StarAngel's Reviews

Book – Soldier On

Author – Sydney Logan

Publication Date –June 2014
Genre – Romance
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Will his call of duty break both their hearts?

Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph's only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play. Then she meets Brandon Walker at a New Year’s Eve costume party. Despite his disguise, Steph finds herself attracted to the camouflaged soldier who curls her toes with a scorching midnight kiss.

Brandon is an engineering major and ROTC student from the hills of Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a major general has given Brandon firsthand knowledge of the struggles military families sometimes face. Now that his father’s memory is fading, Brandon is even more determined to make his dad proud and graduate as an officer in the United States Army. Then he meets Stephanie, and suddenly, his focus is less on his military service and more on the pretty brunette who has stolen his heart. When he becomes aware of Steph’s resentment toward the military, he worries their relationship is doomed.

Steph unexpectedly finds herself in need of a roommate. Brandon volunteers, thinking it’s the perfect opportunity to show her the real Brandon, before he’s forced to admit the truth about his four-year obligation to the army. Afraid that living together will be a distraction to graduating on time, Steph establishes house rules—rules they both find difficult to obey. 

When faced with the realization that she's fallen in love with a soldier, can Steph’s wounds from the past be healed with love in her present . . . and in her future?

My Thoughts - Story
I found this to be a medium level emotional book, but I just couldn’t get past how shallow Stephanie was. I understand her hatred toward the military and the fear of having a relationship with someone who could be shipped overseas to fight, but I think she just took it a bit too far.

You don’t choose who you fall in love with…it chooses you. Yeah, there were some other things that I can understand why Stephanie reacted the way she did…

It was sweet romance with Princess Bride references that hooked me.

Brandon is perfect except for a few moments of drama….stupid, stupid man.

Re-Cap
Stephanie’s father died overseas and she has sworn off the military and anything that goes along with it. But during a New Year’s Eve masquerade a handsome man dressed in camouflage kisses her in the library. Both of them can’t get their minds off of the other and with the start of the new semester, Stephanie and Brandon find themselves in the same Lit class together.

Things progress between the two of them and with Brandon knowing Stephanie’s hatred toward the military, he keeps his ROTC status a secret until the shit hits the fan.

Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – 

[spoiler]

Yes

[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Possibly
Recommend To – Anyone looking for a sweet read

Book – Jack Gets His Man

Author – DE Haggerty

Publication Date –July 1, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Jack’s life is awesome. His store is making money hand over fist and his best friend has found love. So what if he’s feeling a bit restless and put out about his upcoming birthday and his ex is being a pain in his fabulous behind? That’s nothing he can’t handle, but then his super hot new bookkeeper discovers things at the store aren’t actually as they seem. Someone is playing fast and loose with the finances. Jack’s bestie and his gal pals, the grey-haired knitting detectives, jump at the chance to solve Jack’s problems. When they aren’t re-enacting scenes from spy thrillers, they’re setting Jack up on dates and generally insinuating themselves into his love life. They’re determined to find love for Jack as well as his missing money. Will Jack catch a thief or find love? Either way Jack’s going to get his man.

My Thoughts - Story
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Jack’s story after reading “Murder, Mystery & Dating Mayhem” and I ate this book up like a grubby little kid.

If you read the first book, you know that Jack is Izzy’s gay BFF and a favorite of the grey haired knitters who just LOVE to get into trouble when solving mysteries.

Ms. Haggerty doesn’t disappoint with the humor and antics Jack, Izzy and the grey haired ladies get into while Jack tries to figure out who is stealing money from his store. Oh, and we can’t forget how these ladies just want to play cupid with Jack’s love life.

This is definitely a light-hearted read where you will find yourself chuckling over and over again.

You can read this book without the first in the series, but I recommend reading both in order to get the backstory of the secondary characters.

Re-Cap
Jack is feeling the loneliness of losing Izzy to Noel and the random hook-ups just aren’t cutting it anymore for him. But after hiring a smoking hot bookkeeper for the business, Jack finds out that someone is stealing from the store for cross dressers and plus size ladies and the grey haired brigade is on that shit.

We follow Jack and the crew trying to figure out who the culprit is while driving Noel and the rest of the police department crazy with the trouble they wind up getting into.

