REVIEW – JOCKBLOCKED (Gridiron, #2) by Jen Frederick

February 11, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

She’s always played it safe…

College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffeeshop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet?

He’s always played around…

Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew “Matty” Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the hottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.

*****Patty’s Review*****

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

”I didn’t realize the earth was moving when I saw you the first time. I didn’t realize everything in my life was changing because it happened slowly. One meal, one conversation, one kiss at a time.”

I love me a good romance with a sinfully sexy JOCK. It happens to be one of my favorite tropes. The hero always tends to be a major player and seriously cocky, but not in a way that makes him come off as a douche nozzle. The heroine usually takes a while to warm up to the hero and makes him work hard to win over her affections. There has to be a bit of comedic moments thrown in as well. This formula has been used time and time again, and yet still the majority of readers out there can’t get enough of these stories. I’m definitely no exception.

Lucy Watson is a college senior. She spends most of her time working with her classmates on a mock trial, and when she isn’t in class, she works at a local coffee house. She’s been best friends with the Quarterback of the football team since childhood, but she has never had a desire to date a football player. Lucy is risk adverse. She weighs the pros and cons of almost every situation in her life. She thinks jocks are all man whores and she’d only be getting her heart broken if she ever got involved with one. So she only dates guys she views as safe. The problem is, those relationships don’t last either because her heart truly isn’t in it.

Matt Iverson is on the college football team. He’s very popular with the ladies and has never had the desire to pursue a woman. He gets what he wants and then he moves on. This all changes when he meets Lucy in the coffee house she works at. Matt is intrigued by Lucy, especially after he realizes she has no idea who he is, nor does she act like she wants in his pants like most of the girls on campus do. They end up running into each other a few times and even though Lucy has a strict “no football player” policy, she can’t deny that she’s extremely attracted to Matty.

The story starts off a bit too slow and to be honest, I don’t understand how these two went to the same college for almost four years, and never met each other till their last year. Especially since she was the quarterback’s best friend. I didn’t like the path the author took Lucy and Ace down. I think the author should have left the unrequited love aspect out of it.

Luckily, once things start to heat up between Matty and Luce, the story started to take a turn for the better. The steam factor is high, and I loved every panty melting moment! Matt made my heart flutter with how possessive he was over Luce, and how he was always trying to take care of her. He understood her fears of taking risks but he also made her realize that she’s not really living if she’s not willing to take a chance once in a while. I ended up liking these two a lot and was rooting for them to overcome the odds and find their HEA!! Overall it was an enjoyable read and the schmexy times are definitely worth picking this one up!!

I WISH YOU WERE MINE (Oxford, #2) by Lauren Layne

February 11, 2016February 11, 20162 Comments

Perfect for fans of Alice Clayton and Emma Chase, Lauren Layne’s Oxford series heats up in this story of forbidden desire as a brooding jock hoping for a comeback falls for a woman who’s strictly off-limits.

A year ago, Jackson Burke was married to the love of his life and playing quarterback for the Texas Redhawks. Now he’s retired, courtesy of the car accident that ruined his career—and single, after a nasty scandal torpedoed his marriage. Just as he’s starting to get used to his new life as a health and fitness columnist for Oxford magazine, his unpredictable ex shows up on his doorstep in Manhattan. Jackson should be thrilled. But he can’t stop thinking about the one person who’s always been there for him, the one girl he could never have: her younger sister.

Mollie Carrington can’t say no to Madison. After all, her older sister practically raised her. So when Madison begs for help in winning her ex-husband back, Mollie’s just glad she got over her own crush on Jackson ages ago—or so she thought. Because as Mollie reconnects with Jackson, she quickly forgets all her reasons to stay loyal to her sister. Tempted by Jackson’s mellow drawl and cowboy good looks, Mollie is sick and tired of coming in second place. But she can’t win if she doesn’t play the game.

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

This book was just what I needed to get over a disappointing read. Lauren Layne’s books are definitely sure to bring a smile to your face. I haven’t had a chance to read the first book in The Oxford Series, but after having finished this, I plan on finding the time to read about Cole and Penelope!! It started off a little slow and I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea having the heroine be the little sister of the hero’s ex wife, but in the end IT WORKED!! I seriously fell in love with this story.

Jackson Burke is the new fitness journalist at Oxford Magazine. This is not his dream job and NYC isn’t winning him over either. He’s still stuck in the past where he was once a Superbowl winning NFL Quarterback and he desperately wants to be that guy again, and to be back in Texas, where he thinks he belongs. But a car accident, that injured his shoulder took it all away from him, including his wife, Madison. Although Madison bailed on the marriage soon after the I do’s when she started having an affair with his best friend. He’s in a bad place in his life and spends most of his time avoiding his co-workers and dodging the calls from his ex sister-in-law, who happens to live in New York now.

