Under Fire (Elite Force #3) Review

Under Fire by Catherine Mann

Book description...
No Holds Barred, In Love or War...
A decorated hero, pararescueman Liam McCabe lives to serve. Six months ago, her and Rachel Flores met in the horrific aftermath of an earthquake in the Bahamas. They were tempted by an explosive attraction, but then they parted ways. Still, Liam has thought about Rachel every day—and night—since.
Now, after ignoring all his phone calls for six month, Rachel has turned up on base with a wild story about a high–ranking military traitor. She claims no one but Liam can help her—and she won't trust anyone else.
With nothing but her word and the testimony of a discharged military cop to go on, Liam would be insane to risk his career—even his life— to help a woman who left him in the dust.

Now take just a second to admire that Cover.... nice huh?  Not sure how she does it but Catherine Mann always seems to have these amazing covers with these gorgeous men that just make you want to stare all day.... or at least come back to look periodically throughout the book  

It's never been a secret that I absolutely love a man in a uniform... especially military uniforms... My nephew (who happens to in Medic School for the US Army) and I were just talking the other day, I can't exactly say what we were talking about because I do have family members who sometimes decide they're cool enough to read my reviews, but I can say that it has to do with Military men wearing their dress uniforms....

Me: "Obviously I'm not saying this about you because that's just gross but... a man in a uniform is freaking hot."

S: "God, Lori, you're so weird"

Me: "No really, ask my friends, ask just about any woman... and they will totally agree with me."

S: "It's okay I'll take your word for it,  mostly because I just want you to quit talking about men in uniforms."

He thinks I'm a goof and doesn't hesitate to tell me so... while he's LOL'ing,  but he loves me and even though we drive each other nuts (because there is only 10 years age difference) we're very close.  He knows he can come to me with anything and no matter what I'll be there for him....

Okay so you're probably sitting there thinking.... Why in the world am I reading about Lori and her nephew when I thought I was going to read a book review? ... yeah well I'm getting there.....

Liam, who by the way, is super hot and just so absolutely loveable... reminds me of my nephew.... well minus the hot part because to me my nephew is still a little kid who I used as a pawn to get out of being grounded.... He's lovable, he's extremely loyal, and most of all he just wants someone to love him back the same way, someone who will be there for him when he gets done for the day or home from a mission.  Poor Liam has been married and divorced 3 times.... and as much as I want to laugh about that... I won't because I can only imagine how lonely it is for our Service Men and Women who are "unattached".   He has loved all of his ex-wives to the point that every divorce hurt but he's never felt the unconditional love and happiness he feels when he's around Rachel.

She was everything he'd ever wanted in a woman.  He may have fallen in love easily in the past, but damned if he could remember ever falling this hard.

I can't even begin to describe how much I absolutely LOVED Rachel... she was exactly the type of heroine I love to read about... She's strong, in complete control of her emotions.  She loves deep, she's loyal, and she is one of the most compassionate and caring women. I wholeheartedly loved being in Rachel's head.... especially when she put a drunk man in his place and then even more so when she took Liam's back for the first time... here they are in the middle of something really hot and heavy only to get interrupted and accused of something illegal, and then out of no where Rachel finds her wits and totally gets her and Liam completely out of the mess... It. Was. Awesome!!!!  Oh, and it was hilarious!!!

So Liam and Rachel have a bit of trouble following them, well mostly following Rachel... but now it's up to Liam to keep her safe until he can figure out exactly what is going on and who exactly to believe.  The best thing about Liam was he knew deep down that Rachel was innocent, that her fiercely loyal personality is what pulled her into this mess with a Military Cop with PTSD.. but he's determined to get to the bottom of it, even if that means going off radar and taking two of his team members with him.  

