Addicted (Outlaws #2)
   by: Elle Kennedy

Publication Date: June 28, 2016
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Dystopian Erotic Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

From the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed comes the second enticingly erotic novel set in a world on the brink of chaos.

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.

Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up...

 

 

I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I love this series. I love the fact that it's also dystopian. A very, very SEXY dystopian at that. At first, I was a little unsure of how I would handle the non-traditional sex scenes, but Kennedy handles it so well. They completely work and feel natural in this type of environment. We have a group of Outlaws living on the fringe of 'society' and they make their own rules. They aren't ashamed of how they live their lives and they aren't afraid to be themselves. I quite admire that mindset.

 

This book picks up where Claimed left off, with Connor sending assistance to Reese's camp. Lennox, Pike, Rylan, Jamie, and Kade all head to Foxworth to help get Reese's people more battle ready. At the start, Jamie is lusting over Rylan (and who wouldn't?!) but you can tell the tension is simmering under the surface between her and Lennox. I absolutely love that they have been together and best friends for so long. There is already so much history there, so seeing them make that transition from friends to lovers was quite sexy and fun. However, they do have to learn how to navigate this new relationship. As much as they both want to maintain their friendship and keep things the same, it's an impossible feat, especially now that intimacy is involved.

 

Jamie was such an awesome character. She is tough as nails, but she hasn't lost all hope at a future. I loved that balance. A heroine who longs for things like love and a family, but isn't afraid to call out her best friend on his crap. In a very alpha male dominated setting, she is a fiery one that demands they be partners and equals. I loved every second of that. Kennedy has written some seriously strong females in this series amidst these alpha males and it's awesome to see them bring those males to their knees.

 

Lennox was a great character too. He is a tough guy, but he has a soft spot for his best friend. They have been together for so long and he feels it's his responsibility to take care of her and protect her. (Which gets him in trouble several times) He is tired of pretending he doesn't want his best friend like he does, but he is also terrified of losing her. I love that Kennedy has him feel this way, but doesn't create a story filled with that frustrating push and pull effect.

 

Reese and her people at Foxworth are living in a precarious situation with their unstable alliance with the Enforcers. We really see this firsthand and are reminded of how gritty and dangerous this world really is. You'll experience a myriad of emotions with the one folks- humor, love, heartache, happiness, and sadness.... but the fierceness and loyalty of these characters will penetrate your soul and leave you desperate for more! I am SO excited for the next book in the series, Ruled. It's going to be a game changer, I can already tell.

 

The Long Game (The Fixer #2)
   by: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Genre: Political Thriller
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Physical copy received via the publisher in exchange for  a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 368 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Tess Kendrick, teen fixer extraordinaire, returns in a pulse-pounding thriller about a deadly conspiracy at the heart of Washington.

 For Tess Kendrick, a junior at the elite Hardwicke School in Washington D.C., fixing runs in the family. But Tess has another legacy, too, one that involves power and the making of political dynasties. When Tess is asked to run a classmate's campaign for student council, she agrees. But when the candidates are children of politicians, even a high school election can involve life-shattering secrets.

Meanwhile, Tess's guardian has also taken on an impossible case, as a terrorist attack calls into doubt who can--and cannot--be trusted on Capitol Hill. Tess knows better than most that power is currency in D.C., but she's about to discover first-hand that power always comes with a price.

Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and Ally Carter, the second book in this thrilling series will leave readers breathless.

 

 

After reading and LOVING The Fixer, I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Long Game! I never would have thought I would enjoy political thrillers, but man, Jennifer Lynn Barnes has sold me! There are so many twists and turns that I did NOT see coming! I was seriously floored! I love books that take me by surprise like that!

 

I will keep my thoughts brief, as I do not want to include any spoilers from The Fixer, as there are plenty of twists and turns in that one as well! Tess has become known as a fixer at her school and while she doesn't really relish the job, she still ends up doing it. She doesn't like seeing her classmates treated unjustly and no matter how much she says she's not going to, she always finds her way into the middle of the fray! Her relationship with Ivy is definitely strained after things came to light in the previous book, but I really like the way Barnes developed that relationship. It's realistic and raw and I just love it. I also love Adam too and am still holding out for him and Ivy to get together!

 

The gang is all back in this one and there's a hint of a romance! I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, but I was totally on board! However, things get... complicated. That's a good word for it. :) And that's all you'll get from me.