Mollie Carrington has been smitten with Jackson since he first started dating her sister, but she was always considered the geeky little sister. She and Jackson became close friends during the time he was married to Madison. Mollie was his “go to” person whenever things were strained between he and her sister, which happened quite often.

After months of avoiding Mollie, Jackson agrees to meet her for dinner. He’s not prepared to come face to face with the beautiful woman she’s become. He’s uncomfortable with how attracted he is towards her. And Mollie is struggling with the fact that she’s still pretty much hung up on Jackson while she’s also feeling guilty he’s her sisters ex husband. After a brief conversation about how she’s living with the roommate from hell, Jackson ends up offering the spare bedroom in his penthouse to Mollie.

Till these two start to acknowledge their attraction to each other, the story seems to be very slow building. From the 40% mark on, I couldn’t put this book down!! The fact that Jackson was once married to Mollie’s sister, ceased to be a pain point for me. As you get more details about Madison, it’s pretty much impossible to feel that these two are doing anything wrong. I really loved the chemistry between Jackson and Mollie. I was rooting for them to get passed their insecurities and hang ups. I feel like this was one of the steamiest Lauren Layne books to date!!

Will Jackson and Mollie be able to leave the past behind them and let what’s starting to develop become a possible once in a lifetime love? Or will they let the past take control and possibly make the biggest mistakes of their lives?

Aside from all the angst, we get a chance to be with the other Oxford employees, including Alex Cassidy and Jake Malone, who we met during the Stiletto series. All the ladies fromStiletto are back as well and they become fast friends with Mollie.

I know this may be premature but I think I like this series more than Stiletto .

Make sure you pick this one up!

REVIEW – SOME SORT OF LOVE (Happy Crazy Love, #3) by Melanie Harlow

February 9, 2016February 8, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

From the outside looking in, I had it all—a career I loved, a supportive family, the Nixon metabolism but not the Nixon ears, and a salary that supported my lavish taste in designer shoes, fine wine, and lacy lingerie … but I had no one to share it with.

Until the day I ran into him—my one night stand from college with the crooked smile, let’s-get-out-of-here eyes, and dirty, dirty mouth.

Cute and cocky then, today Levi Brooks is six feet four inches of hot bearded fantasy. A sexy single dad with broad shoulders, strong hands, and a fantastically big … heart. (I mean, it’s massive. And generous. And it pumps so hard … um. Sorry. Lost my place.)

Being a good father means everything to him, but he’s keeping me at a distance because he thinks I deserve someone better — a man who can give me more time, more attention, more of himself. He doesn’t believe he could ever be enough.

But he’s wrong.

He’s everything.

*****Patty’s Review*****

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

Resting my forehead on hers, I whispered her name like a prayer, desperately wishing I could have this, have her, every single day of my life.
But something inside me wouldn’t believe it was possible.

WOW!! This was the first book I’ve read by Melanie Harlow and I seriously loved it! I know that I’ll probably have to go back and read the previous two books about the other two Nixon sisters and their men. So this is the third book in theHappy Crazy Love series, but all the books can be read as standalones. There are three Nixon sisters and they each get their own story. This one is about the oldest sister, Jillian. She’s a thirty year old Pediatrician, who is the only Nixon sister who is still single. She just hasn’t had the time to pursue a relationship and also no one has really piqued her interest.

On the night of her sister, Skylar’s wedding, she runs smack into Levi Brooks. He happens to be the hot guy she met at a bar during her college days, who she ended up having the best sex of her life in a storage closet with. Eleven years have passed since then and she still thinks of that encounter with Levi whenever she has a date with her trusty BOB. Now at 32, Levi has become even sexier and lucky for Jillian, he’s single. He does have a young son with autism that he has sole custody of. His son is his whole world so Levi doesn’t have a lot of free time to spend on his personal life, but Levi and Jillian are still very much attracted to each other and decide to give things a go.

Things heat up pretty quickly between the two and at first they’re only able to see each other for a few hours on Friday nights. As time passes they both feel that one day a week is not enough. Unfortunately every time they try to make plans to spend more than a few hours together, something happens with Levi’s son that has him having to cut short their plans. He feels like he will never be able to give Jillian the relationship she truly deserves. The problem is he keeps Jillian separate from the biggest part of his life which includes his son. Will Levi learn to bring the two pieces together before he loses his one shot at true love?

Now I can’t end this review without giving honorable mention to the schmexy times. They really had my temperature rising. I swear to you, this author knows how to get a reader hot and bothered. I am strongly advising you to make sure your hubbies or boyfriends are around, or that you have a really good BOB handy to release some of the tension! LOL

This is definitely one not to be missed!