One amazing thing about Catherine's books are she does a fantastic job with switching POV's.  Normally I get frustrated with more than two or three POV's in a book.... but Catherine always pulls it off phenomenally!   So with that being said..... I have to admit how much I absolutely adored the secondary love story going on in Under Fire..... Brandon (The Military Cop that Rachel was helping) is so sweet, I just wanted to wrap my arms around him and give him a big hug.  Catriona is an extremely shy woman who is a little hung up in the past when it comes to wanting to know if Brandon would have looked over her or not... but she's still super sweet and deserving of the love she believes Brandon is capable of giving her.  The only thing I didn't care for in the switching POV's was the "villain".... but that's just me, I personally like to keep guessing who the bad guy is and having his POV just kind of gives it away for me.

Under Fire by Catherine Mann is yet another amazing Military- Romantic Suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat and anxious to not only find out what would happen between Liam and Rachel but also what would happen to them if they were caught by the backstabber..... and then there was also the secondary romance that I kept wanting to know more about as well....  Definitely a good read but then again Catherine does a wonderful job a providing some wonderful novels with those hot as hell men who just happen to also wear uniforms

Happy Reading!

E. L. James Google + Hangout.....

The amazing author of the much talked about Fifty Shades Trilogy E. L. James had a google + hangout with some UK Fans yesterday and my girl Gitte was one of them.  She was super excited when she locked a spot in the hangout with The Author of one of her Favorite books.  In order to get a spot in the hangout they had to submit a stand out review of Fifty... now I'm not going to share the entire email but I will share a quote from her review because it's just down right true for just about every girl and/or woman I know:

 "There is so much to love about Fifty. Christian is the guy that every girl would love to "fix"!! However, what makes him one of the best characters to read about is the fact that he is emotionally wounded to the point that he has built up all these walls around his heart. Yet he subconsciously knows that Ana is the girl for him"

I was so excited for her that... I walked around with a big huge smile on my face after I found out that she got the spot, and then I  got butterflies in my belly knowing she was going to be talking to E.L. in just a few hours.  The fact that I was so excited for her goes to show how over the moon she was.... It was absolutely adorable... we let her know that even though we couldn't be there with her... we were there in spirit, all virtually holding her hand. 

This would be an amazing opportunity for anyone but I have to say it was perfect that Gitte got a spot because... well... She is perfect!!!  Gitte is such a wonderful, loving, caring, and beautiful woman that she more than deserves every amazing opportunity that comes her way!  I absolutely adore her and I'm so glad that she was one of the fans to be picked!!! 

Check out the video from the google + hangout below... E. L. talks about her work from when she posted Fifty as a Fan-Fiction to publishing it and the books she's thinking about writing in the future.  If you're looking for any news regarding the Movie deal then I hate to break it to you that she does not talk about it... BUT I will post another little video at the end of this blog post....





I think it's freaking awesome that E.L. did this with her fans, it shows that fame has not changed her and that she is still a wonderful person who is just amazed and grateful for the opportunities that have presented themselves because of her amazing books! I have read the Fifty Shades Trilogy but I have not reviewed them yet... I'm still trying to decide if I want to review them here or not, I mean I do because there is a lot of fun things to talk about when it come to Christen and Ana... They're absolutely beautiful and I say that because neither of them are perfect, they both make mistakes... some worse than others... but they learn from those mistakes... and THAT is what makes their love beautiful.

Okay so I said I'd share another video that talks about the movie... First of all let me say that the fact that Ryan is reading Fifty Shades of Grey... is HOT and the fact that Ian Somerhalder is reading Fifty Shades of Grey.... is freaking smokin' hot!!!



Enjoy my fellow book lovers!!! Looks like we're going to have another author to take the world by storm with her fantastic books...

About That Night (F.B.I. #3) Review

About That Night by Julie James

Book description... 

HE’S PLAYING GAMES
Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face to face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful Assistant U.S. Attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him.

BUT SHE’S MAKING THE RULES

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten. . .

