Book Obsessed

Review: Undaunted by Ronnie Douglas

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:30:00 +0000

Publish Date: September 15, 2015

Trade Paperback {p.352}

Genre: New Adult

Series: Knights in Black Leather #1

Source: Publisher

Aubrey Evans, Zion

Being fearless has never looked so good...

Aubrey Evans needs to get her life back on track after her father is indicted for embezzlement. All she has to do to hightail it out of small-town Tennessee is save up money for college tuition and steer clear of hard-muscled boys on motorcycles. Yet there's no ignoring someone like Zion. A knight in black leather, Zion looks like every bad idea she's been told to avoid, but she can't resist him. Whenever she's in trouble, he's there. Appealing as his rough exterior may be, it's the protective, principled man beneath who tempts her like crazy.

Zion knows Aubrey doesn't intend to stick around. She claims to want only friendship, but he senses there's a naughty girl hiding on the inside—one whose intense desires match his own. For now, he'll be patient and play by her rules. But he knows it's just a matter of time before he weakens her resolve.

As they join forces to figure out who's behind a local crime spree, it's clear that the danger goes deeper than Aubrey guessed. And when she needs someone tall, dark, and undaunted to keep her safe, Zion intends to be there—now and always.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. With that, I must say at times however, I did not like Aubrey. Who in their right mind does some of the things she did within the first couple of pages of the book with complete strangers. I almost gave up on this book with just that behavior alone. She definitely lost points with me with that behavior from that point on. I often wondered why Zion even bothered.

Zion I liked. His story or struggle with the MC is what kept me involved with the story. His chemistry with Aubrey was lacking in my opinion, and often felt forced for the sake of the story. I didn't buy what they were selling with "romance" between these two.

Zion's relationship with the MC president was also a head-scratcher. Yet another element to the story I could have done without. These guys are suppose to be all about brotherhood and having each other's back, but that whole situation with Zion and the MC was a complete and total mess. That was no kind of brotherhood in my opinion toward Zion from the MC or the other members surrounding the worst kept secret. Ellen and Dash, Aubrey's BFF and Zion's cousin, now that relationship seemed promising.

In My Mailbox {176}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 15:00:00 +0000

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

I'll try to post an entry of IMM every Sunday that I receive books by mail/library/store of that week.

Books via Half Price Books

Believe by Erin McCarthy

Melting the Ice by Jaci Burton

Mona Lisa Craving by Sunny

One Sweet Ride by Jaci Burton

Shatter by Erin McCarthy

Sweet by Erin McCarthy

The Training by Tara Sue Me

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Books via Publisher

The Duke and the Dark Desires by Miranda Neville

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan

Falling for Jillian by Kristen Proby

One Wish by Robyn Carr

In My Mailbox {175}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 20:17:00 +0000

Books via Better World Books

The All You Can Dream Buffet by Barbara O'Neal

Catari Heat by Kyla Logan

The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis

The Garden of Happy Endings by Barbara O'Neal

Lush by Lauren Dane

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Books via Book Outlet

Chose the Wrong Guy, Gave Him the Wrong Finger by Beth Harbison
How to Love by Katie Cotugno
Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
Split Second by Kasie West
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
Twisted by K.A. Robinson
Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Review: Chained by Night by Larissa Ione

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: September 30, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.}

Genre: Paranormal

Series: MoonBound Clan Vampire #2

Source: Publisher

Aylin, Hunter

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

It took me some time to get into this story, and when I did, it seemed to drag on in parts a bit unnecessarily. With that said, I still enjoyed the majority of the book. I really liked the interaction between Aylin and Hunter. All her live she'd been below everyone else in the pecking order, but when she was with Hunter you would never know it. She spoke her mind with Hunter, without fear of reprimand.

The chemistry between the two of them pretty much began at first sight of each other. Even with that being the case, I never felt that their chemistry was forced. Hunter was a great leader for the clan in the aspect that everyone was equal, no one person was better than the other because of issues beyond their control.

I am interested to see how the clan progresses, especially Nicole and Riker and Myne. Outside of Aylin and Hunter, they were the ones I became most invested in. Sam was also an interesting character. He was not at all what I was expecting. The overall series seems promising, but it's not one that I'll be impatiently waiting for.

Jagged by Kristen Ashley ~ Launch Day Blitz

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:00:00 +0000

An old flame rekindled...
Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.

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“You’ve been waiting for me to come to you?”

“Babe, you’re my Zara, my cookie, so fuck yeah, I’ve been bidin’ my time, givin’ you space to sort your head out, but waitin’ to get you back, as in”—his hand slid up to cup my jaw and his face dipped closer—“back.”