REVIEW THE RAVEN (The Florentine, #1) by Sylvain Reynard

February 6, 2016February 10, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery . . .

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi gallery restoring Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semiconscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attackers’ screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her . . .

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. Upon returning to the Uffizi, no one recognizes her. More disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of her disappearance, Raven learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history—the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the police identify her as their prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and most elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets . . .

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****4.5 STARS*****

”For a long time, I thought love was not for me. Men who noticed me were few and far between. Almost all of them just became friends with me. You changed my mind. You changed my world. I started believing that maybe someone could love me and I could love him in return. I felt hope, William. You gave me that.”

WOW! Where do I begin??! I mean I have to say that I don’t know why I am surprised that I absolutely ended up loving this book! Maybe it’s because I was really not feeling the novella. I found it a little boring and it didn’t paint a favorable picture of the Prince aka William York. He was far from lovable in THE PRINCE and so I thought I wouldn’t end up loving him in The Raven. I was completely WRONG!!! I do believe it had to do with the fact that he meets the woman who is able to warm his cold heart after having been so devoid of human emotions for centuries.

To give a little backstory here, the Prince is a vampire, and he is the ruler of the vampire colony that resides in Florence, Italy. He is also a huge art collector and has many paintings by Michelangelo and Botticelli. Here’s where we get some of the boring aspects of the story but it’s also necessary in order to bring Raven into his world and as an added bonus, Gabriel and Julia Emerson!! Gabriel and Julia have loaned their Dante & Beatrice illustrations to the Uffizi Museum. The Prince is furious and plots to kill Gabriel because those illustrations were his property but were stolen many years ago. William spies on the Emersons and catches them during some very passionate moments. He finds himself envying the love that Gabriel and Julia have. But, he also is determined to take back what belongs to him and succeeds. This triggers an investigation by the Florence police department and FBI. Raven Wood is an American woman who happens to work at the Uffizi as an art restorer. She disappears the week the illustrations were stolen, and when she returns, she has no recollection of where she has been. She also has gone under a major physical transformation that she has no reasonable explanation for.

Raven badly injured her right leg when she was a young girl. She has a terrible limp, and needs a cane to help her walk. She is also a woman with curves and has never been considered attractive. One night after attending a party at a friend’s house, she decides to walk home and witnesses a homeless man being brutally beaten. She tries to come to his aide but little does she know that the attackers are not ordinary men. They are feral vampires who don’t follow any code and are ruthless. Raven gets herself into a very dangerous situation and lucky for her William happened to be in the area and comes to her rescue. He is able to take out the whole crew of feral vampires because he is basically one of the oldest living vampires in Florence and in their world, the older you are, the more powerful and strong you become. He nurses her back to health by using the blood from a couple of really old vampires that he had stored and gave her a blood transfusion. A week later she wakes up in her apartment, and miraculously her leg is perfectly normal, she’s lost a considerable amount of weight, and even looks beautiful. Unfortunately she will come to learn that all these side effects are temporary.

Raven’s new appearance freaks out all of her coworkers and friends but that’s the least of her worries. Now she is being investigated in the case of the missing Botticelli illustrations. She hears Gabriel Emerson mention the name William York as a possible suspect and tries to do her own detective work which ends up landing her in serious danger once again. Luckily, William has been keeping close tabs on her and is able to rescue her for the second time. He asks her to leave Florence but of course she ends up staying and quickly things start to heat up between the two.

I was completely swept away by the romance between William and Raven. One thing Sylvain Reynard is a master at, is writing of romantic love. The fact that William was enamored with Raven just for being beautiful on the inside, made me love him so much more. Every time Raven would put herself down, he was quick to point out all the beautiful things about her. I found his struggle to deal with his feelings for Raven to be very endearing, especially when I learned of the tragedy from his past. There’s quite a bit of action and intrigue thrown in as well. The steam factor is definitely intense as vampires have an insatiable appetite for sex! You’ll need a few cold showers after reading this one!

I highly recommend this one to any of you who loved theGabriel’s Inferno series. This story does not disappoint!!

*****Dee’s Review*****

FIVE STARS*****
(ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley)

The Raven was a gorgeous story about a girl who looked weak on the outside, but possessed tremendous strength on the inside, and her prince. The man who through darkness brought her the freedom she always wanted.

Raven is used to being invisible. When she was young she had an accident that left her with a disability. She is comfortable behind her baggy clothes and her cane. She finds beauty inside the paintings she restores at the museum where she works, in Florence Italy.

