Come Alive by Jessica Hawkins

Title: Come Alive
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 275
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Come Undone
Age Group: Adult

Determined to move on with her life, Olivia Germaine has vowed to forget David Dylan. Struggling to keep her head above water, she focuses on her new promotion and refuses to drown in the memory of their night together.

But when Olivia realizes what life without David means, she must decide if she is willing to risk everything for him . . . and if she is ready to reopen the wounds of her past.

Can Olivia move forward with her marriage despite her feelings for David?

And can David stay away like he promised?

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

So, this is one of those books where the people that are around me while I'm reading this wished that I was illiterate.

The way I wanted so badly to just jump Olivia and end her was so profound. I understand her, the commitment she made to Bill. But come on! The feels! The feels for David Dylan! They are there; I can see it, Pluto can see, all can see it except her!

David Dylan, I want you. Olivia might be difficult, but I will take you.

I just don't understand who would put themselves into that type of suffering. The way these two are, there is just no denying their attraction and their emotions for each other.

The whole thing was such an emotional roller coaster, I wasn't sure if I would come off of it in one piece, to be honest. I was pulling my hair at everything. I don't know how Hawkins does it, I honestly don't, because she is just a master at this.

The struggle that Olivia was facing and just how things were working out, or not working out in this case.

I still cannot believe I have to wait until September for the last book. One thing Hawkins has going for her is the fact that she keeps me wanting to come back for more and more!

Come Undone by Jessica Hawkings

Title: Come Undone
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 1st, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 289
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Olivia Germaine has already found love. Devoted wife, loyal friend, determined career woman - she’s created the life she always envisioned.

But when Olivia locks eyes with a handsome stranger across a crowded room, he peers a little too closely and sees emotions she thought she’d buried long ago.

David Dylan, alleged playboy and eternal bachelor, challenges Olivia to confront the life she’s built and to make decisions that could either lead to happiness . . . or regret.

Will Olivia be able to draw the line between lust and love?

And can David respect that line?

Can anyone say Best Erotic Literature of 2013?! I can, I can!

Okay, so maybe erotic isn't the genre this one falls under (even though there were plenty of scenes that had even me reaching for a glass of water) this romance novel is different and enjoyable. Hawkins never lost my attention throughout the book, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it!

At first, when I saw that this was bout a married woman possibly cheating, I thought I would hate her. I do, but only because she's so stubborn! I understand how she must feel and what she would be going through, but I just wanted to smack some sense into her or at least pray she sees the light soon.

The tension between her and David was so hot that if someone even thought of lighting a match it would start a huge fire.

I read this in one night, there was no sleeping until I found out what happened at the end.

I thought I would end up dying in the end when I saw where Hawkins left me. I am so glad that there was a second book and that there will be a third! I am so happy and so sad, because of the wait.

This is one of those moments when I wish that authors would write faster!

Still love this series though. It isn't just about the romance and the sex, but about finding oneself.

So, I have to say, this is the Best Romance Book of 2013! Heck, maybe it can even have both made up awards.

The Pleasures of Summer by Evie Hunter

Title: The Pleasures of Summer
Author: Evie Hunter
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Publisher: Penguin Ireland
Pages: 448
Format: Electronic
Acquired: From Publisher
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: The Pleasures of Winter
Age Group: Adult

The Pleasures of Summer is a steamy erotic story of romantic obsession and explosive sexual chemistry for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, The Pleasures of Winter and Sylvia Day's stories.

Summer O'Sullivan is rich, beautiful and in mortal danger. Her father has made powerful enemies who are targeting his precious daughter. Until the threat passes, Summer needs a bodyguard - someone to protect her and, she expects, to treat her with the reverence she's used to.

Into Summer's gilded cage comes former ranger, Flynn Grant. As far as Flynn is concerned, this is the assignment from hell, minding the spoilt daughter of a multi-millionaire. Summer and Flynn are poised to hate each other on sight. Even his devastating looks do not make up for how Flynn's rules cramp Summer's style. Unsurprisingly, the sparks fly between them. But when Summer breaks the rules one time too often, Flynn teaches her a lesson that leaves them shattered - and bound together in a way that astonishes them both.

In their remote hideout, the two start a battle over who is the tamer, and who is the tamed. It's a duel that stretches their minds and bodies beyond every limit. And in time their hearts begin to surrender too.

But when the dark forces that have been stalking Summer finally track them down, the battle is no longer a game, but a matter of life and death ...

Evie Hunter does it again! The companion to the first steamy novel in this wonderful series, the authors continue the tale with Summer and Flynn.

Summer is a spoiled socialite, who loves parties and having a good time. But Summer's in danger, because somebody is after her. After an accident, Summer's father decides to give her a body guard. She does her best to run off as many of them as possible, until Flynn comes along. And he's not so easy to scare away.

Flynn may just have met his match in Summer. She's sexy and tempting, a forbidden fruit that he has to taste. But she's a job, and he should never get involved with someone in the job.

Now isolated, the two of them are confronted with temptation at every turn. Flynn to keep his hands from her, and Summer doing her best to seduce him in order to get her way. With emotions running high on both ends it'll be a test of wills to see who bends first.

Honestly, this book was just as good as the first one. Summer proved to be an incredibly headache and Flynn to be a man not to mess with. Whatever was going on between the two, I don't even know what to call it, was there from the moment they met and Hunter never let it go!