Not only do the ladies unravel the mystery but they also help Jack find Mr. Right.

Reason for Reading – Author Request/Edited
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – 

Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Anyone looking for a funny, light read

Book – Rekindling the Flame (Den of Sin #22)

Author – LV Lewis

Publication Date –July 20, 2015
Genre – Romance/Erotica
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Sabine Beaudelaire returns to her hometown of New Orleans to the bedside of her favorite uncle, Sebastian Beaudelaire, who’s been in a horrific accident and lies comatose at a local hospital. Estranged for six months from her fiancé of eight years, she still hopes for reconciliation. Enter a gorgeous man she affectionately dubs “Hot IT Guy”, whose sex appeal—and open season at her family’s secret sex lair—fills her head with thoughts of propositioning a man for the first time. 
When it becomes apparent she’s lost the love of her life to a more accommodating woman poised to give him everything he desires, Sabine’s hopes are shattered. With career benchmarks looming, Sabine is fulfilled by her work but lacking a love to call her own, a situation which Hot IT Guy, aka Xander “Fish” Fishbourne is eager to remedy. 

Is it by coincidence or by design that Xander, her protective older brother’s high school friend who once admired her from afar, becomes her guest at the Den of Sin? Who cares? Her dormant libido needs a serious kickstart since she and her fiancé called it quits. But will this weekend of sexual freedom rekindle an old flame, or will it further complicate her already complicated life? 

Rekindling the Flame is a second chance romance bringing an alpha hero back together with a woman he wanted before any other, and a heroine whose dominating older brothers shielded her from every man's advances. Now, they're together again at the Beaudelaire Big Easy Luau, a Den of Sin event where long held fantasies are made to be acted upon.

My Thoughts - Story
This was a great short read about second chances. After reading another book by this author in the Den of Sin series, I was pleasantly surprised of the depth of emotions. Ms. Lewis does a great job of taking an emotional story and compressing it into a short story.

I found myself remembering all the characters from the prior book I read and loved how they all continually make cameo appearances.

If you are looking for a book to escape the hum-drum of life for a few hours, these are definitely books that will deliver.

Re-Cap
Think about this….

So, a relationship dies when you can’t give your other half what they want, but…

It happens with a random stranger, who isn’t really a stranger at all.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – 

Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Anyone who has a few hours to spare on hot and steamy erotica

Book – Cale (Walk of Shame #3)

Author – Victoria Ashley

Publication Date –July 6, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

My name is Cale Kinley and I’m a fucking Virgin…

Well, with the exception of my tongue. The countless things I can do with my tongue are bound to leave you breathless and begging for more, but more… is something that I can’t give. It’s a choice. My choice.

There’s a reason for that. A very good reason, and that reason is her.

Riley.

She’s the only woman that I want to bury myself deep in. The one woman I have wanted since I was old enough to fuck.

I never got my chance though, because she left. She had no choice and it stung like hell. But I couldn’t let her leave without telling her how I felt. I wanted her to be my first and I didn’t give a shit how long I’d have to wait.

It’s been six years and now she’s back and sexier than all hell. Just the sight of her stops my damn heart from beating. I want her and for more than just having her as my first.

I’m determined to have her in every way possible. She thinks this is still a game; that I’ve already given myself to countless women. What she doesn’t know is that I have a lot of willpower.

When I want something as badly as I want her, I don’t let shit stand in my way. I’m going to prove that to her. There’s just one little problem I need to take care of…

Him.

My Thoughts - Story
As always with Ms. Ashley’s book, I was sucked in from the first page I read. Don’t even get me started on how freaking hot her sex scenes are ---- I read and then re-read each scene because I couldn’t get enough of Cale. Oh, and don’t get me started on how she describes each time Cale dances at Walk of Shame – now that had my heart pumping and my panties squishing.

Why did I take almost a whole star away?

I think the book could have been longer and have been spent longer with Riley coming back home. I would have liked to have Cale fight a bit harder to get to Riley. Maybe have him second guess himself and question his ability to get Riley to agree to be with him. I would have liked to have him a bit uncomfortable and out of his element by taking her on a date and romancing her.