Raven has a big heart and is always helping and defending the less fortunate. Helping a homeless man, one night she will find big trouble. Luckily for her the Prince of darkness will come to her rescue.

William York is the prince of Florence and all the vampires. He’s an old vampire and thus very powerful. He’s confused as to why he felt compelled to save the life of the woman with the bright green eyes, but he’s feeling even more troubled, because he can’t stop thinking about her.

William and Raven’s paths will inevitably cross again and both will be helpless to the feelings growing between them.

William wants to take Raven to bed, but she needs more convincing than an earth shattering kiss. Ever since Raven met William, her life hardly makes any sense. Even the history behind the paintings she has been studying for years, have a different meaning now. It’s hard for Raven to accept the attention and protection William offers, because ever since her father died, she’s been left to fend for herself. She carries dark secrets of her own, that only contribute to her skepticism when it comes to giving into the strong feelings she’s been having for William.

William is a dark and cold vampire who’s lived the same way for centuries. He always thought he was incapable of feeling mercy or love, little did he know that the wounded girl with a sassy mouth would come and change everything …

Reading this book was a magnificent experience. It was like every word in this story was dipped in the most luxurious chocolate. I devoured every chapter with ravenous desire. The beauty and depth of the characters utterly consumed me. I simply couldn’t have enough. I loved the paced in which the story developed and the romance was something I’ll never forget. William’s words to Raven were so rich and beautiful, that he made it impossible not to fall in love with him.

Those who are fans of professor Gabriel Emerson, will get a nice treat as he and his lovely family make an appearance in this book.

This author is very talented when it comes to writing about love and now he takes us on a riveting journey to the dark underworld of Florence, Italy. Vampire and human relationships will become blurry and the rules may have to be re-written…

Beautifully written novel.

My The Raven music playlist:
*Sound Of Your Heart by Shawn Hook
*Things by Maggie Lindeman
*The Moon Song by Karen O
*Wild Horses (Acoustic version) by The Rolling Stones

REVIEW THE SHADOW (The Florentine, #2) by Sylvain Reynard

February 6, 2016February 8, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel trilogy comes the hotly anticipated follow-up to The Raven, a sensual novel set in Florence featuring the dangerously intoxicating coupling of Raven and William…

Raven Wood’s vampyre prince has returned, pledging his love and promising justice for every wrong done to her. In the wake of their reunion, Raven is faced with a terrible decision—allow the Prince to wreak vengeance against the demons of her past, or persuade him to stay his hand. But there is far more at stake than Raven’s heart…

A shadow has fallen over the city of Florence. Ispettor Batelli will not rest until he uncovers Raven’s connection to the theft of the priceless art from the Uffizi Gallery. And while the Prince hunts a traitor who sabotages him at every turn, he finds himself the target of the vampyres’ mortal enemy.

As he wages a war on two fronts, he will need to keep his love for Raven secret, or risk exposing his greatest weakness…

*****Mel’s Review*****

4 He Was Hers Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Patty)

In The Shadow the love story between vampire William York aka The Prince & the human Raven Wood continues. After being apart for about a month, this unlikely couple is reunited. This extremely powerful vampire who is both respected & feared has a soft side when it comes to Raven. She begins to resurrect the humanity in him he thought was gone. They continue to fall deeply in love with one another & we see a tender side to William we thought didn’t exist. William is absolutely delicious showing Raven how he feels about her! Swoon! ;))

-“You came back to me.” “I never left.”

-“You’re a dream.” She sighed. “A dream of love I never thought I’d have.”

-“I like the way you feel. I like discovering new things about your body- how you react to my touch, to my kiss, to my body when it’s inside yours. You are a book that deserves to be read over and over again.”

-“I’d forgotten.” “You’d forgotten what?”

-“What it’s like to be loved.”

I really enjoyed this story & seeing William fall in love with Raven. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to be with her & protect her. We see him try to get justice for wrongs done to Raven in the past. As leader of the principality of Florence & the underworld, William is considered very dangerous. He would do anything to also protect his people & ensure his rule over the city. There is a traitor among them targeting the Prince & threatening his position of power. We get a lot of action & there is also still the mystery over the Prince’s stolen art. Gabriel & Julianne Emerson also show up from time to time in this book. I look forward to the next installment in this series!

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{Netgalley ARC}
(BR with Mel)

“I like the way you feel. I like discovering new things about your body–how you react to my touch, to my kiss, to my body when it’s inside yours. You are a book that deserves to be read over and over again.”

In this next installment William and Raven’s love grows even stronger. William will do anything to keep Raven safe and is determined to help her get retribution from those who have wronged her in the past. But his thoughtfulness ends up backfiring on him and puts Raven in a precarious situation.