This novel had me and wouldn't let me go. I never had a reason to stop reading this book, and I'm so glad that I did get the chance to read it. As erotic literature goes, I'd say this novel would be in the top ten of amazing books to read in the genre.

And there's going to be a third book! You all don't even know how excited I am right now! I can't wait to see what comes next, because there is no stopping the awesome team work of Evie Hunter!

Fever by Maya Banks

Title: Fever
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Rush
Age Group: Adult

Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise...

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend

I have to say, I absolutely loved this story way better than the first one and that is rare! When it comes to series, I always love the first novel much better, but this book, I have to say, deserves all five stars.

First, we read about Gabe, and now we read about Mia's older brother Jace. Normally, his sexual behaviors involve his pal Ash (not together, but threesomes are something both men are use to), but this time things change. Bethany, a young homeless girl who walks into Jace's life, and he immediately takes control.

Both characters were extremely strong and developed greatly!

While Jace loves Bethany dearly, there is no getting around his jealousy and distrust towards her, and for Bethany, there's no letting go of something that ties her to the past. While I was irritated for a good large portion, I did slowly start to come around and found how much I loved these two.

Way more than Mia and Gabe, that's for sure.

Jace slowly introduced Bethany to his world, and adjusted her well. There were moments that he went too rough, not in the bedroom (even though a lot of that happened as well) but in the relationship as a whole. His distrust in her and the things that she had to face.

The novel sucked me in right away, and I found myself enjoying! I was sad to see it end so soon! Love this novel!

Rush by Maya Banks

Title: Rush
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 5th, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 396
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected

So, at this point I have read more than my fair share of erotic literature. In fact, I think I've read enough to probably classify me as a pervert or someone who just really likes erotica. Anyways, moving on, I have already made it clear how much I love Maya Banks, this is not any different.

Honestly, this novel had me reaching for a glass of water when I read the scenes between Mia and Gabe. Those two. My goodness.

I am officially in love with Gabe, Jace, and Ash. All three men are hilariously sexy and they are wonderful!

The relationship between Mia and Gabe was steaming from the very first page. Like I said, they had me reaching for a glass of water things were getting just a little too steamy.

Maya Banks brought such romance into this novel. It was great.

A little awkward how things turned out, and I wanted to hurt Gabe, but I guess there had to be some sort of drama.

I'm happy though that this novel wasn't just about sex. There was a lot more that took place that brought the story full circle. And a lot of awesome story development.

Amazing story!

The only thing I didn't like, which I happily skipped because I knew it would be a train wreck the moment that it happened is what Gabe had done to Mia during Paris. I can't go too much into it, but all I can say is that if it had been me, I probably would have left him. I try not to dwell too much on that part, but I can't deny that it didn't happen. Gabe has issues and I was sorry to see that it was Mia to get hurt the way she did.

I feel like she should have punished him just a little more for what he did. Like I said, I'm not as forgiving as her. 

Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Title: Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: March 19th, 2013
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 352
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Never Seduce A Scot
Age Group: Adult

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever

Like everything from Maya Banks, I loved this series! Another Highland novel that takes your breath away (and makes me fall in love with the Scottish even more!).

This is a continuation of the last book. As soon as the McHugh's have left their keep, leaving his people in the hands of the Montgomery and the Armstrongs. Distrust runs deep and loyalties are questioned at every turn. In the heart of the madness is Genevieve, a young woman who had been kidnapped a year prior to the novel. She is known as Ian's whore, and harassed constantly by the McHughs.

When Bowen arrives, desires begin between the two. But it is not that easy, especially because of the part that Genevieve plays in what had been his sister-in-law's kidnapping.

I found myself a liking Genevieve, and irritated with her at the same time. The things that occurred to her were obviously unfair, and she was a strong woman, but sometimes she showed a lot of weakness that brought her down a notch.

I was mainly irritated with the Armstrongs, and this might be because I didn't understand exactly the relationship that was going on with them and other clans, or just clan rules in general. I wish I could explain further, but that would be major spoiler alert. If only Maya explained the rules of the clans a little better, I could probably understand this novel in a whole new light.

Also, I didn't like how fast the relationship between Genevieve and Bowen developed. Prior to getting together they were just at odds with each other, and then he saves her, again after multiple times, but after that last one things changed drastically and they just sleep together. I raised my eyebrows, like really?! Sweetheart, he saved you from getting raped and you just willing give yourself to him? I found that just a little bit unrealistic.

Besides all the feels, because there was a lot of that, trust me! I absolutely found myself enjoying this novel. Maya Banks is amazing! She is a beautiful writer that brings her characters to life and has beautiful writing style.

I would recommend Maya Banks to just about anyone. And did I mention how she reenforces my love for Scottish men?

