REVIEW – JED HAD TO DIE by Tara Sivec

November 1, 2016November 1, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

The happiest day of Payton Lambert’s life was the day she graduated high school and watched Bald Knob, Kentucky get smaller and smaller in her rearview mirror. She wanted more for her life than a tiny town where everyone knows your business and you can’t find a decent cup of coffee for at least forty miles. Twelve years later, an unexpected phone call in the middle of the night has her packing up her life in Chicago and racing back home to the one person she ever regretted leaving behind.

Wait, one person?? Make that two. When the hell did Leo Hudson become sheriff of Bald Knob and get so hot? The scrawny Future Farmer of America who followed Payton around like a puppy and could recite cow insemination facts in his sleep is long gone. Leo is still hot on her heels, but now he’s wearing a badge and dead set on solving a murder that may or may not involve Payton…along with half the town.

You steal a few wine coolers in high school and make one little comment about cutting off a man’s balls when you come home, and suddenly, you’re suspected of killing him.

In a town where the biggest crime happened the day Jethro Snell kicked a few of his cows (an honest mistake when you’ve had a few jars of homemade moonshine), people are pointing fingers, rumors are spreading like wildfire, and Payton swears she’s only making out with the sweet-talking, studly sheriff to distract him from the secrets she’s keeping.

When you’ve been tased, peed on by a yippy dog named Bo Jangles, and can’t stop picturing what Sheriff Hudson looks like naked, it will be a tough job making everyone agree that…Jed had to die.

*****Dee’s Review*****

4 STARS****

(ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)

Well, my belly hurts from laughing so hard, and my heart feels happy from swooning so much over Mr. Hot guy, Leo.

Laughs, romance, and tons of coffee, what else can we ask for????

Jed Had To Die was totally delicious, a book not to miss.

Payton Lambert lives and breathes for coffee. She left her hometown of Bald Knob, Kentucky after she graduated High school, and opened up her own precious coffee shop; Liquid Crack in Chicago. She hated the small town, where everyone knew her business, and nobody had any appreciation for her wild spirit or good coffee. So, she left and never looked back.

Until one day, while she’s trying to plan her new business venture; franchising, Liquid Crack. She gets a call from Bald Knob’s hospital, informing her, that her former best friend, Emma Jo is in the hospital.

Payton runs to be with her best friend, and when she gets there, she learns of her sad reality. Emma Jo has been married to a wife abuser who gets off on beating her up whenever he pleases, the problem is, Emma Jo’s husband Jed, is the town’s mayor, and everyone loves him. Immediately Payton starts to formulate a plan for her friend to leave her abusive husband, but it won’t be so easy, as a few things will get in her way; mainly wine, poisoned blueberry pies and a mystery murder.

In the midst of all the craziness Payton has encountered a very fine male specimen, aka Mr. Hot guy/ Thor lookalike/Mr. Granite chest. Later she learns who he really is; Leo Hudson. He is the former geek, dungeons and dragons guy, from her old High School. Payton can’t believe the sweet geeky guy she used to protect from bullies has grown into the hot and sexy town Sheriff.

Leo and Payton fight, flirt and fight some more. Their chemistry is wild and they can barely contain themselves in front of each other. But there’s a murder to solve, a town to appease and many cups of coffee to drink before Payton goes and murders someone in the ridiculous town, she loves to hate.

Tara Sivec never fails to make us laugh until we cry with her books. Her writing style is always an awesome combination of humor and romance, that entertain the pants off anyone who reads her stories, and that’s why she is one of my favorite authors.

Get this book and let this author take you on a hilarious journey of a woman who swore she would never come back to her small town, not knowing her heart had stayed back and is now ready to claim her.

REVIEW – MR. PRESIDENT (White House Series #1) by Katy Evans

October 31, 2016November 4, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Katy Evans comes a sizzling new contemporary romance.

He’s won the hearts of millions. But is he willing to lose his?

I met the president’s son when we were both young. Matthew Hamilton was handsome, polished, and intelligent. I’d never met a guy like him.

He promised me that he’d never run for president. I promised that if he did, I’d be by his side.

Three terms later, an invitation to join Matthew Hamilton’s campaign is the most exhilarating opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I’m determined to make a difference; he is determined to win.

Focused on his goal, Matt is steadfast, ruthless, and disarming. All eyes are on him and his popularity is surging. But soon, the next possible president of the United States is possessing me in more ways than one—and despite the risks, I’m helpless to resist.

We’re stealing touches, stealing moments, and stealing away at night. But our chemical connection is quickly becoming dangerously combustive, putting not only my heart, but Matt’s chance at the presidency on the line.

Winning will take everything. Walking away will be the hardest thing of all.

*****Dee’s Review*****

5+++ Hot Hamilton Stars******

(ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

Delicious and completely intoxicating, Mr. President is the perfect read for anyone looking for an angsty and beautiful romance. The more I read, the more I craved Katy Evan’s words, her story teasing my senses and claiming every single one of my emotions. A fabulous read!!!!

Matthew Hamilton was born to be President of the United States. Although it wasn’t always his dream; being the son of an Ex-President, growing up in the White House, and in front of the cameras, he always craved freedom and normalcy. After his father’s assassination, the combination of the love for his country and the thirst for justice and prosperity for America, gave him the push he needed, to finally decide to run for office.

Charlotte Wells was also born inside the world of politics; her father, a senator and good friends with The Hamilton’s. Charlotte and Matt met when they were both young, and that first meeting made an everlasting impression on the both of them. Now years later, and after the announcement of Matthew running for President they see each other again at a Gala, and the sparks fly. The next day Charlotte is surprised by the offer to join him on his presidential campaign.

