Review: Here and Now (The Complete Series, Books 1-3) by Lexi Ryan

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**This omnibus edition includes all three full-length novels from the USA Today Bestselling Here and Now series: Lost in Me, Fall to You, and All for This. This sexy amnesia love triangle is intended for mature readers.**

Even when the mind can't remember, the heart can't forget...

When an injury leaves Hanna Thompson without her last year of memories, she wakes to a perfect life—right down to an engagement ring from her unrequited love, Max Hallowell. But each day makes her question if she has the life she always wanted or if she's been living a lie. As she searches for answers, every path leads to rocker Nate Crane. And Nate wants her for himself.

Lost In Me
The last thing I remember is having drinks at Brady’s and trying to avoid eye-contact with my life-long crush—the gorgeous, unattainable Maximilian Hallowell. They tell me that was a year ago, but I have no memories of anything since then. What I do have is this ring on my finger that Max says he gave me, and this much-thinner body I’ve dreamed of most of my life. Aside from a case of retrograde amnesia, everything seems almost...perfect.

But the deeper I immerse myself into this new world of mine—planning a wedding to a man I don't remember dating, attempting to run a business I don't remember starting—the clearer it becomes that nothing is as it seems. Do I have the life I’ve always wanted or is it a facade propped up by secrets I don't even know I have?

I need answers before I marry Max, and the only person who seems to have them is the angry, tatted, sexy-as-sin rocker Nate Crane. And Nate wants me for himself.

Fall To You
Torn between two men…

When I woke up after the accident, I couldn’t remember anything from the last year—including my relationship with Max Hallowell or anything about Nate Crane. Now my memories are returning, but instead of answering my questions, they’re leaving me with more.

The man who broke my heart and wants to be my future…

Max is all I ever wanted, and now he wants to marry me. He’ll do everything he can to fill my life with love, family, and security. I need those things now more than ever. But can I trust him?

The man who stole my heart and wants to let me go…

Nate never made me promises, and I never asked him to. I’d been on the rebound, looking for a distraction, and he made me feel beautiful and wanted when I needed to feel those things most. He says he has to let me go, but what if I can’t let go of him?

With every revelation and every passing day, I feel more like Alice down the rabbit hole. I’m falling. Who will catch me?

All For This
What if you would never remember the day you made the most important decision of your life?

That’s what they’re telling me about the day of my accident—the day I put on Max’s ring and chose him over Nate. I’m counting on the wisdom behind a decision I don’t remember making.

Max is amazing—sexy, sweet, and kind. I was starting to believe happily-ever-after might be in my future after all. Then the unthinkable happened and my world imploded. If I’m going to make this work with Max, I need my missing memories, or at least answers from about those five days before my accident.

But what does my future hold if those answers aren’t anything like I imagined?

*Complimentary copy received for review purposes.

Lost In Me

Lost in me is part of the Here & Now Series and must be read in order. I gave it 5 stars. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

Being a nurse helped a lot to understand this book and had me intrigued. I think Lexi Ryan did an awesome job explaining Retrograde Amnesia. I was totally sucked in from the first page. I love how all the information is pieced together to show memories as they come back to her. Retrograde Amnesia is a type of amnesia where you can only remember events before a certain time frame.

In the case of Hannah, she can only remembered 1 year prior to the event that caused the amnesia and prior. The past year leading up to her event is unclear. Will her memory return or will she always wonder what happened to her? Hannah wakes up thinking: I have everything I want, did this happen to me to make me not take for granted the things I have always wanted? But is what she has now truly what she wants? She has the man she was wanted all her life, the business she always dreamed of opening is now up and running. But is the sexy rocker, Nate Crane, a part of her life that she wants to include or block out? Is her memory loss in her favor or against her? Her heart flutters at both men but which will you choose for her? Are you Team Max or Team Nate?

Just going go to warn you, this book is a total cliff hanger and you will be dying to read the next book in the series. I can't wait for the next book in the series Fall to you, it's scheduled release day is June 2014.

Fall To You

Fall To You is book 2 of the Here & Now Series. Lost in Me is book 1 and it is a necessity to read that prior to book 2 or you will be lost. It is not a stand-alone. Lexi Ryan has done it again. She has left me begging for more of Hannah’s memory that is lost. I want her to remember what happened. I’m not so sure I can live with what decisions she has chosen, but I have not reached my happy ending either. I understand why music inspires authors to write. Music also inspires me to write my reviews. I am going to include some music that I heard after reading this book that made me think back to this story and what’s to come. I loved this book so much. It is a 5 star read. I could not put it down. I read it in one sitting/night. This book has a love triangle/drama/suspense that will keep you thirsty for book 3 and wanting to know what Lexi has in store for us.

Hannah has retrograde amnesia and is faced with not knowing some of her past/events that lead up to her accident. This novel shows time frames prior to and after the accident. But will the memories that come back to her help answer her questions or leave her more confused?

