Showing posts with label 3 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 stars. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Talk Dirty to Me ~ Lulu Wright ~ New Release and Review

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Talk Dirty to Me, an all-new second chance STANDALONE from Lulu Wright is now Live!!!

talkdirtytomecover
Mark Carrington already broke my heart once.
This sexy, temperamental playboy might dominate the major leagues, but there's no way in hell I'm letting him play ball with my heart again.
Until I find myself facing him down every morning on our new radio show, and his undeniable hotness starts to break down my resistance--and almost erase all the memories of how he dumped me back in high school.
We've both grown up since then, and now Mark is even more gorgeous and infuriating than ever. But I can't get away from him--not when my beloved alternative rock station depends on his sexy ass to avoid getting bought out by a greedy corporation.
But when he corners me in the production room to compliment my sexy radio voice and admire my David Bowie T-shirt, it's all I can do to keep my clothes on and my hands off of him. So I don't.
And the more I get to know him, the more I realize he's hiding a big heart behind all that swagger. And the deeper we get, the deeper I fall.
talkdirtytomean

Read Today!

Add to Goodreads - https://goo.gl/IqK2HL
kiss

About the Author:

Hi! I'm Lulu. Midwestern-bred, NYC author. My favorite things are wine, wine, and more wine, a steamy book, and a good laugh. If you like any of those three, we will certainly get along. Send me an email or a message and let's get to know each other! luluwrightheadshot

Connect with the Author:

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2jgs8xP
Email: luluwrightwrites@gmail.com


Elizabeth's Review


3 Stars - Average Read


Review Copy provided by Author


Talk Dirty to Me was a cute book.
Mark and Rose knew each other in high school and had a secret fling before insecurities and misunderstandings ruined a good thing. Fast forward several years and Mark is a famous baseball player and Rose is a producer for a struggling independent rock station and fate brings them back together.
I enjoyed the story, but had a hard time connecting with the characters. There wasn't anything "wrong" with them, I just couldn't get in sync with them, especially Rose. I think part of my issue was that several potential conflict/drama situations were either ignored or dealt with in a manner that seemed to brush them under the carpet.
This was my first book by Ms. Wright and while I didn't love it, it was a good read and has me intrigued. I am looking forward to seeing growth in future efforts.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Shut Up and Kiss Me by Jessica Lemmon


Cade: I tried. I really tried. I should be out of this small town by now, finishing my law degree and partnering up with my buddies, but I couldn’t resist one last street race. Now I’m sidelined in the hospital, and while my injuries will heal, I’m not so sure my voice will return. What kind of attorney can’t talk? Yeah, exactly. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to come back from this... until Tasha Montgomery reawakens every competitive bone in my body.

 Tasha: I nearly watched Cade Wilson die on that lonely stretch of road. He’s damn lucky just to be alive, even if he doesn’t realize it. I know he’s destined for bigger and better things, but I don’t mind helping him get there as he relearns everything he took for granted. Cade’s a good student, a real perfectionist; I can tell how much his stutter bothers him. But when he lets his kisses do the talking, everything else disappears. And one day, maybe he’ll be able to tell me that he wants me—as much as I want him.

Goodreads ~ Amazon


Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Review Copy Provided by Publisher via Net Galley


I feel like a little bit of a bad guy just giving this 3 stars because I have always enjoyed Ms. Lemmon's work in the past and this one was fun too, but I didn't feel like it really measured up to her normal standards.
I liked Cade and Tasha and their connection via his healing process. These two also had more in common than it seemed on the surface.
My struggle is with the secondary characters, especially Tasha's father and ex boyfriend. There seemed to be something going on with them, but we were never clued into what. Tasha's father also does a complete 180 personality wise and the explanation fell a bit flat for me.
If I focus and Cade and Tasha, this comes pretty close to what I would expect from Ms. Lemmon, but the secondary issues are a factor for me. It's still a fun book, just not all that I hoped it would be.

