Blog Tour: Delta: Revenge (Delta #2) by Cristin Harber

Available on
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Synopsis:

A Tortured Hero with a Heart of Gold 

Growing up on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Javier Almeida has only his older sister to protect him. When she’s sold to a human-trafficker, he vows to hunt down those responsible. 

Years later, Titan Group’s Delta team finds him, tattooed and brawling, a vigilante protector with information they want. They take him in and train him, working him harder than a man should be driven, until he’s a soldier harboring an obsession. Ready for revenge, Javier ghosts his way across the globe, tracking the men who took his sister and working elite private security jobs. 

Meets Sweet and Sassy 

Jilted at the altar, Sophia Cole turns the reception into a one-woman party. She’s intent on devouring all the cake and champagne, so she can bask in the calories she’s been avoiding. In the midst of the revelry, he walks in, the one man she can never ignore. 

Javier is her older brother’s black ops teammate—an automatic Do Not Go There. But if there’s one thing better than fondant and a buzz to ease the wounds of a cheating fiancé, it might be a one-night stand with a South American military man. 

It's a Game Changer 

Javier didn’t expect to see Sophia again. He never thought he would even want to see her again. He shouldn’t have touched her, but his mind won’t stay away from her. 

Now, Sophia Cole is thousands of miles away from the safety of her parents’ lavish estate and working alongside him in hell. She’s a staffer at an Embassy, and he’s there to keep them alive. There are bombs and bullets and blood-hungry enemies. 

And then she’s taken. Gone. Just like his sister. But so much worse.

Review:

I just love Cristin Harber. Her stories are always so much fun to read. If you want super hot, intense, action packed reads then she is the author for you.

Javier lives for one thing - revenge. When he was younger his sister was taken and sold by some bad men and now he only wants revenge. He wants to take down the people responsible for hurting her. Nothing else matters. He doesn't have any ties to anyone or anything. Heck he doesn't have a place to live, a car, anything. When he was young fighting on the streets he got scooped up by Delta force and taught to be an even better fighter. Taught to be even deadlier with the promise that he would one day get his what he wants. He just moves from place to place with his job and waits for that day to come.

Sophie is an ambassadors daughter. She is supposed to keep up appearances and do what is right. She also does some super secret work helping women around the globe. Work that could endanger her life if the wrong people knew what she was doing. When the story opens she is about to marry Dr. Josh. The guy who she has dated forever, but she is now realizing has never made her swoon. Has never made her feel much of anything. Should she really be doing this? Luckily for her, though bad at the time, she finds out in front of her friends and family that he was cheating on her with her best friend. She knew he cheated in the past, but thought he had reformed. So wedding ruined, only Sophie handles the whole thing with such class. I really liked her. She is hurting and upset, but she still does everything she can to keep her mom happy. That is all she really wants in life, to make her mom proud.

Javier and Sophie first meet on that wedding night. Sure they knew who each other was before that, they both had crushes on the other, but it wasn't until that night when they both had bad days that they realize the other makes things better. If only for a night. Neither really expects anything to come of it, but it is what they both need. And phew! Javier is freakin hot! With is sexy accent, tattoos, and just all around tough guy persona he is pretty dreamy. He is one of those guys who once he commits, once he is all in, he would move heaven and earth to keep you safe.

After that one night everyone moves on and goes and does their own thing. It is not until they meet up again in Honduras where they are now both working that things get really intense. It is not very safe there, not the best place to be, but Sophie has a job to do. She has people she cares about, people she needs to help, and that is all that matters. She can't talk about her job, few people know what she is really doing, but this is what she wants to do. When Javier's team gets called in to help with some unrest in the area he is not at all happy to see her there. He wants her to go home, to be safe, to not put herself in danger. These two were so great together. Living under the same roof there is no way things don't get a bit intense. They are two strong people who just work together. Not that it is easy once they do get together. No Javier still struggles with his need for revenge, but what if his need to keep Sophie safe is stronger than that need for revenge? What if he had to choose between the two? What should he do? He struggles a lot with what to do and what would be best for everyone. It was really great to read. I loved watching these two figure everything out. I mean they both have jobs that take them all over the world, but can they figure out how to still make a relationship work? So much fun, so much intense action, such a great story.

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

About the Author:

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller. 

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Team Titan Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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The Player and the Pixie (Rugby #2) by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Available on
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Synopsis:

How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehole. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him? 

The Pixie and the Player is a full-length, romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the second book in the Rugby Series.

THE PIXIE 
Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby. 

As the little sister of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, Lucy can’t seem to escape the championship-sized shadow cast by her big brother, or her mother’s frequent attempts to micromanage her future. Her rainbow hair is as free-spirited as her quest for inner peace, yet overbearing expectations keep bringing her down. And when she’s down, her compulsive little problem lands her in seriously big trouble.

THE PLAYER 
Sean Cassidy is a cold-hearted brute… or so he’s been told. Frequently. By everyone. 

His blonde locks, baby blues, and rock hard bod make ladies the world over drool with desire. As the rugby world’s second most infamous player, he should be basking in his success. But Sean has never been content settling for second place, and his frequent confrontations with Lucy’s big brother leave him cold. And when he’s cold, his compulsive little problem lands him in the lap of Lucy Fitzpatrick.

THE PLAN Sean has a problem only Lucy can solve. Lucy has a problem only Sean can fix. The solution seems obvious: you scratch my back, and I’ll bail you out of jail. But when their business arrangement unexpectedly leaves Sean scorching hot and Lucy on the precipice of inner peace, can they convince the world—and Lucy’s big brother in particular—that this is the real deal? 

Either way, both the Player and the Pixie are about to teach each other some pretty monumental lessons about family, life, but most importantly, love. 

Review:

The Player and the Pixie was a fantastic read. Hilarious and sweet and adorable and heartbreaking and I really fell in love with both these characters. Now I didn't really remember Sean from the first book. I know a lot of people already had strong feelings towards him after book one, had a negative reaction to him at first, but not me. When they mentioned that he slept with Ronan's ex prior to her being an ex I thought oh, that guy, okay. I only vaguely remembered him and I loved him right from the start in this read. Even when he was trying to be a jerk I still loved him. Lucy and Sean were just so sweet together. Such a wonderful story.

There are so many things I loved about this book one of the biggest being the fact that it is the guy who is bad in bed, not this sweet, innocent, virginal girl. You don't see that often and I loved the reversal of the norm. Sean is so broken, so lonely, so cold all the time. I just wanted to make everything better for him. He is bad in bed, bad at trying to be a nice person, bad at most everything except rugby. He knows he is rubbish, but he doesn't know what to do about that. I really enjoyed that he was not some super player who thought he was the bees knees. He was absolutely adorable and heartbreaking and hilarious all at the same time.