Max Hollowell was everything Hannah had ever dreamed of having. He wants to give her everything she ever hoped and wished to have: love, family & security, but can she trust him?

Nate Crane is the bad boy that is her escape of being and doing everything for everyone but herself. He is the one thing that everyone doesn’t know about. He proved to her how beautiful she truly is and became her distraction from the reality of what was really happening in her life. Nate says he can’t promise her anything, she never asked him to. He said he has to let her go, but can Hannah let him go or has she fallen for him too?

Which way will Hannah fall? Towards Nate or Max?

I have been team Nate from Book 1. I feel some sympathy for Max for some of the obstacles that Max must overcome or try working through. Book 1 was definitely a cliff hanger. Book 2 helps answer a lot of questions that were left unanswered from Book 1. My concern is still what/who caused Hannah’s accident? Who will Hannah choose?

I had to share this part of the book: So this is who takes her virginity, who does she share it with?

“I’ll let you go. I know this is hard for you, and you have my word that I’ll respect your decision once you’ve made it. I’ll still feel like the luckiest bastard in the world because you trusted me with something precious.

“My virginity?”

“Your heart, angel.” He swallows. “But here’s the deal. If you choose me, I want all of you. Mind, body, and soul. I won’t settle for less and I won’t share.”

I cannot wait to see what Lexi Ryan has in store for us in book 3, All for This. Because everything will be all for whatever is to come and I am so excited to see what happens. I don’t want it to end, but I need a few more answers. Here are some songs that seemed to fit with the story. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. It was so FABULOUS!

All For This

I have absolutely loved this series. Please note ALL FOR THIS is book 3 in the Here & Now Series. It is not a stand-alone and it’s intended to be read after Lost in Me & Fall to You. I gave this book 5 stars. It had plenty of drama, suspense, and twists that every time you thought you figured out what happened or who she was going to choose, you were wrong.

Hannah is suffering from Retrograde Amnesia. Why can’t she remember the most important decision of her life, choosing Max over Nate? Did she really make that decision for herself? What influenced this decision? How did Hannah really get hurt? Was Nix right about Hannah really being beat up or abused before falling down the steps? You won't believe how she got hurt and/or who was involved? Are the ones you love, the ones you can trust or will they hurt you the most?

Nate said to Hannah once she made her decision, he wouldn’t try to pressure/persuade her if she didn’t choose him, but is he willing to fight for her once she has made her decision?

I am very happy with Hannah’s decision on what and who she chooses. Is being with Max the right decision to do what is right or is following your heart more important because no matter what Max does, Nate will always own her heart?

I look forward to more books that involve shared characters from this series. Thanks Lexi for another awesome emotional rollercoaster read.

Lexi Ryan
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Review: Rose of Thorne (Rose of Thorne #1) by Mia Michelle

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When a drunk driver tragically orphans Skylar Rose at the young age of sixteen, she leaves her dreams behind and takes on the daunting task of helping her elderly grandmother raise her young sister. While other girls her age were living a typical carefree life, she was picking up double shifts at a local café and struggling to pay the bills.

Always putting her sister’s needs and school first, Skylar has never had time to date or develop intimate relationships. Now a senior in college, she has her sights set on an amazing internship opportunity. The last thing she needed was for a sexy distraction like Sebastian Thorne to walk into her life.

Sebastian Thorne had been an entitled and reckless nineteen year old when he got behind the wheel of his new sports car that night. When his night of indulgence goes tragically wrong, Sebastian hesitantly turns to the one person, he knows can make everything go away… The one person he hates… his father.

Now twenty-six, Sebastian is the young enigmatic and powerful CEO of his late father’s design company, Thorne Enterprises. With both millions in the bank and a new woman on his arm almost every night, the world never knew the dark secret he carried inside. Still plagued with nightmares from the night of that horrific accident and having to leave the beautiful girl behind, Sebastian vows to find the one that haunts his dreams.

Sometimes the choice of revisiting our past opens the door to a future that we never thought possible.

But what do you do when the person who gave you back your life, was the very one that took it from you in the first place?

*Complimentary copy received for review purposes.

Skylar Rose loses both her parents in a horrific accident at the age of 16. She is left with her baby sister to an older grandmother to care for them. She works extra hard to provide for her sister and herself. She has never made time for relationships. The last thing she saw coming was the stimulating Sebastian Thorne.

Sebastian was a wild teenager rebelling against his father. One catastrophic event will change him and the one person he confides in, is also the one person he despises, his father.

Now 8 years later at the age of 26, Sebastian is the headstrong CEO of his father’s company, Thorne Enterprises. The playboy was never a one woman man. He is determined to face the demons of his past head on.

Is the one person who you thought made you so happy and fill the emptiness that you never thought would be fulfilled the one person who will crush you forever?

