Tag Archives: review

5 stars, Book Review

Blackburn by Brynne Asher Review

Leave a comment

newarcbanner

blurb

blackburnShe’s my employee.

I’m her boss’s boss. Hell, I own the company.

Pursuing Lillian Burkette was a line I shouldn’t cross.

Until a work trip from hell changed everything.

I didn’t just step over the line. I annihilated the damn thing.

When it comes to her, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do. I’d even kill for her.

When they say the corporate world is a jungle … they have no idea.

Warning – Not appropriate for readers under the age of 18.

— Goodreads — Amazon —

author

brynneBrynne Asher lives in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and her perfect dog. When she isn’t creating pretend people and relationships in her head, she is running her kids around and doing laundry. She enjoys cooking, decorating, shopping at outlet malls as well as online and is always seeking the best deal. A perfect day in “Brynne World” ends in front of an outdoor fire with family, friends, s’mores, and a delicious cocktail.

— Facebook — Readers Group — Goodreads — Amazon —

reviewblackburn3

What would you do if you ended up stuck in a forest in Nicaragua, with your boss’s boss, who’s usually a complete jerk to you, but who’s also freaking gorgeous? Would you let the circumstances that forced you closer together to make you cross that line? Would you let him kiss you? Would you end up teasing him relentlessly?

If your boss’s boss is Gabriel Blackburn the answer to that is a resounding YES. Brynne Asher brings to life crazy, out of this world circumstances, and mixes them with the humor she continues to deliver in her novels (the Carpinos and Killers series which are both AMAZING, and I’m still waiting for more!) while also giving you a closer look into what makes a jerk, well, a jerk.

And let’s talk about her heroine, Lillian, for a second, hmm? The woman who wipes her nose on her boss’s boss’s shirt, after trekking through the forest with blisters on her feet. She’s the woman who teases her boss relentlessly, but also gets stunned by his kisses. She’s intelligent, crazy so, and not afraid to stand up for herself. She’s thrust into a situation no one would be prepared for, yet takes it as well as anyone could.

From the very first page of this novel, I promise you will be hooked. There is not one page that is boring or will make you want to put it down. This book will have you laughing, crying, and turning the A/C on, all in a few pages. I swear this book was not long enough for me, though Brynne’s novels always leave me wanting more. I promise you will have wanted to trade places with Lillian, despite everything these two go through, because Gabe is that hot– I mean amazing.

While this novel is short and sweet, it is also steamy. These two burn up the sheets, make you reach for that glass, or bottle, of wine, and fan yourself. Sweet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not naughty. One does not negate the other. Gabe Blackburn loves dirty talk, and lord have mighty is he good at it. Trust me, you’re going to want your lover, boyfriends, girlfriends, whatever, take notes from him. He’s really good at it.

Get your fingers ready to one-click this baby when it comes out. You’re gonna need it. Also, if you’ve read the Killers series, there’s a little glimpse of an old friend in there, who also curses Gabe with something every man dreads. What is that? You’ll just have to read to find out!! (Also- for more teasers go follow Brynne on Facebook!)

blackburn15star
**All images are from freeimages.com and all fonts are from CreativeMarket.com. For more info on the fonts and images used, please email caitscreatures@gmail.com**
4 stars, Book Review

Sleight of Hand by BJ Bentley Review!

Leave a comment

newarcbannerblurbsleightofhandBERTIE

I grew up on the streets, a product of someone else’s bad choices.
I clawed, fought, and stole in order to survive.
You’d think growing up that way would make me tough. Make me hard.
Truth was, I wanted to do good.
But doing good brought me something very, very bad.

ALEKSANDER

You could say I had it all. Money. Respect. Women.
The fear of those beneath me.
I had everything I wanted.
But I had an obsession that became a need.
I knew what I needed, and what I needed was her.

Aleksander Magnus is one-third of the Syndicate. A criminal CEO who thrives on control. So, when he meets Bertie, his sparrow, will he give in to the desire to cage his little bird, or will he open his heart and allow them both to fly free?

— Goodreads — Amazon — Barnes & Nobles —

author29136192_175603263078789_8700093008424468480_nFrom her Amazon: I’m a psychic medium, romance author, and cat mom. I shamelessly based my character, Sabrina Rhodes, on myself (write what you know, and all that.) Weaknesses include alpha males and badass babes.
The Intuitive series is a collection of rom-com novellas, and I’m also working on a full-length dark romance novel.
I’m very active on social media, so feel free to stalk me! (Please stalk me, this is a cry for attention.)
Follow me!

—  Facebook — Twitter —  Instagram —  Website — Amazon—  BookBub  —reviewsleightofhand1

Alright, ok, I can totally write this review and not fan girl too much. Right? Right. Ok. Here goes nothin’.

