Dirty Rowdy Thing (Wild Seasons #2) by Christina Lauren

Received from author in exchange for an honest review  One drunken wild and crazy night in Vegas brought Harlow and Finn together as husband and wife. The morning after brought them back to their senses and they parted ways as soon to be divorcees. However, the sparks they ignited never faded. Their paths soon cross again and they discover that despite being from two different worlds, they share an insatiable desire to consume one another. Both burdened with problems in the real world, they decide to seek comfort within their shared passion and off the charts unbelievably hot sex. Harlow and Finn definitely know how to distract one another from the difficulties life dealt them by getting deliciously kinky. The more they hook up, the more they realize their relationship isn’t just about raw, animalistic sex. Harlow’s a likable female lead with just the perfect amount of sassiness and tough girl edge. She’s witty, smart, sultry and sarcastic. I loved that she was not a push over, wishy-washy character. She may be brutally honest at times, but underneath her ‘tough as nails’ shell, lays a heart of gold. She's the type of girl who would do anything to help family and friends in time of need. Harlow soon learns that she cannot fix everyone's problems, especially when it comes to a man like Finn. “It’s you,” he whispers, and then bends to kiss my hair. It’s you. And suddenly, I’m on an epic mental bender, imagining all of the things he could have meant when he said it. It takes no time for him to clarify, though. “I want to be good to you.” He rolls me to face him, and kisses me once before admitting, “I’m just fucking wild for you.”   I have to confess I was a little leery jumping into this story. I fell in love with sweet adorable Ansel, and Finn had his work cut out for him to be held to Ansel’s high standards. It didn’t take long before all things ‘Finn’ infatuated me. I had my doubts in the beginning because he gave me a cold and standoffish type of vibe. I got over it real fast and holy hell did he sizzle! His panty melting dirty talk and masterful use of ropes made me an instant Finn fan girl - total Alpha male who is snarky as well as domineering – I could not resist his charms. He had total control in the bedroom and Harlow wasn't the only one swooning over the scrumptiously hot, rough sex that was mind blowing and scorching. OMG, Finn’s filthy mouth was such a turn on. He's the perfect type of man Harlow needs to surrender her will and satisfy her sexually. “Has anyone ever spanked you, Ginger Snap?” As hot as he is…Finn is stubborn and not really an easygoing type of guy. Just like he is in the bedroom, Finn's character burns with such intensity. As much as I loved him, he managed to severely piss me off big time. (Frustrating me to the point where a wanted to fling my kindle). Yes, his stubbornness and pride caused him to go total "asshole" on Harlow. She may have crossed a fine line during a particular situation, but her heart was in the right place. Finn acted like a huge jerk, causing some tension in the story line. (Don’t get me wrong – I loved angst and all the emotions it stirred in me). Harlow, bless her soul, has a forgiving heart - a little too kind for my liking. But in the end, I adored this couple and appreciate all the hardships they experienced. Dirty Rowdy Thing, in fact this entire series, took me by surprise. I quickly became a fan of the storytelling duo that is Christina Lauren, their refreshing stories and dynamic characters. I like the dual points of view, the AMAZINGLY hot sex scenes, the characters' chemistry and the intensity of their romance. I totally fell in love with this series and cannot wait to see what Oliver has in store for us.

Becoming Calder by Mia Sheridan

Received from author in exchange for an honest review

Whenever I read one of Mia Sheridan’s tales I feel as if my heart is held captive within her hands, at her mercy, trapped within the world she has created. My emotions are sent into turmoil, ripping me open as my soul is destroyed and shattered beyond repair. Suddenly, as if by magic, her words become gentle caresses as I am pieced back together again. This author has a way of gripping my emotions and her characters are forever burned into my mind’s eye. Calder and Eden’s story sent me on a whirlwind journey. So much so, that I needed to savior the experience over and over again, before reeling in my thoughts to write a review. That is how powerful this series affected me. 

The story begins slowly as we are introduced to life in the puritanical, cult-like community, Acadia. These people live within a utopian society, in modern times, without the modern conveniences. It is here we see a young water bearer named Calder, a member of the worker/farming class and Eden, a little girl brought into the community who holds the promise of leading followers to eternal salvation. She is isolated from all others and is raised to serve Hector, the cult’s leader, to whom she will marry upon reaching 18. Despite Eden’s dictated obligations and Calder’s station in life, love has greater plans for their destiny that transcends this religion’s prophesies.

“No wonder she's the chosen one to lead us through darkness, I thought. She shines.”

Eden is brought into the commune, feeling lost and frightened, she glances into the eyes of a young boy and an unbreakable bond is instantaneously formed. That moment is forever seared into their hearts. A beautiful friendship begins which later leads to a clandestine relationship.  Their souls are forever tethered as a forbidden love blossoms from a courtship consisting of stolen moments, glances, smiles, affectionate love letters, secret rendezvous, morning glories and butterscotch candies.  Their sweet romantic beginnings swelled my heart with joy.   

~Calder~ 

He was perfect. And I loved him. I loved him desperately.  

It isn’t everyday I am treated to a character as lovable and innocent as Calder. He was like a breath of fresh air between his gentle soul and heart of gold.  I was totally smitten by the poetic way he spoke to Eden - his colorful words and heartfelt love letters had me swooning. The way he loves his family, especially his sister Maya, had me falling head over heals in love. I admired his courage and strength in times of trouble and the comforting way he soothes Eden. Calder is truly an unforgettable character that will forever remain in my heart.

“Where do you find your strength, Morning Glory?”  … “From you.”

~Eden~ 

It is my heart that wants you to be my destiny

Oh, did my heart and sympathies go out to Eden.  She was so lost and lonely in an unfamiliar world. For most of this read, I was teary-eyed seeing her struggle with her solitude and ache for rare moments of bliss with Calder.  She was such and an easy character to connect with.

 

There are some pretty loveable secondary characters that happen to steal the show as well. Maya, Calder’s special needs sister, captured my heart and brought me to tears. She was angelic and endearing. Be warned, she will worm her way into your heart quickly. Another was Xander, Calder’s best friend who made me chuckle with his antics and brought some moments of humor to this emotional story. 

And then there are villains… Acadia is home to some pretty despicable, nefarious characters. The most infamous being Hector.  He gave me bad vibes from the get go and before long, I was seething with biter hatred towards this bastard. Hector not only caused Calder and Eden misery, he infuriated me to the point I felt my blood boil. 

What I treasured most about Calder and Eden’s relationship was their innocence. Both young and undeniably in love, their passionate moments were amazingly beautiful as well as fiery. Their undying love for one another overwhelmed and totally consumed me. Felt myself drowning in the descriptive way their love and passion was exquisitely written. I was drawn into their sorrows and lamented their losses. Once I fell into this strange world conjured by Sheridan, I did not want to leave. The journey was not easy on my emotions and the ending made my head explode. There were times my heart was literally pounding violently and others that caused tears of sorrow and joy.  Becoming Calder was a fantastic epic read and I cannot wait to continue the experience and jump into the companion novel – Finding Eden.

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Finding Eden by Mia Sheridan

Received from author in exchange for an honest review

 

I feverishly dived straight into this tale after reading Becoming Calder and was completed consumed by it. My emotions ran high from all the plot twists and revelations. This author’s amazing writing talents have a direct connection to my heart and soul. Wow, this was a truly fantastic story of love lost and love rediscovered. There is no power in existence that can break the bonds between Calder and Eden. And this couple quickly became one of my all time favorites. 

Aside from off the charts steamy moments of passion, Finding Eden was laced with suspense. Several times I found myself holding on, white knuckled, clutching my kindle. Once I began I could not stop until I reached the very end. And what a magnificent ending to this incredible saga. Both happy and sorrowful tears flowed as I witnessed Calder and Eden’s journey. 

It is here where we see growth in both Eden and Calder’s characters. Their innocent view of life is lost due to the traumas and tragedies they’ve endured. It broke my heart a little to see that element of innocence slip away. But, life continues, and I was happy to see they found a way to adapt and flourish. Eden’s strength proved to be insurmountable as Calder finds his way in the world. Both struggle terribly, both love fiercely, and I loved each and every breath taking moment. 

I do not want to divulged too much of the story line because it is something a reader needs to experience for themselves. All I can say is be prepared for an unforgettable experience. It is a story of self-discovery, the beauty of undying love, of hope and perseverance.  This couple lived though so much loss, strife and uncertainty – it was amazing how they survived. 

 

This series ran the gamut of emotions, from beauty to pain, and will always stay with me.  It was one of the most unique stories I have come across in some time. Thank you, Mia Sheridan, for a wondrous experience.