Review: Rebecca's Lost Journals (Inside Out #1.1-1.4; 2.5) by Lisa Renee Jones

 
Let me start by saying, I didn't read The Master Undone.  I didn't want to spoil things for myself because I've only read the first in this series.  So, this is strictly Rebecca's Lost Journals.

This is a great companion for the series.  As far as I can tell it gives you little bits and pieces that you don't get in the novels (at least the first one).  You get inside Rebecca's head a little bit more and see where she's at.

It still keeps the mystery up of who "he" is.  Although, at one point you think you know and then you think you're wrong again.  So, you're still really not sure.

I will admit that I did kind of stall on reading the rest of the series.  This has perked my interest back up and I keep thinking back to how the first one ended and how much I really wanted to read the next. I really pulled myself back from this series and I'm not sure why, but I think I'm going to be jumping back into it in the very near future.

*Copy received in exchange for an honest review.

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In the Stars by Joan Duszynski

 Review:

Ok so this book gets all kind of kudo points from me. I gave it 5 stars!!  #1 the author is from VA, #2 the story takes place in VA, #3 I loved it!!  It has drama, friendship, a love story, and two hot steamy men.  Are you team Eric or team Kyle?

This story is so hard to talk about and not give spoilers.  Caroline is a second year college student with her bitch of a roommate Piper.  She has a rude awakening on an early Saturday morning from an irate student who "has gone postal."  She then tries to comfort this person over coffee, where she has her first encounter with Eric.

Caroline goes home to visit her best friend Raleigh, where she meets Kyle.  Does she love Kyle?  Or does her heart belong to Eric?  Caroline looks to the stars for the answers that she hopes will help her make her decision.  Who is going to feel the repercussions of her decision?  Will it even be herself ?

Ok, so this is where I can tell you how I really feel about this book. I freaking loved it from the start to finish. I knew from the very beginning I was addicted to Eric and those dreamy eyes. I felt the pull that Caroline felt and I was team Eric from the start. I was very patient with Kyle & Caroline’s relationship. I felt just like she did, my heart was never 100% devoted to Kyle. Kyle seemed like everyone’s dream man: the perfect gentleman, insatiable sex hunger, perfect gifts and dates. It was fun and sexy while their relationship lasted, but I knew there was something more to satisfy my hunger for Eric. I love how Eric proclaimed his love and staked his claim on his woman. I knew when he stepped up and expressed his feelings about Caroline she would just leap into his arms. Eric just seemed to have the whole bad boy appeal that sucks you in. I felt like I could feel those eyes boring a hole into me. This story was very well written and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

This is the first of the series and the second book will not focus on Eric & Caroline but they will appear and I can’t wait to read more about their story and how they play into the next 2 books of the series.

Author Info:

"I live in Virginia with my husband and our three wonderful (at least typically wonderful) children. I love the privacy I have back in the woods surrounding our home. Honestly thru out my school years I was not a big reader then something amazing happened and I finally opened up my mind to the world of stories. I have some of the greatest and most supportive friends ever that without my sanity might be gone ;)"

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**This ARC was given in exchange for an honest review**

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Review: Fire Inside (Chaos #2) by Kristen Ashley

Lanie Heron isn't looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club...

For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She's too polished and too classy for his taste. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can't say no. And he doesn't regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that's ever happened to him-in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.

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So, I finally made it back to Chaos and I'm so glad I did.  As far as I'm concerned, Kristen Ashley can do no wrong.  When I read her books its like stepping into another world.  I don't know people like this, I don't know places like this -- but I sure wish I did.

Books are my escape, and when things are really, really tough, I can read one of KA's books and by the time I'm through I'm not feeling so bad anymore.  KA is also my go to when I'm in a book slump, because I know I'll enjoy whatever it is I read from her.

So, Hopper and Lanie...  Lanie has her issues and they are understandable, I just can't believe its been 8 years.  Thats a really, really long time especially trying to deal with what she's been through.  And Hopper, I love, love, love Hopper.  I don't necessarily agree with some of the things he said, but his gruff demeanor mixed with his gentle side hit me somewhere deep.  I think because its hard to find that combination, you either get an asshole or a wuss.  I need a Hopper.  I really, really do.