They start working together and immediately the sparks turn into an uncontrollable attraction. But Matt is currently in a very serious relationship with United States of America and has no room for anyone else. Charlotte is very attracted to him but more than that she believes passionately that Matt is the best future for our country, and she can’t bear to be the reason for him failing at obtaining his place in the Oval office.

Their romance is forbidden, and they will have to settle for stolen moments in the shadows, where nobody can see, or know how hot they burn for each other. If their affair were to come to light, it could mean the end of Matt’s presidential candidate career. With paparazzi always around, and Matt’s enemies always looking for dirt against him, will Charlotte and Matt accept to play a risky game that even winning, will mean they’ll still lose something very important?

Who thought politics could be so sexy? Leave it to Katy Evan’s to show you, how hot it can actually be. She achieved the perfect balance between sensual and upscale, making this read something unforgettable. I seriously can’t wait for more, I too will be campaigning for Mr. President.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Charlotte Wells grew up in Washington D.C. as the daughter of a senator. Her life was always surrounded by politics. She went to Georgetown & now is 22 & works in social services with her mother at an organization called Women of the World.

When Charlotte was 11 the President of the United States & his son came & had dinner with her family. The Hamilton’s have always been American royalty & they made quite the impression on a young Charlotte, especially the son Matthew. She developed her first crush & to this day has never forgotten him.

Matthew Hamilton grew up in the White House & can’t remember a time he wasn’t in the public eye. Now 35, he’s announcing he’s officially running for President. He wants change & is stepping up as the first truly strong independent candidate in U.S. history. He’s also the youngest, but is widely respected and the son of one of the most well-loved presidents of our time. He wants to fix the economy and do great things, and make a difference.

Charlotte and her mother decide to show their support and attend Matt’s campaign kick-off party. Charlotte hasn’t seen Matt in about nine years, but he’s never left her mind. He’s even more gorgeous than she remembered, but now he’s all man & oozes charisma & confidence. He’s genuine & everyone seems to love him.

Matt has never forgotten Charlotte either. When he sees her, he just wants to be closer to her. He still remembers the girl who told him if he ever decided to run for president he would have her vote. He invites Charlotte to join his team & help out with his campaign. They begin working together & spend a lot of time with one another. Things turn romantic between them & suddenly they can’t get enough of each other. They only get stolen moments in secret, but both will take whatever they can get. They are addicted to one another & strong feelings are developing.

-Charlotte is beautiful.

-You just don’t forget a face like hers.

-I not only want you, I need you.

-Nothing has ever felt as exciting to me as this man.

-The harder I try to hide the way I feel about him, the harder it hits me.

Charlotte wanted to keep things professional with Matt, but she couldn’t help falling for him. He’s her boss, her candidate & now the man she’s hopelessly in love with. She knew what they shared always had an end date & could only be temporary. That if he wins the presidency she will have to give him up. She loves him, but she also loves her country & the presidency. She doesn’t want what they have to get out & cause a scandal or destroy his image. She’s so torn. She wants him to win, but she also wants to keep him. The only man she’s ever really wanted belongs to America & is unobtainable. Loved this book so much & can’t wait for the next book in this series to find out what happens.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

This woman not only makes me want to be a great man, she makes me want to be the best goddamn president that ever lived. She’s what I never knew I wanted and have discovered that I need.

If you’re a fan of Katy Evans and enjoy a good political romance, then you are in for a treat with Mr. President. All I could think about was why couldn’t we have a Matt Hamilton right now what with all the craziness going on with our current presidential election. I could totally get behind a candidate like Matt!! Too bad he only exists within the pages of this book.

Matt Hamilton is the apple of America’s eye. He practically grew up in the White House. His late father was one of the most beloved U.S. Presidents but during his 7th year in office he was assassinated and his murder is still an unsolved mystery. His father had always had high hopes that Matt would run for office but Matt was always opposed to the idea when he was younger. Now at the age of thirty-five, he is running as the youngest candidate, representing the Independent party. Matt has the kind of ideals and vision that past Presidents failed to deliver. Part of his plan is to surround himself with the best people to help him campaign and there’s one person in particular that he met eleven years ago when she was just a young girl that he wants on his team.

Charlotte Wells is no stranger to the political scene in D.C. Her father was a Senator and at the age of eleven, she got the chance to meet the President and his son when they came to her house for dinner one night. Young Charlotte was affected by her meeting with Matt Hamilton all those years ago and has harbored a secret crush ever since. She never had any aspirations of pursuing a career in politics and since graduating from college she had been working for a non-profit organization. But when she receives the request to join Matt Hamilton’s campaign staff, she might have been apprehensive about accepting the job but one look from Matt quickly obliterates her fears.

During the campaigning process Matt and Charlotte end up spending a lot of time together and neither can seem to keep their growing attraction under control. I often questioned what the big scandal would be if they were to become romantically involved. They’re both single and Charlotte’s family and personal background are nearly impeccable. If their relationship would be a huge scandal for Matt and could possibly cause him to lose the election, he didn’t seem to be all that concerned about some of his reckless behavior with her. Matt swears that if he is elected that he does not want that life for Charlotte because he saw what it did to his mother, but then in his next breath he claims her as his and that no other man can have her. This double talk drove me a bit bonkers.