Lucy is so bright and colorful. So much fun. So good, so sweet, always trying to see the good in people even though she has not had it easy herself. Her mom is a mess and makes Lucy's issues worse whenever she is around her. That and people always seem to only want to know her because her brother is a famous rugby player. Few people see how amazing she is in her own right. It can be hard at times, but she is just a ray of sunshine.

When Lucy first meets Sean in this story she sees the real Sean. The guy who is all bark and tries to push people away before they can hurt him. She compares him to one of the abused dogs who shows up at the shelter. One that acts out, who bites, who causes problems because they don't know any other way. That really was Sean. He doesn't know any different. He wants to be better, wants to be good, but is just rubbish at it. Lucy sees through him even when he tries to hurt her and push her away. Only there is something about her that draws Sean in. He knows better than to get involved with someone he actually likes as it always ends horribly. He always gets hurt. Only with Lucy maybe that won't be. Maybe she can teach him to be better. Teach him to be a good person and good in bed. Teach him how he could be. Lucy is such a kind soul, but I really loved that Lucy and Sean both have similar issues. They both do similar things that made me love them so much more. Oh these two really got to me.

Now this is not really a sad or serious story even though my heart went out to both of these characters throughout the book. Really it is a super fun entertaining read. Sean was sweet and cute and hilarious! That first time between Sean and Lucy? Oh I thought I was going to die laughing. Seriously I still have a huge smile on my face just thinking about it. This story does have a lot of serious, sweet, cute, adorable moments, but also a ton of incredibly hilarious hijinks. I loved every moment.

Now getting Sean to be better, to learn to do everything better, was so much fun to read. And hot! Phew! The two of them together? Wow. Lucy is wonderful with Sean and just shows him that he already has it in him. When he is not trying he is hot hot hot, but when he puts his mind to it it is like he just loses it and I loved that. I laughed so hard at times because the characters were just so amazing. Lucy shows Sean how awesome he already is. If he lets people in they won't all hurt him. I hearted him so much. He just needs a little love and someone to be on his side cheering him on. He was amazing and Lucy is amazing with him.

Even still there are issues between these two, or obstacles that don't seem to be able to overcome. Namely Lucy's bother, Ronan, who hates Sean. With good reason, but still. How can Lucy fall for Sean and choose him over her brother? Her brother who has always been there for her when she needed him? She can't, can she? I loved seeing Sean really became this wonderful man he always was, but kept hidden, with the help of this crazy rainbow haired girl. It was smart and fun and just a fantastic read. This story is full of ups and downs, hilarity and heartbreak, but these two characters are perfect for each other. I just loved this story.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2

Excerpt:

*Sean*

I DIDN’T KNOW what I was doing.

Requests, things I wanted, words I would never speak or allow myself to think were now uncontainable.

It’s the sex, I reiterated. Again. I’d used this explanation, now on repeat, as a simple justification for the complex cacophony of my mind.

“Be with you?” Her long, dark lashes fluttered, beating like distressed butterfly wings against warming pink cheeks.

I licked my lips, tasting her there. “Yes.”

She stared at me, confused. I was also confused. And oddly frightened.

Because it wasn’t the sex.

Several seconds ticked on as we studied each other in breathless silence. She found her voice before I did. “What does that—”

“Lucy?” Annie’s voice was paired with a soft knock on the bathroom door. “Are you okay?”

I opened my mouth to whisper a clarification to the question Lucy hadn’t quite posed, because I was compelled to tell her it wasn’t the sex. We didn’t have to have sex. We could just . . . talk. Or play cards. Or touch. Or look at each other from across the room.

We could merely be together.

But she covered my mouth with her hand. Her features arrested with unmistakable panic.

“Yes. I’m fine! I just . . . started my period is all. Made a mess in my jeans, like a crime scene.” Lucy hollered in response then grimaced. She immediately mouthed I’m sorry to me. Her cheeks flushed red.

I lifted an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes, ducking her head with obvious embarrassment. I pressed my lips together so I wouldn’t laugh.

Issuing me a quelling look, Lucy released me and skittered out of the stall, whispering, “Stay here and count to three hundred.”

“Oh! Do you need anything?” Annie’s voice was less muffled and I surmised she’d opened the bathroom door.

“Ah, no. Have it all sorted now. Thank God Tom has these nice absorbent napkins instead of those troublesome hand driers. Although I feel like I’m wearing a nappy. They’re bad for the environment, so I should talk to him about replacing the napkins. Maybe make a few available for emergencies . . .”

Lucy’s anxiety-riddled chatter faded as the bathroom door clicked shut.

I released an audible exhale. My heart was beating as though it might leap from my chest. I needed to catch my breath. Neither had anything to do with being caught.

What the fuck were you doing?

It was the sex. She’s phenomenal in bed. You’ve never had that before. It was just sex.

I nodded, reiterating the logic of my justification for the uncharacteristic behavior. If

I repeated it enough, perhaps I would believe it.

I didn’t count to three hundred as instructed. I counted to one hundred and twenty-three, then realized what I was doing.

“You’re mad, Sean,” I muttered, shaking myself and promptly leaving the ladies’ room. I checked the cufflinks on my dress shirt—a nervous habit—and strolled back to the table, eyeing the assortment of eejits gathered.

About the Authors:

L.H. Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

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Penny Reid

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing). By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Whispered Music (London Fairy Tales #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

Available on
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Synopsis:

Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has wide reach into the world, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he dis-covers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball. And that one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.

But how could he possibly have known that other person— the other half of his whole—would not only need his help but threaten his very existence?

She didn’t know how hard it would be to love the broken.

Isabelle Hartwell’s mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He’s mean, tem-peramental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he’s willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it’s too late?

Find out if love prevails in this regency retelling of how Beauty tamed the savage Beast…

Review:

Oh I enjoyed Whispered Music. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie, I can't tell you how many times I have watched it, and so I was curious to read this retelling of that story. Especially since I enjoyed the first book in the series so much. Luckily this one was just as good. Oh I loved it! The story was a lot like the Disney movie in some ways, some scenes reminded me so much of scenes from it, but also very different. It was wonderful. 

Dominique has a dark and disturbing past. A past that still haunts him and makes him think he can never have love. A past that makes him think he is a horrible person, that makes him think he will become what he most fears. He is a bit of a recluse, but also a music prodigy. The music just flows out of him. He hears it and it calls to him. I loved that about him. I loved reading how he sees music, how it tells him when there is danger, how it makes his world so different from others. It was beautiful to read. He never though this life would change when he decides to go to one ball and see Isabelle. Isabelle who's music is telling him she is in danger. Isabelle who he must save even if that means she is saddled with him. 

