REVIEW: A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst

Expected Publication: October 23, 2018 by Montlake Romance

Publisher's Summary:
Ophelia Bishop was a lovestruck teenage girl when she and Kyle Kimpton chased their dreams to Hollywood. Kyle’s dreams came true. Ophelia’s did not. When Kyle chose his career over their relationship, Ophelia returned home to rural New York to run the family’s B & B—wiser, and more guarded against foolish fantasies. Now Kyle has come crashing back into her life, and all her defenses are down.

Kyle can’t think of a better place to write his latest screenplay than his hometown. After all, that was where he met the heart of his inspiration—his first love. He knows the damage he’s caused Ophelia, and he wants a chance to mend their relationship. If anyone can prove to Ophelia that happy ever afters aren’t only for the movies, it should be him.

As much as Ophelia’s changed, she still has feelings for Kyle. But her heart has been broken before, and she knows that Kyle could run back to Hollywood at any time. She gave up her dreams once, but maybe she can dare to change her own love story…one last time._________________________________

The second in the Stay' series, A Brand New Ending features Ophelia and Kyle, soulmates whose youthful romance ended nearly ten years before; however, Kyle is back, determined to change the ending to their story. As teens, they kept their romance secret, eloping in Vegas, and then pursuing their dreams in California--Kyle to become a successful writer and Ophelia, a singer. 

Readers discover that Kyle had overnight success, but becoming consumed with work, he failed to recognize Ophelia's distress about not wanting to be in the spotlight.  In short, their relationship is broken, and after one too many promises is broken, Ophelia leaves, seeking the solace of her family and the B&B in New York.

With Kyle's return, Ophelia is flooded with intense emotions and a good dose of sizzling hormones. The attraction is still there, but she is scared she'll end up hurt again.  Kyle is determined to change her mind; however, their relationship is not the only part of his past that he needs to make peace with--namely his recovering, alcoholic father.

Oh, and that divorce they assumed was final ;) turns out they are still married, but will it end it bliss or unhappily ever after?

Once again, Probst delivers and engaging, character driven contemporary romance that will have reader's wanting more.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: From Here to You by Jamie McGuire

Publisher's Summary:
As Darby Dixon sits in a tiny Texas church bathroom on her wedding day holding a positive pregnancy test, she realizes that of all the bad decisions she's made in her life, marrying her abusive fiancé would be the worst. She's never been able to stand up for herself, but she'll sure as hell stand up for her baby. With just the cash she has on hand, she runs to get a bus ticket to the farthest place she can afford. Between her sheer grit and pageant-queen smile, she lands a job as a front desk clerk at the Colorado Springs Hotel. It's not a glamorous life, but she and her baby are all that matters.

A former Marine, Scott "Trex" Trexler has worked in the most dangerous, corrupt, war-torn places on earth. Now he finally has a chance to return to the last place he'd felt at peace--Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a top-secret military installation buried deep within the granite.

The moment Trex walks into the inn, Darby knows he's dangerous. There's no way she wants to get involved with another man who seems to be keeping way too many secrets. As charming and devastatingly gorgeous as Trex is, he clearly isn't telling her everything. But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby's ex-fiancé shows he isn't so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don't know absolutely can hurt you.

_______________________________________

Loosely connected to the Maddox Brothers books by the same author, From Here to You tries hard to be a sweeping romance full of angst and too much extra plot. Unfortunately, the relationship that develops between Darby and Trex feels predictable, trite and far too rushed. From the first few chapters, it is too easy to for readers to predict the outcome--Ex beauty queen Darby, discovering she's pregnant, flees her abusive soldier fiance and lands in Colorado Springs.  Low and behold, ex Marine, ex FBI, current private government contractor, Trex appears as her knight in shining armor.

They're soulmates! But Darby can't make up her mind and tends to make some really impulsive, stupid decisions and Trex is far too enamored with her to see that things might get worse before they get better.