Let me start off by saying wow! I absolutely loved this book, I gave it 5 stars. I kept sharing this story with my coworkers daily telling them how this was such an awesome book. Everything about this book had my emotions all over the place. I was happy, sad, mad, laughing, sexually frustrated, and at the end I wanted to punch someone in the face and/or throw my kindle across the room. I seriously hate cliffys, but oh em gee this book was so good. You are going to want to take this journey.

Mia Michelle does an awesome job of telling this story. You will feel everything all the characters feel. You will want to be desired the way Skylar is, the spell that she casts when she walks into a room.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:

“…One day you will meet her. That one girl you will never be able to let go of. She will steal the very breath from your body and own your soul. And son, when that day finally comes that you meet her, you will know she is the one.” This is what I mean by Skylar being desired.

Personally I am under Sebastian’s spell. “He looks magnificent and powerful and he exudes confidence when he enters the room.”

How would you feel when the person that has filled the emptiness in your heart causes you to shatter to the point when you can’t feel at all? This is how you will feel when you are done with this book. I was completely shattered by the characters feelings and the fact that I was left on an emotional roller coaster. The series is complete, and I would highly recommend you having all of them available to complete one after another.

Mia Michelle

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Review: Shattered Innocence by Alexis Noelle

Synopsis 

Growing up poor and with a set of parents who couldn’t care less about her, Jessica 

Evans was on her own. She knew she wanted better and was determined to make 

it through college. Her only problem was that she was broke, and college was 

expensive. That’s when she was introduced to the world of depravity and scandal 

Damon Shaw has just been assigned to take over the day-to-day operations of the 

escort service where he’s has been working for almost five years. He immediately 

bumps heads with the sexy and stubborn Jessica. Damon is determined to show 

Jessica who is in control and make her follow his every instruction.

When the two get together, sparks begin to fly. Jessica and Damon will challenge and 

enrage each other at every turn. The sting of words and the temptation of seduction 

are ever present between them. Damon is not at all what he seems. When all hell 

breaks loose, will Damon and Jessica make it or will she send him packing?

that she currently resides in.

Review

**ARC given in exchange for honest review**

Jessica Evans only wanted a normal life: a loving family, graduate high school, and get through college.  The loving family was not something she had.  Her parents could care less what she did.  College isn’t for everyone, because who can afford it on their own?  At what lengths would you go to get the education you know you deserved? 

Damon Shaw comes into Jessica’s life like a wrecking ball.  He takes over the day to day operations at the escort service where he meets Jessica.  Damon is set on showing Jessica who has all the control and who gives the instructions.   

Jessica doesn’t want to let her guard down to allow the undeniable attraction to Damon.  They constantly challenge and try each other.  Damon is not who you think he is.  Will they survive when the truth comes out? 

I’m going to start with what I didn’t like first and then tell you what I do like because that list is longer.  I don’t understand why authors feel the need to give you a cliffhanger.  I think by loving their book you want to continue to read more.  I don’t know if they think that by leaving you on the edge that is going to make you want to read their work more or what?  Anyways after venting on that note, I felt like I couldn’t figure out Damon Shaw the entire book.  What was his deal?  He was hiding something.  He seemed like the perfect guy but yet did he have commitment issues, or was he ashamed of his girlfriend?  What I was not expecting was the truth that Jessica finds out the hard way.  Will she be innocently shattered by the one that she finally lets in after letting her walls down little by little only to be left broken hearted? 

I loved this book because my perfect book boyfriend is the dominating, tattooed, bad boy that no one can resist.  I strive to have this and a happily ever after.  I don’t always get both.  So when the truth comes out, and you finally get answers, you are given a twist in the story that you had no idea was coming to be left with so many unanswered questions.  Which path will Jessica choose?  Did she do the one last thing that Damon asked of her?  I also loved the hot steamy moments that Jessica & Damon shared.  I gave this book 4 stars and I absolutely have to have the next book.  I have to know what happens.  Just a side note from me, I would have read the second book without question without a cliffhanger.  I still loved it, but was heartbroken when it was over.  

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About the Author

Alexis Noelle lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and a dog. On top a writing career, she is a full-time student and a full-time mom. She loves spending time with her kids, although she has to hide the computer from them when she is writing! She love being active and being outdoors, especially if it involves any kind of shopping.

She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Ashley believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.

She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen. 

Alexisnoelleauthor@gmail.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AlexisNoelleAuthor

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/_alexisnoelle_

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7133378.Alexis_Noelle

Amazon Author Page:

amazon.com/author/alexisnoelle 

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Review: Tempt (A Twisted Wolf Tale) by Rene Folsom

 

BOOK INFORMATION

Title – Tempt (A Twisted Wolf Tale) Series – Red Hot Treats Author – Rene Folsom Genre – Paranormal Romance Publication Date – October 15, 2014 Length (Pages/# Words) – Approximately 130 pages / 20,000 words Cover Artist – Rene Folsom with Phycel Designs

   

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Deep in the Shrouded Wood, on her way to her granny’s cottage, Rosetta is ambushed by an unseen force. Soon after, she finds herself plagued by strange dreams—visions of a large wolf and a seductive woman beckoning her.