Isabelle doesn't know why she has been uprooted and sent off with the beast that is Dominique. She just finds herself having to live with him and his moods far away from everything she has know. It is hard at first, but even though he is angry at times, she still finds herself thinking fondly of him. She knows he has scars, on the inside especially, that make him run a bit hot and cold. She keeps putting herself out there only to be rejected by him again and again. And yet she still wants to stay with him, still wants to help him try and fight his demons. 

Oh they were so cute together! I loved it! I love the grumpy, beastly guy who is really a big softy. I love the girl who stays by his side even when he tries his hardest to scare her away. I love watching him open up and become more vulnerable and see them grow closer and closer. Yes it is rough at times, but oh did I enjoy this read. It was Beauty and the Beast, which I love, plus more that made it even better. Set more in a realistic world. Oh it was fun. 

We also get to meet Hunter/Wolf. Dominique's best friend. He was fun. The two of them together were like a couple of boys roughhousing. They both egg the other on, needle them and I so enjoyed watching it. Wolf would try and make the beast angry while trying to help him realize that he can open himself up to Isabelle. That he would be a fool to loose her. It was fun and I can't wait to read his story next!

So overall a really great read. If you love Beauty and the Beast you won't want to miss this retelling. It was just so much fun. 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2

Release Day: Delta: Revenge (Delta #2) by Cristin Harber

Are you ready to meet Javier Almeida? Cristin Harber's DELTA: REVENGE is available today! Make sure you pick up your copy of this explosive and incredible new novel from Cristin Harber!


Available on
Amazon.com * Amazon.de * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads
Synopsis:

A Tortured Hero with a Heart of Gold 

Growing up on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Javier Almeida has only his older sister to protect him. When she’s sold to a human-trafficker, he vows to hunt down those responsible. 

Years later, Titan Group’s Delta team finds him, tattooed and brawling, a vigilante protector with information they want. They take him in and train him, working him harder than a man should be driven, until he’s a soldier harboring an obsession. Ready for revenge, Javier ghosts his way across the globe, tracking the men who took his sister and working elite private security jobs. 

Meets Sweet and Sassy 

Jilted at the altar, Sophia Cole turns the reception into a one-woman party. She’s intent on devouring all the cake and champagne, so she can bask in the calories she’s been avoiding. In the midst of the revelry, he walks in, the one man she can never ignore. 

Javier is her older brother’s black ops teammate—an automatic Do Not Go There. But if there’s one thing better than fondant and a buzz to ease the wounds of a cheating fiancé, it might be a one-night stand with a South American military man. 

It's a Game Changer 

Javier didn’t expect to see Sophia again. He never thought he would even want to see her again. He shouldn’t have touched her, but his mind won’t stay away from her. 

Now, Sophia Cole is thousands of miles away from the safety of her parents’ lavish estate and working alongside him in hell. She’s a staffer at an Embassy, and he’s there to keep them alive. There are bombs and bullets and blood-hungry enemies. 

And then she’s taken. Gone. Just like his sister. But so much worse.


Sneak Peek:

She couldn’t breathe. Her pulse jumped, and the most feminine part of her body came alive. A current of desire and electricity bounced between them, both their breaths quickening. He stepped closer until they touched. Her chest rose, and his fell. Javier’s hand moved to her bicep, drifting, sliding. He caressed up her neck— so careful, so delicate that he gave her pinpricks until he captured the back of her head with the force of his strong fingers threading harshly through her hair. Sophia sucked a breath and resisted him just because… hmm, just because his grip was iron strong and sure. 

“You want to move?” 

The tenor of his voice sent trembles straight to her nipples. “I don’t.” 

Javier leaned toward her neck. His breath was hot, his lips even better. They were close enough to feel the heated tickle of skin on skin. 

“No?” Gently, he tugged her hair. “Sophia Cole…” 

Oh, God. He pulled again, firmer, tilting her face so their eyes lined up. She felt as though he could see her every thought without her speaking a word. 

“Mmm, nice.” 

She couldn’t stop arching and making that same mmm sound he did. Her eyelids slipped shut, letting the feeling run through her veins, awakening every nerve. 

“Paixão.” The whisper of the word contrasted with his hard body, which backed her to the wall. “So good for me.” 

His weight pinned her and, despite the dominant hold, nuzzled her neck. Stubble scratched her as the scent of his shampoo made her weak. Scratchy and coarse, his fingers flexed into her scalp. “It kills me you’re here, and I don’t believe what you’re doing is about aid work—” 

“It is,” she barely whispered. 

“Liar.” His teeth grabbed her earlobe. The bite stung, and the pain skipped straight down her neck, igniting an erotic fire in her blood, making lust fire in her veins. She wanted more, needed to feel the bite again. But he released and licked the tiny spot and gave it a kiss, and all Sophia could do was tilt her head, a silent plea for him to do it again, which went unanswered. “Tell me, are you lying?” 

Melting at the protective, truthful accusation, she let sanity leave her. If only he’d give her a biting smack of a kiss again. “Maybe.” 

Javier moved faster than she could anticipate. His mouth took hers. A reward. Better than she imagined. His tongue probed, hot and needy. Wanting. His hands crawled over her body, but, God, her mind spun so fast she couldn’t place what was where or how it happened, just that he kissed like a man who could set her insides on fire and make a kiss turn into a touch passionate enough she could’ve been floating.

She cupped his rough cheeks, and Javier moaned. As if something she did was anything as amazing as what he was doing to her. Their tongues tangled, and his hands clawed her, pulling her to his muscular chest, eating her mouth as though her lips were the only things that could keep the world turning. This tough, strong man telling her good girl, calling her paixão, was worshipping her body, and whatever she had done to deserve it, she wanted to do again. 

Javier growled again. Or maybe this time the masculine sound was a groan. Whatever the noise, he responded because of her. He gripped her hips, backing them again, this time to her bed. The mundane, utilitarian bed was nothing like the last bed they’d been in, and she couldn’t wait to jump into it. 

MEET CRISTIN & GET YOUR COPY SIGNED

Cristin Harber will be signing copies of DELTA: REVENGE with Kate Perry and Ava Miles at the 86th & Lexington Barnes and Noble in New York City on April 28th, and she would love to see you there! For more information please see the event page here!
ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller. 