Why? Cause I couldn’t get enough of this boy…bwhahahaha…I just wanted more and more of him!

Re-Cap
Have you ever met a male stripper who was still a virgin? How about a man who years ago promised his friend that he would save himself for her? Then you must meet Cale!

He has been waiting for Riley to come back from Mexico after being apart for so many years…and when she gets back, he has every intention of popping his cherry and being with her forever.

But with every new relationship comes hardships and obstacles…How will Riley feel about him being a male stripper? Does Riley have a boyfriend? What if she says no?

Wait a minute…scratch that last question, because Cale will NOT take no for answer.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – 

Would Read More from Author? ALWAYS
Recommend To – Everyone who loves a smoking hot read

Book – Redeeming The Amazon (Den of Sin #4)

Author – LV Lewis

Publication Date – December 27, 2013
Genre – Erotica
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Most come to The Beaudelaire Hotel a select few times a year just to indulge in sexual fantasy, but the stakes are higher for Karen Freeman and Paul Beaudelaire this New Year’s weekend. Karen is nine years post-op from a double mastectomy, and her vain ex-husband hadn’t agreed with her decision to remove her remaining good breast or to eschew reconstruction. In the end, that decision cost her. She lost her marriage, but she’s certain the move has prolonged her life. 

Returning to a normal dating and sex life has been difficult. She hasn’t made love fully unclothed since the demise of her marriage, and her most significant relationship occurred right after her surgery. When she was still recuperating, she had an affair of the heart with a Marine amputee who’d also been her Ph.D. classmate. 

Paul Beaudelaire once led a charmed life as a ladies’ man who had his pick of women in the upper echelons of New Orleans society. He’d been satisfied to continue in that vein, until a Marine recruiter wooed him from LSU with tales of valor, courage, and commitment. His career in the corps cut short by the loss of his left leg, Paul returned to New Orleans with the best prosthesis Johns Hopkins orthopedics experts could fit him with. However, he left his heart in Baltimore with a beautiful former model, whose crippled marriage was the only deterrent to his waning honor. 

Will this fantasy weekend at his uncle Henri’s hotel give him a second chance with his contemporary Amazon, or will her fear of rejection be a barrier to their reconnection?

My Thoughts - Story
OMG…what a book this would be if it was a full novel. I can see the characters get developed more – spend more time on their past and bam…this would be a 5 star book! That’s how good this story-line was.

Now, I have been totally off of erotica for some time now and being honest, I dreaded reading this with all the sex. But shit..I was freaking surprised when this book actually had a great story behind it that had me enthralled. The sex was great – the story was great. Win – win in my book.

This book deals with survivors of losing limbs and the self-esteem that goes along with having sex --- fucking fantastic!

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – 

Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Definitely survivors of breast cancer

Book – Easy Silence

Author – Beth Rinyu

Publication Date –July 9, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5+++ out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

They say you never forget your first love. No matter how many more come along or how much time goes by, there will always be that one person who will be forever embedded deep inside your heart and soul. For me, that was Jaxson Callahan.

We were complete opposites. I was a senator’s daughter. My parents were always too busy keeping up appearances on the political scene to show me love, so instead they bought my affection.

He was the son of a woman who allowed men to use and abuse her as well as him, just for her next fix. 

We became each other’s solace during that summer we met, creating a lifetime of memories in three short months. I provided him with a sense of hope that there was more than just the harsh reality of the life he had grown accustomed to, and he showed me a genuine love that I had been yearning for my entire life. We vowed to be together forever. I loved him and he loved me…. and nothing would keep us apart.

Nothing except the secrets that were hiding in that small seaside town.

Secrets that altered our destiny. We were never given any warning as we watched our future shake, crumble and disappear altogether, leaving us with nothing but memories of a bittersweet past.

Life can be beautiful. 

Life can be kind.

And, life can be heartless…..because nothing about our situation was fair.

My Thoughts - Story
I really don’t even know how to put into words what this book did to me. This one is definitely going on my all time favorites for 2015!!

I originally had my rating at 4.5 stars because this book absolutely gutted me and surprised me at the end, but I just had to change it because this book left me not only in a hangover…but a full-blown coma.

