BOOK REVIEW: I HAVE LOST MY WAY by GAYLE FORMAN - YA CONTEMPORARY - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Gayle Forman

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Released: This is an advanced copy

Details: Paperback Limited Edition Book Proof, 256 Pages

RATING: 4.5 STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

Around the time that Freya loses her voice while recording her debut album, Harun is making plans to run away from everyone he has ever loved, and Nathaniel is arriving in New York City with a backpack, a desperate plan, and nothing left to lose. When a fateful accident draws these three strangers together, their secrets start to unravel as they begin to understand that the way out of their own loss might just lie in help­ing the others out of theirs.

BOOK REVIEW:

This is a book to go in cold turkey, read it on Gayle's name alone.

For me, Harun, was a stand-out character and his family.

Then Nathaniel was very close and then Freya. Her troubles seemed less than the boys, yet they were still important to her and meaningful.

What happens when an Ethiopian girl, a white all American boy, and a Muslim are in a park? Which could read like the start of a joke. 

Well, you’re gonna have to read to find out.

I think this is one of those books where possibly the movie might be better, but we may never know. I could see some funny moments and some deep and emotional moments that would transfer onto the big screen better, adding that something extra.

I was delightfully surprised by this book—even though I shouldn’t have been because it is a Gayle Forman book.

I would not call this a contemporary romance. I would call this something unique to read and to appreciate it for what it is. I want to say more, but I shall not.

A very different book to what Gayle has written in the past. It almost is as though it isn’t a Gayle Forman book…but it is.

Told over a single day, 3 very different characters collide and a friendship starts to weave its way.

You will only get one day with these characters, but you will get flashbacks to enrich your knowledge of these characters.

My heart cried and I didn’t think it would.

Unfortunately I had something spoiled because I chose to read several reviews beforehand from ARC readers who were given this special chance to keep those spoilers secret, and they chose to boldly hint at them in far too much clarity. Knowing what I knew, I still did not think my heart would cry and it did. 

I’m going to be honest and say, even before I read this book, I didn’t think I was going to like it, even though it is a Gayle Forman book. The blurb didn’t seem to tell me that it would be an interesting read.

When I set out on my reading journey of this book, flipping the pages, I thought the characters weren’t going to be interesting—but I reminded myself this was a Gayle Forman book and I kept reading and enjoyed the experience.

Thank you Gayle for stepping outside the box and writing something that will make us, the reader, think and feel. 

BOOK REVIEW: THE ART OF SEDUCING A NAKED WEREWOLF by MOLLY HARPER - NAKED WEREWOLF # 2 - SIMON & SCHUSTER - PARANORMAL ROMANCE

By: Molly Harper

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Released: Available Now

Details: Hardback from local library, 338 Pages

RATING: 3.75-4 STARS

Blurb: Goodreads

Baring It All

Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave . . . and even worse, she can’t convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous. . . .

BOOK REVIEW:

This is my first Molly Harper read and she is very tongue-in-cheek with her humor.

I did start at book number 2 because my local library only had books 2 and 3. I didn’t really miss out on anything by not reading book 1. Sure there are mentions of little things from the previous book, but not enough for me to feel I needed to read the first one. This book was centered around Maggie and the ever cute, geeky Nick.

I did read some reviews for How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf and I do understand Maggie may have come across with a different personality as she did in this book, due to the circumstance of HTFWANW ( I had to abbreviate). She's now alpha and has a pack to look after.

I am giving this book between 3.75 stars and 4 stars. For me this was an okay/good read. I really enjoyed the twist that you can’t pick coming, because there is no reason for you to see it coming.

Touché!

I did find the storytelling a little predictable and a little too convenient in places and I really didn’t connect that well with Nick and Maggie as a future couple. He’s a great guy, sweet and intelligent, and a little sexy, but I wanted to believe in Maggie and Nick.

The cover art is fun and I do realize this is a very light, fluffy sort of story when it comes to paranormal romance and that is great. I enjoy the fluffier side of reading quite a lot, but I do also have to be invested in the characters a little more than I was.

This is certainly a great poolside read to enjoy.

RACING THE SUN BY KARINA HALLE - ATRIA - SIMON & SCHUSTER - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

By: Karina Halle

Published By: Simon & Schuster, Atria

Released: Available Now

Details: Paperback from library, 321 Pages

RATING: 4.25 DERIO STARS!

Goodreads: Blurb

It’s time for twenty-four-year-old Amber MacLean to face the music. After a frivolous six months of backpacking through New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia, she finds herself broke on the Mediterranean without enough money for a plane ticket home to California. There are worse places to be stuck than the gorgeous coastline of southern Italy, but the only job she manages to secure involves teaching English to two of the brattiest children she’s ever met.

It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, Italian ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, Derio tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.

But when her position as teacher turns into one as full-time nanny at the crumbling old villa, Amber finds herself growing closer to the enigmatic recluse and soon has to choose between the safety of her life back in the States and the uncertainty of Derio’s closely guarded heart.


BOOK REVIEW:

This is my first Karina Halle read. I have quite a lot on my Kindle, but haven’t cracked them open yet.

I really enjoyed Racing the Sun as my first KH read. I felt like I was in Capri and walking around the streets.

Desiderio Larosa or Derio shortened, which is less of a mouthful, is a captivating character in the early stages of the book. He has lost so much and he drinks, and broods, he locks himself away and behaves in all those ways that make us want to know more and get below the surface.

Amber and Derio… My-oh-my do they have some toe curling sexual encounters in the most beautiful scenic places.

I absolutely loved Derio’s character…da …da…da…daaaaaa—until…

It was like a whiplash to my heart. Interesting change in direction KH went with his character. It felt kinda odd.

It didn’t stop me enjoying the story. It just felt a bit sudden and not in line with his previous behaviour, considering Amber’s situation and job title and his relationship to the children. I get what she was doing, but at the same time…

A wonderful start to my KH reading journey. I am looking forward to cracking open some more of her works.

BOOK REVIEW - IT ENDS WITH US by COLLEEN HOOVER - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Colleen Hoover

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Released : Available Now

Details : Paperback from publisher for honest review, 380 Pages

RATING: 5 GET UNDER YOUR SKIN STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU THE MOST

Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

This book contains graphic scenes and very sensitive subject matter.

BOOK REVIEW:

Colleen Hoover got to where she is today, because of freakin’ good writing, and being a nice gal. The lady can walk the walk and talk the talk with words.

It is always very clear when reading a CoHo penned story, she thinks very hard about her characters and plot when she writes a story. She doesn’t write lazily, she writes with a great attachment to her characters and their past and present.

She writes with depth and bravery.

This is so true for It Ends With Us.

I never really understood the cover art until naturally I read the story, and it is so apt.

Have you ever wondered why a woman stays with a man when he isn’t being a very nice partner? Have you judged her for being stupid in staying in that relationship? Maybe thought you would behave differently?

Man, this book is such a deep eye-opener and very cleverly orchestrated for maximum impact. It is written so well to capture your own heart and have you divided, or making excuses along with her character. A sticky web of emotions comes into play from both sides. 

Colleen is very clever in choosing all the players' roles in this story making it hard on the reader, as well. We become involved far more deeply than a surface read, because we become attached, too. 

I think Marshall needs a shout-out, because the lad is the funny bone in this story. He lends himself very nicely to being the man who got über lucky with the love of his life, and kept himself humble in the process.

Ryle—you made me think harder than I've probably ever thought about a character before.

Atlas—I love you. I love your friends. I love you kept swimming.

A really well written novel; it will stay with me for a long time.

Bravo, Ms Hoover.

Bravo.

BOOK REVIEW - WHITE CAT by HOLLY BLACK - CURSE WORKERS # 1 - YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE - MARGARET K. MCELDERRY BOOKS - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By : Holly Black
Published By: Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster
Released: Available Now
Details: Paperback, 310 Pages

RATING: 4.25 CASSEL STARS!

Cassel comes from a shady, magical family of con artists and grifters. He doesn't fit in at home or at school, so he's used to feeling like an outsider. He's also used to feeling guilty; he killed his best friend, Lila, years ago.

But when Cassel begins to have strange dreams about a white cat, and people around him are losing their memories, he starts to wonder what really happened to Lila. In his search for answers, he discovers a wicked plot for power that seems certain to succeed. But Cassel has other ideas and a plan to con the con men.

BOOK REVIEW:

I have had White Cat and Red Glove sitting on my bookshelf for ages. I think I even had to dust a little before reading.

I am a spontaneous reader. I will flip all over the place as I feel it helps to keep my reading pleasure fresh. I’m not judging a same genre book because of the previous one I read.

White Cat is a refreshingly original YA read.

I loved it.

It is a slow-to-get-to-the-point read and that is okay. Holly brings us into Cassel’s story a bit ahead of what we will eventually understand.

If that makes sense?

In other words, keep reading and let your mind play catch up. I was a little disoriented at first, but it is all for a reason.

I feel like we have only just touched the tip of the iceberg with this series.

I really enjoyed all the sub characters and I loved the twist. Sure you can pick a few things out along the way, but then I got my surprise and I like being surprised.

Reading from Cassel’s pov is wonderful and Lila has sass. You can tell this plot took a lot of planning. If you really pay attention to the writing you can see the work gone into it.

I have only read The Coldest Girl In Coldtown by Holly Black prior to White Cat. I am a bit behind on the Holly Black train, but I have been riding the Cassandra Clare train from the start. Both authors are best buddies. Holly is majorly known for the Spiderwick Chronicles.

I’m looking forward to jumping into Red Glove shortly, because I’m intrigued, especially after I read the excerpt at the end of White Cat.

BOOK REVIEW - RAKE'S REDEMPTION by CHANTAL FERNANDO - WIND DRAGONS MC # 4 - GALLERY BOOKS - ADULT BIKER ROMANCE

By: Chantal Fernando
Published By : Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster
Released : Available Now
Details : Paperback From Publisher for Honest Review, 320 Pages 

RATING: 4 RAKE, VINNIE & TALON STARS !

In New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando’s latest novel in the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club series, Rake—baddest of the bad boys—gets his own romance at last!

Rake is known for being up for anything, in and out of the bedroom. He’s wild, he’s deadly, yet quick with a joke or a stolen kiss. Known as the player of the WDMC, he loves women, the more the merrier. However, behind his womanizing façade, Rake hides the pain of losing his first love, Bailey. He hasn’t loved anyone since, and doesn’t think he ever will.

Seven years after their split, Rake and Bailey run into each other at the MC’s favorite club. Old wounds resurface, secrets are spilled...and passionate feelings are awakened. But they’ve each done things to hurt the other, hurt them too badly to get over it—haven’t they? Only when Bailey’s connection to Rake puts her in danger from another Club member does he realize that there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her—and claim her as his once again.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I enjoy reading each book in the Wind Dragon series. Every book is always a quick and easy read. For me the characters aren’t too deep. Sure they have issues, but things get quickly resolved around the same part of each instalment. There is a definite formula to Chantal’s writing in the Wind Dragon series.

From the very first book when we are introduced to Rake’s character, who is cocky and enjoys partaking in some ménage sexual fun, I was interested in Rake’s character.

I wonder why?

When we finally get his book, we still see that cocky bugger, but things aren’t all what they seem.

I think I was expecting some full on BDSM in this installment, only because of how he was portrayed in Dragon’s Lair.  

I always had a bit of a crush on Talon, he’s a little mischievous the way he behaves. I very much enjoyed his limelight in this book.

I think I might have a lady boner for Vinnie now.


*wink*

I give this instalment a solid 4 stars. At times Bailey was kinda immature, but that just might be me being a bit of an older fart, although I can read all age brackets usually no problem.

Michelle

ARC BOOK REVIEW - SWEAR ON THIS LIFE by RENEE CARLINO - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Renee Carlino
Published By: Simon & Schuster, Atria
Releasing: August 2016
Details: Advanced readers copy from Publisher for honest review.

RATING: 4.25 STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

When a bestselling debut novel from mysterious author J.Colby becomes the literary event of the year, Emiline reads it reluctantly. As an adjunct writing instructor at UC San Diego with her own stalled literary career and a bumpy long-term relationship, Emiline isn’t thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of a young and gifted writer.

Yet from the very first page, Emiline is entranced by the story of Emerson and Jackson, two childhood best friends who fall in love and dream of a better life beyond the long dirt road that winds through their impoverished town in rural Ohio.

That’s because the novel is patterned on Emiline’s own dark and desperate childhood, which means that “J. Colby” must be Jase: the best friend and first love she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Far from being flattered that he wrote the novel from her perspective, Emiline is furious that he co-opted her painful past and took some dramatic creative liberties with the ending.

The only way she can put her mind at ease is to find and confront “J. Colby,” but is she prepared to learn the truth behind the fiction?


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

How are you supposed to feel when you find out your childhood friend Jase, who knows your deepest, darkest secrets wrote a book with you in the starring role, about your desperate childhood and most of it was true? 

What do you do with that?

All names changed of course.

Twelve years have passed and Emiline’s life is better, but Jase’s life has gone onto bestselling stardom at her expense under the pen name J.Colby.

Newsflash.

Emiline enlightens her roomie, who has already read the book, and she keeps telling her to keep reading and get to the end of the book!

What does Emiline do?

She reads every page, because if she didn't I wouldn't have been reading a book within a book.

Heheh.

Twelve years is a long time to be separated. I think I personally would have turned to the last chapter in desperation and read it, once I realized this was our story, my story. I would have skipped all the bits in between as I knew my life, even though J. Colby had taken fictional liberties, and then gone back and filled myself in on the rest. My curiosity would have been too strong, this was the boy who I’d loved, who had looked out for me. We’d shared so much. I would have wanted to see how J. Colby saw our ending ASAP.

That's just me. :) 

This is a story that will pull at reader's heart strings. Two kids living as neighbors in love challenged homes. 

From the rubble comes hope. 

I really loved reading about grown up Jase. The man is sexy. I personally would have enjoyed reading a lot more about them in the present, giving me that something extra.

I adore Sharon and Cyndi.

Another great read from Renee. Such a cool idea the concept of reading a book within a book. I’ve loved her past works and will always read a Renee Carlino book.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - YOU WERE MINE by ABBI GLINES - ROSEMARY BEACH # 9 - SIMON & SCHUSTER - ATRIA BOOKS - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

By: Abbi Glines
Published By: Atria, Simon & Schuster
Released: Available Now
Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 239 Pages

RATING: 4.25 TRIPP STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

From #1 "New York Times" bestselling author Abbi Glines comes a brand-new Rosemary Beach novel about Tripp Newark and his hidden romantic past with Bethy Lowry.

In the eyes of the wealthy playboys who frequent Kerrington Country Club in Rosemary Beach, Tripp Newark is a hero. Under pressure from his parents to become a lawyer and lead a conservative, upper-class life, Tripp disappeared from town five years ago to travel the world, forfeiting the opportunity to inherit millions. Yet few know what he was really running from...

Bethy Lowry was unraveling long before her boyfriend drowned in a riptide trying to save her after she'd had one too many drinks--again. A trailer park kid working as a cart girl among the wealthy patrons of Kerrington Country Club, Bethy has always been impressionable. But five years ago, before she earned her reputation as a hard-drinking, easy girl, she had spent a single summer with Tripp Newark that changed her life forever...


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I so enjoyed reading Tripp’s story. He is such a great guy. I liked the introduction we got to his character in Woods and Della’s story.

I think I was a little disappointed in Wood’s attitude on the island when it came to Charity and Tripp. It kind of felt forced angst. I couldn’t see Woods allowing anybody to pressure him like he did Tripp. I kinda got my grrr on with that.

I’m so happy Tripp got his Bethy, it was inevitable.

Grant and his bubba were gorgeous to read. Oh to be a fly on the wall when his babe was older. J

Abbi Glines books are always quick reads for me. When I am feeling like a pool side type read I pick one up.

The story telling recipe doesn’t offer a lot of surprises outside of her formula and that is okay as she sells so well. Her reading audience is enormous. Readers of all ages are invested.

I am addicted.

Next up is Kiro and Emily’s novella.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - DIRTY RIDE by CHANTAL FERNANDO - WIND DRAGON'S MC #3.5 - POCKET BOOKS - GALLERY - SIMON & SCHUSTER - BIKER ROMANCE

By: Chantal Fernando

Published By: Pocket Books, Gallery, Simon & Schuster

Released: Available Now

Details: Netgalley for honest review, 112 Pages

RATING: 4 RAWRRR IRISH STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

From USA TODAY bestselling author Chantal Fernando comes a brand new Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club e-novella, full of sexy bad-boy bikers, strong heroines, and steamy romance!

Even by Wind Dragon Motorcycle Club standards, Irish was always a bit of a dark horse. Not one to confide his secrets, such as where he got that mysterious scar across his neck, he’s quick with his fists and even quicker to jump to the defense of his MC. But is he nimble enough to handle the woman he never saw coming? Or will she leave him with a matching scar across his heart?

Featuring scorching hot chemistry and plenty of sass, Dirty Ride is sure to rev your engine and get you immediately hooked!

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I do enjoy this series filled with hot, alpha bikers and their women and the road to love that always has speed bumps and a villain along the way.

Dirty Ride is a quick read because it is a novella.

I sooooo could have read a full length book on Irish aka Ardan. I really liked that Ardan wanted Valentina aka Tina to meet the man before the biker.

The only thing stopping me from rating this book higher is I felt the villain side of the story was rushed. We know about him, he is in the background as a potential threat and then all is over with.

I got villain whiplash.

I thought there was room for letting the reader get to see him more.

Man, I would have enjoyed a full length read on Irish he is gorgeous.

Looking forward to Rake’s redemption.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - FINALE by BECCA FITZPATRICK - HUSH HUSH # 4 - YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Becca Fitzpatrick

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Released: Available Now

Details : Paperback from publisher for honest review, 454 Pages

RATING: 4 PATCH STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I made a resolution to finish off the last book in a lot of series, so I started off with Finale.

I have always loved this ever popular YA series. Patch I think was pretty much my first YA book boyfriend...that taco scene...

Patch is missing from a fair bit of Finale which had me turning the pages looking for him but I dig what Becca was doing. This series is about Nora and her adventures and Patch kinda stole the show so she is letting Nora take the limelight and be the heroine.

Nora does change quite a bit in this last instalment and there was some predictability and I am so HAPPY to say I got some twists too.

Huzzah! I love a twist or two.

I did think possibly Vee and some things there were a little rushed and we were more told a bit last minute but eh, not my story to tell.

Nephilim vs Fallen Angels with betrayal, suspense and G rated love thrown in along the way, made for a fitting Finale to this series.

I do feel sad it is over.

I feel sad Patch wasn’t in it more but I am glad I can close the book knowing I had an awesome ride with this series.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - UNTIL THE END by ABBI GLINES - SEA BREEZE # 9 - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Abbi Glines
Published By: Simon & Schuster 
Released : Available Now
Details: Paperback from Publisher for honest review, 174 pages ( Rock and Trisha ) , 200 pages Epilogues.

RATING: 4.25 ROCK STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

The backstory that fans have been clamoring for—how Rock and Trisha fell in love—is the final installment in the Sea Breeze series from New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines. And don’t miss the sizzling Epilogue, where Abbi wraps up all the Sea Breeze couples’ stories!

Trisha Corbin always knew how to hide a bruise. With her momma’s boyfriends unable to keep their hands off of her, she had no choice. And as long as it meant the guys wouldn’t go near her little brother, Krit, it was worth it. But her days of dreaming that Prince Charming would ever come rescue her are far, far in the past.

Rock Taylor always had a plan. Through football, he would rise above the life he was born into. A full ride to play for a major college team was within his reach—assuming he didn’t let anything get in his way. But scoring a date with the hottest girl in Sea Breeze was proving harder than expected. Trisha Corbin was every man’s walking fantasy, and she wouldn’t even glance his way.

When Rock finally does get Trisha in his truck, it isn’t for a date. It’s because he picks her up on the side of the road, beaten and bruised and walking to the local hospital. Before Rock knows it, football is no longer his life. Trisha Corbin is. And he’ll do anything to save her. And keep her.

In addition to Rock and Trisha’s love story, this special novel contains the wrap-up stories of all your favorite Sea Breeze couples: Sadie and Jax, Marcus and Low, Cage and Eva, Preston and Amanda, Jess and Jason, Krit and Blythe, and Dewayne and Sienna.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

We come to the end of the Sea Breeze series. I have been quite addicted to it. I will say Cage is probably my fave male lead out of all the lads followed by the grown up Krit.

I enjoyed this book and I do really love Rock and Trisha. Maybe it was a little too short for me, but I loved how Rock was so in love that he gave away his future sports career. I am not sure how realistic that is considering how good he was at football, but his heart was totally stolen by Trisha and as we know from previous books they got the already made family along the way and love has no boundaries with these two.

They are rock solid. Pun intended.

Abbi sure knows how to bring us that same recipe over and over that no matter what, keeps bringing the readers in the tens of thousands back for more and more every single time.

The epilogues were a little hit and miss for me, but it was a fun way to add to this book. Misunderstandings and make up sex are a couple of the ingredients in the epilogues.

Now I have some Rosemary Beach to catch up on.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT by ABBI GLINES - THE FIELD PARTY # 1 - YA CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Abbi Glines

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Released: Available Now

Details : Paperback from publisher for honest review, 328 Pages

RATING: 4.25 WEST & BRADY STARS

Blurb: Goodreads

To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god. But on the inside he's grief-stricken - his father is dying and he hasn't told anyone because he can't face the truth.
Now, as his pain grows unbearable, West finally decides he needs to talk to someone about his dad. So in the dark shadows of a party, he tells the one girl who doesn't speak everything he can't tell anyone else. West expected to feel relief, a flood of emotions - but what he didn't expect was for Maggie Carleton to reply. For her to reveal a pain even deeper than his own. And, for them to form a connection so strong that he couldn't ever let her go.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

This was a great start to The Field Party series and I really enjoyed being introduced to all the characters.

This is a story which can’t help but tug on your heart strings. Bring up the word cancer and already you know your heart is going to be squeezed tight and you will feel sadness for the characters and their family.

I was unsure of West and his buddies and their way of looking at the girls at their school as they were repeat offenders with some comments, but that is the lay of the land to show eventual character development.

We’d had the same girls in this town since elementary school. They were boring, superficial, and I’d slept with all the good-looking ones. No one was a distraction. They were just as annoying as hell.


Abbi brings that familiar recipe to her story telling. Mean girls, heartache, dramalama with said mean girls, hot guys and you just know you are gonna get that HEA once all that gets dealt with, but it’s an enjoyable ride getting to the focal characters HEA.

Maggie was a very likable character, a very patient, caring character who has had too much thrown at her for her age, something had to come unstuck.

I liked watching West’s character develop and show us what we possibly always knew was coming. Bad boy on the surface, lovable mixed up guy underneath who does indeed have a heart that is breaking and a love for a girl who has her own life’s heartache. I thought West's heartache took more of a center stage than Maggie's considering what she has done to survive. 

The sexual content is toned right down in this book and I didn’t miss it.

I am quite taken by Brady at the moment. Abbi has already set us up with some small crumbs and I am looking forward to finding more out about the girl that nobody has time for and the boy who showed us a bit of his caring nature in Until Friday Night.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - THE PROFESSIONAL by KRESLEY COLE - THE GAME MAKER # 1 - SIMON & SCHUSTER - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

By: Kresley Cole

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Released: Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 390 Pages

RATING: 4.25 SEVASTYAN STARS WITH A 5 STAR SEXUAL SIDE DISH

Blurb: Goodreads

He makes the rules...

Mafiya enforcer Aleksei “The Siberian” Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss knows no bounds, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, feisty redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Aleksei will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.

Rules are made to be broken…

Grad student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the dark and breathtaking Sevastyan before the professional enforcer whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. Every day under his protection leads her deeper under his masterful spell.

Are you ready to play?

Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true...

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

Oh I really enjoyed this book. Kresley Cole sure knows how to write a filthy sex scene.

Lawdy!

Visually LAWDY! LAWDY!  

Sevastyan the Siberian mafiya enforcer is one troubled lad, he’s darkly sexual and doesn’t like to give too much of his personal self to anybody.

Sevastyan is consumed by Natalie from Nebraska.

"Eto ne izbezhno dlya nas." You and I are inevitable.


Just my one personal opinion, but Natalie wouldn’t have been my first choice for Sevastyan, but she did eventually grow on me.

In all the interludes with Sevastyan, I hadn't been Natalie. I'd been Natalya. And that brainless hussy didn't seem to know better. 


I did enjoy this book but I also felt there were some things that got forgotten along the way like Natalie’s Nebraskan mum and really her whole Nebraskan life. Things sort of faded into the background conveniently. Sure the bff was kept in contact with, but still...

There is an enormous amount of panty dropping sex in this book.

LAWDY!

Not complaining, just saying.

I really didn’t know what to expect from this book as I hadn’t read the blurb or any reviews prior to reading and I do have The Master on my shelf to read, but I would have liked more action.

Don’t get me wrong there was some enemy action, but it traveled to a lot of sexual encounters, (I totally dug that content *waggles eyebrows*) but I would have still liked the whole danger side to have kept coming into play. It was talked about but that faded away.

But hey, not my story to tell. 

I know, like most well read readers, that Kresley Cole is an outstanding writer and her bad ass long Immortals After Dark, paranormal series and her YA, Arcana Chronicles rate incredibly well. I adore her Arcana Chronicles series. All her series' rate very highly, so she can definitely write a crowd pleaser.


These are just my personal thoughts as I am very well read blogger across a lot of genres, and it takes that bit more to earn a five star rating from me. So I am a tougher customer is what I'm saying.

Some parts in this book were a little predictable with certain sub characters and how things were played out. I think what I am trying to be honest and say is I felt that more effort went into the sexual side of this story than the plot. I would have liked that deeper more fleshed out.

The sexual side wasn't predictable as you didn't know what Sevastyan was gonna do to Natalie next. That was very well...erm, fleshed out. 

"Tonight you've enjoyed playing with fire. But will you accept the burn you've earned?"

I still rate it highly and would recommend to anybody to read especially if you like well written sex.

I would have liked Natalie to have been a little more wary, maybe thought before she leaped considering, but she did in the end. It was kind of an insta romp after not knowing for very long albeit an incredibly hot insta romp, followed by hotter romps that became full on I-am-on-fire romps.

OOO...EEEEEE!!

I got myself a nice Russian lesson in while reading this book and totally dig walking around the house saying nyet. NO! to my kids.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - ARROW'S HELL by CHANTAL FERNANDO - WIND DRAGONS MC # 2 - MC ROMANCE - GALLERY BOOKS

By: Chantal Fernando

Published By: Gallery Books

Released : 16th June 2015

Details: Digital copy via netgalley for honest review from USA publisher.

RATING: 4.5 WIND DRAGONS STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

Being the younger sister of a Wind Dragons MC member isn’t as great as you’d think it would be.

I can’t escape the details of my brother’s exploits.
No one tells me anything. 

Men who know who I am tend to stay away from me.

And worst of all:
The members of the MC are off-limits.

When Arrow catches my eye, I make it my mission to make him happy again.

When I fall head over heels in love with him, I just hope he will be there to catch me.
And that my brother doesn’t kill him.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I had a laugh out loud time with Dragon’s Lair, Wind Dragons MC # 1. I enjoyed being introduced to all the lads and their fun characteristics. It was a lighter MC read for the most part.

With Arrow's Hell, it is darker and I will admit I assumed for some unknown reason that I was going to be in Arrow’s head, for a reasonable amount of this book, but that is ok. Just a personal assumption.

I really loved the wonderful twist I got.

Dayum!

I really enjoyed Arrow’s Hell. Tracker is a fave of mine and now so is another character... a new one. I am so looking forward to Tracker’s story up next.

Giddy up!

Oh and Rake, well something tells me he is gonna be a whole pile of naughty to read.

I do recommend this MC series and I'm in for however many books Chantal writes in this series.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - WALLBANGER by ALICE CLAYTON - COCKTAIL # 1 - ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - GALLERY BOOKS

By: Alice Clayton

Published By: Gallery Books

Released: Available Now

Details: Paperback from Simon & Schuster for honest review, 365 Pages

RATING: 4.5 SIMON & CLIVE STARS!!

Blurb: Goodreads

The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she's gaining an intimate knowledge of her new neighbor's nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy's athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed dating hiatus, and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly...

In a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight...

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I’ve had Wallbanger on my Kindle for a few years. I kept telling myself to make time, but I didn’t. Then the publisher gave me the first few paperbacks in the series, so I’m all over this like Clive the clever pussy cat.

Wallbanger simply put is a whole bunch of fun...and Simon...and Clive...and banging.

Clever titles in the series, ( Wallbanger, Rusty Nailed, Screwdrivered, Mai Tai’d Up, Last Call) and clever series title, Cocktail.

Alice brings laughter and silliness that is a page turner.

I LOVED the ending...

Very, very, clever!

Alice has such a way with words.

If I were impaled on the Wallbanger Wondercock, I imagine I could compartmentalize as well...


She knows how to use Clive too.

We turned to see Clive sitting on the dresser. He stared back at us, sighed again, and proceeded to lick his bum.


I enjoyed myself so much I’ve already started reading Rusty Nailed.

Wallbanger is a great read, fun times, some sexy moments and a lot of shenanigans and Simon’s sure to impress.

Thump!

Thump!

Thump!

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - DRAGON'S LAIR by CHANTAL FERNANDO - WIND DRAGONS MC # 1 - MC ROMANCE - SIMON & SCHUSTER - GALLERY BOOKS

By: Chantal Fernando

Published By: Simon & Schuster, Gallery Books

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 273 Pages

RATING: 4.5 DEX, TRACKER, ARROW, RAKE, IRISH & PROSPECT VINNIE STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

The first in a new sexy romance series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

When I found my boyfriend cheating on me, I did something stupid.

Or should I say, someone?

Because of that mistake, I’m now stuck in a world I don’t belong in.

I’m a law student. They’re criminals. He’s the vice president of a motorcycle club. I’m a good girl with a strict upbringing. He’s my ex-boyfriend’s brother.

And I’m screwed.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I really loved Dragon’s Lair. It is a lighter MC read, granted, but I believe this was done deliberately so I am rating accordingly. 

What I like foremost in a book is the feeling I get when I connect with the main characters. If I don’t have that, I got nothing. 

I loved, Dex aka Sin, Tracker, Arrow, Rake, Irish and also prospect, Vinnie.

These lads all make an entrance and show us a little bit more of their personality in this first instalment.

They are fun, yet there is still this dangerous don’t fark with me, about them.

I did get a twist in the story I didn’t see coming, and I like when that happens.

There are fun moments and there are deeper moments. 

This was a super quick read for me about the same time it takes me to read an Abbi Glines , Sea Breeze novel.

I have been reading a lot of looonnnggg books lately and Dragon's Lair arrived on my doorstep from the publisher and I cracked it open late that night. 

Chantal kept me up until 2.49am and I finished it off in the morning. It was only like a three to four hour read for me.

What I liked about this MC read was Chantal made it her own. She wasn’t afraid to have Faye behave the way she did around the Wind Dragons members, even Jimbo, LOL! 

I will leave you to work that out.

I am really looking forward to reading Arrow’s Hell next.

Here’s a taste of Arrow. 

I walk out into the kitchen the next morning rubbing my eyes. I stop in my tracks as I see a man standing over the stove.

Naked.

He has an extremely white ass and is frying something in the pan.

“There goes my appetite,” I mutter to myself. Arrow turns around, completely unabashed.

“Mornin’,” he says, checking out my pajamas. I stare at his huge penis in horror but am unable to move my eyes away. Suddenly, it gets hard, pointing right at me. Like an arrow.

Lightbulb moment.

“Seriously?” I say, covering my eyes with my hand.

“Bit late for that,” he says, chuckling. “I saw you looking.”

“And I saw you saw me looking,” I reply, pouring myself some juice and averting my gaze.

“I think I had the wrong idea about you...” he says, turning back to the stove.

“How so?”

He shrugs. “Thought you were some tramp trying to trap Dex.”

“And how do you know I’m not?” I ask him.

“Good sense of character,” he says. “I’m never wrong.”

“Bold claim,” I say as he turns around. My eyes straight away lower. I can’t even help it.

I point at it when he takes a step in my direction. “Don’t being that thing near me!”

He laughs. “It won’t bite you; don’t worry.”

“You’re weird,” I announce.

He shakes his head. “Do you just say the first thing that pops up into your fuckin’ head?”

I think it over. “Pretty much. Is that going to be a problem?”

“Probably.”


Just for the record, I would have peeked too.

Michelle

June 16th 2015

Giddy Up!

BOOK REVIEW - MANWHORE by KATY EVANS - MANWHORE # 1 - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - GALLERY BOOKS - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Katy Evans

Published By: Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback from Publisher for Honest review, 354 Pages

RATING: 4.5 SAINT STARS!!

Blurb: Goodreads

Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I've been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I'm the one discovering him...or if he's uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I haven’t read any Katy Evans in a while so I was sure pleased to receive a copy of Manwhore to grab onto and escape inside. Thank you Simon & Schuster.

Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint is a great character. He is what readers fantasize about.

Wealthy, intelligent, loves women but you want to be THE ONE. He has friends from before he was the man he is now who treat him like one of the guys even though he is so much more. He has the driver (Otis) who will be there when he clicks his fingers, you will find yourself on a yacht, in his ridiculously cool apartment, you will have toe curling sex.

BUT!

What happens when you don’t hold up the two things Saint holds above love?

Let’s talk characters now.

Saint is a given, he definitely has me reaching for book 2 when it is released. I really liked how Saint’s character layers were peeled back and how Rachel voiced her little discoveries.

Rachel is a little interesting and she grew on me.

Gina has some major male hang ups.

Wynn is looking for a guy, at least.

Tahoe is a lot like a mischievous college guy, but he’s not. I’m not sure actually what Tahoe and Callan do for a crust but they certainly are like wingmen calling dibs, they kinda remind me of two surfer dudes, without being surfer dudes.

Cliffhanger I hear people hollering...I don’t think so, personally. A lot of readers when they hear the word 'cliffie' they start worrying about waiting for a couple books to be released before they can cope with a cliffie.

I think it was quite foreseeable what was going to happen when you have a character like ??? in the mix. 

Manwhore makes me wanna get back into the Real series and finish it off sooner than later.

I give this one a solid 4.5 stars. The kissing scenes were superbly hot and tummy tingling sexy . Saint made my lips feel like they were being kissed.

One can wish.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - HOLD ON TIGHT by ABBI GLINES - SEA BREEZE # 8 - SIMON & SCHUSTER - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

By: Abbi Glines
Published By: Simon & Schuster
Released: Available Now
Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 268 Pages

RATING: 4.25 DEWAYNE STARS!

Six years ago, Dewayne Falco's life changed. He lost someone he never expected to lose. Resigned to punish himself for something he felt he could have prevented, he goes through life without getting too close to anyone.

What he didn't expect was for the girl across the street to move back home and remind him of what they both lost: Dewayne's younger brother Dustin. However, when a miniature version of Dustin opens the door to greet him, Dewayne realizes he might not have lost everything after all.

Sienna Roy loved Dustin Falco most of her life. He was the boy next door, the high school basketball star and her best friend. But when his life was cut short, she realized he left a part of himself behind.

Now, she's back in Sea Breeze, thankful to have a home for her and Dustin's son, but not sure if she can ever forgive the people across the street who abandoned her when she needed them the most — The Falcos.

Betrayal, lies, and forbidden attraction might end Dewayne and Sienna's story before it's even begun.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I keep coming back for more when it comes to any Abbi Glines books. With this series in particular, I always pick up a book when I want a quick read with one of her many hunk-of-man.

This book's hunk-of-man is about Dewayne. We have snippets of him throughout this series, but now it is time for him to meet his magic pussy.

Enter Sienna back into his life, this time with a little something by her side.

Although the recipe for a Sea Breeze book is similar in each instalment, I simply am addicted. I can’t leave this life without picking one up and reading it.

I am a little behind on Rosemary Beach but I have them here.

Dewayne really grew on me in this book. I loved the way he was around Micah. I loved how sexy he is around Sienna, but of course being an Abbi Glines book, Dewayne had the man whoring side to him he had to shake off.

I think this was my fave quote from the book.


One day when he met the woman who would be it for him, who he couldn’t live without, I would remind him of this time and he’d know that you fought for what you wanted. You didn’t let her go. Women were fucking complicated, but the right one turned the shit in life to gold with a simple smile.

Another great installment in this series.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - DEAD OF WINTER by KRESLEY COLE - THE ARCANA CHRONICLES # 3 - YA APOCALYPTIC PARANORMAL - SIMON & SCHUSTER

By: Kresley Cole

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Released: Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 303 Pages

RATING: 5 ARIC  & JACKSON STARS!

Can Evie convince her rival loves to work together? Their survival depends on it in this third book of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles, a nonstop action tale of rescue, redemption, and a revenge most wicked.

Heartbreaking decisions
Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, the Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on the Lovers. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned
There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first...?



BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

For some bizzaro reason, I thought this was a trilogy. It wasn’t until I was getting to the last few pages of this book that I was thinking, dude, somethings going on here.

Bahaha.

I loved this instalment, it was a little gory. Oo yes the visuals I had, nasssty. Ms Kresley pulled out all the torture yummys.

Gahh!

It took off running from where Endless Knight finished, even though a year has passed since Evie has seen our Cajun boy.

I got reacquainted with the other cards pretty quickly. The Lovers are such a disgusting set of characters, love what they bring to this installment.

Now I can’t help thinking something with Jackson, he is being a little bit too Arcana...ish. Theories are bobbing about in my brain. I know other readers on Goodreads have this theory too.

Time will tell.

Aric is such a great character because we feel sorry for him. He has one filly in the whole messed up apocalyptic world that he can do the horizontal Lambada with and she is umming and ahhing about her love life.

Frustrating much for Death, he must be feeling a bit frisky by now.

Jackson aka Jack, my Cajun boy, who is turning into quite the man and all things masculine in this instalment, he wants Evie.

Heart feels sad, who will Evie choose?

Who do I want her to choose?

Well, Kresley has made me feel a bit of sympathy for Aric as his wifie, who really isn’t his wifie now because she is not THE Empress he married, she is a reincarnated version, so the fine print is a bit sticky there, she is pining also for Jackson.

I want Jackson, but dang it, my heart hurts for Aric.

Gabriel has the hots for Selena, Selena has the hots for Jackson and both Jackson and Aric want the girl.

“If all I wanted was a bedmate, then why do I feel such jealousy? Why was I racked with misery to be parted from you? For one like me, a week is a blink of an eye, yet it felt interminable.”

...”By all the gods, I desire you, but you must know that you have my love. It’s given, sieve. Wholly entrusted to you. Have a care with it.”

... "Tell me you’ll be mine. Tell me I’ll never have to know this desolution again.”



Lordy, Kresley, you are killing me.



Matthew, you pop up to give us words of riddles as per usual.



“All is not as it seems. What would you sacrifice? What would you endure?”

“To end the game?”

His voice grew thick as he said, “Things will happen beyond your wildest imaginings.”

“Good things?”

His eyes watered. “Good, bad, good, bad, good, good, bad, bad, good-bye. You are my friend.”



So there you go. All is not as it seems. We have been fair warned.

There are seeds that have been dropped so if you are paying attention you can start to make some pretty good theories about what might be going on further down the track.


The game is changing. The cards are becoming more sympathetic and dare I say becoming a group of friends.

Now that blasted ending.

Crikey!!! Mind you I don’t have any worries there. Just hurry up and bring on # 4!!!

This series would make a pretty cool set of movies. The costumes and characters like the Bagmen would be very cool to see up on the big screen.

I sit now and wait for 2016 to roll on by.

I'm getting older, people!!!

Michelle