Okay so I've made it quite obvious that I absolutely LOVE Julie's knack for sarcastic humor... I'm a smart ass and I appreciate charters who are smart asses, mostly because I always pick up a new come back and it's become imperative that I keep my repertoire as updated as possible.   I have to say though... yes there was that sarcastic touch in this book but no where near what Julie's books usually contain.... and considering I'm still living on the high from Nick and Jordan's book and all their witty sparing, I was a little disappointed when I finished About That Night.  Don't get me wrong, this book is still fantastic and I'll tell you all the wonderful reasons why... but I couldn't help but warn my fellow Julie James Fans that for whatever reason this book is a tad different then the other two books in this series.

Rylann is such an unusual name and I have to say that I like it and I also have to say that the uniqueness of the name totally suits the heroine in this book.... Rylann is my kind of girl, she's driven, hardworking, ready to bust some balls, and is quick with the wit...  She's just moved back to Chicago, after her boyfriend decided he's moving to Rome with or without her.  She's gotten a job with the US Attorney's office... yes, my friends working with our dear sweet Cameron.. I still love her!  And her first case is against the one man that she never could quite forget.

Kyle... Oh dear sweet, adorable, I just want to smooch you... Kyle.  I loved Kyle but here is where I was just a tad disappointed in the sarcasm thing.. remember how sarcastic Jordan was?  Well you'd think as much shit she talked to her brother that maybe he would be quick with the comebacks too... well he is in a way... and O.M.G. I can't believe I am going to reference my own brother in another Julie James book but.... He reminds me of Terry, my big brother... He has a few quick one liners that are worthy of a chuckle or two but mostly he just doesn't know what to say.. now Julie never mentioned this in the book but I'm starting to wonder if it took him 3-5 days to think of a come back whenever Jordan would throw some sass at him?  I ask that because that's how my brother is and I tease him relentlessly.... I'm just going to go with a family can only deal with so much sarcasm and apparently Jordan got it all.... as did I

I did still adore Kyle, I mean come on, how funny is it that he's referred to as the Twitter Terrorist?  That whole situation still cracks me right up and considering I'm a girl who is normally hot for those big bad alpha men, the change was quite nice.... to lust after a geek for once.  He was sweet.. in a way... he did still have the whole "bad boy" thing going on considering his past but when he runs into Rylann after 9 years... he realizes he never could forget her either...

"I saw you laughing with your friends and your smile sucked me right in."

I wouldn't have been able to let go of him either with that line.. I'll give it to him, He knew what he was doing 9 years ago but does he have what it takes to make Rylann take a chance on an ex-conn?  I'm not going to tell you what he does but let me just forewarn you that what he does in regards to the Twitter situation (and it's not until almost the end of the book).. but what he does is actually pretty funny... well at least how the other person reacts is quite funny.  There is nothing like taking a chance and I have to hand it to Kyle for numerous things... One... he owned up to what he did and served his time like a man and Two....he has balls!!!

Rylann is in love with Kyle... no doubt there, even though it takes her a while to admit she really even has true feelings for the man.  She was left once for not wanting to give up career, she's teased because of her years plans, and the office she now works for is the same office that referred to Kyle as the Twitter Terrorist and a menace to the internet.  Can she face her fears and risk her career for Kyle once she realizes how much she loves him and wants to be with him?  I know what my answer would be and I certainly would not have sat on that decision as long as Rylann did.  I got it and understood where she was coming from... BUT, true love only finds you once and if your lucky twice.... and the fact that she was still secretly pining for Kyle and happened to get him back in her life after all these years should have made her decision easier... or at least you'd think so.

About That Night by Julie James was a solid 3.75★'s for me.  I love Julies writing style and most especially her ability to create a story that will keep me consumed while I'm cheering for a HEA and laughing out loud.  While there were a few great LOL moments it just wasn't totally there for me with this one.  On the other hand I have to say (insert some catcalling here)... Julie is turning up the heat... Kyle was freaking HOT and the scenes were a little more descriptive than in past books... bow chicka wow wow!!!!

Happy Reading!