All the crazy drama, the back and forth, for me its relatable.  And it drew me into the story even more.

I don't even know where I'm going with this, except to say that I really did enjoy this, like I enjoy all of her books.  And I can't wait to jump back into her world again.

*Copy received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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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: Taming Romeo (Sanchez Sisters #1) by Rachelle Ayala

Evie Sanchez is recovering from heartbreak by working at her parents’ Filipino restaurant when in walks Romeo Garcia, the boy she left behind. Only now, he’s a hot movie star surrounded by gorgeous actresses and adoring fans. Bad boy Romeo Garcia never understood why Evie stood him up at the prom. When he rescues her from a flying coconut in the dumpster, he is determined to dig into her heart for the reason. Their mutual attraction and unresolved feelings ignite in a scintillating night of daring sex, and Romeo shows Evie what she’ll miss the rest of her life if she walks away again. Evie lands a part as Romeo’s co-star and falls into her role, totally in love. He plays his part, too, with his romantic gestures and skillful lovemaking. But is the fantasy real or revenge? Evie and Romeo are about to discover if their buried feelings will explode in pure delight or utter disaster.

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When I got the sign-up email for this tour, I originally passed on it.  It came around a second time and on a whim I signed up for it.  I am so glad I got that second email because without that I would never have found a new author and series to read.

Disclaimer: I don't do politically correct.  If you find this offensive... My bad.

Taming Romeo is different... in a good way.  I've read white romance, black romance, interracial romance, and, dare I say, even interspecies romance.  What I've never read is a Filipino romance, until now.  Do others exist?  Where have they been hiding?  I've never specifically looked for them, but I have looked for romance novels with a Japanese or even an Asian flair to them.  They are not easy to find. At. All.

I do know a few Filipino people, but they are all girls.  So, trying to imagine a hot Filipino man was very difficult for me.  Google Images to the rescue.  I found a hot Filipino man.  Wanna see him?  Of course you do!

Well. Hello Hotness!  Yeah, he's nice.  Who knew?

Alright, so anyway.  I really enjoyed this.  So great to have something different, where there is so much of the same.  The story touched me and I felt so much for Romeo, and for Evie - to a point.  She was a little selfish while Romeo, on the other hand, was selfless.

The family and community dynamics played an integral role in the story as well.  Evie and Romeo are part of this community, where they all know and care about each other.  Not necessarily related by blood but they are all family.  The blood family members.  Wow!  Mothers are plotting.  Grown women are being grounded.  Sibling rivalry rearing its head.  Total crazy, total fun and total pain in the ass for Evie.

Not many romance novels make me hungry, I think other than this one, there is only one other.  Food is a major player in some cultures.  And although I'm not part of this culture, I do come from one where food equals love and comfort.  It was easy for me to see why there was so much of it in the novel.

Evie had some issues to work through and I thought she was doing pretty well.  I also thought I knew where the story was headed.   I thought wrong.  Towards the end, I started getting nervous and twitchy.  My heart started to get a little crack in it.  Things were headed in a direction I was not prepared for.  Then, the sky cleared an angels were singing and my heart was healing.  Thank goodness for that.

Now, I'm gonna talk about the naughty parts.  Whew... they were steaming hot.  Do you understand?  This is why I needed that visual aid.  If I could've have found that man naked and on a motorcycle, I would have been in heaven. I liked seeing these characters uninhibited.  We all know what people do behind closed doors, but that scene with the motorcycle, wow.  I wasn't expecting that from Evie.  She seems so reserved and I think at one point she does say that Romeo brings that out of her.  Well, good for him and her.

All in all.  It was great.  I really enjoyed it.  And I'm excited for the sisters' stories.  Also wondering if maybe there will be a prequel of some type that tells the story of Romeo and Evie's parents. That seems like it could be a very interesting story.

*Copy received in exchange for an honest review.