As like so many of Ms. Rinyu’s books, her gut wrenching, emotional reads take us on a journey of life. Shit…I’m speechless again.

OMG…I can’t even begin to express the emotions I felt while reading and even days after…just typing this – I’m choking up again. These characters are priceless…

The only thing I can share with you is to READ THIS!! But make sure you have a ton of tissues next to you!

Re-Cap
Sam is spending time with her grandmother while she is sick when she meets a stranger on the beach. Jax is standoffish and more or less tells Sam to leave him alone. But events keep taking place where Jax comes to her rescue. Their relationship builds and Sam finds her one true love. Jax takes her on a journey of self discovery while Sam finds out more about her father and mother.

Secrets are reveled…hearts become alive….the same hearts broken and a true love is found.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5++++ out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – It depends on your own feelings
Would Read More from Author? ALWAYS
Recommend To – Everyone

Book – Bent Not Broken (Cedar Creek #1)

Author – Julia Goda

Publication Date –April 17, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Life has taught Ivey Jones early on that with trust come pain and betrayal. Out of survival she has created walls around her to keep anyone from getting too close. Though she lives in her dream house in the Rocky Mountains and loves being the owner of the town's quirky little bookstore Serendipity, her life is narrow and governed by strict rules that she never deviates from…until Cal Bennett enters her life. 

For the past nine years Calvin “Cal” Bennett has stayed away from Ivey, thinking she deserved better than to be saddled with a single dad who has never been good at relationships. Until a few chance encounters show him what he’s been missing and he can’t stay away any longer. 

Little does he know he’s got a fight on his hands that he might not be equipped to win. Shadows from Ivey's past lurk in the dark, ready to strike and bring her low once and for all. But Cal swears he will do whatever it takes to break through that wall of steel to win Ivey’s heart and keep her safe.

My Thoughts - Story
The first thing I have to share is that as soon as conversations started between Ivey and Cal, I felt like I was transported into a Kristen Ashley book. Not the story or writing style, just the “Alpha” male who uses the fewest possible words and the possessive words.

There were a few times I did find the story dragging but otherwise this was a cute book with good characters – especially Cal and his relationship with his son.

Also, the ending was a bit over the top and seemed rushed with the angst that happens to Ivey.

Re-Cap
Ivey finds Cedar Creek after running from an abusive past but keeps her past a secret from everyone around her. She doesn’t get too close to anyone until Cal forces his way into her life.

Cal chases and Ivey keeps shooting him down ---- but Ivey connects with Cal’s son and between the two guys…Ivey finally relents and tries to open her heart again.

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Maybe
Recommend To – Kristen Ashley fans of her possessive males

Book – What Janie Wants

Author – Rhenna Morgan

Publication Date –June 22, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Clothing optional…

Janie McAlister should have known better than to trust her quirky sister’s taste in resorts. Instead of thatched-roof huts and designer pools overlooking the ocean, she’s landed at the one seventies throwback in the Riviera Maya with an open door nudity policy. No way is she going au naturale in public. And she’s sure not entertaining the advances of the bold young man with the delicious body daring her to do exactly that…and so much more.

Well, hello, Ms. McAlister…

Zade Painel’s a man on a mission—grab some much needed R&R at Gypsy Cove, and figure out how to reclaim his boudoir photography business. He never thought the answer would come in the form of a curvy, forty-year-old redhead and an accidental knee to the ‘nads, but Janie proves to be a force of nature with a penchant for fixing things. She’s also sexy as hell. One way or another, he’s going to help her see just that. And if he plays his cards right, it'll be a heavenly hands-on approach that lasts way past seven days in paradise.

My Thoughts - Story
This book had it ALL…humor, romance, angst and the biggest plus was the fact that our heroine was in her 40’s. Definitely, a book I could relate to.

The romance was cute and especially since Zade was a much younger guy who appreciated a person for what was on the inside instead of age.

So with that said, Ms. Morgan did an excellent job at expressing the characters and each of the scenes ---- she pinpointed emotions ranging from humor to sadness and developed a perfect love story.

Re-Cap
Janie goes on a vacation that her sister gifted her, but it turns out that it is to a resort that clothing is optional and reminds Janie more of Gilligan’s Island than a plush getaway.