**SPOILER**

Reader's can see abusive Shawn's return a mile away. Darby does some stupid things that put her and her baby's lives in jeopardy but convenient that Trex and his super team of highly trained ex-soldiers can fix it.

Honestly, I wanted to like it, but the pacing was slow and reading to the end felt like work rather than escapism. A 3 out of 5 is generous since it should be more like a 2.5 out of 5.

There are similar authors like Colleen Hoover and Jay Crownover who handle the genre with more flare.

REVIEW: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Expected Publication: September 4, 2018 from Gallery Books

Publisher's Summary:
Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right? 
_______________________________

I absolutely adored everything about this! Hazel is a hoot. Free spirited and hilarious, reader's can see why she hasn't met the right guy.  Her lack of filter is refreshing.  Josh is her polar opposite. Despite their bargain to 'not date', these two are actually perfect for each other. I also appreciated that the authors chose a male protagonist who was not the stereotypical 'hot, white guy'. Part of Josh's charm and sex appeal is his Korean heritage and relationship with his family.

It is no secret that I'm a sucker for friends turned more romances and this checks all the boxes. Josh and Hazel's history plus the disastrous blind dates are hilariously entertaining!

This writing due continues to excel with great, funny, sexy relationship reads. I don't often give perfect ratings but I enjoyed every minute of this book, even laughing out loud quite a bit.  My only misgiving was that it ended far too soon.  I want more!!!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: No Contest by Tara Wyatt

*Thanks to Netgalley and Pocket Star for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: January 29, 2018

The third book in the Blood and Glory series reveals that sometimes, the power of temptation is stronger than the pull of a championship belt. This is a sexy read full of intensity, unexpected romance and its fair share of intrigue.  Perfect for fans of Katy Evans!

Publisher's Summary:
Leandro Oliveira—hunky MMA fighter, playboy billionaire, and newly crowned champ of the World Fighting Championship’s light heavyweight division—is used to getting his way. But when his party lifestyle threatens to cost the WFC sponsors, he has to clean up his act or he’ll be stripped of his contract. Forced to give up late nights of booze and women, Leandro resents having to change his behavior—until he lays eyes on the sexy publicist hired to manage his image. He plans to seduce her to regain control of the situation, but falling for her wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal.

Freelance publicist Ashylynn Fields has never taken on a client she wasn’t certain she could handle. But her latest project might just be the guy who kills her perfect record. Between his sex tape, his exploits at strip clubs, and his nights spent street racing expensive sports cars—not to mention his smoldering good looks and near constant flirting—Leandro might prove to be impossible. But with a full-time position with the WFC on the line, Ashlynn is more determined than ever to ignore his good looks and charm, and get this bad boy on the straight and narrow. 

No Contest was a quick, steamy read and my first exposure to the series. However, I have definite plans to seek out the other titles.  Author Tara Wyatt follows a successful formula to build suspense.  Not only is there electric sexual tension between protagonists, but there is just enough extra plot outside of their growing attraction to add to the overall narrative. On downside, for me, was that many of the added characterizations of secondary players was all to stereotypical/predictable.  I guessed what would happen very early on but I didn't really have too many complaints since this is what I look for in this type of romance.

Overall, very enjoyable.  

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Hoofprints in Snow by A. M. Burns

Life has been difficult for Maia’s family since her brother, Ramon, had an accident that left him in a wheelchair and her parents lost their jobs. Money is scarce. With no other choice, Maia must surrender her beloved horse, Selena, to a rescue center.  

There she meets Emma, who offers to let her volunteer on the ranch so she can spend time with Selena and the other horses. The girls become close and also devise a plan to help Ramon by suggesting using the horses as a means for physical therapy. Emma and Maia’s friendship turns to attraction; however, these new feelings go against Maia’s family expectations and everything she’s been raised to believe. She struggles with not only her feelings but worries how her family will react.