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Rachelle Ayala was a software engineer until she discovered storytelling works better in fiction than real code. She enjoys writing love stories and has always lived in a multi-cultural environment. The tapestry of characters in her books reflect that diversity. She is an active member of online critique group, Critique Circle, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. Check out her four romantic novels. Michal’s Window is a powerful, emotional journey as lived through the eyes of Princess Michal, King David’s first wife. Broken Build is a story of healing where a man learns to love and trust the woman who destroyed his life. Hidden Under Her Heart is a heartfelt love story combined with controversy over difficult decisions, and Knowing Vera is a suspenseful, cross-cultural romance mixing an unsolved murder, adventure, and hot, steamy love scenes.

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Review: The Squid Whores of the Fulton Fish Market by Charie D. La Marr

Weird things catch my eye.

So when I saw this I *knew* I had to read it.  I mean Squid Whores, no way could I pass it by.  That being said, this is not my usual brand of weird.  This is off-the-wall, laugh out loud, kind of weird.

This was hilarious.  Even if you don't care for the story, the names alone will have you laughing.  "Willie Reddick" - go ahead, say it out loud.  Say it again, this time space out the syllables.

There are a wide variety of characters.  You have the aforementioned Mr. Reddick, he's a cop.  And then, you've got Cal Amari, the pimp.  A wide variety of squid hookers, and their muscle.  Dee Paulson, a lesbian in hiding, cooking channel celebrity.  And the disabled white boy in a wheelchair who thinks he's a thug.

This is basically the story of Reddick trying to track down these squid whores who are drugging their customers and then robbing them while they're knocked out.

Even though they are supposed to be the bad guys, so to speak, I found myself not wanting them to be caught.  I liked the squid whores and their personalities.  The ending was fitting, I suppose, and I definitely wasn't expecting it.

For what it was, I really did enjoy it.  It made me laugh and kept me interested.  I definitely didn't know what was coming at any point.

The only problem I had was that in my mind, squid are small, so I'm still trying to figure out how a person can have sex with a squid.  And, yes, I am that weird person who is actually thinking about this.

*Copy received in exchange for an honest review.

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About The Author:

Distantly related to Mary Shelley on her father's side, Charie is primarily known as a ghostwriter in the field of sports - mostly baseball. She has had at least one book go to #1 on Amazon in 2 different categories.

Currently working to establish herself as an author in her own name, she has created a genre called Circuspunk (listed at Urban Dictionary) and a book of short stories in the genre to Chupa Cabra called Bumping Noses and Cherry Pie was released on December 6. She also has a her first satirical book (or Nyzarro as she calls it), Squid Whores of the Futon Fish Market coming out with JWK Fiction. She also has upcoming stories in Alex S. Johnson's heavy metal anthology Axes of Evil and Shwibly Magazine, James Ward Kirk's Bones and Ugly Babies 2, In Vein for the benefit of St. Jude's Hospital, Chupa Cabra's We Walk Invisible, Dynatox Ministries' Witches!, Ripple Effect for Hurricane Katrina relief, Surreal Grotesque,Oneiros Books CUT UP! and other anthologies. She was September's featured writer at Solarcide. She is known for writing in many different genres from crime to bizarro to erotica and even Seussian. She is currently editing a trilogy of Circuspunk anthologies called The New Whakazoid Circus--The Greatest Show on Paper. She is most proud of working with an Iranian translator, translating Booker Man Award Winner Vernon God Little into Persian--which became a bestseller in Iran.

Currently, along with her partner Alex S. Johnson, author of Bad Sunset and Timm Tayshun, publisher of Chupa Cabra House, she has established a Facebook group for writers called Special Snowflakes. The three of them will be publishing anthologies quarterly that will benefit an author in need or a cause. The first is for an author in Portland who has lost his job and been denied unemployment benefits. He is about to become homeless. The books will be called Heartcore: Special Snowflakes Anthologies. They will feature the works of authors in different genres, willing to donate a story to the cause. The books will showcase the talents of indie authors and help a person or cause--a win-win situation. The response has been overwhelming.

A redhead with a redheaded attitude, she lives in NY with her mother and son and fur children Bailey Corwin, Babe Ruth and Casey Stengel where she is partial to shoes and naps.