 

Action, adventure, intrigue, secrets, betrayal... it's all here in this second book in the series! I am really hoping Barnes gets contracted for a third novel because oh my goodness I need closure and answers! I highly recommend these books- they are so much fun and they read so fast!

 

Welcome to my stop on the You're Still the One tour hosted by InkSlingerPR!

Today I am excited to share my review, an excerpt from the book, and a giveaway with you all!

You're Still the One (Country Blues #1)
   by: Rachel Harris

Publication Date: Feb. 15, 2016
Publisher: Entangled: Bliss
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 254 pages
Order Links: Amazon| B&N | iBooks | Kobo
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Love is one dare neither of them can take...

Arabella Stone, Nashville’s darling, is eager to shuck her prim-and-proper rep, and a few wild months spent checking items off her “ summer bucket list” is the way to do it. First up: kiss the man she’s crushed on since she wore a training bra, the bad boy of country himself, Blue bassist Charlie Tucker.

For Charlie, a beautiful woman flirting with him isn’t out of the norm—but a beautiful woman bolting after the hottest kiss of his life sure is. And when he finds out his kiss-and-run Cinderella is none other than Arabella Stone, daughter of his label’s CEO, he knows he’s in trouble. Because not only is she a Stone, she’s also his employee for the next few months at the recording studio he just bought.

Over the course of one thrilling summer, Arabella and Charlie chip away at her bucket list and fight the simmering attraction between them...knowing that once it's all over, so is their time together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I absolutely can not get enough of Rachel Harris's books. Seriously. They always leave me feeling so damn happy and hopeful! I love how her heroines are not only kick butt, but they also have their quirky traits too! Harris does such a great job of appealing to regular women and I love how relatable her books are!

 

I've been super excited for Charlie's story and I couldn't be more pleased with the end result. I loved him and Arabella together! Watching these two navigate their attraction and feelings for one another was such a blast. And whew! These two have some super sexy moments together too! I loved seeing how intimate they were and I seriously had butterflies in my stomach and a ridiculous grin on my face while reading.

 

Arabella has been infatuated with Charlie Tucker since she was a teen, but having been older than her, he never paid her much attention. She was his boss's kid daughter, certainly not the stunning woman he comes face to face with at a record label party. He does not recognize her, and she doesn't correct him, thus initiating a searing hot kiss that left both of them affected.

 

Things definitely get complicated, as Arabella's father has asked Charlie to watch out for her over the summer. That might not be so bad, had Charlie not been privy to some other information that would surely crush Arabella if she found out the truth.

 

Charlie was such a great love interest, but he did drive me a little crazy. I get his resistance to pursuing a relationship with her, but I thought the tension was going to slice me in half. Arabella was just so sweet and wore her heart on her sleeve and I didn't want to see Charlie break it. His words might say he can't do anything serious, but his actions certainly contradict him. He wants her just as badly as she does him and I love that intense moment when he just says 'screw it all' and goes after her. *dreamy sigh*

 

I loved seeing the Robicheaux clan again, as well as Charlie's bandmates! I am SUPER excited for Hannah and Deacon's story next. Harris gave us just enough to already ship those two so hard and I can't wait to see their history unravel!

 

If you're in the mood for a feel good romance with loads of kissing, sexy times, and memorable characters- you need to pick this one up!

 

Heart fluttering like a hummingbird, Ella picked her way across the stones, the steps still warm from the day’s brutal sun. She lowered herself, one concrete step at a time, until the tepid water lapped against the undersides of her breasts. She gasped at the sensation.

 

If she’d thought the biker bar felt decadent, this was positively wicked. Never in her wildest dreams had Arabella considered checking skinny-dipping off her list in this way, with neighbors potentially watching, and a naked Charlie Tucker as a wingman. 

 

He tensed as she glided across the pool, the muscles of his back like chiseled marble. She’d love to believe it was because of her, that he longed to touch her as badly as she wanted to be touched. But she knew him well enough to know that even if he did, he’d never act on the desire. Not unless his guard was down.

 

So, Arabella did what any self-respecting woman in her situation would do. She dipped her hands into the water on either side of her body, gently cupping them so as not to make any sudden waves. She grinned as she bent her knees for leverage…and then, stifling a laugh, swung her hands high and up into the air.

 

Splash.

 

Charlie cursed as water rained, falling like a sheet over his head. His neck snapped back, flicking his unruly dark hair out of his eyes, and his shoulders raised to meet his ears.