Not knowing what to do with these dreams and the odd changes happening to her body in the waking world, Rosetta sets out to confront whatever lies in the Shrouded Wood, determined to discover the temptations within. But what she finds is beyond anything she could’ve ever imagined… or hoped for.

Get ready to dive into Rosetta’s world and enjoy a new twist on the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood.

This Halloween, something sinfully wicked is coming your way. Give yourself a Red Hot Treat this fall with ten spine-tingling stories sure to warm up your night. Scary just got sexy with TEMPT, part of the Red Hot Treats multi-author series (stands alone for reading enjoyment).

Warning: This supernatural romance novella contains f/f adult situations and is meant for ages 18+.

Find out more on Rene’s website at http://renefolsom.com/tempt

 

REVIEW

This is a rarity for me.  I won't say that it never happens, but it doesn't happen often.  Half-stars are not my thing, but I had a really hard time picking either 3 or 4 for this.  It was better than 3, but not quite a 4 for me.  So there ya go.

I was immediately drawn in by the cover.  I love that thing.  I could just stare at it for hours.  Its just so pretty. Big points for that.

I do have a weakness for fractured or twisted fairytales, especially of the erotic variety so that was a definite win as well.  I should mention though if you have an aversion to F/F erotica, this is not for you.

I only had a couple of issues with it.  One being the abandonment of Rosetta's life as a human.  There was no explanation to any of her family or her best friend, not even a hint that she would have any contact with them ever again.  My other issue is the claiming.  I'm conflicted on this.  On one hand, Rosetta is happier and more fulfilled than she's been before and now she feels complete, but on the other, how does she know whether or not this feeling is genuine or a product of the claiming and the changes that were forced upon her.  I guess, maybe, its her lack of choice that is bothering me or maybe her ignoring that she's had no choice... I'm not sure.  I think if that had been explored a little or even touched on a smidge I might have felt better about it.

This is a short, twisted fairytale, so maybe I'm just thinking too hard on it.  I don't know, I just can't shake that whole choice thing.

All in all, a decent short read.  If you have a thirst for twisted fairytales, this should do it for you.  It has its steamy moments and will keep you entertained until the end.

BUY & TBR LINKS

Amazon Kindle Link – Amazon Paperback Link – Signed Paperbacks – Goodreads Link

   

AUTHOR BIO

Rene Folsom, author of paranormal romance and erotica, lives in Florida with her husband and three kids. She has officially diagnosed herself with creative ADD and often has a million and one writing projects going at once. In addition to writing, she is also a graphic artist who enjoys creating custom book covers for indie authors. She is definitely an artist at heart and would love nothing more than to be elbow deep in clay during her waking hours.

Rene believes that all fiction is based on some form of reality—otherwise we would never have the inspiration or knowledge to dream up the realistic situations we portray with our words. She is proud to say that her personal experiences have been inspirational, though perhaps not always identical to that of her fictional characters. Where reality and fantasy diverge, however, must remain her little secret...

FOLLOW RENE HERE

Amazon Author Page – Website/Blog – Facebook – Twitter – Google+ - Goodreads – Newsletter

 

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Darkness Descends Review

Skye Faden has had a crappy decade. Seriously. She survived nearly ten years of torture, then escaped and killed the vampires responsible for the deaths of her entire family. She should - by all rights - be free to spend the rest of her days on a warm, sandy beach somewhere. 

Unfortunately, those plans are quickly derailed by a bite-happy werewolf. With just a few days until the full moon and her first transformation, Skye has no choice but to accompany her ADHD-prone handler, Miko, to Scotland in search of answers. 

Faced with a supremely sexy ancient werewolf (woof!), a hushed prophecy about how her arrival will trigger a war, and a handful of unexpected new supernatural abilities, Skye is in for one hell of a ride. As the shaky truce between the breeds races toward its abrupt and violent end, she must unlock the mystery surrounding her identity and uncover a secret of betrayal that has been kept for over 4,000 years. Piece of cake, right?

Goodreads | Amazon

So if anyone has ever read any of my reviews, I always start with a summary.  So here it goes…

Skye Faden had a rough patch of about ten years.  She survived through torment, then escaped and killed the coven of vampires who slayed her family.  Now that her enemies are dead, and she has had revenge, will she able to relax? 

All the rest and relaxation has come to a screeching halt when she is bitten by a werewolf.  Without guidance and a good explanation, she is forced to go to Scotland with Miko.  He is her new friend. 

She is brought to an ancient werewolf who is gorgeous.  A legend about her surviving the transformations will bring war, and special powers to her.  Will she ever get the answers she seeks?

