Book Review: Adrenaline Secrets by Carolyn Reilly

Honestly, I was really impressed with this debut novel. I didn't expect it to be so good and well written. Not that I thought it would be anything less but it's always different when you have no indication on how the author constructs a story and where it will lead you. The writing style is very important for me as a reader to be able to get into the story and connect with its characters. Although it took a while to get all the details together in my head of this rather complex world this story took place in, I soon started to love it after I finally had a rough overview put together. I was instantly captured by this very intriguing storyline.

This sci-fi romance had a great pace, was action-packed and would make a great movie. Especially because it had it all: advanced technology, crazy scientists, lots of action and suspense as well as hot and heavy but no overwhelming romance. It was a good balance of all the important things that made me want to get lost in and have more of.

(It’s impossible to place this book in one specific genre, so don’t get confused that I put it into sci-fi romance.)

The Story:
Kendra doesn't despise GV's unlike so many other people. GovCorp is the devil in disguise because they promised improvement but only brought destruction. So, having to work on a mission with Jake, a genetically engineered ex-soldier and cold-blooded killer, was not the problem but keeping a clear head while watching his perfectly formed and lethal body fight to protect her. It's just impossible to suppress all the fuzzy feelings bubbling up inside her.

‘Now, this guy could mean trouble. A lot of trouble. In a lot of different ways.’

Although this isn't Jake's first mission it feels a lot harder than anything else he's done before. He is quite resilient to injuries and was created to kill and not to feel but this naturally born woman touches something inside of him which brings foreign and unwanted emotions to the surface.

‘One thing he’d learned during his short, perverted excuse for a life: naturals couldn’t be trusted.’

Eventually they both realize that it's useless to fight their feelings and join in together on the fight against GovCorp. But what will it take to succeed against such a powerful institution? Can they find answers to their questions on Jake's batch and Kendra's family? The closer they get to unveil the truth, the more dangerous it gets. Will they be able to get out of this war alive in the end?

Thoughts:
Although the beginning was good it took me longer than usual to get caught up with the storyline and to get the hard facts straight. Facts about GovCorp and naturals and those Genetic InVitro (GovCorp’s military) were spread throughout, so every time I’ve read something new, I was wondering about something else. This hindered me a bit to fully enjoy the story at first, which doesn't mean that I didn’t later on. My mind just wanted to get caught up earlier to lie back and enjoy the romance. I might be a little spoiled by all the previous easy reads I had =P

The romance had a strong hold of the story somewhere along the way and I was worried (only for a moment though) that it would drift off into only romance but luckily, the action picked up again later on. So fear not, for it's not romance in disguise of action. Or is it?! =P

Not everything was comprehensible, particularly closer to the end with Anderson's intentions, but I was OK with that as it was fiction after all.

I wouldn't say that all my questions had been answered but it may be just me because I couldn't process all the information fast enough at the beginning as they were quite complex. Anyway, I'm sure I will get more insight of this constructed world with the next book in this series.

It wasn't hard to love Jake despite his upbringing or rather making because he still felt somewhat human. And although there were quite a few characters involved, I had no problem remembering their names and characteristics. The author made it easy for me to follow the story and to distinguish the different involvements. I normally would have gotten confused with more than four characters being prominent that often in a story but I believe that I especially loved it a lot more because it wasn't just about Jake and Kendra. There was so much more going on with Derek, Kendra's family and all of GovCorp's scheming that it was impossible for me to put the book down until I’d finished it.

The author did a great job outlining the story. When you got the gist of all the important things, you will find that there's lots of real life in it too; despite the otherworldly feel of the science part. Although who knows what we haven't been told that's been going on in all the labs around the world. Oops, I'm drifting off here.. So, anyway, to meet with refusal, rejection, detestation, fear of something unknown and different is to be expected everywhere people live. And I liked how this topic was addressed and worked into the story in an eye-opening way.

You could say I went into this book blind as there's no way to know how a new author goes about a story. Will the characters all be killed off at the end or will there be a happy ever after? I was kept in the dark until the end and this made reading this book so much more exciting and suspenseful.

I'm really curious for the next book in this series. I hope we soon get to know who it will be about, although I'm happy to read about all of them again since I took a liking on quite a few characters :) Cruz, Derek, Oliver...

