REVIEW – DEVIL’s KISS (Sunset Cove, #2) by Ella Frank

May 25, 2016May 25, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

What do you do when the one you least expect to matter…

Ends up mattering the most?

Derek Pearson likes to think he’s an easygoing guy. Uncomplicated, upfront, and unapologetic with what he wants. His what you see is what you get attitude is on prominent display for anyone who cares to look, and his foul mouth is right there to back it up should you miss the point.

However, what you see isn’t always what you get, and only a select few have ever glimpsed the real man under the brash exterior.

Among them? Professor Jordan Devaney. Complicated, high-maintenance, and vibrant, he’s Derek’s opposite in every way. From the moment they saw each other, a love-hate relationship began.

But what happens when one person wants more?

*****Dee’s Review*****

4 You Found Me Stars****

(ARC kindly provided by author)

One was broken, the other one was lost. They are flawed and yet, so perfect together. Always there for one another, never far, and always wanting something they can’t have.

A beautiful love story…

Derek Pearson grew up in a bad home. His mom passed, and his dad and brother are not what a family should be, always hurtful and very dismissive towards him. Derek feels like a stranger inside his own home. Finn is his best friend and the only one Derek considers as family. Growing up without the love and approval of his own has made Derek bitter and very closed off.

Jordan Devaney has it all; money, looks, and brains. The guy is considered a genius, the youngest and maybe smartest in his faculty. He works as a college professor. He took the job as a way to make a difference in the world in sharing his knowledge with younger generations, but teaching is not really his passion. As a matter of fact, nothing has ever been a passion to Jordan. Everything has always been easy for him, so at this point in his life he is in desperate need of a challenge, and he’s about to find it inside his own classroom. A dark, broody and sexy as hell man, Derek Pearson.

The attraction is instant for these two, but the timing’s all wrong. Against all odds, Jordan and Derek become friends and even each other’s lifelines. As closed off and untrusting as Derek is, every time he finds himself in trouble he only ever wants to call Jordan, and Professor Daveney always picks up the phone.

Derek and Jordan will play a very sexy and dangerous game throughout the years, a bit of cat and mouse deal. With them, the timing is never right, and the situation’s always complicated. But as years go by and even when distances have grown, they always seem to find their way back to each other.

Like every other Ella Frank fan , when I read Finley I was very intrigued by both Derek and Jordan. When I heard they were getting their own book, I was sure I would do anything to get my hands on Devil’s Kiss, and while I enjoyed it, I must admit I still liked Finn’s book more. I got frustrated a lot with Derek and Jordan. It took them way too long to get their act together, but in the end, it was all worth it, because, in my eyes, nobody can write M/M better than Ella Frank.

My Devil’s Kiss music playlist:
*Adventure Of A Lifetime by Coldplay
*Hello by Adele
*Alive by Sia
*Stay With Me by Sam Smith

*****Mel’s Review*****

4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Jordan Devaney aka Posh Spice is a history professor at a university in Sunset Cove, Florida. He’s in his mid twenties & very young to be a professor. He’s a genius who grew up privileged & spoiled, but is also extremely kind & generous. Jordan is known for being confident, bold, daring & high maintenance. He will be the first person to tell you how fabulous he is.

On Jordan’s first day of class he locks eyes with a gorgeous tattooed student that screams bad boy. He’s this he-man of a guy & looks like a total badass. He also has the whole pissed defiant attitude to go along with his sexy looks. This student is Derek Pearson.

Derek spots his new young hot professor & immediately is wanting the guy. He’s so in lust with Professor Devaney he can hardly focus on anything he’s saying. He can’t look at him without thinking naughty thoughts. They are both very taken with each other, but won’t cross that line that exists between student & teacher. They try to control the sexual tension & keep things professional, but when Derek’s life implodes yet again, he needs someone to turn to, & he turns to his professor.

Over the years Jordan & Derek continue to tiptoe around their feelings & their connection continues to grow. Jordan is the person always there when Derek needs someone. Jordan becomes essential to Derek, his lifeline. They are complete opposites in every way, but they just click. Every time Derek’s life is going well, something seems to always happen to pull him under. Jordan has been there through all the ups & downs & knows everything he’s gone through. He picks up his broken pieces & helps put him back together. Suddenly they both begin to really mean something to one another, & real feelings get involved. This unlikely pair has to decide if they want to be more & build a future together.

-“Everything about you calls to me.”

REVIEW – SUGAR DADDY (Sugar Bowl, #1) by Sawyer Bennett

May 24, 2016August 9, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Seduction has never been so sweet! The New York Timesbestselling author of the Cold Fury series—Alex, Garrett, Zack,and Ryker—returns with the first novel in a hot new trilogy.

Sela Halstead lost her innocence in a way that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to endure. She’s spent years trying to forget that night even while wondering about the identities of the monsters who brutalized her—until a telltale tattoo flashes across Sela’s TV screen. The incriminating ink belongs to Jonathon Townsend, the millionaire founder of The Sugar Bowl, a website that matches rich older men with impressionable young women. Obsessed with revenge, Sela infiltrates Townsend’s world, only to come face-to-face with a tantalizing complication: Beckett North, his charismatic business partner.

