Vaughn
• How to be a Wicked Woman by Mary Janice Davidson, Jamie Denton, & Susan Carr

For Young Adult:

• Valiant by Holly Black  This entire Modern Faerie Tale Series is awesome.  
• Atone by Jessica Grey 

Goddess Series by Aimee Carter *another Persephone retelling*  Click the titles to see my reviews

• The Goddess Test
• The Goddess Interrupted
• The Goddess Inheritance

and of course, I love Croak which is the grim reaper series by Gina D'amico.  I also have another Persephone retelling which is Love Underground by Alicia Fields.  And last but not least is the witch series Circle of Three by Isobel Bird.

And there you have it folks, these are the books that get me in the mood for Fall, Samhain and Halloween. I'll be sharing my list of to be read books that I wish to read soon.  Do you have any favorites?? Share down in the comments below and we can discuss and gush about our favorite parts of Halloween.

#Review: Expose Me (5th Avenue Trilogy) .@Katehewitt1

Book Title: Expose Me ( Fifth Avenue Trilogy) Book 3
Author:  Kate Hewitt |Website|  Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 3 (Finale)
Format: Trade Paperback

Cost: $9.99

Pages: 264

How I got it: Purchased at Books A Million

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

Ten years ago one devastating night changed everything for Austin, Hunter and Alex. Now they must each play their part in the revenge against the one man who ruined it all. With ruthless determination, Alex Diaz has risen up from his deprived roots to become the head of a global media empire. But he has one last thing to achieve…avenge his friend by destroying the man responsible for her death, Jason Treffen. With stunning talk-show host Chelsea Maxwell about to interview Treffen live on TV, this is Alex's chance. He'll use her show to exact a very public revenge—and seducing Chelsea, if needed, would certainly be no hardship. But he underestimates Chelsea and the attraction between them, and as their relationship deepens, Alex realizes that to annihilate Treffen could also shatter the life that Chelsea has built to protect herself….

So I went to the bookstore and they said it wasn't due out until July 29th and I almost cried, but I understood. I went home and just hung my head for like three days, then went back and it was out and I freaked, snatched the book ran to the register and went home, I finished it that same night. (funny aside as soon as I finished reading it, I get an email from NetGalley saying Harlequin approved me for the title, well played Harlequin well played). Now onto the review..

This story is just as emotional as the others.  Even more so, because they hide so much from themselves and from each other.  In this one both of the characters are so deeply wounded and damaged it makes them guarded and afraid to meet someone without outing up barriers.  Alex's suspicions about his past really make him very guarded and I can totally understand why, that's gotta hurt.

 Alec is blown away by Chelsea when he realizes that the rumors don't do her justice nor do they disclose the clever and sharp mind hiding beneath the beautiful and cool smile.m   Chelsea is a complex and wounded character who at first appears one way but as the story unfolds we learn more about her hidden depths, her fears, and her reasons for having her walls.  Her past is brutal but she rose above the fray and excelled in a way no one thought she would.

As we learn more and are introduced to more characters I wanted to learn more about them, and their journeys that brought them here.  Her sister appears to be a complex and nuanced character that I wish we had gotten more of because she also helped to make Chelsea who she was.  I wanted to know who she had become, where she had been and what put the ghosts in her eyes.  Zair was mentioned in all three books and now I want more from him.

As the book progressed I laughed, teared up a bit, got furious with things that were happening and wanted so much more.  On page 209 I laughed because Kate's Britishness peaked through when she called the bandages "sticking plaster"   Then of course when Chelsea meets Alex's mom and she cuts right to the heart of the situation  I was floored, Holy Crap, I love her!!

I love that they are both in unknown teritory and that's it's not just the girl wanting this to work that the are both vested and emotional.  I loved how they learnt to both trust and use each other, that the plan hinged on Chelsea being willing to accept the truth, that she be willing to not just stand up for self but also for a young woman too wounded to fight anymore.  I loved watching the unfurling of Chelsea as a woman, and as a survivor, instead of hiding she embraced herself once again and lived!!!