Charlotte plays a dangerous game with her heart. She thinks she can handle having a secret affair with Matt and that if he wins the election that she can simply walk away, but as her heart gets more invested she begins to question the choices she’s made. And Matt is not at all unaffected by her as well.

The book ends on a cliffy and we are left wondering what the future holds for Matt and Charlotte. I’m looking forward to seeing if love will win in the end. I’m sure that Ms. Evans will not disappoint us.

MR. PRESIDENT is currently available!!

Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2eL5Bam
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2dNp2hl
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2dPYPQr
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2cQp2Rv

REVIEW – THREE SIMPLE WORDS (Kingston Alehouse #3) by A.J. Pine

October 30, 2016October 30, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

She’s holding out for a happy ever after.

Annie
I know where to find my happily ever after—between the pages of a romance novel. It’s why I sell books, why I blog about them, and why I’ll never get disappointed by love.

So what if my brother’s best friend from high school is now a bestselling author? Or that he just blew back into town on a Harley, filling out a pair of jeans like he never did before? Or that he’s agreed to do a signing at my bookstore on such short notice? Because despite all his adoring female fans, I kind of hated his book.

Wes
The last time I saw Annie Denning, she was a senior in high school, three years older than me and way out of my league.
Now I’m her last-minute date to a wedding, and what started as a night of pure fun has turned into something more real than either of us anticipated.

Annie is my muse. When I’m with her, my writer’s block fades away, and the words finally flow.

The only problem? She wants the fairy tale—her very own happily ever after—and anyone who’s read my book knows the truth. I just don’t believe they exist.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

This wasn’t a game anymore—no secret arrangement between two people who claimed they only wanted fun. This was her heart, and she had given it to him without the guarantee of the happy ending.

I love the ”romance with the brother’s best-friend” trope and THREE SIMPLE WORDS had it with just a little twist. The heroine ends up getting involved with her younger brother’s best-friend. There’s only a three-year difference between them which isn’t a big deal when you’re in your twenties but when the two first met, she was sixteen and he was thirteen and three years makes a world of difference. The hero was just her kid brother’s dorky friend way back then. It was kind of an odd twist but ultimately it did work. Also the fact that the hero was a New York Time’s best-selling author and the heroine was a book shop owner and a book blogger, ended up being the delicious icing on a perfect three tier cake!!

Wes Hartley finds himself returning back home to Chicago, after having gone off to New York City for several years to pursue his writing career. His debut novel, which is a romance, turned out to be a New York Time’s best seller. But he’s been having writer’s block and Wes is worried that maybe he could be a one-hit wonder. With his agent and publicist breathing down his neck for pages from his new novel, Wes decides to go back home in hopes that a spark of creativity will develop for him. He had hoped to crash at his father’s place but their relationship has been strained for the past five years and so he ends up getting the extra bedroom in his best friend’s apartment and a part-time job as a bartender at the Kingston Ale House, since he had spent most of his royalties from his first book on paying his dad’s mortgage. His friend asks if Wes could help out his big sister by doing a book signing at her store. Business hasn’t been booming and the popularity of Wes and his book could be the jump start that the store needs. Wes is more than happy to help out the woman who he had a school boy crush on so many years ago.

Annie Denning is an avid book reader and romance is her favorite genre. She clings to her belief that there is an HEAin her future someday. She keeps her heart protected, subconsciously, by dating men who always turn out to be unattainable. No man has ever truly captured her love. But one look at the man Wes Hartley has grown up to be, has her heart going all swoony. Wes ends up being Annie’s date to her friends’ wedding the following week after the book signing event and things heat up pretty quickly between them. What they thought would just be one night of passion turns out to be a secret affair that goes on for several weeks. Annie has become Wes’ muse and the words won’t stop flowing out of his mind. While they’re having fun together, both are trying to convince themselves that there’s no future for them and that they’ll be able to walk away from it all when Wes has finished writing his book and goes back to New York.

Both Annie and Wes have major issues to deal with before they can even begin to endeavor into a serious relationship. Will the two be able to work through their hang-ups with regards to love or will they end up losing their one shot at a true HEA??!!

THREE SIMPLE WORDS is available now. The KINGSTON ALE HOUSE series is one you will surely want to check out!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2e7j1j9
Paperback: http://amzn.to/2dF92xZ
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iBooks: http://apple.co/2e4a4

REVIEW – MARRY ME MAD (Blueberry Lane 3 – The Rousseaus #2) by Katy Regnery

October 29, 2016October 29, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Did you fall in love with The English Brothers? Were you hot for the Winslows?

Katy Regnery’s Blueberry Lane series continues with The Rousseau siblings!

For as long as Madeleine “Mad” Rousseau can remember, she’s been the “sweet” twin to her sister Jax’s “sassy.” But after an especially painful break-up, Mad decides she’s had enough of being sweet. Children’s librarian during the day, she begins visiting Philly’s seedier nightspots on a quest for adventure and experience. When Cortlandt “Cort” Ambler, the ex-boyfriend of Mad’s sister, Jax, saves her from disaster on one such evening, an unlikely friendship is born between the rebellious librarian and the moonlighting pianist…and two broken hearts begin a journey toward being whole again.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

And Mad felt the blistering awareness of something her heart had always known: Cort had never belonged to Jax because he had always belonged to her, and here, now, their hearts were finally home.