The Pretty One by Lucinda Rosenfeld

Title: The Pretty One: A Novel about Sisters
Author: Lucinda Rosenfeld
Info: Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 5th, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.
Pages: 320
Format: Electronic
Acquired: Netgalley
Age Group: Adult

Perfect. Pretty. Political. For nearly forty years, The Hellinger sisters of Hastings-on-Hudson-namely, Imperia (Perri), Olympia (Pia), and Augusta (Gus)--have played the roles set down by their loving but domineering mother Carol. Perri, a mother of three, rules her four-bedroom palace in Westchester with a velvet fist, managing to fold even fitted sheets into immaculate rectangles. Pia, a gorgeous and fashionable Chelsea art gallery worker, still turns heads after becoming a single mother via sperm donation. And Gus, a fiercely independent lawyer and activist, doesn't let her break-up from her girlfriend stop her from attending New Year's Day protests on her way to family brunch.

But the Hellinger women aren't pulling off their roles the way they once did. Perri, increasingly filled with rage over the lack of appreciation from her recently unemployed husband Mike, is engaging in a steamy text flirtation with a college fling. Meanwhile Pia, desperate to find someone to share in the pain and joy of raising her three-year-old daughter Lola, can't stop fantasizing about Donor #6103. And Gus, heartbroken over the loss of her girlfriend, finds herself magnetically drawn to Jeff, Mike's frat boy of a little brother. Each woman is unable to believe that anyone, especially her sisters, could understand what it's like to be her. But when a freak accident lands their mother to the hospital, a chain of events is set in motion that will send each Hellinger sister rocketing out of her comfort zone, leaving her to wonder: was this the role she was truly born to play?

With The Pretty One, author Lucinda Rosenfeld does for siblings what she did for female friendship in I'm So Happy for You, turning her wickedly funny and sharply observant eye on the pleasures and punishments of lifelong sisterhood

So, when I first started reading this, like back earlier in the year, I was having a hard time relating for a lot of reasons. The main reasons were: Age, Experiences, and most importantly Sisters. I only have a brother and I can relate absolutely nothing with him, since he's much older than me and we have different interests. But then, I joined a sorority and I got over a thousand sisters overnight, except for my three line sisters who I spent 78 days and 8 minutes with each and every day talking with and doing something. And it was through that experience that I got to see a little bit more about what it's like to have sisters.

Obviously, sorority sisters vs. real sisters is completely different, but there's a main core to it: There's fighting, there's laughing, there's crying, and in the end there's just a heck of a lot of loving, and that's something that I found as a consistent them in this novel.

All three sisters are very different and I found that Rosenfeld did an excellent job in highlighting these differences. I know how hard it can be to find a voice for every single character, because they are supposed to feel real, and real people are just so different from each other. But I think that she pulled out of really well. All their voices came through, even that of the secondary characters.

I like how each sister interacted with each other and the people around them. Yes, they had their differences and they had a lot of faults, but they also had each other and that made the novel even cooler to read as they worked it out.

This novel was funny, witty, heartfelt, and very realistic. It pulled the reader in and didn't let go!

If you are still looking for some nice summer reads, check this one out for sure!

Love Unscripted by Tina Reber

Title: Love Unscripted
Author: Tina Reber
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 1st, 2013
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 592
Acquired: Netgalley
Format: Electronic Copy
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

An A-List Movie Star…
Ryan Christensen just wanted to be an actor. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine a life where fans would chase him, paparazzi would stalk him, and Hollywood studios would want to own him. While filming in Seaport, Rhode Island, Ryan ducks into a neighborhood bar for a quick escape from legions of screaming fans…and finds much more than he expected.

A Small Town Girl…
Nursing a recent heartbreak, Taryn Mitchell believes men are best kept at a safe distance. But when Ryan Christensen unexpectedly bursts through the front door of her pub, she can’t help but be drawn in by his humor, charm, and undeniable good looks. At six foot two, with dirty blond hair, blue eyes, and an incredible body, Ryan has every girl in Seaport swooning. But Taryn isn’t every other girl.

A Relationship that Doesn’t Follow the Script…
Despite her better judgment, Taryn soon finds herself falling hard for Ryan. But is their bond strong enough to survive the tabloid headlines, the relentless paparazzi, and the jealous fans who seem determined to tear them apart?

This was my first DNF book of 2013, I believe. I can't give a very good review and I'm almost afraid of writing any type of review at all because this book just did not hold my attention.

I think I almost made it to page two hundred before I realized what a struggle this book was becoming. I was forcing myself into reading and liking this book as much as possible because it sounded like something I would like. I've read books like this before so I didn't think it would be that big of a deal, but the story just dragged in ways that didn't interest me at all.

The characters were meh. The plot line was dragging. I just wasn't feeling it at all. Like I said, there's not much I can really say about it.

First Visions by Heather Topham Wood

I participated in the blog tour hosted by Giselle from Xpresso Book Tours

Title: First Visions
Author: Heather Topham Wood
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: April 27th, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 230
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: From Author
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Two years ago, 21-year-old Kate Edwards became deathly ill and slipped into a coma. While unconscious, she crept into the mind of a missing boy and awoke with the knowledge of his location. Friends and family were skeptical and wary of her new ability to see into the minds of others. Their fears prompted Kate to keep her psychic powers a secret. Feeling alienated, she dropped out of college and spent most of her days holed up at her mother’s home.

Now another child has been abducted. Police detective Jared Corbett seeks out Kate for her help in solving the case. Reluctantly, Kate agrees and they must work together to bring 8-year-old Cori Preston home to her family. Although attracted to one another, Jared has a girlfriend with ties to the abduction case and Kate is sarcastic and guarded since her coma. With visions she can’t control and an uncontrollable attraction to the detective, she wonders if she can leave the past behind and finally stop hiding from the world. Otherwise, Cori may be lost forever.