Emotions and other challenges threaten to derail their relationship before it starts. The narrative becomes a bit cliche with the addition of the homophobic and spiteful suitor, Billy. The character representation of the vengeful, alpha male seeking trouble for unrequited attraction was too stereotypical and had to stomach.

My main criticisms for the book have to do with pacing and plot development.  Thematically, there is great potential but there is A LOT going on:

• Ramon's accident and disability
• Family financial crisis
• Animal abuse
• Relationships
• Family beliefs and obligations
• Friendship
• LGBTQ issues
• Establishing identity

Overall, the pacing felt rushed and the writing a bit choppy with its transitions while trying to tackle all these facets. I would have preferred to see this as a potential series focusing on different characters over time and letting their stories develop. 

Final rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Highlighted Recent Reads July 2017

A Shadowhunter’s life is bound by duty. Constrained by honor. The word of a Shadowhunter is a solemn pledge, and no vow is more sacred than the vow that binds parabatai, warrior partners—sworn to fight together, die together, but never to fall in love.

Emma Carstairs has learned that the love she shares with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden—it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorns are threatened by enemies on all sides?

Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend, Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted. Meanwhile, rising tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders has produced the Cohort, an extremist group of Shadowhunters dedicated to registering Downworlders and “unsuitable” Nephilim. They’ll do anything in their power to expose Julian’s secrets and take the Los Angeles Institute for their own.

When Downworlders turn against the Clave, a new threat rises in the form of the Lord of Shadows—the Unseelie King, who sends his greatest warriors to slaughter those with Blackthorn blood and seize the Black Volume. As dangers close in, Julian devises a risky scheme that depends on the cooperation of an unpredictable enemy. But success may come with a price he and Emma cannot even imagine, one that will bring with it a reckoning of blood that could have repercussions for everyone and everything they hold dear.

This was a book sequel to Lady Midnight. There is a lot going on, especially with the continued development of Emma and Julian's forbidden romance, the arrival of some unexpected visitors who may or may not be allies, as well as unresolved issues with villains, the introduction of new enemies and an ending that will rock reader's world and not necessarily in a good way.

I laughed. I celebrated. I cried like a baby.  

Be prepared...

Also, the best highlight.....the audiobook is narrated by none of other than Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum James Marsters aka Spike.  He does an amazing job!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom - the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she's determined to let everyone know it - somehow.

Out of My Mind is a powerful story. I cannot recommend the audiobook enough because the voice narrative really drives home the point of the book and gives Melody a literal voice.  As someone with a physical disablity, I connected with the character and her struggles.  While I can communicate, just not move like everyone else, I relate to Melody's struggles to be 'normal' and treated just like other people.  

This is an important book for everyone to read, not just the target audience of juvenile and pre-teen readers. It is worthy of its praise.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.

DiCamillo continues to write thoughtful and profound narratives focusing on relationships, friendship and finding identity despite the ups and downs life often presents. What I enjoyed about this novel was the unlikely bond developed between the girls, their adventures and the coming of age story for them all.  DeCamillo makes the historical fiction setting still engaging and accessible for contemporary readers.

I'm excited that I'll get to meet the author in October 2017 since she'll be speaking in my community and my library is organizing an event!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

An epic Rumpelstiltskin inspired YA romance where a young bastard princess must risk her life in order to save her brother's soul. This is highly recommended for fans of Graceling, The Lunar Chronicles, and other twisted fairy tale series.

The world has turned upside down for Thad and Ari Glavan, the bastard twins of Súndraille’s king. Their mother was murdered. The royal family died mysteriously. And now Thad sits on the throne of a kingdom whose streets are suddenly overrun with violence he can’t stop.

Growing up ignored by the nobility, Ari never wanted to be a proper princess. And when Thad suddenly starts training Ari to take his place, she realizes that her brother’s ascension to the throne wasn’t fate. It was the work of a Wish Granter named Alistair Teague who tricked Thad into wishing away both the safety of his people and his soul in exchange for the crown.