Ok, so onto my review…

I don’t normally read paranormal romance or anything paranormal.  I have read a few that have had me intrigued.  I’ve learned that Paranormal tends to be rather long, and I personally get a short attention span when things are not straight to the point and get to what the story is all about.  In saying that, it took me a lot longer than it probably should have to read this book.  I think total, it took almost 3 weeks.  First of all, this book is almost 700 pages.  I kept telling myself that I wanted to finish this book, but I was unsure as to which direction it was going.  I actually read about 3 books in between trying to finish this one.  My cousin, and blog partner is always telling me she can’t wait until I’m reading about werewolves and dragons.  Well guess what, I fell in love with the wolves in this book!  Taran & Ciaran definitely both stole my heart.  Taran is the man who exudes sex and masculinity, but who will steal your heart away with his soft side.  Ciaran is the bad boy who will just make you want to drop your panties at his heart throbbing grin. 

I loved this book because, the more I read, the more I loved it.  It was necessary to be so long to explain all the background history and information to lead you up to the truth about Skye & her history.  I also didn’t like this book because of how long was it was, but the reason for loving it, outweighs why I didn’t like it.  I had mixed emotions.  My feelings were: “aww that’s so sweet”, “omg that did not just happen?”, “who can I call to share this with?”, “can werewolves do that?”   I was happy, sad, ready to help Skye fight, aroused.  I tried to relate what I could to real life to put myself into Skye’s place.  Her human form was very imaginable.  She really has no clue as to what or who she has gotten involved in, until almost the end of the book where it is revealed.  This has to be part of a series because it says “a Skye Faden novel.”  Like I mentioned before, Paranormal is not usually my thing, but for this genre, I am giving this book 5 stars and I need more!!  I cannot wait to read more about Skye and her journey.  Once I finally got some answers and got everything I wanted Skye to have, I need more.  I know her journey is not over, at least I hope not. 

Who will Skye choose?  Will it be the tender heart or the bad boy?   Hold on for a wild ride with Vampires, Werewolves and a bad mama jamma.  Skye Faden will knock your boots off.  

Alisha Ashton is a fanfiction author, novelist, and unabashed fangirl. She has recently published her first original novel, Darkness Descends: A Skye Faden Novel. Her hobbies include: chasing her mischievous, bare-assed toddler around the house, goofing off with her husband, and fangirling the CW's Supernatural like 'whoa!'

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**ARC given in exchange for honest review**

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Review: Denying Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #3) by Setta Jay

A headstrong sassy mortal, Rain is a Mageia living in Tetartos, the Realm of beasts and Immortals. Her nights have been restless, filled with sensual dreams of a big blonde Guardian whose glares indicate he wants nothing to do with her. She is determined to shake off the odd feelings until she finds out her dream lover is responsible for her rescue from a demented Demi-God. In doing so, his touch ignites something rare and coveted. Something that she’s never anticipated… Something he should have told her about. Rain is set on making him explain and then feel the full force of her ire.

After a devastating betrayal resulting in the loss of a close friend a century ago, Dorian refuses to trust or engage with Immortals other than his Guardian family. His years of brutal fighting in the underground Immortal rings are over. He patrols the Realms and slakes his lust with the humans on Earth. Existing, but not living as he used to. He knows the moment he scents Rain that he has found his mate and after touching her he plans to avoid her as long as he can... Until he learns she is in danger. Raging, his beast demands that he go to her, but taking her from their enemy has repercussions he fully plans to escape at all costs.

For Dorian, finding a way out of mating Rain means he could succumb to madness and harm those that mean so much to him… but giving in to his burning urge for her means losing control in a heated mating frenzy sure to ignite them both and link them forever.

Warning: brief instances of M/F/F and M/F/M menage, a hot headed, dirty talking alpha male, voyeurism and sexually explicit scenes.

 

Ok, so seriously, I have a total hard on for Dorian.  He's a total dickwad, but damn he's hot.  Rain is pretty hot too.

This book is sex, sex, and more sex.  There's a story too, a damn good story.  

Gah!  The sexual tension was unbearable.  I wanted to jump in the damn book and get down to business for them.

I've read all the books in this series so far and frankly, its hard to come up with different ways to say this series is awesome.  And I hate to be repetitive, but I think I'll just have to get a megaphone and broadcast until everyone reads it.

I think I've said this before, but I want to reiterate here, each book in this series gets better than the last.  It also gets kinkier than the last.  Which is totally a good thing. *wink, wink*

I love that Dorian and Rain's element is water.  The water play was hot.

I am curious about Vane and Brianne and what is coming for them.  Really, really want to see how that plays out.

Also, curious what Elizabeth is up to, but damn isn't she a effin whackadoo on wheels.

I've been trying to figure out how exactly to put into perspective how much I enjoy this series. For me, Guardians of the Realms (GotR) is ranking right up there with IAD, Demonica and LOTU. (just dirtier)

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

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*Just a note: some of these are already or soon will be on kindle unlimited

Hidden Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #0.5) - Free

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Ecstasy Unbound (Guardians of the Realms #1)

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Ecstasy Claimed (Guardians of the Realms #2)

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Denying Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #3)

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Tempting Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #4)

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Review: The Life Gift by T.R. Lykins

**** This is a companion novel to Last Heartbeat ****

Kristen believed her parents were truly happy and wanted a marriage like theirs. She really didn’t know anything about their relationship until she was leaving for college. That’s when they dropped a heartbreaking bombshell on her.

They only stayed together to make her happy. Now, she thinks she is the reason for their unhappiness, can she trust love?

Does love even last anymore?

Her new college roommate, Alexia, changes her mind about love. Seeing how fast Alexia falls for her dreamy guy Phillip, and how fast that dreamy guy falls for Alexia, she then realizes that maybe love could happen in her life!

Now, Kristen has to change her ways and open her heart up for love. Can Kristen do that after watching her parents live a lie for so many years? Hoping she can find her true love and not get hurt, Kristen thinks she can find him out there somewhere, but where?

One tragic moment happens to her friend and it makes her realize that life could end in a blink of an eye. Kristen makes a life decision that affects her and her friends.

Can she go through it?

This gift is the greatest gift she can give to her best friend, Alexia. Nine months of her life is a long time to give up for your friend.

Will this sacrifice be truly appreciated and will Alexia be able to take care of her precious gift?

Amazon ~ Nook ~ Kobo

Kobo: Last Heartbeat ~  Amazon: Last Heartbeat ~ Barnes & Noble: Last Heartbeat

**ARC given in exchange for honest review**

Ok, so if you don’t already know, The Life Gift is a Companion Novel to Last Heartbeat. Now that’s out of the way, I start off with a summary of the book and then give my review with my likes and dislikes.

Kristen wanted what her parents had, the perfect marriage. That was all until she left for college and they admitted the truth, they only stayed together to keep Kristen happy. So will Kristen be able to love when what she thought was perfect and what she longed for her whole life was all just a lie?

Kristen’s best friend and roommate Alexia, makes her realize there is true love once she sees Alexia & Phillip together. So maybe there is hope? Will she find “the one?” Something tragic happens to Alexia and Kristen soon realizes how precious life is and Kirsten knows she will make a decision that will not only affect her life, but also her friends. But will her decision be supported? Can she really do it?

The gift that Kristen offers her best friend Alexia is the most precious gift that can be given. Is 9 months something you would give up for your best friend?

So onto my review, I fell in love with Alexia & Phillip in Last Heartbeat when I first started author stalking TR Lykins. They have had a special place in my heart ever since. Both Phillip & Alexia had been through tragedy to get where they are today. If it wasn’t for Phillip’s brother Gabe, they would not be where they are. Alexia, Phillip, Jacob, Tyler & Kristen really do start their own family together.

The most precious gift is offered from Kristen and someone special to Alexia & Phillip. It will be loved for a lifetime. Will Alexia be able to accept this gift?

This is a clean romance that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the small things in life and how precious the gift of life is. I loved every minute of this story. The only thing I didn’t like is that all my favorite characters' story has to come to an end. So I guess my only option is to reread it! Thanks TR Lykins for another awesome read!

I am married to the love of my life and have been married to him for twenty years. When I met my husband it was love at first sight so I am still a believer in love. We even got married three months after we meet. I am a stay at home mom of two wonderful boys who keep me on my toes.

As a stay at home mom, I became a avid reader who loves and reads most genres. The love of these books spiked my interest to learn more about the book world and the process it took to become an author. Learning as much as I can about the wonderful world of writing, I had to write my story. I've had this story building in my head for over a year and I just needed to share it with everyone. Educating myself in this industry has made me work hard to obtain my goals of writing and becoming an author. The learning process has also made me appreciate, what all these authors have accomplished and all the hard work they put in. I can't wait to share my story with you!!! My novel is a Clean New Adult/Young Adult Romance. Hope you enjoy my unique story about love.

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Review: That's a Promise by Victoria Klahr

  

Pain isn’t new to me. I’ve been to hell only to find it never really leaves when you get back. It haunts me through nightmares, unrequited love, lies, broken hearts, and now death. A monster almost took my life. My best friend carries half my soul a world away. My boyfriend broke my heart but refuses to let me go. And my father is dead. I don’t believe in fate and I don’t believe in happily-ever-afters, but for some reason, I still hope. Live, even with a tainted spirit. Long for my other half to come back to me. Risk another broken heart, just to feel loved again. And refuse to let another horror break me. In the face of my most recent tragedy, I have to decide whether forgiveness is something I can give. But even if that’s an option, can I be forgiven?