I love creative authors. I truly do.

There are a lot of interesting things that have happened in paranormal novels that I just love what I love most is how original "powers" get. I was attracted to this idea of Kate and the coma instantly. Things for this girl do not get any easier, either.

The world has knocked this girl down, yet she keeps getting back up, shrugging it all off and just moving forward. She has an awesome personality and somehow takes everything that comes to her with a good stride.

And no good story could be made without an amazing hot guy in the picture, enter Jared. I liked him, the detective in charge of the case. The romance was just hilarious and they were made for each other, sadly Jared has another one.

Besides the romance, what attracted me was the mystery. I love a good mystery; the tangle web that the author forms and how it comes together in the end is just wonderful. Wood is just wonderful.

I loved this novel. The main plot line had actual substance to it and everything started to fall together in ways I couldn't imagine.

Bonds of Trust by Lynda Aicher

Title: Bonds of Trust
Author: Lynda Aicher
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: November 26th, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Pages: 280
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley; ARC
Interest: Series
Age Group: Very Adult

**DNF

After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members' night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he's intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she's been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she's not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn't want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever

Sadly 2013 is ending up to be the year that I don't finish books because they are just that bad. Honestly, I don't want to trash this book too badly, because it wasn't too horrible, but I just couldn't get into it.

I tried, I really did. I figured by this point if I can finish Fifty Shades I might be able to go through it - not so much. I found the two characters were losing chemistry slowly and slowly. There wasn't any real climax in the story and I found that the romance between the two just went too fast...not to mention I'm not a big fan of threesomes so, I find myself turning away from this book the minute it started to turn that way.

I get it - Cali is just a woman who is looking for love after not having it for so long. Or at the very least looking for passion, but I felt she was at a point of desperation. I mean, I guess I'm only saying this because I'm not her age, and I'm still pretty young, but I felt what she was searching for wasn't what she needed. I'm not saying that her age she's not allowed to explore in her sexual fantasizes, because things like that can be explored at any age, but with the way Cali's personality mixed with her actions, I just wasn't feeling it.

There was no connection, I didn't see any steam between the two characters, and I pretty much stopped reading after I realized that things weren't going great. I knew the moment I started this book they would end up together; there was no real mystery in that, but other books at least keep me guessing. This book, I didn't even try to look to see if the characters would be okay with each other.

I'm giving it a rating of one, because like my last DNF book, I at least read enough to give me an idea. Actually, I only had about fifty pages to go before I gave up, so I think I did pretty well.

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

Title: Taking Chances
Author: Molly McAdams
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: October 16th, 2012
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 432
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

**DNF

Eighteen year old Harper has grown up under her career Marine of a father's thumb. Ready to live life her own way and experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit; she's on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family and emotions. Some she wasn't expecting yet, and others she never knew she was missing.

She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with her boyfriend Brandon, and her roommate's brother Chase. Covered in tattoos, known for fighting in the Underground and ridiculously muscled...they're exactly what she was always warned to stay away from, but just what she needs. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both adore and would do anything for Harper, including stepping back if it means she's happy.

Her first year away is turning out to be near perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything

Now, I usually make an effort to finish a book. Especially books I bought, since that was my money and I am putting it to good use. But, for once, I am glad that I didn't pay full price for this book. I don't mean to be cruel, I don't want to be cruel; I try to find something good in every book I read, even books that I finish and I sit back and think to myself, "Why did I just read this?" But, I cannot find something good about this. Not. One. Thing.

Originally, Harper seemed like a pretty cool girl. Off on her own, finding herself - and slowly as Brandon and Chase came in the picture it all crashed and burned into unimaginable rumbles that no one can make heads or tales of.

First, I get it already, Harper is gorgeous! Fine! But does the reader need to be reminded of this on every single page? No! And fine, she has two guys who want her. I am a sucker for a good love triangle. I especially love it when the two guys (or two girls) are both equally amazing and who the main character ends up with is really a complete toss up. And for a moment I thought this was going to have a surprise. I mean, I was Team Chase, and I thought he was the best, and than I took myself off Team Chase and into Team-I-Can't-Believe-This-Garbage-Got-Published.

I don't want to insult the book, but this is the best way to describe it. Harper infuriated me. Okay, so the girls around campus who were after the same two guys she was into added a little drama, but it makes NO SENSE that she would take it so personal even AFTER being told that the women hated her. Does she have any brains? Any? And aren't there more guys on that campus or are they on a testosterone shortage? Are Chase and Brandon really the only guys that everyone wants? And can we see a little class in some of these ladies? I felt it extremely insulting of McAdams to show these girls in such a degrading manner.

And I don't even know what to say about this love triangle. It is such a mess that it just destroyed the story - like completely! It went up in flames, turned to ashes, swept away to half-way across the world, where it just vanished into little particles into the deepest depths of the world.

Could McAdams pick a team? No. Could Harper pick a team? Harper is a joke. No, you cannot be in love with two men. I am sorry, but you might think you love them both, but it just doesn't work that way with true love. Honestly, these men could have had better things to do with their lives then spend so much time fighting and drooling over Harper. I actually threw up a little in the end because it was sickening.