Junk Miles (A Brenna Blixen Novel #2) Review

Junk Miles (A Brenna Blixen Novel) by Liz Reinhardt is an amazing sequel to Double Clutch.

Book description...
Kissing someone other than your boyfriend is cheating.
But what about thinking about kissing someone other than your boyfriend?
What about thinking about it a lot?
Brenna Blixen has the perfect boyfriend. He's sweet, sexy, loyal, and sure that Brenna is the best thing that's ever happened to him. But being the perfect girlfriend isn't as easy as Brenna thought it would be, and the pressure that comes with trying to be Jake's everything is beginning to weigh on her. When her mother surprises her with a trip to Paris over winter break, she's torn. She anticipated spending her vacation snuggling with Jake Kelly, ice-skating, drinking cocoa, and relaxing...but what girl in her right mind would turn down a trip to Paris?
Things only get more confusing when she winds up unexpectedly and unavoidably thrown into Saxon Maclean's arms in the City of Lights. Far away from the comfort and stability she finds at Jake's side, Brenna faces down the feelings that have been swirling through her since the day she laid eyes on Saxon. Is it fair for her to call herself Jake's girlfriend when she has so many unresolved feelings about someone else?
Brenna is determined to figure it all out, even if it means making some of the hardest decisions of her entire life. She also learns that every single thing she does has rippling repercussions, some that fill her with total regret. By the time she figures out what her heart truly wants, she realizes that she may not be able to have it after all. 

***Warning... If you have not read Double Clutch do not continue to read this review unless you want spoilers. ***

O.M.G..... Can this series get any better?  I was so far sucked into Brenna's story and the love between her two boys in Double Clutch that I couldn't wait to get Junk Miles on to E.Luke so I could find out what would happen to these amazing characters next.  What happens?  Well I'll tell you one thing... I wasn't entirely happy with any of them... meaning they all made me mad at one point or another, well not really Saxon because who can get mad at him...you know what I mean.  Even though they made me mad I still have to say that I absolutely LOVED the way Liz wrote this book... these are teenagers and teenagers always make huge mistakes but in this book these teenagers were still responsible... to an extent.


So Brenna takes a wanted but yet unwanted trip to Paris with her Mom over Christmas Break and who happens to also be traveling with his mom?  Oh My... it's Saxon and his gorgeous bad boy self!  And this is what turns up the drama... things get complicated... hearts are broken... hurtful things are done... and most of all.... true feelings are revealed.


Things are going absolutely wonderful for Brenna and Jake, their love for each other is strong, beautiful, and they adore spending as much time together as they can.... Well that is until Paris, where Saxon continues to make his feelings for Brenna known.  She's still so confused over her feelings for him, she knows that she loves Jake but there is something about Saxon that is pulling her to him... So.... she kisses him.  Yep, she hauls off and kisses him.  Now normally I am totally against any kind of cheating... and yes that includes in books... BUT I did not stay mad at Brenna for long and here's why...  She didn't even wait a full day before she called and confessed what happened with Saxon to Jake... She took FULL responsibility and told him what happened and why.... Jake even gave her an out and tried to play it off as Saxon not leaving her alone but she didn't take it... and that, My friends, is where my respect for this beautiful girl grew... 


Jake is obviously heartbroken and ends things with Brenna....   Now here is where I can't decide if I was mad at her or if I was happy she didn't wallow.... That same night she goes out and thus begins a semi-kind of- whatever you want to call it relationship with Saxon... Mmmm, that boy is so hot and knows just what to say and do... and he does a damn fine job of keeping Brenna's mind off of what is going on back home with Jake... up until she checks the photo album dedicated to her on Jake's Facebook page where she learns that things really are over between them.  I can't decide if this upsets me or makes me happy... I want her upset over Jake but at the same time I want her to take this opportunity to figure out what the hell her feelings for Saxon are all about.  She cares deeply for him and those feelings are leaving her confused... and I honestly couldn't decide if I was happy or mad over that... How about we'll go with I was a little of both.