 

Immediately, Arabella started backpedaling.

 

Fans of romantic comedies, and anyone who swam with boys in high school, knew what came next. She’d awoken the sleeping bad-boy giant, or so she hoped, but somehow, even as she kicked away as hard as she could, she couldn’t excite the proper trepidation. She wanted this, wanted him to come after her.

 

But she had to make the chase look realistic.

 

“Oh, you think you’re funny, don’t you?” Charlie’s smile was as big and dangerous as a bloodthirsty alligator, and Ella squealed as he took his first looming step. “You better run, sweet girl. It’s on now.”

 

Arabella kicked her feet, shooting water in his face. “Bring it, Tucker!”

 

Please, please, bring it, Tucker.  

 

 

 
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

 

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

 

 

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Rachel Harris Goodreads | Newsletter Sign Up

 

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The Song of Achilles
   by: Madeline Miller

Publication Date: Sept. 20, 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre: Mythology, Historical Fiction
Age Group: Adult
Source: Borrowed from library
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links:  Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their difference, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles' mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.

But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

I wasn't originally going to review this one, because I honestly don't even know how I could attempt to do justice to such a beautiful book. But I really wanted people to know how much I enjoyed this one and to put it on their radar if it hadn't been already. So. We'll give this a go.

Most of you know the story of Achilles, whether you've read The Iliad or seen the movie Troy, or having studied him in school. Having been born to a goddess and a King, he is obviously more. He is an extremely fast, skilled fighter and his destiny lies in greatness. I can't imagine the burden he must feel to know he is different than the others in his life. That is why it was such a surprise to see him befriend Patroclus, who has been exiled to his father's court. There is seemingly nothing special about Patroclus at all. He doesn't fit in with the others and keeps to himself. However, he and Achilles end up forming a friendship that transcends all others. It was such a beautiful thing to witness, as both end up being exactly what the other needs.

Their friendship turns into something more and while it was common for young boys at this time, most ended up marrying and growing out of their desire for one another. It wasn't the case for Achilles and Patroclus. Neither was interested in seeking attention from women and despite being pushed to do so, their hearts clearly belonged to one another. Patroclus might have always stood in Achilles' shadow, but to Achilles he was the light in a world of prophecies and expectations. I loved that so much.

So much changes for these two as they embark to fight in the Trojan War. It's impossible to go back to being the two young boys who were able to enjoy life to the fullest while they trained with Chiron or spent time in the palace. They have become men and as we all know Achilles' fatal flaw is his hubris, which is always frustrating to witness no matter how many times I read about him. I think it's because I know the outcome and had he not been so stubborn, so much could have been avoided. My heart hurt as it always does when I read the end, but Miller put her own twist on what happens after, that literally had my heart crying out. While I despised Thetis, Achilles' mother, for most of the book, I can't help but respect her by the end for what she did.

Besides Achilles and Patroclus, I loved Briseis. Seeing what Achilles did for those women really warmed my heart and, as you feel the story turning darker and to the inevitable, Miller inserts these beautiful scenes of love and camaraderie among the Greeks and I just loved reading about them.

There is a reason these are Greek tragedies my friends. You don't get a happy ending. But I promise you, The Song of Achilles, will leave you satisfied and hopeful amidst your grief. If you love Greek mythology and are looking for a beautiful, quiet romance- get this one.

Appealed (The Legal Briefs #3)
    by: Emma Chase

Publication Date: Jan. 19, 2016
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 304 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate - and prized - parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Christian Louboutins.

Brent has never let the loss of his leg in a childhood accident affect his ability to lead a fulfilling life. He sets high goals–and then he reaches them.

And now he has his sights set on Kennedy.
**
When Kennedy looks at Brent Mason, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue-worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell.

She’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore - she’s a DC prosecutor with a long winning streak behind her. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case and she thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out that way.

Because every fiery exchange has her wondering if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. Each argument and objection only makes him want her more. In the end, Brent and Kennedy may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

I have been anxiously awaiting Brent's book ever since finishing Sustained, so I was eager to dive right in once I got my hands on it. I will go ahead and tell you that I devoured this book in one sitting, which has become a rarity for me lately. I could not get enough of Brent and Kennedy and their awesome banter. I am such a sucker for second chance romances, so this worked so well for me. And the extended epilogue? Sheer perfection. I teared up and just felt so overwhelmed with emotion because it was EXACTLY the ending I was looking for.