View all my reviews

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Finding Perseverance ~ TE Black ~ New Release and Review


#NewRelease #SportsRomance #UnexpectedLove



Finding Perseverance 

by 

Release Blitz


#OneClick Finding Perseverance





#AddToGoodreads


#Blurb
Ten years ago, Ryleigh O’Donnell let the love of her life go so he could follow his dreams. 

Now, she’s a successful bar owner, a loyal and fierce friend, and someone everyone counts on. 

She has everything she has ever dreamed of, but there is still a void inside her the size of a six-

foot-four professional fighter, Rook Wallace, who she is forced to watch on television.

When she finds her past hiding in the shadows under her fire escape and asking for her help, she knows she should turn him away—protect herself. Her heart doesn’t care what her mind wants, though, and she risks everything by letting him back into her life. She just has to hold on long enough for him to clear his name, and keep his career afloat, then she can go back to business as usual … at least that’s what she tells herself.

♥Connect with T.E. Black♥
Website ➝ http://www.authorteblack.com



#InTheSeries:
FINDING A WAY ➝ 



FINDING SERENITY ➝ 

➝ Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2cEE62l


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Elizabeth's Review


3 Stars - Average Read


Review Copy Provided by Author


To be honest, I went into this book really wanting to like it - rooting for it almost, so it's kind of disappointing to have to say that I didn't love it. My biggest issue with Finding Perseverance isn't the story that was written, it's the story that wasn't told.... and here's what I mean by that...

Our heroine is Ryleigh, she's a complicated character at core of her group of friends. We initially met her in Ms. Black's debut book, Finding A Way. She's been everyone else's rock and has reached a point where she feels a little taken for granted. Our hero is Rook. He's Ryleigh's first love and the brother to one of her best friends. He's been gone for 10 years and runs into legal trouble while in town for a fight and needs a place to lay low.

We've got this great set up - there is conflict, second chances, some suspense and then it's almost like a different story takes over. Once Rook reconnects with Ryleigh to stay out of the lime light, the suspense/legal part of the story just goes away. I could almost overlook that, if there had been this fantastic character development and emotional journey, but I didn't get that either. Yes, Rook and Ryleigh (and company) work through some of their emotional issues, but not in a way that shows a lot of growth as people. Their behavior reminded me a lot of high school/college relationship issues, not necessarily the behavior of nearly 30 year old successful business owners. As we approached the end of the book, the legal issue dramatically reappeared to be quickly dealt with and the obvious relationship solution was discovered too.

I know it sounds like I am bashing Finding Perseverance and I really don't mean to, it was not a "bad" book at all. I enjoyed reading it, but I do feel like a lot of potential for story and character development was left out in favor of sexy time and unnecessary drama.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee ~ New Release and Review


New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee delivers the fifth heartwarming, flirty novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series. 

Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation. 

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Elizabeth's Review

My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read


Review Copy provided by Publisher via Net Galley


I think this book is a victim of just not quite measuring up to the author's previous work. Ms. Bybee is an author I typically enjoy, but Not Quite Perfect fell a little flat for me.

The story and relationship between Mary and Glen had potential to be interesting. They were a bi-coastal couple with a slightly contentious history. Add in the intrigue element and there should be all the elements for a great story.

I had trouble connecting with Mary, she seemed very stiff and while that is part of her personality, I struggled to get past it. Glen also didn't seem to have the character development I typically expect from Ms. Bybee's work.

Overall, this is an okay book. If you are a fan of the Not Quite series, you will probably enjoy it.

View all my reviews

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Baby, You're Mine by Fiona Davenport


Guy Rule #1: Sisters Are Off Limits

 Bailey Cross grew up as the only daughter of a single mom. When she finds out about a family she never knew she had, she travels half-way across the country to meet them. On the night Bailey hits town, her nerves get the better of her, making her act out of character when she meets Wyatt Kincaid in a bar and lets him take her home. After a night that rocks her world, she races out of his bed as quickly as she fell into it. But, there is one thing Bailey can’t run from, the baby she and Wyatt created.