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View review on goodreads

Cover Reveal: He Loves Me…KNOT by RC Boldt

 He Loves Me…KNOT
by RC Boldt
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 14th, 2017

Cover Design: Cover Me Darling

 

Blurb:

Sometimes love needs a second chance…

I never looked back after skipping out on my own wedding, even if it did leave me estranged from most of my family. Eight years later, I have the life I’ve always wanted. As an advertising account executive, my world is damn near perfect.

Until I come face-to-face with my past. With the man I once loved. The man who holds my future in his hands. The man who’s hell-bent on getting even with me for leaving him at the altar.

Even with all the unfinished business between us, I still love Knox Montgomery. The only problem?

He loves me…KNOT.

 

 

 

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 About the author:

RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.

Website / rcboldtbooks@gmail.com / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Instagram / Amazon

Release Blitz & Book Review: The High Road by Lauren Runow

The High Road
by Lauren Runow
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 24th, 2017

Cover Designer: Designed With Grace

Blurb:

I walk through these halls with my tight bun, form-fitting uniform and a fake smile plastered across my face. My career is everything I’ve planned. I’ve made Captain in the Air Force, and I’ve gained the respect and recognition from my peers both below and above me. On the outside, I look like I’ve got it all, but on the inside, I’m slowing dying inside.

I never knew after one staggering night out, Alex would change my perception on life. He opened my eyes and gave me a glimpse into a world of what I was missing.

More of what I yearned for.

More of what I needed.

But he forgot to mention one thing… he is my subordinate.

*The High Road is a novella originally published in the Secret Affair Anthology.

 

Buy now:
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Excerpt:

“Excuse me, are you Jenelle?”
A girl stands before me with a look of death written all over her face, making me wish Jenelle wasn't my name. I get the feeling whatever she wants with me, I’m not going to like. I smile—the same, sweet, fake smile I have plastered on my face all day long. The one that hides my true feelings of how unhappy I am with the direction my life is going.
“I’m sorry, do I know you?”
“No, you don’t know me. I wanted to let you know I’m pregnant with your boyfriend’s baby,” she states matter-of-factly, like I’m at a coffee shop and my drink was being called instead of dropping life-altering news.
My smile fades like the jeans this chick is wearing. I turn more toward her, shaking my head in disbelief. “Excuse me? I think you have the wrong person.”
“Oh, no. You’re the right person. Believe me, I’ve seen your picture all over his apartment every time we fucked.”
Bile fills my throat, and the sting of swallowing it down almost hurts more than the pain that’s filling my chest. I sit silently, not sure what to say. I’ve never seen this girl, and I still have no clue what’s actually going on.
My friend, Layla, witnesses my sudden paleness and grabs my arm. “Jenelle, are you okay?”
She’s missed the interaction I’ve had in the last few seconds. Her attention was on the hot bartender who was making our drinks instead.
The girl in front of me offers her hand to Layla in greeting. “Hi, I’m sorry, you missed all the fun. I’m Sarah, and I’m pregnant with Travis’s baby.”
A freezing cold feeling of liquid splashing up from the ground brings me out of my shock. I look at Layla who’s leaning down to pick up the drink that fell from her hands.
I’m glad to see I'm not the only one losing my shit by what this girl is saying.
“Wait, I’m sorry, let me get this straight. You know my Travis?” I ask, leaning in and placing my hand on my chest.
Her head falls back, and a deep laugh escapes her lips. “Well, I guess you could say he’s our Travis. I’ve been fucking him for four months now. He said he was bored with your lazy lays and needed a little excitement. He wouldn’t break it off with you because it looks good for his advancement coming up.”
Travis and I are both Officers in the Air Force. I’m already a Captain, and he’s testing any day to be one, too. The higher in rank you go, the more they pay attention to the examples you lead in your life. I guess it looks good we’re together but what she’s saying doesn’t make much sense.
“What does us being together have to do with his upcoming test?”
“Oh, I guess I left out that part. I’m Airman First Class Anderson,” she states with a sarcastic nod of her head. “I guess he could hide our relationship better because everyone knew he was with you.”
My eyes go big. Is she serious right now?
She’s not only telling me she’s in the Air Force, but she’s newly enlisted, which is an extreme no-no for fraternizing within the military.
I’ve heard of mean girls and even trashy sluts who get their kicks out of making other women’s lives hell, but I’m not getting that kind of vibe from this girl. She obviously didn’t care they were having an affair behind my back. Things aren’t adding up.
“So, if you’ve been having sex with him for so long, why are you telling me now?”
“I just wanted you to know what a scum bag he really is. When I told him I was pregnant he denied everything, saying it wasn’t his kid, and he’d have nothing to do with me. So, I’m taking him down.” She leans in, making sure I hear her clearly over the rising noise around us. “Everyone will find out he’s been seeing me, and I'm going to make it my personal mission to fuck up his life.”
My life, as I know it, just changed in the drop of a dime, or in my case, a girl named Sarah.
Butterflies swarm in my stomach and the burn of potential vomit presses its way up to my mouth where saliva fills to the brim. I swallow it down, trying to let air into my closed chest, when Layla grabs my arm, noticing my oncoming panic attack. Thankfully, she pulls me out of the bar before I make a scene.
I hate men.

