Monday, December 31, 2012

Taking Chase by Lauren Dane

Spoiler Free Review
3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance
Series: Book #2 In the Chase Brothers series

I find myself very much enjoying this series with the Chase brothers!

Cassie Gambol is running from something and she is most definitely hiding something. Sheriff Shane Chase is no fool he plans to figure out exactly what it is. What he does not expect is to become totally smitten with her and fall in love.

Cassie barely escaped with her life after her ex-husband beat her within an inch of deaths door. She moves from LA, Ca. across the country to the small town of Petal, Ga. It takes a while for he to adjust to the small town life. Everyone is friendly, open and outgoing. But Cassie still gets scared just being alone in a room in the presence of a man. She slowly overcomes her fears. She finds a job and a way to make extra cash on the side. She also begins to notice that she has caught the Sheriff's eye.


Shane cannot help it, he wants to know Cassie. He noticed how she is uncomfortable with men and decides to take things very very slow. The two clash a lot though... Because Cassie does not want to be controlled. She has been there done that, and ain't never going back. Shane is a total alpha male, he is use to being in control and getting his way. When these two butt heads... It goes DOWN neither refuse to back off.
Eventually they learn or should I say Shane learns how to handle things differently. But not as soon as I would have hoped. He screws up. A LOT!

When Cassie starts to get phone calls from her ex-husband everyone goes on high alert. With good reason too because the guy is out for more blood.

This one is a tear jerker.


Thoughts
Love is in the air for the Chase brothers and these women are taking them down one by one. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series to see how Marc Chase gets snared! The writing is good and the dialogue is good, it is filled with lots of laughs and sexy moments in between the drama. Overall I enjoyed it!

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- Good
Steam factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I enjoyed it!! And I will continue with the series!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it!
 
 

Our Top Picks Of 2012--Becky, Alexis, M

BECKY'S TOP PICKS
_________________________
 
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
 
The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
 
Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan
 
Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan
 
Laced In Malice by Riley Gray
 
_________________________
 
ALEXIS'S TOP PICKS
 
_________________________
 
#1 The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
#2 The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
#3 On The Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves
 
#4 The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred
#5 The Boots My Mother Gave Me by Brooklyn James
 
___________________
 
~M's TOP PICS
 
_________________________________
 
#1 Hopeless by Colleen Hoover 
 
#2  Thoughtless by S.C. Stevens
 
#3  I Love You to Death by Natalie Ward
 
#4  Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
 
#5  A Slave to Love by Nikita Black
 
#6  The Rock Chick Series by Kristen Ashley
 
#7   The Ross Sibling Series by Cherrie Lynn
 
#8  Up In the Air Series by R.K. Lilley

 
 
 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Interview, Review & Giveaway of Consequences and Truth by Aleatha Romig

We are excited to have Aleatha Romig here at Reality Bites! 
 
 
Aleatha took the time to answer questions about her series!
 
She also threw in *signed* paperback copies of both Consequences and Truth!
 
Read Below!!


REVIEWS

                                                         Consequences (Consequences #1)
Spoiler Free Review -A MUST READ
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Fiction -Thriller/Suspense

If you're thinking of reading this book be prepared to have your mind f**ked over and over again until you can no longer take it.

If you have read this book then you know exactly what I'm talking about.

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. —Charles Darwin

The book starts with Claire waking up in a room/suite with no idea as to how she has gotten there. It does not take long for her to figure out that she is being held prisoner. Realization dawns on her as memories flood back of who she was with last.
Tall, dark, handsome and apparently filthy rich. Anthony Rawlings.

It all started with a signature
Ex-meteorologist Claire Nichols is a bartender working at a restaurant called Red Wing in Atlanta. She has no idea that tonight her life will forever be irrevocably changed. She is currently being watched from across the room, by billionaire Anthony Rawlings. After his business meeting wraps up Anthony takes a seat at the bar and engages in conversation with Claire.

Nothing new there as a matter of fact polite conversation is part of her job. However this encounter leads him to ask her to join him for drinks once her shift ends. She agrees. Sometime during the wine and talk of business, life in Atlanta and careers Anthony says to Claire
“You know, your destiny could be as simple as an offer and a signature away.”
He then takes a Red Wing napkin and tells her to pretend it's a contract, but not just any contract. No, this contract will be for her dream job as a meteorologist. Claire plays along not knowing she has just signed her name and made a deal with the devil.

Predestined
Anthony Rawlings is not just a billionaire businessman. Anthony is a man with an Agenda. And nothing can prepare Claire for what he has in store.