Wyatt went out looking for a good time and found a hell of a lot more than he’d bargained for. He wants more than a one night stand with the woman in his bed; he wants a chance at forever. But when he wakes up the next morning, she’s gone. He searches for her, but Bailey is nowhere to be found… until he goes looking in his best friend’s home.

Warning: This novella contains a sexy alpha, insta-love, and an "oops" baby! It's quick, hot, and dirty.

Goodreads ~ Amazon


Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read


Review copy provided by Author


This is a super fun, quick read.
Due to the length of the book, there isn't a ton of character or plot development. If you go in expecting a fast read with emotion and sexy time then this will definitely work for you.
Do you like an Alpha leading man? Insta love? Surprise babies? Yes - then you have to check out this novella from the authors behind Fiona Davenport.

View all my reviews

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Perfect Together by Liliana Rhodes


“Have you ever thought about being more than friends?”

Becca Draven’s life has changed in ways she never imagined. She has a job she loves and a wonderful group of friends, even if they keep telling her she needs a boyfriend. The last thing Becca wants is a man in her life. All they do is complicate things. Besides, she already has one – her best friend Gideon.

Gideon Kohl is an architect on the rise and after several high-profile projects, everyone wants a piece of him. He’s always loved being the center of attention, but lately there’s only one person he cares to be around – his best friend Becca. And with his brother Gabriel telling him they’re perfect together, Gideon can’t help but see Becca in a different light. Can friends turn into lovers?

While Perfect Together is a standalone romance, it takes place after the events of Canyon Cove #1, Playing Games (available for FREE).

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read

Review Copy Provided by Author

This was a cute fun little book.
It's part of a series, so there was some back story that was obviously missing, but not enough to detract from what I was reading.
Becca and Gideon are friends, but everyone around them insists it HAS to be more. Gideon has that light bulb moment and things go a little crazy from there.
I enjoyed Becca and Gideon's story and almost gave this 3.5 stars, but two things held me back. 1) Some of the dialogue and situations felt really forced for two people who are friends and spend so much time together - like they are trying way too hard. 2) The one scene with sexy time felt like a thesaurus had been tossed at it. I get that it was the only sexy time is a very short book, but I could have done with fewer cliché descriptors.
Overall, if you are a fan of Ms. Rhodes - definitely give it ago. If you (like me) are newer to her, it's a fun quick read.

View all my reviews

Monday, July 18, 2016

To Have and To Hold ~ Lauren Layne ~ Coming Soon


Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles!


TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
The Wedding Belles #1
Lauren Layne
Releasing July 26th, 2016
Pocket Books


Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, her sizzling brand new contemporary romance series about three ambitious wedding planners who can make any bride’s dream come true…but their own.

Discovering her fiancé is an international conman just moments before they exchange vows devastates celebrity wedding planner Brooke Burke’s business—and breaks her heart. Now a pariah in Los Angeles, she seeks a fresh start in New York City and thinks she’s found it with her first bridal client, a sweet, if slightly spoiled, hotel heiress. Then she meets the uptight businessman who’s holding the purse springs.

Seth Tyler wishes he could write a blank check and be done with his sister’s fancy-pants wedding. Unfortunately, micromanaging the event is his only chance at proving Maya’s fiancé is a liar. Standing directly in his way is the stunning blonde wedding planner whose practiced smiles and sassy comebacks both irritate and arouse him. He needs Brooke’s help. But can he persuade a wedding planner on a comeback mission to unplan a wedding? And more importantly, how will he convince her that the wedding she should be planning…is theirs?

BUY NOW
    Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo



Lauren lives in New York City with her husband (who was her high school sweetheart--cute, right?!) and plus-sized Pomeranian.