The tech mastermind behind The Sugar Bowl, Beck always gets what he wants, in business and in bed. And yet, for a man who’s done every dirty thing imaginable, there’s something about the naïve, fresh-faced Sela that sparks his hottest fantasies. Because with her, it’s not just about sex. Beck opens up to her in ways he never has with other girls. So why does he get the feeling that she’s hiding something? In a world of pleasure and power, the shocking truth could turn them against each other—or bind them forever.

Note: Sugar Daddy ends on a cliffhanger. Sela and Beck’s story continues in Sugar Rush and Sugar Free!

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FIVE+++ STARS*****
{Netgalley ARC}

“I want to crawl inside of you, Sela and feel every inch of you against me. I don’t want any barriers and I don’t want any fucking walls between us. Just you and me, touching…you melding into me, me into you. I want to know what that feels like with you…

WOW…JUST WOW!!!! I have read Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury series and really enjoyed them but, HOLY HELL, I really think this one right here is her BEST yet!!! There are some seriously dark elements to the story but aside from that, the decadently sinful steam factor had me panting quite a bit!! I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire last 30 % of the book! Now this is how you write a story!! I had so many dang feels going on and I know I do this often but I totally fell in love with the Hero of this one ladies. Get ready to swoon and to be seriously turned on by Mr. Beck North!!

Sela Halstead is a beautiful young Grad student, who has suffered through one of the most traumatizing experiences that could ever happen to a young girl. She was brutally raped and sodomized by several men when she was just sixteen-years-old. It has left her severely broken inside and early on she had a few failed attempts at suicide. Now at the age of twenty-two, she knows the identity of the ringleader of her gang rape…Jonathan Townsend. He is a billionaire businessman who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s the epitome of a wealthy douchebag. The guy likes his women blonde and submissive. Drugging and raping young women is par for the course as far as he’s concerned. Sela sees his name splashed all over the papers and news regarding his successful online dating service called theSugar Bowl. It caters to very wealthy older men who are looking to date beautiful young women and vice versa. They maintain in their contracts that this is not a paid escort service and that sex isn’t one of the benefits but it’s understood by all that sex is definitely part of the package. Sela has vengeance on her mind and sees a way in. She dyes her hair brown and goes through a little makeover to hide her identity from Jonathan so that she can infiltrate his organization by becoming one of his Sugar Babies. Unfortunately for her, he doesn’t fall for her bait as he is only interested in submissive blondes. BUT she does catch the eye of his business partner and long-time friend,BECKETT NORTH.

OH MY GOD! When Beck comes into the picture, I was a goner. This guy is gorgeous and quite the ladies man and has this seriously HOT ALPHAMALE thing going on. Sela catches his attention almost immediately and all he wants to do is get her naked and do all kinds of naughty things to her. Sela decides to go back with Beck to his hotel room, thinking that he’s her way to get to Jonathan. Beck is only seeing this as one hell of a hot one night stand but after a few rounds of sex with Sela, he becomes addicted to her. And Sela is definitely feeling some intense attraction towards Beck as well. She has never been able to enjoy sex or to experience an orgasm from it since the rape, but that all changed after just one night with Beck. These two can’t seem to get enough of each other and I, for one, was not complaining! Some of it made my heart rate pick up and left me salivating for more.

Beck is enamored with Sela and the feeling is quite mutual. He asks her to enter into a Sugar Daddy agreement with him, whereby she moves into his place and he pays off all of her college loans. It’s not meant to last for more than a month. But as time goes by, Sela starts to truly fall for Beck and she may be working her way into his heart as well. This puts Sela in a bit of a conundrum because she knows going through with her plans of revenge against Jonathan, could very well end up costing her relationship with Beck. And this relationship has become something truly special to her.

I would love to go on about this book because I really did love it to death! I just didn’t know that Sawyer Bennett had it in her to write such a captivating story with darkness embedded in it. I also can’t believe how incredibly evil she is to end this book on a cliffy of such a grand scale!! It had me crying my eyes out!!! I mean I just don’t know how I am going to get by these next couple of months without getting the answers I so desperately need right at this moment!!!

Be sure to one click this one!!!

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Sela Halstead is a 26 yr. old woman with a tragic past that still haunts her. She has tried to move forward with her life & is currently working on her master’s degree in psychology at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. She thought she was moving past her issues, but one evening she see’s a man on tv named JT that takes her back 10 years to the horrors she can’t forget.

She decides she wants revenge against this man she blames for destroying her life. She wants vengeance. She wants to make him suffer as she has & then completely end him. He owns a multimillion dollar dating website called The Sugar Bowl & she decides to pose as a sugar baby to get close to him.

When she realizes it’s not going to be easy to get near JT, she sets her sights on his very gorgeous business partner Beckett North who seems very interested in her. She decides to use Beck to achieve her goals & carry out her agenda.

As Sela becomes more involved with Beck, she develops a connection that she’s never felt with another man. He’s kind, charming & really a decent guy. She starts to feel guilty about using him to carry out her plan for retribution. He’s suddenly becoming important to her, & she’s wondering if she could let the rage & anger go for a chance at happiness and a normal life. This beautiful man seems to want her in his life & also gives her the most incredible pleasure she’s ever experienced.

-“There’s an innocence about you. The fact that I can give you something that no other man has…well, let’s just say that does nice things to my ego.”

-I’m not sure if he’s magic or just so damned dedicated to the cause, but it was effortless on his part. I’m betting he could probably just look at me a certain way and I might explode.