The book is extremely well written, especially because it didn't give a perfect happy ending.  There is still more to be done, But it gave us the full story we had been working towards.  Those last few moments as they worked towards that justice were pretty freaking tense, I was speed reading trying to get to the end so I could see how it went down and it was epic!! Man I really felt like I was there in the room when it happened. Ain't no spinning this story now jackass (yes I'm talking to the villain). I loved that even though it appeared like it was the men who were bringing the revenge that each story hinged on the courage of the women they met and their decision to seek justice, to stand up, and to speak for all the women who couldn't.

The saddest part about these books of course is knowing that there are women in these situations.  That they are actually women who are living with this horror daily.  They don't have someone like Chelsea/Alex or Katy/Austin or Zoe/Hunter to avenge them and that's the worse part.

 ★★★★★

While I would have loved an epilogue, I get that there wouldn't have been a way to end it that would satisfy everyone.  In reality these things sometimes take years especially if the villain has money to hide behind.  But I can imagine the justice I want and that's an even better ending!!  I highly recommend the series.  Have you read them?? What do you think of the subject matter? I must say I'm happy that romance novels are finally talking about more than just them meeting and falling in love, even though I love those kinds of stories too.  Leave it in the comments!!

Happy Reading

#Review: Scandalize Me ( Fifth Avenue Triglogy Book 2) .@megancrane

Book Title: Scandalize Me ( Fifth Avenue Triglogy Book 2)
Author: Caitlin Crews |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 2
Format: Trade Paperback

Cost: $9.99

Pages: 264

How I got it: Purchased from Books A Million 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 2014
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Synopsis:

TEN YEARS AGO ONE DEVASTATING NIGHT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR AUSTIN, HUNTER AND ALEX. NOW THEY MUST EACH PLAY THEIR PART IN THE REVENGE AGAINST THE ONE MAN WHO RUINED IT ALL. Hunter Talbot Grant III, sports figure du jour, wealthy beyond measure and disreputable by choice, has cultivated a reputation that masks the shadows of his past. When the opportunity to ensure financial destruction for Jason Treffen arises, he can't refuse. But first he must shake off the woman sent to tame him! Zoe Brook, PR agent extraordinaire, never fails to transform a tarnished star. And Hunter's no different. Except there's a catch. Beneath their scorching mutual attraction, Zoe has a secret, she's also been on the wrong side of Jason Treffen, and she has as much of a taste for revenge as Hunter does!

Ha I laughed so hard when I started reading this, Zoe was totally a kick ass woman and she was so not expecting Hunter to be who he was. I loved her plans and I couldn't wait for them to learn more about each other.  While reading page 42, the second paragraph was like a kick in the gut,  God to be trapped with no way to get out and no one to tell. On page 110 iDied, I can't with Hunter, why would you go so hard with him??And then on page 122 Yes Get it Zoe!!

Hunter is doing even worse than Austin is, because he loved Sarah and he never knew she was in trouble.  On that last night, he hurt her when she needed him and he can't forgive himself because he had made assumptions about her and he thought he was the injured party.  For that Hunter has been punishing himself for ten years, and he's been doing it publicly.

It's sad to see how Sarah's choice is rippling across the lives of her friends and loved ones she left behind.  How it almost broke her sister, how it hurt her friends and all because she needed to get away from one bastard.  One man's evil hurts so many people and he doesn't even care.

This book took you and made you care. The story flew by and I was rooting for Hunter to stop hiding from his past and the pain. For Zoe to kick her demons in the nuts with her killer heels and for her vengeance to truly come through.  This book carried on the story well, picking up where Avenge Me left off, peeling back the layers of the characters and exposing all their flaws, fears and desperate need for redemption.

Zoe's story made me hurt and made me angry; because the sad part about these stories?? Is knowing that this is all too real, that this can take place anywhere in the world and women are always trapped beyond their control.  Women who saw the golden ticket, the perfect opportunity to get their dreams to only discover the nightmare hidden within when they were too far gone.  Zoe's struggle felt real and never made it too far out of the realm of possibility. At times it felt all too real.