Brent is the laid back one of the group and is all about living life to the fullest and enjoying himself. He has worked hard to make a name for himself and he doesn't depend on his parents or their money to help him get by. I love that he isn't too proud to see a therapist and that he genuinely takes his advice to heart. Not many guys would be willing to do that and talk out their issues with someone else, so Brent instantly earned points for being so self-assured. He's confident, but he doesn't come across as a jerk either. He was a great protagonist and I loved being inside his head.

When Kennedy Randolph waltzes back into his life, Brent is pretty stunned. He has always cared for the girl next door, but now she's an absolute knockout. I loved her sass too! She doesn't let Brent get away with ANYTHING and I was proud of her for giving as good as she did. She has some serious steel walls though and after finding out how she was bullied and treated in high school, I don't blame her one bit. I hated how her and Brent's history got so warped and ruined by pettiness and jealous mean girls. Their history definitely plays a role in their current relationship and it's no easy task for Brent to win Kennedy's heart. He has to work for it, but he does so brilliantly and I love that moment where he lays it all on the line for her. He doesn't mince words, doesn't play games. That's a man after my own heart right there. As always, Emma Chase delivers on the delicious, sexy times, as well as the swoony ones!

I enjoyed seeing Stanton, Sofia, Jake, Chelsea, and the kids again too. Seeing them interact as a group really made my heart happy and they have a great dynamic together. The extended epilogue was everything I could ever want for these characters and it's a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye. However, I thought Chase did a wonderful job with this third novel in the Legal Briefs series. As always, I can't wait to see where she takes us next!

Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe #1)
    by: Rosamund Hodge

Publication Date: Jan. 28, 2014
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 342 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle—a shifting maze of magical rooms—enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

 

 

Being a huge Beauty and the Beast fan, I knew this book was one that I had to read. This book is easily one of my new favorites of the year- it completely enchanted me and I never wanted it to end! I've found the best books are always the most difficult to review, as words are simply not enough to convey all of the emotions I felt while reading.

 

I am a huge Greek mythology fan, so I loved how Hodge weaved elements of that into her story, as well as with the Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was a lot of fun trying to guess and figure out the story based on that, and I love that she kept me guessing.

 

Nyx is one tough heroine, that's for sure. She has spent her life being primed by her father to marry the Gentle Lord, and while she's less than thrilled with the decision, she is bound by duty to do what she must. Of course, she is not going down without a fight. I absolutely loved her insolence and her defiant attitude. Ignifex completely took me by surprise and while he was a cocky, frustrating son of a gun, I ended up falling for him- hook, line, and sinker. I loved him and Nyx together. They butt heads at every turn and there were so many times I thought they were going to kill each other. They certainly have an interesting dynamic, but it boils down to the fact that Ignifex sees her for who she really is. They are both deeply flawed characters and they find a kindred spirit in one another much to Nyx's dismay. She doesn't want this evil creature to SEE her and yet he does and she can't help but be drawn to that brutal honesty. Nyx is impulsive and she makes decisions and mistakes that will leave you tense and frustrated, but you really can't help but admire the girl for trying to do what's right. Her heart is at war with itself and she is forced to choose between the man she has come to love and what she was sent to do all along- free her people from the Gentle Lord's reign.

 

I loved the duplicity that Hodge included with her characters. She certainly keeps you guessing as to who the 'good' and 'bad' guys are, that's for sure. Characters I would initially like, ended up being some of my most hated. By the end, I was a mess because I was so afraid that Hodge would rip me apart. It definitely made for some stressful times, but it was so worth the agony and stress.

 

This book rocked my world and it is definitely one that I will be recommending to fantasy/retelling lovers.

Audio notes: I really enjoyed the narrator for this one. I thought she did a fantastic job with the characters. I also found this to be relatively easy to follow on audio. I sometimes have issues with fantasy on audio because there's SO MUCH to absorb that it makes keeping track difficult. I didn't have this problem too bad here.

The Understatement of the Year (The Ivy Years #3)
    by: Sarina Bowen

Publication Date: Oct. 15, 2014
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-copy provided via BocciPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 306 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexuality from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

 

 

I can't emphasize to you all enough how much I am enjoying this series. Maybe it's because it's been so long since I've read a truly great college new adult romance series, where the characters go to class, they go to sports practices, hang out with friends, attend social functions, etc. It's not all about the romance and sex. Friendships are developed and emphasized and I love seeing these characters find their way.