-Beck North was the best thing that ever happened to me.

The longer Sela is with Beck the less broken she feels. Suddenly she has so much to both gain & lose. Her feelings have her torn about what to do. Can she give up her revenge for love? Before she can make that decision everything blows up in her face & we are left with a major cliffy. I loved this book so much! You will need the next book immediately after reading this! So addictive!!! :))

REVIEW – KISSED by Elizabeth Finn

May 23, 2016June 2, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Reputation is everything, a fact Keegan Lauri knows all too well. A political PR strategist by trade, he makes his living creating and protecting the image of men, protecting them from women like Gabrielle Kitrick. She’s a threat to every man who falls for her. Beautiful, innocent, young, and available … for a price… Gabe is the shiny little trophy men of power seem to desire. But possessing her is a risk, a risk Keegan is responsible for removing from his client’s life.

He’s not above manipulating her for his own professional gain. He’s not even above seducing her and enjoying every second of it. But he finds out quickly her looks are a façade, and the more he comes to know Gabe, the more difficult it becomes to ignore her humanity. Because behind her beauty and crimson-lipped smile lies a young woman fighting for a better future, a future his very involvement with her jeopardizes.

When Keegan’s professional responsibilities threaten to expose her, will he choose to do his job or protect the young woman he’s become so attached to?

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Keegan Lauri is a gorgeous 33 yr. old ambitious man who comes from a politically connected wealthy family from DC. He is a political analyst/strategist who makes a living protecting the reputation of men in power. In his line of work, image is everything. He’s very good at his job & known for his discretion. Currently, he is spending time in Chicago working with a CEO of a huge company. He has to make sure this future politician stays out of the bad press, so when a stunning woman named Gabrielle Kitrick keeps showing up on his client’s arm, Keegan takes it upon himself to get rid of her.

This beautiful woman is simply a risk to Keegan’s client he can’t allow. She needs to be removed & Keegan can’t have his client’s shiny new toy showing up in photos. She’s too gorgeous to enter a room & not be noticed. Keegan decides he will do whatever it takes to make her go away even if it means going to extreme measures that even include manipulating & seducing her for his own professional gain.

Things get pretty hot between these two & lines get very blurred. They can’t get enough of each other. As Keegan spends time with Gabrielle, he gets to really know her & discovers she’s a real person with feelings, & not just a pretty face.

Suddenly he’s very involved in her life, & she means something to him. He learns there’s so much he doesn’t know about her secret life. She’s trying to just get by & survive. She was dealt some bad circumstances & is a young woman fighting for her future & a better life. She’s desperate & has felt alone for a while now. Her future & privacy are jeopardized when she becomes involved with Keegan, & his job threatens to expose her secrets. He wants to help her, be there for her, & fight for her. She doesn’t see her own worth & is broken. When everything blows up, will Keegan choose his career or the woman he’s grown to care deeply for? As usual, I love Elizabeth Finn’s writing! This was a fabulous sexy read! Hope we get a book for Jessa next! 😀

-Most men seemed to see through me, as though I was only partially there, but since the very moment I’d met Keegan, he’d treated me as though I was a solid thing.

-I couldn’t rationalize why I was drawn to her the way I was. She was beautiful, but it wasn’t her beauty that made my heart race.

-No man before Keegan had ever…kissed my soul in the way he had.

-I would never get tired of kissing this man. He made it exceptional every time, and it was never just some random thing for him.

*****Dee’s Review*****

4.5 ~Kiss Me~ Stars*****

(ARC kindly provided by author by recommendation of Allison. Thank you!)

Decadent and forbidden. A very passionate story that swallowed me whole from the very first chapter. My skin was burning; every word created chaotic and wicked sensations inside of me, that were impossible to resist. Kissed was so good! It’s one of those books you immediately miss after you’ve just finished reading.

Keegan Lauri, thrives in his career as a political PR specialist. He is known for his experience, and sharp strategies to achieve the best results. His latest project has him in Chicago following on the trail of a very important aspiring politician, that has his eyes set on getting into Congress. This very powerful man has a lot of potential in a career in politics but he has a small problem, he is single, but only enjoys the company of high priced escorts, and lately he’s been found in the company of a gorgeous woman with red lips.

That is how Keegan meets the beautiful Gabrielle Kitrick aka Gabe. She is a very beautiful, young woman whose difficult life has forced her into a life where she needs to sell her body to survive and provide for her younger sister.

The attraction between Keegan and Gabe is explosive, undeniable, but the circumstances surrounding them, are nothing if not complicated. One night they get together and their desires will make the world around them disappear, in a game where these two characters pretend to be simply a man and a woman who are desperately falling for each other. After one night and a fiery kiss, will they be able to simply go back to their lives as if nothing happened?

Even though this novel has a bit of a taboo theme, with the heroine being a high priced escort, I really felt compelled by her. The story was carefully written, making the reader feel engaged and understanding toward her situation. The Hero was amazing, very sexy, and elegant, he just fell for Gabe so strongly. It was simply magnificent to read about.

I always enjoy Elizabeth Finn’s novels not only because she’s an exceptional writer but her stories are so bold and unique. I really would recommend this book to any reader looking for an intricate and sexy story, that starts with only a kiss.

REVIEW – WEDNESDAY by Kendall Ryan

May 22, 2016May 22, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Hard core fucking.