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Gus (Bright Side #2) by Kim Holden

Available on
Amazon.com * Amazon.de * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads
Synopsis:

The journey that began in top-rated, best-selling Bright Side, continues ... 

This is the story of Gus. 

Losing himself. 

Finding himself. 

And healing along the way. 

“ … but the honest-to-God truth is I don’t even know how to function anymore. Bright Side wasn’t only my best friend; she was like my other half ... the other half of my brain, the other half of my conscience, the other half of my sense of humor, the other half of my creativity, the other half of my heart. How do you go back to doing what you did before, when half of you is gone forever?” 

Review:

*Note: You should have read Bright Side prior to reading this book. It is a continuation of the same story and there are some spoilers for that book ahead

And everything was right in the world. That is how I felt when I got to the end of Gus. Man I tell you after reading Bright Side it was like I was lost. How would I ever move on from that? What could I read next that would at all be as good or fill that void that I had? Luckily Gus was out and did just that. Turned that happy/sad into just a beautiful story and a wonderful read. Now if only we would get a book where Keller gets his happily ever after. Because that kid? He deserves it. Man he has gone through more than anyone should in such a short amount of time. 

So Gus. I knew this would be hard at first. I mean Gus had just lost Bright Side - his best friend, his other half, the person who was always there for him, with him, since forever. He can't remember her ever not being in his life. And it was rough. He does not take it well and it is understandable. Drugs, girls, alcohol, whatever he can get to try and dull the pain and forget even just for a minute. He was in a bad place and oh my heart hurt for him. 

Then Scout comes into the picture. Scout who is his PA and they do not start off so well. Part of that is Gus is not in a good place and part of it is Scout isn't in a good place. She has some stuff she is dealing with so she doesn't really like anyone, but she can't help but be her sweet self even then. She just does things for other people without thinking about it or wanting anything in return. She was amazing. She has not had the best life thus far, she has gone through some stuff that doesn't make her very confident so she is always trying to hide herself. But Gus sees her. He sees how strong she really is. How awesome she is and how she could be anything, do anything she wanted. He helps her come out of her shell and be this confident woman she should be, and she helps him get his groove back. She helps him find peace with Bright Side and move on to live his life. Oh it was a wonderful read. I loved the both of them together. Gus is such a genuinely nice soul and exactly what she needed. They just worked and after the wringer that was Bright Side I needed this. I needed to see everyone trying to move on and keep living their lives. To see them not dwelling on the past and staying in that sad place. To see the happy again. It was great. 

It wasn't easy, but by the end it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. There were still times I teared up with this story, times when you see everyone being just so amazingly sweet and kind, like the tattoos, but it was healing. And I loved every minute. A great read and I am glad I had it to bring me back. 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2

Bright Side (Bright Side #1) by Kim Holden

Available on
Amazon.com * Amazon.de * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads
Synopsis:

Secrets. 

Everyone has one. 

Some are bigger than others. 

And when secrets are revealed, 

Some will heal you ... 

And some will end you. 

Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side). Kate is strong-willed, funny, smart, and musically gifted. She’s also never believed in love. So when Kate leaves San Diego to attend college in the small town of Grant, Minnesota, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with Keller Banks. 

They both feel it. 

But they each have a reason to fight it. 

They each have a secret. 

And when secrets are revealed, 

Some will heal you … 

And some will end you. 

Review:

Wow. Okay. Bright Side. I am going to an author signing in June and have been trying to read a book by each author. I am in a group for the event where people discuss the books and such and Kim Holden is one of the authors. Everyone has been posting about Bright Side. How much they cried, how emotional it was, etc. I have been saving it for when I felt like I was emotionally ready. I didn't expect to cry as I am not a crier. I have only ever read one book prior to this that made me actually tear up and cry a bit so I just figured it would be really sad or beautiful or whatever to cause such emotions. Then I started reading and at first I was just like okay. This is fine. I even figured what I thought would happen and was preparing for it. Only there was no way to really prepare for it. It was amazing in the way it was written. I cried. Actual tears streamed down my face at parts. I had to put the book aside at times because I literally could not see the words for the tears. I have never had that before with a book. I am not a crier. This one just got to me. Even when I knew what was coming I still couldn't help it. I don't want to give away too much, I don't want to spoil anything, but even if I did it would still not prepare you for the story that this is. I loved it. I loved how beautifully it was written. I loved the characters. I just loved this story. 

Kate has such a wonderful soul. She is one of the most kind people ever. She gets people to step outside themselves and really enjoy life. She tries so hard with everyone even if they are not the nicest to her. Like her aunt who is a disaster. She keeps trying to help her even when the aunt is nasty. I get why she does, but man she is such a better person that me. I would have said screw you a long time ago. Kate just chooses her battles and is just a great person through and through. Though she has a secret that no one knows, not even her best friend Gus. 

Keller has secrets as well. Secrets he doesn't tell anyone. But when he sees Kate he is drawn to her. Who wouldn't be? She is so kind and caring, fun and funny, and just plain awesome. The two of them together were so cute. He has a more complicated life than most at his age, but he is getting by and preparing for the future. The guy who only plans for the future and the girl who only lives in the present. Oh it was so sweet watching them fall in love. It was hard as Kate doesn't want to be selfish, doesn't want anyone to fall for her with the things she is hiding. But Keller is just too good. He is just too amazing that she can't help it. He cares so much for those he lets into his life. 

The first part of this story was sunshine and rainbows. It was fun and light, but you knew something was coming. Then we get to the really heart wrenching second act and man. I haven't been through what these characters have, don't know anyone who has, but it seems like this book did a really good job of conveying what it would be like. Or the best you could in the context of a book. How hard it would be and how...man. I still can't even really think about it without getting teary eyed. Keller and Kate are wonderful people. I hurt so much for them as I loved them. Through it all Kate is still her wonderful self. Still living in the bright side (as Gus says she doesn't just look on the bright side she lives it). When you find out everything that she has been through, everything that happened growing up and all the responsibility she has had, she is just a remarkable person. To be able to keep that positive attitude, that love of life and happiness, was just amazing. I don't know that I could do it. So yeah. These characters are amazing. They will stick with me for a good long while. I don't really know how to move past this story. I guess I will move on to Gus to see what happens next and hope it helps. Just a really remarkable read. 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2

Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys

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Synopsis:

Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously--and at great risk--documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.

Review:

I was really looking forward to reading Between Shades of Grey. I remember listening to an interview with the author when it came out and was just really intrigued. This is a part of history I just don't know much about. The Soviet work camps that were happening at the same time as everything else during WWII. I really wanted to read the story and learn more even though I figured it would be a hard to read. 