Five years ago, she ditched her corporate career in Seattle to pursue a full-time writing career in Manhattan.

She writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush, and in her ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

When not bringing The Sexy, she likes to blog about her Instagram addiction, and why mean girls are the worst.






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Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read


Review Copy Provided by Publisher by Net Galley


This book is a case of Ms. Layne's prior work setting a standard by which she will be judged - and the effort falling just a little short.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed To Have and to Hold, but I did not connect to the story or the characters in the same manor I have with previous Layne books.
I came close to connecting to Brooke, but Seth fell short for me. Part of it was his character, and part of it was that he just seemed very one dimensional.
The supporting cast didn't seem as robust as I have come to expect from Ms. Layne and there were blatant editing issues that I am really hoping were corrected prior to publication.
If I had never read Ms. Layne's work before, this probably would have gotten a slightly higher rating, but her history of excellent work made it harder to judge this impartially.

View all my reviews

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Into The Fire ~ Meredith Wilde ~ Review

Darren Bridge is living a bachelor’s dream. When he’s not running into burning buildings with his crew, he’s training the flavor of the week at his brother’s gym. Few women have ever been off limits...until Vanessa. Smart, beautiful, and legs for days, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. Too bad he’s sworn to leave her alone.

Overworked with no end in sight, Vanessa Hawkins hasn’t had a vacation in nearly two years. When Cameron and Maya’s destination wedding takes her out of the office for a much-needed break, she finds herself struggling to resist her attraction to the best man. Darren is dangerously good-looking with enough charm to make any hot-blooded woman want to drop her panties and enjoy the ride, no matter how long it lasts.

When they return to the city, Darren realizes the single life has lost its glimmer. But with everything else on her plate, Vanessa doesn’t have room in her life for a man, let alone a player. Can Darren find his way into her heart and convince her that he’s worth the risk?

Goodreads ~ Amazon


Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read


Review Copy Provided by Author


I really don't know what to say about Into the Fire. I enjoyed it and it was a decent book, but it didn't feel all that unique.

Darren is a firefighter, hottie, and playboy. He has been attracted to his future sister-in-law's best friend since meeting her, but has stayed away because he was asked to. Circumstances bring him and Vanessa together just before his brother's wedding and the attraction is a strong as ever.

I found both Darren and Vanessa, interesting, but didn't find myself really connecting with either of them. The drama between them seemed a little forced; Darren's past, Vanessa's boss, etc and the conclusion a little predictable.

I don't know if I would have connected with the characters more if I had read the first book in the series first or not, but this was an average book for me.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Into The Fire ~ Meredith Wild ~ Blog Tour

Into The Fire by Meredith Wild
Genre: Contemporary Romance
********OUT NOW********
The Bridge Series follows Cameron, Darren, and Olivia Bridge, three siblings living in New York City. Desperate to break away from the crushing expectations of their wealthy and privileged and equally broken family, they carve out a new path together. But can they find real love along the way? 
Each book follows a different sibling’s journey and can be read as a standalone.
Synopsis
Darren Bridge is living a bachelor’s dream. When he’s not running into burning buildings with his crew, he’s training the flavor of the week at his brother’s gym. Few women have ever been off limits...until Vanessa. Smart, beautiful, and legs for days, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. Too bad he’s sworn to leave her alone.
Overworked with no end in sight, Vanessa Hawkins hasn’t had a vacation in nearly two years. When Cameron and Maya’s destination wedding takes her out of the office for a much-needed break, she finds herself struggling to resist her attraction to the best man. Darren is dangerously good-looking with enough charm to make any hot-blooded woman want to drop her panties and enjoy the ride, no matter how long it lasts.
When they return to the city, Darren realizes the single life has lost its glimmer. But with everything else on her plate, Vanessa doesn’t have room in her life for a man, let alone a player. Can Darren find his way into her heart and convince her that he’s worth the risk?
**********************
The Bridge Series follows Cameron, Darren, and Olivia Bridge, three siblings living in New York City. Desperate to break away from the crushing expectations of their wealthy and privileged and equally broken family, they carve out a new path together. But can they find real love along the way? 
Each book follows a different sibling’s journey and can be read as a standalone.