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Some Like it Wild

Reading order:


Okay so I'm sure everyone knows, I am such a Michelle Leighton Fan girl!! A little obsessed is more like it. The beginning of this series was what totally got me hooked.

 

I gave this book 5 stars.  Not only is she my favorite author, but this book is just awesome.  There is something for everyone.  The good girl falls for the bad boy.  There is camping, firefighters, marshmallows, and a love story that just does my heart justice.

**sighs**

I could rant and rave about her work all day long and make this a really long post, but I want to keep you interested in the book.  This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.  I recommend reading in order, so you can get some background on returning characters.  If you've ever read a Michelle Leighton book, you know that her characters are so easy to relate to.  You feel as though you've made a new friend that you want to share with everyone.

Laney Holt is the preacher's daughter.  She thinks she knows what she wants in life; every girl's dream is to get married, have babies and live happily ever after.  All of that she is certain, until she finds Jake again...  Laney's not sure she can trust the two people that are closest to her.

Jake is a live in the moment kind of guy.  He is into having fun and showing Laney how to have fun too.  Jake has something that he seems to be hiding, that he will not share with anybody, even his own sister.

I wasn't sure how this story would end up, because of some curve balls that are thrown into the story.  But some of my favorite scenes are: camping by the fire, marshmallows, and listening to Jake pour out his heart in the back of the Jeep.  I loved every minute of it!!  I highly recommend this book and can't wait to dive into "There's Wild, then There's You."  The expected release is June 2014.

Author Info:

"I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all."

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Ok so I had to throw this picture in here.  It's one of the best pictures I have, because its Michelle and I together.

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A Soul's Kiss by Debra Chapoton

**Attention - Review may contain spoilers**

Review

This book is totally different from what I normally read.  But my husband always tell me I need to read something different.  It was nice to change up my normal style and dive into something else.  I gave this story 5 stars.  It has the suspense, romance, and friendship that my inner goddess yearns for. 

Jessica is a junior in high school and has a crush on a senior in her drama class.  He is the quarterback of the football team and the drum major in the marching band.  Michael Hoffman, her crush, already has a girlfriend Hannah, who is definitely not Jessica's favorite person. 

Rashanda is Jessica's best friend.  She has her own illness and is in and out of the hospital herself.

Jessica is in a car accident with fellow students: Michael, Hannah, and another senior Keith.  Keith is the stepbrother to Tyler.  Tyler is one of Jessica and Rashanda's friends.  No one ever knew Tyler and Keith were related until the accident.  Jessica's spirit seems to be lost.  She is able to visit her friends and family as her spirit. 

Jessica discovers things about Michael, Hannah, Tyler and Rashanda that her human body self never knew about any of them.  Jessica is able to decide who she can really trust and who she can't.  Does she find out if she will still want her crush Michael in the end or is Tyler the right one for her? 

I highly recommend this book.  It is more on the lighter side to what I normally read.  It's one of those books that at the end, you are happy with the ending, but you wish there was more to elaborate with.  It's not a cliff hanger, but you will wish you had a little bit more to elaborate on the "happy ending."  I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. 

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**copy received from author in exchange for an honest review**

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Review: Savage Secrets (Titan #6) by Cristin Harber

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Cristin Harber:

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Synopsis:

Caterina Cruz has no home. No loyalties. No objection to exacting torturous revenge. Her life’s mission is to destroy the terrorist who murdered her family. Then she steps into an elaborate game of charades alongside a Titan Group operative posing as an arms dealer—and her newlywed husband. The sexy distraction may be more than she can handle. Attacked with a psychedelic drug weeks before, Rocco Savage is plagued with hallucinations that threaten his new rank as Titan’s second-in-command. No one knows and he wants to keep it that way. Throwing him further off his game, he now has a wife with her own secrets he can’t crack and an agenda he can’t control.

Their mission—an elaborate deception of heated glances and passionate kisses—spins out of control. With Rocco's mind already compromised, can he keep his secret and his distance? And with Caterina's tragic past controlling her every move, can she keep the con up long enough to secure her revenge? Or will both go down in flames?

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Review:
It shouldn't be a big surprise that I've read all the books in the Titan Series and each one gets better than the last.  This was no exception. Just like the other books in this series, you have your bad-ass alpha male hero and you have your bad-ass heroine.  That is what sets this series apart from the rest and I love it.

The second my eyes hit the prologue, it had me.  I was in tears before I even got to Chapter 1.  Seriously, what kind of book does that?  An awesome one!

So, Rocco and Caterina, could there be two people more perfect for each other?  I think not!  Off the charts chemistry.  Their banter was flirty and amusing.  I loved how they interacted.  And even though they were both keeping secrets they seemed to know what each other needed.  They worked so well together, personally and mission-wise.

Cristin Harber finds a new way to surprise me with each story.  I must say that I was not expecting what happened.  My heart was racing, I was starting to panic and my mind was screaming, "No.  This isn't going to happen.  No.  No.  Rocco is gonna stop it.  He will.  This can't happen." and then it happened.  I was devastated.  I was bawling and it was ugly.  I had to stop reading.

When I finally started back, I thought things were getting back to a not so dark place, but then... oh, total devastation, again.  I cried for Cat, I cried for Rocco, I just cried and my heart hurt, it hurt so bad.  I didn't want to finish.  But I knew, I just knew, like all great romance novels, there would be a happily ever after.

And YES!  It felt like a huge boulder was lifted off my chest.  Thank goodness for that epilogue.  If not for that I think I might still be crying.

It's that. That crazy emotional roller-coaster that makes this so great.  I love a book that can make me have all these emotions.  When I finish I'm so drained, I can do nothing but reflect.  I may not like all of the emotions that I feel at the time, but in the end the emotions and the books are so worth it.

Oh... and just for the record, when they're in the car -- hottest thing ever!

-- a note of caution if you're thinking about picking this up. There is a violent rape scene, so reader beware.

*copy received from author in exchange for an honest review

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Series Review: Girl with Guitar, Girl on Tour, Girl in Love By Caisey Quinn

**Attention: May Contain Spoilers**

Girl with Guitar

First of all, I am a huge country music fan. This series was right up my alley. Thank you Keelie for recommending it! It touched me and I felt everything the characters were feeling and could totally relate.  I give this book a 5 star rating for touching my heart and making me fall in love with Trace, Kylie and their story.

Kylie gets kicked out of her home by her wicked step-mother Darla and loses her job all in the same day. Having recently lost her father, she is left alone. She hops on a bus to Nashville. She starts waitressing with "her cuz." She puts in for several open mic nights until she lands the one that is actually at her job, the Rum Room. She wants to sing one of her original songs that she wrote, but is talked out of it by her cuz. She tells Kylie to sing something everyone knows, so they can sing along with her. This is where she has her first encounter with Trace Corbin.

She is then offered the opportunity of a lifetime to tour with Trace Corbin. But she realizes it's not what she thought it would be because of Trace living in the bottle. There are a few moments of heat (chemistry & Kylie being a hothead). Kylie survives the tour. She isn't going to let Trace, who even misses some shows get in the way of her dream.

Kylie was going to confess her feelings but this is put on hold. She suffers heartache when she sees Trace with another country star Mia Montgomery.

She is offered a position to tour with others but now away from Trace. She decides to tell him how she really feels about making things work.

Pauly, Trace's manager, gets her to sign a contract that is not what she is led to believe it is. See what happens in this roller coaster ride that will have you begging to continue into book 2, Girl on Tour.

Girl On Tour



 



I gave this book a 4 star rating. I didn't like some things that happened in this book, being the hopeless romantic. You know how you want the story to end? That was not the case. It was fun yet heartbreaking.

Trace & Kylie are together and finally living their dream and getting to do what they want, so they think. Kylie is stuck on a bus with a "spoiled brat" & her boyfriend's ex, which was a last minute surprise. Trace is finally going to get to do the tour he wants, pick his own venues, sing his songs the way he wants, until he is forced to co-headline with Gretchen Gibson. Trace & Gretchen are forced to tour together because the label wants them to "sink or swim" together. Trace plans his tour to cross with Kylie's so they are able see each other throughout being on the road.

Trace has tried to warn Kylie to avoid the media/tabloids, but they both long for each other and feel that is the only way to see each other.

Trace & Gretchen are old friends and have hit rock bottom together so they will travel a road together that Kylie just doesn't understand. She seeks comfort in her friends.

Girl in Love

 

This book definitely gets a 5 star rating. This book really brings everything together. This is a roller coaster ride also that gets your heart pumping. You get to experience love, happiness, sorrow and gratitude with these characters. At one point in the book, I had to stop, catch my breath and decide if I could handle what was to come. I literally had tears running down my face. Does love conquer all? Read this book to finish out the series and find out...



Kylie is working hard 24/7, living her dream and doing what she's always wanted. But is it enough? Does she truly have everything she ever hoped for? Who does her heart belong to? Steven? Trace? Is Trace with Gretchen? Appearances and what the media makes things out to be are deceiving.

Trace gets out of rehab and he tries to avoid his "triggers." Because the ones you love do have the power to destroy you or send you into relapse.

The truth comes out in this book; the air is cleared to bring everything together. Will they end up singing their song they wrote together on their tour as a routine for every show? Certain songs are released during the tour to express both Trace & Kylie's true feelings, but are they misunderstood? Or sang at the wrong time?

I'm so sad that this series is over. I just couldn't get enough of this series. As I said before, be prepared to face the trials & tribulations of Kylie & Trace. Will they end up together or end up with who the media makes them out to be with? This is definitely a series I will share with all my friends. It's amazing how you can talk about characters from books, just like they are your friends. People would ask, "Hey, who are you talking about?" "Oh, just my book characters!" Friends, coworkers and family were afraid they missed out on something. I try to keep them informed on what to read next... This series is definitely at the top of the list to share with everyone.  It's so awesome to read a series and start one book after the other and not be left hanging for the next book to come out.  I recommend having all three books, so you are able to keep the saga going.  This is definitely a must read and a reread.  Once I get caught up with all my review, I am going to reread this series so I can make sure I didn't miss anything. 

Amazon: Girl with Guitar | Girl on Tour | Girl in Love

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Review: No Ifs, Ands, Or Bears About It (Grayslake #1) by Celia Kyle

If you've read my reviews, you may have picked up on the fact that I don't usually read blurbs and if I do, I scan them.  I'm a title/cover whore.  Sorry!  I saw the words "bear" and "shifter" and I was on it.

That being said, if there is a phrase I never want to see or hear again its got to be "crap on a cracker".  I was waiting and waiting for it to stop and thank goodness it finally did.

This book seemed a little bipolar.  The first half seemed a little campy and silly and then, wham, it turns all serious, heavy and suspenseful.

Once I got past the silliness, I was intrigued and didn't want to put it down.  I really think if the first half was re-written to be a little less campy and the title was a little better suited it might make more sense.

There was a good sexual tension built up and the sexy times were good.  And the ending left me curious as to the what would be going on in the next book.  I have some theories, but who knows.

I enjoyed it once it got going in a good direction.  I just wished it had been a little quicker to do that.

*copy received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Flaw by Ryan Ringbloom

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Title: FLAW
Series: Flaw #1
Author: Ryan Ringbloom
Genre/Age Range: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Publisher: BookBaby
Release Date: January 23, 2014

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Summary:

What can be said about Josh Brewster? Nothing good, that's for sure. Just ask anyone. They'll be quick to tell you. Josh is a selfish, sweet-talking manipulator who will charm you in a minute, all the while planning his next move. He uses. He leaves. All Josh desires is things that come easy. Why actually work hard for something when you don't have to?

When Josh comes to face to face with a girl who’s doesn’t make anything easy, Josh begins questioning the game he's played so long. He’s suddenly eager to learn how to work for something he never imagined wanting. Can a player really change his ways? Better yet, will his past forgive?