This second installment in The Rousseau’s series centers around Mad, twin sister to Jax. Mad has just caught her boyfriend of three years cheating for the umpteenth time and she’s had enough. Finally, she finds the strength from within to break up with him. Feeling a bit lost and alone she ends up walking the streets of Rittenhouse Square in Philly. She happens upon a small French bar and café and imbibes on several shots of tequila. Little does she know that someone from her childhood is in the bar and will come to her rescue when she gets sick from overindulging on tequila.

Cort Ambler is one of the musicians performing at the café and he can’t believe his eyes when he sees Mad Rousseau there. He’s had a thing for her since he was thirteen-years-old but never made his feelings known and then a few years later during a drunken stupor, he made the mistake of kissing Jax at a party because in his inebriated state he thought she was Mad. The two end up dating for a couple of months and it was only because he didn’t want to embarrass Jax and she had basically coerced him into a relationship. But he couldn’t keep up with the lie and when they broke up, he let Jax tell everyone it was she who called it off and he also allowed her to come up with the reason for the break-up. Cort had no idea that Jax would paint him out to be a supreme jerk which resulted in Mad’s hatred of him. Cort ends up walking Mad home and she invites him in. They spend the night catching up on old times and also discussing what has been going on in their lives up till now. The conversation is easy and the company is more than intoxicating. They’re both feeling the sexual tension between them and soon a kiss is turning into so much more, but Mad’s guilty conscience over betraying her sister, Jax, has her putting a stop to whatever is building between her and Cort.

Not even a day has gone by and the two of them can’t stop thinking about their night together. Neither one of them wants whatever is building between them to end. The next day they end up running into each other again when Mad shows up at the café. This time they’re both unable to deny the strong attraction that is pulling them towards each other. Mad and Cort decide to spend one more night together but they promise to avoid bringing up their exes. Mad also makes Cort swear that he will not fall in love with her. It’s kind of hard for him to agree to this seeing as how she stole his heart when he was only thirteen.

Will Cort and Mad be able to walk away from each other after their night is over? Or will Mad risk her relationship with her sister and go after the man she loves? You’ll need to pick this one up to find out.

MARRY ME MAD is currently available and can be read as a standalone.

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REVIEW – AMORE: PART TWO by Bella Jewel

October 28, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Run.
He told me to run. So I ran.
It turns out just because you run from something, doesn’t mean it can’t find you.
He’s coming for me.
He wants what I hold closest.
He wants to lie, manipulate and use me.
He wants me to betray him.
Rafael.
Leader of the Italian Mafia.
Love of my life.
Father of my child.
He’s going to make me do the unthinkable.
There is no way out.
I’m trapped and about to make the biggest mistake of my life.
I’m running full throttle towards an oncoming train, and there isn’t a single thing I can do to stop it.
I’m going to become what I was most afraid of.
A monster.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

The conclusion to the AMORE saga is filled with a lot of action with a little side of steam. Personally, I could have used a little more of the schmexy, but overall I found this to be a very entertaining read.

The story starts off about nine months after Julietta’s kidnapping and Maria’s subsequent death. Julietta has been hiding out in her best-friend Celia’s home with her new-born son. Riccardo has been threatening the lives of her child and her father if she does not go along with his plans to take down Rafael. He wants Julietta to rekindle the relationship she had with Rafael so that she can get the inside scoop on what’s going on within the Lencioni organization.

Julietta and Rafael soon cross paths and he seems not to be concerned with where she has been for the last several months, but more preoccupied with rekindling their arrangement. He wants her back in his bed and will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Rafael had no idea that Julietta was pregnant and that they had a son together. Her plan is to keep this secret from him because she doesn’t want her son to have any links to the mafia. When Riccardo’s paranoid and erratic behavior puts Julietta in a precarious situation, will Rafael be able to forgive her for her supposed betrayal? Or will he realize that she was placed into an impossible situation?

I really loved the first book but felt like there were a few things that didn’t quite make sense in this one. My favorite character in this book was Celia. Her fierce loyalty to Julietta was beyond admirable. There are several characters from Bella Jewel’s MC series that make an appearance in this story and I’m sure those of you who have read them will enjoy being reunited with some of your favorites.

If you’re looking for a quick and fun read, then I would highly recommend the AMORE series.

US: http://amzn.to/2eizyPW
UK: http://amzn.to/2epM5Vh
CA: http://amzn.to/2faE5WZ
AU: http://amzn.to/2dEKwfG

REVIEW – TWISTED PALACE (The Royals #3) by Erin Watt

October 26, 2016August 10, 2017Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

These Royals will ruin you…

From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.

Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She’s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome.

Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he’ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.

No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all.

They may be right.

With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and Reed must find a way to beat the law, save their families, and unravel all the secrets in their Twisted Palace.

*****Dee’s Review*****

4 STARS****

(ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

OMG!!!! Up and down, down and, up again!!!! This book was one crazy roller coaster, and frankly, it’s left me feeling both excited and dizzy… I can’t even form the words to describe this book right now.

True to the nature of the story this third book was every bit as shocking and angsty, as the past two. The Royal’s continue to be their addictive selves, and us readers continue to eat it all up, and of course crave more. I don’t think I could ever get enough of these Royals, and there’s still so much more I need to know.

By now Ella has embraced her place inside the Royal family; she loves them all, and they all love her. Together they form a team, that loyally works at always protecting one another, no matter what.

Reed is in trouble, being wrongly accused, and while it’s really hard to believe it wasn’t him who committed the crime due to his violent nature, Ella and his family don’t care, they are going to help him!