Consequences is a psychological thriller that will have you asking yourself 100 different questions with 100 different variations of WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHY and HOW And NOTHING absolutely NOTHING can prepare you for the ending.

Thoughts
I will start with my dislikes.
I thought this book was a bit too long with a whole lot of narratives and inner monologues. Which in my humble opinion seemed to draw out the story. I personally prefer lots of character interactions in books that I read. Another thing I' am not a fan of is stories told from the third person which this was. Never the less the story flowed and kept my rapt attention.
My Likes
The story was violent yet Romig managed to hold back by not being very descriptive with the abuse scenes. Claire was abused and raped yet the reader did not experience it first hand except but on a few occasions. The author managed to give readers an abusive storyline, in an overtly yet none to graphic way. In other words, Romig let you know what was happening without being overly descriptive then she would 'fade to black.' Readers would catch the after math and feel all of Claire's pain. And believe me...there was a lot of pain and anguish in this book.

Anthony
Romig did a very good job with building a love/hate relationship for readers in regards to Anthony. And honestly, I could go on and on about Anthony being very malicious, cruel, manipulative, vindictive, controlling and so on and so forth. But in all reality one word could be used to describe him, EVIL. Every step he takes is evil even when he calls himself being nice.

Claire
A lot of questions are thrown around about WHY Claire stayed, why not run. I think the answer is simple and is given as the opening quote of the book. Which is a quote by Darwin that I used in this review. Her way of surviving was by adapting and to an extent it worked for her. Anthony very slowly started to bend on his rules and conform.
A man with no compassion started to feel compassion.
A man with no regrets started to regret.
A man who NEVER apologizes, apologized.
Claire's ability to ADAPT brought CHANGE.

Claire's decision to adapt allowed her to learn from the master....

Side Note: This book also has a host of secondary characters that I loved!

Fave Lines

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Tony during the Vanity Fair interview


“Claire, you don’t need to be perfect all the time. You don’t need to say everything perfectly, look perfect, and be perfect. Life isn’t a test that you must continually pass.” ~Courtney

My Ratings
Characters- Most I loved, one I hated *coughs* Tony.
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- Cunning, Deceptive, Methodical and Intense
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I loved it!! And I totally recommend it!!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it!


_____________________

Spoiler Free Review -Quick review
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Fiction -Psychological Thriller
 
Series: Book 2 in Consequences series by Aleatha Romig

ARE YOU READY FOR THE TRUTH??? I sure as hell wasn't....
NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING was what it appeared to be, yet EVERYTHING weaved together flawlessly with a JAW DROPPER ending.

In Consequences

A man with no compassion started to feel compassion.
A man with no regrets started to regret.
A man who NEVER apologizes, apologized.
Claire's ability to ADAPT produced CHANGE.
Claire's decision to adapt provided her with a wealth of knowledge. She has learned from the master and now she can use it to her advantage.


Freedom
In Truth Claire is released from prison after doing an eighteen month stint. Shocked yet grateful she seeks solace in sunny California with an unexpected friend. But happy day's of freedom don't last forever because when Tony get's word of her release....Well....Let's just say he is none to pleased. His unhappiness however does not stem from her newly found freedom but from his loss of control. AND the fact that he still wants her. Which is something he never anticipated.

A new game begins with a host of new players. Unbeknownst to him, puppet master Tony is no longer pulling the strings. Because there is someone more EVIL lurking around to take out both him and Claire. And the new puppet master is ten times colder, twenty times more calculated and very much determined to win.

Truth takes off with a BOOM and keeps up the momentum at high rate speed; with it's perfectly spun web of events that are mind consuming. Romig has crafted a well developed plot, strong characters and jaw dropping story lines. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time as the truth was slowly revealed piece by piece. I consider this series A MUST READ! You will not be disappointed
!

My Thoughts
This series is a total MIND F#CK! IT is also a MUST READ!!!

My ratings
Characters- Cunning
Writing Style- Methodical, Leading and Skillful
Plot/Storyline- Clever, Deceptive, and Intense
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I loved it!! A MUST READ!!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it!

_______

Buy Consequences on Amazon       Buy Truth on Amazon
_________
 

Interview


First and foremost I want to say thank you for the interview! I appreciate this opportunity. I love your series!

You are very welcome! Thank you for having me on Reality Bites! Let’s Get Lost! This is a great blog.  I love your reviews and giveaways.  I’m honored to be a part of it!