Was he serious? Two months…no seven, if you counted when he came back after hatchet man got to him, I’d been in misery and he’d been waiting to get me back?

I felt my eyes narrow.

“Last night, you rolled off me and didn’t say a word about a chat before you went to the bathroom,” I reminded him.

“Zara, what we shared, so good, so hot, so close, us bein’ back to us, didn’t feel I needed to say a word,” he replied.

Was he for real? “Back to us” and he didn’t feel he needed to say a word?

“Well, you did,” I stated.

“I see that now,” he returned.

Okay, then, time for a different subject.

“You said you didn’t want my body,” I accused.

“I lied, Zara. Fuck, when have I ever not wanted in there?” he asked, a question that had one answer, that being never. But he didn’t give me the chance to give that answer, he kept talking. “I would have said anything to get you out of that shithole, get you safe, and get you with me.”
“You lied?” I asked.

“I lied,” Ham answered.

“Lied?” My voice was getting higher.

“Asked and answered, darlin’,” he clipped.

“So you thought it was a good idea to lie,” I noted unhappily.

“Babe, I came to you, we almost instantly got up in each other’s shit. You had a lot you were dealin’ with and one of those things didn’t need to be me. You weren’t lettin’ anyone do anything for you. You needed time to deal. I wanted you with me. I did what I had to do to give you that and make that happen for me.”

My head gave a jerk as what he said tardily hit me.

“You wanted me with you?”

He was beginning to look impatient.

“You’ve known me years. I ever go back?” he asked.

“Go back to what?”

“Go back anywhere.”

“Ham—”
“I don’t go back,” he declared.

“I don’t get—”

“Now I’m back in Gnaw Bone, back at The Dog, babe, why do you think that is?”
I didn’t speak. I was back to staring.

Because I knew why I wanted that to be.

I just rarely got what I wanted.

Then Graham Reece finally gave me what I wanted.

“Because you’re here.”

“Holy shit,” I whispered.

He stopped looking impatient, his eyes warmed, his face went soft, and his lips twitched.

But, “Yeah,” was all he said.

About the author:

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake. Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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Review: In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: September 30, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.469}

Genre: Contemporary

Series: Blue Heron #4

Source: Publisher

Emmaline Neal, Jack Holland

Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé's wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there's really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won't get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero.

But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she'll have to start by believing in him...

Another great read to add to my favorites list! I absolutely adored Emmaline. Her parents, not so much. Emmaline was one of those characters you just immediately connect with. Her struggles and emotions became your struggles and emotions. I just wanted all the success and happiness for her and detriment to all those who wronged her.

Jack on the other hand, we had our moments. At times I got extremely frustrated with Jack. I know he's known as the town's hero and greatest guy around, but when it came to his interaction with his ex-wife Hadley, I truly wanted him to grow a pair and tell her to kick bricks. He was just to nice for his own good. And most of the time it was to his own detriment.

Again I just loved Jack's family. They never seem to disappoint when it comes to keeping me entertained. Especially Goggy and Pru. This has turned into one fine series that I hope will be continuing.

Author Interview ~ Lori Foster, author of No Limits

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he's never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster...

Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He's also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she's older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather's legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette's scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he'll break all the rules to do it…

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your latest release, NO LIMITS?

This is Cannon’s story, a character that readers met in my last series, Love Undercover. From the second Cannon showed up on the page, I knew he’d get his own story. He’s that kind of guy, the guy who steps up and takes notice and gets a lot of notice in return. In NO LIMITS, Cannon reunites with Yvette, another character from the previous series. They parted under strained circumstances, with Cannon just heading into professional MMA and Yvette young and traumatized from a horrific threat. Cannon saved her then, but he was noble because of her age and what she’d been through. Now she’s older, more independent, and he’s ready to make up for lost time.

2. Can you also fill us in on the prequel to the series, HARD KNOCKS?

HARD KNOCKS gives readers a peek into the MMA world and the fighters who will have novels in the Ultimate series. You get to see the inside of Cannon’s gym, the set-up and what the guys do for the neighborhood, as well as the close relationships they share. It’s a short romance featuring Gage and Harper, two fun, strong people with a few romantic quirks to work out. It’s short and sexy and gives readers a taste for how the novels will be more about fighters in a romance than about fighters fighting in the cage.

3. How has your UFC obsession influenced the writing of NO LIMITS?

Well, I’ve gotten into the idea of picking silly fight names for the heroes. And from the fight names, I’ve come up with some “inspired” reasons for them. It also makes it easier to justify the guy being totally ripped – although not all fighters are. I’ve learned in actual fights the physical appearance can be deceiving. It’s more about heart and talent, training and speed, than how a guy looks. But naturally any hero I write about will be blessed with a six-pack and boulder shoulders.

