Frayed by Kim Karr @authorkimkarr

Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review  Frayed is the passionate love story of Ben Covington and Bell Wilde. It seems as if I waited an eternity for this tale. It was well worth the wait. To fully appreciate their saga, I would recommend first reading Connected, Torn and Blurred. Their beginnings are laced within these novels and you will have a better understanding of this couples’ history. This is not a flowery romance about a knight in shining armor saving a virtuous damsel in distress. Frayed is an intense and poignant love story, which twisted my emotions. It is a story of damaged souls, hidden secrets, healing broken hearts and forgiveness.  Kim Karr has once again given us a truly touching, heart-warming romance. Ben and Bell (S’belle) are two flawed and misguided characters that I believe were destined to be together. What started as a forbidden encounter became a betrayal of trust. Regardless of the consequences, Ben surrendered to his lustful desires and Bell was his fiery temptress. One night together, of unbridled passion and hot animalistic sex, set a course that will alter the lives of so many. It was a night that neither would forget. Throughout most of the series, I found Ben to be a selfish, self-centered man who lacked morals and common decency. I loved to hate his character, yet hated the fact that he touched me. He was dishonest, deceitful and cruel. But then…I saw his pain; an insight to what burdened his heart and soul. It was my undoing, seeing his sorrow and remorse, I began to connect with him and felt compassion. Now I realize some readers cannot and will not overlook his indiscretions.  However, for me, Ben worked hard to turn my feelings around. No longer selfish, he became caring, loving and understanding. His affections for Bell were genuine, and that is why I’ve come to admire him. The way Karr developed Ben’s character was miraculous. Forcing me to fall in love with someone I once despised. Bell was difficult for me to connect with at first. She made decisions and mistakes in the past that I had a hard time coming to terms with. But seeing into Bell’s heart, I’ve come to realize she loves deeply. It was her love and dedication to Ben that moved me. Digging deep, I eventually was able to move past her faults and began to appreciate all that is Bell. She has a kind and gentle soul. Her will to overcome struggles to receive forgiveness was admirable. Ben and Bell’s passionate relationship is indescribable. Alone, they were lost souls struggling to exist living with the memory of what they once shared. Together, they are healed and find the strength to persevere.  Their love was indisputable and sincere. There is no doubt in my mind that Ben and Bell were destined to be together. And what they shared made for some unbelievably scorching hot love scenes. All this makes for a very complicated story not only too tell, but to witness. But sometimes, there’s beauty hidden in the depths of a difficult story. I found that beauty within both Ben and Bell’s hearts. Kim Karr set a great challenge for herself in writing Frayed, and I for one enjoyed the journey. It had all the elements that made this a 5 star read for me… ~Well written captivating storyline ~ Angst ~ Sizzling sexy Alpha who was both   domineering and loving ~ Sassy female lead ~ Raw passion ~ Undeniable love Karr has out done herself in this second chance romance. She successfully brought both characters from darkness into the light. I did not care for Ben and Bell’s sordid beginnings…but I am overjoyed how their love blossomed. Frayed is yet another great read in the Connections series and one that should not be missed.

Be My Hero by Linda Kage @lindakage

Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review  4 Stars “Be My Hero” is the third installment in the Forbidden Men Series and Linda Kage has done it again… creating yet another loveable, sweet and sexy book boyfriend ~ Patrick “Pick” Ryan ~ He is a hero in every way, a true knight in shinning armor. I easily fell for his charms, his tender heart and all his gallant ways. Pick and Eva’s story is one filled with several bold characters that rise up to brave great challenges. It is a wonderful tale of destined love, insurmountable courage, overcoming emotional pain, and the undying pursuit to find happiness. The Prologue ~ This was one of the best prologues I’ve come across in a long while. To enjoy it’s beauty, you really need to suspend all logic and believe in the magic of fortunetellers.  We are first introduced to Pick and witness his dismal childhood. Being raised in the foster care system, life holds little hope for him and his friends. Until one evening he encounters Madam LeFrey, a soothsayer, who feeds him HOPE. Visions flash before him of a life filled with purpose and promise; the promise of happiness and joy; of love and family; and most importantly, the promise of finding his true soul mate…. Tinker bell.  But these visions, I feel, were a blessing and a curse for Pick. They showed him a beautiful life… but when will it be his to enjoy? Pick and Eve ~  I first met Eve in “Price of a Kiss’ and honestly, I REALLY DISLIKED her character. She was a bitchy, slutty, mean-spirited girl whose careless lifestyle led her to be left stranded and pregnant. With nowhere to turn, she mooches off of her cousin Reese and boyfriend Mason.  But as they say, you never should judge a book by its cover. I did, and I was happily proven wrong.  As I got to know Eva and discovered her closely guarded secrets, my heart ached for her pain. Eva lived a nightmare, and the hard lessons she learned caused her to distrust the people (especially the men) in her life. Her character transformation shocked me as I found I adored and admired her bravery and strength.  A misunderstood sassy girl who has suffered both physical and emotional horrors, Eva is a hero in her own right.  She is affectionate, caring and displays overwhelming courage in the way she loves her children, her friends and Pick. Sweet Pick… it was easy to fall for him. He’s a tattooed and pierced mechanic/bartender that wormed his way into Eva’s life and my heart.  He has all the bad boy “playa” qualities, but nothing could be further from the truth. Pick is uniquely different and the noblest of men. An honorable guy with a heart of gold, Pick protects all in need without expecting anything in return. He loves unconditionally. What I relished the most was his determination to fight for a better life. Loved the way he cared for his children, for Eva and friends. Pick easily became one of my favorite Forbidden Men. I really enjoyed reading “Be My Hero”. It goes without saying I enjoyed the chemistry and passion between Eva and Pick. I liked seeing the story from dual points of view. Although this is a sweet love story of courage and friends falling in love, Kage weaves some very serious taboo issues into her tales. Terrible things befall these young adults  at the hands of some of the most nefarious characters. There was a great deal of angst and nail biting tension embedded in the plot, creating twists and turns that kept the story line interesting. All in all, it was a passionate, swoon worthy read. Added bonus, Kage treated us to an insight to some old friends from “Price of a Kiss” and “To Professor, With Love”. It was a perfect mix of love, romance, heartache and DRAMA. Looking forward to the next installment and more from the Forbidden gang. Thank you, Linda Kage, for yet another captivating love story.    “My Tinker Bell. My soul mate.”