Unfortunately the writing really didn't work for me. Everything was written in these super short sentences and chapters so it felt like here is just a small tidbit and another and another. It was just too choppy and I couldn't get into the story. It did not work and made me not really care about the people/characters as it was just eh. 

The other problem was the main character herself. She was a bit selfish and self absorbed and often didn't make sense to me. She jumps to conclusions all the time and just is horrible to other people if she thinks they did something she deems as wrong. I really did not like her. She was pretty stupid and didn't seem to care for her life or the life of her family members. She always thinks about doing stupid things that could get them all killed, or does things that are not good. She wants what she wants and doesn't care who it effects. I did not like her. 

That and the Soviets were not as bad as I thought they would be. From the deplorable conditions of the trains they were forced to ride in to get to their end locations I expected the camps to be horrible, terrible, awful places. They weren't good places, but they just weren't as bad as I expected. Maybe part of that is the writing didn't describe the setting very well so I didn't feel or see how horrible it was. However when the people living there are able to steal so many supplies from the Soviets and such it just...I don't know. It seems like someone would get caught or they would be a bit harder on the workers than they were. 

I was just a bit disappointed overall with the whole story. The writing didn't draw me in and make me care about any of the people or what happened to them, and the main character I greatly disliked. That coupled with the poor descriptions and choppy writing made it so it just didn't work for me. 

Rating: ★ ★

Cover Reveal: The Spiral Down (The Fall Up #2) by Aly Martinez

I am so excited to read The Spiral Down! I love Aly Martinez and I know this story will be just as amazing as all her others. Coming May 17th! Add to your Goodreads to-read list now.

Synopsis:

I was afraid to fly.

He made me soar.

After years of climbing the ladder of success in the music industry, I finally had everything I could want.

Yet I still found myself wandering through life alone.

Captain Evan Roth was the one man I never saw coming.

Tall, dark, mysterious… Straight.

We were both damaged beyond repair and searching for something so elusive we weren’t sure it even existed.

But, when two broken souls collide in midair, falling is a given.

I just never expected to crave the spiral down.

About the Author:

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

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Saving Cassie (Fairfield Corner #1) by L.A. Remenicky

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Synopsis:

Everyone has secrets. Sometimes secrets can get you killed.

After ten years in the big city, Cassie Holt is moving back to her hometown to take over the bookstore left to her by her beloved Gram, vowing to live her life alone. To her best friend, Sheriff James Marsten, Cassie seems to be the same girl that left Fairfield Corners to go to college but Cassie has secrets and one of those secrets could get her killed.

When one of her secrets becomes a threat to her life, James turns to his new deputy to help him keep Cassie safe. 

Deputy Logan Miller has been burned by love and is not looking to get involved with anyone anytime soon. When he is thrown into close quarters with Cassie, the sparks begin to fly and he begins to see through the walls Cassie has built around her heart.

As the threat gets closer, can Logan protect Cassie and protect his heart? 

Review:

I started reading Saving Cassie and thought 'this is alright.' The writing was too descriptive and not that good, but I still found it somewhat charming. I was still enjoying the story even though it was a bit dry and I couldn't really connect with the character at all. 

Then suddenly this turned into a paranormal story and it lost me. It wasn't a lot of paranormal stuff, just once and a while it came up, but it was not good. It was just me rolling my eyes al the time and it unraveled quickly for me. 

This is the story of Logan and Cassie. Logan who is not looking to get involved with anyone again and Cassie who has a bunch of secrets. Things didn't end well with her ex, he is in jail currently, but she doesn't want anyone to know the details. Especially not her best friend James. 

When Logan and Cassie first meet it does not go very well. Logan is not the nicest, and he makes assumptions about Cassie. The following interactions he has with her don't really help. He thinks she is a bit flighty and flirty and he doesn't want to be attracted to her. Only when she needs help and protection he is there. 

Okay so one of my main problems with the story was Cassie. She can be really stubborn for no reason and thrown tantrums when she doesn't get her way, even if what she wants is not the best/safest for her. For example she knows there are bad things going on. Knows it is not safe to stay in her house alone, but she fights James and Logan every time they try and keep her safe. Why? I have no idea! The way she went about it made her seem like a two year old stomping her feet because she can't just do what she wants. It was ridiculous. She would say how she is afraid to be alone, but at the same time doesn't want anyone else there. She doesn't want to need anyone, but she does. It was frustrating to read as she made no sense to me. 

Things progress and Logan and Cassie fall for each other which I didn't really believe. You also have the paranormal aspect trying to get her and it was not good. The book kind of went off the rails for me big time once the demon stuff started happening. And the ending? No. I...it was bad. I was really looking forward to this read, but unfortunately it was not for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and storyline lost me by the half way point. 

Rating: ★ ★

Practically Imperfect (Imperfect #3) by Mary Frame

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Synopsis:

Gemma McDougall is certain about three things: One, she’s never going to lose her Latina ass. Two, her career is more important than the crappy (and nonexistent) relationships she’s had to endure her entire adult life. Three, she’s going to get the next promotion to detective if it kills her. But then her job literally almost kills her, and she’s forced into unwanted medical leave.

Sam London is certain about three things: One, he has no idea how to have a normal adult relationship and will likely die cold and alone, ravaged by wild dogs. Two, playing a game of Drinking Jenga, while fun, also leads to late nights sneaking into the neighbor’s yard and getting held at gunpoint by the neighbor’s daughter. Three, he has no idea what kind of trouble Gemma McDougall has gotten herself into, but he’s going to be a part of it, no matter what.

Review:

Practically Imperfect was a fun, cute read. I really love this author and the characters she creates. They are so much fun! I just smiled/laughed my way through the book. If you haven't read the first two books in the series you can just jump in with this story, but you should definitely read them at some point. They are all amazing. 

This is the story of Gemma and Sam. Gemma who is a fiery police officer and has somehow gotten into some trouble at work. Someone seems to be after her, but she doesn't know who or why. She doesn't know anything so she has to figure out what is going on, what the bad guys don't want her to know, before it is too late. 

Sam was Gemma's next door neighbor growing up. Him and his family are huge practical jokers. He is always coming up with new ways to fool people or play a joke on them. He was a lot of fun. And he is at the time in his life where he is ready to settle down if only he could find someone to do that with. He has never had an actual relationship as the women he has dated don't appreciate his joking side so he tones it way down and becomes too serious. He doesn't know how to be himself and also be with someone. 

When a late night game of Drinking Jenga makes Sam and Gemma meet up again for the first time in years there is something there. Sam likes her, but he knows he is no good with the relationships. He wants to get to know her better, but should leave it up to fate. And Gemma? She is not very trusting and doesn't want to get involved with anyone. She doesn't think she has anything to offer since her last jerk of a boyfriend had a huge problem with her job and tried to run her life for her. He was one of those guys where the woman should be docile and cook and clean and make babies, not be strong and independent and awesome like Gemma is. The great thing about Sam is that he doesn't want to change her. He wants her to do what she wants to do and supports her. He likes that she can take him and hold her own. 

Through this all, through someone trying to kill Gemma, through her being injured and attacked, they grow closer and it was so great to read. I know it might not sound like it, but this author writes about more serious situations in a more lighthearted way that really works. It just makes for some funny entertaining hijinks that I just love. Like how they save the day and take down the bad guy? Kind of hilarious. Plus you get to see a bit more of the characters from prior books, like Lucy, Sam's brother and main character of the first book. She is hilarious and I love seeing her happy still. I love all of the characters and how they are all a bit goofy and sweet and wonderful and perfectly imperfect. A quick, fun, super entertaining read. 

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2

Also Available Now - The Imperfect Series 3 Book Bundle! All three Imperfect series books for one low price. If you haven't read these yet this is a great deal!

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Release Day: The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Woohoo! The Player and the Pixie is finally here! This book is amazing. Seriously you should go read it right now. Sean and Lucy are just so cute together!!! Click below to get your copy today!


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Synopsis:

How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehole. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him? 

The Pixie and the Player is a full-length, romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the second book in the Rugby Series.

THE PIXIE 
Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby. 

As the little sister of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, Lucy can’t seem to escape the championship-sized shadow cast by her big brother, or her mother’s frequent attempts to micromanage her future. Her rainbow hair is as free-spirited as her quest for inner peace, yet overbearing expectations keep bringing her down. And when she’s down, her compulsive little problem lands her in seriously big trouble.

THE PLAYER 
Sean Cassidy is a cold-hearted brute… or so he’s been told. Frequently. By everyone. 

His blonde locks, baby blues, and rock hard bod make ladies the world over drool with desire. As the rugby world’s second most infamous player, he should be basking in his success. But Sean has never been content settling for second place, and his frequent confrontations with Lucy’s big brother leave him cold. And when he’s cold, his compulsive little problem lands him in the lap of Lucy Fitzpatrick.

THE PLAN Sean has a problem only Lucy can solve. Lucy has a problem only Sean can fix. The solution seems obvious: you scratch my back, and I’ll bail you out of jail. But when their business arrangement unexpectedly leaves Sean scorching hot and Lucy on the precipice of inner peace, can they convince the world—and Lucy’s big brother in particular—that this is the real deal? 

Either way, both the Player and the Pixie are about to teach each other some pretty monumental lessons about family, life, but most importantly, love. 

About the Authors:

L.H. Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

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Penny Reid

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing). By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Give Me Love (Give Me #1) by Kate McCarthy

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Synopsis:

Evie Jamieson, a former wild child, is not only a headstrong, smart-mouthed trouble magnet, she is also a lead singer with a plan. That plan involves relocating her band, including her two best friends guitarist Henry and band manager Mac, to Sydney to kick off their dreams of hitting the big time. 

Jared Valentine is the older brother of Evie's best friend Mac and also the man determined to make Evie his. They strike up a long distance friendship which suits Evie because she's determined to avoid the distraction of love, not only because it doesn't fit in with her plan but because twice in the past it has left her for dead. Moving to Sydney however, has put her directly in Jared's path and he has decided it's the perfect opportunity to make his play.

Unfortunately Jared, co-owner in a business that 'consults' in dangerous hostage and kidnapping situations, makes an enemy who's determined to enact revenge. When this enemy puts Evie in his sights, Jared not only has a fight on his hands to make her his own, but also to keep her alive.

Is accepting the love he's so desperate to give worth the risk to both her heart...and her life? 

Review:

Give Me Love was felt like it was trying to be a few different books, but didn't really succeed at any of them. It starts off as a romance, Jared trying to win Evie over and get her to admit she has feeling for him. That worked okay, but Evie could be frustrating. I didn't really understand why she was so adamant about keeping away from Jared.  Sure when she was young and acting out she made two really bad decisions with guy and she got hurt, but they were bad people. Jared is not. She is best friends with his sister who keeps trying to push Evie to give him a chance. Mac, the best friend, knows all about Evie's past, so she should know if Jared was a jerk like the other guys. I don't know. It was just...I didn't understand. So you got your heart broken twice you are just going to give up? Date "safe" guys who she likes, but not really like that.

When Evie first met Jared she was instantly drawn to him, and that hasn't changed since then. She used to live a plane ride away, but as this book opens she is going to be moving to the same town as him. How will she ever keep him from hurting her? Annoying. She obviously really likes him and he her so why not see what happens? She was really frustrating to read and I didn't like her much.

*Spoiler alert*

Then suddenly she decides okay, we are doing this, and then it is like they are living together right away. Okay, way to move like lightning speed. Fine, but the book is not even halfway over yet. So what is the rest of the story? Well some not so good suspense story. Someone is after Evie to hurt her because Jared and crew where there when bad guys brother got killed or something. It was a bit ridiculous in the way it played out. I just...it didn't seem realistic especially if Jared and crew had a company where their job was hunting down bad guys and such. They just can't find this one, he keeps causing trouble and getting away. It was a bit too unrealistic and underdeveloped I think. If it would have been the main focus of the story with Jared and Evie falling in love at the same time it might have worked. As it was it felt like two different books neither of which I really loved.

There are a lot of characters in this story and it can be hard to keep everyone straight, especially with all of the nicknames. I think my biggest issues, the thing I liked the least, was that they all felt very immature. All the names they called each other and such I didn't really like. I felt like I wanted to tell them all to grow up already. That and the "retard" name calling is not cool.

Oh and there is plenty of extra drama added for no reason. Like ton of guys getting thrown at Evie that make Jared freak out that she is cheating and stuff. By the end I got to the point where it was like really? This is what we are doing now? Why not throw in a few more things just for fun? It was all a bit much.

I did like that Evie was the female lead singer in the rock band. I don't see too many books where it is a female rock star as the lead. But overall it was not my favorite read.

Rating: ★ ★

Dove by D.H. Sidebottom

Available on
Amazon.com * Amazon.de * Goodreads  Synopsis:

 After her mother abandoned her when she was just a child, Dove fled the only life she’d known with her younger sister, Serenity, frightened that the authorities would tear them both apart. 

Leaving behind a life of poverty and constant hardship with the group of travellers she had grown up with, Dove has no choice but to turn to a life of debauchery and crime to feed their bellies and provide them with shelter and security. 

Fast forward ten years and life is now so very different for Dove. Her once best friend and fellow traveller, Flick O’Kane, now a Hollywood star, appoints Dove to accompany him to a charity ball, unaware just who exactly his companion really is. 

Both their lives come together in an explosion of sex, drugs and secrets. The friendship they once held close is about to be tested when their past threatens to rip them both apart and endangers not just their own lives but the very life Dove has broken her own soul for – Serenity’s. 

Review:

Dove was not the best read. Most of my problem with it was the writing. It was telling more than showing. The characters didn't make sense to me, they didn't feel real. I know what I was told they were or what they did, but I didn't actually believe that based on the writing of said character. So it was just not that good of a read for me. 

Dove has been in love with Flick for what seems like forever. She had the biggest crush on him growing up, but she is a few years younger than he is. She didn't know that he was in love with her as well, but because of the age difference he was biding his time until he could say something. Only he never gets his chance as her mother abandons her and she runs off with her sister, Serenity. She would do anything for Serenity and is determined to keep her safe. Now here was the first thing I didn't really understand - why didn't she take Flick's help? He was all ready to run away with them and help them survive, but the book just told me that she couldn't because of something and off she went. When I did find out at the end why she couldn't I didn't really understand why she went off by herself, but that was the problem with the book as whole so...

Anyways the story picks up ten years after Dove runs off with her sister. Flick has become famous and is getting divorced from his horrible wife of only a short period of time. She is getting nasty and he wants to try and hurt her so he hires the best call girl he can for a gala. Only he didn't know that would be Dove. When she shows up to accompany him of course things are a bit tense. He is angry, angry that she ran away and angry that this is how she is surviving. Angry because he could have helped her, but she didn't want his help. It was not that good. Really I don't have an issue with Dove turning tricks for money - she has become one of the best in the business and only works for high end clients. She has made something of herself and is famous in her own right. I didn't buy it though. She didn't seem like she was. I don't know why, but the writing just felt off.

So of course there are going to be a lot of issues to work out and Flick will have to accept how she has been keeping food on the table, but they both still have feelings for the other so they will get there. Now there is also this other issue of Dove not being able to get out because someone is after her and wants to kill her and she has to stay a call girl to try and stay alive or something. Only she finally decides to fight for her life and stop running and...that whole thing was...not the best. Again not believable. The bad guys didn't seem that bad or that capable and it just didn't work for me. You get Dove's whole backstory, what happened to lead her to today, but it was just eh to me. I don't know. I should have cared more as it told me it was not sunshine and roses, but I just didn't. So this was not the book for me.  I didn't really care about the characters and they/the situations just didn't feel real.

Rating: ★ ★

Welcome to Sugartown (Sugartown #1) by Carmen Jenner

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Synopsis:

Ana Belle never wanted anything more than to hang up her apron, jump on her Vespa and ride off into the sunset, leaving Sugartown in the dust.

Elijah Cade never wanted anything more than a hot meal, a side of hot arse and a soft place to lay his head at night where he could forget about his past.

But you know what they say about wanting: you always want what you can’t have.

Nineteen year-old virgin Ana is about to discover that’s not quite true because a six foot three, hotter than hell, tattooed, Aussie sex god just rode into town. He’s had a taste of her pie and he wants more– no really, Ana bakes pies for a living, get your mind out of the gutter.

She’d be willing to hand over everything tied up in a big red bow, there’s just one problem; Elijah has secrets dirtier than last week’s underwear. Secrets that won't just break Ana’s heart, but put her life at risk, too. When those secrets come to light, their relationship is pushed to breaking point.

Add to that a psychotic nympho best friend, an overbearing father, a cuter than humanly possible kid brother, a wanton womanizing cousin, the ex from hell, and more pies than you could poke a ... err ... stick ... at.

And you thought small towns were boring.

Welcome to Sugartown.

Content Warning: Intended for a mature 18+ audience. Contains explicit sex, oodles of profanity and a crap-tonne of AWKWARD.

Review:

Welcome to Sugartown was not my favorite read. It was meh in the beginning and turned into an annoying read by the end. It just was not for me.

**Some spoilers ahead**

Ana is tired of her life in Sugartown. She dreams of getting out one day. She has a horrible ex who spread false gossip about her (that she is easy and gives it up for everyone), a dad who somehow believes that, a step-mother she hates (who is not much older than her) and a bff who is only there for comedic relief. As I have said before in other "comedy" reviews that is a hard one for me. Usually it is not my sense of humor and that was the case with the first half of this book. It just...can the bff not have an actual personality? Can she not be a character instead of just there to make jokes? I didn't like that much.

Then we have Elijah who just moved to town and is working with Ana's dad. They have some "fun" conversations, back and forth, and it was just meh for me. I mean I didn't actually see the connection between the two of them. It was just an instant he/she is soooo hot!! I want to get with them!! and that was the basis of their so called relationship. It was just...meh.

So Elijah has a bad past. He has secrets that he can't share with Ana, and Ana doesn't want to let him in. She is a bit afraid of getting hurt like she did with her horrible ex. So it takes a little bit, but she starts to cave. Then Elijah's past catches up to him and there are some bad things that happen and then Ana got super annoying to me. After bad things happened she was just like I cannot be with Elijah!! He LIED to me!!! How could he?!?! So she refused to see him. It was just...she would be all mopey, poor me, yet he never really lied and what about the bad stuff that happened? Why are you not upset because of that? It was just odd as she should have been more concerned about what actually happened as I could understand her not wanting to be with him because of that. So she was just kind of super annoying for the rest of the story.

Oh and there is a really not cool scene where Elijah basically rapes Ana. No means no, but he doesn't stop when she asks him to. And afterwards when she says she didn't want it he tells her something like I would have stopped if I thought you meant it. Our hero...not cool. Not cool at all. So this is like in the middle of the story so at this point I am not a fan of either of them. And it just kept getting worse.

Ana decides that it will be a super great idea to go drinking and hang out with her dirtbag ex. I mean why wouldn't you? He sounds super! And super bad stuff happens, and Elijah avenges her in a really not cool way, he does get locked up, but Ana is all I want to be with him, but I can't, but he is so hot, but I can't, but can I? Oh poor me. Poor poor me. Ugh. Not cool. Not good at all. Of course we get out happily ever after and by that point I was kind of like whatever. Maybe you two should be together - then no one else has to be. See not my book.