Ella’s past comes back and is messing up with her plans for her mission to help Reed. She’s not used to having people tell her what to do since she’s always been on her own. But now she has people who care for her, even has managed to make a few friends. Her instinct to run away when things get hard is always present and it’s Reed who is teaching her a new concept, to stay and fight for what she loves, for what she believes in. So, Ella is trying to learn to rely on others and to accept that she can count on the people who love her.

photo 42D4DDA5-6CF8-40E7-B492-B769F7E9CEB6_zpsobwnrunm.jpg

After the initial shock in which the story starts with , the book was a bit of a slow burn. So many questions but not enough answers. After the 50% mark, I had to literally buckle up, because the plot got very bumpy. Despite the drama and all the twists, my favorite thing about these books was how strong was the love and support the Royal’s have for each other. No questions asked, they accept, and love each other, for exactly who they are.

These books are so addictive that I could read them forever. I really hope these authors are planning on writing more, because I still want to know what happens to Easton, Gideon, the twins, and even their dad, I think he should get his own book. Mr. Royal was so awesome in this last book, that he really made an impact in my heart, so yeah you can say I have the hots for every single Royal there is.

I will do some investigating and find out if in fact there will be more books, and will share the news with EVERYONE because these books are totally awesome.

*****Mel’s Review*****
4 Stars!

Ella Harper’s life has been one challenge after another. After moving to Bayview & a complicated start with the Royals, she’s come to care about them all. There were her enemies, then allies, and are now her family. She can’t imagine them not in her life. When her long lost father returns & Reed finds himself in some trouble, everything Ella holds dear is in jeopardy. Ella is tough, & will fight for the people she loves.

Ella & Reed suddenly feel like the universe is conspiring to keep them apart. They are two teenagers desperately trying to protect everything that matters to them. Reed’s life is on the line & his quick temper continues to sabotage him. Can this young couple find a way to overcome all the obstacles in their way & be together?

-“One kiss wasn’t enough.” One anything is never enough with this girl. I don’t know how I ever lived without her.

-She got under my skin the moment I met her, and she’s still there, in my blood, in my heart.

REVIEW – KEEPSAKE (True North #3) by Sarina Bowen

October 26, 2016October 26, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

There’s a first time for everything.

Lark Wainwright used to be fearless. Her life was a series of adventures, each one more exhilarating than the last. But her recent overseas adventure was one too many. Now she’s home and in one piece. Mostly. But her nights are filled with terror.

When her best friend offers her a stay at the orchard in exchange for help at the farmers’ markets, Lark jumps at the chance to spend fall in Vermont. But her nightmares don’t stop. Desperate to keep her fragile state a secret, she relies on the most soft-spoken resident of the Shipley Farm to soothe her when her dreams prove too much.

Zachariah is a survivor, too. It’s been four years since he was tossed aside by the polygamist cult where he grew up. He’s found a peaceful existence on the Shipley’s farm, picking apples and fixing machinery. But getting thrown away by your own people at nineteen leaves a mark on a guy. He doesn’t always know what to make of a world where movie quotes are the primary means of communication. Before hitchhiking to Vermont, he’d never watched TV or spoken on the phone.

Actually, there are a lot of things he’s never done.

Zach and Lark slowly grow to trust one another. One night they become even closer than they’d planned. But Lark may still be too broken to trust anyone. When she pushes Zach away, he will have to prove to himself that he’s good for much more than farm labor.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Zachariah Holtz is a gorgeous sweet guy that has an innocence about him. He grew up sheltered on a religious compound at a big ranch in Wyoming that was like a cult. When he was 19 they threw him out of the only home he’d ever known. It was a shock to be alone & on his own. He makes his way to Tuxbury, Vermont & slowly builds a life for himself. It’s been four years, & Zach now lives with the Shipley’s on the Shipley Farm. He works hard & is trying to live a normal life. He is a 24-year-old virgin who keeps to himself since he was taught touching was bad & shameful. When a woman he met once before named Lark Wainright shows up to stay at the Shipley’s, Zach gets flustered. She’s gorgeous & makes him feel desires that make him question his celibacy.

Lark is from Boston. She went to college with May Shipley, & when May invites her to come stay with her family for the rest of the harvest season Lark jumps at the opportunity to escape the watchful eye of her overprotective parents. Lark was kidnapped while working in Guatemala, & went through a traumatic ordeal. Desperate to get away & feel normal again, she hopes spending time with her best friend will bring back her sanity. Vermont could be her salvation.

Since returning four weeks ago, Lark has been having nightmares, & doesn’t know if she’ll ever be the same fearless person she used to be. She’s sleeping in a room at the Shipley’s bunkhouse & keeping busy working on the farm. When she finds herself paired up with Zach to work the farmers market she suddenly has a lot of alone time with this mysterious beautiful guy. He’s easy company & gives her a sense of comfort.

-Zachariah was a thing of beauty.

-Chemistry was something I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was even nicer than I remembered.

-Lark was the most enchanting woman I’d ever met.

-There was no part of her that didn’t make my eyes want to linger.

During Lark’s time at the farm, Zach becomes her safe place & they grow extremely close. She can be herself & doesn’t have to pretend to be ok when they’re together. Things turn intimate & holy hell is it hot! Zach is so delicious!!! He’s never felt so much for another person & falls hard for Lark. His love helps to heal all her broken pieces & makes her feel whole again.

REVIEW – A PLACE IN THE SUN by RS Grey

October 24, 2016October 24, 20162 Comments

SYNOPSIS:

When her mother’s incessant matchmaking hits an all-time high, Georgie Archibald does what any sensible woman would do: she flees the country.