About the Author:

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

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My review:

~ The forbidden fruit has always been the most desirable one. Even when you didn’t know it was forbidden in the first place. ~

I rarely read novellas because I generally prefer full length novels for multiple reasons but I have to admit that despite the length of this book, it had it all. Sure, it was fast paced but it was nonetheless a wonderful story with loveable characters.

There's betrayal, secrets, carefreeness, the thrill of the forbidden and the desire to find true happiness.

‘He’s carefree, daring and open for anything. I can be myself and ask for what I want knowing I don’t have to be afraid of what he might think or say.’

The Story:

Being Captain in the Air Force is Janelle’s whole life but after recent events she decides to start living for herself and no one else and begins with her new fuck-it attitude and having a little more fun outside of the military life.

Being out and about with her best friend, the last thing she needs is a guy and so she tells the one trying his luck with her to move along. A mix-up on her part gets the thing going though because what's a better start than to embarrass yourself.

Alex is a welcome distraction and so different to all the military men Jenelle is around daily, starting from the longer hair to the tattoos that adorn his body.

They both aren’t looking for a date but who’s to say they can’t have fun. There’s obvious chemistry between those two though what happens when it goes further than that? That’s where the trouble starts, because he isn’t just any guy. He’s her subordinate.

Thoughts:

This was a different kind of military romance for me and I welcomed the change. Finally an independent woman, high-ranking in military and no need for a guy to save the day.

It was a great quickie if I do say so. =P Perfect for in between reading because you can easily finish it in one go. And I never had the feeling that there was something missing because everything in the story was well covered. It was the most enjoyable novella I had read in a while.

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads

Release Blitz: Move the Stars by Jessica Hawkins

Move the Stars
by Jessica Hawkins
Series: Something in the Way #3

Release Date: October 23rd, 2017

Photographer: Perrywinkle Photography; Cover Design © R.B.A. Designs; Cover Model: Chase Williams

 Blurb:

Lake

It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents' house. If I’d known then what I do now, would I have kept on walking? Manning was older, darker, experienced—and I’d trusted him when he said the story would only ever be about us. I’d held those words close and challenged fate, but I had lost.

A part of me is still that sixteen-year-old girl squinting up at Manning, but no matter how far I fall or high I soar, I’ll always be a bird without her bear and nothing without him.

Manning
When I close my eyes, I can no longer see her. The decisions I made were to push Lake in the right direction—away from me. But now that she’s gone, would I have made those same choices?

I’d walked away like I was supposed to. I’d kept my distance. I’d bent over backward to keep Lake pure, but she’s no longer that girl, and I don’t know if I can stay away anymore. I only know I don’t want to. She’s still everything I want and nothing I should ever have, but if anyone can move the stars, it’s her great bear in the sky.
 

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The Series:
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 ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE SOMETHING IN THE WAY SERIES:

Somebody Else's Sky
by Jessica Hawkins
Series: Something in the Way #2

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Something in the Way

by Jessica Hawkins
Series: Something in the Way #1

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Release Blitz & Book Review: The Manny by Piper Rayne

The Manny
by Piper Rayne
Series: Dirty Truth #1
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: October 19th, 2017

Blurb:

Secrets and lies are a killer way to start any partnership—especially a horizontal one.

Now, I’m a glass half full kinda of guy, so, after the ‘you’re fired’ speech was directed at me, I figure now’s the time to be the screenwriter I came to sunny California to be. Unfortunately, there are about as many people trying to sell a script in L.A. as there are vegans in the pacific northwest.

But lucky for me, a few weeks ago my agent found an investor for my script. Hooray, all my problems are solved! NOT.

Because the investor will only agree to fund my film if I use one specific actress. And that one specific actress? Well of course, it just has to be the same actress I screwed over only months before. But she doesn’t need to know about that one tiny detail, does she? All that matters is getting her to agree to do the film and I’ll do whatever it takes. We can leave the past, in the past, right?