The pairing was exceptional, I was engaged from the beginning,   The sexy times ... holy smokes, it was off the charts; the characters had great chemistry in spades and I loved that it took time for their relationship to build up.  The inital time between their meet and their getting together  took place over months and it wasn't insta love or like.  They both worked each other's last nerves when they met and then it took time for trust to bloom before they were able to get together without all the baggage in the way.  Hunter as a character was well done as well, he was a man on a mission to punish himself for failing the woman he loved; even though he like everyone else didn't really see the signs, and Sarah herself never told anyone she needed help.  When given the chance to enact revenge Hunter is slow to the task but eventually comes around when he realizes this isn't about him anymore, and I loved him for that.

I chose bot to read the book's synopsis so I was unaware I was going to be reading Hunter's story, I just went in knowing as book 2 it was going to be carrying on the story.  And I wasn't disappointed.  Can I just say I want more from Zahir?? Can he get his own story?? Characters were well developed, I totally need more on Zahir though so ladies, get on that!

I can't wait until the 29th of July so I can get the third book because it's going to be epic! They have already gotten two pieces now they need to trap him and it's game over bitch!!  I highly recommend the series.  .

This was a great follow up to avenge me , this one really explored the main losses not from a outsider's point of view but from those most affected by the actions of Sarah and the villain.  And it's done wonderfully.  This is a story of revenge and redemption and I loved how it was resolved.  How it came together in the end and gave us a satisfactory ending but left us open for the third.

Don't forget to enter in for a chance to win an autographed copy of Avenge Me!!  Good Luck

 ★★★★★

Happy Reading

#Giveaway (CLOSED) & #Review: Avenge Me ( FIfth Avenue Trilogy 1) .@maiseyyates

Book Title: Avenge Me ( Fifth Avenue Trilogy Book 1)
Author: Maisey Yates |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: Trade Paperback

Cost: $9.99

Pages: 264

How I got it: Book Expo America 2014

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

TEN YEARS AGO ONE DEVASTATING NIGHT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR AUSTIN, HUNTER AND ALEX. NOW THEY MUST EACH PLAY THEIR PART IN THE REVENGE AGAINST THE ONE MAN WHO RUINED IT ALL. Austin Treffen was born into a world of privilege, but behind its gilded doors lies a corruption so sordid New York's elite would never believe it—especially as his infamous philanthropic father is at its core! With everything he believed in shattered, how can Austin take down his father—risking his family name and those he loves—without any proof? Until one earth-shattering night with Katy Michaels unlocks not only their deepest, most passionate desires but also the key to bringing Jason Treffen's reign to an end. But with an intense sexual attraction that combines a heady mix of exquisite pleasure and sublime pain, will they satiate their thirst for revenge and each other…or lose themselves forever in the darkness

A good story with a great start to the series.  This is a good take on a touch matter, it explores why victims might not come forward. Why an educated woman would stay and the repercussions to the families after tragedy strikes.  Reminds me of the episode on Law & Order SVU about the judge who was known as an advocate for women who turned out to be abusing his position of power along withs several of his friends.

The soul searching that Austin did and his fear of being his dad, made him fight harder,  Many people wouldn't see the clues and would turn a blind eye because they don't want to see and they would rather not deal with the ugliness.  I loved the discussion between domination and abuse of power, and the differences and the fine line that is walked to make sure dominance doesn't become abuse; not just in 'polite' society but in between the players.

Characters:
 They were nuanced, flawed, and kick ass, they were raw, emotional and they just felt real. Their reactions, discussions, conversations and even their thoughts felt like something you would think in the situation they found themselves in.

Covers of the Books:
Each cover showcased each character that plays apart of the pack the friends have made. Each of the models do well as the characters, and the simple suits and the men with stark colors behind them just make for a beautiful and simple cover.  This cover model has Austin's intensity down pat!! I like it!!

World Building:
Mostly done in the prequel "Take Me by Maisey Yates, and done well, it gave us the sense of NYC which in it's own way becomes a character,  The author's gave us a general background of the college and they became friends and how it affected each of them. This makes it easy to root for the good guys.

The story is told in a way that's believable because sadly it's dealing with a topic that way too many women deal with (perhaps not to this extreme) but it's there. Eventually this book becomes a love story, however the overarching plot isn't lost; because their reasons for meeting has to do with the main plot. I loved how it wasn't a love story, the love wasn't even on the horizon at first, it was a revenge tale and remained a revenge tale until the glorious end.

I can't wait to read the other ones in the series.  and I'm going to enjoy the trilogy because Avenge me was totally more than I expected.

And as such I want to share the awesomeness with you. One lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of Avenge Me by Maisey Yates!!!  Enter down below to win.

 ★★★★★

Happy Reading & Good Luck!!!

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#Review: Hard Knox .@nwilliamsbooks

Book Title: Hard Knox (Outsider Series 1)
Author:  Nicole Williams |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Self Published
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: ebook

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 310

How I got it: Blog Tour Company

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

Knox Jagger. The name inspires resent in every male at Sinclair University, want in every female, and contempt in Charlie Chase. Charlie can be summed up in three words: independent, independent, and independent. To Charlie, Knox epitomizes everything that’s wrong with college males: prolific one-night stands, drunken senseless fights, and a body that hints at prioritizing gym time over study time. As an up-and-coming writer for Sinclair University’s newspaper, Charlie’s tasked with getting to the bottom of who’s been dropping little white pills into girls’ drinks at parties. In an ocean of All-American boys sporting polo shirts and innocent smiles, Knox is the obvious suspect. As evidence piles up against the bad boy of Sinclair, Charlie becomes more and more certain it isn’t Knox. But when her drink is dosed at a party and she wakes up on Knox’s couch the next morning, Charlie’s left with more questions than answers when it comes to Knox Jagger. How can Charlie ever hope to uncover the truth behind a guy so closed off he’s become . . .

This is the first time I have read Nicole Williams' writing, and it won't be the last at all.  I'm so looking forward to Damaged Goods which is book two and I have no idea what it's about but I'm going to enjoy reading it that's all I know.

When I first started i thought " Ugh, why already her attitude is tired. Shut up judgmental bitch. I hate characters who are "superior" only in their own minds because they put others down" Yeah then she turned around and made me eat those words.

I bitched about this book but it actually pulled me in.  This relationship reminds me of Jess and Riley in Sweet by Erin McCarthy, in how frank, real, and raw they were together.  It's funny how much of who they ere was hidden from others but not really from each other.  They fought hard to remain separated and their own people yet they become pretty essential to each other.  When the book first began I hated Charlie because I hate when characters thing they are better than others. Charlie or Ms Chase was a bit of an asshat , shes really naive if she truly thinks that some effing sayings on her shirt is going to save the world. Seriously??? Bitch please, if the Dali Lama who actually works towards world peace can't make it happen you think your passive aggressive t-shirts are going to enlighten someone?? She looked up to a mentor who I disliked from the get go.  The privilege coming off these characters annoyed me so much, then shyt got real and someone got in her face and called her on it and I wanted to scream it was so amazing.  I hated that there were almost no positive female friendships within the book. Not every sorority girl is a bitch, we aren't all out to make other girls look bad, we aren't all dumb because of how we dress, or the letters on our clothing.  Charlie judged women harshly and I wanted to tell her if maybe if she wasn't such a smug judgmental bitch then maybe she would have more friends.

Knox isn't your typical "bad boy"  he's a badass and a bit of a bad guy and he embraces it, and even uses it.  Completely embraces it which makes him pretty unique as a character because normally the bad boy is a guy who really isn't trying to be, nope not Knox, he does his best to live up to his name.

Knox as a character is complicated, it's one thing if you didn't know the consequences of your actions it's another when you do and you still do it. I'm sympathetic to his plight, I get why he did it, he was desperate and needed help and there was no one to help him so he did what he had to do, I get we can't punish kids for their indiscretions because well they're to put it politely.. freaking idiots it's a wonder the world hasn't ended with the different generations but seriously my dude??  Does his actions later make up for his actions before?? I don't know but when we find out his back story I both wanted to kill him and to cry. UGH Nicole you suck!!

The devil however is going to get his due eventually and it's never who we think will pay the price who ultimately does.  Knox paid in the worst way possible and I wouldn't wish that on even my worst enemy.  It brought his actions home in the worst way possible and he could never have expected it and I'm of two minds, while I wouldn't want that to happen to anyone, and yet this way he got a taste of what others had to deal with because of his decisions.  His need to survive fueled their despair.  Nicole doesn't make this easy at all, the ethical dilemma is a hard one, and the clear black and white lines aren't as clear as they used to be in this one.