 

With that being said, I am a bit bummed to say this book has been my least favorite of the series thus far. I say this mainly because I was SO frustrated with Michael. I hated how he treated Rikker for a good portion of the book and while I understand his fears, it was really frustrating at the same time. It took Michael a good long while to come around and admit to himself that he had feelings for Rikker, so there was a lot of avoidance on his part.

 

I really loved Rikker though. It's not easy to be the new guy- but it's even harder to be the new gay guy. He deals with a lot of crap because of his sexual orientation and it really hurt my heart to see people be so cruel. I also hated how lonely he was. While he ends up befriending Bella and Hartley, he still doesn't have that camaraderie that some of the others have. He isn't ashamed of who he is and where Michael clung to his fear, Rikker stared it in the face and came out the better man.

 

One of my favorite new additions to the series is Bella. She has a reputation for being the hockey go-to girl, but she really has deeper feelings for Michael. Naturally, she is deeply hurt when she finds out the truth, but she is still supportive of her friend. I am really looking forward to her story because she really deserves to find her person.

 

Even though I wasn't crazy about Michael, I did enjoy the romance once we got to that point. Michael has always felt more for Rikker, so seeing him finally coming to terms with that and embracing his feelings really endeared him to me. It just took a long time to get to that point. I know it seems sort of unfair for me to be hung up on Michael, because I honestly cannot imagine what it's like to be struggling with your identity and sexual orientation. He has been raised in a very Christian environment, and while his parents were always a bit more lenient than say Rikker's, he is afraid of the repercussions. He sees firsthand what Rikker deals with the slurs and the separation and he isn't ready to step out into that just yet. I really hope we get to see more of Rikker and Michael in Bella's book now that they are together!

The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years #4)
    by: Sarina Bowen

Publication Date: Apr. 12, 2015
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-copy provided via BocciPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 332 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

 

 

While the previous book in the series was my least favorite, this one just might be my favorite. (It's pretty close with Bridger's book, The Year We Hid Away) I adored Bella with Rafe and I loved how they became friends first, which seems to be the common theme in this series. This book tackles a pretty important topic that I fear is more common in college settings than most realize.

 

We met Bella in the previous book, as the spunky, feisty, hockey manager who doesn't hide the fact that she likes hooking up with the players on the team. She got a little razzed about it by one of the other players (Big-D, who is a total big D....) but no one really did any slut-shaming with her. She doesn't do relationships, as both times she's allowed herself to fall, she's gotten her heart broken. She's confident in herself and I love that she goes through life so brazenly and without shame. Which is why my heart absolutely broke for what happened to her in this book. I hated seeing the light snuffed out of such a vibrant girl because there are so many cruel people in this world. No, it's not what you're probably thinking thank goodness, because I think I would have been destroyed had things gotten worse. However, seeing Bella transform into a girl who hides herself away and shut out the world, was not cool. I am so thankful she had so many amazing people in her corner.

 

Rafe is absolutely one of the best people she could have the privilege of knowing. Sure, things were a little awkward after they slept together one night, but he ended up being such a good friend to her. I loved that he was so dedicated to her and trying to help her through everything, but he still wanted her desperately. However, Bella doesn't do relationships and he refuses to sleep around. (Love the role reversal!) Don't worry though. These two have plenty of sexy times together and I just adored them together.

 

I also really liked Bella's roommate Lianne. In the beginning she isn't a very likeable character because of how she pretends Bella doesn't exist, but she does come around and I ended up loving her. She's a total geek and she's really shy. Oh and she's famous too, so there's that. I'm so glad Sarina decided to write a book for her. She needs to come out of her shell and feel the love too!

 

We do get to see Rikker and Michael like I hoped and they are happier than ever, so I'm glad they were able to get past everything and really work as a couple. While this book isn't centered around hockey as much as some of the others, I did love seeing them rally behind Bella, especially after she completely isolated herself from everyone. It was heartwarming to see how much they cared for her and missed her.

 

You can read all of these books as stand-alones, so I would definitely make sure you get this one, especially if you love a realistic, poignant storyline that has great friendships and romance to round it out.

Dirty Talk (Mechanics of Love #2)
   by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Sept. 15, 2015
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 304 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

When the one you shouldn't want is the one you can't resist...

Brent Payton works hard, plays hard, and has earned his ladies’ man reputation. But he’s more than just a good time, even though no one seems to see it. Until a gorgeous brunette with knockout curves and big, thoughtful eyes walks into his family’s garage and makes Brent want more.

Ivy Dawn and her sister are done with men, all of them. They’ve uprooted their lives too many times on account of the opposite sex, but that’s over now. The plan seems easy until a sexy, dirty-taking mechanic bursts in Ivy’s life and shakes everything up.

Brent can’t resist the one person who sees past his devil-may-care façade, and Ivy finds it harder and harder to deny how happy he makes her. But she has secrets of her own and when the truth comes out, she must decide if she’ll run again or if she’ll take a chance on forever.

 

 

This will probably be a shorter review, because let's face it. I loved this book so hard and I just want everyone to read it. I love those Payton boys something fierce, so I was THRILLED Megan gave them their own series. I completely fell for grumpy, gruff Cal in Dirty Thoughts and I have been looking forward to Brent's book for awhile now. The playboy, goofy middle brother was bound to have an awesome story and sure enough he did!

 

I love Brent to pieces. He is goofy, sure, but he has a serious side too. He wants to be taken more seriously by others and it's been hard to do that when you're around people who have known you for years. With Ivy though, Brent gets to show her there's a lot more to him than the things she's heard. I loved how Brent was with Ivy. He was determined to prove to her that he was a guy worth knowing and falling for. Seeing him with Ivy's daughter Violet was beyond precious and I loved seeing the two interact.

 

Ivy was a great match for Brent, but it took her some time to finally let herself be with him. Ivy and her sister Alex, have uprooted their life to escape Alex's ex-boyfriend, who was verbally abusive to her and has made little Violet scared of males. It was a bad situation and the girls have vowed that the other comes first and foremost. I got a bit frustrated with Ivy because I hated that she kept her feelings for Brent a secret. Alex is not only her sister, but her best friend, and while she would have struggled with it at first, she would have come around. I hated seeing Brent's feelings hurt, especially since he has been dismissed as a joker for so long.

 

Brent and Ivy's chemistry is electric and Megan writes tension SO WELL. I was desperate for these two to fall in love! I loved seeing how comfortable and natural they were with one another on their dates. Brent makes Ivy laugh and she isn't afraid to push up her sleeves and get a little dirty with him too. Their crab date was the greatest ever.

 

I was so happy to see Cal and Jenna again, as well as Asher and Julian. Jack, the Payton boys' dad, is the one that really blew me away this book though. He's not a major character, but his involvement is so poignant and it made me tear up because of how heartfelt it was. He really is a good guy through and through and I love seeing this gruff, tough man have those moments. I can't wait for Alex's book next. Emotionally, she carries a lot of baggage, so I am looking forward to meeting the man who will help break past those barriers and help her find love again. I also want a book for Davis, Brent's next door neighbor who is paralyzed and in a wheelchair. He is a good guy too and his and Brent's bromance was just the greatest.

 

So, this wasn't quite as short as I expected because naturally I had to gush about how much I loved it. Definitely get this one, you guys. You won't regret it!

  

Vengeance Road
    by: Erin Bowman

Publication Date: Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers
Genre: Western/Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 336 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

When Kate Thompson’s father is killed by the notorious Rose Riders for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, the eighteen-year-old disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers and justice. What she finds are devious strangers, dust storms, and a pair of brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, she gets closer to the truth about herself and must decide if there's room for love in a heart so full of hate.

In the spirit of True Grit, the cutthroat days of the Wild West come to life for a new generation.

 

 

I have to admit. This book completely blew me away. I didn't really know what to expect going in, except that it was a western. This is my first book by Erin Bowman and she definitely hit the mark for me. I loved everything about this one: the writing, the storyline, the characters, the romance... I did NOT want to put it down.

 

I really enjoyed Kate as our protagonist. She is fierce and unapologetic, taking on a more traditional male role during this time period with her thirst for vengeance. She doesn't even think twice about it either. She vows to avenge her father, after the Rose Riders hung him and burned their home down. She has no other family and really doesn't have anything else to lose, so she saddles her horse, gets a few necessities, and heads out. Her father always said if anything ever were to happen to him that she should go see a man named Abe in a nearby town. She does so, only to find Abe has passed as well, but his family knows to expect the child. However, Kate is not going by Kate. She has cut her hair and has disguised herself as a boy named Nate. It is here that she meets up with Abe's two sons, Jesse and Will Colton, who end up accompanying her on her way.