ALEKSANDER is the devil and I freaking love it. He may not be your typical mafioso, but he is definitely uber powerful in his business. We met him in Finders Keepers, and if you read it, you know there were some super trigger warnings. Now, there aren’t really triggers in this book (maybe? everyone’s are different), but it really depends on your definition of safe. Aleks isn’t one to believe in that love at first sight, junk. And he’s not going to let a little girl that he wants more than anything, come in between him and his empire.

*snort*

Roberta, BERTIE, is a strong independent who don’t need no man, and she doesn’t want one. And she’s so good at her job, she sends Aleks on a merry little chase. (Yes, the Aleks that’s all “I’m a big CEO, I don’t want love” Aleks.) She is sassy and fierce, and she’s smart as hell. She’s good at running, hiding, stealing, and eating pie (trust me, that’s important). She is a hell of a survivor, and learned early on she could only count on herself. But something in her says to go to Aleksander, and she firmly shuts that down in her head.

These two burn up the sheets as much as they burn the world. I love BJ Bentley’s heroines because they’re not weak damsels in distress. Bertie makes sure to mark her territory (Aleks) as much as Aleks does the same. Neither are afraid of pleasure, and Aleks teaches Bertie new ways to explore her own pleasure, and the pain/pleasure combo. There are some Dom/sub vibes in here. Aleks isn’t making Bertie kneel whenever he enters the room or anything, but there is a definite box their relationship is in.

At first, because Bertie is Bertie, she resists the kind of pleasure Aleks can give her by owning every inch of her, but it just added to the dynamics of their relationship. They are both possessive of the other, which translates into some really sexy times in the sheets… and out of them.

And good lord the drama! Bertie, just like Charlotte once did, gets herself into some nasty situations. Lucky for her, she’s not part of the family, and nobody messes with the family (get it?!). Aleks fell down the same rabbit hole that Jensen did, and fell in love with a woman not afraid to get dirty. I actually think it’s a necessity for me to have an epilogue or novella somewhere to show how these women are changing the Syndicate because I guarantee they help the guys… not that the guys want their girls doing any work.

Ok, I’m getting a little talkative, and at this point I don’t know what to say other than READ THE BOOK YOU WILL LOVE IT.  You may hate Aleks sometimes, and wonder what the heck Bertie is doing, but BJ Bentley keeps true to who her characters are. This work, this series so far, is authentic and bloody and I love it. I cannot wait to see what the series brings because I need it!

sleightofhand24star

4 stars, Book Review

Just Say Yes by Samantha Lind Review

1 Comment

newarcbannerblurbjustsayyesWhat will it take for her to Just Say Yes?

Scott Taylor has the perfect life. He gets to fulfill his dream playing professional hockey, has a loving family, and a tight group of friends. But the one thing missing in his life is a partner to come home to. He knows exactly who he wants to fill that position– the only woman he has ever loved. The one who got away, who constantly consumes his every thought. What it would take to get her to Just Say Yes to a second chance?

Becca Phillips is an independent woman who has made her career as an ER nurse a priority in her life. She has a loving family and a best friend by her side, but she can’t seem to get over her first love, Scott. Insecurities led her to break up with him years ago when he started climbing the ranks in professional hockey and, for eight years, Becca has avoided Scott when he returns home each summer. Can she overcome her fears and allow love back into her life? All she has to do is Just Say Yes to the one and only man she has ever loved.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Barnes & Nobles — Kobo —

authorsamanthalindSamantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey, and listening to country music. She can be contacted via email, found on Facebook at  or at her website.

 

 

reviewjustsayyes2

I’ve only read one other book by Samantha Lind, Until You, and it was so sugary sweet I got a cavity… the good kind. If there was a good kind of cavity. Anyway, so I only read the one book and I wasn’t sure what to expect for Just Say Yes. Basically: it was just as sweet, if not sweeter. And I loved it!

Just Say Yes is a second chance, sports romance so strap on your ice skates and get ready for a book that will have you wanting more. Scott and Becca were high school sweet hearts that let Scott’s rise to athlete stardom come between them. While Scott was destined for the NHL, and made it into the minor leagues and beyond, Becca was young and didn’t know how to handle it. So they broke up and let ten years pass before trying to their relationship over again.

All the drama in this, which honestly isn’t much to begin with, has to do with outside forces. Once these two decide to give their relationship a shot, they do everything the can to make it work, and they are so cute! Their drama has to do with the distance these too have, since Scott lives mostly in Indianapolis and Becca lives in Alaska. So Becca and Scott have their trials and tribulations, but the years apart have shown them what and who they want, so they do everything they can to keep it.