It’s not what I really want, but it’s all he has to offer. He’s filled with turmoil and heartache and regrets, but for two hours every Wednesday all he feels is me. How much I desire him, how desperate he makes me, how much I’d like things to be different between us. Real.

He used to be my best friend back before he got married. And now? Now, he’s a young widower. It’d be wrong on so many levels to expect something more from him. So I give him what he needs. Dark delicious fucking. But I know I can’t keep this up. I’ve already given him my body, my soul. I want him to have my heart. It might drive him away forever, but that’s a risk I’m forced to take.

Wednesday is an angsty romp told from dual points of view. If you’re in the mood for something quick and dirty, you’ve found it. Proceed at your own risk.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Provided by Author}

“You’re perfection. You make me feel alive. You give me everything I need, and I don’t deserve any of it. That’s what goes through my head.”

This was a very unconventional twist on the friends-to-lovers/in love with the big brothers best friend tropes. There is an enormous amount of steam packed into this super sexy novella. I was hooked from the very first page and found myself in need of an icy cold shower or two. This book is sure to set you on fire!!

Chloe and Shaw have been best friends since childhood. They grew up on the tiny island of Marathon which is right off the Florida Keys. When we meet the two of them, Shaw has just suffered a tremendous loss in his life. His wife of a year was killed in a car accident and Shaw seems to be utterly shattered. He turns to Chloe for comfort and what that entails is some hard and fast sex in his bathroom immediately following his wife’s funeral. Chloe has harbored a crush on Shaw for so many years and is torn between feeling elated over what they’ve just shared and also feeling extreme guilt because she knows that Shaw is grieving over the loss of his wife and thinks she may be taking advantage of the situation.

The incident in the bathroom turns out to become a regular occurrence on every Wednesday evening. They have the most incredible sex of their lives together and it’s definitely the highlight of their week, but as time passes Chloe is realizing she wants so much more with Shaw. But she doesn’t think she is anything more than a hot roll in the hay to him.

Shaw decided after his wife’s death that he would never be tied down to one woman again and yet the only woman he’s been with or even wants is Chloe. Their sexual encounters start to occur more frequently but when Chloe starts to date other men, Shaw becomes insanely jealous and questions what has been building between them. Will Shaw figure out his true feelings for Chloe in time or will it be too late?

I really enjoyed this one. The sex is downright dirty and I guarantee it will be melting panties everywhere. Kendall Ryan has delivered one hell of a tantalizing story!!

Make sure you one-click!! It went LIVE early!!

http://amzn.to/1Ri7Iwm

REVIEW – SHOWMANCE by L.H. Cosway

May 20, 2016May 20, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Damon Atwood was Hollywood’s golden boy. Having won an Oscar at the tender age of thirteen, he had the life many could only dream about. But his success came at a price, and after a short but fruitful film career, he chose to live a life of obscurity on a remote Scottish island. Almost a decade later he’s finally ready to make his return, starting with a lead role in a musical on London’s West End.

As a choreographer’s assistant, Rose Taylor has always faded into the background. She watches shows come to life from the side lines, but has never craved the attention of stardom. When rumours begin circulating of Damon’s involvement in her latest gig, she doesn’t predict how she will be thrust into the limelight, nor how the mysterious and strangely introverted man will need her to teach him how to be a star again.

Rose knows that show crushes don’t last. Actors fall for each other during the intensity of a production, often losing themselves in their roles. These kinds of affairs burn bright and then they fade. The question is, should Rose let herself shine with Damon, or guard her heart from being broken after the final curtain call?

*****Dee’s Review*****

5 Champagne and Sunshine Stars*****

(ARC kindly provided by author)

Rose is a dance choreographer in show business. She is the assistant to her mentor; a very respected and famous choreographer in London. Dancing is everything to her.

Rose has sworn off actors. Being in the business she’s in, she’s gotten burned too many times by some of the beautiful players of the industry. She’s a hopeless romantic, always looking for love, but after her latest heartache, she’s decided she’s taking a break from love.

Then comes Damon Atwood.

Rose’s latest work project is the theater remake of Moulin Rouge, and the mysterious Damon Atwood has been cast as the male lead. Nobody knows much about him since he’s been absent from show business for more than a decade. Damon was a child actor, very successful, even winning an Oscar at the age of thirteen. After his mother died of cancer, he went to live with his dad. His father burned through all of Damon’s earning in drugs and parties, forcing Damon to get emancipated from him. After that he disappeared, secluding himself in the island of Skye, with his grandmother.

Damon’s grandmother’s dying wish was that he would go back to what he loves to do, singing and acting. It was destiny that brought Damon to London to meet Rose.

Damon is very shy and closed off. He doesn’t trust anybody but from the moment he saw the kindness shining so bright in Rose’s eyes, he couldn’t stay away.

Rose and Damon are very attracted to each other but they are skittish about love, so they decide to take things slow and become good friends. Both helping the other overcome their fears. As their friendship progresses, a beautiful love is born. Unfortunately, the world they live in is full of jealous and competitive people, making it very hard for them to move forward with a romance and also feeding into their insecurities.

The beautiful theater setting in this book is truly captivating. L.H Cosway makes us live and breathe the playhouse magic with her latest novel. The blinding lights, the music, the dance, the applause, you’ll be able to feel it all.