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qteiTC

B&N US: http://bit.ly/1vSwhaG

Josie Sommers had any girl’s worst nightmare come true.  Her security was stolen from her by a monster that will forever haunt her in ways she cannot imagine.  She doesn’t believe in fate or happily ever-afters, but she still can have hope.  She considers herself tainted, but will her biggest secret be forgivable?

Seth is Josie’s best friend and has been since they were little.  What will friends do/sacrifice to comfort each other?  What type of love do friends share?

Blake Porter, the one man that Josie allows into her heart and soul only to shatter it, but he also refuses to move on.  Will his secret that he reveals be forgivable? 

If you have ever read any of my reviews, you know that I usually like to start off with a summary and then explain what I did and didn't like about the book.  So onto what I didn’t like about the book.  I started out thinking ok what is going on?  This story is jumping all over the place and I couldn’t figure out if I was in the past, or present, and if it was the past, what time frame of the past I was in.  I then had to start again and go back and make sure I was paying closer attention to the time frame at the beginning of each chapter.  Once I figured out how everything was falling into place, I totally understood for all the jumping around.  There were times when spots of the past needed to be filled with history that had not been divulged yet. 

I felt awful reliving Josie’s past and experiencing what she had to go through.  She sought comfort in her best friend Seth when she needed him the most.  But when her heart was broken, she found Blake.  The one person that made her feel loved and appreciated.  But what did he do?  He broke her heart by hiding his secret from early on in their relationship.  I never cared for Blake’s childhood friend Alice.  Just think of her as the barrier of bad news. 

This book had me mad, sad, and happy, and it also had its steamy moments.  All the information you needed to get answers will be divulged in this book.  All along in the book, I thought I had Josie’s secret figured out.  I was so wrong.  I never expected to hear what she divulged.  Only to have an epilogue that will leave you with a major cliffhanger.  It won’t make you mad that you haven’t gotten enough information, you will be mad because you will want to know what’s going to happen now? 

Personally I want to trust Blake, but after all the heartache, he has put me through, I really want to be team Seth.  You tell me who your pick is?

**ARC given in exchange for honest review**  Thanks allowing me the opportunity to read this great book.  

Victoria Klahr (pronounced “Claire”) lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina with her husband and daughter, Stephen and Alexis. She loves her chug (Pug/Chihuahua), Bandit, and daughter to pieces. She is a huge and proud book nerd who looks at her bookshelf in admiration daily. When she’s not daydreaming about book boyfriends and fantasizing about being a badass heroine like Rose Hathaway, she’s busy doing schoolwork for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and writing the stories that speak to her in her head. She loves peanut butter with Oreos, good friends, amazing gossip, driving in the middle of merge lanes, comedies, crude humor, pretending like she can dance, pretending like she can kick major ass, and a really, really good laugh. 

victoriaklahrauthor@gmail.com 

 www.facebook.com/victoriaklahrauthor 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7304003.Victoria_Klahr
  http://victoriaklahrwrites.blogspot.com/ 

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Review: The Washington Triplets Series by Danielle Allen, Michelle Lynn and Melissa Rolka

SYNOPSIS:

The Rebel

Mya Washington is a rebel. Or at least, that’s what her family has always said. As the youngest of a set of triplets, she has always been the more rebellious of the three…even though she never considered herself a rebel.

Outspoken? Yes.

Rule Breaker? Sometimes.

Trouble Maker? Nev—occasionally.

Growing tired of being typecast and misunderstood, Mya moves to New York looking for a fresh start away from the life she grew up in and out of the shadow of her older sisters.  Striking out on her own may have put a strain on the family dynamic, but it's the new beginning Mya was looking for.

But after the unexpected death of her mother, she is blindsided yet again by a wedding invitation she didn’t see coming. Her father’s upcoming marriage only cements the wall she’s put up around her heart. Because if her father could be such an utter disappointment, why should she even attempt to open up to any man?

Enter Colton Davis.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22853418-love-discovered-in-new-york

Its very rare when I can find an author who writes books that put me in my comfort zone. I am so glad I stumbled onto Danielle Allen.

There is something about Mya that I can identify with.  I love to read a book and feel like someone has taken parts of my personality and put them in the main character (even though, I know that isn't the case).

I do love Mya.  She is just this outspoken, do what you want to do badass.  More than that, I can fully understand her feelings of betrayal and her reluctance to go home.

Colton... Mmm... Colton... Can I have him? or one like him, please? Damn, that man is perfect.

The secondary characters in the book are great, even the one bitch I want to throttle, she serves her purpose.

I found myself so wrapped up emotionally in this story I didn't really want it to end.  I felt every emotion in this story, the betrayal, the fear, the jealousy, the love, the resentment... all of it. The thing of it is, its not an over-emotional story.  It just so happened to grab me that way.

Either way, anyone who picks this up will be able to feel the emotions throughout, maybe not to the same extent that I did, but still. There is no way you'll be able to put it down until you're finished and its resolved.