Aidan Turner has had a rough life, a life that has only become harsher as he's gotten older. The scars across his face serve as a constant reminder of the haunting nightmares from his past life. Seeing himself as nothing but a monster, Aidan believes no one will ever be able to look past his flaws.

His reasoning is about to change when his very own beauty comes barreling in, sparking emotions he'd thought he'd never feel. Love sizzles between them, but his friendship with another girl complicates everything, especially after the nature of their friendship becomes confused. Will friendship overshadow his true feelings and ruin both couples’ chances at happiness?

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My Review:

Alright, so, did I love this?  No.
I did like it, though.  I think it had the potential to be a book that I could have loved.

I felt like I missed an integral part of Aiden and Jordyn's relationship.  I had a hard time seeing them as a couple in love.  The emotion just wasn't there for me.  Becca and Josh, on the other hand, kept me on my toes and I actually got the emotion and turmoil of their relationship.

I also feel like the timeline of things wasn't clear.  I don't know over how long a period of time this takes place.  Some parts seem really quick and others seemed more spaced out but they are interspersed with each other.

The only other issue I had was with Becca.  It's never made clear what happened to her to make her act so wishy-washy about Aiden and Josh and need "protection".

The characters were great.  I loved Becca and Aiden, and after awhile I even liked Josh.  Jordyn, I may still need to stew on for awhile.

All that aside, I did enjoy it for what it was.  I just wish there had been a little more clarity and detail in some parts.

*Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review.

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About the Author:
Ryan Ringbloom lives for anything Romance. The passion, love, angst, awkwardness… she loves all of it. When Ryan needs a break from reality she sneaks off to read a romantic story or write one of her own. Drinking coffee, reading Tweets and hugs from her five year old are the best part of her day.

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Review: Consequences of Deception by Ella Fox

Blurb:

Once upon a time, girl met boy and a love story began.

Their future was assured until tragedy struck and deceptions were made.

There are consequences to every action, and the Consequences of Deception are always the most punishing.

Sloane Evans lost nearly everyone that she’s ever loved, but losing Killian Brandt left a scar that never healed.

Four and a half years after turning his back on her, Killian steps back into Sloane’s life in the most shocking of ways, giving her no choice but to abandon her life and go with him.

Why would a man buy a woman that he hates?

Not everything is as it appears.

Love is beautiful, revenge is ugly, and lies destroy lives.

Prepare to discover the Consequences of Deception.

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My Review:

There are a gazillion books out there for someone to read.  There are a lot of them that I like. There are some that I adore and then there are the precious few that I connect with on a whole other level.  For me, there is just something extra special about a story that I can twist into fitting into my life, like its almost real. In recent weeks, I've had the pleasure of reading not one, but two books that did this.

Consequences of Deception was one of them.  It may sound strange, but I was immediately drawn in by one of the characters' names.  Its a personal thing for me and made me feel special that a part of my life was in the story even though the author didn't do this for me specifically.  I'm sure she had her own reasons for choosing that name that had nothing to do with me, but its nice to dream.

This book is a little on the dark side and I can't fault it for that.  I loved it.  It was painful to read, though.  I read this in one day, and I spent that entire day crying into my Kobo.  My heart was breaking and mending and breaking and mending all day long.  It was an endless cycle and I was so drained by the time I was finished it wasn't even funny.

There's not a whole lot I can say without giving something away and I don't want to spoil this for anybody. I'm not sure why but this left me basically mush, I don't know if there is a real coherent thought rolling through my brain at the moment. I'm kind of just sitting here with my mouth hanging open in a daze.

 

All I can say is that if a book can bring out that much emotion in me, its totally worth it. Absolutely, hands down!

*Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review.

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About The Author:

Ella Fox writes like a woman possessed whenever she gets the chance! She is the author of The Hart Family Series, The Renegade Saints Series and The Catch Series.
When she’s not writing, Ella indulges the gypsy in her blood and travels the country. Ella loves reading, movies, music, buying make-up, reading Tmz, Twitter and pedicures… not necessarily in that order. She has a wild sense of humor and loves to laugh. Her favorite thing in the world is hanging out with her family and watching comedy movies.

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