Another thing that I loved about this book was how original and unexpected Damon’s character was. He was the broody and shy type, but when you least expected it he would turn into a sexy alpha male, ready to strip you naked just with his eyes and sexy words. Very dreamy!!!

I wish I could add lights and music to this review. This novel was a musical for the heart, each chapter packed with love and lyrics, ready to make you sing and dance. This is the kind of story that was created to make the reader happy. I will be gifting copies of this novel to a few of my friends, and share the love a little bit. Fabulous book!

Make sure to check out L.H Cosway Spotify account. She always puts together beautiful music playlists to go with her novels. Listening to the music, always enhances my experience with the book.

*****Patty’s Review*****

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

In a heartbeat, every look we’d shared flashed through my mind, from that initial fleeting glance across the dance studio the first time I’d heard him sing, to this one. This one told me I owned his heart, his soul, his everything.

This was my very first LH Cosway book and all I can say is that after having finished this one I am DYING to read every single story she has ever written!! I have become her newest FANGIRL!!! From beginning to end, I loved the ever loving crap out of this story. It was like having my most favorite meal – I never wanted it to end!! This book had a beautiful, dirty talking, and utterly to die for Hero and a beyond loveable Heroine. Throw in a bunch of angst, well developed secondary characters, and off the charts STEAM, and you have the makings of THE PERFECT BOOK!!

Rose Taylor is an assistant to a choreographer of the Broadway rendition of Moulin Rouge. She is getting over a recent breakup with an actor she worked with on a previous job. She has had a weakness in the past for actors but now has decided to write the lot off. Her new rule against dating actors is about to be put to the test when she meets the leading man of the show, Damon Atwood.

Damon was a child star who went through all the usual family drama and ended up getting emancipated from his father at an early age. Some of the things he went through while living with his father have left some lasting damage even through to his adulthood. He’s been out of the limelight for nearly a decade, living on a small island in Scotland with his Gran. On her deathbed, she urged Damon to try his hand at acting again. She truly believed in his talent and felt he could find happiness in it again. He’s a man of a few words and shy, but he lets all of his inhibitions go when he gets into character.

When Damon and Rose first meet, you can feel that simmering attraction from the start. There is an undeniable pull between them. Damon feels a little unnerved having to live in the city of London and on his first night there, he asks Rose for help with directions to his new home. He finds himself feeling at peace whenever she is around and for some reason he feels that he can trust her. Damon has trust issues that stem from the time he spent with his father and with people who seemed to only be interested in him for his celebrity.

The two seem oblivious to that fact that they are both attracted to each other and that made for some good angst. Plus, throw in a couple of characters that were out to get in between the two and it became downright painful at times. But when Damon lets down his guard a little and the dirty talking alter ego comes out, well let’s just say Rose wasn’t the only one left panting and weak in the knees. I was nearly dying from the anticipation for the two of them to finally give in to their passion for each other, but the slow build made it that much more fantastic when it finally happened!!! Once Damon gets a taste of Rose, he becomes insatiable and I couldn’t get enough of the steam!!

Be sure and one-click because this is a definite MUST READ!!!! I already know this is one I will re-read in the future. It was just that PERFECT!!!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SIVT4k
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Tg8T0D
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1WDgcon
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1Z3OXTa
B&N: http://bit.ly/1SXF2QB

REVIEW – “A WAY TO GET BY” by T.Torrest

May 19, 2016May 19, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

A WAY TO GET BY

What happens after The Ballad of Brenda and Eddie?

This is not a romantic comedy.
This is not a fairytale.
This is not what you’re expecting.

Lies, secrets, betrayal.
Marriage, divorce, sex.
Love, heartbreak, money.

Best friends.
Old enemies.Soul mates.

Happily Ever After comes in many forms.
A WAY TO GET BY is the story of how Brenda and Eddie found theirs.***For ages 18+ ***READ WHEN YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR: Angsty, surprising, heart-breaking, infuriating true love.***WARNING: This book is told in dual POV with a non-linear timeline.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****4.5 STARS******
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}How was I supposed to live without her? I had no idea how I was going to face the next hours much less the endless years to come. Actual tears gathered behind my eyes as I let out with a choppy breath, the pain in my chest an unbearable ache.

T. Torrest is one of my favorite authors. I became a fangirl over her when I first read her book, REMEMBER WHEN. To this day, it is still one of my all-time most treasured series. You can never accuse T. Torrest of being a predictable writer. Her stories never follow the same formula and this woman is definitely a risk taker. I admire the hell out of her. She has definitely delivered a story that is very different from what I’ve read thus far.

A WAY TO GET BY takes place over a span of a few decades, the late 60s to early 80s. The story is inspired by several songs by Billy Joel. We follow the story of Eddie and Brenda, who started off as high school sweethearts, and now after several years of marriage, they find themselves at a crossroads. They’re unable to make things work anymore between them and are about to file for divorce. We go from the past to present seamlessly and little by little we see how strongly these two loved each other and feel the heartbreak when their relationship starts to fall apart.

This book is seriously angsty, which is what I crave most in books!! I really had a very hard time liking Brenda. I actually hated her because her reasons for wanting a divorce were just loathsome to me. My heart broke for Eddie and all I could think throughout was that he deserved a woman that was a million times better than Brenda.

I know people are going to have a hard time liking this lady but stick with this one. You’ll be glad you did!