I thought my charm would win her over. Never would I have been prepared for the terms she laid out on the table.

She needed a nanny.
I needed a lead actress.
Somehow I became The Manny.

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Read an extended excerpt:
http://www.piperrayne.com/2017/10/17/manny-extended-excerpt/

About the authors:

Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two established authors for the price of one. You might be wondering if you know us? Maybe you’ll read our books and figure it out. Maybe you won’t. Does it really matter?

We aren’t trying to stamp ourselves with a top-secret label. We wanted to write without apology. We wanted to not be pigeon holed into a specific outline. We wanted to give readers a story without them assuming how the story will flow. Everyone has their favorite authors, right? And when you pick up their books, you expect something from them. Whether it’s an alpha male, heavy angst, a happily ever after, there’s something you are absolutely certain the book will contain. Heck, we’re readers, too, we get it.

What can we tell you about ourselves? We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

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Giveaway:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My review:

This was a great story! I liked it a lot. There wasn't anything that bothered me or stood out negatively. It was a light-hearted, funny and entertaining read. I guess I just wasn't quite as emotionally invested to love it, which doesn't mean that it wasn't a good story though. Quite the opposite actually. Because a story that achieved to completely capture my attention so that I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in two days, and where I have nothing to criticize about, must be a definite try. I guess it's still a question of taste but if you know the authors previous works or like similar books then I'm sure you will enjoy this book at least as much as I did.

As you can probably guess, the main characters had to work through some bumps along the road but there wasn't anything overly dramatic involved.

I liked Layla and her kids as well as Vance a lot. They had great characteristics and fit perfectly together. Both were looking for their place in this fast paced and superficial world called Hollywood/LA.

The Story:

Vance was at a low when he was fired and had to escape this crazy world even when it was only for a short while. Now being back he knew that he couldn't pick up where he left off and with the help of his friends, he sets out to turn his script into a movie.

Now there comes the problem, because although he found an investor, there’s one condition to it. Layla needs to be the lead actress but he screwed her over in the past and has to face the consequences when he won’t able to get her on board, especially when she finds out who he is exactly and what he did. So he just doesn't tell her. Problem solved? No, because feelings get in the way and his guilty conscience eats at him every day he's getting closer with Layla and her kids.

Thoughts:

I've read the Modern Love Series by Piper Rayne and loved it so much, I was really curious how this new series was going to turn out and I'm happy to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised at how attached I got with the male characters Vance, Leo and Jagger. I can't wait to read the coming books in this series.

Vance was more a quiet kind of guy. He was a very loving man, obviously good looking, but it was all really low key and never went overboard or out of control with his emotions or actions. He had his faults, but hey, he’s only human.

‘Does this guy have some love portion splashed all over him that intoxicates me every time he’s near? I practically turn into an emoji with two hearts for eyes.’

Layla was a great mother juggling her career and two little kids alone in a world of glitz and glamour, which also meant to be cautious about deceiver, liar and back-stabber as well as paparazzi and reporters, because her soon to be ex-husband didn't step up to his responsibilities.

I had lots of fun reading this book, especially the diaper changing scene. The funny banters and hilarious moments with Vance and Layla’s kids had me laughing a lot. If you like easy, sweet reads with lots of funny moments and lovely characters then this is a book you should definitely check out.

-- I received an ARC of this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads

Book Review: Redemption by Michelle Horst

It started out quite good actually with the Prologue and part of the first chapter, at least until the stranger alias Eli Jackson suddenly started to fix the gate to Quinn's house. Why would he do that? It didn’t make any sense. The downward spiral started after that. I wanted to read about their growing friendship but the next chapter jumped forward a couple of years and all of a sudden, there was another guy.

The Jackson Family kept to themselves and people in town were scared of them but Quinn jumped into his arms without a doubt and bamm! they were best friends. Ahhh, what?!

So, after a few months of dating, Quinn was going to marry this other guy[ marry this other guy (hide spoiler)] without a second thought although she kind of had feelings for Eli in the first place but this didn't even came up once during her dating time or even after. Not until Roy was history did Quinn all of a sudden have feelings for Eli and her soon-to-be man was forgotten. I felt sorry for him because he deserved better.

Quinn was an annoying character. She changed her mind every few seconds and her actions were the exact opposite of what she said.

(Please keep in mind that this is just my personal opinion and that you might see it differently.)