1)  I would love to start off by finding out your creative process behind Tony and Claire's characters. The story is very dark, Tony is very dark. What was your inspiration for creating both Tony and Claire? And how did you get to that dark space in order to write Tony's character?
 
Tony and Claire both developed and grew over time.  I honestly didn’t create them and then put them in the story... the story developed and they did too.  In my original manuscript I had A LOT more background on Claire.  Too much!! Nevertheless, in writing that, I learned about her, her family, her habits, her childhood... it was very helpful to me, although it would have been incredibly boring for you! 

 
Tony... not so much.  When I started writing he was a mystery. I learned more about him in TRUTH, just as you did.  It’s so fun to write that way.  Each time I sit at the computer it is an adventure!

 
Tony is dark. And as we learn more about him, I believe we are learning why. Writing him from Claire’s POV wasn’t necessarily a dark place to be.  Recently, I re-wrote the “accident” scene from Tony’s POV.  I was scared to go there.  It was VERY dark --  in his mind at that time. However, I found it incredibly enlightening too.
 
2)  What was the very first scene you wrote in Consequences? Was it somewhere in the middle, the beginning or the end?

 
I first wrote the bedroom scene, with Claire waking.  The entire story evolved from there.  I actually “saw” it.  I’d always wanted to write, so I thought, “why not”. And I wrote it down.  Then I had to figure out -- how she got there, why she was there, and what she was going to do about it... fun stuff!!!
 
3)  Did you know this would be a trilogy when you started writing Consequences? And did you know how you wanted the trilogy to end while writing book 1?

 
No!!! If I ever -- ok, when -- I do this again, because I love it, I will plan accordingly.  Since CONSEQUENCES was my first attempt at writing, I didn’t plan on sharing it with anyone, publishing it, or writing more.  Therefore, I had no idea there would be a book 2.  Then I planned on the story ending with book 2.  However, when I got to the end of TRUTH the story wasn’t wrapped up, like I wanted.  After crying, pouting, and throwing my own temper tantrum, my daughter, a psychology major, talked me through it. She convinced me to make adaptations to my planned ending and continue the saga.  I believe she told me it would be fine, “trilogies are in”.  I hope she was right.
 
4)  I have to be honest. I hated Tony 99.9% of the time in Consequences. You did a superb job of making him in to the ultimate bad guy. The abuse was hard to read even though you used fade-to-black scenes instead of being overly descriptive. Book one kept a constant dark cloud over my head while I was reading it. Book two kept me more on the edge of my seat and guessing as to what would happen next. Out of all the scenes in both book 1 and 2 what was the hardest scene for you to write? And what was your favorite scene to write? The scene can be from either book, just please explain why you chose that particular scene.

 
The most difficult scene for me to write was the encounter with Simon at the Chicago Symposium and its after effects.  While writing CONSEQUENCES I “lived” Claire’s mood.  I spent my days stressed, when she was stressed, happy when she was happy – it monopolized my thoughts! I knew where the story needed to go. I knew her relationship with Tony had to turn back to darkness for the ending to occur.  I didn’t want to go there, and I wasn’t sure how.  My husband was the one to suggest the addition of another man.  Jealousy, he said, is a great motivator, to make a man (Tony) forget his promises.  Then I remembered Simon from Claire’s memories while unconscious.  I wrote the entire scene in one night... it took an entire bottle of wine.  In the morning, I couldn’t wait to read what I’d written!

 
I do like quotes – and I believe it was Ernest Hemingway who said: “Write drunk, edit sober.”  Not my usual plan, but it worked for that scene. 

 
My favorite:  The gala in TRUTH! I wrote the scene one way, having Claire surprise Tony.  I didn’t like it.  I pouted for a few days (yes, I do that from time to time) Then, the idea for the scene the way it is, hit me! I couldn’t type fast enough.  It was just so Tony! He never would have been surprised.  Truly, I LOVE Tony’s manipulating ways, his devilish grin, and domineering ways.  That said -- I love them even more when met with Claire’s wit and sassy retorts!
 
5)  At the end of book one I was completely convinced that Tony was not going to change. He let Claire go and stay in prison, and then he divorced her. As a reader I assumed he would keep his bad guy persona and love would not factor in for him. Then BAM, I read Truth and you changed the game. When did you realize that Tony would not only love Claire but do everything in his power to have her again? And was that always a part of your plan, for this to be a romance/love story in regards to these two characters? 

 
I belong to the Indiana Romance Writers Association, yet I never thought of CONSEQUENCES or TRUTH as romances.  My agent now tells me they are “Contemporary Dark Romance/ Thrillers” -- so, all right. 