Can I just say I picture Knox and Charlie as the two people I follow on instagram??  He's big and she's little as hell, they met in college and they both cuss up a storm like Knox??  Yeah they totally remind me of F & D.  Isn't it sad thought that the university of course would rather cover it up?? Than face the truth?? Which is eerily real because recently a couple of big name schools got in trouble for this including Yale University (which is right where I live). (Article here)

This book wasn't cut and dried and it didn't make it easy to like the characters because they were convoluted and complex and flawed like hell but in the end, Nicole pulled it all together and gave all the feels that could be felt.  I highly recommend it. I yelled at the characters, I called them names, I freaked out when things went wrong and I totally loved them by the end.

 ★★★★★

Go read it y'all and come back so we can compare our notes on Charlie and Knox.  Have you read it?? Did you hate it, Love it, Like it?? Share down in the comments. 
Happy Reading

#Giveaway (CLOSED) & #Review: Sugar On The Edge ( Last Call 3) .@bennettbooks

Book Title: Sugar On The Edge (Last Call 3)
Author: Sawyer Bennett  Website | Facebook | Twitter

Publisher:  Big Dog Books LLC
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone:  Series
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 200
How I Got It: Blog Tour Company 
Get Yours:  Amazon| B&N | BAM

Publication Date: July 28th, 2014
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Synopsis

He’s utterly alone…

Tortured and existing in a dark spiral of despair, bestselling British author, Gavin Cooke, has come to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to escape the seedy lifestyle he had been living in London and in a desperate attempt to regain his writing focus. He’s twisted, bitter and angry at the world. He’s a loner… needing not a single thing other than his Scotch and a laptop upon which he can bang out his next erotic, dark thriller.

She’s running in place and getting nowhere…

Savannah Shepherd’s life is falling apart. Her dream of being a wildlife photographer seems a distant memory and she’s barely able to make ends meet. Driving herself forward with no clear goals apparent, she’s about ready to pack up her bags and head home with her tail between her legs.

Two unlikely lovers…

He’s raw, forceful and a dirty talker. She’s a flowers and romance type of girl. Yet within each other, they find a mutual craving that can only be satisfied by giving in to their desires for one another.

Lust turns into something more… something they were not looking for but tentatively accept. Will it be enough to push them past the obstacles of Gavin’s bitter past?

*SUGAR ON THE EDGE can be read as a stand-alone*

 However if you want to read them:

Book 1: On The Rocks

Book 2: Make It A Double
Book 3: Sugar on the Edge

  

This book is extremely steamy.  At first when we get to meet the characters, I was like man oh man he's a bit of an ass, then the female lead calls him out on it and I laughed so hard.  I loved her so much!!  I'm glad the author knew certain sections where way too corny and had the characters talk about it., That made me laugh so hard!!  I loved that he was an author and that we got glimpses of his work and how what happened with him influenced his characters and what he wrote influenced him as well.

I loved how even though Savannah was a quite woman, she had a backbone of steel and gave Gavin as much as he tried to give her. Gavin was a wounded man and lashed out at whoever would attempt to get close, when he realized Savannah wasn't willing to fall over and be impressed, nor was she unfazed by him.  Their clashes were epic and steamy at times, and sometimes just wonderful to read as they clashed and learnt their limits with each other.

I loved that there was no real battle or horrible thing to prevent them from coming together, just them, I hate when it's a huge thing keeping them apart, It was good to see the other characters from the books and to see the way they loved Savannah and took Gavin in and then when he got his butt handed to him because he was too stupid to be a smart man and learn his lesson.

I enjoyed the characters growth and development and the fact that even though it's companion, it didn't feel that way. Enjoyed reading it so much.  Deeply engaging although even though he was British his thought patterns and inner monologue and wording were truly "Yankee".

 ★★★★1/2

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Good Luck!!
I hope you take the time to check out Sawyer's work.
Happy Reading my loves