She meets Zade accidentally (and a bit clumsily) and the sparks fly. Janie tries to fight it since he is younger but Zade won’t take no for an answer.

From here, it is a game of cat-n-mouse until more than just lust and sex is between them.

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – 

Would Read More from Author? Definitely

Book – Rundown (Curveball #2)

Author – Teresa Michaels

Publication Date –June 15, 2015
Genre – Romance/Suspense
Type – 2^nd Part of Duology
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Breanne Sullivan never expected to find love again. Allowing herself to move on wasn’t easy, and now it may be too late. Determined to give herself a second chance, she will go to any lengths to prove her love to Drew. If only she could find him.

Desperate to numb his heartache in the wake of Breanne’s rejection, with something other than women and booze, Drew Scott packs his bags for the West Coast. Distance and a fresh start are just what he needs to heal the wounds caused by the only woman to ever captivate his heart. 

But when the past and present collide in an unexpected way, Breanne and Drew quickly learn that things aren’t always what they seem. Caught between solving the mysteries that haunt them and getting the happily ever after they deserve, the two once again find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that could destroy them both. 

Answers come at a dangerous price. Sacrifices must be made in order to protect the ones they love. Can Breanne prove her love to Drew before its too late? Or will opposing forces interfere and destroy any chance of them having a future together?

*** This is the second book in a series and should not be read as a standalone. 

My Thoughts - Story
I absolutely couldn’t wait for this release after reading Curveball a few months ago. Thinking Ms. Michaels couldn’t do any better, it was a pleasant surprise that this book continued to keep me on the edge of my seat.

With twists and turns every page, I found myself not being able to put this book down for more than a minute. Ms. Michaels takes us on a journey of heartbreak, suspense, romance, lies, deceit, and so much more.

I fell in love with Breanne and Drew all over again in this book and what I loved most about these characters is that they were responsible and mature with just a little hint of insecurity. Breanne wasn’t a whiny, spineless character. Drew wasn’t an alpha bully – ‘me caveman’ ---- These two were real-life people caught in a web of trouble.

Re-Cap
I can’t reveal much without giving away some spoilers from Curveball, but I will mention that there are a few surprises along the way and some things aren’t really what you think.

We continue with the story of Drew and Breanne and their fight to stay alive along with how to find their happily ever after.

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – 

Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Readers who love a book that will have their heart beat triple

Book – Compulsive (Liar, Book 1)

Author – Lia Fairchild

Publication Date –May 12, 2015
Genre –New Adult
Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger – Yes
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Lies hurt.

Lies destroy.

But some lies protect...and heal. At least that's what Gray Donovan had hoped for. She's a compulsive liar using it as a defense mechanism to survive life and her shattered past.

When she starts seeing therapist Daniel Harrison, she can no longer deny the truths that have haunted her for so many years. She must now stand and face them.

Opening up to Daniel leaves her exposed and vulnerable. When her soul is bared to him, she can't contain the attraction or the feelings he elicits.

Daniel feels drawn to his new patient, but knows he will have to fight it in order to resurrect Gray from her demons. His will and his judgment are tested when he must overcome his own doubts and face his own secrets.


**Content Warning: Due to language and sexual situations, this book is intended for 18+ Only**

My Thoughts - Story
When I first received this book to review, I thought I had never read anything from Ms. Fairchild before. It was a surprise when I realized that, in fact, I did ---- I reviewed a short story of hers in the NightTides Anthology and go figure it was one of my favorites of the bunch. So, I couldn’t wait to get my claws into this one.

Holy shit…what a freaking intense book that I couldn’t put down. Yes, there were times I wanted to smack the shit out of Gray and even Daniel. In fact, Daniel really pissed me off toward the end of the book while Gray was starting to be my hero!

The development of the characters was perfect for Gray but I would have liked to have a bit more about Daniel…but I guess that comes with the second book….

And talking about the second book…that is why I took off a half star…WTH, Ms. Fairchild – you left me hanging out to dry with that ending. I am so hoping you are typing away and getting ready to release the 2^nd book.