4. What was it like getting inside the mind of a mixed martial arts fighter?

I’ve interviewed a few fighters over the years, chatted with others while getting promotional photos and during before and after “meet and greets” while at live events. Every single fighter I’ve met has been extremely nice, unassuming, dedicated to fans, and (though it sounds silly) very sweet. It took only a few questions to see how much they give to the sport they love, the discipline it takes to stay in training, and the confidence they gain from having extreme ability. Since I’ve never asked a fighter about his love life, that part of the story is pure imagination on my part. But then I only write good guys, and talented lovers.

5. What is your process for choosing names like Cannon Colter?

I’m a terrible cheat when it comes to names. More often than not I see a name on Facebook or Twitter that I like. I never, ever use a first and last name together, but I do pick and choose and mix and match. When I see a unique name, or a name that resonates with me, I grab it up. When I’m writing, I’m far less focused on names than I am on personality. Names for me are an afterthought, so stealing from my social media sites makes it easy.

6. What are Cannon and Yvette’s best physical traits?

Although Cannon is a fighter with a shredded bod, it’s more his smile and his eyes that get to Yvette. He has a very sincere smile, because he’s a very sincere guy. And when he looks at a person, it’s felt through and through.

For Yvette, she has long beautiful hair, but it’s more about the deceptive confidence she tries to exude that draws Cannon – that, and the way she looks at him like he’s a superhero. What guy could resist that?

7. What is the best scene (in your opinion) between Yvette and Cannon?

There’s a fun scene where Yvette is at the rec center (the gym) and the fighters start arguing. Cannon is irked, his buddies are irked, and Yvette thinks they might come to blows. She tries to put herself in the middle and sort of gets sandwiched between some pretty hot flesh. I smiled while writing it, so I hope readers smile when they read it.

The poor guys didn’t know what to think. They’re big, physical guys who don’t mind working out a few differences on the mat, but they’re also friends, and they’re fighters with a load of control often utilized in a fight. But with Yvette, they all want to be gentle – while struggling to figure her out.

8. What music did you listen to while writing NO LIMITS?

I have a long playlist of about 150 songs. Much of it is from KORN and Kid Rock and Marilyn Manson, but I’ve also really gotten into Disturbed, The Pretty Reckless, Papa Roach, Skillet and Puddle of Mud. Oh, and Cage the Elephant. I like loud, strong music that I can sing along with while I’m writing.

9. How is this series different from your previous works?

The Ultimate series is a different setting, different characters, different plots – and yet you still visit some of the characters from Love Undercover series since it remains in the same fictional city and state. In the last series the focus was on Rowdy’s bar and the police station. There are visits to the bar still, but much of the action takes place at Cannon’s rec center and in different houses owned by the characters.

The stories remain super-sexy, the guys remain alphas, the women remain smart and independent, and elements of suspense go throughout both series. But I hope each character has their own personality and for me, that’s where the differences should be most evident.

10. What character did you find yourself most drawn to, and why?

I love Armie Jacobson – and I’m pretty sure readers will too. He’s outrageous, too sexy, has effortless talent in the cage, and a wounded background that has influenced his life greatly. I love all the guys – Gage, Cannon, Denver, Stack... but Armie stands out.

11. Do you prefer writing about small town romance settings (like in NO LIMITS) or city settings?

I’m not sure I’ve ever written a large city setting. Smaller towns, always fictional, work best for me because I like the lack of anonymity in a small town. Everyone knows everyone, or has at least heard of everyone, and it can lead to some touching, and embarrassing, situations. I like the warmth of knowing your neighbors and caring about them. And I like the ease in creating the town.

12. Who would play Cannon and Yvette in a book-to-film adaptation?

Josh Duhamel, while a little too old, would make a fabulous Cannon! He’s big and gorgeous and built. I think he’d be perfect if NO LIMITS was ever made into a movie. For the heroine, Mila Kunis is beautiful and I can easily picture her as Yvette. They’d make a hot couple!

13. What are your five favorite verbs to use during a love scene?

Favorite verbs to use in a love scene... Only five, huh? Wow, that’s difficult. How about catch/caught, press, contract, nuzzle/nibble, lick/suck. I’m not sure I could write a full love scene without them.