This story seemed rushed and felt lacking in depths, emotions, lengths and especially missing well worked through transitions, as it just jumped from one thing to the other without any developments storywise or characterwise. I was confused most of the time and didn't like how Quinn ‘lived years’ within a few months because I couldn't believe how what she went through was overcome by her so quickly. Some stuff was just so bad that I wanted to throw my kindle away.

There was one chapter I absolutely loved because it felt real, honest and showed that the author has much more talent than the rest of the book felt like. I was so in love with how the characters were cuddling in front of the TV and when they each moved one step after the other closer to each other. There was chemistry and butterflies and it was exactly what I had been missing in the rest of the story because despite this little light in all the darkness, there wasn't much growing, development, or well thought through actions. Every change in the story happened abruptly, as did the ending.
It was a much shorter book than anticipated and you can imagine my surprise and disappointment when the story all of a sudden ended just like that.

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

View review on goodreads

Cover Reveal: Crowned by Hate by Amo Jones

Crowned by Hate

by Amo Jones
Series: Crowned Trilogy #1
Genre: Dark Romance/Thriller
Release Date: November 14th, 2017

Cover Design: Jay Aheer

Blurb:

Some would say I have a privileged life. Daughter of the current President of the United States, wealthy, famous, and all things that some girls wish they had.

Only I'd dream of having a simple life. A life where I wasn't marrying the scariest man I have ever met. Well, I thought I had just met him, but it turns out, there's so much I don't know about myself. That's all thanks to a past so twisted, so warped, that no amount of money, or presidential status could wipe it clean.

I'm the rebel child. Or as some may see it, the disappointment. I’ve never cared about expensive wedding gowns, or how much someone paid for a tailored suit. I don’t care if your wedding dress is from Walmart, or if it’s from some fancy, upscale designer line.

So why am I marrying the devil dressed in a thousand-dollar suit?

I'm about to find out how I got here. To marrying one of the most powerful men in the country. The road to finding out, though, is paved with darkness, painted with the blood of innocents, and it leads my ass straight to hell. Only this hell is a multi-million-dollar penthouse suite in New York City where Bryant Saint Royal, sits on his throne.

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About the author:

Amo is a full-time writer from New Zealand who loves long romantic walks to the wine cellar.

She loves to write like how she lives, hanging on the edge of insanity with a wine glass in one hand and her morals-or lack thereof- in the other.

Those are not my monkeys, I swear....
Oh those hellhounds? Yeah, those are mine.

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Book Review: Grand Slam #3: A Winning Ace Novel by Tracie Delaney

This book left me emotionally drained and I needed to gather my thoughts first before I could even attempt to write my review. I finally tried not to be too emotional. So here it goes...

This was the worst goodbye I had to say. It got especially hard closer to the end. It was so awful. It was emotionally the worst but most moving and at the same time best written part (around 90%-95%). I just knew then that I couldn't rate this book any differently than with full 5 stars.
It was the decisive factor for my rating and if you want to know what it was, I guess you have to read the book and find out for yourself =P

The Story:
Tally was heartbroken and couldn't believe what happened. Cash had changed so much since his accident but that he would kick her out and say those awful things to her was just too much. She needed to get away, somewhere she had no memories of him and where it would be easier to forget. But is there such thing as forgetting the love of her life?

'”I would fight if Cash would let me, but he's given up – on himself and on us. What else can I do?”'

Cash struggles with his life and controlling his anger since he woke up from his coma.
He is scared to hurt Tally and that's why he had to let her go. He wants to have her safe from him until he's able to sort himself out and get better. Although he plans on getting her back at some point, he's insecure if she would still want him regardless of who he is now. Will he be able to get her back when he's not the same person anymore? Will he be enough for her?

'If Cash left things as they were, he had zero chance of getting his life back.'

Thoughts:
Despite all the wonderful and heartbreaking moments in this book, there were still some things I wasn’t all that happy with. I was annoyed at Tally in the first part of the book because it felt like (apart from the break-up) she had all the luck in the world and everything fell into her lap. And as this wasn't the first break-up it felt a bit like ping pong with Tally's life and their relationship. It had my head spinning especially because it felt like a Déjà-vu considering we had some of the parts already in the previous books. While it felt like it, it still wasn’t the same though despite the similar road it went down at some point, and for that I was really glad.

Honestly, I was mad at Cash for breaking up with Tally, especially so far into their relationship, because I didn't understand why he couldn't tell her how he felt and just asked for space. He didn't want to hurt her physically but then he went and hurt her emotionally. What irony.