Seeking refuge in the picturesque seaside village of Vernazza, Italy, Georgie’s only plan is to lie low, gorge herself on gelato, and let the wine and waves wash her troubles away… that is until she wakes up in a bed that belongs to the most romantic-looking man she’s ever seen.

Gianluca.

After going out of his way to rescue her, the former London financier turned mysterious recluse makes it clear that despite acting as her white knight, he has no plans to co-star in her fairytale.

But Georgie isn’t asking for his heart—she’s merely intrigued.

After all, Gianluca isn’t just gorgeous—tall and tan from days spent in the sun—his touch sets her world on fire. With him, Georgie experiences the most intoxicating passion she’s ever known, and it only takes a few steamy nights for her to realize that sometimes running away from trouble is the best way to find it.

*****Mel’s Review*****

5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

We first met Georgie Archibald in The Summer Games: Settling the Score as Freddie’s funny, sweet younger sister. She comes from a wealthy family in London & has an overprotective mother who is constantly trying to run her love life. After a string of disastrous blind dates, Georgie decides she needs a break from her mother. It’s time for a change. She’s 26 & decides she’s going to take matters into her own hands, and be in control of her own destiny. She spins the globe & it lands on Vernazza, Italy. She travels to the beautiful seaside village in hopes of some adventure, & maybe she’ll get lucky & also find a gorgeous Italian man.

When Georgie arrives in Vernazza, she makes quite the impression. She isn’t feeling so well & a beautiful Italian man comes to her rescue named Gianluca. He’s stunning & Georgie quickly develops a crush on him. The problem is Georgie soon learns Luca is considered unattainable. He’s had some sadness in his past & as a result is reclusive, & a bit grumpy.

Georgie is an In your face, say what’s on your mind kind of girl. She’s generally a positive person who’s happy. She sees a kindness & vulnerability in this excruciatingly beautiful man, & she wants to get to know him better. She’s persistent & stubborn and eventually breaks through his tough shell.

They begin spending some time together along with some other friends Georgie’s made. Soon Luca is opening up more to Georgie & eventually their attraction ignites & they agree to a no strings fling. Real feelings begin to develop. Luca wasn’t prepared for the whirlwind that is Georgie. This beautiful, vibrant woman makes him feel so much, & it scares him to death. Georgie is loving being with Luca & suddenly wants more. She’s fallen in love & wants it all. Can Luca open up & be with Georgie for real?

-He was the most interesting man I’d ever come across.

-I’d never gone this mental over a man before.

-It was hard to take him in all at once- he was too beautiful, inside and out.

-He had a heart of gold, a gentle soul, and I knew that once he loved, he loved forever.

I really enjoyed this book about two lonely people who find love. I was so happy to get Georgie’s story. I adored her free spirit in Freddie’s book & wanted to get her HEA. I LOVED Luca so much! He’s such a beautiful, swoony, delicious Italian man! This was my favorite book I’ve read by R.S. GREY! Just fantastic! Couldn’t put it down!

-There was no better feeling than being wrapped in his arms.

-I’d completely lost myself in him. I no longer wanted a simple kind of love. I’d settle for nothing short of crazy in love.

-Loving Georgie took courage I hadn’t known I still had.

-She was bold and beautiful, adventurous and so full of life, she made everyone around her feel it as well.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

I absolutely loved this story!!! It had a lovable and endearing Heroine, a beautiful but broken Hero, and one of the most exotic locales as its backdrop. It felt like I was taken on a beautiful and at times heartbreaking journey that I never wanted to end. After reading this story I am sure that like me, you all will want to take a trip to Vernazza and just bask in the warm glow of the sun as it falls upon the beautiful Italian Riviera!!! Make sure you’ve cleared your schedule and that you will have no interruptions because once you start reading this book, you are not going to want to put it down for anything!!

Georgie Archibald is at a crossroads in her life. At twenty-six-years-old, she has yet to fall in love and has no prospects worthy of marrying. Her mother continues to set her up on one blind date disaster after another. Georgie, ever the dutiful daughter, placates her mom and goes out on these dates, all the while knowing that nothing will come of them. There’s always something not quite right about each man she has been set up with. Tired of all the horrific set-ups, Georgie packs her bags and escapes to Vernazza, Italy on a whim. Seeing as her luck in the romance department has been bleak in London, she thinks maybe a change of scenery will lead her to her romance of a lifetime. It turns out to be the best decision she has ever made.

On her first day in Vernazza, Georgie was a bit queasy and dehydrated from her long train ride and ends up fainting in the town square. Luckily for her someone sees her and rushes to her rescue. One seriously beautiful and rather broody Italian man named, Gianluca. From the moment she sets eyes on Gianluca, Georgie is more than a bit taken with him. Normally she’s not one who is at a loss for words but she finds herself tongue-tied and flustered whenever he’s around. Gianluca is not an easy man to decipher. He’s beautiful but also extremely standoffish. He keeps everyone but his cousin at an arms-length distance. He’s haunted by a tragedy and not willing to let go of the past. But Georgie is determined to get through to him, and so she propositions him. His Nonna left him her bed & breakfast after she passed away and it has sat boarded up for years. Georgie offers to help renovate and reopen it. She’s decided that she wants to extend her stay in Vernazza and maybe she might make it a permanent one if they are able to reopen the establishment and she were to run it as the Manager. Luca is vehemently against it at first and is more than a little abrasive towards Georgie, but she doesn’t take no for an answer. Soon enough she gets Luca to see things her way.