14. Can you tell us about the process behind the cover artwork?

Ooooh, I LOVE getting new covers, it’s so exciting. The way it works is that I give my editor an idea of what the characters look like. Usually this means emailing her my own character sheets – notes I keep on the characters to detail (and help me remember) height, eye and hair color, body type, etc... I usually include any and all info like the car he/she drives, job description, age and any other pertinent information that I might need to recall from book to book.

My editor also asks for a synopsis, but since they usually start working on covers long before I know what the story is about, it’s a guessing game on my end. I know there’ll be a hunk, a heroine, some suspense, hot sex, lots of emotion, and a happy ending. The how and why is often not clear to me at that point.

Then the publisher has a meeting with the art department and they brainstorm cover ideas and come up with a concept that I get to see.

The concept is just an idea. It’ll show a model, but not THE model. It’ll show a pose, but not THE pose. I see where the placement of my name and the title will appear, along with any quotes.

Once that’s approved, the art department does a photo shoot and from those images they choose the one they like best. I weigh in with pleas of chest hair. Chest hair is always my #1 requirement if they show the model with his shirt off. To be clear, this is for new novels, not novellas or re-issues. For those they generally use stock art. It’s all very fun and I can honestly say I’ve loved the artwork so far.

15. If you were stranded on a desert island with one of your many characters, who would you choose and why?

Since I’m an enormous wimp and not at all heroic, I’d love to have Trace with me, from Trace of Fever. He’s bossy and take-charge and lethal. He knows what he’s doing, how to protect and how to survive. Plus I think he was pretty sexy.

If it needs to be a character from my current Ultimate series, I’d say Denver – for many of the same reasons. He’s far more autocratic than Cannon or Armie or Stack. He’s big, brawny, and when necessary he can be lethal. I’d feel safer with a real bad ass if I had to be stranded.

16. What was the most difficult part of the process when writing NO LIMITS?

My heart broke for Yvette. She’s one of more damaged heroines I’ve ever written (although there have been a few) and she struggled so hard for her independence. More than anything she wants Cannon, but because he’s so brave and strong she doesn’t feel quite worthy, and the stigma of being seen as a victim really hit her hard. I image something like that would be very, very difficult to overcome.

17. Have you written an outline for the NO LIMITS series or do you make it up as you go?

I totally make it up as I go along. Or I should say my characters make it up. I never try to figure things out in advance because as sure as I do, the characters will have a different idea and they’ll rebel, making it difficult to write until I give them their way. Fighting it is futile. But since they’re seldom wrong, it works for us. (And yes, I’m nuts. I don’t fight that either.)

Usually the characters will give me enough clues along the way to keep the writing flow steady. For instance, while I was writing NO LIMITS, Denver stepped up and talked about Cherry and made it clear his book needed to be next. Now while I’m writing HARD KNOCKS (Denver’s story) Stack is giving me nudges, saying, “Me next, me next. And I’m going after Vanity... whether she or I know it yet or not.” So that’s how I know Stack’s story will be after Denver’s.

Armie has said he wants to wait, stew on things a while, come to grips with his future... so I’m letting him get used to the idea of what is to come.

18. What was your go-to snack while writing NO LIMITS?

Goldfish cheese crackers and pretzels. Occasionally I drink Mountain Dew when I need more caffeine but I usually snack with Lipton Citrus Green Tea as my drink.

I also love baby carrots. And far too often I cave to the call of the Pringles can.

19. What’s your favorite part of the book?

There’s a fight scene in the book. Not a sporting match, but an angry, defensive, you-dared-touch-what-is-mine kind of aggression filled with rage and loss of control and an awakening of strong emotion. Call me barbaric but I love writing scenes like that. I love getting down to the basics of how love can affect a person, whether it’s in sex or fighting off danger or just showing vulnerability awareness. It’s the real stuff people are made of.

20. What are you working on next?

I’m writing Denver’s story right now, titled HOLDING STRONG. It’s due out in spring 2015 and I’m loving Denver and Cherry together – and them as a couple with the rest of the fighters around. It’s a very fun dynamic.

After that I’ll do another benefit novella for June 2015. It’ll be part of the Buckhorn family and all proceeds from sales of the book will go to a charity. I’m not yet sure which of the Buckhorn clan will be featured, but I’m sure it’ll all come to me in plenty of time.

And then I’ll jump into Stack’s story. He should be ready by then – which means I’ll also be ready. Luckily the characters keep me writing. In fact, if there were more hours in the day, I’m not sure they’d ever let me stop!

Review: Slow Seduction by Cecilia Tan

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: August 26, 2014

Trade Paperback {p.297}

Genre: Erotica

Series: Struck by Lightning #3

Source: Publisher

Karen Casper, James

James has finally pushed Karina beyond her limit--not her limit for kinky sex play, but for his extreme secrecy. She has had enough and breaks things off. But James won't give up on Karina and will do whatever it takes to get her back. He's ready to share his deepest, darkest secrets, but is Karina ready to hear them?

James offers Karina not only the truth but a place at his side... onstage. He wants Karina to star in his final musical production and enter his life and his world fully and completely. As the two work together, they rekindle the trust and love they'd lost. But James's world is full of deceit. When he is blackmailed by an unscrupulous music industry executive, James must give in to unreasonable demands or risk exposure of his and Karina's secret sex life.

Will Karina and James's love be strong enough to withstand the many obstacles being thrown their way?

This story was just too far-fetched for me to get behind. I never bought their relationship from day one because of how Karina went along with the commands of a complete stranger no questions asked. From that point on it was downhill for me. with that being said I just skimmed the remainder of the book one and completely skipped book two altogether.

The book seemed as though it was going to be a good read, but Karina's complete lack of self preservation turned me off from the beginning. It never seemed to come back from that for me. Book three was a complete did-not-finish for me.

Breathe by Kristen Ashley ~ Launch Day Blitz & Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: August 26, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.610}

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Colorado Mountain #4

Source: Publisher

Faye Goodknight, Chace Keaton

There's nothing like the first time...

In Carnal, Colorado, Faye Goodknight is the town's quiet, shy librarian. She may also be Carnal's last remaining virgin. For years, Faye has had a crush on Chace Keaton, but the gorgeous cop has always been unattainable. She's resigned to live contentedly with only her books for company-until Faye suddenly meets Chace alone in the woods...

Chace doesn't think he's the good guy everyone believes him to be. He's made a lot of choices he regrets, including denying his feelings for Faye. Through his choices, he's come to believe the pretty librarian is too good for him, but after their time in the woods, Chace realizes that she may be his last chance for redemption. Soon, their long simmering desires grow to a burning passion. Yet always casting a shadow over their happiness is Chace's dark past...

I was a bit unsure if I was going to like Chace because of the way he was behaving toward Faye in the first couple of chapters. I wasn't sure how they were going to make it as a couple with him referring to her by calling her "fat ass" in not in the Kim K kind of way. Chace couldn't possible do worse than that to her, right? Wrong. She truly stuck it out for him, because it steadily got worse before it got better.

I never really developed a true connection with either of Faye or Chace. Plus, there didn't really seem to be a connection between them either. Their story just seemed to drag on entirely too long, with nothing truly happening. I did like Faye's family; they were a delightful treat.

Yet again I found myself re-reading sentences in an effort to make heads or tails of them. I just don't understand why it seems so difficult to structure a sentence. I just gave up on the last third of the book or so. It was just too long-winded with very little plot.

About the author:

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Review: The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: April 19, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.255}
Genre: New Adult
Series: The Bet #1
Source: Public Library
Kacey, Travis Titus

"I have a proposition for you." Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. It's been years since Kacey's seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they're engaged for her sake-so be it.

But Kacey wasn't counting on Jake's older brother Travis still being there. She calls him "Satan" for a reason: she's never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis's gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey's more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake's deal...

This was an entertaining read for me. I started laughing from page one and never stopped.

I truly enjoyed both Travis and Kacey. I loved how they interacted with each other. Their chemistry was amazing. I just ate up all their scenes together. Not only did I love these two, but Travis and Jake's grandmother. What a hoot. She sure kept everyone on their toes.

As far as characters I did not like, that would go to Jake, the other Titus brother. Which is disappointing because his book is next in the series, but I have no desire whatsoever to read more of him. He was a complete a**hole throughout the book and come to find out he was one as a child as well. I personally don't feel that there are any redeeming qualities for Jake.

Overall I loved this book, minus Jake. I want to keep going with the series because I loved Kacey, Travis and Grandma Nadine. If they don't have to be read in order to grasp the story, I may just skip to book three in the series.

In My Mailbox {174}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Books via Books-a-Million

Haven of Obedience by Marina Anderson

Pleasure's Edge by Eden Bradley

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

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Sage by Brian K. Vaughan

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Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

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Bound by Night by Larissa Ione

The Last Breath by Kimberly Belle

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The Best Kind of Trouble by Lauren Dane

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Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley ~ Launch Day Blitz

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:00:00 +0000

“I know it’s fake but thank you, Ty. I never expected to have anything that nice and it is nice, no matter what. So thank you for giving it to me.”

He didn’t speak but his eyes changed, one of those changes I didn’t know, didn’t yet understand but this one was meaningful. They all were but this one was more meaningful than the rest.