As we knew that Cash planned to get her back eventually, it happened too sudden without a real talk through or even any hesitation from Tally's side. It was in the past and they forgot about it real quick. But why? I asked myself how she was not a bit worried that he wouldn't, at his next outburst of anger or fear of hurting her, break up with her again. There just wasn't any doubt on Tally's part even though the past showed how fast everything could end.

'”The mind doesn't heal like the body.”'

The huge bomb that had been dropped at some point in the book was an enormous shock for me. I was definitely not prepared for those turn of events and it was fucking awful! I was absolutely torn if I liked it or not because I usually wouldn't have liked it and although I wish it didn't happen, it played a big part on my love for this book because it brought the characters – especially Cash's – a lot closer to my heart. (If that makes any sense). It definitely brought me to tears though.

This book made me laugh but it made me cry a lot more. It was a mean story if I do say so myself. The ending of this book and therefore also of this series left me with one laughing and one crying eye.

Well, I loved to see Cash's vulnerability and generally human side as he always seemed so controlled and sure of himself. Now he was definitely feeling the love getting stronger as he put her well-being first. He wanted to be worthy of her and worried she wouldn't want him as weak and broken as he was after his accident. It was really emotional to see him at his breaking point.

'”Step one of a million,” he whispered.'

The story was actually really awesome in how it let us be part in a rather darker or more depressing chapter of Cash's life without it being an up and down but kind of a constant reminder of how we all have to work hard on ourselves to accomplish our goals and to enjoy the happy moments as we never know what will happen next.

'Pain tore through his gut as he realized that he hadn't recovered yet, but he clung tightly to the belief that the day would come.
Because if it didn't, there was fuck all to live for.'

It's always hard to say goodbye to characters I grew to love. Especially since this book brought the series characters so much closer to my heart.

I can't wait to read Rupe's story because he played a big part in my love for this series. As well as Rachael, Pete, Kinga, even William, Rowan and Dr. Bauer played their part. All the characters were special to me. It's so hard to let go. I really did use up a pretty amount of tissues at the end of this book.

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View review on goodreads

Book Review: Losing Game #2: A Winning Ace Novel by Tracie Delaney

I loved the first book and was so excited to start the second one especially with how Winning Ace ended. I just can’t deal with cliffhangers and was so happy that I didn’t have to wait too long for the second book. So, lucky for me the second book picked up not long after the story in the first one ended. I was worried that it would be dragging because who knew where the story would go and if Tally would be heartbroken for most of the book. Anyway, I worried for nothing because the writing was as captivating as in the first book and I loved the dynamic between the characters and the fast pace. Let’s just say that I fell in love with the story all over again. =)

Whereas Winning Ace was much more about the characters fighting against all odds for a chance to be together and learning to deal with the different life and perspective of the other, Losing Game revolved much more around the second chance and what else awaits them, especially for Cash and his career. Let's just say that enemies aren't always easy to distinguish and they sometimes are people but may also come as a twist of fate. So, when it suddenly hits you, it's too late to do anything about it and no matter how many “what if's” you come up with, there is just one way to deal with it -> Head on and with your head held high. But this is easier said than done when all you can think of is the loss it brought with it.

The Story:
Tally ran. When she saw the photos of Cash kissing another woman, she was beyond devastated about his betrayal. Cheating is the only one thing she won’t forgive no matter of how much her heart hurt.
Cash has always been stubborn and determined at getting what he wanted. When Tally left him, he was torn between telling her his secret and putting everything at risk that he’d build so far, or letting her go and keeping his secrets. Because there’d be no way in getting her back without telling her the truth. Risking his career, he tracks Tally down and makes up his mind, that he can’t live a life without her in it. But what will the consequences be? Will there be any at all? Nobody has a perfect life but people like to believe so.

'The swaying from one thing to another was making her head spin. Why couldn't life be simpler?'

Thoughts:
I loved it!! There was so much going on I can't even say what I loved most!
This book was anything and nothing what I'd expected because at first, I felt like I knew most of what was coming and I anticipated most that happened but it didn’t really bother me. There might’ve been something that not everyone would agree on and which is a matter of opinion and believes. I was a bit torn about it but decided in the end it’s just a part of a whole and I just rolled with it. (If you're curious, I'm talking about Rachael and the press stuff.)