Elizabeth's Review




My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Review Copy provided by Author


I really don't know what to say about Into the Fire. I enjoyed it and it was a decent book, but it didn't feel all that unique. 
Darren is a firefighter, hottie, and playboy. He has been attracted to his future sister-in-law's best friend since meeting her, but has stayed away because he was asked to. Circumstances bring him and Vanessa together just before his brother's wedding and the attraction is a strong as ever. 
I found both Darren and Vanessa, interesting, but didn't find myself really connecting with either of them. The drama between them seemed a little forced; Darren's past, Vanessa's boss, etc and the conclusion a little predictable. 
I don't know if I would have connected with the characters more if I had mean the first book in the series first or not, but this was an average book for me. 



About the Author
Meredith Wild is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of romance. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast with her husband and three children, she refers to herself as a techie, whiskey-appreciator, and hopeless romantic. When she isn’t living in the fantasy world of her characters, she can usually be found at www.facebook.com/meredithwild.
Other Books in the series:
On My Knees (The Bridge Series #1)
         All buy links: http://www.meredithwild.com/book/on-my-knees/

Friday, June 17, 2016

Ramping Up by Zoe Dawson ~ New Release and Review


The world of extreme sports just got a little steamier! Zoe Dawson’s pulse-pounding, emotional series follows the wily young female agents of Mavrick Allstars as they chase their dreams—and meet the chiseled athletes who make them come true.

Helena “Lena” Mavrick is ready to prove that she can play with the big boys. Working at her father’s internationally renowned agency, Mavrick Allstars, Lena sets her sights on one of the most coveted phenoms out there: a twenty-four-year-old surfer caught ripping it in a viral skateboarding video. Signing him would be a huge win—and his marketing appeal isn’t the only thing that makes Lena’s heart skip a beat. Trouble is, fraternizing with the client is against company policy.

Professional surfer Gunner Smith lives under the absolute control of his coach—until he takes the ultimate risk and starts over as a skateboarder. Gunner swore he wouldn’t give up his freedom again, but Lena’s out-of-the-blue offer makes him think long and hard. She’s smart, she’s bold, she’s got sponsors lined up around the corner—plus she’s drop-dead gorgeous. He’s just not sure his coach will let him get away that easily, because he’s not just Gunner’s coach, he’s also his father.

Gunner is used to hiding his tortured past. But when his steamy affair with Lena threatens their future, he must decide whether he will sacrifice everything for the woman who’s stolen his heart.

Goodreads ~ Amazon


Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Review Copy provided by Publisher via Net Galley


This is a book that I really wanted to like and I did enjoy parts of it, but I didn't love it.

Gunnar Smith is an appealing character. He is an early 20's professional surfer who hates it. He is surfing to appease his abusive father and protect his mother and sister. When he finally has enough, a video taped skateboarding outing sends his life in a completely different direction.
He meets Lena, a sports agent, and sparks fly as she helps guide his career in a new direction.

Okay - Love the premise of the book. We have an athlete leaving a sport he doesn't enjoy for one he loves and along the way he finds a romantic relationship too.

My problem is in the execution. The discussion about skate boarding are way too technical for your a novice reader. I found myself board and skimming through parts of the book only to come back because I missed something.

My other issue is that this is Book #1 in a series, but there seemed to be times where it was assumed we knew information we didn't. Ms. Dawson is a newer author for me, so I don't know if some of the characters have been introduced before or not. I felt like I was missing pieces of the puzzle.

Overall, this is an okay book. I liked Gunnar and Lena and their relationship. There were several things that I felt like could have been executed more smoothly, but a lot of that has to do with the technical skateboarding discussions.