Rating: ★ ★

Some great sales, new releases and pre-orders available now!

I don't usually post sales and such, but there are too many exciting deals and releases today that I thought I would put them all in one post. Go one click now as they are all amazing. Click the title to go to my review and happy reading!

First up today is the release day for Laura Florand's newest book Chase Me!! Such a fun read that you will not want to miss!

Available now on

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Book 2 in Samantha Chase's Shaughnessy Brothers series is also out today!

Love Walks In now available on

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Rath's Deception is currently FREE!! All the books in this series are amazing so check out the first one now!

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And finally the pre-order for Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway's newest, The Player and the Pixie, is now available everywhere!! This book releases April 12 and is so so good. You really don't want to miss it so pre-order your copy now!

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Blog Update

Some of you may have noticed that I haven't been updating the blog everyday like I used to. Well the short story is I am taking classes for the rest of the year and won't have as much time to read as I used to which means I won't be able to post as often.

The long story? I moved to Germany 4 years ago and my German is still not that good. I was taking classes for a while, just an hour a day, and that was working, but slowly. Then they got too expensive and I had to stop so I tried to learn through various other methods. I met up with a friend who was also learning and we studied together, but I really need a class to motivate me and make me do the work I should. If left to my own devices I will just put it off and read instead which doesn't help. So I signed up for some intensive classes with the hopes that by the end of the year I will be able to speak German fairly well. They are all morning plus homework and other events so it is a commitment. I am really motivated right now though so I am hoping all goes well.

Classes will significantly cut into my reading time so I know I won't be able to keep up posting like I previously did. Right now I am hoping to post about every other day or so. Once I get into it and see just how much time I will have I can adjust, but for now that is the goal. Hopefully it works as I have way too many good books to read! So thank you for following me and hopefully next year I will be back to my previous posting schedule (with some new Deutsch skills under my belt).

Fear Me (Broken Love #1) by B.B. Reid

Synopsis:

I don't believe in fairy tales and Prince Charming.

I believe in fear.

He taught me how to be afraid.

We first met on a playground on a wonderful summer day. It was the first time he hurt me and it wouldn’t be the last. For ten years, he's been my tormentor and I've been his forbidden. But then he went away, and yet I was still afraid.

Now he's back and wants more than just my tears. You see...he thinks I sent him away so now he wants revenge...and he knows just how to get it.

PLEASE READ THE WARNINGS. This book is a new adult and contains rough elements such as harsh language, mild violence, strong sexual content, alpha male, antihero, blackmail, and dubious consent.

Fear Me, in all, contains sensitive themes many people aren’t able to swallow.

Review:

Note: This book made me very angry. It is not a romance. There will be spoilers and this may get ranty so you have been warned

Fear Me was a horrible read for me. I read it a while ago, but haven't been able to really write a review for it that is not really angry ranty. I just...I don't understand how anyone could like Kieran. How anyone would feel anything for him but hatred. How the author seemed to try to redeem him when he was WAY past the point of redemption from the very beginning of the book. It was bad. He was a super horribly abusive asshole, way more than a "simple" bully. Serious hardcore physical, mental, emotional abuse is what he deals out and that is so wrong. There is no way what he does should EVER be okay, or even remotely close to okay. No. Just no. I like dark reads, I have enjoyed books with a similar theme (like Bully by Penelope Douglas) but this one was just wrong.

Okay so before I move on to the plot of this story let me start with the writing and book overall. It was way way way too long. Or felt like it was. The same thing happened again and again and again. Kieran would be horrible, Lake would be all I hate him/I want him cause he is OMG so hot!, she would try to maybe fight back a bit, then realize she can't and he would threaten her/her aunt. Lather, rinse, repeat for a billion pages. So even if the author could have turned it around and made me like Kieran or be okay with him and Lake it still wouldn't have worked for me. It was too long.

We are first introduced to Kieran and Lake when Lake is eight. She is trying to help another kid down from the monkey bars and Kieran tells her not to. She doesn't listen and he pulls her off making her fall on the concrete and break bones. Yep, he is a winner right from the start! Then we have a ten year time jump. Kieran was in jail or juvie or whatever, but he is now coming back to finish his senior year of high school. When Lake finds out she literally passes out from fear. Kieran has been tormenting her for ten years and she thought she would be able to finish high school and move far, far away. That she would be able to leave everything behind.

Instead he gets out and thinks that Lake set him up so he is even more angry with her than normal. He is going to make her last year absolutely miserable, even worse than before, because of that. Now this story falls into the high school kids who have nonexistent parents thing. Lake's aunt is an author and with Kieran being a super nightmare Lake is happy that she is going away for 6 weeks for a book tour. Then she doesn't have to worry about him killing her aunt like he threatens...only she does. Kieran apparently has people who can follow the aunt around and will kill her if he says so so...Lake has to do what he says. Only she half heartedly tries to fight him off occasionally, but then succumbs as she also has a secret crush on him. Yep, I buy that. I don't care how hot you are if you made my life a living nightmare for ten years, literally passed out from fear when hearing you are returning, I don't have a secret crush on you. Sorry but no.

So this book was just a mess for me. I hated Kieran, there was nothing about him that was good, and Lake was no better. She was a weak whiny girl who somehow loved the guy who tortured her for years. It made no sense. Kieran rapes her and she is all I wish he was always in my bed. Yeah, not good. Oh and Lake's friends? Her bff who knows every horrible thing Kieran has done to her - how was she? Well I can tell you if I were Lake's friend I wouldn't be all ooo! Are you and Kieran a couple now?? Do tell! This is great! I would be trying to keep her as far away from him as possible. It again didn't make any sense to me.

So somehow Kieran is able to get away with simultaneously threatening everyone, adults, kids, everyone, but also having everyone somehow love him. I don't know why. Then we get to about half way and Kieran decides he is going to change and they are just going to be a real couple and whatever. It was still bad. And you learn his backstory - apparently there is an army of 7 year old assassins out there. Sure. Oh and the timeline didn't seem to make sense. The aunt was supposed to be gone for 6 weeks, but it seems like she was gone for longer. Maybe I just missed it and it does work, but just with reading the story it seemed like the aunt was only going to be gone for 2 more weeks for way more than 2 weeks. It was all just a bit of a mess and definitely not the book for me. I hated it, hated the characters, hated pretty much everything about it. Apparently I am in the minority though as plenty of people love it. I can see if you have some rape/abuse fantasy or something this could work, but I don't. I like dark stories and characters who have to overcome things, but not abusive assholes who threaten to kill you and your loved ones to make you do stuff. Not cool. Not cool at all.

Rating: 1/2