REVIEW – STOUT (Lovibond, #2) by Georgia Cates

May 18, 2016May 18, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Craft beer and the sexy men who brew it.

A beautiful neighbor. A complete stranger. That’s all she was when I moved in next door.

Adelyn Maxwell is my neighbor but she’s no girl next door. The more I come to know her, the more I discover she’s a good girl with a lovely dark side. And maybe I don’t want her to stay on her side of the fence.

I want to disturb the rhythm of her pulse.

I want to see the way her hair spills on the bed when she lies beneath me.

I want her to teach me the dirty pretty things she desires behind closed doors. And she does.

But mostly I want to leave my mark on the most intimate, untouched part of her body. Her heart.

A seemingly insignificant intersection of our lives neither of us recalls suddenly becomes a pivotal moment in our future. We aren’t strangers at all. And our paths aren’t crossing for the first time.

These twists and turns of fate will become one of two things: a wrecking ball to tear us apart or the connection to bond us together forever.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Oliver Thorn aka Stout is a gorgeous single guy from Savannah. He lives in Birmingham, AL. & owns a business called Lovibond Brewery with his two friends Tap & Porter. Oliver buys his first real home, & on moving day he gets a warm welcome from his new neighbor Adelyn Maxwell. She lives right next door & is a stunning redhead. Redheads are Oliver’s weakness, & when she offers him a basket of baked treats as well, he is smitten with her & wants to get to know this hot new neighbor.

-Oliver Thorn is a beautiful man.

-“You make me laugh. Smile. Feel. I like being with you. I like who I am when we’re together. I like…you.”

Adelyn Maxwell is a preacher’s daughter who has been a little closed off to men lately after a traumatic experience with an ex. She becomes friends with her new neighbor Oliver & they begin spending a lot of time together. They just really hit it off & find it easy to confide in one another. They discover they actually have a lot in common, that is until they take things to the next level & in the bedroom. Turns out their tastes in the bedroom don’t exactly mesh. Adelyn leans toward the kinky a bit more than Oliver. Can this sexy redhead teach this tattooed hottie a few things? Things get a bit awkward & then extremely hot!!! They discover they’re paths have crossed before & we get some drama as they also try to overcome some emotional baggage from past relationships. As usual I love Georgia Cates writing! So excited for Porter’s book next! 😀

-I’m yours.

-“You are my world. My everything.”

REVIEW – THE PRINCE & THE PLAYER (Dirty Players Duet, #1) by Tia Louise

May 18, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

ALL-NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE featuring secrets, lies, royal high jinks, scams and double-crosses; breathless, swooning lust, cocky princes, dominant alpha future-kings, and crafty courtiers, who are not always what they seem…

Cinderella plays dirty…

Two brothers: One a crown prince; one a “playboy prince.”
Two sisters: One a con artist and card shark; one a pickpocket and petty thief.
One twisted plot for revenge.

When Grand Duke Reginald Winchester is exiled in disgrace, he vows he won’t go down without a fight. Crossing paths with Zee Wilder and her younger sister Ava at a gambling resort in Miami is the stroke of luck he seeks.

Zee is the counterfeit courtier in Reggie’s plan to humiliate Rowan, the controlled heir who kicked him out of the kingdom. In return, the sisters get a permanent spot on Easy Street.

If only Zee didn’t keep finding herself in a clutch with Cal, Rowan’s playboy younger brother. Ava’s no help, as she finds quiet walks in the moonlight discussing poetry and leadership with the brooding, future king irresistible. Even more irresistible is kissing his luscious lips…

The whole plan is falling apart, and neither sister is sure she wants to stop it.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Fairytale Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

-“From what I’ve tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire.”

Zelda & Ava Wilder are two sisters who have lived a hard life. After losing their parents they are orphans who are put in foster care. At the risk of abuse, Zelda runs with her younger sister & vows to always protect her no matter what. Being on their own since they were kids, they lie, cheat, steal, whatever it takes to survive & get by. Zee has become quite the con artist & has taken them from living on the streets to a roof over their heads. One evening while working a con in a Miami casino, the ladies cross paths with a man from Europe. He witnesses Zee in action, & offers them a proposition that will give them great wealth & freedom. Zee & Ava just want to be safe & have enough money to take care of themselves. This man is the uncle of the crown prince of Monagasco. He wants Zee to seduce the future king & make him appear to be a careless leader. Zee & Ava head to Monagasco on a mission where they believe they are saving a country & then leaving as very wealthy women.

Rowan & MacCallum Tate are two brothers who are royal. One is the crown prince & the other is considered the “playboy prince.” After the loss of their father, Rowan is being groomed to take over as King of Monagasco. He is very noble & always tries to do the right thing. He takes his position very seriously & knows he has to be the responsible one. This means his focus is to serve his country, while attempting to stay out of the tabloids & avoid the paparazzi. Many critics are saying he’s too young, inexperienced & reckless. He’s out to prove himself as worthy of the title of King. He’s shown strength & is known for being powerful & tough.

When the conspiring uncle he exciled returns to town with two beautiful women in tow, Rowan & Cal are both stunned by their beauty & intrigued. Sparks fly & lines get blurred as passions ignite between these four gorgeous people. As the uncle plots his revenge, two relationships are forming & things are seriously heating up. The ladies are being pursued by two sexy swoon worthy brothers & are beginning to feel like they are living in a fairytale the way they are being wined & dined. Between royal balls, fancy hotels, lavish casinos & parties, they feel like they’re living in a dream. They are being pampered & treated like queens by their very own prince charming’s.