I read a lot of dark romances, so Scott and Becca would have been the best pick me up after reading something that ripped my heart out over and over again. Becca was supportive and independent, and Scott had just enough alpha in him to make him possessive and supportive at the same time. In fact, one of my favorite parts about this novel, is that they were both so supportive of the other. They wanted the other to succeed, but they also wanted to be together, they just didn’t want to hinder the other’s career. As much as Scott wanted to drag Becca with him everywhere, he knew he couldn’t. He also didn’t want to, because her happiness meant more to him than anything else. They had to find the balance between happiness, living your dream, and being with the one you love.

This is the first in the Indianapolis Eagles series, and stay tuned! Book 3 comes out soon!!

justsayyes34star

4 stars, Book Review

Staying in Vegas by Sam Mariano Review

Leave a comment

newarcbannerblurbstayinginvegasYou don’t want to miss what happens in Vegas…

When I met Rafe Morelli, he didn’t look like the biggest mistake I’d ever make; he seemed closer to the crime family version of Prince Charming. Charismatic, beautiful, and attentive—with an intoxicating air of power—Rafe was the stuff of my darkest fantasies.

What we had should have been a simple fling, no-strings-attached. My hot weekend with the sexy, dominant Vegas boss—a harmless memory to replay once I returned to my quiet, predictable life.

One tiny hitch in that plan: a panty-melting memory isn’t all he left behind. Now the stakes have changed, and I’m faced with a potentially life-altering decision. Do I stay away and enjoy my status as the only woman in known history who has played in the Morelli flames without getting burned, or do I risk everything and step back into the fire?

BOOK 1 OF 3 IN THE VEGAS MORELLI TRILOGY.

This trilogy can be read even if you haven’t read the original Morelli family series, but as it takes place AFTER that series, there will be Morelli family series spoilers. Two of the main characters from this trilogy were introduced in the original Morelli series. If you want to read the original series and experience it without spoilers, you may want to start there (with Accidental Witness).
Like the original Morelli family series, this trilogy is a continuing story following the same characters, NOT three separate-couple standalones.

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authorsammarianoFollow Sam Mariano on Facebook or check out her Blog! (She also recently opened an Instagram, sammarianobooks, if you’d like to follow there.) If you need to email her, she can be reached at sammarianoauthor@gmail.com (but she is sometimes tardy about checking email. Mateo is very demanding).

Sign up for Sam’s mailing list (to stay up to date on current projects–she won’t spam you! Only for notification of new releases or book sales.)

Because of You, Irreparable Damage, The Morelli Family Series, and Staying in Vegas are now available on Amazon! (And don’t forget to follow Sam’s Amazon Author page to get the newest releases.)

Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.
Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.
Sam Mariano is currently working on the sequels to Irreparable Damage and Because of You.
Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!reviewstayinginvegas2

Staying in Vegas was my first dip into the Morelli family and Sam Mariano. Although I am probably going to go back and read the Morelli family series from the beginning (especially Mateo because he seems scary and ruthless and my kinda guy!), I had no trouble keeping up with Rafe and Laurel’s story. Well, Rafe, Laurel, and Sin’s story. The first book in the probably dramatic trilogy constituted more of Laurel and Sin’s relationship than Rafe and Laurel’s.

After reading this book, and then trolling the reviews on Goodreads, there’s one thing we can all agree on about this book: keep an open mind. There’s some definite Dom/sub vibes happening, though because I’ve never read one of Sam’s books I couldn’t tell you how far those are going to go. The ultimate, descriptive love triangle is happening, between Laurel Sin and Rafe that makes me want to hate Laurel.

I hate love triangles, and this one went beyond “I like two guys.” Rafe messes up, REALLY badly, and Sin swoops in like a kidnapping savior. Rafe then realizes he messed up when he thinks Sin is sleeping with Laurel. It’s a triangle that makes me anxious in every way possible. And I wanted to hate Laurel so much for seeming wishy-washy. I wanted to hate Rafe for not swooping in sooner. I wanted to hate them both and throw the book!

But I. Just. Couldn’t.

I understood why Laurel was feeling the way she was, and I understood why Rafe was a major jackass. I understood so much, that all I could do was hope and pray for Rafe and Laurel to get together sooner rather than later. There is a part of me (the part that’s consumed by anxiety over THAT CLIFFHANGER and also the dynamic between Rafe, Sin and Laurel), that wants to skip the rest of the series and just go read the other Morelli books, forever forgetting about this triangle. You know what though? I probably won’t, because as much as Sam caused me pain with this story, I LOVED IT.

stayinginvegas34star

**images used are from http://www.freeimages.com and all fonts are licensed, bought from http://www.creativemarket.com. For more info on the fonts used please contact me at caitscreatures@gmail.com**

4 stars, Book Review

The Right Stud by Ilsa Madden-Mills and Tia Louise Review

Leave a comment

newarcbannerblurbtherightstudWall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills and USA Today bestselling author Tia Louise are back with an all-new romantic comedy filled with Southern sass and steamy scenes that will have you laughing out loud and fanning yourself. Pour the sweet tea and get ready…

“The best way to get over your sh**ty ex-fiancé is to get under a shiny new stud…” 

As soon as Mr. Tall, Blond, and Handsome walks into that bar, I know he’s the hook-up I need to get over stupid Cheater Kyle.