Re-Cap
Gray has a problem stemming from her past but she is too stubborn or scared to rehash her childhood and come to terms with her ghosts. Her main problem is her compulsive lying that gets her in tons of trouble. When her current therapist leaves the practice, Gray is suddenly drawn to Daniel who promises to help her.

But do these two have ulterior motives? Can they fight the attraction for each other?

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – Don’t know yet
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who love a lot of angst and tear jerkers

Book – Never Let You Go: A Modern Fairytale

Author – Katy Regnery

Publication Date –June 12, 2015
Genre –New Adult
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

In this modern retelling of “Hansel and Gretel,” 13-year-old foster children, Holden and Griselda, escape from their abductor after three years of brutal captivity and try to cross the Shenandoah River on foot. Tragically, one of them makes it to safety but the other is left behind.

Ten years later, Griselda’s boyfriend drags her to a fight club grudge match where her world is turned upside down when she watches Holden step into the ring.

Though the connection between them is fierce, bitter regret, simmering rage and a cache of physical and emotional scars lie between them, just as dangerous as the whitewater of the Shenandoah.

Never Let You Go is a story of fear and hope, defeat and survival, and two people - once profoundly broken – who discover that love is the onlything that can make them whole again. 

This is a standalone novel inspired by Hansel & Gretel. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity, scenes of physical abuse and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. (Note: children are not sexually abused in this book.)

My Thoughts - Story
When I first finished this book, I was going to give it a lower rating but the damn thing stuck with me and I couldn’t stop thinking about the ‘past’ of these two characters. So based on that, the Ms. Regnery did a kick-ass job at creating a story that sticks.

The problems with the story….

~Some of my problems at first was the back and forth between the past and present and then the not so far past back to the past and then back to the present…I got a bit confused at times.

~Then it was some of the repetition of the past for these two characters that there were times I would just skim through the past scenes when they were kids.

~The other problem I had with it was around the 60% mark where there is a plot twist that I just wanted to bang my head against the wall…but….and that’s a big ‘butt’ that plot twist redeemed itself at the very end.

The positives of this story…

~Strong connection to the characters and the emotions that were brought out in me during very angsty times

~It was REAL…well, parts that weren’t fairy tale driven…like for example – Gris and Holden don’t magically win the lottery or become millionaires – instead the future for them is something that can very well happen and it’s not exaggerated.

~Their stories were INTENSE and their reunion was HEARTSTOPPING

~I found myself at times…holding my breath at what was going to happen next – I was captivated at times that everything else around me faded away

~The author did a great job at quotes that will stick with me for a very long time! “I jump, you jump”…..”Ask me if I’m whole” ---- Damn…those gutted me!

Re-Cap
I’m not going to waste your time with giving you a recap of this story – there is just too much going on that I will end up leaking a spoiler so I’m going to leave you with…

Two kids in the foster system get kidnapped…one gets away…one gets stuck…years later they reunite and the story goes from there.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) –  [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Yes

Recommend To – Readers who love a lot of angst and fairy tales

Book – Tyed

Author – LJ Shen

Publication Date –July 1, 2015
Genre –New Adult/MMA
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Rock bottom has built way more champions than privilege has.


Blaire, an underachieving college student with zero prospects and a ton of issues (hey, being the less-successful twin of a gorgeous supermodel would totally do that to you) needs something from Ty.

Mixed Martial artist Ty, a soon-to-be Welterweight champion of the Xtreme Warrior League and the hottest guy in the Bay Area, wants something from Blaire.

But Ty has a secret.
And Blaire can barely even handle his truths. 

Life is about to throw a few knockout punches at both of them. Can they handle the pain?

Tyed is a standalone novel.

My Thoughts - Story
Wow…what a great debut novel from Ms. Shen. Job well done and I’m not a big fan of the MMA genre but this book gripped me with the witty banter and arrogance turned to a perfect specimen of a man.

Both of these characters were developed perfectly throughout the story and the author was able to express the emotions and feelings these two went through during their relationship. It was easy to connect with them and with the story that I felt the flow and storyline was smooth which made this a quick and easy read.

I was captivated and devoured this book in no time from the moment I picked it up.

Ty was easy to hate in the beginning but shit…I fell for him hard when I learned more about him and his outer shell he showed to those not close to him. Boy oh boy…I want a man like him!