-Reggie didn’t say anything about sexy younger brothers.

-He’s so dirty. Who knew I’d be so turned on by his wicked mouth?

As these couples fall for one another we get two beautiful love stories. The sisters are finally truly happy & it threatens to be all taken away. I really loved this book! It had two hot alpha princes & was full of danger, suspense, & excitement. Can’t wait for the next book! I need more!!! 😀

-He stirs these feelings I can’t stop.

-“I can’t seem to think about a future without him in it.”

-Everything in me aches for her.

-She stole my heart.

REVIEW – GOOD GIRL (Love Unexpectedly, #2) by Lauren Layne

May 17, 2016May 17, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Lauren Layne brings all the unpredictable heat of her USA Todaybestseller Blurred Lines to an all-new cast of characters! Country music’s favorite good girl is hiding away from the world—only to find herself bunking with a guy who makes her want to be a little bad.

Jenny Dawson moved to Nashville to write music, not get famous. But when her latest record goes double platinum, Jenny’s suddenly one of the town’s biggest stars—and the center of a tabloid scandal connecting her with a pop star she’s barely even met. With paparazzi tracking her every move, Jenny flees to a remote mansion in Louisiana to write her next album. The only hiccup is the unexpected presence of a brooding young caretaker named Noah, whose foul mouth and snap judgments lead to constant bickering—and serious heat.

Noah really should tell Jenny that he’s Preston Noah Maxwell Walcott, the owner of the estate where the feisty country singer has made her spoiled self at home. But the charade gives Noah a much-needed break from his own troubles, and before long, their verbal sparring is indistinguishable from foreplay. But as sizzling nights give way to quiet pillow talk, Noah begins to realize that Jenny’s almost as complicated as he is. To fit into each other’s lives, they’ll need the courage to face their problems together—before the outside world catches up to them.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****4.5 STARS*****
{Netgalley ARC}

Somewhere in my heart, I know that it doesn’t get better than what I’m feeling right now. Not just the physical pleasure, although that’s certainly there, in a major way. But the way he watches me when he thinks I’m not looking, the thoroughness with which he takes care of me and Dolly, the quiet goodness of him…
I want this. I want it all with him, no matter how short our time together.

I’ve read a ton of Lauren Layne books so far and I know that this lady can seriously write a good romcom. She also has the knack for writing stories with gut-wrenching angst as well. Good Girl has that couple that starts off seriously hating each other while at the same time they have an undeniably strong attraction for one another as well. This combination makes for some incredible SCHMEXY times!!

Jenny Dawson is country music’s latest ”IT GIRL”. Her agent had her move out to Hollywood to boost her popularity with her fans, but Jenny hasn’t really loved living so far away from her family and close friends back in Tennessee. The paparazzi have been pretty cruel about her current weight issues in the tabloids, but she’s been somewhat taking it all in stride. Her life is about to become fodder for the front page of all the gossip magazines and social media sites when an actor she barely knows and only spoke briefly to at an awards show, starts spreading ridiculous rumors about her. He claims they had an affair that is currently jeopardizing his marriage. Soon other B-List actors are jumping on the bandwagon spreading lies about her whorish ways, and poor Jenny gets falsely labeled a homewrecker. This has her running from Hollywood to a place in Glory, Louisiana, that she remembers being a safe haven for her when she was a young girl. It’s also the place where she got inspired to write her first album and she’s hoping that it will help her get her creative juices flowing again.

Noah Maxwell, aka Preston Walcott, is the owner of the once musician’s retreat that Jenny has booked a room at to escape the current tabloid frenzy. The place is pretty much falling apart and up until Jenny called to rent out the place, Noah actually had no idea of its existence. Since he’s currently trying to escape drama in his personal life, he decides to stay at the retreat while also taking on some much-needed DIY projects.

When the two meet, they instantly form misguided opinions of each other and the insults start flying pretty quickly. But there is this underlying serious heat between them as well. Jenny thinks that Noah is the caretaker of the retreat and that his best friend, Vaughn, is Preston Walcott, the owner of the establishment. So Noah decides to go along with the charade. Noah is good at throwing the dirty innuendos at Jenny and momma mia, that scene where he just shows up in her bedroom while she is taking care of her needs??!!!!! That could be one of the HOTTEST scenes LL has written to date!

Here’s a first for me. Even though Noah is supposed to be incredibly hot and definitely a good lay, I had a really hard time liking him. He was just too much of a douchebag. I didn’t like his hot & cold attitude towards Jenny, and sometimes he was just downright cruel. I loved Jenny and hated that he would throw insults at her that would cut her so deep. I do enjoy when a couple has a ”love to hate” each other dynamic, but the hero is always adorably cocky and impossible not to fall in love with. Noah was just a straight up jerk with an enormous chip on his shoulder. I didn’t find him very attractive, and definitely not worthy of Jenny’s affections.

But as the story progresses, light is shed on why Noah is so bitter and untrusting of people. He’s had a pretty hard life and when he’s reunited with his wealthy father, he was forced to be someone he wasn’t. Noah didn’t enjoy running with the affluent crowd. He was also in a relationship with a woman who only cared about social status and whom he was not the least bit in love with. Now Noah just wants to live a simple life with a woman who truly wants to share it with him. Is Jenny the woman for him? Can she give up her life as country music’s sweetheart and live in the middle of Glory, Louisiana with Noah?