So Ari recruits the help of Thad’s enigmatic new weapons master, Sebastian Vaughn, to teach her how to fight Teague. With secret ties to Teague’s criminal empire, Sebastian might just hold the key to discovering Alistair’s weaknesses, saving Ari’s brother—and herself.

But Teague is ruthless and more than ready to destroy anyone who dares stand in his way—and now he has his sights set on the princess. And if Ari can’t outwit him, she’ll lose Sebastian, her brother…and her soul.

The Wish Granter was a fun, engaging read with appeal for both male and female readers, also the story does skew toward romance, thus more fully snaring female fans. This is loosely set in the same world as Redwine's The Shadow Queen. There is ample character and plot development with good pacing. 

I highly recommend the audiobook.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Trust by Kylie Scott

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: July 18, 2017

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen-year-old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

I enjoyed this--good premise, angst and romance. The character development is sound; however, I did feel like some aspects were rushed and could use some more transitional development. Best categorized as an emerging new adult title rather than YA, despite the fact that the main characters are in high school.  I say this mainly but some of the sex scenes are rather explicit. 

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Twist by Kylie Scott

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: April 11, 2017

When his younger brother loses interest in online dating, hot, bearded, bartender extraordinaire, Joe Collins, only intends to log into his account and shut it down. Until he reads about her.

Alex Parks is funny, friendly, and pretty much everything he's been looking for in a woman. And in no time at all they're emailing up a storm, telling each other their deepest darkest secrets... apart from the one that really matters.

And when it comes to love, serving it straight up works better than with a twist...

I adored this book from the first page. It's smart, sexy and fun to read from start to finish.  The premise works for a great, contemporary romance. There is just enough tension, fun flirtation, down to it sexy-time and narrative tension to entrance any reader and keep them coming back for more. 

Like with most of Scott's books, I gobbled Twist up in nearly one setting. Joe is the kind of book boyfriend we all dream of and I just loved Alex, issues and all. 

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple

Bernadette Fox has a pretty notorious reputation.  To her Microsoft big-wig husband, she's opinionated and fearless. To the fellow private-school mothers, she's a disinterested disgrace. To architectural design students around the world, she's a genius. And to her daughter, 15-year-old Bee, Bernadette is simply the best, pretty cool mom around.

“I'm not too good when exposed to people”--Bernadette

Upon acing her report card, Bee calls in her parents' promise to grant her a reward. And what does she want? A family trip to Antarctica, of course! However, Bernadette's intensifying allergy to Seattle—and people in general—has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands, making a trip to the end of the earth problematic. Toss in a concerned husband, psychiatric therapist and an FBI invitation and things really go awry when Bernadette disappears!

“I'm going to let you in on a little secret about life. You think it's boring now? Well, it only gets more boring. The sooner you learn it's on YOU to make life interesting, the better off you'll be."--Bernadette

In order to find her mother, Bee compiles her mother's emails and other official documents which create the narrative to a hilarious and touching novel that kept me engaged from start to finish.  The characters are fantastic! I adore Bernadette and Bee so much but love the crazy neighbor, Audrey too--as well as a host of other characters driving this unique story. I can't wait to delve into more novels by Semple!

This is part of my 2017 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge; category--a book of letters.  The compiled, epistolary nature of the story really adds to the appeal and is the driving force of the novel. So well done! I highly recommend the audiobook as well!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @_MariaSemple



#wheredyougobernadette #humor #mystery #family #agoraphobia #antarctica #seattle #books

REVIEW: Slammed (1-3) by Colleen Hoover

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old high school senior Layken travels from Texas to Michigan with her mother and younger brother.  Grieving the loss of her parent and life as she knew it, things unexpectedly look up with she meets charming and attractive neighbor Will Cooper, who has a passion for slam poetry. Within days of their introduction, they've formed a real connection, giving Layken a new lease on life until a startling revelation slams them both back to reality.