A few stolen kisses in a dark hallway, and I’m pretty sure we’re headed for a home run—until he disappears without a trace.

Whatever. Men are all snakes in the grass, and I don’t need a new one anyway.

I resolve to forget about his perfect lips (and chest of steel) and instead focus on turning my Granny’s old beach house into a profitable B&B.

What I don’t expect is for him to show up the next day in my kitchen!

You see, my sexy mystery man is none other than Jax Roland, the drop-dead gorgeous home improvement star of The Right Stud, and he’s got an offer I can’t refuse.

With a suitcase in one hand and a hammer in the other, he wants to move in and renovate my old house while he films his new show.

But my roommate has secrets, and they threaten to rip our blossoming friendship—and possible love—apart.

When push comes to shove, is Jax really The Right Stud or is he just another nail in the coffin of love?

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authortialouiseTia Louise is the USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of 20 sexy romance and romantic suspense novels.

After being a teacher, a book editor, a journalist, and finally a magazine editor, she started writing love stories and never stopped.

Louise lives in the Midwest with her trophy husband, two teenage geniuses, and one grumpy cat.

NEW RELEASE: HIT GIRL, coming March 19! #BadAss #GrlPower #superhero

Recent Releases:
UNDER THE LIGHTS (#1)
UNDER THE STARS (#2)
“Sundown” (a Bright Lights novella)

Stand-Alone Romances:
WHEN WE TOUCH, a USA Today bestseller
THE LAST GUY*
*Co-authored with Ilsa Madden-Mills

The Dirty Players Series:
The Prince & The Player, 2016
A Player for A Princess, 2016
Dirty Dealers, 2017
Dirty Thief, 2017

The One to Hold Series:
One to Hold (Derek & Melissa), 2013
One to Keep (Patrick & Elaine), 2014
One to Protect (Derek & Melissa), 2014
One to Love (Kenny & Slayde), 2014
One to Leave (Stuart & Mariska), 2014
One to Save (Derek & Melissa), 2015
One to Chase (Amy & Marcus), 2015
One to Take (Stuart & Mariska), 2016

Paranormal Romances:
One Immortal, 2015
One Insatiable, 2015

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

ilsamaddenWall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap. She’s best known for her angsty, yet funny, New Adult college romances.

A former high school English teacher and elementary librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice; Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She loves unicorns, frothy coffee beverages, Vampire Dairies, and any book featuring sword-wielding females.

Email her at ilsamaddenmills at gmail dot com.

Recent Releases:

I Dare You (2018): #2 Book on Amazon; Amazon’s Most Read Chart 4 weeks straight; Washington Post #5 Bestseller.
The Right Stud: (arriving June 2018)
Dirty English: #1 on Amazon; Wall Street Journal Bestseller #8
Filthy English: #4 on Amazon
Fake Fiancée: #2 on Amazon; Wall Street Journal Bestseller #7
The Last Guy: Amazon Top 25
Spider: Amazon Top 20
Also check out her Briarwood Academy Series, a now complete series featuring stand-alone couples:
Very Bad Things: #6 Amazon
Very Wicked Things: Top 100 Amazon
Very Twisted Things: Top 100 Amazon

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

reviewtherightstud2

Reading The Right Stud was honestly so enjoyable, when I reached the end, I was shocked. The variety of characters and the craziness they brought to the book, kept me engaged and laughing the entire time. Jax Roland is a fairy tale prince mixed with bad boy yumminess, that is impossible to deny. Ashton Hall is a badass woman looking to save her family home, and though she needs some help, she’s not a damsel in distress. When Jax and Ash come together, it is an explosion in the sheets, and magic in front of and behind the camera.

Ashton had my heart pretty much from the beginning. Six months after she caught her ex cheating, she’s trying to rebound and get back in the game. She doesn’t want love, though. She’s too busy trying to restore the house her grandmother left her and her brother, while her brother is trying to get her to sell it. The house is more than just a family home, though. Her grandmother painted mermaids for her to find everywhere. (And we all know how much I love mermaids, so I am Grammy’s number one fan!)

Jax is the love ’em and leave ’em type. He’s too busy working two jobs: his real job as a real estate agent, and his second job, his love, remodeling homes. He’s made a name for himself in the online world, and he’s working on becoming the next Fixer Upper, with his show The Right Stud. There’s no room in his life for a permanent woman, and he doesn’t want a woman in his life. He doesn’t do love, and he definitely doesn’t do marriage and babies.

These two meet and feel an instant connection. They aren’t “insta love” but they both find things they love about each other pretty immediately. They share a love of restoration, and a love of the Conch Shell, the B&B/family home Ash is trying to save. There’s really no OW/OM drama, which was A-OK WITH ME. But the drama they did have, which was extremely minimal, made these two stronger. And as much as these two say they don’t want love, they fall into it fairly quickly.

Things I loved about this book: mermaids!!, safe (even when there’s drama, these two don’t go out and try to hurt each other using other people), Jax’s fine body, Ash’s resilience. the strength these two have individually, and as a couple, and that epilogue. It was so sweet, so cute, that I turned into the ultimate sterotypical white girl with my “I CAN’T EVEN”.

Things I didn’t love: it wasn’t long enough???? (kidding!) I just wished I saw more of Jax and Ash working through things. They had their problems right at the end, and then the epilogue came. It would have been nice to see a little more make up time happening.

therightstud34star

 

**images used are from http://www.freeimages.com and all fonts are licensed, bought from http://www.creativemarket.com. For more info on the fonts used please contact me at caitscreatures@gmail.com**

4 stars, Book Review

If You Say So by AR Myles Review

Leave a comment

newarcbannerblurbifyousaysoSometimes life is a dream you don’t want to wake up from . . .

The night Alison Lockhart walks in to Undisputed, she only wants to have a drink, celebrate a friend’s birthday, and forget about the newest guy her mother tried to set her up with. It’s why, when the infamous Jay “The Hurricane” Hamilton—one of the highest-ranking boxers at The Underground—labels her a ring rat, she writes him off as just another guy with an over-inflated ego.

Only she can’t stop thinking about him.

Or his steel-blue eyes.

Or the apology on his perfect lips.

Their fall is fast and hard, but when Alison’s ex shows up and Jay starts keeping secrets, will they be able to find their way out of the nightmare?

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authorarmylesThe author of the Breathe Again and Blinded by Love series, both written under the pseudonym, Emma Grayson. If You Say So is her debut novel as A.R. Myles and her first standalone. Currently she is working on a few new novels as well as a new series, which is focused on single moms who are trying to make it in the dating world after being wronged by their loser exs.

Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she resides in a small town with her family, her eleven-year-old son, and six cats—yes, SIX cats! She loves her romance with a twist of suspense or comedy, and when she’s not writing or reading or coming up with new plots, she spends most of her time with her son or binging all the shows on Netflix, and drinking Starbucks coffee with her mom and best friends.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

reviewifyousayso1

I struggled, a lot, to write this review. My conflicting feelings have made me take some time before I wrote it. I wanted to clear my head, really think about how I felt this novel before I wrote it. Also, I wanted to write an honest and true review, without giving away spoilers.

AR Myles had me hooked from the first page. I wanted to read all about Jay and Alison. From their first meeting I loved Jay, even though he was a major jerk face. But after that, he was a major sweet heart, and I loved him for sticking up for Ali, for falling in love with her so completely, that you couldn’t help but fall in love with him too. Ali is strong and independent, despite what her mother wants her to be. She is loved by Jay and by her friends.

This book was literally an emotional roller coaster. The ups were fabulous, and the lows were LOW. Ali’s relationship with Jay was strong, no matter how many lows they had, she never doubted him. He stood up for her against her mother. He bonded with her father. Ali supported Jay through all of his struggles. Their chemistry was off the charts from the very first page.

So while I loved this book, with all it’s ups and downs, I am not a fan of the ending. It’s not my thing, the ending, but it was real and raw. I went back and forth on what to rate this book. On one hand, I wanted to one star it because HOW DARE AR Myles make me fall in love THAT MUCH and then DO THAT to me? But on the other, she created a story I will cry about all night, and every time I think about it. It’s the story I will tell people to read when they need an ugly cry. How could I give it less than 4 stars? I already took 1 star away because I didn’t like the ending. But at the end of the day? This was a beautifully written story, tragic, but amazing. I can’t fault AR for sticking with the truth and with the character. (Well, I can, and I can beg her to give me an alternate, but still…)

ifyousayso24star

5 stars, Book Tour, Release Blitz!

Forever Release Boost!

Leave a comment

Forever by Anna B. Doe is LIVE!

Anabel and William’s story is coming to a sweet, beautiful, heartbreaking conclusion in Forever, New York Knights novella!
 