There seems to be no end of villains who are out to dethrone William. I lost track of how many vampires in the Consilium had their own hidden agendas, and I found it hard to remember everyone’s name and what their purpose was in the story. I think that this caused it to drag a bit for me. There were just too many different characters being thrown in and all seemed to either want to assassinate William or to put an end to Raven and William’s love affair. It was making my head spin!!

We learn that Raven is linked to the Curia and that person threatens William to either release her to his custody or he will bring the wrath of the Curia down upon him. William must decide which means more to him—Raven or the citizens of Florence that he rules over. Throughout the story we still get some very steamy moments between the two and it’s clear that they are so much in love with each other that they can’t bear to be apart.

William’s maker and circumstances that brought him to become a vampire are revealed. It was at this point that the story started to really pick up momentum. A ton of action starts to happen after about the 50% mark and we learn by the end that William’s plan to keep Raven safe, may have actually landed her in serious danger. I can’t wait to get the last book to see how it all turns out for these two!!

So even though the beginning dragged, I still would recommend this one because the story completely turns around during the latter half.

REVIEW WILD ACES by Marni Mann

February 5, 2016February 25, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Trapper Montgomery
His darkness drew me in.
A mystery with a past I wanted to solve.
He was cold, like ice, but set me on fire.
A heat I hadn’t felt in ages.
But when I saw his face, I burned…
In mourning
Again.

Brea Bradley
She melted from my voice–shuddered from my touch.
But trembled from the memories
That my face brought back.
She wanted more…
Maybe even him.
I wasn’t the hand she counted on.
But I was what she was dealt…
A Wild Ace with no way to win.

*****Dee’s Review*****

4.5 Ace Stars*******

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

Marni Mann has done it again!!!! This author has proved with her penmanship why she’s high on my favorite author’s list. Trapper and Brea’s story is a total winner. Marni Mann has created a wildly entertaining story that will squeeze your heart and also raise your body temperature to nuclear levels.

Starting with the gorgeous cover, you’ll picture Mike Chabot as Trapper. The sexy poker player, that is very talented at the game table but in his life he has a no-BS policy and simply goes after what he wants. Trapper plays to win and I have no doubt that he’ll conquer the heart of anyone who reads this novel.

Trapper Montgomery grew up in the foster care system. Going from home to home and suffering terrible abuse. One night after getting kicked out yet again, he finds himself in the all too familiar position of being homeless and beaten. That night a stranger takes pity on him and changes his life with a simple act of generosity.

He goes on to take shelter at a poker club where the owner takes a liking to him and Trapper becomes his apprentice. There, he realizes he has a real talent for numbers and cards. Year after year he gets better, and Trapper becomes a very successful poker player, achieving success and notoriety but he never forgot his past. Even after all of the years has passed, those memories haunt him and drive him to achieve an even more complicated goal.

Brea Bradley has found success in the real state business. She has a job and friends she loves but she is getting fed up with the dry spell she’s been in, and is ready to add passion to her life. Brea knew love once, but it was abruptly taken away from her. It took a long time for her to get over her loss and give dating another try, but she hasn’t met anybody worth her time.

Brea and Trapper meet under very enigmatic circumstances, the attraction is instant and the sexual tension, sizzling hot. But what will happen when all the smoke around them clears, and they see each other for who they really are? Will the connection grow cold or burn even hotter ?

Wild Ace is a sexy spin-off of the Unblocked series, but this book can be read as a standalone. Since Brea and Frankie are best friends, we get an inside look into the lives of her and Derek and there’s a lot of great surprises in this book for those of us fans, of the Unblocked series.

This story is very sexy and has the very well thought out element of surprise. The twists and turns will keep you highly entertained and the steam, well… You might need to take a cold shower or two as you read through the sexy chapters.

Both Trapper and Brea are very strong characters but they shared a tenderness that added more depth to the story, making Wild Aces the complete package book.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!

Brea Bradley is a beautiful single woman who lives in Boston. She runs the leasing division at her best friend Frankie’s real estate agency Jordan International. Brea has been through a lot in her personal life, & hasn’t let anyone close to her in a while except for her Mom & Frankie. She tends to keep things casual with men lately, & doesn’t really put herself out there.

One evening while attending a masquerade party at Derek & Frankie’s, Brea meets a stunning man in a mask named Trapper Montgomery. She instantly feels drawn to him, but can’t explain it. She feels this intense connection. He’s mysterious, but also feels somewhat familiar to her. She never see’s his face that evening. They begin talking on the phone & get to know each other better. Trapper is a professional poker player. Brea doesn’t know much else about him. She soon learns when their pasts collide that she really doesn’t know him that well at all. We get some angst & he is very secretive about his life, but Brea still wants to be close to him. She can’t help how much he makes her feel. We get many twists in this story & I really loved the writing. It was also extremely hot, & gives you a fabulous love story.