Re-Cap
Blaire has the assignment from hell and she HAS to get a good grade in order to graduate. She must write an article about MMA for her journalist class. She gets into an altercation with some hot guy in the parking lot before her interview and it turns out he is the one she will be following around.

What can get worse than that?

How about how much her lady parts tingle when he’s around? Or maybe how he is dead set on irking her whenever possible…is it attraction? Or just plain annoyance?

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who like angst, MMA and a pure Alpha male with a heart of gold

Book – Rebel: A Stepbrother Romance

Author – Kim Linwood

Publication Date –May 13, 2015
Genre –New Adult/Step Family Romance
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

I married my stepbrother.

Yeah, no one’s more surprised than me. I can’t fucking stand him.

All I wanted was a quiet summer before starting college. Catch up on my books. Maybe get a summer job. Then he dropped into my life.

His name’s Gavin Caldwell, and he’s stupidly rich. Cocky. Arrogant. Ridiculously, panty-meltingly hot.

And he’s parading around our bridal suite shirtless. Pantless.

He has no freaking shame, and I have to pretend to be in love with him.

I hate him.

So why can’t I stop thinking about him?

My Thoughts - Story
Well, I finally caved and read a “step” book ---- I have been complaining and complaining about how many of these books are being generated but I will now eat my words! I freaking enjoyed this book so much!

I fucking laughed so hard at all the predicaments that Angie found herself in and the banter between her and Gavin had me cracking up…oh and I can’t forget the ‘old lady’ Joyce and her filterless mouth!

This was adorable in my eyes and a book I couldn’t put down!

The author did a kick ass job at taking a ‘taboo’ subject in my eyes and giving me an enjoying ride! ♥

Re-Cap
Angie decides to lose her V Card and has her sights set on a tattooed god…until he opens his mouth. Just as things get hot and heavy….Angie tucks tail and runs away.

So is this the end of her embarrassing trauma?

Hell no…instead that so-called god is going to be her future step-brother. So a pair of tossed away cruise ship tickets and these two are in for a ride of their lives. Oh, and don’t forget about love and sex advice from darling, Joyce!!

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV (Gavin and Angie)

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who like to a light, humorous romance with a bit of angst

Book – Too Far Gone (Adirondack Pack #1)

Author – KC Stewart

Publication Date –June 8, 2015
Genre –Paranormal Romance/Shifter
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

It’s either the beginning or the end for Sadie James. She came to the small Adirondack town of Andora looking for a fresh start. One that didn’t include the pitying looks of strangers who saw her on the news. Only days into her new life and already she is in trouble. That is, unless the wolf in front of her was salivating at the sight of some other woman in the vast forest around her.

After killing his sister, Tyson searched for oblivion the only way he knew how to. As a wolf he could run from the life he left behind and become the animal he always was. The time between lucidness grows longer each times he surfaces. One day he won’t be able to come back at all. It was the only thing he looked forward to until a lost woman fell at his feet.

Sadie is in danger and she is blind to it. Although, it was never proven, Tyson always believed Jack was behind his sister’s ultimate demise. Now Jack has his sights set on Sadie. Can he fight the pull of the wild or will he let her face the wolves alone?

My Thoughts - Story
I am NEVER disappointed when I read a story by KC Stewart. She has a knack of drawing the reader into the story and not like it’s playing out in front of you…but you are actually there and experiencing everything the MCs are.

I also liked how she split the book up in 3 parts….

The first part is from Sadie’s POV

The second part is from Tyson’s POV (same story but from a different perspective)

The third part is from both of the POVs ---- continuing the story after the climax

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved the characters immensely ---- Sadie was my fucking hero in this book…as much as she thought she was damaged and weak – she turned out to some kick ass heroine!

And the relationship between her and ‘Fred’ was outstanding ---- I sucked that up and loved every minute of it!

Re-Cap
Sadie suffers from PTSD and needs to get away from the city. She moves to a very small town in the Adirondacks but what she doesn’t know is that it is full of shifters. Out one night for a stroll, she thinks her life is about to end when a wolf gets in her path. But she isn’t his dinner for that night, instead they form a bond of friendship.