View all my reviews

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Into the Tomorrows by Whitney Barbetti ~ New Release & Review


I was born in sadness, which was just the beginning of a solemn and desolate life. I'm no stranger to pain—none of us are. The night I held my best friend's hand as she died, I understood true agony. And I never thought I'd feel happiness again.

But that was so long ago...

Moving to Colorado to be with Colin, my high school sweetheart, was the perfect way to start over and rekindle what had begun to fizzle. I wanted that spark to ignite, to burn in passion and desire. Instead, I found myself falling for Jude, my boyfriend's roommate. He’s the only person who understands my soul, who can breach the walls I’ve built. But I can't have him.

Because I'm Trista Kohl, and my destiny is sorrow.

Goodreads ~ Amazon



Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Review copy provided by Author


Ms. Barbetti is an author I've been hearing about, but haven't read before now. I have to admit that gave me some pause going into this story because I knew it was a "part 1" book and I'm not a big fan of cliffhangers. The good news is that while the story of Trista, the heroine, is not complete - Into the Tomorrows is a complete book with a solid ending.

I enjoyed Into the Tomorrows, but didn't love it. I often found Trista frustrating and her "boyfriend" Cole irritating. Roommate Jude and his sister, Mila, added an odd dynamic to what was obviously a strained situation.

After reading the book and knowing about Trista's history, some of her more frustrating characteristics make sense and it becomes easier to root for her as she deals with the fear and uncertainty she is facing.

Even with being able to embrace Trista, I'm not sure this story needs to be told in two parts (but, I won't be able to say for sure until reading book 2.) There were several scenes that felt repetitive, and one of the "bomb shell" issues revealed toward the end of the book had been telegraphed pretty clearly.

I know all of that sounds pretty negative and I really don't mean to take away from the book because I did like it. Even with the things I didn't love, there is an under lying message about having a sense of self and looking to yourself for completeness instead of looking to other people. There is even a good message about how "love" should look. I am curious to see what happens next for Trista.

View all my reviews


Make sure you get this while it is STILL #99cents! Also, you can read it for #FREE with #KindleUnlimited #1Click #tentguy #ITT

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Discovering You ~ Brenda Novak ~ Coming Soon & Review


Can she ever trust another "bad boy"?

India Sommers once had the perfect family—until an ex-boyfriend broke in and shot her husband. Not only did that cost her the man she loved, a respected heart surgeon and the father of her child, but she also feels responsible. Charlie died because of the people she hung out with before she had the strength to change her life.

Just after moving to Whiskey Creek with her little girl, Cassia, to start over, she's learned that her ex-boyfriend's trial ended in a hung jury. He's getting out of jail; he could try to find her again. And that's not all that scares her. She's extremely attracted to her next-door neighbor, but Rod Amos is the handsome "bad boy" type that's given her so much trouble in the past. If she got involved with him, her in-laws would sue for custody of Cassia.

India has to keep her distance from Rod—but the more she gets to know him, the more difficult that becomes.

Goodreads ~ Amazon


Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read


Review Copy Provided by Publisher via Net Galley



This is a book that I picked up because I have enjoyed other books in the Whiskey Creek series and while I enjoyed Discovering You, I didn't feel that it was a strong entry in the series.
In this installment of the series we are spending time with Rod Amos and the Amos brothers new neighbor, India. India was widowed nearly a year ago when an ex-boyfriend broke into her home and killed her husband.
While Rod and India are the main focus of the book, I didn't feel like their romantic relationship was given the attention it really deserved. It seemed that the suspense element over took the relationship building. Their adventures where exciting, but I wish we had seen more of what bound them together and really drove Rod to go to the lengths he did.
If you have enjoyed the other books in the Whiskey Creek series, I think this would be a great book for you. It's a good opportunity to touch base with the Amos brothers.