As they start to spend every day working on the renovation, Georgie is able to slowly chip away at the thick wall Luca had built around himself. Soon they become good friends. At first, Luca is offering to help her find a man but not too much time will pass before they are giving in to their strong attraction for each other. The plan is to keep it casual. There will be plenty of out of this world sex but with the understanding that nothing serious can come of it because Luca’s heart is not open to love. Georgie thinks that she is fine with their arrangement but how can she be when she’s fallen hopelessly in love with him. When she realizes that she’s just about lost the woman she used to be in order to take what little Luca is able to offer her, she must decide whether or not she can be happy with the status quo or can she walk away to ultimately protect her heart from utter devastation?

Want to read a seriously intoxicating story that will sweep you off your feet? Are you ready to add one more amazing book boyfriend to your favorite list? Then make every effort to read this one ASAP!!

A PLACE IN THE SUN is currently available. Be sure to one-click it!

Amazon – http://amzn.to/2ewA8ID

REVIEW – ROYALLY SCREWED (Royally #1) by Emma Chase

October 23, 2016October 23, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, Crowned Prince of Wessco, aka His Royal Hotness, is wickedly charming, devastatingly handsome, and unabashedly arrogant; hard not to be when people are constantly bowing down to you.

Then, one snowy night in Manhattan, the prince meets a dark haired beauty who doesn’t bow down. Instead, she throws a pie in his face.

Nicholas wants to find out if she tastes as good as her pie, and this heir apparent is used to getting what he wants.

Dating a prince isn’t what waitress Olivia Hammond ever imagined it would be.

There’s a disapproving queen, a wildly inappropriate spare heir, relentless paparazzi, and brutal public scrutiny. While they’ve traded in horse drawn carriages for Rolls Royces, and haven’t chopped anyone’s head off lately, the royals are far from accepting of this commoner.

But to Olivia, Nicholas is worth it.

Nicholas grew up with the whole world watching, and now Marriage Watch is in full force. In the end, Nicholas has to decide who he is and, more importantly, who he wants to be: a King… or the man who gets to love Olivia forever.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****5++++++++ STARS******
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

I’m not sure how I can go on to read another book after having finished this story, which to me was nothing less than PERFECTION!!! This story utterly and completely swept me off my feet!! Emma Chase has been a favorite of mine ever since I read ”Tangled” and each time she releases a new book, I can hardly wait to get my hands on it. I’m just going to say it – I think Royally Screwed is Ms. Chase’s absolute best work so far!! She brought to life one of my childhood fantasies within the pages of this enchanting book!! Move over Drew Evans, there’s a new book boyfriend in town and he’s sure to sweep many a reader off their feet!! Prince Nicholas Pembroke will be melting many panties and hearts within the reading community!!

Prince Nicholas Pembroke of Wessco has been living the life of a playboy for quite some time. He’s the most sought after bachelor and the ultimate fantasy of women all over the world. But Nicholas is about to be delivered an ultimatum by his grandmother, the Queen of Wessco. Their government is in near chaos because the state of the economy is dwindling and the citizens of Wessco are in an uproar. Most want to take away the power that the royals have over government affairs. The Queen and some constituents are demanding that Prince Nicholas should marry soon, and according to custom, she must be of royal lineage or a born citizen of Wessco. He’s given five months to select his bride and announce their engagement. So what does a man do when he’s forced to do something that goes against every fiber of his being??!! He takes off for New York City, where he plans to live his life to the fullest during the last five months of his freedom. Nicholas never imagined that he’d end up meeting the one woman who would completely capture his heart and own his soul.

Olivia Hammond runs her parent’s coffee shop which hasn’t been doing well since the tragic death of her mother several years back. Her mother’s death left a lasting and devastating impact on her family. Liv’s Dad turned to alcohol to numb the pain and basically left her and her younger sister to fend for themselves. Being the dutiful daughter, she took over running the business and also managed to take care of her younger sister. With all of the responsibilities she has had to shoulder, her love life has been non-existent since her senior year of high school. She’s about to get so much more than she bargained for when a handsome and intoxicated Prince stumbles into her coffee house one cold winter’s night. Nicholas doesn’t waste any time pouring on the charm but he inadvertently sticks his foot in his mouth which ends up putting Liv’s defenses up. The next day when Nicholas wakes up with a killer hangover his friend informs him of what a supreme douchenozzle he had been and it spurs Nicholas to seek out the woman whose striking beauty and fierce attitude, he just can’t seem to forget.

Nicholas and Olivia soon get swept up in a whirlwind romance and when duty calls for him to return to Wessco earlier than planned, he asks Olivia to come with him. It takes some convincing by Nicholas and her little sister, but after she’s assured all will be taken care of at home with the coffee house, Liv is off on an adventure of a lifetime with her sexy Prince Charming!! As you can imagine Liv will meet some less than friendly people who will treat and view her as a gold digging whore and then there are some who will see her for the truly genuine and beautiful person that she is on the inside and out. Nicholas and Liv are becoming to mean so much more to each other and as their five months are almost coming to an end the question is – can they walk away from each other when the time comes?

You know that feeling you get when you fall madly in love with a story and its main characters, and you just don’t want it to end???!! That’s how I felt reading this one!! I want so much more of Nicholas and Olivia. I loved the epilogue but it left me wanting to get more of these amazing characters!! I know that there are two more books in the works, and I’m just hoping maybe Emma Chase will write an additional novella??!! One can hope anyways…right??!!