 
Was that my plan? Ha, no, because I had no plan! I started TRUTH three different times.  I have a folder labeled “removed from Truth”.  It has over 60,000 words in it! The story didn’t feel “right” until I went this direction.  I believe part of what made it so fun, was that it was not at all what I expected or what I thought my readers were expecting. I enjoy doing that!  At the same time, I wanted the “suspense / thriller” feel of twists and turns and not knowing who to trust.  I hope I accomplished both.
 
6)  "Rawls-Nichols baby" that statement spoke volumes. It appears at the end of book 2 that there is a new villain. Who really is not new at all.  Really when you think about it, this person has been around since the beginning... This new villain seems to be taking the lead in route for book 3, and is under the impression that Tony and Claire are out of the picture. How much of Tony and Claire will we get in book 3? And I am not referring to them as a couple, I mean in general will we get a nice amount of story lines with each of them in book 3. And also in regards to the new villain, now that we now her true identity and paternity, how big of a role will Sophia have in book 3, Convicted?

 
Lots of questions there!  Yes, for those who haven’t read TRUTH, let’s keep that villain’s name in code... we’ll call that person “villain”.  LOL 

 
After I wrote Consequences, the most asked question I received was, “What about “Villain”?  What is her/his deal? Tony must be holding something over him/her!” This made me think... what was the deal?  Writing that backstory pulled it all together. 

 
How much Tony / Claire (couple not implied)?  Well, as much as Villain and Sophia/ Derek are important to the story, Tony and Claire are the Consequences Series.  I promise a lot of them!  That said, Sophia’s role will also grow.  Most people didn’t feel attached to her throughout TRUTH because they don’t know who she was or why she’s there.  I hope that in CONVICTED she will be more meaningful to my readers.  Perhaps even now there is a bit of concern for her, knowing what you know?
 
7)  I am anxiously awaiting Convicted. I am very curious as to whether or not Claire will find out about just how big of a role Tony has played as the bad guy in her life as well as the lives of others. In Truth we get to meet some new characters Amber, Harry and Phil each play big roles in Claire's life. In Convicted will we get more story lines with Amber, Harry and Phil? 

 
Good! I’m glad you’re anxious for CONVICTED! I’m shocked every time I log on to Goodreads and see the number of people who have added it to their “to read” list.  The last time I looked it was over 1100!  That is so cool!

 
In CONVICTED, we and Claire will learn about Tony’s past sins – what were his and what someone else’s was? **cough** cough** Villain.   I will say, perhaps I may have mislead you on a few things. 

 
This is where the writing gets incredibly complicated.  By not planning a trilogy, I spend a lot of time with timelines, notes, and reading CONSEQUENCES and TRUTH to be sure everything fits! I know, if I mess up, someone will be kind enough to point it out. I’m working diligently to be sure there are no inconsistencies. 

 
Amber, Harry, Phil, Emily, John, Eric, Catherine, Courtney, and Brent as well as others previously introduced will once again surface in CONVICTED! Damn, I think Harry is too hot to let fade away.  Please don’t take that as any kind of hint... Tony is an ass, but one seriously sizzling ass!  And, despite many readers thinking Phil is creepy... I see him as a handsome, concerned sexy man of mystery. 

 
My point... Claire’s “husband” will be revealed in CONVICTED and no sooner. 

 
Thank you for having me on “Reality Bites! Let’s Get Lost!”  These were fantastic questions.   I hope after reading this interview and your review, your readers will want to read the CONSEQUENCES Series.  If they like twists and turns as well as some seriously hot and heavy, not to mention twisted, relationships and characters, these are the books for them! Thank you, Aleatha
 
 
 
 ________
 CONVICTED will be released late 2013, early 2014!  Mark it on your Goodreads!!!

 
Giveaway!!!!!!
 
 
 





a Rafflecopter giveaway




Books UNLEASHED this week 12/30/12 - 1/5/13

Fall Into You by Roni Loren
-Genre: Erotica Romance
-Release date: 12/31/12
Give In To Me: A H.O.T. Cops Novel by Lacey Alexnder
-Genre: Romance Erotica
-Release date: 12/31/12
Death's Angel: A Novel of the Lost Angels by Heather Killough-Walden
-Genre: Paranormal Romance
-Release Date: 12/31/12
Release Me by J. Kenner
-Genre: Romance Erotica
-Release date: 1/1/13
Altered by Jennifer Rush
 
 
The Beautiful Lie by Tara Sivec
-Genre:  Romantic Suspense
-Release date:  1/3/13
Link- n/a
 
 
 
 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Review: Gone Country by Lorelei James


Goodreads Summary:

She’s a little bit country, and he’s…not.