REVIEW FIGHTING SOLITUDE (On The Ropes, #3) by Aly Martinez

February 2, 2016February 2, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

I was born a fighter. Abandoned by my parents, I spent my life forging my own path—one guided by my fists and paved with pain.

Untouchable in the ring, I destroyed everyone who faced me, but that’s where my victories ended. Outside the ropes, I repeatedly failed the few people who loved me. Including my best friend, Liv James—the one person I’d die to protect.

Even though I didn’t deserve her, Liv never stopped believing in me. Never gave up. Never let go. After all, she understood what I’d lost, because she’d lost it too.

Liv was everything to me, but she was never truly mine.

That was going to change.

I lost my first love, but I refused to lose my soulmate.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.

Fighting to be the man she deserves.

Fighting the solitude of our pasts.

Fighting for her.

*****Patty’s Review*****

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

EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

I seriously loved this one more than I thought was possible. I must preface this by saying I have not read books 1 & 2 yet, but still was able to follow the story without any issues. I definitely plan on reading the other books now that I’ve met the youngest of the Page brothers. At the beginning of the story I thought I had a clear picture of who the love interests were but then, BAM, a curve ball gets thrown at me, and honestly I was disappointed because I already was invested in the little girl that Quarry befriended outside the On The Ropes gym – Liv. I was not expecting that he would fall in love with another.

The story starts off with Quarry rushing to get his girlfriend, Mia, to the hospital and then in the next chapter, we go back to when he was a little boy and he meets this cute but spunky girl named Liv. Right from the start they form a special bond and it was clear to everyone except for Liv and Quarry, that there was more than just friendship between them. They both had absentee parents and were deeply affected by it. The two become inseparable and when Quarry learns that he will lose his hearing in the future, just as his older brother Till had, Liv is right by his side to comfort him and makes it her priority to learn ASL. But one day tragedy strikes the Page family and Quarry feels so much guilt over what happened that he does the unthinkable to push Liv away. He thought that someday he would let her down as well and that she’d be better off without him. But he does something so harsh and it rocks Liv to the core. The end result is years of silence between them.

Even though they stop speaking to one another, not a day goes by that they’re not in each other’s thoughts. Liv still has deep feelings for Quarry and when she learns that he has lost all his hearing, she rushes to Chicago to see him. He welcomes her with open arms but Liv is blindsided by the news that Quarry is in a serious relationship with Mia. At that very second, I hated this girl because she was interfering with my vision of Quarry and Liv riding off into the sunset!! But Aly Martinez succeeds in taking the story in a direction that I seriously didn’t see coming.

A huge loss will have Quarry and Liv seeking comfort in each other and eventually old feelings resurface. I thought it odd that they both were able to repress their true feelings for so long. Quarry is one hell of a charismatic book boyfriend. Once he opened his eyes to what had always been right in front of his face, he was determined to make Liv see that they were true soul mates and belonged with each other. Liv drove me a little nuts with her insane loyalty to Mia. In my eyes, she was always Quarry’s true love because if there had never been those years of separation, there is no doubt in my mind that there would never have been a Mia. Everyone else could see it, except Liv, and so she frustrated me to no end.

I have to give kudos to Aly for writing some freaking HOTshmexy time scenes. Quarry was a heavy weight champion in the boxing ring and in the bedroom!! YOWZA!! Now it leaves me wondering how the other two Page brothers rank in that department!!

Fighting Solitude is LIVE!! Go on and One Click!!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1HToXGM

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1OgAs7R

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NU89lo

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qu2XTZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1lsjHQt

REVIEWXAVIER COLD (Hard Knocks, #2) by Michelle A. Valentine

January 29, 2016January 29, 2016Leave a comment

Book two in the HARD KNOCKS series will follow up PHENOMENAL X.

The conclusion to the New York Times bestselling romance that began in Phenomenal X, about one woman’s pulse-pounding relationship with a notorious bad-boy wrestler.

“What’ll it be, Anna Cortez? Are you in, or are you out?”
One momentary loss of control has now ruined everything Xavier Cold had going for himself. With his world unraveling fast, he’s willing to do anything to save not only his job but his relationship with the only woman he’s ever loved.

Anna Cortez, still reeling from shock, tries desperately to save the man that’s consumed her heart, body and soul. She’ll have to dig deep and find courage she never knew she possessed to help Xavier fight demons from his past—a past that’s even more haunted than she ever imagined.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

In the second book in Xavier Cold & Anna Cortez’s story, it begins with the couple dealing with the consequences & aftermath of Xavier losing his temper. Another wrestler knows just how to push his buttons, & when Xavier finally snaps, it lands him in hot water with Tension. His job is now at risk, & he is worried he has ruined his chances of becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. He is put on suspension & this not only separates him & Anna, but it gives him too much time to think about his past & his future.