ROYALLY SCREWED is LIVE!! Go on and one-click!! Drop what you’re reading and start this one asap!!!

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/roya…
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eaw2qY
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/2dc6ZRG
Audible: http://amzn.to/2dq8Tl1
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/royal……
IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978168…
BAM!: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Royall……

REVIEW – PUNK 57 by Penelope Douglas

October 21, 2016October 22, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

“We were perfect together. Until we met.”

Misha

I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should’ve gotten his number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

*****Mel’s Review*****

5 I’m His. All Of Me. Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Patty)

Ryen Trevarrow & Misha Lare become pen pals in the fifth grade when they are required to write each other as part of a school project. They are paired up with someone of the same sex, but the teachers make a mistake based on their names. They become the best of friends over the years & are obsessed with each other’s letters. They tell each other everything & accept each other as is. They’ve become each other’s safe place over the last seven years.

Ryen & Misha only live about thirty miles apart, but they made a pact to not meet. They feel it will keep their letters more special. They have three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, & no photos, so when Misha stumbles across a photo online of a beautiful girl named Ryen he doesn’t know what to do.

Misha lives in a wealthy community called Thunder Bay. He’s in a band called Cipher Core where he sings and plays guitar. He has a great life that is suddenly turned upside down, & everything seems to be falling apart. When he is faced with seeing the one person that means the world to him, will she live up to his expectations? Ryen has always been perfect in Misha’s head.

Ryen hasn’t heard from Misha in three months & is going crazy without him. She’s worried & misses him. He’s been her best friend since they were eleven, & she’s never gone this long without hearing from him. They’ve never seen each other’s faces, but she loves him unconditionally & completely. He is in her heart, & essential to her happiness. Could he be closer than she realizes?

I loved this book! It was my first book by this author & it was fabulous! It’s about teenagers, bullying, & the journey of finding out who you are. It deals with wanting to be popular & fitting in. The desperate need for approval from others & wanting to belong. In this story, Ryen doesn’t know who she is & doesn’t like herself very much. She just wants people to finally see her. The message I came away with was that it’s okay to be different & we all need to love ourselves. We are each unique & special.

-“Before I met you,” I say against his lips. “I fantasized about you.”

-“I couldn’t talk to anyone like I talk to you.”

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
(BR w/Mel)

There’s one thing I have come to know about Penelope Douglas and that is she can deliver teen angst like no other. I loved BULLY when I read it several years ago and Punk 57definitely has the same flavor as that book. I felt like I was thrown back into High School, feeling all the same insecurities over how I was being perceived by my peers and also crushing on that one mysterious and hot bad boy that all the girls had their eyes on. Don’t even get me started on the scorching hot steaminess within the pages of this book! There just wasn’t much that I didn’t love about this story!

Ryen and Misha have been the best of friends for seven years. They became pen pals for a fifth-grade school project and continued to write each other even after the assignment had ended. The two live in neighboring towns but made a pact to never meet in person, because neither of them wanted their near perfect perception of each other to be shattered. Just one night changes the course of their friendship forever. They meet at a fundraising scavenger hunt for Misha’s rock band in an abandoned warehouse. Misha hears someone calling out Ryen’s name and then curiosity has him seeking her out. When they cross paths he doesn’t divulge his identity to her but the chemistry between them is undeniable. But their chance meeting is cut short when a tragedy occurs later that night which shrouds Misha in silence and despair for months to come.

Three months have gone by and Ryen has not received one reply to any of the countless letters she has sent to Misha. He’s basically dropped off the face of the earth without any explanation as to why. She’s starting to feel completely alone in the world because her one true friend has basically abandoned her. Then one day at school, a mysterious new student shows up in one of her classes and he comes to the aid of a boy who’s being bullied by one of Ryen’s ”friends”, and it may have been brought on by her instigating the situation. Masen Laurent doesn’t hold back his feelings of disgust for Ryen and her utterly shallow existence. She can’t seem to figure out why this new guy’s opinion of her matters so much and also why she is strongly attracted to him. Little does she know that Masen is really Misha and that they had a run in several nights earlier at an abandoned amusement park, where she took something of his and he wants it back. Each time these two come face to face they end up in heated arguments but also the physical attraction between them is white hot and palpable.

Misha is so in awe of how beautiful Ryen is but at the same time he can’t help but feel massive disappointment over the shallow persona she has built up for herself at her high school. Gone is the girl that became his everything since he was just eleven-years-old. Or is she? As they start to spend more time with each other, Misha is able to chip away at Ryen’s barriers that she has built up over the years and soon these two are all twisted up in each other. But their relationship is hanging on by the tiniest of threads because Misha hasn’t revealed his true identity or what the real reason is for him being enrolled in her school under a fake name.

I have to admit I had a really hard time liking the heroine and when you get to the end of the book the author does address the fact that she created a character whose likability is extremely challenged. That being said, my overall enjoyment of the book wasn’t the least bit tarnished by my extreme dislike for Ryen. Let’s just say that my heart was won over by the gorgeous boy with the gift to see beauty through the ugliness and whose words became some pretty powerful lyrics.

PUNK 57 is available now. Be sure and one-click asap!!

Amazon—> http://amzn.to/2aPzkeU
Amazon UK —> http://amzn.to/2dLZKCy
Amazon AUS—> http://amzn.to/2d45OrC
Nook—> http://bit.ly/2blH7Bx
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Google Play—> http://bit.ly/2eaDKS8

Wrapped Up In Reading

Category: Uncategorized

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