So towards the latter 30% of the story, my heart warmed up to Noah. I loved how he would come to Jenny’s rescue when she needed him and that he even adored her tiny Pomeranian, Dolly!! Oh my, God, did I love that little furball too!!

This book was just utterly enjoying from beginning to end. I laughed, I cried a little, and I seriously got turned on by the crazy hot steam! I honestly have to say this one packs a punch with the schmexy!!

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/22ekh3L

REVIEW – SMUT by Karina Halle

May 17, 2016May 17, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

What happens when the kink between the pages leads to heat between the sheets?

All Blake Crawford wants is to pass his creative writing course, get his university degree, and take over his dad’s ailing family business. What Amanda Newland wants is to graduate at the top of her class, as well as finally finish her novel and prove to her family that writing is a respectful career.

What Blake and Amanda don’t want is to be paired up with each other for their final project, but that’s exactly what they both get when they’re forced to collaborate on a writing piece. Since Amanda thinks Blake is a pushy asshole (with a panty-melting smirk and British accent) and Blake thinks Amanda has a stick up her ass (though it’s a brilliant ass), they fight tooth and nail until they discover they write well together. They also may find each other really attractive, but that’s neither here nor there.

When their writing project turns out to be a success, the two of them decide to start up a secret partnership using a pen name, infiltrating the self-publishing market in the lucrative genre of erotica. Naturally, with so much heat and passion between the pages, it’s not long before their dirty words become a dirty reality. Sure, they still fight a lot, but at least there’s make-up sex now.

But even as they start to fall hard for each other, will their burgeoning relationship survive if their scandalous secret is exposed? Or are happily-ever-afters just a work of fiction?

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Amanda Newland is a 21 yr. old woman living in Oak Bay, Victoria. She has always been kind of quirky, & considered herself a nerd with her glasses & love of reading. She attends the University of Victoria & spends most of her free time with friends, in the library, or working on the novel she’s writing. Her life is nothing extraordinary & she just wants to finish up school & figure out her future & the direction she wants it to take. She is taking a creative writing course she loves. For their final assignment, her teacher decides to pair them up with a partner. She wants them to think outside the box, take risks, & embrace something new. Amanda gets paired up with her least favorite person in the class, Blake Crawford. Blake is an arrogant, manwhore jerk with a sexy British accent & a cheeky grin. He thinks he’s god’s gift to women & Amanda can’t stand him.

Blake also isn’t thrilled about being partners. He thinks Amanda is a frigid, uptight stick in the mud. He thinks she takes herself way too seriously & always feels like she’s judging him. He mainly dislikes her because she doesn’t like him. They eventually suck it up & start to work together writing their novella, & realize they are pretty good together. When they collaborate it is something special. Even though they still argue, they ultimately write really well together & are both pleasantly surprised by the others talent. They both feel excited & challenged, & find themselves looking forward to spending time together. Amanda gets a glimpse of the real Blake & she likes what she sees. He’s smart, funny & caring.

After they turn in their final project & it’s such a success, Blake suggests they team up again, but this time set the indie market on fire & write what sells…sex. They create a pen name & start a secret project writing erotica together. As they are writing, things get a bit steamy. All this sexy writing gets them all hot & bothered and they begin acting out some of their kinky scenes. Their attraction for one another can no longer be contained & they act on their growing desire for one another. It’s the hottest sex either has ever experienced & their chemistry is off the charts amazing!

-I wonder if she knows just how alike we really are, how this is something we both need.

-“Did I mention you’re insanely talented and I need you desperately.”

-“We’ve got some smut to write.”

-I knew it. She’s a nerd on the streets and a freak in the sheets.

-“I’ll behave.”

-“I wish you wouldn’t.”

The more time they spend together, the more they realize they have a lot in common. They both develop real feelings beyond the physical but are still scared of commitment. As Amanda’s inner bad girl lets loose and comes out to play, they continue to try & keep their writing & their relationship a secret. Amanda has never felt so alive & she becomes all Blake can think about as he begins to want more with her. Will they confess their feelings to one another & will everyone accept them if their secret is exposed?

-Those bloody dimples. He really does wield them like a weapon.

-“I don’t think you realize what you do to me.”

-For once in my life I’ve got every single sexual fantasy I’ve ever wanted.

-He’s becoming something more to me.

-She’s become everything to me.

Wrapped Up In Reading

Category: Uncategorized

REVIEW – DEVIL’s KISS (Sunset Cove, #2) by Ella Frank

REVIEW – SUGAR DADDY (Sugar Bowl, #1) by Sawyer Bennett

REVIEW – KISSED by Elizabeth Finn

REVIEW – WEDNESDAY by Kendall Ryan

REVIEW – SHOWMANCE by L.H. Cosway

REVIEW – “A WAY TO GET BY” by T.Torrest

REVIEW – STOUT (Lovibond, #2) by Georgia Cates

REVIEW – THE PRINCE & THE PLAYER (Dirty Players Duet, #1) by Tia Louise

REVIEW – GOOD GIRL (Love Unexpectedly, #2) by Lauren Layne

REVIEW – SMUT by Karina Halle

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: