Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Stuck - Up Suit by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland @ViKeeland @PenelopeAuthor




4 Stuck Up Sexy Stars

What do you get when a sassy Italian chick from Brooklyn comes toe to toe with a  handsome, arrogant Manhattan businessman?  A fun romantic read! The writing team of Keeland and Ward are back penning another comical yet heartwarming opposites attract insta-love romance filled with plenty of passion, lovable characters and loads of  laughs.  

And Wow… Just look at the cover…*sigh*  a great inspiration for the sexy hot Graham…


Soraya, assistant to advice columnist “Dear Ida”, is mesmerized by a devilishly handsome stranger who left his phone on the train one morning. Serves him right for being a loud, obnoxious ass during the entire ride to work. So she did what any normal girl would do in her situation...break into his phone, check out his photos and semi-stalk him before returning it. Too funny. She learned first hand how cantankerous and ill-mannered Mr. Stuck Up Suit could be. And deservedly, he quickly earned a new name...Mr. Big Prick.

“Maybe I’m not Mr. Big Prick like you think.” He slid my hand down to his crotch. “Maybe I just have a big prick, but I’m not really the prick you imagine.”

I really like it when a pretentious, arrogant hero finds just the right girl to heal his jaded heart and allow his romantic side to break through. At first, Graham J. Morgan came across as a pompous, ornery ass. His attitude both grated on my nerves and amused me. But then….BAM! Once smitten and revealing the heartache from his past, a totally different side of Graham appeared that had me swooning. Falling for the quirky and sarcastic Soraya brought out his softer, sexier side and a heart of gold which was buried underneath all his coarseness. And wow, MBP (Mr. Big Prick) earned the nickname in a different way. I love a sexy, dirty talker... and Graham was filthy.

“And to think, I was going to fuck you full of nice. You never cease to amaze me, Soraya. It would be my pleasure to leave the gentleman at the door and fuck you four ways dirty.”

He was a man who wielded power in both the business world and the bedroom. His overly sensual character made this read that much more enjoyable for me.  I did find his character underwent a transformation as the story progressed. I truly liked the sweet, romantic hero he became, but I did wish he held on to more of that sexy cockiness I grew fond of.  Regardless, he was a perfect hero for Soraya, giving her strength, as they faced a fair share of challenges.     

He was the most romantic, arrogant, stuck-up suit I’d ever come across in my life. And he was perfect for me.

Soraya Venedtta was a spicy little number who held her own when it came to the moody, broody Graham. Being a girl from Brooklyn myself, I really liked and related to the way her bold and ballsy character was depicted. She was a funny, loving and sincere (for the most part) woman who was doing her best to deal with a number of insecurities. Unresolved and hurt feelings from her childhood messed with her confidence when it came to Graham and caused her to make some really crappy decisions. Her unwise choices added more drama to the story line, which irked me… a lot, but I understood where she was coming from.  It was sweet to see how Graham gently tended to her feelings of self doubt.

I loved Graham J. Morgan. Mr. Big Prick. Stuck-up Suit. Celibate in Manhattan. Fifty Shades of Morgan. I loved them all. I loved that he appreciated all of my idiosyncrasies. I loved that he protected me. I loved that he made me feel for the first time in my life like I was the most important person to someone - to him.

Regardless of all the undue relationship drama and troubles that arose from the past (the ex-bitch from hell, for instance) Graham and Soraya were good together and complimented each other well. Their love was unconditional, intense and fierce.

I mumbled against her lips, “I fucking love you, Soraya Venedetta.”
“I love you, too, Suit. I think I fell in love with you before I even met you.”

All in all, this was an amusing and steamy romantic comedy. Found myself constantly chuckling  at their back and forth banter via texts and emails. A perfect book for when you’re in the mood for a spicy read, with a healthy dose of drama mixed in, that will still manage to make you laugh. And oh! I got a big kick out of seeing cameo of my favorite goat...Pixie, from Cocky Bastard.





Complimentary copy received in exchange for an honest review  



Monday, April 11, 2016

Bounty (Colorado Mountain #7) by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68

 4.5 Stars

I've missed the mighty mountain men of Colorado and so stoked to be back in Carnal to visit with some of my all-time favorite Alpha-hunks. Mostly, I couldn't wait to unravel the enigmatic character that has haunted me for so long… Deke Hightower.
Since introduced in Sweet Dreams, I was fascinated by his imposing presence and wanted to dig deep into his soul. I discovered he’s a man whose sparse words spoke volumes. It took a gypsy chick, Justice Lonesome, to peel away the layers and bring his character to life. Their journey consumed me ~ from a chance encounter to a friendship turned undeniable love ~ I was happily absorbed in Jussy and Deke's world.
I loved how fate brought this couple together...twice. First time in Wyoming, while Justice was hanging out in a biker bar contemplating her unfulfilled life, longing for simplicity. Her world changed after spending a few moments with the gorgeous guy standing by a chain link fence. The stranger named Deke connected with her ‘poet's soul'. With a promise to meet again broken, Deke became an impassioned memory, which inspired Justice to compose and record a song that defined her life altering experience. It was Deke's song. And it was a hit.

Years later, after the recent passing of her father, Jussy decided to build a home in Carnal. Lo and behold, her contractor is none other than Deke, the man who rocked her world and stood her up. Thing is, he didn't recognize her at first. YIKES!! Poor Justice, I sympathized with all the hurt she felt. Top it off, he acted downright rude. Jussy being a cool chick took all his gruffness in stride and was determined to become his friend. It took time, but Deke finally remembered Jus and explained the heart breaking reason why he never showed.
Jussy, Deke's boho gypsy princess and famous singer-songwriter, was the most down to earth heroine. I liked the strength, sincerity and compassion her character embodied. I dug how deeply she connected with everyone who touched her life, bringing out their best, especially those most guarded. She was a woman of means, who had the world at her fingertips, but took nothing for granted ~ especially Deke’s affections. But what I absolutely adored was the way she immediately understood Deke, recognized his needs, and loved him unconditionally.
After reading Bounty, I was moved to write a ballad professing all of Deke's hotness. Broody, rugged, and a beast in bed...I was totally into his intense sexiness. Deke was a headstrong man who lived a simple life. Reserved and set in his ways, it took time for me to warm up to his character. But when I saw all the pain he shouldered, I got where this “travelin’ man” was coming from. Hurt from his past gave him good reason to deny his desire for Justice. Regardless, I wanted him to let go of his hang-ups to see the real woman behind all the money and fame.

One terrifying night for Justice caused Deke to put his feelings into perspective, and everything between them shifted. He could no longer fight the attraction, Jus meant the world to him. Determined to give her peace, love, comfort… anything his gypsy princess needed. That’s the moment I saw the fiercely protective and loving side of Deke come to life, and he won me over. When he beautifully opened up his heart, and gave all of himself to Jussy, I was a goner… and fell deeply in love with the caring, overly affectionate man he became.


Both free-spirited wanderlusts, they were perfect together. I loved that their journey was a slow burn filled with discovery, love, laughter and passion. Gah! Ashley is a master when it comes to writing sizzling sex scenes that makes me all tingly inside. One of the most sensual moments, and there were several, was when Jus finally confessed the meaning behind her song ~ how meeting Deke long ago affected her. His reaction was phenomenal.

Once again, I was spoiled with the bounty KA brings to all her tales - dynamic characters, scorching passion, a very detailed and emotional plot - the gifts were endless. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend experiencing all of these hot romances. I loved that this read was reminiscent of Ashley's earlier works within the series, where secondary characters were more intimately involved in the story line. Practically all of the Colorado Series gang, and some from different series, came into play. Overjoyed that Krystal, who I adore, had a notable presence in the story. Jussy brought out a different side of Krys and she absolutely shined! There were some moments of angst, and during one particular heart palpitating scene, I was scared out of my mind! Seriously, my heart was in my mouth, tears filling my eyes! I would have liked a longer epilogue, seeing more into Jus and Deke’s future ~ I'm a very greedy reader when it comes to KA’s tales, never wanting to let go of her characters or their stories. Nevertheless, the ending was heartwarming as well as bittersweet. Bounty was an exceptionally written, powerful story of destined love that touched my heart.
A final note ~ Bounty included an incredible playlist of songs that enhanced this couple’s journey. (Jus crooning “Time in a Bottle” brought me to tears). But, it was this tune that was playing in the background of my mind, as I was fully absorbed within Deke and Justice's world...

“Lightning strikes...Maybe once...Maybe twice”.
And it did, for the Gypsy that was Justice Lonesome. 
















ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
 

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Forever Pucked (Pucked #4) by Helena Hunting @HelenaHunting


4- 4.5 Stars


I love this series and so thrilled Helena Hunting gave her fans another riotously hilarious, full-length novel dedicated to Alex and Violet’s journey to forever.


“It’s amazing how a poorly thought-out one-night stand can turn into a forever kind of love. Because that’s exactly what Alex is: my forever ”



I was excited mainly because I missed my Alex Waters ~ the super sweet, incredibly sexy hockey player and my favorite hero within the Pucked series. I definitely did not get enough of this gentle giant and his monster junk package in the last two installments, and I was due for a fix. Also, I missed seeing his sensitive side, something that was missing especially when facing off against Miller in Pucked Up. Needless to say in Forever Pucked, Alex’s character was exceedingly romantic and back to his sentimental, love smitten self ~ the perfect soul mate for the off the wall loon that is Violet Hall.

Violet is head over heels in love with Alex and knows deep down their love is everlasting. But when it comes to planning a wedding with the ever-present meddlesome moms duo, even thinking about it riddles Vi with fear. But when a tragic event rocks their world, it was time for Vi to work around her anxieties and for Alex to take charge. Drama and angst aside, it was definitely entertaining to see her torment – from the moms sex-talk over sharing, to the sheer lunacy of her buddies and an unforgettable adult-store shopping escapade, poor Vi had her hands full of craziness to deal with.

The hilarity, the constant over-sharing, the out of control raunchiness topped off by all of Vi’s hijinks, made this a fun read for me. The laughter was endless. But what set this romance apart from the others was the nail biting moments of drama laced within, which caused Violet to reveal a deeper and more serious side of her character. No doubt Hunting pens playfully amusing, light-hearted romantic comedies. Nevertheless, her writing style does have a flair for intensity. This author did a wonderful job of balancing both the elements of humor and solemnity, giving this tale more depth and dynamics to its main characters.

As always, I enjoyed this couple’s shenanigans. I loved seeing how this kooky cast of friends and family interact with one another, guaranteeing me a bawdy yet fun, sexy read. And…Wow, I adored that epilogue. If you are looking for amusing and dirty romances, I recommend jumping into this series from its beginning. I will miss this crew and hope there’s more to come with stories involving Lance Romero and Darren Westinghouse.



 ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
 

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole @tillie_cole




A thousand moonbeam hearts and sunshine smiles

Seriously kicking myself for passing up on the opportunity to ARC review “A Thousands Boy Kisses”.  The synopsis appealed to me, but at the time, I wasn’t in the mood for a YA romance and decided to quietly read it at my leisure sometime down the road.

What a foolishly dumb mistake.

This book blew up my Facebook and Good Reads news feed, so I decided to jump.

So freaking happy I did. Tillie Cole penned an epic romance that surpassed anything I could have ever imagined. The YA rating and lack of heat did not take anything away from the experience. In fact, it has become one of my top rated, all time favorite reads. And I highly recommend it for those who are looking for that special, extremely emotional, soul touching, timeless love story.

This destroyed me in every way possible – I was a slobbering puffy eyed, snotty nosed mess by the end. I will tell you, it takes a heck of a lot to bring me to tears while reading. In fact, there are only a minuscule number of authors who can break me. Congrats Tillie, you made the list. By the way, thank you for holding my soul in the palm of your hand, crushing it into smithereens, and making my heart almost burst.  You overwhelmed me and I bawled my eyes out, feeling as if the heartrending events unfolding within the story line were actually shattering my life. Honestly, there were times I could barely handle all the somberness that consumed these characters. IT HURT and it brought me to a very painful place. However, I do not regret a single tear I’ve shed, not one heart twisting moment. For me, this was one of the most amazing love stories…ever.

Early on, we see the blossoming of this couples’ friendship. Rune, an introverted little boy, lost in a new country and missing his home in Norway. He becomes fast friends with a gleefully sweet girl named Poppy. A strong bond quickly forms between the two, as they comfort one another over the years through thick and thin. They are inseparable.

One day, the course of their lives changed, as Poppy’s beloved grandmother passed away. On her deathbed, she consoled little Poppy by gifting an empty Mason jar filled with a thousand pink paper hearts. Poppy’s next adventure is to fill each cutout with the memory of a special boy kiss that caused her heart to burst with excitement. A challenge to gather the memories of a thousand kisses throughout her lifetime. Rune decides he is the only boy Poppy’s lips will forever belong to.

And so begins a beautiful story of destined love between two children whose hearts are forever linked. Rune matured into a broody, angry young man, forced by his father to move back to Norway. During their separation, Poppy mysteriously severed their connection without any explanation. Two years have passed, and at the age of 17, a bitter Rune returns to the US looking for answers. After a rocky reunion, and Poppy finally unleashing her devastating secret, they rediscover not only their friendship, but also their true love.

I fell head over heals in love with Rune, the perfect hero who was forever loyal to Poppy in heart, body, mind, soul and lips. From beginning to end, he captured my affections with all his sweet, yet moody ways. On the outside, he was a rough and tough bad boy. But buried beneath his jaded exterior, lived Poppymin’s tenderhearted ‘forever always’.

Poppy was sincere and adorable. My heart bled when seeing all that she had endured. Strong-willed, spirited and determined, she amazed me. She was a true heroine in every sense of the word.


There are no adequate words to properly describe what I experienced while fully immersed within Rune and Poppy’s world. The entire tale wreaked havoc on my emotions and the epilogue...sigh…you’ll need to experience it for yourself. Tillie Cole in my opinion has outdone herself in creating this couples’ journey, by brilliantly stringing together words describing a transcending, infinite love that deeply touched the heart of me.






 
 
 
TRIPLES with EMMA

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan @MSheridanAuthor


 
For heaven’s sake this has got to be the most challenging and difficult review for me to put together… period…and here’s why. Whenever I fall into a fan-freaking-tastic story such as Midnight Lily, I become so totally invested that it overwhelmingly consumes me. I feel compelled to pour my every emotion regarding the story-line, the characters, their journey to love and so on, into my commentary.  It’s just not possible for me to express all that I’ve experienced without revealing major plot twists. I will say there is so much to take in, to digest, to process and interpret, even days after finishing this read. My mind was turned inside out as my heart was flooded with a barrage of emotions. It absolutely kills me to cage in the whirlwind of feels I’ve survived, but any hint will absolutely spoil the story – and that would be an epic injustice. In penning Midnight Lily, Mia Sheridan proved once again she is a masterful storyteller and perhaps… just a tad bit crazed for conjuring up such a crafty tale.

This story was an incredibly intense read for me and a bit different from the romances I usually gravitate too. Nonetheless, I was absolutely taken by the story line, hooked on these characters’ journey, and fell head over heals in love with both the hero and heroine. Their broken souls absolutely shattered me to pieces. It was hauntingly beautiful, so devastatingly dark and painful it hurt my heart ~ but, I savored every moment I spent in their world. As always, Sheridan held my hand tightly throughout this somber read and guided me to the other side, where I found peace of mind and contentment with their ‘happily ever after’. And that ending…holy moly…it was a total ‘mind fuck’ which left me speechless and a little confused (at first). Reflecting back on the story in its entirety I felt as if I was smacked so silly, I totally lost my sanity. 

Midnight Lily was a beautifully written bittersweet romance, which drew me in and held me captive from beginning to end. Weaving passion, heartache and healing with a heavy dose of mystery, this story is a must read. But be warned – pay very close attention to every word and nuance because Mia Sheridan will fuck with mind and toy with your heart. She has outdone herself by creating such an unbelievably brilliant, poignant tale.



ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review