And the little bit I got to see of Mya's sisters has got me waiting impatiently for the next book in the series.

This is definitely a must read!  I have a feeling the whole series will be!

SYNOPSIS:

Being the oldest Washington Triplet hasn’t been easy for Marisa Washington. Labeled the “good one” at a young age embedded the burden she strived to build true. She graduated at the top of her class, never caused her parents trouble, and even settled down in their hometown of Chicago with her college boyfriend.

Her life was “perfect”, at least in the eyes of others. But when her mom unexpectedly dies, Marisa’s eyes open for the first time. She leaves her boyfriend of four years and takes a job in Alaska to gain the freedom and individuality she’s craved. After all, what would she gain by sticking around Chicago? She discovered her perfect family isn’t so perfect, and everyone she cares for left her.

Starting a new life in Anchorage, Alaska, she’s unable to escape her family’s hold when her dad’s wedding announcement comes a mere six months after her mother’s death. Attempts to contact her sisters, in order to face this together, are unsuccessful, leaving her feeling even more alone.

Her family issues have to be pushed aside when her employer sends her and three others to a team building retreat in King’s Gate. It’s the last thing Marisa wants to do, until everywhere she turns, she finds…Zach Greer.

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22890233-love-grows-in-alaska

I tell ya, these triplets... they get to me.

Marisa is the predictable, good girl trying to break out of that mold. Zach Greer is the yummy man who is going to help her do that.

Not only does she have this "good girl" box she's been put in to deal with, she also has a battered self-confidence to overcome because of an emotionally abusive ex.

You know, how its easier to see things from the outside looking in, rather than from the inside looking out.  You're not objective when its happening to you, but when its happening to someone else, its easy to see the issues.

Through her own experiences Marisa is able to guide Libby a little bit.

The side characters in this book were just as important as the main characters which I found interesting.  I really wanted to know more about Libby and Wes.

I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to Love Found In California.

SYNOPSIS:

The Quiet One

Mikaela Washington, the middle Triplet, has always been labeled the quiet one. Her parents claim her as the introvert or just shy. Of course she was, what other role could she take? All the others had been fulfilled.

Going away to college with her sisters was always the plan until unforeseen circumstances push Mikaela into a dark corner she can’t get out of. Her sisters think she’s just being more unusual than normal and her dad barely notices. The only person she can trust and confide in is her mom. 

She stays back and lives at home with her parents. These years are difficult, but she manages to find a career and go to therapy. During this time she learns her family home is not what it seems. She sees and hears things that her sisters know nothing about. Then when her mom suddenly dies she’s left to deal with not only her tragedy, but also the secrets of her family. 
Finally Mikaela realizes it’s time… time to move on, live on her own like her sisters and try to start new. When she moves to California she finds the job of her dreams and the man of her dreams attached to it… Ryan Chambers.

To read more about the Washington Triplet's check out Love Discovered in New York and Love Grows in Alaska.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22889939-love-found-in-california

I already kind of knew what Mikaela's issue was from the hints in Love Discovered In New York.  I was just needing confirmation from Mikaela.

This book was different from the other two because Mikaela is already married, where as the other two books were meet & fall in love.

This difference was refreshing and gave this book another facet to make it unique.  We still got the meet & fall in love in the form of flashbacks, but I think the major "Love Found In California" was the love Mikaela found for herself.

Mikaela's soul was just destroyed and it was heartbreaking.  I can't imagine carrying the weight of what happened all those years on her own.

I am so glad that *someone* got the shit beat out of him towards the end of this book.

Truly enjoyed this immensely.  The is the first thing I've read by Melissa Rolka, but I know now, I'll be reading more of her stuff.


**Series ARC received in exchange for honest reviews.

DANIELLE ALLEN ~ AUTHOR BIO:

I am a married event planner, life coach and instructor.  Between my awesome friends and family and my amazing husband, I am constantly surrounded by love.  My goal at all times is to love what I’m doing and enjoy life.  I love shopping and football with equal fervor.  I’m an amateur movie critic (i.e. my husband and I watch and critique a lot of movies for fun). I love to read, but since I’ve been writing, I don’t read as much as I used to. I love music. A good lyric with a good melody can paint a vivid picture and invoke such a range of emotions. I have a soft spot for most mediums of creative, artistic expression. But music is probably my favorite.

MEDIA LINKS:

FACEBOOK  *  GOODREADS * TWITTER * WEBSITE  *  AMAZON

MICHELLE LYNN ~ AUTHOR BIO:

Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.  She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write.   With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends.  But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

MEDIA LINKS:

FACEBOOK * TWITTER * WEBSITE * GOODREADS

MELISSA ROLKA ~ AUTHOR BIO:

Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing. The Perfect Distraction (The Perfect Series) is her first full-length novel. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.

MEDIA LINKS:

FACEBOOK * AMAZON * GOODREADS

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