 

I liked Jesse a lot. Jesse and Kate are both pretty stubborn and tend to knock heads, but I liked seeing that between them. Jesse is a good guy even though he could be hot and cold with Kate, especially after he discovers she's really a girl. He makes mistakes and ends up regretting some of them. On this type of journey, there is always a significant level of danger and you have to be prepared for anything and expect the unexpected. Bowman does not hold back and we get to experience betrayal, grief, happiness, and we certainly get some surprises thrown in as we go.

 

This book was non-stop action for me. I had a hard time finding a stopping place because one thing would keep leading to another! I was a little fearful that I wouldn't get the ending I wanted, but I thought Bowman did a great job and I thought it was quite fitting. It's refreshing to read a stand alone for once, but I honestly did NOT want this book to end and I certainly didn't want to leave the West!

Ryker (Cold Fury Hockey #4)
   by: Sawyer Bennett

Publication Date: Sept. 8, 2015
Publisher: Loveswept
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 269 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

The rugged men of the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team are winning hearts once again in another scorching novel from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett.

The stakes have never been higher for Carolina Cold Fury goalie Ryker Evans. With his contract running out, he’s got a year left to prove he’s still at the top of his game. And since his wife left him, Ryker has been balancing life as a pro-hockey star and a single parent to two daughters. Management is waiting for him to screw up. The fans are ready to pounce. Everybody’s taking dirty shots—except for the fiery redhead whose faith in Ryker gives him a fresh start.

As the league’s only female general manager, Gray Brannon has learned not to mix business with pleasure. And yet even this tough, talented career woman can’t help breaking her own rules as she gives Ryker everything she’s got. She hopes their hot streak will last forever, but with Ryker’s conniving ex plotting to reclaim her man, the pressure’s on Gray to step up and save a tender new love before it’s too late.

 

 

You guys. I DEVOURED this book in the span of a few hours. I absolutely could NOT put it down. I just adore this series so much and Sawyer Bennett has written a new favorite hockey player for me: Ryker Evans. Ryker is one of those extreme good guys you can't help but fall for. He is on fire this year for the Carolina Cold Fury as their starting goalie and he is determined to help his team win the Stanley Cup this year. Not only is he a dedicated athlete, but he is an AMAZING father to his two girls. I loved seeing him in dad mode. Having received sole custody of his daughters, it was quite an adjustment for Ryker, but he has handled the transition beautifully. After his wife cheated on him with another hockey player on his former team, Ryker hasn't really had time to think about love or a relationship.

 

However, now that he is settling into his role as a father, he is definitely more open to the idea. He becomes even more so when he realizes that he and Gray Brannon have some serious attraction between them. The only problem? Gray is the new manager for the Cold Fury and it would be a serious conflict of interest for the two to get involved. I adored Gray's character. She is a balls to the wall kind of girl and I loved how confident she was. She isn't afraid to deal with these men and she certainly isn't intimidated by them either. She has been raised by her father and hasn't had a lot of experiences with love and relationships before. She's a bit of a nerd and I thought it was great how statistical her brain was. It took her a bit to warm up to the idea of her and Ryker as a couple, because Ryker makes it clear he doesn't do one-night stands or hook-ups. If he's in, he's ALL in and I adored that.

 

I really love how angst-free this book was. Gray and Ryker have their own obstacles to overcome, such as keeping their relationship a secret and dealing with Ryker's ex-wife, Hensley. My heart ached for the two because neither one really wanted to keep the other a secret. Their stolen moments are extremely sexy and hot though. I love the desperation and the recklessness there- it definitely made for some steamy reading. These two know what they want and aren't afraid to vocalize that, which was awesome. I love seeing couples being so open with communication. I was a little nervous about how Ryker would handle his situation with his ex-wife, but thankfully I had nothing to worry about. He is an upstanding guy and he remains loyal to Gray every step of the way.

 

We also get to see some of our favorite Cold Fury friends. Zack and Kate make several appearances in this book and it was sweet to see them again and how their relationship has progressed. We also get to see a hint of Alex, Garrett, Sutton, and Olivia too.

 

I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I honestly don't ever want these books to end. I am so invested in these characters and I don't know that I'll ever be ready to say goodbye!