Anyway, there was a certain point where the story took a huge turn and got somewhat harder for the characters and became much more emotional (with reason of course!). I absolutely loved it although it was tough to read because I felt so close to the characters that it felt like I was right in the middle of their emotional disaster. The only thing that bothered me a bit (besides Tally's constant change of mind in the beginning) was how fast it all happened. At least it felt for me like it happened in a blink of an eye and I don't mean what put the characters in this position but everything else after that felt a little rushed. It made for a fast pace which I liked but at the same time I would have loved to have a bit more of preparation time and details.

There’s not much else to say actually because I loved the second book as much as the first one. For all I know it could have been one huge book because the story rolled so easily and was really enjoyable to read! As in the first, there were also some ups and downs in the story, most of which were predictable (though not all) but it didn’t take away any excitement or suspense no matter which course the story took. It reminded me of a quote from a movie 'It's the perfect combination of sweet and sexy'. That's how I felt about most of the book but it was not just funny and romantic but also really emotional when you least expected it.

“Why didn't you come into my life sooner?' She gave the secret smile she kept only for him. “Because you weren't ready for me until now.”

This was again a highly addictive read and I'm in desperate need of book #3!!

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

View review on goodreads

Blog Tour & Book Review: Scandalous by L.J. Shen

Scandalous
by L.J. Shen
Series: Sinners of Saint #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance Standalone
Release Date: September 29th, 2017

Blurb:

They call him The Mute for a reason.
Hard, cold and calculated, he rarely speaks.
When he does, it’s with disdain.
When he does, his words aren’t meant for me.
When he does, my stomach flips and my world tilts on its axis.
He is thirty-three.
I am eighteen.
He’s a single dad and my father’s business partner.
I’m just a kid to him and his enemy’s daughter.
He’s emotionally unavailable.
And I am…feeling. Feeling things I shouldn’t feel for him.
Trent Rexroth is going to break my heart. The writing isn’t just on the wall, it’s inked on my soul.
And yet, I can’t stay away.
A scandal is the last thing my family needs. But a scandal is what we’re going to give them.
And oh, what a beautiful chaos it will be.
 

 Buy now:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2fN06df
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2whiZeq
Free in Kindle Unlimited
 

Excerpt:

Trent’s gaze cut to mine and stopped when his grays met my blues. The fading noise of Vicious barking at people to move along, and my father finally letting go of my arm to move toward Jaime and Dean—probably trying to gain both allies and sympathy—died down.
“I don’t like you,” Rexroth whispered under his breath, his voice harsh.
“I never asked you to.” I shrugged.
“You won’t be working here.” His arm brushed my shoulder, but I didn’t think it was by accident. I let loose a sugary smile, scanning his face and torso for no other reason other than to taunt him. “Good, you’ll be doing me a favor. My father is the one forcing me to work here. He’s pissed I turned down five Ivy League colleges. Remind me, Mr. Rexroth—which top tier university did you attend for your degree?”
The low blow was supposed to retrieve some of my lost dignity, but bile burned my throat, shotgunned from my stomach. Trent Rexroth was known in Todos Santos as an exhilarating success story, rising from the gutters of San Diego. He went to a shitty state college that accepted even the illiterate, working as a janitor on campus after hours. Those were given facts he’d recited himself in an interview for Forbes.
Had I really just tried to make him feel less worthy because he wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth? It made me sicker than wearing my mother’s designer garbs.
Trent smiled, leaning into my body, into my soul. His smirk was more frightening than any scowl, frown, or grimace I’d ever seen. It threatened to tear me apart and sew me back together however he pleased.
“Edie.” His lips were dangerously close to my ear. A delicious shiver moved down my spine. Something warm rolled inside of me, begging to unknot and flower into an orgasm. What was happening, and why the hell was it happening? “If you know what’s best for you, you will turn around and leave right now.”
I elevated my head to meet his gaze and showed him my version of a grin. I was born and raised in a world of intimidating rich men, and I’d be damned if I go down like my mother—addicted to xanax, Gucci, and a man who paraded her on his arm for a short, glorious decade before keeping her solely for public appearances.
“I think I’m going to go find my desk now. I’d wish you a good day, Mr. Rexroth, but I think that ship has sailed. You’re a miserable man. Oh, and one for the road.” I fished for a Nature Valley bar in my mother’s purse and plastered it to his hard, muscled chest. My heart slammed into my neck, fluttering like a caged bird.
I hurried after my father as he glided down the vast, golden-hued hallway, not daring to look back. Knowing I’d started a war and arrived unequipped. But I also knew something else that gave me a surfer’s rush—if I could slam the final nail in my employment coffin and make Rexroth vote against me, I’d be off the hook.
I had just the plan for it. All I had to do was act like a brat. Game on.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE SINNERS OF SAINT SERIES:

Vicious
by LJ Shen
Series: Sinners of Saint #1

Buy now:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2xdCsQ6
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2jzngb4

Free in Kindle Unlimited

 About the author:

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

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My review:

I might be in the minority with my dislike of this book, although it’s probably too strong a word for my feelings since the book had a lot of potential, but especially Edie’s character ruined it for me. The story per se was good and kept my interest until the end.