Arizona businessman and long-lost McKay love child Gavin Daniels has been awarded sole custody of his teenage daughter Sierra for one year. In order to steer Sierra back on track after a brush with the law, he pulls up stakes and heads to Wyoming, looking for support from his ranching family...even if he isn’t sure where they fit in the McKay dynamic. He’s prepared for every contingency with the move: the less-than-enthusiastic response from his daughter, learning to run his corporation remotely, but he’s thrown for a loop when his new housemate, Rielle, is a whole lot sexier, funnier and sassier than he remembered.

Rielle Wetzler has finally overcome the stigma of having hippie parents and being a young single mother. In the two years since she sold her ailing B&B to Gavin Daniels, she’s become financially stable running the homespun businesses she loves. But now Gavin is in Sundance to claim the house that’s rightfully his. Although Rielle knew this day would come, she isn’t prepared to leave the home she built for herself and her now-grown daughter. And to further complicate matters, her long-dormant libido is definitely not ready to live with this newly buff Gavin—who isn’t a cowboy, but has the take-charge attitude to prove he’s all McKay.

Sharing a roof, their troubles and their triumphs is too much temptation, and before long, Gavin and Rielle are sharing a bed. But sharing their hearts and lives forever? That’s a whole ’nother ball of wax.

Warning: Contains a feisty, independent heroine who doesn’t need a man to take care of her needs outside the bedroom and a sweet, sexy and bossy hero who’s up to the challenge of proving her wrong

My Thoughts:

First, I love the country setting and the hominess of this series.  Second, I love the strong family ties of the MaKay’s and West’s.  Third I adore Lorelei James and her writing style.

Gone Country is #14 in the Rough Riders series.  If you have not checked out this series, you need to get on it…fast!

Gavin Daniels is no country man that’s for sure.  He wears freaking loafers while walking through cow crap!  Get the boy some boots!!!  He may not have the McKay last name, but he is a McKay through bread!  Astonishing good looks, dark hair—piercing blue eyes, charming, loving, smart and a wonderful father!  The biggest difference between Gavin and his kin is he’s NOT a playboy that needs reigned in.  He’s ripe for the pickin’.

And pickin’ is what Rielle Wetzler wants to do!  I so admired Ree!  She’s a self-made woman, smart, independent, so utterly self-sufficient, beautiful and an awesome mom! 

There is not much drama in this book at all.  It’s a gradual getting to know you love story with some serious hot bedroomness!

This book was different for me that the others just because Gavin didn’t really have the faults to relate to like the other McKay men.  Those faults of theirs sucked me in to their stories.

What really sucked me into this story was the sub-story of the book.  Gavin’s daughter Sierra and Boone West (who she’s not related to by blood but they do have the same aunts).  Sierra, 16 and Boone 18 had a storyline that drew me in hook-line and sinker!  I wanted to know more.  When the POV switched back to Gavin or Rielle—I got frustrated and wanted it to go back to S & B!  I want to know what happened!!!  I definitely feel spinoffs coming for Rough Riders 5billion7hundered90eight!  LOL!  Sierra and Boone need a story and Rory (Rielle’s daughter) and Dalton (Gavin’s cousin).  BRING IT!

Overall, love the McKay MEN!!  If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend reading it!  It is very erotic with lots of bad boy cowboys!  Start at #1 (which is one of my favorites of the series) and keep on movin’!
 
 

 

Review: The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher


Reader Beware this book will leave you screaming "OH HELL NO"
5 STARS
Genre- Adult Contemporary Romance
Setting- Miami, Fl., Georgia, and Texas

-'You can only give your heart away once, after that, everything else will chase your first love'. - Inner thoughts of Olivia in The Opportunist

The Opportunist will penetrate the recesses of your being. All due to CHOICES

The Opportunist is a book about choices- good ones, bad ones, small ones and big ones. Everything in our lives is built on the choices we make even the simple ones like to go left or right, to sit here or over there. Then we get the effect/conclusion these Choices bring. The effects can be joy, pain, violence, peace, salvation, destruction, love, hate all an abundance of answers to our choices. We encounter people whose lives can change from our Choices; and not all are innocent because they have choices too. In the end if you can stand by your Choices and live with them be thy great or small is up to you.