What Sadie doesn’t know is that her new friend, Fred, is really a shifter who is stuck in his wolf form. At the same time another shifter has his sights on her and wants to change her to become his mate. When Sadie’s life is threatened…will Tyson/Fred take the risk to shift back to human in order to help her?

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  No sex
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV (Sadie and Tyson/Fred)

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Anyone who likes a great romance in a shifter paranormal story

Book – Bad Publicity

Author – Sara Schoen & Taylor Henderson

Publication Date –2015
Genre –Young Adult/Step Romance
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Jade Phillips wasn’t what everyone wanted her to be. She was supposed to be an honor roll student, polite, and most of all, well-behaved. Instead she has a juvie rap sheet as long as her arm, a liver that has handled more alcohol than most Irish men, and a partying habit that keeps her hungover on weekdays, and she doesn’t care. She wasn’t going to change for anyone, or so she thought.

Her father is remarrying, and the family dynamic isn’t the only thing he wants to change; he wants Jade to change. His future wife, the senator of Virginia, is running for re-election and she cannot afford to have Jade’s unruly behavior ruin her reputation. That means no more drugs, alcohol, partying, and most of all, no more arrests. 

If Jade is unable to clean up her act, then she will be forced to go and live with her overzealous grandmother in the middle of nowhere. Forcing her to leave her friends, and her life behind.

Now Jade has to make a decision. Will she change for the better or will she suffer the consequences?

After all, no one has ever been hurt by a little bad publicity.

My Thoughts - Story
Wow…this was the last thing I expected when I agreed to review this book for my buddies!

All the other books I have read from Ms Schoen and Ms Henderson have been thrillers, mind fucks and horror. So, you can understand when I started reading and realized that it was a “step” family romance with a bit of rebellion.

Jade was a hard character to connect with because of her bitchiness and aloofness. I think it was probably around 60% in when she finally let Damien fully into her heart and also realized that her past transgressions have come back full circle to haunt her, that I was finally able to understand her.

I loved the antics Brooke and Jade got into and found myself laughing it up at their little ‘naked’ escapades.

I do have to add here that these authors are showing more growth in their writing abilities and story telling!

Kudos, ladies! ♥

Re-Cap
Jade is a bitch…she is a hurt teen who only wants her mom back and her dad to pay attention to her. So, she lashes out by being a rebel and getting into trouble constantly. It isn’t until she meets her future step brother, that she suddenly realizes that there is more to life than lashing out against the adults in her life.

Read about Jade finally falling in love, getting over past hurts and growing up!

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  3.5 out of Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Single POV (Jade)

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Anyone who likes a story of reaching adulthood

Book – Desert Fate (The Wolves of Twin Moon Ranch #3)

Author – Anna Lowe

Publication Date – May 7, 2015
Genre –Paranormal Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Kyle Williams is a lone wolf just trying to settle in to a new skin. But when a brown-eyed girl from his past turns up, bloodied by a rival male, the instinct to protect overrides everything — including duty to his pack. He’s ready to risk everything for her. But what’s love, and what’s an illusion?

* A paranormal romance with adult content / 50,000 words. *

My Thoughts - Story
It has been a long time since I’ve read a ‘shifter’ book and I’m so happy it was Desert Fate that opened that genre back up to me again. Not only because it was a light and quick read but because the story had more to do with the romance building between Kyle and Stef.

What drew me in? It was the wolf contradicting the characters ‘intelligent’ thoughts. The wolves words were primal and fierce – they fought against Kyle and Stef the whole time. They knew what they wanted and didn’t care what obstacles were in the way.

Mine. Mate.

Yeah, those words may be simple, but it said so much in this story.

Re-Cap
The last thing Kyle was expecting was a blast from his past in the form of a newly bitten shifter. Stef and Kyle spent about a year together when they were younger and bonded quickly…but life tore them apart again and after all these years, it can only be destiny that brings them back together…and as both shifters!

But there is a problem…the shifter who changed Stef wants her to be HIS mate.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of Stars
Angst – 4out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 44 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV (Kyle & Stefanie)

HEA (Spoiler) –  [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Anyone who likes a shifter paranormal with a twist of romance