Break the Sky by Nina Lane @NinaLaneAuthor

4.5 stars Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review Nina Lane is a gifted writer whose talents magically place me within her story. She wields absolute power over my emotions by forcing me to experience the joy, passion and heartache of all of her characters. Lays a path I know will not be easy, but will always be beautiful. “Break the Sky” is no different. Archer and Kelsey’s romance is one laced in desire, pain and self-discovery. How I do enjoy savoring a tale of fractured souls, weathering life’s storms, striving to find their inner strength and love. Once again, Lane’s novel does not disappoint.     Archer West is a down right sexy and rebellious tattooed bad boy.  Kelsey March is an atmospheric scientist/professor whose tornado-tracking project is on the brink of being shut down. On a chance meeting, erotic sparks fly and their attraction is so powerful, so carnal, it’s consuming. Their lives are worlds apart, but together their sexual chemistry is raw, tumultuous and cataclysmic.  I fell in love with Archer almost instantaneously. I have a special place in my heart for deliciously handsome and wild bikers. I could not resist his charms; Archer wormed his way into my heart with all his dirty pillow talk and larger than life character. However, what sets him apart from the stereotypical “bad boy” is his gentleness. He is not one of those Alphas whose asshole-ish ways piss me off only swoon when he finds redemption. He possesses a definite edge with tenderness so sweet it overwhelmed me. The way he is so in tune with Kelsey’s fears and understands her needs was heartwarming. And when is comes to sex, Archer is a take-charge type of man. Total Alpha - dominating and an incredibly demanding lover – off the charts hotness.  Archer is a complex character. I loved seeing the world through his eyes.  His life experiences, events from his childhood, family dynamic and unpleasant past, made him the man Kelsey is drawn too.  His background and secrets buried in his childhood memories pulled on my heartstrings. I was overcome with the urge to reach out and comfort him. His rough persona barely skims the surface – beauty lies underneath all his ruggedness and the way he loves and evolves was admirable. He is a magnificent Alpha hero. This is one of the many reasons I love Lane’s tales – her attention to details and tapping into emotions lures you into the lives of her characters. It’s brilliant. Kelsey is sassy, stubborn and a bit dramatic. Can’t blame her, her professional career is careening out of control and she is attracted to a man she believes is totally wrong for her. (Fighting her desire to Archer is an understatement). Kelsey is a tough nut to crack – a perfect challenge for the likes of Archer. Now, I appreciate the angst and chase… the push and pull a couple works through. But, I felt at times Kelsey was a tad too insensitive towards Archer. Found myself frustrated with her character a few times throughout the story. Never the less, I respected her strength. She was a perfect complement for a multifaceted man like Archer. I like the use of symbolism Lane weaves into her tales.  Their love affair mimics the tornado – stormy, intense and turbulent. The writer’s use of metaphors gives great insight into her characters’ psyche and leads you to understand what lies within the depths of their souls.   I truly enjoyed “Break the Sky”. Written in dual point of view gave me more insight into the characters, making them more intriguing, and easier to make connections with. Lane has an exquisite writing style, providing detailed scenes in which I felt all the passion, heat, sorrow, love and joy both Archer and Kelsey experienced. Her stories stir a powerful range of emotions. If you are looking for a read that will capture your heart and touch your soul, I highly recommend “Break the Sky”.

Hopeful by Louise Bay @louisesbay

3.5 – 4 stars Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review Hopeful is a cute, lighthearted second chance at romance, feel good love story. Louise Bay presents a sweet tale of college sweethearts falling in love, yet sadly drifting apart.  The beauty of a lonely woman journeying through life hoping to cope with her choices, move forward and repair a fractured relationship with one of the most important people in her world. Joel and Ava, best friends and college sweethearts living in London, were young and head over heals in love. Being entwined in a close circle of judgmental friends, Ava believed it was best to hide their relationship.  Never the less, their feelings were true and they shared some pretty steamy nights together.  All seem well until circumstances tore them apart. Joel moved to New York and embarked on a successful career. Never wanting to be apart from Ava, Joel begged her to follow and live happily ever after. Ava found she could not leave her home, thus their relationship came to an end. But Joel remained forever in her heart. After eight long years, Joel has returned home. And this sets a chain of events turning Ava’s life upside-down, urging her to set a path and move on. Ava was a peculiar yet likeable character.  I felt she was a bit  too insecure, immature and preoccupied with the opinions of her friends rather than being concerned about her feelings.  But as the story progressed, Ava’s managed to sort herself out, finding her inner strength by showing everyone in her life her true feelings for Joel.  Her character blossomed late in the story, but had me cheering as she fought hard to overcome her struggles. I adored Joel and admired his confidence, strength and determination. But, found myself wanting to know more about him, his inner thoughts, and what was going on in his life during their time apart. I felt his pain in longing for Ava. On pins and needles hoping he could break through barriers and overcome obstacles.. Joel was a sexy and charming book boyfriend and a perfect match for  befuddled Ava. Hopeful is a delightful, fast paced love story. Told from Ava’s point of view, we see their beginning relationship grow from a friendship into infinite love. Bay gives us a glimpse from both past and present tense and the transition between the time periods was masterfully written. An enjoyable story of eternal love, passion, life long friendships and discovering inner strength.  Amazon TRIPLES with EMMA

The Promise (The 'Burg, #5) by Kristen Ashley

Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review

Five glorious stars for The Promise, another poignant love story from the imagination of Kristen Ashley. A magnificently written tale of passion, healing, hope and the importance of family. So moving, it lured me in, forming an instant bond with all the characters.  I have to say, this may be my favorite book in the ‘Burg Series! KA earned all five stars and more. Her brilliant story telling talents, the attention to detail, plot twists, character development and trademark epilogue made this read EPIC. Benito Alessandro Bianchi is one sexy Alpha - Strong, powerful, determined and dominating. He is my dream man.

We first meet Frankie and Benny in “At Peace”, which I would recommend reading before The Promise. But don’t fret if you haven’t. KA does an amazing job explaining their background and events from the past.

I fell desperately in love with Benny and all his passionate, Italian macho Alpha hotness. He is tender and sweet, yet a man of great strength. And whenever he calles Frankie “Tesorina”, it bought happy tears to my eyes. Italian for little treasure, the meaning behind that endearing sentiment means so much more. It signifies what a man like him values most and holds dear to his heart. Francesca is his treasure. And within its bounty holds the promise of love, happiness, the fulfillment of dreams and desires…sharing a life together. It pulled on my heartstrings. The way Benny unearthes the treasure he found in Frankie was truly beautiful. 

“You made me happy, tesorina.”

I adored Frankie’s persona. She is a woman who sacrifices all for those she loves. My heart ached for her, seeing all the sorrow she experiences. Her incredible character transformation touched my soul. Her determination and compassion was an inspiration.  She’s also sassy, feisty and takes no one’s bull.  Frankie may not be a full-blooded Italian, but she certainly inherited the hotheaded gene, and I loved it. Frankie is one spicy chick.

“Every day is a new promise, Ben, … Every night I go to sleep knowin’ it’s a promise, every day I wake knowin’ in some way it’s gonna be fulfilled. And repeat. 
For…hopefully…ever.”

And the best part…the passion they share. Benny fuels Frankie’s desire with blinding hot sex, he had me swooning and gushing with all his sexy dirty talk and dominating ways. Benny is a sensual man who knows how to take control in the bedroom – it was deliciously titillating. That alone made Benny one of my favorite Alpha heroes.

“Could fall asleep buried inside you.”

 Family and Food…

Why The Promise touched me so deeply

There is an intimate relationship between a writer and reader. When I enter a world created by Kristen Ashley, I embark on a wondrous journey meeting new characters and seeing their lives. But the attachments I formed with the Bianchi’s was greater than any I have ever encountered. The family dynamics, the bonds of affection shared between parents, children, and friends were all too familiar. This family mirrored my own. From holiday gatherings to Sunday dinners, KA’s depiction of the Italian – American lifestyle was remarkably beautiful.  Theresa, the matriarch who is the glue that holds them all together. Vinnie Senior, a man who guides his children and loves them despite their faults – a man of virtue and honor.  My feelings for them were so strong, as they embodied characteristics of my own parents.  Needless to say, this story ran the gamut of deep emotions for me.

And of course there’s the food. KA has the gift of making me extremely hungry and horny all at the same time.  She has the knack of evoking some pretty powerful urges ;)

The Promise was a magnificently written, moving love story that left me blissfully happy. Discovering new characters, visiting some old friends and an attention grabbing storyline made it a fantastic experience that I never wanted to end. I hope you enjoy The Promise as much as I have. Another great heart warming, arousing romance from the amazing Kristen Ashley. Bravo e Grazie, Bellisma!