 
BOOK INFORMATION
Title: Forever
Series: New York Knights novella, book 3
Author: Anna B. Doe
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Cover Design: Oh So Novel
Graphic Design: Čitaholičarka
Release Date: May 25th, 2018
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38466789-forever
 
 
ONE-CLICK or read for #FREE with KU!
Amazon US: http://a.co/diXB8Rf
Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/6KHIQCs
Amazon CA: http://a.co/gfC6UWB
Blurb:
Anabel
This story is as old as time.
Girl meets boy.
They fall in love and, after their fair share of highs and lows, they finally get their happily ever after …
Only in my story, happily ever after seems to be so far away.
William and I are together, but we’re apart.
It’s hard and painful, but we make do because not being together is harder than having a long-distance relationship.
Every turn is more painful than the last, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for it.
If we are ready for it.
William
For more than a year, I waited.
For more than a year, I was a good boy playing by the rules.
For more than a year, I’ve been waiting for the right moment.
I gave her time she needed.
The time we needed.
I watched her go in and out of my life, time and time again.
But I’m done playing this game.
I can see the pain in her eyes. The pain that matches my own.
It’s time to end this and claim what’s mine.
Because I’m hers, and she’s mine and we … We’re forever.
 
 
EARLY REVIEWS
“Anna managed to capture all the right feelings in describing the pain of two lovers who’re having a long distance relationship. The struggles that go with it. But real love can conquer it all.” – Čitaholičarka
“Breathtaking ending to Will and Bell’s love story. True love conquers all, no matter the distance.” – Goodreads reviewer
“What a great conclusion to Will and Bel’s story. It was beautifully written and heartfelt.” – Goodreads reviewer
“This was a great conclusion to Lost and Found.” – Goodreads reviewer
“This couple will go down as one of my favorite books, and favorite couple.” – Cait’s Creatures
 
 
GIVEAWAY: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/48e2bfe21/
 
What to know how it all started?
Lost & Found (New York Knights, book #1)
One-click or read for free with KU!
AMAZON: http://a.co/0psyPYb
 
“The drama was so different than other romance novels
that I have come across. The complexity was intense. The angst and the hope I
have these character was so surreal. Lost and Found is a book that is one-click
worthy!” – Crystal’s Book World

 

 

5 stars, Best of 2018, Book Review

Unexpected Love Story by Natasha Madison Review

1 Comment

newarcbannerblurbunexpectedlovestoryWhen one man’s death exposes a complex web of lies, three couples discover the true meaning of love, loss and redemption. 

Gabe 
I thought I had it all with the best medical practice in the state and the woman of my dreams.
I wore a smile on my face every single day.
I couldn’t wait to watch her walk down the aisle and start our forever, except she never did.
My runaway bride made me realize love isn’t worth it.

Crystal 
I was the strong one, they said, until two words brought me to my knees.
It was a secret I didn’t share with anyone.
A secret that made me promise I’d never fall in love.
I no longer wanted that white picket fence of every woman’s dreams.

Until the unthinkable happened. 

What happens when your dreams unexpectedly come true?
This is the story of unexpected love.

— Goodreads — Amazon — iBooks — Kobo — Barnes & Nobles —

author28d32-natasha2bmadison

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

 

— Goodreads — Facebook — Reader’s Group — Amazon —

reviewunexpected1

I finished this book in a couple hours, devouring every sentence, every page Natasha gifted the world with, until it was over and I was crying happy tears. The way she weaved this story, not only as a standalone, but also how she connected Perfect Love Story and Unexpected Love Story. Now, I know I’m a big cry baby; I get really emotionally attached to characters and books and movies, and basically everything. So, I prepared for this book. What did Natasha say? “It’s not that bad.” Actually it was in all caps, but you get the picture.

Well, it was that bad. I have four pieces of evidence that I showed her, and I would show you, but I don’t want to give the book away. There were parts I was bawling for, and parts I was laughing hysterically over. Gabe and Crystal’s relationship was the best game of cat and mouse I’ve ever read, and I never wanted it to end, ever. She had two people who swore they would never love again, find love unexpectedly (PUN INTENDED), and embrace it with everything inside of them. They had their own demons to fight, their own battles to face, but it made them individually stronger, and their bond grow.

One thing that Natasha did that I absolutely adored was that she took the thing I hate the most in romance, and made it something beautiful. I hate, hate, hate when a girl or a guy pushes away love because “they refuse to find love” or whatever. They come up with some ridiculous reasons why they don’t want love, and they end up just making me mad or I want to strangle them. Occasionally, I find a character that I just want to strangle, but know their reasoning so I get why they don’t want love and think they can just turn that part of their brain off. Natasha Madison made me fall in love with Crystal, despite her thinking she could get away with a fling with Gabe.

She has her reasons, reasons I won’t give away, because I’m not a spoiler in case you haven’t read Perfect yet, or any other reason. Just know: her reasons are totally valid. She is fun, not annoying. She’s strong, independent, determined to be happy for others. She gave up her dreams, but isn’t living in the dark and hating life. She’s trying to make the best of her life, and all the while, I wanted to hug her close and tell her it’d all be alright.

And Gabe, GABE, who I love, is so freaking sweet, sometimes he’s a grumpapotamus, and he’s sworn off love too. He’s got totally valid reasons for it, but meeting Crystal, getting to know her, changes that. And he weasels his way into her life, into her bed, and into her heart. He’s not afraid to tell Crystal exactly how he feels, and he’s not afraid to make sure she’s not going anywhere. His alpha-machoness made me want to jump into his arms and tell him to forget about Crystal, but also realize that they’re perfect together. I tend to claim a lot of book boyfriends that are twisted and dark, but I am CLAIMING GABE for everyone to see.

Before I write more gushing about the amazing story, it’s best you just go read Perfect Love Story and then read Unexpected when it comes out. See how these two tales come together, giving you a bigger picture of what was going on as a whole, while also giving you an amazing love story. Me? I’m going to be waiting for Broken Love Story to come out, and stalk up on ice cream until I can get my hands on it.

TL;DR: Gabe is mine, and you need this book.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

5star

5 stars, Book Review

Talk Nerdy to Me by C.M. Owens Review

Leave a comment

blurbtalk nerdy to meDespite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I’d never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like…he’s a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother’s friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn’t get mentioned much unless he’s on stage.

Until…he decided I was going to be his first real-life muse, moved himself into my spare room, and started splashing the walls with pictures of my face next to his lyrics…

His weirdness differs from mine, but he’d be a perfect candidate for my hymen situation. Then I could finally move on to the next personal challenge on my list. The only problem is that he’s yet another man afraid of a virgin.

I genuinely never expected it to be so difficult to lose one’s virginity. I think the world has filled me with false expectations of debauchery coming so easily.

The human element always messes up the plans in my head.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Bookbub — Kobo — iBooks — Barnes & Noble —

author30738425_2169183699778288_5360575298049933312_nC.M. Owens always loves a good laugh, and lives and breathes the emotions of the characters she becomes attached to. Though she came from a family of musicians, she has zero abilities with instruments; she sounds like a strangled cat when she sings; and her dancing is downright embarrassing. Just ask anyone who knows her. Her creativity rests solely in the written word. Her family is grateful that she gave up her quest to become a famous singer.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook — Readers Group — Website —

reviewtalknerdytome1

Ok, so I probably shouldn’t write this review when I’m hopped up on caffeine, after taking a short nap, only to wake up at 12 and stare at my kindle until this book arrived, and then power read it through until I finished at 6 AM. The smart thing to do, would be to go to bed, take a nap, relax, do ANYTHING but write this review. Because my hands are shaking and I’m not sure if it’s from the caffeine or the lack of sleep, or the mixture of the two. Am I going to do that though? NO. I am going to write this review while my hands shake, and I’m still wiping the tears from my eyes after laughing SO hard it’s not even funny. Why am I going to do this to myself, and to you, the reader that has to deal with my craziness? Because the KWEEN has left us with a book that makes me want to write this review SO MUCH I literally cannot wait until later to do it. I don’t even think I could sleep right now if I tried!

If you’ve read the Sterling Shore series, then Britt has become someone you’ve fallen in love with since Dane rescued her from a life of living on the streets. If you haven’t read the series, but are debating on reading Talk Nerdy, because you heard amazing things about CM, then I seriously suggest you go and read the series first! It’s worth it! (heh, worth it) The first in the series, Hooked on The Game, is free! Britt has charmed us with her blurting of random factoids, and her obsession with losing her virginity.

The elusive Base Masters has been lusted over for a couple books now. There have been debates on how old he was, why he didn’t come around the Sterling parties, and he’s been drooled over by the women of Sterling Shore. We, as readers, followers, stalkers and peasants of CM Owens, have been teased with the few pages of Britt and Base’s story for awhile now. We were given just the tip, and now that it’s finally here, in all of it’s nerd glory, we have to remember to take it slow!!! If we read too fast, it’ll be over too soon. Don’t be a Cait and read it in six hours. Savor it. Enjoy it.

Or just totally consume it and then be mad at yourself for not listening to my advice. Take it from someone who knows. (That’d be me).

Britt and Base’s story unfolds with some heavy stalker moves, hilarious Bananas encounters, RANDY (nuff said), but also maturing. Base and Britt are still young, and had to learn (much like Raya and Kade did) to grow up. Both of these babies (yes, they’re babies to me in my old age of 25) have a lot of growing up to do, and they are so, so stubborn. They’re relationship starts out relatively easy, with some threats from our favorite Sterling men and encouragements from their better halves, but it also comes with naivety. The kind that can only come when you haven’t had your heart truly broken before.

Britt and Base are so inherently different from each other, that they have to learn, not only how to communicate with one another, but they also have to learn to take interest in one another. Base loves the things that other people find weird in Britt, and loves the random things that pop into her head. He loves when she talks nerdy to him, even when he doesn’t always understand it. And Britt loves when Base sings, even when she doesn’t always understand the metaphors. When these two come together though, it is explosive in the nerdiest way possible (sometimes).

In case you couldn’t tell, this book and this series is amazing. If you’re looking for laughs, read this book. If your looking for heartache, read this book. CM Owens, as always, DELIVERS. So now I sit here, like an addict, anxiously awaiting my next fix.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA5star

5 stars, Book Review

I’m swiping right! Review of Tracie Douglas’ Donut Swipe Right

Leave a comment

newarcbannerblurbDouglas - Donut Swipe Right eCoverElizabeth Bennett has only ever wanted someone to love, but after several disastrous dates she’s beginning to think the single life will be her lot in life. Until her sister swipes right on a dating app for her, and she finds herself caught up chatting with a devastatingly handsome man. Days later, she makes him a proposition.

One night.
No names.
Just sex.

Will Darcy is at the top of his career, having risen in the financial community as a powerhouse. But he’s lonely and looking for more than the vapid women he meets at the functions he attends. Intrigued by the woman he is calling his Lizzy, he agrees to her terms and a magical night ensues between the two.

But, when the morning comes, and he wakes to find her gone, will one night be enough? Or will they both realize you Donut Swipe Right unless your ready for love?

— Goodreads — Amazon — Donut Collaboration —

authortraciedouglasSurviving on caffeine most days, Tracie Douglas lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, two dogs and one really fat cat. She spends her days chasing children and fur babies, all while maintaining the illusion of sanity.

Her nights are spent toiling away at the keyboard, creating a world filled with hot men and strong women. She loves to read and write all types of book but tends to lean on the darker side of the spectrum. She’s pretty handy with a crochet hook too.

Tracie loves to hear from her readers!
Facebook — Reader’s Group — Amazon — Goodreads — Email

reviewdonutswiperight

Have you ever wondered how Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy would have fallen in love in a world with dating apps and social media? Tracie Douglas DELIVERS in this novella, making us want to eat donuts while wanting to lick the frosting off of Darcy’s (I refuse to call him Will) body all at the same time. She gives us sweet and sexy, insecure and confident, all at the same time. And I loved every single minute of it.

Also, I SEE YOU TRACIE with your reference to Cole Securities. YES. (I may or may not watch to much Ru Paul’s drag race.)

There are many romance authors out there, writing everything from historical fiction, to paranormal. The genre is huge, with new authors self publishing all the time. It takes work, time, money, and talent. There are good and bad books out there. There are authors out there that have huge followings, and some with a smaller following. Some have published a lot of books, and publish them quickly, while have only published a few, and take their time.

I fell in love with Tracie when I read Lost in the Shadows, then I fell in love with her again in Lost in Silence and Lost Without You, both of which I one clicked after reading Shadows (and I still owe Tracie a review of Lost Without You but I have been slacka-lacking!) These three novels are dark romance, which is one of my favorite genres to read, and I ADORED them so hard. When I heard Tracie was writing a novella that was short and sweet (pun intended) in a Donut Collaboration with 12 other authors (bakers dozen!) I jumped at the chance to read it. I was curious to see how it was going to turn out. Dark romance to something lighter? Not necessarily a romantic comedy, but 100% not dark romance.

And I was not dissapointed, y’all! That is how I can tell someone is an amazing writer. It’s not the only way, but it is one of the ways. Tracie switches it up completely, with an absence of blood and gore that my twisted heart loves, and brings us all a delicious gift. Lizzy and Darcy have a bunch of coincidences when they meet, right down to their names. They both think the other is only looking for one thing: a one night stand. What they don’t count on is the immediate connection they have with each other. They fight their instincts when it comes to one another, but ultimately Darcy gets all stalker-ish and finds his woman.

It’s romance so, spoiler, they get together. But these two burn the sheets together. I turned on my A/C when I started reading (also because it got hot AF all of a sudden). Just because this is short and sweet, does not mean that it’s any less sexy. Bottom line? Pre-Order this baby for $0.99, you will adore it as much as you do donuts.

donutswiperight25star