A lot more.

And I couldn’t stop myself, his eyes so close, that look in them, my arms moved from around his shoulders, my hands framed his face, I leaned up and whispered, “Thank you.”
Then I pressed my lips to his.

I meant to give him a soft kiss of gratitude. This was not to say I didn’t want to give him a long, hard, wet kiss of something else. And just what I wanted to give him and what that would lead to had also been filling my head space the last couple of days but that wasn’t where I intended to go just then. Not yet. Not with a house full of people downstairs waiting to eat fried chicken.

But when my mouth hit his, he didn’t give me the chance to give him a soft kiss of gratitude.

Instantly, his fingers slid up into my hair, cupping my head, and his mouth opened over mine making a demand.

Mine complied. His tongue spiked into my mouth and I liked the taste of it, I hadn’t had it in what seemed like a decade, I missed it and he tasted so fucking good my body pressed into his and not just because his arm around me grew super tight.

Then I was twisted, on my back in what was, I noted vaguely and was unbelievably happy for, a bed. His torso was on mine, his hips beside mine, his long, heavy leg moved to tangle with mine as his tongue moved in my mouth. I wrapped one arm around his back, one around his shoulders, my hand moving to cup the back of his head and hold him to me.

God, he couldn’t kiss. He could kiss.

LADY LUCK by Kristen Ashley (July 29, 2014; Forever Mass Market)
Is love in the cards? Since birth, Lexie Berry has had nothing but bad luck. Orphaned at an early age, she had a rough childhood and a boyfriend who was murdered. Now the beautiful, stylish Lexie is determined to change her luck and her life. But first she's got to make good on a promise: to pick up Ty Walker from prison. One look at the gorgeous ex-convict and Lexie knows she's in trouble-and already thinking about taking a walk on the wild side...

For five years, Ty was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Now he wants revenge on the people who framed him. Yet when the high-stakes poker player sees the leggy Lexie, he suddenly has other desires on his mind. Realizing that Ty is innocent, Lexie tries to stop his plan for vengeance and help him become a better man. But as Ty battles his inner demons, dirty cops and criminals plot to take him out. Can he and Lexie find a way to escape the past?

About the author:
Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake. Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Social Media:
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Buy Links:
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Review: Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: July 29, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.528}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Colorado Mountain #3
Source: Publisher
Lexie Berry, Ty Walker

Ty Walker was wrongly imprisoned and for the five years he was inside, he honed his plan so when he gets out, he has nothing but vengeance on his mind.

But then he walks straight to stylish, leggy, beautiful, goofy Lexie Berry and he suddenly has something else to think about. He knows within seconds he wants her and within days he can love her but with the filth that was flung at him clinging; he also knows he can’t have her.

Since birth, Lexie Berry has been Lady Luck’s favorite toy and because of that, Lexie is cautious. But within a day, she senses Ty is something special. With her luck, however, she can’t trust it. Then she finds out what was done to Ty and she’s willing to do anything to make it right.

Even what Ty will never forgive her for doing.

Ty clings to vengeance and Lexie goes all out to give him back the time he lost. But Ty is battling demons within and they’re up against dirty cops and criminals who will stop at nothing to sway Lady Luck against them. All Ty and Lexie have is hope Lady Luck will finally swing their way.

Overall this was a great read, but it was not without its flaws. The story-line kept me engaged because I wanted to know how it was all going to turn out. This small town in Colorado seemed to have a hate on for people with "color in them."

The constant vulgar way in which the male lead, Ty, and his friends referred to women grated on my nerves. I never understood why the female lead, Lexie, never seemed bother by this. Never once did she bat an eye at the terminology he continued to use whenever speaking about a woman.

The slang and run-on sentences tended to be a bit confusing. More than once I had to stop and slowly reread sentences out loud in an effort to make heads or tails of them. I know a lot of the horrible grammar was supposed to reflect how their usage of slang, but after a point it begins to be a bit too much. For the life of me, I cannot think of one person who talks like they did. It moved past the point of them using slang to the point of them appearing uneducated.

Other than that, I liked the characters. I became invested in their lives and the community. It's a series I hope to continue, but it does take some getting used to in regards to trying to muddle through all the slang.

In My Mailbox {173}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Books via Half Price Books

The Care and Feeding of an Alpha Male by Jessica Clare

Everything for Us by M. Leighton

Seduced by Fire by Tara Sue Me

Up to Me by M. Leighton

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Crave by Monica Murphy

Books via Public Library Sale

Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman

A Brush with Death by Elizabeth J. Duncan

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Pretties by Scott Westerfield

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

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Collide by Gail McHugh

In My Mailbox {172}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Books via Barnes & Noble

Lick by Kylie Scott

Books via Dollar Tree

The Morganville Vampires Volume 2 by Rachel Caine

Rescue by Anita Shreve

Books via Half Price Books

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire

A Beautiful Wedding by Jamie McGuire

Deceiving Lies by Molly McAdams

Red Hill by Jamie McGuire

Sharing You by Molly McAdams

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

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Stormy Nights by Tonya Ramagos

In My Mailbox {171}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:55:00 +0000

Books via Book Outlet

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris
Breathe by Sarah Crossan
Just for Now by Abbi Glines
Light by Michael Grant
Resist by Sarah Crossan
Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer
Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins
Used to Be by Eileen Cook
While It Lasts by Abbi Glines
Zombie Blondes by Brian James

Books via Goodreads Win

For the Longest Time by Kendra Leigh Castle

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No Reservations by Lauren Dane and Megan Hart

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Boomerang by Noelle August
In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins

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Mr. Right Goes Wrong by Pamela Morsi
No Strings Attached by Susan Andersen
A Sword Upon the Rose by Brenda Joyce
Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

Review: In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: July 1, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.295}
Genre: Erotica
Series: Redemption #2
Source: Publist
Amanda Westwood, Jake Donovan

He rules in the ring

Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn't dull the pain of Amanda's rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.

A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn't found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help...

But can he rule her heart?

Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda's not sure if she can stay in control, or if she's finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

Jake and Amanda didn't seem to have much chemistry going for them other than sexual. There just seemed to be a lot of back and forth between these two, to the point that I just gave up caring one way or the other. After their breakup two years prior, Jake hasn't gotten over her and she claims she hasn't gotten over him. You could never tell this by the way the act.

Jake was constantly jealous and Amanda kept doing stupid things to tick him off. I felt both characters had some growing to do. Without the help of the secondary characters, this book may have rated lower with me. Although, Amanda's parents were downright horrible.

Of course these two seemed to work out their drama just in time for their HEA.

In My Mailbox {170}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Books via Books-A-Million

Hide and Seek by Sara Shepard

Texas Men by Delilah Devlin

That Summer by Sarah Dessen

Vampires Don't Wear a Size Six by Gerry Bartlett

Books via Paperback Swap

Riding the Night by Jaci Burton

Books via Publisher

Breathe by Kristen Ashley

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

No Limits by Lori Foster

Something Sweeter by Candis Terry

Review: The Promise by Robyn Carr

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: June 24, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.363}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publist
Peyton Lacoumette, Scott Grant

Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it's time to move on from his loss. But as the town's only doctor, the dating scene is awkward. That is, until a stunning physician's assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She's already been burned by a man with kids, and she's come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she's used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She's willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn't enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.

Even though Peyton isn't the usual type Scott goes for (blonde), he's immediately attracted to her, even when he's under the impression that men aren't her thing. With Scott believing this to be true, it gives them the opportunity to become good friends before anything else.

Peyton, having just gotten out of a relationship with a doctor with kids, would never have taken the job with Scott had she known he was a single father. With how all the townspeople love to talk, all they divulged to her was that Scott was a dedicated family man.

When Scott gets called away on an emergency with no babysitter in sight, Peyton wonders if she's finding herself falling back into the pattern of her previous relationship. It turns out not to be the case, because unlike her previous relationship, his kids adore Peyton. Both the kids and Peyton take an immediate like to one another. Not only do Scott's kids like Peyton, but the whole town of Thunder Point. The locals easily welcomed her into the fold, and treated her as a longtime friend.

Her relationship with Scott was not without its bumps. Of course her ex has to show to cause trouble. He wants Peyton back but feels he's justified in his behavior and treatment of her. Of course to the ex, everything he did was Peyton's fault and never his. This then causes the conflict between Peyton and Scott that every romance must have to keep the story interesting. Otherwise their journey would have been a little too perfect.

I enjoyed both characters together as well as on their own. I felt like I got to know Scott a whole lot more in this one than any of the previous installments. I got to see a brand new side of him other than the widower with two small children. Peyton was the perfect match for him; someone who is his equal and adores children. She was a woman of strong moral character; she stepped in and helped out a family when they needed her, even though they were just outright cruel to her for years. I would like to see what becomes of that family in Ms. Carr's future installments.

THE PROMISE is home-run hit from Ms. Carr. Whenever I'm in a reading slump, I know I can pick up a Robyn Carr novel and climb into a town of friends and family that I never tire of visiting.

In My Mailbox {169}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 17:04:00 +0000

Books via Amazon

Ascension by Lauren Dane
Fire and Rain by Lauren Dane

Books via Paperback Swap

Hunters: Ben and Shadoe by Shiloh Walker
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

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Deceptive Innocence by Kyra Davis
The Promise by Robyn Carr

In My Mailbox {168}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 02:08:00 +0000

Books via Library Sale

Against the Night by Kat Martin

The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs

Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal

Kill & Tell by Linda Howard

Lawe's Justice by Lora Leigh

Never Cry Wolf by Cynthia Eden

The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner

Private by James Patterson

The Search by Nora Roberts

Second Honeymoon by James Patterson

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

Two Lies and a Truth by Sara Shepard

Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh

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Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder

Four Years Later by Monica Murphy

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti

In My Mailbox {167}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:42:00 +0000

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

I'll try to post an entry of IMM every Sunday that I receive books by mail/library/store of that week.

Books via Amazon

Fire with Fire by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

Books via Half Price Books

The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

This Girl by Colleen Hoover

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Books via Paperback Swap

Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally

Books Publisher

Love With a Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde

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The Promise by Robyn Carr

Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

Review: The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.384}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publist
Hadleigh Stevens, Tripp Galloway

The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! See how it all begins in this enthralling new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller...

Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right—or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever!

Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away!

The premise of this book is what pulled me in. But I just couldn't get into the story line or the characters. There seemed to be very little interaction between Tripp and Hadleigh in the first half of the book. A good chunk of the book was one of the other thinking about or talking about the other, but not them together. Not much dialogue between each other.

I did find myself losing interest in this one, and had to put it down numerous times throughout reading it. I'm not sure if I was just getting bored with these characters or if the plot just seemed to recycled from previous Miller novels. It felt like a far cry from her McKettrick and Creed series, which I absolutely adore.

The ending felt wrapped up too quickly and neatly, that I felt like I had missed something along the way. This was not one of my favorites by this author, and I'm unsure if I'll continue on with this new series. If I do, I won't be in a hurry to do so.

In My Mailbox {166}

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:01:00 +0000

Books via Half Price Books

Obsessed by Him by Red Garnier
Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella
To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han

Books via Paperback Swap

Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts by Natalie Acres
Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane

Books via Publisher

Kiss of Wrath by Sandra Hill

Review: Tease by Sophie Jordan

noreply@blogger.com (Tasha) — Thu, 29 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.320}
Genre: New Adult
Source: Publisher
Emerson, Shaw

What happens when a girl who always calls the shots meets a guy who's too wild for even her?

A born flirt and good-time party girl, Emerson has never had a problem finding a willing guy. She's always chosen her hookups carefully, and she's never broken her three cardinal rules:

Never let them see the real you.
Never fall in love.
Always leave them begging for more.

Then Shaw comes along. A hottie from the wrong side of the tracks, he's immune to her flirtatious banter and come-hither smile. After rescuing her from a disastrous night at a biker bar, he doesn't even try to take her to bed—he calls her a tease and sends her home instead. Unable to resist a challenge, or forget the sexy, dark-eyed, bad-boy biker, she vows to bring him to his knees.

But instead of making Shaw beg, Emerson finds herself craving him. For the first time in her life, she's throwing out her rule book. Suddenly, she's the one panting for a guy she can't control—a guy who won't settle for anything less than the real Emerson and who forces her to do things she's never imagined, including facing a past she thought she'd buried.

A guy who just might leave her wanting more...

I so wanted to love this book, because I loved FOREPLAY, but I just couldn't. Emerson just annoyed me throughout the bulk of the book. Which is disappointing, because I adored Shaw.

Shaw is the strong silent type. He tends to be able to read people very well, which is what Emerson needed. He and Reese are very similar in their strong, rock-solid character. At times I felt Shaw deserved better than Emerson, that he should be with someone more like her roommate Georgia.

Emerson had been through something traumatic in her past that lead her to put up this party girl facade that was not true and down right irritating at times. I'm just not a fan women how actively seek out the reputation of being loose or without sexual morals. And her treatment of Shaw didn't win her any points with me either. Some points throughout, I just wanted to give up on this book and wanted Shaw to give up on Emerson. I stuck with it because I wanted to see what was cause her bad behavior. I already had some ideas to what it was, but I stuck it out for confirmation. And for some reason, when I read what happened, it felt very familiar, like I had read this plot-line before.

Shaw, and Emerson's roommate Georgia, were by far my favorites in this installment. I'm hoping that Georgia's story will be much better than Emerson's.