Slammed is told entirely from Layken's POV and explores her feelings at dealing with all the challenges life throws at her from the loss of her father, her complicated relationship with Will, as well as the secret news leveled at her by her mother that will leave her wrecked beyond belief.

This is very much a coming of age novel with a strong emphasis on negotiating responsibility and relationships.  While characteristic of Hoover's writing angst ridden, complicated characters, I could certainly tell this was her debut novel.  The style, structure and word choice lacks the sophistication which she's developed over the past few years.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Told from Will's POV, Point of Retreat is a continuation of Slammed.  The couple have weathered the storm surrounding the unfortunate beginning of their relationship, extreme personal responsibilities and unspeakable loss. When someone from Will's past re-emerges, the core of their relationship is tested.

Honestly, for me, the majority of this book is about Layken being stupid and blowing circumstances completely out of proportion to the point that I wanted Will to 'retreat' and run as fast as he could in the opposite direction. Once Will and Layken get their ducks in a row, readers experience the expected "You've Got to Be Kidding" moment which puts multiple characters in peril but pushes the narrative through to the happily ever after.

I am still a bigger fan of Will and other secondary characters than the female protagonist who is sometimes just 'butterflying' obnoxious.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

In this final book, Will and Layken have managed to work out their issues and have gotten married.  During their honeymoon, she asks Will to recount important moments of his life before he met her as well as key instances of their relationship from his POV.

There are a few surprising confessions on Will's part, mostly serving the purpose to rile Layken up so she acts like a brat, giving this narrative some drama so that the characters can fight, talk and make up.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Overall, I enjoyed the trilogy but these books aren't my favorite examples of Hoover's writing.  She's come light-years as a writing in just over 4 years with respect to honing her craft and style. She's tightened her structure and vocabulary to omit a lot of the repetitiveness which I disliked about the Slammed series.

Follow the author on Twitter: @colleenhoover



#slammed #newadult #grief #relationships #responsibility #romance

REVIEW: HardBall by CD Reiss

Hardball is a standalone, sports themed erotic romance. Professional baseball player for the Dodgers, Dash Wallace is one of the sport's hottest commodities on and off the field. Like many athletes, he's a slave to his rituals and superstitions, necessary evils in his mind to keep him playing well.  One vice is a woman for each city; however, his life changes after a chance meeting with school librarian, Vivian.

Vivian comes across as a the bookish and naive female protagonist, formerly burned by love who is too complacent in her everyday life spent working and caring for her stepfather, who is in ill heath.  That fateful meeting with Dash, followed by their continued interactions sparks desire and other feelings she isn't quite ready to process.

A lot of HardBall is expected from the genre. It is pretty steamy and Dash is definitely an alpha male in and out of the bedroom. Props to Vivian, who does learn when to say, "Enough already." However, I thought she took him back too readily after his bad behavior. This is one of those relationships that readers can let pass with a fictional happily ever after even though in reality it isn't exactly a normal, healthy relationship.  Despite a marriage proposal, in real life, I doubt it would last much past the altar.  Like with most romance books, readers need a good suspension of disbelief for this one.  That said, it delivers what was promised and was a good escapism read for the end of my 2016.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @CDReisswriter




#HardBall #romance #baseball #erotic #relationships #superstitions

REVIEW: Outsider by Olivia Cunning

Reagan Elliot knows she should be living her dream...touring with renowned rock group Exodus End as their fill-in rhythm guitarist; however, she still feels like an outsider.  She knows she should be happy with the fame, success and love from not one, but two gorgeous and devoted guys, but the world sees things differently, often wanting to destroy anything it doesn't understand.

The crux of this second novel in Cunning's Exodus End series (and sequel to the Sinners book 5 Double Time) is this theme of being on the outside looking in. Reagan loves both Ethan and Trey. Their relationship works for them but there is fear on her part, as well as Ethan's, should the truth become public knowledge. She's not sure she is ready for the backlash from fans, friends or family.

Can their relationship weather this storm of media frenzy or will it crash and burn?

I enjoyed the book. Warning, it is smokin' hot, so readers shy on the sexytime and a polyamorous relationships should jump ship now. There is depth to the characters and plot. I adore Trey.  My one criticism is I thought the book was a little too long.  Some editing could have helped to tighten the narrative, reaching the conclusion more succinctly.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @oliviacunning



#Outsider #DoubleTime #ExodusEnd #SinnersOnTour #OliviaCunning #hotrock #romance #erotic

REVIEW: Hang Tough by Lorelei James

Cowboy Tobin Hale makes sure to look out for trouble causing Mud Lily, Garnet Evans. While he knows that it may be seen as strange with her moves in to protect her from her son hell bent to run her out of her home, but nothing prepared him for the arrival of Garnet's beautiful and feisty granddaughter, Jade, who assumes Tobin must be up to no good.

Sparks fly between these two immediately, so much so, that Garnet bans them being in the same room together.  Too bad that plan goes south as attraction leads to feelings neither one can deny. Just when Tobin was prepared to leave Muddy Gap for good, he might just have found the best reason to stay.

Another excellent Blacktop Cowboys from James that is super sexy and snarky.  I'm a big sucker for the old frenemies and roommates trope so this didn't disappoint.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @loreleijames




#HangTough #BlacktopCowboys #romance #cowboys #loreleijames

REVIEW: Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

Wicked Sexy Liar is the fourth in the Wild Seasons series by the duo writing as Christina Lauren.

London Hughes is a new college graduate unsure with what she wants from life. She's content to surf, do a bit of graphic design and bartend before jumping headfirst into adulthood. Burned by an unfaithful ex, London isn't ready for any sort of relationship but often feels like the third wheel to friends Mia, Harlow and Lola whose wild night in Vegas led to meaningful hot guy hookups and true love.

Enter sexy and charismatic Luke Sutter. Their chemistry is electric and what is a super hot one night stand could be more until London learns Luke is her friend Mia's ex. She struggles to honor the "Girl Code" but when even Mia and sharp tongued Harlow give her the all clear, London can't help but fall hard for Luke. However, her feelings aren't without trepidation given Luke's reputation as a player. Luke's breakup with Mia wasn't ideal and he's been adrift in meaningless hookups for far too long. Once he realizes that London is the one to make him change his ways, Luke steps up his pursuit to prove to her that they are meant to be.

Wicked Sexy Liar is everything fans have come to expect from the authors. Super sexy but with good character development and an engaging plot.  This is a fitting conclusion to the series but I will note that London was perhaps my least favorite female protagonist of the four. I can't quite put my finger on it as to why I felt this way but I just didn't engage with her as much as let's say Lola.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Follow the author on Twitter: @ChristinaLauren




#WildSeasons #WickedSexyLiar #erotic #romance #audiobook #books

REVIEW: Dirty by Kylie Scott

*A big thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: April 19, 2016

Lydia Green's wedding day isn't going how she planned.  Finding out that her groom is having a affair with his best man, Lydia does what any woman would do, she gets the heck outta dodge and finds a quiet place to think. Breaking and entering is admittedly not the best plan but having a good cry in a seemingly abandoned bathtub seemed like a good idea at the time.

Vaughn Hewson has returned to his childhood home after his dreams of musical stardom have crashed and burned in L.A. The last thing he expected to find was a broken hearted bride in his bathroom but he readily embraces her chaotic drama and spitfire attitude.  Polar opposites with electric chemistry, these two just might be what each other need.

Dirty is a loose spin-off of Scott's Stage Dive novels.  I loved this and actually consumed it in one sitting, marathoning through the pages at break neck speed.  I adored the characters and their chemistry.  Lydia is fiery but also vulnerable. I loved that she wasn't stereotypically stick thin and that despite some insecurities she embraces her body and through change is determined to live her life.  Vaughn is a great hot, brooding but funny and charismatic male protagonist. He has faults but is learning to handle life and its many ups and downs.

The witty and downright sexy banter of these two is fantastic.  Scott knows how to write steamy scenes but also incorporate quality characterization and a believable plot that will keep readers interested.  As the first in the series, the author does well to introduce other characters who'll play a bigger role down the road.  I like the the Dive Bar is a centralized location bringing all these stories together.

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @KylieScottbooks



#Dirty #KylieScott #romance #erotic #humor #netgalley #bookreview

REVIEW: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

The first in a series, Under the Never Sky is a futuristic twist on post apocalyptic and dystopian fiction. Aria has spent her entire life in Reverie, one of several enclosed pod communities where remaining humans are kept 'safe' from the dangerous outer wasteland filled with savage cannibals and deadly electrified energy storms. Taught that even the outside air could kill her, Aria is devastated when she learns her entire world is a lie. Exiled from home, she meets an Outsider, Perry, and quickly accepts he is her only chance for survival.

Perry is a hunter for his tribe despite the earth's bleak landscape. He, like some other Outsiders, possesses an inherited gift which enhances the senses--his sense of smell--a keen enhancement in such dangerous terrain.  Perry views Aria as troublesome and fragile but also as a valuable asset as he seeks to find his nephew, kidnapped and held captive in Aria's former home.  These two must form an alliance that blossoms into more if they hope to learn the truth and change their fates.

This is one of those YA series that I've eyed for several years but never had the chance to read. Overall, for me this was just a so-so read.  I have no major complaints; however, this particular book blends into the sea of similar post apocalyptic/dystopian titles that flooded the market over the past several years.  There is good world building, character development and dialogue.  While Aria starts off a bit doe eyed and naive, she adapts and grows throughout the book.  The same can be said of Perry as he learns to broaden his horizons concerning Dwellers and the role he must play for the future of his tribe.

Even though I'm not powerfully enamoured with the series as an immediate must-read, I am intrigued enough to continue on with the series.  I'd like to get more answers to the main plot arc and see secondary characters (i.e. Roar and Liv) get some resolution to their story.  I did listen to this on audio as narrated by Bernadette Flagler who does a nice job; however, I wasn't bowled over by the performance as I am with some of the more dynamic audiobook productions.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



#undertheneversky #veronicarossi #dystopian #futuristic #YAlit #teen #books

REVIEW: Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: March 8, 2016

In Fire Touched, Briggs' 9th book in the Mercy Thompson series, fae and human tensions are at an all time high.  When Mercy, her husband Adam and the werewolf pack are tasked with stopping a rampaging troll, they discover some lost friends and a powerful new stranger, Aiden (a centuries old human stuck in a child's body), whose time spent in Underhill has left him fire touched. The fae want nothing more than to reacquire Aiden to suit their own purposes; however, Mercy offers him protection in their territory, which complicates an already tricky situation.

Fire Touched is very much a political novel.  Mercy, Adam and the pack have to navigate some precarious situations.  The pack animosity against Mercy finally comes to a head with Adam laying down martial law. This declaration seems to help ease tensions on one front; however, Mercy's pledge of safe haven to Aiden leads to some expected but harsh punishment from the Marrok.  Now declared a rogue pack, the group is thrust into the public eye, is high on the government's radar and must navigate a slippery slope to keep their home safe.

This is an exciting book with plenty of action.  The troll rampage on the bridge is brilliant! Aiden is rather creepy but I like the development happening as he interacts with Mercy and her family. It was great to see Zee and Tad back as well. The fae always make for interesting villains and I just adore Baba Yaga.  While there might be a truce for now, I can see Briggs shifting the series for a new arc of storytelling since the pack is still on its own and their territory is now a supposedly neutral zone for the fae and other supernaturals.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mercys_Garage



#FireTouched #MercyThompson #urbanfantasy #supernatural #books #whatimreading