I don't want to give anything away, but if the men are as stupid as Harper than they deserve her. McAdams took Harper's stupidity to a whole new level that I never knew even existed.

Obviously I didn't finish this and I just skimmed to the end, and what I read made me wish I hadn't spent that $1.99 on the novel. Harper was cute, and then she became just as bad as the other women who were after Chase and Brandon. And I think McAdams showed reexamine a lot of things, because Harper was not a real college student. I could not think of anyone real who could connect with her. And the same goes for the supporting characters. This book was riddled with fake characters that everybody was just cardboard cut-outs.

This novel was so contrived. I mean, if these characters would have been all mannequins that would have been a better story. That way no one could see what a fail they were.

I realize that I am bashing this novel into high heaven, but I just don't know how else to express my frustration and the sick feeling I get when I think of it.

And I understand, especially for someone like Harper who was on a tight leash all her life. It feels good to be a little wild and reckless and to just find yourself. I mean, I would be a liar if I denied the fact that once I entered college I started to do things that I would never even think of doing when I lived at home. We are adults now and we are finding ourselves. What I don't understand is someone who enters college and completely throws away all their values. Which is what Harper did.

I give up and even though it is a DNF, I am going to rate this book. The cover of it should really have a ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO DARE TO READ THIS BOOK label.

The Way Back To Me by K.L. Conlon & T.D. Waesch

 

I was really glad I could participate in the tour from CBL Blog Tours 

Title: The Way Back To Me

Author: K.L. Conlon & T.D. Waesch

Release Date: November 18th, 2012

Publisher: Self-Published

Pages: 192

Format: Electronic Copy

Acquired: From Author

Age Group: Very Adult

Lexi Reynolds is facing a game changer. Three years ago, under the insistence of her husband, she walked away from a promising career as a special education specialist with her eyes set on becoming an administrator so that she could be a stay-at-home wife and mother. Now with the demise of her marriage along with her self-esteem and heart, Lexi must face the task of building a new life.

Layla Karsten is not one to sit idly on the side lines. Seeing the crushed spirit of her sister, Lexi, she is bound and determined to push her sister back in life....even if it means tapping into Lexi's inner slut to do it.

This was interesting. A little different than what I was normally use to, since in the other readings the women were not going through the changes that Lexi was, but it was still interesting.

Lexi is a newly divorced 39 year old mother who is on the search for herself and with the help of her sister, Layla, she is about to search for who she is. This includes a makeover and some spicy relationships.

This brings in Patrick Dane, a retired police officer, and a sexy plastic surgeon, Dr. Sebastien Cameron. Dane seems to be the perfect person to bring Lexi out of her funk - sexy and he considers all her needs - but nothing is ever what it seems since Dane's is hiding his own secret. Cameron is next on the list, a divorcee as well, he is on the hunt for a new submissive, which Lexi is willing to fill.

While I'm getting a little bored with all these women "looking for themselves" in another man, I think that the ending went well. It brought the story together and gave Lexi a new man, of course. I didn't fully feel like she was finding herself, even though she expressed how "new" she felt, but that was probably because I didn't feel fully in her head just yet.

Either way this was a quick read with a lot of steam in it to keep the readers wanting more. If there's one thing I have to say about the authors is that they could bring a great story. I feel like it could have been longer and left time for more development, but I can't complain too much.

 

Veer by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I was excited to take part in the blog tour from Xpresso Book Tours by Giselle

Title: Veer
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: November 29th, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 286
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: From Author
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Derailed
Age Group: Adult

Only when you let go can you learn to live.

Between the death of her mother and pushing through law school without her best friend, it's been a tough year for Becca. Needing a break from Boston, she moves to a tiny coastal North Carolina town for a relaxing summer. After bumping heads repeatedly with a local cop, she realizes her summer will be anything but quiet.

Three years after a career ending injury ruins his chance to play Major League Baseball, Gavin has a distrust of northerners and lately girls in general. He wants nothing to do with a girl who is only in town for the summer.

When the two give in to their impossible attraction, they realize that they may just have found the key to freeing themselves from the ghosts of their pasts

This is the sequel to Derailed and this book focuses on Molly's best friend from Boston, Becca. I was surprised, to be honest, that Ivy went this way with the story. Becca had one scene in the novel and was hardly mentioned after that first chapter, so it was a little of a surprise. I know she has a third book coming out, which focuses on Ben's brother Jake, and it feels like it would have made more sense to do Jake, but that's just me.

Becca felt really new and I liked that. I don't like how every guy seemed to be attracted to her. I don't understand what is with this obsession with attractive women, but it just irritated me. Why couldn't she be average? Why can't the guy fall for the average girl? This will be for another day, but it was just something that occurred to me.

Anyways, Becca carries a lot of package, like everyone else in town. Her mother just died and she has secrets that take a toll on her. The pairing with Gavin was a little unexpected. In the first book Gavin came off as a jerk, to me anyways, and I found myself rolling my eyes thinking about him. It was interesting the way he opened up in this book. Like the first there was a lot of talking and not much character building, but for Gavin I would say there was a lot of building.

For the most part things moved pretty fast between the two, especially for the short time they knew each other. But like the previous book this showed a lot of promise and I was really glad I read it.

Again, my own complaint is too much dialogue and not enough action and development. But if there is one thing that Ivy is really good at is writing about heavily emotional subjects.

I would read this book again. And the first. It was quick, cute, and quirky. It highlighted small town dramas and big time secrets, and put the characters in a wonderful new light. It also showed a whole different side to Jake that I really liked.

This was a wonderful read.

Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I was excited to take part in the blog tour from Xpresso Book Tours by Giselle

Title: Derailed
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: September 23rd, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 260
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: From Author
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

When you're lost, sometimes the only place you can go is home.

Broken over the death of her fiancé, Molly leaves law school to return to her childhood home in North Carolina. Expecting to lay low until she can figure out what else to do with her life, she finds herself in the arms of her high school sweetheart, the boy who represents everything from the past she tried to leave behind.

Looking for an escape, she instead finds a way back to the girl she almost forgot existed and a future she never dreamed possible.

I was really expressed by this book. Let me get that out of the way.

This book was not what I was expecting. I thought that it would be something different but it turned out to live to it's name. Molly surprised me a lot. There were moments when I wanted to be angry with her and go on her but I didn't because in a lot of ways I could understand her reactions to certain things.

And Ben was such a sweetheart, I mean, I want my own Ben.

What I didn't like about this book and the sequel is the way she formats the conversation. I was reading this on my iPad, so obviously the page formatting is either more or less, but sometimes I felt like I was reading full pages of nothing but conversation and it was like, can I get something more? I felt like there wasn't enough character revelations through conversations. I like it when characters talk, but this much was too much.

Overall, I think I like this book. I was angry a lot at Molly's best friend. I probably couldn't handle her friend for anything and every time she showed up I just wanted to say, "No, no, no!!" And I just hated her.

There was a lot of emotions behind Molly, a lot of stuff that was built up and I was glad that she had someone to lean on throughout the way.

Besides some characters that could really, really, really use some help, I found myself getting well into Molly's head and enjoying the story. Molly was funny, she was smart, and she really found herself when she needed to focus on who she was. And the supporting characters gave the story a lot of flavor.

This was a great read to be honest.

Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Title: Insatiable
Author: Meg Cabot
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: June 8th, 2010
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 451
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them.

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die (not that you’re going to believe her; no one ever does).

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future . . .

If she even has one

It has been a long time since I read Meg Cabot and I was honestly excited to read this book. Only Meg Cabot could take the entire vampire obsession that was at its height and make it into something funny.

I loved Meena, she was as funny as the other Cabot protagonist that I've read. She is witty and full of good humor. And I loved Lucien. The heat between the two of them makes most love stories just envy with jealousy. I was rooting for them from day one.

And the supporting cast was great. I found most of them believable and incredibly stupid. I mean, so many of them made just the worst mistakes that could have been completely avoided so I couldn't stop myself from thinking just how much I wanted to punch them. But some were hilarious, like Meena's BFF.

I found it very original Meena's gift. It wasn't very predictable and it was really cool. Meena was interesting and the various voices that Cabot presented came out clear.

I am sad to say that I probably won't read the second book, Overbite, or at least I'll check it out in the library and skim it. I have heard pretty bad things about the second book, like it's rush, too short - especially for the nature of this type of book - and the romance is not really there. And not to mention through the reviews I read I have a pretty good idea who Meena ends up with and I am on the other guys team, so yeah.

I can't say that I won't read it, but I won't spend money on it that's for sure. I like this book and the characters as they are now and I don't want that ruined by whatever happens in the second book. Honestly, I wish Cabot had turned this into a trilogy or at least just left this book as a stand-alone. Oh well.

This book was great. It took me awhile to get through and some parts of the storyline I didn't understand, but overall, it was great.

Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Unleashed
Author: J.R. Ward
Info: Website | Facebook
Release Date: March 29th, 2011
Publisher: Signet
Pages: 537
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened, Lover Revealed, Lover Unbound, Lover Awakened, Lover Enshrined, & Lover Mine
Age Group: Adult

Payne, twin sister of the Black Dagger Brother Vishous, suffers a devastating injury, and brilliant human surgeon Manuel Manello is called in to save her. Their attraction is instant, and as powerful as it is dangerous. But as human and vampire worlds collide, a centuries- old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in jeopardy.

I love this series, I really do. I pretty much ate up the majority of it last year and it was my Best Series of 2012 pick, but something about this book set my teeth on edge. Maybe I just miss the fact that this story didn't focus on the main guys anymore or maybe it was just how all over the place I felt. I know that Ward is trying to set up the next book, but I think she did it just a little too much this time and not giving us, the readers, time to know Manny and Payne.

While the romance was just as hot and steamy, and Manny proved to be just the type of man that would be right for Payne, I did feel like there was too much sex. I would have liked them to connect in another way (and for maybe Manny not to have so many turn on moments - I get it, she's hot, she gets your you-know-what going, but do you have to keep telling us?!). And I get there's a lot of drama in Qhuinn and Blay's life, but we still have another book between this one and them! Maybe that's why I was a little unhappy. Tohr was completely overlooked, even though his book was next and I wouldn't be surprised if I read that book to find out that it was just another bridge book to Qhuinn and Blay, because that's what I feel like this book was, just a bridge book.

Despite my laundry list of problems with this book, I did like it. It took me a little longer than the rest of the books to read (we're talking days instead of hours) I think that Manny and Payne was a little surprising but a good pairing. I wish that Manny had been brought up a few books before (the last we heard of him was in V's book) but like I said I think that Ward is focusing way too much on Qhuinn and Blay.

Not to mention this series is getting really complicated. It feels like Ward has gone away from this war with the Lessers to this war with each other. If the Lessers don't end up killing them, they'll end up killing each other with all the drama that goes on. How many attempts on Wrath's life have there been already? Not to mention the fact that the Lessers were hardly mentioned except for a handful of fighting scenes...this really has turned away from what the first few books introduced me to.

And then there's a new enemy. I didn't like the way things went down between Xcor and Payne. This is a little spoiler, but for a man to spend so many centuries looking for a person and to have things end the way they did between the two, well, can I just say that it was a real let down.

Overall, there wasn't a lot of fighting going on. Just a lot of internal emotions to get resolved. We got way more of V than we did in his book, which surprised me. And am I the only one who was really confused about what was going on with Jose and his partner? According to other reviews I read it was setting up for her Fallen Angels book (which I am horribly behind on) but I just felt like that was something that could have been taken out. Almost like filler pages, because if this was for the Fallen Angels book why couldn't she just leave it on her Fallen Angels book? I'm sorry, Ward, but we know that the BDB and the FA series will cross, they take place in the same city for Goodness sake!

And last, I understand how a long and complicated series like this things tend to get...mistaken. I read from an interview Ward did that she has made mistakes as the series goes on, but in this book I felt like her editor was not paying too much attention to what was going on. If I didn't love this series so much I probably would have taken a red pen and corrected everything and then my book wouldn't look so pretty. There were things that she mentioned in passed books that she brought back, only she completely disagreed with herself or something. The big one that I noticed is that in one book she mentioned that Qhuinn was color blind, yet he could see color just fine in this book. And there were other things like that that she did that had me stopping and thinking, "Wait, that's not what you said in (insert book title here). What the heck are you doing?"

I'm not going to give this book a five, because of the mess I just mentioned above. I should be giving this book a two or even a one for everything that was going on, but I can't argue with her writing style and the way she's able to keep the readers attention. And somehow through this mess she's able to still make the reader care about these characters and what's going on.

I know she said that she would keep writing this series as long as they were to continue to sell, and I know that she has a lot of books coming up, and I am very excited for them all, I just hope that for these future books she and/or her editor look through them with a fine comb. Even write up a journal with what's been going on or something, because if she continues like this the books would probably fall to pieces and lose their readership.

I do wish that the women would start playing a bigger part. I'm glad that there are some women that are fighting and I'm glad that Ward mentions them, but I do wish that they would become a bigger part of the story and that they say things. I think Ehlena was mentioned way too much, yet she never said a word. That just got me a little upset.

And this review is much longer than I expected it to be, but I would just keep aware for all the BDB fan's out there who haven't gotten to this book yet: be prepared. Things won't be as good as the first eight books or even the first five, which were my absolute favorite!


Read, but be cautious about what will be found.

Last Regress by Rachael J. Thorne

Title: Last Regress
Author: Rachael J. Thorne
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: July 15th, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 219
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: From Author
Age Group: Adult

Alyssa Matthews thought she had an explanation for everything. After all, as a slightly sceptical paranormal investigator that was what she was used to doing; researching, observing and explaining.

So when she began writing a paper about a long forgotten case of death by Spontaneous Human Combustion, she assumed it would be a run-of-the-mill piece. Little did she realise that she was about to be plunged into a situation that would not only force her to question her own sanity, but also her scepticism about the nature of the paranormal.

Not to mention the dreams that just wouldn’t go away...

Another overdue review. Honestly, I don't really know what to say about this book. There are a lot of things I cannot do: zombies and ghosts. Mostly because I believe that the former can happen and I believe that the latter exist. Call me paranoid, but that's what I believe.

So, I found myself jumping in a lot of places when it came to reading this book. For one, I refused to read it at night, and two it freaked me out. I'm just glad that the dark parts did not overshadow the entire novel. There was some light in it!

Needless to say, this was different from what I read. It started out slow and I had a bad feeling that I would probably have to end up skimming the rest of the novel, but luckily I give a book at least fifty percent before I do, so I'm just glad this book picked up.

The love story was interesting (a little quick, but I'll give it a break since this wasn't a terribly long story). And I think I liked the supporting characters just a little more. They were the usual, very supporting, best friend type, but it worked for this book.

Surprisingly, I even found myself in tears sometimes. And laughing and mad and just having a general reaction instead of boredom! And that was enough to convince me to give this book a good four-stars. While there were things I wish I could have seen, like more development with Alyssa, I think overall this novel wasn't so bad.

Thorne did a wonderful job with this novel!

Fifty Shades of Mr. Darcy: A Parody by William Codpiece Thwackery

Title: Fifty Shades of Mr. Darcy
Author: William Codpiece Thwackery
Release Date: November 12th, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 192
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Adult

Lizzy Steele had been brought up to be a proper lady with perfect manners, skilled in conversation, and well respected in the community. But when Mr. Elliot Bingley comes to court Lizzy's sister, she is given the opportunity to learn a somewhat different skill set upon her introduction to his friend, a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. It only takes one chance meeting with this tall, dark stranger for Lizzy to be lured into Darcy's secret world of lascivious practices and lusty urges. Drawn like a moth to his flame, Lizzy is the mistress of her own undoing, for Darcy has made no protestations of love; indeed, his intentions were made plain from the outset. But even the most innocent and well brought-up of young ladies have urges, and as Lizzy learns that a riding crop isn't just used for going for a canter on her pony, a whole new world is revealed to her—shaded black and leather-clad.

Awkward. This was very awkward on so many levels. I know that as a parody it was supposed to be awkward, but what makes this even more awkward is that this book has a higher rating than Fifty Shades. I have no idea how that happened; maybe because the story was so funny in that it was so ridiculous.

This was actually the first parody that I have read, which is why I found it so enjoyable. I don't know how the fans of Mr. Darcy would feel about their lover getting tormented in such a way, but some of the scenes this author comes up with is just unbelievable.

It was witty, it was gross (in a lot of places), and it was intriguing. I'm not sure exactly what I was supposed to be looking at or just laughing at the story, since everything was exaggerated.

I read the novel pretty quick and I was a little glad when it was over. I can just imagine this being a movie and people laughing their heads off throughout the thing.

Broken Harbour by Tana French

Title: Broken Harbour
Author: Tana French
Info: Website |  Facebook
Release Date: July 24th, 2012
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pages: 533
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: In The Woods, The Likeness, & Faithful Place
Age Group: Adult

In BROKEN HARBOUR, a ghost estate outside Dublin - half-built, half-inhabited, half-abandoned - two children and their father are dead. The mother is on her way to intensive care. Scorcher Kennedy is given the case because he is the Murder squad’s star detective. At first he and his rookie partner, Richie, think this is a simple one: Pat Spain was a casualty of the recession, so he killed his children, tried to kill his wife Jenny, and finished off with himself. But there are too many inexplicable details and the evidence is pointing in two directions at once.

Scorcher’s personal life is tugging for his attention. Seeing the case on the news has sent his sister Dina off the rails again, and she’s resurrecting something that Scorcher thought he had tightly under control: what happened to their family, one summer at Broken Harbour, back when they were children. The neat compartments of his life are breaking down, and the sudden tangle of work and family is putting both at risk  

Tana French! I was sucked into her world when I first read In The Woods, and while I may have had to jump two books in order to review this one (since I don't pay too much attention apparently) I'm glad to say that I wasn't too confused!

Welcome to Dublin, where crime is all around. Once again, French proves her talent as being one of the best authors around. She has a writing style that is both unique and gripping and takes the reader into a world that one never wants to leave.

The world came to life in my hands, and the words just danced right off the page and into my imagination.

Honestly, French brings realistic characters into the world with a plot that takes the readers on a roller coaster ride.

Scorcher was a character I wanted to pity but at the same time I was frustrated with him. There was just a lot of conflicting emotions between both the case and the personal lives.

If one wants a mystery that takes people away, this is the book to read.

The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley

Title: The Dark Garden
Author: Eden Bradley
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 29th, 2007
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 320
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: For Review/Netgalley
Age Group: Very Adult

A deliciously potent tale of one woman’s quest for self-discovery.

Rowan Cassidy likes to be in charge—especially in her personal life. As a mistress at Club Privé, the most exclusive bondage/S & M club on the West Coast, Rowan can live out her dominant fantasies safely, and with complete control—until the night Christian Thorne walks in. Self-confident and sophisticated, he’s a natural dominant if Rowan’s ever seen one. Yet she can’t stop thinking about him and imagining his touch.

Christian has returned home, hoping to break free from his dissatisfaction and malaise—and discovers the cure in Rowan. He’s dying to get his skilled hands on her and watch her surrender, to unlock the mystery of her that captivates him. Determined to be her master, he makes Rowan a daring proposition: give herself over to him for thirty days.

Rowan finds Christian’s offer terrifying—and impossible to resist. But abandoning herself to Christian’s power might be more than she can handle. . . . Or it might be the realization of her true nature and the dark garden within her. There will be only one way to find out. And once the game has begun, there’s no turning back. 

 
This was a little different than what I'm used to reading just because the female held a different role than the typical submissive form that she usually had. This time the female was strong on her own even before the guy came into the picture. But there was a lot that Rowan had to work through in order to go from one role to the next with the help of Christian.

And the parallel story-line was an interesting mix into the story.

I really didn't like it and not because the story was poorly written, like Fifty Shades or something, but it also didn't hold my interest. I had a hard time getting through it and found myself putting it down constantly and going off somewhere else. The only reason I finished it was because it really wasn't that long, or at least didn't feel that long.

Needless to say I was a little glad to get to the end. But the reason I didn't rate this 1 or 2 was because it really was good and interesting. A little different compared to what I have been reading with all the erotica and shows two women who are both looking for the same thing and how they find it. I was kind of mad that Bradley made this look like it centered solely on Rowan since April deserved just a little more attention since she was also featured.

But overall this wasn't too bad. It wasn't too interesting but it didn't suck either. Read it if you have nothing to read or to take a break from the usual. It was a little dark, but sexy and intriguing in some places, Bradley takes you to a place where a young woman is rediscovering herself.