In The Opportunist Olivia runs into the love of her life Caleb Drake at a music store. She thinks to herself "this can't be" she has not seen or heard from him in 3 years. When their eyes meet and she realizes he has no idea who she is because of his amnesia from a car accident she takes advantage. Olivia pretends she does not know him. Oh but she does know him very well, Caleb Drake her ex-boyfriend from college and former love of her life. Caleb Drake is tall, sexy, rich and has a British accent. Olivia hurt Caleb in the past and he walked out of her life vowing to move on and never look back.

Now once again unbeknownst to his former self Caleb is attracted to Olivia AGAIN. And the two strike up a conversation that leads to a friendship against Olivia's better judgement of course;) He tells her about the accident and his temporary amnesia. Olivia decides that she will keep him close for as long as she can. But Leah Caleb's girlfriend from before the accident decides she will not give up on their love easily. Leah fights for her man. Who will get Caleb in the end?? And is either worth the love he gives?

My Thoughts
I loved it! I consider it a must read. But just know that this book is more of an anti romance do not expect an HEA.

The Characters
I swear Olivia had a self destruct button. Her inability to open up and let love in caused so much pain for others. She often referred to herself as cold. But she was bitter,a manipulator, calculating and sometimes just CRUEL. In my opinion she was not as cold as she would like us to think. Because a true cold person would have not felt a damn thing. Olivia felt things after doing wrong. She just chose to not allow others to see, she kept a facade.

Caleb, i loved this guy. He loved Olivia all the way to the last page. He went through so much drama with her and his love overcame the bad. His choices played a big part in the books outcome.

Cammie was hilarious she was Olivia's trusty sidekick to the very end.

Leah was a surprise. Period. I had a love hate thing with her. She too was calculating and a manipulator. When she realized amnesia Caleb was falling for another woman she was not having it. She wanted Caleb and would stop at nothing to get him. I had to admire that.

Phrase i loved the most "Priends" pretend friends. I ate that up.LOL!!

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and Cunning
Writing Style- Witty, Solid, Leading and Potent
Plot/Storyline- Heart Stirring, Soul Stirring and Intense
Overall- This book will penetrate the recesses of your being. READER BEWARE.
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it!
 
 
 

Review: Disasterous by E.L. Montes

3.5 Hearts

Goodreads Summary:

After struggling with the loss of yet another person so dear to her heart, Mia Sullivan, transforms her frustration and loneliness, into focusing on her future career. As the top of her class at Harvard Law, she’s nervous and excited, when given the opportunity of a summer extern position at one of the top firms in Boston. Her new boss is young, extraordinarily handsome, and the successful, Marcus DeLuca. Slowly she begins to fall for him, but as she caves in to his charms, she begins to discover he is keeping something from her.

Marcus DeLuca is living two lives: one that involves his successful career and the other that could potentially ruin his entire reputation. Every day is a stressful and hectic environment with his busy schedule. His secret could jeopardize not only his life but everyone he loves. That’s why he has no extra room for a serious, romantic relationship, but after meeting Mia he cannot resist her. She is innocent, humble, and pure, the total opposite of him. She distracts him from all of his deep, dark secrets. He knows once Mia finds out the things he has done and who he truly is, she will never want to look at him again. Deep down he knows he must stay away but he can’t.

Mia and Marcus are heading down a path of love, lies, heart break and betrayal. Can their love conquer all or will it end?


My Thoughts:

Disastrous is spoken through Mia's POV.  She takes us on a journey though her crazy relationship with the hot and desirable Marcus.

Marcus is hot.....and I mean really hot!!  Bad boy pushed to the ultimate limit.  Who wouldn't fall for this man??  But the price to pay??  I don't know if I could.

I really enjoyed to push and pull of Mia and Marcus' relationship. 

I had a really hard time with all of the jumping around this book did.  One minute I'm in this scene...and I don't think its over....but it is.  Hmmmm... Just unfinished.  I wanted to know more.

It also killed me that entire conversations were overlooked.  Such as the really important conversations between Mia and Jeremy. She had to tell him something extremely important and we get no dialogue--just a narrative of the conversation.

Overall, Okay book.  I enjoyed reading it.  I just wanted more.  More character development, more character interaction, more conversations and less of the narrative. 