View all my reviews

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Moto ~ M. Never ~ Review


What's harder than resisting one Dane man? Resisting two. 

I don't date bikers. It's my one cardinal rule. No rough, rugged, tattooed egotistical maniacs on two wheels. Even if they are gorgeous, brilliant, and sport the prefix Doctor. Bottom line, bikers are nothing but trouble. 

 T.R.O.U.B.L.E 

 Dr. Devlin Dane has had his sights set on my panties for months. But I've done a stellar job of fending him off. As Mercy Medical's most eligible bachelor, he has no problem in the panty dropping department. He's tall, dark, and inked all over. I get the appeal, I'm not dead. I'm not stupid either. He's a walking heartbreak waiting to happen. 

 But when Reese Dane comes crashing into my life - literally- the game suddenly changes. 

 Reese, the dark, brooding, motorcycle racing champion, knows exactly how to apply the right pressure on and off the track. 

 The two have an unstoppable pull like centrifugal force, and both bad boy bikers are determined to take me on a high-powered ride I'll never forget...

Elizabeth's Review

3 Stars - Average Read

I struggled with how to rate this book. I enjoyed it, but didn't fall in love with it like I expected to based on the things I had been hearing about it. The author also hit on several issues for me that also detracted from my enjoying the story. This was really more than a 3 - Average read for me, but didn't make it all the way to a 3.5. Because it's a book I was torn about, I'm going to talk about the things I liked first.

The Good stuff: 

Interesting characters - Kayla, Dev, and Reese are all fun to get to know. They are each intriguing on their own, but even more interesting together.

Sexy Time - The steam comes off the kindle no matter if the sexy times are one on one or a menage. 

Relationship building - The author does an excellent job of conveying the complicated feelings that weave in between these three entertaining characters.

World building - Motorcycles and the racing world are not one I am familiar with on my own, but the way this book was set up I didn't feel lost.

With a twist - just when you think you know where the story is going, the path changes - TWICE! 


The Struggles (some of these are personal taste, so PLEASE take them with a grain of salt): 

Editing - There are a couple of places where I struggled in actually reading the book. In some places early on were there was word repetition where it really didn't serve a purpose. Later on, it felt like a thesaurus had been thrown at the manuscript and while the words used technically fit the situation, they made the scenes cumbersome.

The Characters - I know, I said they were one of the things I enjoyed about the book. But, I struggles with the changes I saw in Dev and Kayla. There were times when it didn't seem that they were the same people we met early on.

The secondary stories - There was a secondary story involving Kayla's aunt and several other secondary characters that I'm just not sure what purpose they served.

Overall, this is definitely a book I enjoyed reading. If menage or motorcycles are your thing, I'd definitely give the book a go.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Find Me ~ Brooklyn Taylor ~ NEW RELEASE and REVIEW

FINDING_ME_FINAL_SINGLE
Cover Design: Katie Lee
Release Date: April 11, 2016
 
Synopsis
Elise Riley is the average girl that has never been treated like she was worthy, always second best even by her own mother. She becomes a victim of a crime committed by one of her closest friends and is shipped off to Humble, Texas to live with her aunt and uncle on the family farm. She swears that she will never trust another guy that is until she meets Ford. Ford Kelly is the star running back at Humble High, always treated like he was number one. Ford lives a life of eat, sleep, and football. He hates it and is starting to struggle from the effects of playing hard his entire life. The one girl Ford likes seems to reject him at every turn. But when he starts to break down her walls, there are more things standing in their way than he suspected. Is love worth the risk? Even if it means breaking a promise you made to your best friend? And if it is worth the risk, will you let it happen? Can you get past all the bad things that have happened in your life?  
Goodreads
 Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1S3dciq 
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Elizabeth's Review

3 Stars - Average Read

Review Copy Provided by Author


Brooklyn Taylor is a newer author for me and I enjoyed the other book of hers that I read, so I had high hopes for Finding Me.

Finding Me is a good book that covers very emotional and difficult ground, but I struggled with connecting to the story. I don't know if it's that this effort is geared more to a YA audience than my previous exposure to Ms. Taylor or something else, but there were parts of the story that I really questioned.

Elise had a horrible home life until the final straw at 16 when her mother shipped her off to live with her aunt and uncle. (My first issue - if the mother/daughter relationship was so bad, why did it take 16 years for her mother to send her to live elsewhere? And if the aunt/uncle had such issues with the way she was cared for why did they not step in? Why did the friends parents not do more?)

Ford is the only child of a former high school football hero and the star running back of his high school team, but he hates it. (My second issue - I grew up in small town TX, so grew up exposed to the "football" culture. Some of the characterizations rang true for me, but seemed to be a compilation of the worst of the worst.)

Once Ford and Elise meet, things got better for me. She seems to be remarkably well adjusted given her issues and past, like someone I would encourage my own child to spend time with. Ford goes out of his way to be gentle and kind, even though this seems to be his nature anyway. The Elise/Ford relationship is what save this book for me. If I could whisper in Ms. Taylor's ear, I would suggest expanding things a little bit so that we see more of Ford and Elise together as their relationship evolves. There were just a few questions that lingered for me. How did he react when she told him "everything?", etc.
Giveaway
$10 Amazon Gift Card & Signed Paperback of Finding Me
 
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About the Author
I currently reside outside of Austin, Texas. I'm a mother of 2 amazing kiddos and married to my gorgeous soulmate for almost 20 years. I have a full time job in the medical field but would rather be spending my time writing! I love to spend my free time reading, being outside and playing with my family and 4 fur babies. I started to write at the instinct of "hey maybe I can do that!" and haven't stopped since. I have enjoyed every step of the journey. I am blessed to have very supportive friends and family that make my life worth living!
 
Connect with Brooklyn
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorbrooklyntaylor Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorbrooklynt Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brooklyn-Taylor/e/B00LLMOYDK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1447530564&sr=1-2-ent   cropped-SSFprLogo3.png

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Beguiling ~ Alex Lucian

Hate: to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward.

Scarlet Jennings, the preacher’s daughter who lived across the street, was a royal, uptight pain in my ass. When she looked at me, she saw a college quarterback asshole with rocks for brains, but she didn’t have a single word for what was happening between us.

When we were forced to ride together every single day that summer, there was definitely some dislike going on. Extreme hostility was a given, considering that we were spending so much time together in close quarters.  
One night of bed-breaking, body-shattering, lose-your-voice-from-screaming passion had surprised us both, but it was only just the beginning…

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FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Elizabeth's Review

3 Stars - Average Read


Review Copy provided by Author


This is a book that I honestly read more out of curiosity than anything else. I was a little ambivalent after reading the first book in the Tempting series and wanted to see where the author would go next.
Leo and Scarlet were a refreshing change of pace after the angst in book one. I enjoyed the college age, odd couple, enemies to lovers story line. 

My biggest complaint about Tempting was that the relationship building wasn't there. Ms. Lucian fixed that in Beguiling and we were able to see Leo and Scarlet form a relationship that was more than just a series of sexual encounters. My issue with this book, the thing that kept it from being a 3.5 star rated book or higher, was that the "enemy" part of the equation was never really addressed. At one point, Scarlet talks about why she and Leo went from being friends to not in high school, but they never really addressed the issue with each other. 

This was a fun read and stands alone from Book one in the series. I'm not done with Ms. Lucian yet. I haven't had my socks knocked off yet, but it's exciting to see the growth from Tempting #1 to Tempting #2 and I am curious to see where #3 takes us.
Alex Lucian is an author living on the eastern coast of the United States who appreciates being anonymous, for personal and professional reasons. Tempting is Alex's first novel.

Tempting (The Tempting Series: Book 1)
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