Xavier returns home to Detroit & has to face his past. He worries he’s not good enough for Anna, but will do anything to secure a future with her. She is everything to him. As we get some danger & complications from his old life, Xavier struggles to hold onto his job & his relationship with the woman he loves more than his life. I have adored Xavier since I read Phenomenal X & just love this couple. This man totally loses his heart to this woman & Anna sees a tender loving side of him nobody else sees. This was another fabulous book in this series & smokin hot as usual! Who doesn’t love a bad boy with a heart of gold. ;))

-“Have I turned my good girl naughty?”

-“Afraid so. I can’t seem to get enough of you.”

-“Glad to hear it because I’m fucking addicted to you.”

-“I’m never going to get enough of you.”

-“You have my heart, and nothing will ever change that.”

-“So fucking beautiful and all fucking mine.”

-“Fucking perfect. You were made for me.”

-“I’ll find my way back to you…always.”

REVIEW SEBRING (Unfinished Hero, #5) by Kristen Ashley

January 26, 2016January 26, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS:

Nick Sebring has issues. Born feeling like an outsider in his own family, growing up under the shadow of a brother who could do anything, Nick isn’t that great of a guy. But when this culminates with Nick lashing out to hurt his brother through the woman he loves, Nick turns inward and makes some decisions about the man he intends to be.

And as he does this, he falls in love and truly learns the man that he’s grown to be.

When his love is murdered right before Nick’s eyes, Nick knows he has to avenge her. He knows how he’s going to avenge her. And he has no qualms using Olivia Shade to exact that vengeance.

Olivia Shade has grown up on the outside of her family too. Her problem is that they don’t want her outside. They want her all the way in, right under their thumbs. She pays the price for seeking escape and learns her lesson—she’ll never see a dawn where she wakes up free.

Then she meets Nick Sebring, and even as she fights it, the hope that died years ago starts to blossom. She can find love. She can have a man of her own. She can be happy. She can be free.

Olivia hopes while Nick schemes.

However, as Nick peels back the layers of all that is Olivia Shade, he finds something surprising. He understands its fragility. He falls in love with its beauty. He seeks to protect it.

But he forgets to protect his Livvie from one thing: Nick Sebring.

*****Dee’s Review*****
5 ~I Believe~ Stars****

This was a bittersweet experience for me. Whenever I read a final book from a KA series, my heart and my head become a mess. Elation and sadness. Excitement and nostalgia. I’ve become so invested in all these books that reading Sebringwas like saying farewell to family members, or close friends.

Over the years I have cried, laughed, and felt so many other emotions reading these perfectly crafted stories that will always stay in my heart…

I’m going to sleep on it, allow myself to go through all the different emotions and come back and write my review.

But I can already tell you that I have nothing negative to say about the story. Just like the previous ones it was beyond wonderful and over the top Alpha, funny and sexy. In other words, KA style in all its glory. I loved it very much!!!!

Full Review Now Posted.

We first met Nick Sebring as the arrogant and flamboyant brother of Knight Sebring. Nick was young and foolish, making a lot of mistakes that he later had to pay for. Years later he’s now more mature and is finally working with the good guys. On a mission gone wrong, his girlfriend is murdered in front of him and after that day revenge against those who took his woman is the only motivation he has to keep him going.

Four years later Nick has crafted the perfect plan that will take him inside The House of Shade, so he can finally avenge the life of his dead lover.

Olivia Shade lives a life of riches, big house, fancy and beautiful clothes, anything a woman could want, except freedom; she is a ghost in her own life. She has no say when it comes to making decisions, her father and sister call the shots and she is supposed to do everything they say. This doesn’t mean Olivia is weak or a push-over. She’s simply learned a hard lesson years ago –not to go against her father’s wishes. She now carries the scars of those mistakes in her heart and skin.

Olivia hides behind a stone cold façade. She’s had to train herself not to want anything. She simply breathes, eats, and goes to work. But Olivia has one little secret she keeps from everyone. It’s the only pleasure she’s allowed herself to enjoy through the years, and she has managed to keep it hidden and precious. Nick Sebring knows Olivia’s secret and that is where he’ll find his way in, or perhaps it will be him she finds.

Nick Sebring and Olivia Shade-two lost souls that will meet in the dark and bask in the glow of lust. Finally finding the strength to believe in the power of love.

The realness and rawness of the characters in this series is something that I really enjoy. Every book is dear to me. Strength and passion are two components always present in these stories and over the years each of The Unfinished Heroes, together with the badass women they call theirs, have captivated my heart.

These books have a bit of a darker side to them but the true KA essence that all of us fans adore, shines bright, making Knight, Raid, Creed, Deacon and Sebring true heroes in my heart.

My Sebring music playlist:
*Stay Alive by Jose Gonzalez
*Killing For Love Jose Gonzalez
*Hands Of Love by Miley Cyrus
* Beautiful Goodbye by Maroon Five
*Bonfire Heart By James Blunt

HE WILL BE MY RUIN by K.A. Tucker

January 25, 2016Leave a comment

SYNOPSIS

A woman who almost had it all . . .

On the surface, Celine Gonzalez had everything a twenty-eight-year-old woman could want: a one-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, a job that (mostly) paid the bills, and an acceptance letter to the prestigious Hollingsworth Institute of Art, where she would finally live out her dream of becoming an antiques appraiser for a major auction house. All she had worked so hard to achieve was finally within her reach. So why would she kill herself?

A man who was supposed to be her salvation . . .

Maggie Sparkes arrives in New York City to pack up what’s left of her best friend’s belongings after a suicide that has left everyone stunned. The police have deemed the evidence conclusive: Celine got into bed, downed a lethal cocktail of pills and vodka, and never woke up. But when Maggie discovers a scandalous photograph in a lock box hidden in Celine’s apartment, she begins asking questions. Questions about the man Celine fell in love with. The man she never told anyone about, not even Maggie. The man Celine believed would change her life.

Until he became her ruin.

On the hunt for evidence that will force the police to reopen the case, Maggie uncovers more than she bargained for about Celine’s private life—and inadvertently puts herself on the radar of a killer. A killer who will stop at nothing to keep his crimes undiscovered.

*****Dee’s Review*****

5 Mind blowing Stars*****

(ARC Kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review)

I’ve been a big fan of this author since reading Ten Tiny Breaths. Her talent with words is innate; her ability to grab on to the reader’s attention and emotions is simply spectacular. With this book I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I could tell you that nothing could really have prepared me for what this book was about to deliver. A story so extraordinary and unique that it proved to me once again why this author will always remain as one of my all time favorites.

Maggie grew up in a life of privilege, an heiress to an American Energy Corporation. Her parents always busy with work and their duties in the high society, were never able to provide her with the love and care any child craves from an early age. They did provide her with a sweet and caring babysitter that together with her daughter became Maggie’s real family. Celine and Maggie were instant friends, even though the two girls came from totally different worlds. A very strong bond was born between them and a fierce sisterhood that remained as they both grew up.

Rosa, Maggie’s babysitter, was let go after her parents decided to get a divorce and Maggie had to moved to Chicago with her mother. Rosa and her daughter Celine went to California but stayed in contact, always close to Maggie. Christmases, College, break-ups and everything in between, these two women became Maggie’s support system and family.

As the book starts Maggie is in New York sorting through Celine’s estate, after her shocking and premature death. The police report states that Celine died of a drug overdose and they are ruling it as a suicide. Maggie was aware of her best friend’s occasional struggle with depression but she was such a lovable woman, full of ambitions and big plans for her future, that it’s very hard to believe that she would hurt herself in that way. As Maggie sorts through Celine’s belongings she starts to find little clues that will fuel her doubts about what really happened to her best friend even more.

With the help of a peculiar neighbor, a very expensive PI and the building’s handsome super, Maggie will embark on a mission to try to find the truth about what really happened to her best friend inside her tiny New York apartment.

Nothing else I say can prepare you for what you’ll find inside the pages of this fantastic novel. Let the mystery, the romance and the fun times take you away. I highly recommend reading this book during the weekend because once you start reading you won’t be able to stop. It’s that good and totally addictive.

Wrapped Up In Reading

Category: Uncategorized

REVIEW – JOCKBLOCKED (Gridiron, #2) by Jen Frederick

I WISH YOU WERE MINE (Oxford, #2) by Lauren Layne

REVIEW – SOME SORT OF LOVE (Happy Crazy Love, #3) by Melanie Harlow

REVIEW THE RAVEN (The Florentine, #1) by Sylvain Reynard

REVIEW THE SHADOW (The Florentine, #2) by Sylvain Reynard

REVIEW WILD ACES by Marni Mann

REVIEW FIGHTING SOLITUDE (On The Ropes, #3) by Aly Martinez

REVIEWXAVIER COLD (Hard Knocks, #2) by Michelle A. Valentine

REVIEW SEBRING (Unfinished Hero, #5) by Kristen Ashley

HE WILL BE MY RUIN by K.A. Tucker

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