Review: My Misery Muse by Brei Betzold

 
Goodreads Summary

First young love gets sidetracked by dreams that take them on two different journeys, but an unknown bond brings them back together again. Devi Porter an up-and-coming tattoo artist in Dallas is trying to live her life as best as possible, but never able to forget the love she had with Seth. Seth a bassist for the popular band My Misery Muse is struggling with his fellow band members with the lifestyle that he now lives. The band decides to go home to Dallas to work on their latest album as well as to work out their problems out from under the glare of the media. Seth and Devi meet up again and both realize they have a lot to work out between themselves as well. As they get reacquainted life and obstacles are thrown at them at every turn, are they able to overcome them to become the family neither really had?


3.5 hearts My Thoughts
I tried really hard to love this book. But it ended up being just okay for me. The main problem I had was that it felt like there were too many holes in the story. An example, Seth leaves to pursue his music career but never talks to ANYONE back home for the entire time he is gone? I mean I could see him not speaking to Devi but none of his friends? Another example, Devi tries to contact Seth for 6 months straight but can't get in touch with him? Or any of the other members of the band who she and her brother are also friends with? Just didn't make sense to me!! Especially considering that she had something so important to tell him.

The final issue was the editing. I can normally overlook this if i really love the book. But with this one, they seemed to stick out to me more because I wasn't as involved with the characters as I normally am.

I think the book was a good start for this author. The smexy scenes were pretty hot. and i love how we got a kick butt tattooed, pierced heroine in this book. And I totally had cover love which is what persuaded me to buy the book. I will probably pick up the next book in the series just to see how the story and the author have progressed.
 
 
 
 

From Ashes by Molly McAdams Review times 3!!

Since all 3 of us had to read this book!!!!! We all had to review it! 
Check out Alexis, Becky and Ms. Reality's review of From Ashes


SPOILER FREE REVIEW
3 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult/College


They've been best friends since they were seven. He was always there for her when she needed him. In her pain and in her heartache. He never let her down. EVER. Now it's time for him to go but there is no way he is leaving her behind.


Good bye California, Hello Texas
When Cassidy Jameson moves to Texas with her best friend Tyler she has no idea what to expect. After recently graduating high school she has no plans to further her education. So for now Tyler's plan to attend college and become roommates with his cousin Gage is now her plan too. Well minus the college part.


When they arrive in Texas they unpack and then head out to a party where Gage currently is in attendance with his friends. All Cassi really knows about Gage is that he grew up on a ranch and that he is two years older than her and Tyler. She gets out of Tyler's jeep expecting to see a laso carrying cowboy and gets no such thing. No, she gets a six foot dark haired sex god.

The first night I met her, I felt her before I even saw her. It’s like I had to look up at her, and when I did . . . I swear to God the world stopped moving. ~Inner monologue of Gage

Before they are even introduced sparks are flying between Gage and Cassidy. And his southern charm has her completely drawn in. Unbeknownst to Cass the second she is off to mingle with party goers Tyler sets up position. He makes it clear to his cousin that Cassidy is his and off limits.

“I couldn’t care less if you’re friends with her. Just don’t forget that I’m the one who’s been there for her every day for the last eleven years. Not you. I still see how you’re looking at her, I’m not fucking blind, Gage.” ~Tyler


Neither Gage or Cassidy can resist the pull they feel towards each other. Yet Tyler's lies and deceit keep them apart for a year and a half until the night Tyler's pushy selfish ways send Cassi running to Gage. Literally.
After resisting one another they finally get a chance to talk and acknowledge how they feel. Weeks pass and they live in happiness untainted by Tyler... That is until an emergency sends Cassi not just back to Tyler but to California as well.

Fave Line that made me laugh out loud

“Dad, is she serious?” John shrugged.
“I argue with your mama, I sleep on the couch and she doesn’t feed me. So I don’t argue with your mama.” ~Gage and his father John


My Thoughts
Mixed... A big mixed bag of emotions right now is what I feel. First I would like to make it clear that I will be reading more from this author. This book just was not for me. I could not comprehend all the miscommunication that went on between Gage and Cassi. It has to be the worse I have ever witnessed as a reader. How could they not once talk about how the feel and where to go from there for a whole goddamn year and a half. Who freaking does that??? Apparently them...

My major issue??? -> Story lines and consistency was off for me. And here is why.
The whole six month jump was kind of out of left field. I felt that the story should have been broken into three parts because the last 27% percent felt like a whole different book. And some of the character dynamics were effected due to this sudden shift. For instance Tyler, when his story lines pick back up he seems to have a whole 360 degree turnaround. He went from not wanting Gage and Cassi together to total acceptance in what seemed like over night.
Then you have two no, sorry, three new characters introduced in the last 30% of the book. Connor, Isabella and Jesse. Each play vital roles in the story. **Sighs heavily** Okay, so one was mentioned in the beginning however the other two are kinda just thrown in the mix. And that threw off some of the consistency in my humble opinion. However I could see where the author was going with the secondary love story and yes, I will read their book...

Also there is a scene where Tyler and Cassi are talking and Gage overhears. Instead of confronting it head on by demanding answers he walks away.Huh..WTF... I felt that this was out of character for him especially when he is displayed as a alpha male with a temper whose quick to use his fist. Soooo, yeah some things felt off.

Dear readers,
I gave this book three stars because some of the story lines and character actions felt inconsistent. I thought the plot was pretty good and the steam was good too. I have seen a lot of mixed reviews for this book. If my review fails to provide insight then reading it is most likely the only way for you to know whether this is for you or not.

My Ratings
Characters- Love some, hate some
Writing Style- Fair/Passable
Storyline/Plot- Good, with some emotional turmoil and high drama
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- It was average. And I think I was expecting something different.

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it
!



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3.5 Hearts

This book was a struggle for me. I wanted to love it as much as I loved Taking Chances (and yes I LOVED it even though it ripped my heart out, chewed it up and spit it back out!). But it just didn't happen. I think there are a couple of reasons for that and I will do my best to explain!

First, I need to get this off my chest....so please bare with me.Tyler is a total ass! Not even at the end did I feel he redeemed himself. There were so many times in this book that I wished there was a punch this character button attached! I have never wanted a character to go away as much as I did him! He was a total douchbag! How no one saw through him for what he truly was is beyond me!

Whew..ok I think I can move on now. The major issue I had with From Ashes is the complete and total lack of communication between Cassidy and Gage. I just could not wrap my mind around how two people who spent as much time together as they did and felt the way they did for one another, would never ask any questions. That the important things would never come up! This made it difficult for me to relate to them as a couple, friends, roommates or anything else!! I seriously was ready to give up reading the rest of the book after the incident at the ranch. But I love this author too much to give up so I pushed on...

I struggled with how i felt about Cassidy. in the beginning, I truly felt bad for her with all that had happened. but I also struggled to understand why she would allow herself to suffer the abuse she did when she could have gotten out of it. I understood on some level her childhood resulted in the insecurities with her feelings for Gage and how she handled their relationship. But then about 70% or so in, I was no longer confused with how I should feel about her. I flat out disliked her. What she did was totally without a shadow of a doubt selfish and stupid! So even though she may have redeemed herself in Gage's eyes, she sure as heck didn't in mine!

And Gage...oh sweet hot headed romantic lovable Gage. I was smitten with him from the beginning. He is what made the book worth it for me. I totally loved how he was with Cassi and how deeply he felt for her. Sure he had his guy moments but they were not bad enough to take away from his appeal. Especially when he finally kicked Tyler's ass! Although I think he could have done a better job of it. And maybe more often would have nice too! And the ending was perfect. Even with my dislike for Cassidy, I could not help but smile with the way things turned out. Because even after what she did I still believe she deserved to find happiness after the hell she had been through.

So I will close by saying while I didn't love this book, I did like it. and there were moments I guess I did love. I believe if you can pull through the first half or so of the book you will find it is a good read!

 
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3.5 Hearts
 

 

My Thoughts:

What an emotional rollercoaster ride!  This book will turn you around and flip you upside down.

Cassidy’s childhood was gut-wrenching to read, I cringed on many parts just wishing like hell it never happened to her.  In learning about her past, it was easy to see why she had so many issues and insecurities.  But that does not excuse her total lack of communication with Gage!  Ugh…

I so wish the connection between Cassidy and Gage felt stronger.  We spend so much time on the book only hearing sides—but never really talking to one another.  Therefore causing a disconnect for me.  I needed a deeper connection.  Because we all know the author can do it because I loved TAKING CHANCES!!!!

There was a point in the book where I just wished everyone would go their separate ways.  They were all becoming so toxic for each other.

The bright light in this story is GAGE!  Yummy!!!!  Oh my.. What a thoughtful, loving, hot hunk of a man.  I swooned over him big time!

The on the flipside the dark gray cloud…..TYLER, the comforter, enabler who says he’s loved Cassi all his life….well he royally pissed me off.  Without getting into specifics, because I don’t want to give anything away, I became appalled at him and really wanted nothing to do with him.  Then poof…all is forgiven and everyone is one big happy family??  Hmmm… Something stinks in the kitchen and it’s not the food!

Overall, a good read, but not like Taking Chances.  I missed the character connection and development.