I don’t know why I didn’t pay more attention to the blurb. Maybe because I liked the author’s previous book so much that I was really excited for this one and skipped the part about him being thirty-three and her being just 18 years old.

Would I have known of her childlike behavior I’m sure I wouldn’t have picked up this book. The story might not have been that bad but the h just made everything so much worse. Also Trent’s treating her like a child didn’t help much in warming up to the characters.

It wasn’t all bad though because I loved the moments when I could see Trent trying really hard to be a good parent and caring so much for his girl that he'd give up everything and do anything for her in a heartbeat.

'My daughter was beautiful and the world was ugly and I didn't know how to help her. And it killed me like cancer. Slowly. Surely. Savagely.'

Reading about his emotional struggles and also his plot against Jordan was what I liked. He was a complex character and I did like him at times but I wondered what he wanted from Edie Van Der Zee when he thought of her as a child, because he already had one and didn’t need one as a girlfriend as well. So what was so special about her?

'She was young. So, goddamn young. And even if I didn't care about the age – which I did, her body was straddling the rope between ripe and juvenile.'

The Story:

Just because Jordan Van Der Zee has too much money to count doesn’t mean Edie has too. Having no other chance she starts working at her dad’s company, even though she’d rather spend her time surfing.

When she thought that this alone is a pain in the ass, she has another thing coming because Trent Rexroth and the hidden agenda of her dad will have her right in the middle of a war between her father and the man she can’t seem to stay away from.

It’s time for Edie to choose between love and love -> because there’s a difference when you look closely.

'He was pungently masculine and intimidating in his looks, but that was not what made me recognize him immediately. It was what rolled off of him in dangerous quantities, the menace and ruggedness. He was a dark knight made of coarse material. Cruel in his silence and punishing in his confidence. I'd only met him once, at a barbecue at Dean Cole's house a few weeks ago, and we hadn't spoken a word to each other.
He hadn't spoken a word to anyone.
Trent Rexroth.'

Thoughts:

I wished for the h to be more mature, 21 years would probably have helped and would have made a huge difference to the story I believe. She was a total brat and I’m just not into those daddy stories because this really felt like one at times.

'I wanted what was forbidden, and wrong, and fucking crazy. I wanted my partner's daughter, who was nearly half my age.'

After half way through the book I was getting more and more into the story. But I still didn’t get their attraction toward one another. Ok, I did understand Edie’s attraction to him because who wouldn’t be drooling all over this guy. Trent on the other hand I didn’t get, because what was so attractive about Edie? She was an adolescent brat that served her father for ruining Trent. So what was so appealing that he didn’t care about all of that? She didn’t like money (although she needed it badly) and she cared for Luna. But that was it with the commonalities. He didn’t even like her most of the time because of her childlike behavior and I really didn’t understand where the sexual desire came from.

And the ending?! Ugh. Normally I'd be all for that but in this case I'd rather have her grow up first. Their big age difference was something I couldn't overlook especially with her behavior and I was bothered by all the problems they'd faced and didn't sort through but had just swept under the rug.

What shocked me most was Edie’s father. Jordan seemed like the worst father ever but after a while it turned out he was not just the worst, he was evil. I wondered why he didn’t send Edie to boarding school to be rid of her while he could when she was still underage.

There was one thing in the story that held most of my attention. It was all the secrecy about Theo. I was wildly guessing what’s going on and this was one of the main reasons (apart from Luna and Edie’s thing going on with Trent) that kept me reading and glued to the pages.

“If you want to be strong, be.”

Recommendation:

If you don’t mind or even like young girls and older men, then go for it. This will be your read because the story was really good. I just wasn’t into the age difference and the adolescent behavior.

'”Seahorses are Luna's favorite animal because the male seahorse is the only animal in nature to carry the baby and not the mother. The male seahorse is the one to incubate the offspring. To fall pregnant. To nest.”'

-- I received an ARC of this book from Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads