Review: Bound to the Bachelor

Bound to the Bachelor

Author: Sarah Mayberry
Series: Montana Born Bachelor Auction, #1
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Publication Date: February 20 2015
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Your date with Marietta local Beau Bennett includes a day on the slopes at Big Sky Resort, complete with a sumptuous meal in the Resort’s fanciest fine dining restaurant and door-to-door transport. Dig deep to secure the attentions of one of Montana’s most eligible – and elusive – bachelors.

Lily Taylor knows Beau Bennett dislikes her, but that won’t stop her from asking him to volunteer for the Bachelor Auction she’s organized to help her friend Molly provide for her tragically injured son, Josh. If Beau’s gorgeous face, piercing blue eyes and chiseled body inspires the women of Marietta to dig into their pockets for a good cause, then Lily will do whatever it takes to secure his participation.

Beau Bennett isn’t sure how he wound up on the auction block being eyed up by hundreds of eager women, but he knows who to blame for it – Lily Taylor, the sexy, distracting, off-limits best friend of his kid sister. As far as he’s concerned, the sooner this nightmare is over, the better.

The last thing either of them expects is for Lily to wind up bidding on – and winning – Beau, or that their date will lead to Beau stepping in to save Lily when her past comes back to haunt her. As Beau does his best to keep Lily safe, they discover that maybe they don’t dislike each other quite as much as they thought.

In fact, maybe it’s just the opposite…

Opening Lines

Go in there, ask the question, deal with his answer. Easy peasy.

Or so she thought! Now THIS was an enjoyable read!

This was my first time reading anything published by Tule, and I will definitely be adding them to my list of favourite publishers on NetGalley. This was a quick read (only 184 pages) that left me wanting more! I found Bound to the Bachelor to be such a refreshing read. It was realistic, cute, funny, and had elements that I just didn't see coming! There were so many moments that had me smiling and giggling. And the attraction between Lily Taylor and Beau Bennett...WOWZERS!!

His hand lay palm up on the table between them, waiting for hers. Feeling ridiculously nervous, she reached out and set her hand in his. His gaze pinned to her face, he turned her hand over, his thumb sliding sensually across her palm. A jolt of electric awareness raced up her arm and through her body, setting off fireworks in places that hadn’t seen a man in more than a year.
“That’s why I keep my distance,” he said, his voice very deep.

Lily and Beau were quite the pair! Beau is just hot. Poor guy has been walking a thin line trying to keep Lily at a distance, and it ain't easy fighting that kind of attraction! I loved Beau from beginning to end, there wasn't a moment that I found him to be that "annoying hero" type. He's just PERFECT. Now Lily just thinks Beau hates her and that's why he keeps his distance, boy oh boy was she ever wrong! I automatically loved Lily, she's the kind of girl I want as my best friend! My heart broke when we learn about her past and the horrible things she's had to endure, but she doesn't let it ruin her! She's a strong character that has a lot of sassy :).

While there wasn't anything I necessarily hated about Bound to the Bachelor there was only one thing that I wasn’t too impressed with. I felt like Lily and Beau's relationship quickly turned into insta-love. There has always been a intense attraction between Lily and Beau but I felt like the last chapter/ending wasn’t well developed in terms of their relationship.

One bachelor down, 5 more to go!! 

Challenge: NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Review: Just Not Ready Yet

Welcome to my tour stop for Just Not Ready Yet by Brooklyn James!!

Check out the schedule for more stops.

Just Not Ready Yet

Author: Brooklyn James
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Arena Books
Publication Date: Nov 1 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 286
Source: CBB Book Promotions
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Rating: ★★★ . 5

Charlize 'Charlie' McCloud, widow and mother of two young children, is agonizingly content living in the past. Her secluded life on a sprawling central Texas ranch provides the perfect dreamscape to obsessively reconnect and reminisce about her college sweetheart—her first and only love—Cash McCloud.

When intern, Hunter Bowie, arrives on the ranch to work for the summer, his handsome and engaging ingress into her world threatens the safekeeping of her treasured reliving. Her interest in moving on as departed as her late husband, Hunter's youthful exuberance revives dreams she once laid to rest.

Hunter's presence stirs up everyone around the ranch, including her late husband's older brother, Cage McCloud. Charlie continuously pushes him away. A near replica of Cash, Cage's very existence is a painstaking reminder of how much she has lost.

Unintentionally revealing the truth about Cash's death, Cage sets off a firestorm of emotions, ultimately propelling Charlie to face her future—hopefully one that includes him. (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“Keep on…keep on keepin’ on,’ Jack Ingram & The Beat Up Ford Band floods out of the speakers of a 1972 convertible Ford Bronco.

Hunter Bowie, a sandy-haired blue-eyed Texas A&M student, sits at the wheel of the customized maroon and white Bronco, proudly touting his school colors. Flagrant decals―Gig ’Em, I Bleed Maroon and Fear The Aggies―line his bumper.”

Just Not Ready Yet was a book that blew me away. I love reading a good romance story but this one just had elements to it that I wasn't expecting. This was my first read by Brooklyn James and I'm definitely interested in reading more of her future work.

When I first read the synopsis I gathered the fact that she's still dealing with the lost of her husband, but the flashbacks throughout this book were beautiful, my eyes were constantly watering! Trust me when I say those weren't the only moments my eyes were watering. Although the writing style was a bit hard for me to follow at times, the way Brooklyn James sheds light on her character is just amazing. I wanted happy endings for everyone!

Here I thought I would be getting a cute romance story with the Western setting. This did have the Western setting, but there was nothing cute about the romance! Now, let me elaborate on that before you get the wrong idea. I thought Charlie would experience a simple romance, something obvious and one that she would have to second guess if it was worth opening her heart again. What I wasn't expecting was to be so emotionally invested in Just Not Ready Yet! I didn't want to put this book down, every chance I got I read a couple of chapters needing to know who she would end up with and how the story would all tie together in the end.

I couldn't even imagine going through what Charlie went through, plus the "secrets" that come out. The life lessons and hidden message throughout Just Not Ready Yet were so inspiring. Overall, Just Not Ready Yet was a great romance read! This book had get characters, was emotional, great life lessons, and add in sprinkle of hotness!

Giveaway

$15 Amazon Gift Card (INT) | Ends Dec. 10th

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About the Author

Brooklyn James is an author/singer/songwriter inspired by life in the Live Music Capital of Austin, Texas. Her first novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me, has an original music soundtrack and was chosen as a Quarter Finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. This book has ranked in Kindle's Top 100 Coming of Age and Women's Fiction.

When she is not writing books, she can be found playing live music around Austin as part of an acoustic duo. Like most everyone, she treasures her time spent with family and friends. She and her husband welcomed their first child this past Christmas. Brooklyn has been in a Weezer video, met Harry Connick Jr. as an extra on the set of When Angels Sing, and she was Mira Sorvino's stand-in on Jerry Bruckheimer's Trooper pilot for TNT. She enjoys reading, dancing, working out, fishing with her hubby, and a good glass of kombucha.

Brooklyn holds an M.A. in Communication, and a B.S. in both Nursing and Animal Science. Her nursing career has seen specialties in the areas of Intensive Care and Postpartum. She serves as a Guest Speaker with a focus on awareness and prevention of Domestic Violence and Suicide.

Find her on her Website or Facebook. You can also find her music on Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby, YouTube, and Pandora.

Webpage | Facebook | Amazon | YouTube | Twitter

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Review: Forgive Me

Click here to follow the tour!

Forgive Me

Author: Eliza Freed
Series: Lost Souls, #1
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date:
Format: ebook
Pages: 280
Source: Good Choice Reading Blog Tours
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Rating: ★★★★ . 5

When two lost souls find each other, are they still lost?

Charlotte O'Brien is lost in the devastation of her parents' death. With her foundation in ruins, she buries herself in an unlikely lover, Jason Leer.

When they're together it's everything, but when they're apart it's utterly frustrating. Can love survive when distance is measured in more than just miles?

Forgive Me is the first book in The Lost Souls Series.

(Goodreads)

Lost Souls series

Opening Lines

"My foot will bleed soon. Judging by the familiar curve in the road, I'm still at least two miles from home. Of course I end up walking home the night I'm wearing great shoes. The pain shoots through my heels as the clouds flash with lightning in the dark sky.

**WARNING: CAPS WILL BE USED**

Where do I even begin with this review? I don't even know. I read Forgive Me a couple of days ago now and I'm still trying to get my thoughts and emotions in check, thanks Eliza Freed. The minute I read the first page I was hooked. This author has a way with words, and boy does she know how to tell a story. Her description of the thunderstorm alone had me captivated, I couldn't put this down and I'm happy I finished it in one sitting. Well, happy might be a stretch of a word because I know for sure my heart, head, eyes, nose and throat are not happy with all the ugly crying and struggling to breathe. But what did I expect? Well I knew I was signing myself up for a contemporary new-adult read, but what I didn't expect was how much of an emotional roller coaster this was going to be and how much of me was going to be left sitting here with tears streaming down my face.

I know I probably sound like a broken record but this book broke my heart into tiny little pieces. I cried, I laughed, I got angry, and then I cried some more. And by the end of it all I felt like Forgive Me basically just sat there laughed at me and said "Well hey, now you have to wait until February." Seriously!? FEBRUARY?! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!! Please? Pretty, pretty please with a fat juicy cherry on top? 

Charlotte is by far one a new favourite character. She's a fictional character but everything about her felt real. It takes a serious amount of talent to breathe life into your characters and Eliza Freed did that. I felt so connected to Charlotte it was almost frightening. She's been through so much and all I wanted to do was hug her. As much as I'm not a huge fan of Jason, since he can be a jerk from time to time, I really enjoyed the dynamics of their relationship. We see their long distance relationship put to the test and just when I thought everything was going to be okay, everything got flipped upside down and around! I wasn't expecting the religious aspect to things, and at first I was hesitant on how much of it would be used throughout Forgive Me. Why? Because I'm in a questionable state with my religion at the moment. But Eliza makes it work, she ties in everything and makes it alright to question your faith, love, humanity, and life itself.

What Kept Forgive Me from getting 5 stars?

Can I say the ending? No? Damn. Well then...

---

Overall, I can't express enough how heartbreaking and beautiful Forgive Me was! I only wish I didn't have to wait until February for Redeem Me, I know it's less than 3 months away but for me that's 3 months too long! Do I recommend picking Forgive Me up? Yes, I can't even express how much I want people to read it! This is seriously an underrated book that more people need to read! If you enjoy reading new adult, contemporaries, romance, a book with substance and that will make you feel things then pick this up. But you can't say I didn't warn you...

Giveaway!

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About the Author

Eliza Freed graduated from Rutgers University and returned to her hometown in rural South Jersey. Her mother encouraged her to take some time and find herself. After three months of searching, she began to bounce checks and her neighbors began to talk; her mother told her to find a job.

She settled into Corporate America, learning systems and practices and the bureaucracy that slows them. Eliza quickly discovered her creativity and gift for story telling as a corporate trainer and spent years perfecting her presentation skills and studying diversity. It’s during this time she became an avid observer of the characters we meet and the heartaches we endure. Her years of study have taught her laughter is the key to survival, even when it’s completely inappropriate.

She currently lives in New Jersey with her family and a misbehaving beagle named Odin. An avid swimmer, if Eliza is not with her family and friends, she’d rather be underwater. While she enjoys many genres, she has always been a sucker for a love story…the more screwed up the better.

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Hosted by Good Choice Reading Blog Tours

Review: Don't Let Go

Don't Let Go

Author: Nona Raines
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: Nov 5, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 62
Source: IndieSage PR
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Rating: ★★★★

Annalee wants a no-strings fling. Eric's all about the strings.

Twelve years ago, when Eric Sorenson's date dumped him right before the Senior Prom, his older sister’s best friend stepped in to save him from total humiliation. He never forgot Annalee or what she did for him that night…or the kiss they shared. He wants Annalee, and if he has his way, they'll take up where they left off. And this time, he won't let go.

After a messy divorce, Annalee's not looking forward to her high school reunion. She's shocked when Eric appears at her door ready to return the favor and play escort. Gone is the inexperienced boy with a severe stutter—he's a striking, confident man. The memory of the kiss they shared rekindles an attraction that never died, and she's been on her own for a year. Isn't she entitled to kick loose and have a let's-go-crazy night? (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“The stupid squirrel was to blame.
Or maybe it was her own fault. She should have been paying attention while walking Bobo. Instead, Annalee was distracted, thinking about the evening ahead and how much she wasn’t looking forward to it.”

I was looking for something quick to read that I had good and solid romance to it and luckily I found that with Don't Let Go. It's only 62 pages so I read it quickly in one sitting, and then went back to re-read it again. This had a strong start that had me giggling at Bobo and Annalee, and we don't have to wait long to see Eric. The minute Eric and Annalee interact you can just tell there is an attraction between them, so I was rooting for Eric since the 3rd page!

Nona Raines managed to pack a lot of information into this little thing, I didn't feel overwhelmed but there were some moments I wanted more detail about. I liked every single character, well...minus Denny, he was such a jerk and he didn't deserve her! She was minor but I think Dee was one of my favourite characters. Her little commentary and how she's able to really see through Annalee and understand how she feelings made me want to snatch her up and take her as my own best friend. I loved how protective Eric was of Annalee, you can easily see how much he really cares about her. It was just all so cute!

What kept Don't Let Go from getting 5 stars?

I know, I know. It's a novella Patty, get over it. But I just have to say this is the only reason why Don't Let Go didn't get 5 stars! It was way to short and had my mind trying to piece things together on my own. I would have looked to see Annalee and Eric's relationship really blossom, I wanted a more in-depth flash back to Eric's high school prom and more leading up to that night. I want more information how his history of feelings for her, what Annalee's feelings were the night of his high school prom. What was going through their minds after that kiss. And of course Eric's sister and Annalee's best friend Dee, she clearly has been observing them for awhile, why didn't she try to throw them together sooner?! Either way, this was still a really great read!

Overall, I really enjoyed Don't Let Go! I've re-read it more than 6 times, I'm not even kidding. It's a cute light read that I just can't get enough of. Although I really wish this was a full novel, especially since it had the potential I will most defiantly be keeping an eye out for anything Nona Raines publishes next! Would I recommend Don't Let Go? Yes, if you want a cute romance then pick this up! Just remember it's a novella.

Excerpt 

Gently, he released her and lifted the lid of the box in his hand to reveal a perfect white rose.
“Do you remember this?” His voice was low and intimate.
The hairs on her neck prickled. “Of course.” She looked at him. “Your senior prom. I was wearing a white rose.”
“That’s right. And you brought me a matching boutonniere.” He nodded at the rosebud in his buttonhole. “You had on a blue dress.”
Her breath caught. “Yes,” she said, suddenly recalling. “The gown was blue.” He remembered that? After all these years?
“Hell, I’ll never forget it,” he growled. “You were hot. But not as hot as you are tonight.” His gaze licked over her as it traveled up and down her body. “You look incredible.” The appreciation in his face and voice sent a warm glow through her. When was the last time anyone thought her hot?
He set the box on the hall table and removed the corsage. “Will you wear this and allow me the honor of being your date tonight?”
“Oh, Eric.” A weight lifted from her spirit. With him beside her, she wouldn’t have to face everyone alone. Dee and Thom were great friends with good hearts, but with them, she was always the third wheel.
Of course, there would still be gossip tonight. Only now, the gossips would be envious, wondering what Annalee Mondello, formerly Donovan, was doing with such a sexy man. Speculating what the two of them might be doing after the party. An image flashed. She and Eric together. Naked, in bed. Her bed.
Her breath caught. Could she do that, let herself go there? Why not? He was free, and so was she. Dee had all but given the go-ahead. She’d been alone for so long. Lonely, even in her marriage. Wasn’t it time to grab a little happiness, a bit of fun?

*****

Giveaway!

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About the Author

Nona Raines is a former librarian who lives in upstate New York with her many pets. She’s currently working on her next novel between walking the dog and shooing the cats off the laptop. Her erotic romances are published with The Wild Rose Press and Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was nominated for the 2014 DABWAHA sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs. Her most recent work is the erotic romance novella Read to Me.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Review: Bittersweet

Bittersweet

Author: Sunday James
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Publisher: Hothouse Fiction Ltd
Publication Date: October 2 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 320
Source: AToMR Promotions
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Rating: ★★★

Sparks fly between a sexy stranger and a small-town waitress in this steamy new contemporary romance…

When new teen TV series 'Bittersweet' begins shooting in Dogwood, Virginia, the small town is abuzz with excitement. But local waitress Cathy Johnson has too much on her plate to waste time being star-struck. To Cathy, "bittersweet" is just the word that sums up her love-life after her high school romance ended in disaster. Since then she’s hardly had time to brush her hair, let alone think about relationships. Certainly not the kind being played out in front of the cameras by impossibly beautiful actors posing as teenagers…

But all that changes when tall, dark, blue-eyed stranger Greg Moran arrives in Dogwood along with the 'Bittersweet' cast and crew. Cathy and the devastatingly sexy New Yorker have instant chemistry. But Greg blows hot (STEAMING hot) and cold with her romantically, leaving Cathy’s head in a spin. She has a feeling he’s keeping something from her… If Cathy is willing to drop her emotional walls, why is Greg still so intense and mysterious? What is it in his past – or present – that means he’s keeping Cathy at arm’s length? How badly has his heart really been broken before?

Cathy and Greg are magnetically drawn to one another, but they’ll have to fight to keep their relationship from turning sour. Will they make it? If it’s hard to let go of the past, falling in love can be BITTERSWEET… (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“As the sun finally begins to sink lower in the sky, I stare at the piles of trash neatly stacked up in the dumpster with a smile on my face, drawing in a last breath of the warm summer air before I head back inside.”

Bittersweet was a good New Adult read, I found that it flowed well and had a cute small town appreciation. I had some problems being able to connect with the characters but I really loved how Greg wasn't the typical New Adult jerk-character that seems to be in almost every book. He was genuine and so sweet! And Cathy, as much as she had plans to get out of town she said to take care of her father and you can see how much she loves her family.

There was obvious chemistry between Cathy and Greg that just seemed to get hotter and hotter as the story progressed. I really enjoyed the writing style and how descriptive Sunday James was. I felt like I was really seeing Dogwood and it made me love the small town atmosphere more.

What kept Bittersweet from getting 5 stars?

As much as Bittersweet was an interesting read and had good characters I couldn't connect with any of them. There wasn't really anything about them that made me love them or hate them. I felt like there was so much we weren't told about Greg's character. We learned about his past but I still felt there was a lot missing. Also, this book was told completely from Cathy's POV. I would have probably enjoyed this more if there was at least a view chapters from Greg's POV, this would allot for the readers to really get inside his mind and to better understand him. Another issue I had with Bittersweet was I found there was just too many things taking place! It's was like the sub plot had a sub plot and made it very hard for me to follow he story at times. 

Overall, Bittersweet was a cute read! As much as I had some issues with it, I did find it to be a pretty good debut novel for Sunday James. Will I be continuing with this series? Maybe, I'll need to read the synopsis first to see where she plans to take the story.

Giveaway!

(1) $10 USD Amazon Gift Card

-1) $5 USD Amazon Gift Card.

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About the Author

Sunday James is the pen name of author Sareeta Domingo, when writing the New Adult contemporary romance series BITTERSWEET. She lives in London and works as an editor at creative book packager Hothouse Fiction, squeezing writing into her mornings, evenings and weekends – but promises she has a life…

She loves all things American – literature, history, popular culture – so much so that she even lived and studied in California, but somehow missed out on being swept off her feet by a devastatingly handsome but mysterious actor while she was there. Luckily, writing BITTERSWEET has allowed her to live that dream.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

ARC Review: His Frozen Heart

Author Nancy Straight will be touring His Frozen Heart from November 3-14, 2014.  Click here to join us for reviews and more!

His Frozen Heart

Author: Nancy Straight
Series: Brewer Brothers, #1
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: November 9th, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 400
Source: WordSmith Publicity
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Rating: ★★★★ . 5

For best friends, Candy and Libby, money is tight with hardly enough to cover their living expenses. When they are desperate for grocery money, the girls bet on their pool playing skills to add to their income.

A simple wager on a quiet winter evening has devastating results, with a stalker determined to kill them both. With Libby in the hospital after a vicious attack, and Candy being pursued by the same stalker, she vows to find Libby's attacker.

What she finds is Dave, an old friend with a secret past filled with misfortune. Will Dave’s past provide the answer to all of Candy’s problems or will it become Candy’s worst nightmare realized? (Goodreads)

**I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from a pre-published copy may be altered or omitted from the final version. **

Opening Lines

“I ran to the shadow of an enormous maple tree and crouched low to the ground. I couldn’t believe I had let Libby talk me into this. We had set our alarm clock for 2 AM, then sneaked out of my house while my parents were sound asleep.”

The minute I read the synopsis for His Frozen Heart I signed up for the blog tour. There was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity, this was my first read by Nancy Straight and it was definitely a good one. The first chapter or two left me a little hesitant in a way, I just wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into and how this story was going to be delivered, but a few more chapters in and I was hooked! I read this is one sitting, I just couldn't put it down! The suspense of it all kept me on my toes, and there was a perfect blend of romance. I really liked how Candy's and Libby's problems were realistic and ones that I believe a lot of people can somewhat relate to. Mind you, yes there were easier solutions to their problems but then we wouldn't have this amazing book now would we?

“I’m saying I didn’t know how lonely I was until you came into my life. Before you I had a frozen heart, and you were like a nitro charge.”

As much as this story is more about Candy all I cared about was Dave! Don't get me wrong I really liked Candy's character, but Dave just took my heart and he was all I cared about. He's been through so much and when we get information about his past I felt my heart break. I just wanted to hug him, hold him, and tell him everything would be okay and that he's not alone! I also have a thing for Obsessive-Compulsive characters, so that just added to the swooning! All the characters that we were introduced to played an interesting part, even if it was small. I liked that towards the end we get an update of some of the characters and their parents. It was a nice way to not leave everything hanging. The romance was beautifully written, what I liked most about it was that it didn't fall prey to the typical New-Adult romance standard. I admit this genre seems to get a lot of frowns from readers because a lot of them focus on sex, but that wasn't the case with His Frozen Heart. There was a real romance written that gradually built, yes it happened in a some-what short time span but it wasn't instal-love and it was clean!


What kept His Frozen Heart from getting 5 stars?

Really minor, hence the 4.5 Stars, but I was left with so many questions when His Frozen Heart came to an end! Then when I was first putting my review together I noticed that Amazon has it listed as a series. Well dang!! If only I knew that before hand! I was expecting this to be a standalone (I'm not complaining!) so I thought what we saw of these characters would be all we got, I wanted to know what would happen to Mark and his background. Guess I'll get my questions answered in the books to come! Fingers crossed!

Overall, His Frozen Heart was a great suspenseful read! Like I said above, this is my first Nancy Straight read but it won't be the last! This was well written, flowed, and I didn't come across any errors. Will I be continuing with the series? Yes. Would I recommend His Frozen Heart? Yes! I recommend this to anyone that looking forward a great combination of New Adult, Suspense, Mystery and clean Romance!

Giveaway!

$100 Amazon gift card, 10 signed paperbacks, 10 audiobooks, and 20 ebooks

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About the Author

I LOVE Starbucks’ White Mocha Latte and Mountain Dew, (but not together). I have a lead foot so I set cruise control when I drive, even in 25 MPH zones. I almost never win when I play Angry Birds, but have my 9 year old close, so he can clear the hard levels for me. I grew up on a farm and am opposed to eating fresh chicken (not opposed to meat - just opposed to any meat that was alive a few hours before lunch). I am a huge fan of the show, Big Bang Theory, on CBS. I share my life with two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Review: My Guardian Angel

My Guardian Angel

Author: Evangelene
Genre: Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Evangelene
Publication Date: April 7 2014
Format: PDF
Pages: 140
Source: Book Enthusiast Promotions
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: ★★★. 5

Kassia Preston, a best selling author whose a bit of recluse, but who could blame her after what had happened to her all those years ago. Thankfully, her brother Darios and her friends Genna and Tara had always been there for her. One day in Darios' gym, she meets Jason. He's young, fit and mouthwateringly sexy. Kassia is drawn to him, not only because of his looks but because of something else, something indescribable.

Jason Theroux, a young SWAT officer has his own demons that he keeps hidden deep inside.

What happens when these two broken souls get together? Will they be able to survive their past and forge a new future? Or will their demons begin to threaten their relationship, destroying it completely? (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

"The wind was howling, as the heavy rain hammered at the windows, making them rattle. I was lying on my bed with my blankets barley covering my eyes. As I looked out the window, a bright flash of light came across the dark sky. The lightening lit my room only for a few seconds and then vanished just as quickly. A loud thunderous clap followed making me jump."

Can I just saw that I LOVE the cover for My Guardian Angel? I love how dark and mysterious it is, and honestly it was what drew me into reading the synopsis for this book.

One of my favourite things about My Guardian Angel would have to be the opening chapter. It was so strong and descriptive! The perfect way to start off a book, once I read that I was hooked! I read this in one sitting just waiting to see how this story would play out.

It's obvious that Kassia and Jason are attracted to each other but they both try to resist it. Deciding to become friends we quickly see that line start to blur. Both Kassia and Jason experience something in their past that continues to haunt them and when they meet each other at Darios gym and start to hangout things really start to unravel! I love how suspenseful this really was, I was worried this would end up being an erotica novel that lacked plot and character depth but that was not the case! My Guardian Angel kept my attention right up to the end!

Another one of my favourite parts was the Epilogue at the end from Jason's perspective. I really wish we had more chapters from his POV! There were so many times that I kept trying to figure out what was running through Jason's mind.

What kept My Guardian Angel from getting 5 stars?

• At times I felt there was a bit a character flip flop with Kassia and Jason, it bothered me and made me have whip lash while I was trying to figure out their character. There just didn't really seem to be consistency in terms of their behaviour and how they're perceived. 

• I quickly became tired of all the  "Junior", "Granny" and "your old" comments through out My Guardian Angel. I get it, there's an age difference but I feel like it was mentioned and joked about more times then it was necessary. 

• ! - There were way too many escalation marks throughout this book. Did Darios, Jason, and Kassia really yell that much?

Overall, My Guardian Angel was an suspenseful read! I really enjoyed this one and recommend it to readers that want a good amount of suspense mixed with romance. This is defiantly one I will be re-read sometime soon.

Giveaway!

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About the Author

Evangelene was born and raised in Montreal Canada. She currently lives with her husband who at times drives her nuts. She has been studying Classical Civilization and Linguistics at Concordia University for over ten years. The pull of the ancient world was too great for her to let go, so she continues her education to feel closer to the world she identifies with.

She reads nonstop, devouring books like its food, loving the feeling of being lost in a world that another author has created.

Evangelene started writing her stories ten years ago to express and bring to life all the wonderful characters that inhabit her imagination. She writes for herself and invites readers to join her journey.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Review: Blocked

Blocked

Author: Jennifer Lane
Genre: New Adult, Sports, Romance
Publisher: Psyched Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 21 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 300
Source: ATOMR Promotions
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★

College freshman Lucia Ramirez has a secret crush on Dane Monroe. He’s a tall drink of water — blond, brash, and one hell of a volleyball player. ¡Híjole! Lucia hopes her volleyball scholarship to his school will make him notice her.

Too bad what’s noticeable is Dane’s obvious hatred for Lucia. Her family’s politics contradict everything he stands for. And politics are front and center in both their families. Dane’s mother is about to face Lucia’s father in the race for US President.

When Secret Service throws them together, Dane can’t deny his frustrating attraction to Lucia’s athletic curves and sweet faith in the world. Amid the intense pressure of college athletics and presidential politics, can opposites not just attract, but overcome overwhelming odds to be together? Or do their differences block their match from the start? (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

"As I plopped down on the bleachers and scanned my new teammates around me, one word came to mind: heaven. I wasn't the tallest girl in the gym for the first time in my eighteen years on earth."

It is actually so hard to write a review for this book without giving anything away! For some reason the idea of Dane's mother and Lucia' father running for president made me hesitant to read this at first. I don't know why, but I wasn't sure how that would really be written in a way that readers could find it realistic. I didn't really know what to expect when I started this, I was really looking forward to reading something with sports playing a high role but was nervous about the election/politics. I will say this, the synopsis does NOT prepare you for the different issues Dane and Lucia encounter throughout Blocked.

We get to see this story from Lucia and Dane's perspective, which makes this story 10 times more enjoyable! I don't think I would have enjoyed this as much if this was only written from Lucia's point of view. Both character were amazing! I felt I could really relate and connect with them, especially Lucia, her insecurities made her real and easy for young readers and athletes to connect to. Their relationship was perfect! It gradually built and there was no cringe worthy insta-love. Now the secondary characters, I wanted more parts with Maddison, China, Allison and Brad! I only wish we got to see more of the friendship side of things.

Why is this not a series? I'm just going to sit her and continuously chant "SERIES!!" until it happens. On second thought, scratch that I might be here for awhile. With all the great characters we are introduced to I would love to read their stories and of course have a little Dane and Lucia in the background! Blocked made me laughing, shake my head and giggle at Lucia's awkward/embarrassing/but cute moments at the beginning with Dane, cry when things got tough, and smile at how everything played out.

The ending. OMG, I loved it!! This was the ending I wanted but didn't think I would get. Yes, I can understand why some readers might not be a fan of it but it makes the most sense and it's just a perfect tie up to everything that took place in Blocked.


What kept Blocked from getting 5 stars?

Don't let this list foul you! I'm a picky reader and the smallest things will jump out at me. These are somethings that I kept thinking about and I'm probably the only one that had a questioned it.

• Situation overload!! - Although it all worked out in the end, I felt there were too many different things/topics covered in this standalone. Between Lucia's issues, Dane's issues, and their family  issues it just seemed like a lot of things crammed into one, mind you it did all work out in the end!
• VP, where are you? - Now I know that Lucia's father and Dane's mother are running against each other for US President but unless I missed it, which I'm pretty sure I didn't, there wasn't a single mention or indication about a Vice President. Uh, I found this to be kind of odd. 
• Behind the scenes - I felt like there was a lot of things that happened that we didn't know about until it's mention as an after thought. For example, when Lucia talks to Dane's Coach. Moments like this had me scrolling back thinking I missed something. 

Overall, Blocked was an awesome self discovery and coming-of-age read! This was filled with great characters, amazing character development and excellent writing. I wish this was released in paperback because this is a book I want sitting on my bookshelf! I recommend this to all Young-Adult and New Adult readers!

Giveaway!

- $15 Amazon Gift Card

- eBook of BLOCKED

- BLOCKED cover cookie

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About the Author

Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she witnesses growth in her psychotherapy clients, and by night she wrangles misbehaving fictional characters as she writes sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist. She can’t decide which is more fun.

A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen wove some of her own experiences into Streamline—a military mystery about swimmers. And readers can dip their toes into Jen’s world of swimming romance by sampling her free New Adult novella Swim Recruit.

College volleyball romance Blocked is Jen’s newest release, launching 10-21-14. Peek inside big-time college sports and even bigger national politics when the offspring of two presidential candidates find out whether opposites really do attract, or their match is blocked from the start.

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The Conduct Series, a romantic suspense trilogy that includes With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior, and On Best Behavior. Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry.

In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, hanging out with her plus-size, “I’m not fat, I’m big-boned” Izzie cat, and visiting her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Review: To Defy a Sheikh

To Defy a Sheikh

Author: Maisey Yates
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Publication Date: Oct. 21st, 2014
November 1st, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 190
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Rating: ★★★

The cost of defiance

Princess Samarah Al-Azem knows you cannot rush revenge. Having bided her time, she's finally ready to bring down Ferran, her kingdom's enemy and the man who took everything from her. In the still of night, she lies in wait in his bedchamber….

It isn't the first time Sheikh Ferran has found himself at the edge of an assassin's blade…but never has it been wielded by such a beautiful assailant. Soon he has her at his mercy—something he's wanted for years!

Now Samarah must decide: imprisonment in a cell…or in diamond shackles as his wife. (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

"Sheikh Ferran Bashar, ruler of Khadra, would not survive the night. He didn't know it yet, but it was true."

Majority of the stars for To Defy a Sheikh come from the fact that I read this in one sitting. I was curious to see what Ferran was hiding and how Samarah would react, and when they would finally realize that they were in love with each other. I did really enjoy the development between Ferran and Samarah. There were some pretty intense scenes between Ferran and Samarah that had me fanning myself,

What kept To Defy a Sheikh from getting 5 stars?

The constant back and forth with Samarah coming to terms with her feelings and the situation with Ferran. Towards the start of the book it made sense for Samarah to be conflicted and not know if she can trust Ferran and what her attraction to him means. She's new to all this and has been surviving on her own for awhile now. But after awhile it got tiring and annoying and just wasn't applicable anymore. It was a constant back and forth that could have been written better.

Another reason, Ferran admits to something that he did, something that Samarah should know before they get married. I loved Ferran for being honest about this, sure he didn't tell her right away but he did tell her eventually. Her response? Sex. I'm sorry, WHAT!? This was completely unrealistic in so many ways. Sex should be the last thing on her mind with the information that Ferran shared and it made me strongly dislike Samarah's character and Maisey Yates' use of sex to divert the issue.

Lastly, Samarah's need for revenge. It took WAY too long for her to realize that she was no better than her father by seeking revenge. Her hardness made it impossible for me to connect with her character. Overall, To Defy a Sheikh was an okay read that just didn't really work for me. It had some intense scenes with an obvious display of chemistry between Ferran and Samarah, but that was about it. I recommend this to those that like romance novels.

Review: Resist

Resist

Author: Lilly Avalon
Series: Resist, #1
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Publisher: Lilly Avalon
Publication Date: Aug 26 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 68
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Rating: ★★★. 5

Allegra Maxwell is sick of the monotony of life. It's all work and no play, and right now she wants to play. She shows up at her company's yearly meeting with one goal in mind: have a one night stand with a stranger. What she doesn't count on is Devlin Pierce walking through the door.

When Allegra first met Devlin, she knew he would be nothing but trouble. After he proved her theory true last year, she made a vow to avoid him at all costs. He's the last person she wants to see, and he knows it. He refuses to leave her alone though. As much as she tries to fight it, the pull he has on her is undeniable. Her ability to resist him proves impossible when Devlin makes her an offer she can't refuse.

One night. That's all he asks. That's all she wants. Or is it?
*Resist is a 21,000 word erotica novella, and the first of a two book series* (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

"This is a mistake.
Not pairing the silver stilettos with y brand new blue dress-no, that was genius. The mistake is coming here tonight when I should have stayed in my hotel room. It's not like I couldn't come up with a believable excuse. I'm relatively good under pressure. Not to mention the fact that lounging in nothing but a robe and watching from my window as the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline sounded exceptionally better."

I have been wanting and waiting to read Resist for awhile now. When I came across it on NetGalley I automatically requested it but it sat there pending for weeks! When I finally received the notification that I'd been approved I downloaded it immediately and started reading. The Good? This book kept me intrigued, I didn't want to put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. Which isn't really hard considering it's a novella and only consist of 68 pages.

"Screw finding The One. I just need one night. That's all I ask, at least for now."

As for characters we have Allegra, she's on a mission and it's to find a complete stranger to have a one-night stand with. She's been successful when it comes to her work life, but hasn't had a relationship in a year. She's okay with looking for "The One" at a later date but she just needs something for the night. I like Allegra as a character, she's witty and had me giggling at a couple different moments throughout this novella. Enter Devlin, oh Devlin...I really liked the way Devlin was portrayed. He wasn't the typical bad boy or jerk that seems to be in almost every romance/new adult novels now a days. Was there chemistry between Allegra and Devlin? Oh for sure!!

"I match his gaze as I place the cheesecake in my mouth, slowly pulling the fork out. I lick my lips seductively, never looking away. He stiffens in his seat, leaning forward slightly. I toss him a quick wink and go for the last bite. After I use my forefinger to wipe my mouth clean, I place tin my mouth, licking the remainder of the chocolate off. At this point, his formerly open hand has turned into a fist. I'm getting to him. This makes me smile in victory."

You can see the attraction between Allegra and Devlin right away, and the chemistry continues to build until Allegra can't say no anymore and gives into what she really wants. I went into this knowing that it was going to be a two book series, which meant I knew I wouldn't get the ending of I wanted from Resist. But seriously?! That ending is not what I expected or wanted!!! I mean it's a good ending but it's a cliffhanger that has me wanting the next book in my hands, like NOW! Damn Cliffhangers.

So why didn't I give Resist 5 stars??

"Wait a second. Where am I? Because I could've sworn the last time I saw you, I told you to go to hell."

He frowns. "Come on, Allegra. You can't still be mad at me." I'd believe he is truly upset if it weren't for the puppy dog eyes he's giving me.

"You expect me to just let it go like that?" I snap my fingers.

I don't know what I really expected but I thought that whatever it was that happened between Devlin and Allegra was something major, I was disappointed when we learn what really happened a year ago. Basically they finally meet, flirt it up and have some intense eye contact but there was nothing concrete, no status per say. I mean it's clear there was an attraction but I'm not sure if what happened that night really justifies or lines up with Allegra's reaction to seeing him again.

"Goodbye, New York," I whisper. "Hello, next chapter."

Overall, Resist was a great read that kept my attention from beginning to end! Now I'm sitting here impatiently waiting for Longing which is the sequel to Resist and it's going to be a full length novel! WOOT!!

Review: Unethical

Unethical

Author: Jennifer Blackwood
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace
Publication Date: October 20th, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 277
Source: Good Choice Reading Book Tours
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Rating: ★★★. 5

Love burns hotter the second time around…

Two years ago, the medical world was shaken by scandal, and Payton Daniels's family was at the center of it. The second she graduated, Payton left everything behind―her high school sweetheart, her family, and the controversy surrounding her mother's death—and hid within the anonymity of college. But Payton’s ex, Blake Hiller, hasn't forgiven her for leaving, and when he enrolls in the same medical ethics class, she panics. She can’t run the risk of him telling everyone who she really is.

As if being at the same university isn’t enough, both Blake and Payton land the same internship. Forced together, their passion for each other reignites, but when Payton is asked to testify in her father’s high-profile trial, she must choose between risking her acceptance into medical school to help her father, and losing every connection to her past—including the only guy she’s ever loved. (Goodreads)

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Opening Lines

"What did a homeless man, an AIDS victim, and a man in an

orange jumpsuit have in common?

Well, one of them was ruining my life.

I was about to find out how the other two were connected

once the professor began his lecture."

I've been racking my brain trying to figure out if I've ever read anything like Unethical before, but I don't think I have. I found Unethical to be a very unique and interesting read. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I first started this, would this be a wanna-be Grey's Anatomy? Private Practice? Nurse Jackie? Or maybe Mercy? Nope. While this is a medical drama, and boy did it have it's share of being on the dramatic side of things, I didn't find myself comparing anything to any of the previous television shows I mentioned.

I was a little worried that all the medical lingo would go completely over my head but I didn't find myself to be overwhelmed. Not only did Jennifer Blackwood do her research on the medical field but she touched on a topic that raising a lot of questions and scrutiny. I'm not going to give anything away (you'll have to read to find out) but the "scandal" with Payton's family really makes you stop and think. Which I loved because I wasn't really expecting a book that would make me reflect and second guess my views on certain things.

The romance, and Blake in general was swoon worthy! I loved the development between them and the sexual tension. But not only does Unethical focus on second-change romance, it also focuses on Payton having the opportunity at having a second-chance of living her life. As much as I liked the characters I found I spent time trying to figure out if Payton had a spilt personality. Going back and forth between being edgy and cautions to being an extreme flirt kind of gave me whip lash. I think Payton's portrayal of trying live a little could have been described better so that it didn't feel like two separate characters but one.

Overall, Unethical was an original and interesting read. I enjoyed my first medical drama and it's made me curious to see what else is out there. As an debut author, I think Jennifer Blackwood did a pretty good job. It read easily, which was extremely surprise for an ARC edition. I would have preferred a better tie up of things involving Andrew and Jules. Who knows, maybe Andrew will have his redemption in the next book? All I know is I want there to be a next book!

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About the Author

Jennifer Blackwood is an English teacher and New Adult author. She lives in Oregon with her husband, son, and poorly behaved black lab puppy. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she’s binging on Veronica Mars episodes and white cheddar popcorn. Her debut novel, UNETHICAL, comes out October 20th from Entangled Embrace.

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Review: Truth in Wildflowers

Truth in Wildflowers

Author: Kimberly Rose

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Series: Truth Series, #1
Publication Date: October 20, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 280
Source: WordSmith Publicity
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★. 5

Truth, love finds you.
Truth, love leads you.
Truth, love heals you.
Truth, love breaks you.

For college student Kensie, finding love hasn’t been easy. With a father she’s estranged from she finds it difficult to trust men, and with a past she’s ashamed of she is unable to trust herself. Kensie feels irrevocably stagnant with an unending desire to move. That is, until she meets August, and her life is set into motion.

After a tragic accident, August gave up on living. A captive to his guilt, he is unable to move on from his past. Then he finds a reason in Kensie. She awakes every dormant fiber of his being, but will she want him once she discovers he is everything she fears most?

Can Kensie let herself love August, or will the truth destroy her? (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“Blurred. Black, and grey, maybe some white, but mostly black. There's a lot of black. My converse blur below me set amidst of a pile of bottles on the dry dirt. I should have never come here. I‘m not blind to the power of this place. I didn’t flee here to find any peace in my hell. I came here to add to the flames. I didn’t care much for improving my mood. How could I? ”

I still remember when I first laid eyes on Truth in Wildflowers cover, I couldn't stop staring at it. There's something so peaceful and beautiful about the set up. It makes me want a lot of things but mainly, it makes me want summer!

Now this book was just fantastic! Absolutely beautiful!!! I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading Truth in Wildflowers but I was not expect this book would make me laugh, swoon (I swooned hard!), cry, and laugh some more! I don't want to give away the story but basically Kensie hasn't lived an easy life, it's hard for her to trust men which leads to her not letting people in, and keeping her heart guarded. And she sure isn't expecting August to come into her life and break down all the walls she's keeping up. I really loved the dynamic relationship between Kensie and August, it was just...I can't find words for it!! Not only did I love their relationship but I also loved how everything played out, the secondary characters that really added to the story and added to the amount of times I laughed, the writing style, and how everything came together in the end.

Overall, Truth in Wildflower is a beautiful, heartwarming read!! Kimberly Rose has blown me away with her writing style and has left me wanting more! I can't believe this is her debut book, I'm so excited to read more from her. I hope I won't have to wait too long for book 2!!

Giveaway

10 ebooks (INT), 5 Prints (US)

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About the Author

Kim is a binge reader, devouring books one after another. She's creates characters and stories in the same way maintaing a notebook of thoughts and ideas. Truth in Wildflowers is the first time two characters have found a home in a full length book. 

Kim lives with her wonderful husband and fashionista daughter wherever the Navy takes them.

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