Once they get back home is when the real heart break begins.... I was about in tears because I could feel Brenna's pain from losing Jake and seeing him with someone else.  But she needed that... she needed to see that your actions have consequences and even though she is still madly in love with him, she lost the right to claim him as her boyfriend, she lost the right to hold his hand in the hallway, and now she's getting that loss rubbed in her face in a big, hurtful way... and that is where Jake made me mad.  But again, I couldn't stay mad for long because... let's face it... I would have done the same thing... Hell, I did do the same thing in High School... but I thought he was better than that.  Don't get me wrong, he really is wonderful, I love Jake... I mean, I absolutely adore him.... and I think throwing that in Brenna's face ended up working out for the best.. but it still irritated me that he went to the extent that he did, then again boys will be boys... right?  He had his reasons, which he explains.... and she needed the reality check which I think worked a little more than any of them anticipated!


Saxon, God love him... knows he's never going to have Brenna's heart the way Jake does and tells her he will fix things.... it takes a while for him to try and make good on that promise and when he does... questions get answered... things get resolved, well sort of... because the hurt Jake and Brenna put each other through obviously will take time to heal... but I have to hand it to Saxon... clearly he loves Brenna but he knows that her heart belongs to Jake, he knows that she's better off with Jake, and most of all he struggles with the fact that he yet again hurt his brother (who he thinks still doesn't know that they are brothers).  He knows he needs Brenna in his life for whatever reason.. mostly because she sees him and doesn't put up with his shit... but because he doesn't want to lose her entirely he tries to figure the best way possible to fix things between her and Jake... and I personally think that him helping heal that wound is what helped Jake's calm reaction to Brenna's phone call the night of prom for him to come pick her and a very drunk Saxon up... I'm hoping that him helping that wound and Jake's reaction is the start of healing a friendship that never should have ended in the first place.  I guess we'll see!!

Junk Miles (A Brenna Blixen Novel) by Liz Reinhardt pulled at my heart... the love triangle is still there and it's still a struggle to chose who you think Brenna should be with when you know deep down who she's really meant for... but you can't help but feel for each these three.. you can't help but want to comfort Jake when his heart is broken, or even Brenna when she has to face the reality of her mistakes, or most of all Saxon when he realizes he will always come second.  Liz has an amazing talent that pulls you in so deep that you can't help but crave more of her work... I'm extremely anxious to begin Slow Twitch (The 3rd Brenna Blixen Novel) but I had to get my feelings out for Junk Miles first.  I loved this book... even with all the heart break... I loved it because the heartbreak just made the bond between Jake and Brenna stronger... it showed every one that those two are meant for each other but yet Saxon is meant to be a part of their lives as well... they just have to figure out what that part is.


Definitely check out this book!!!  Liz has a way of satisfying the craving for a good book!


Happy Reading!

Chance Encounters Review

Chance Encounters by J. Sterling

Book description...
Caroline Weber was a normal girl who thought she had her life figured out. After graduating from college in New York, she moved to San Francisco with her boyfriend, Clay. Everything in her life felt perfect. There wasn't anything she would change...
...until she met Jackson Parks.
Is it possible that a chance meeting with a stranger can make you question EVERYTHING you thought you wanted? Caroline tries to carry on with her life as if nothing has changed...but the truth is, nothing can ever be the same.
Chance Encounters is an emotional love story about trusting and following your heart, even when it's leading you down a difficult path.
Sometimes other hearts have to break in order to keep yours intact.

Let me start off by giving J. a big huge virtual (((HUG))) and say congratulations on producing such an amazing story!  I love watching Authors.... okay in J's case Authorballs.... grow confident in their writing.  It was clear that J's confidence has grown since In Dreams.... So now I'm even more excited to read more of her work.  So J..... I know that Chance Encounters JUST came out on April 19 but I have to ask.... when is the next book coming out?  Is it soon?  Will it be part of the Dreams Series?  Another stand alone like Chance Encounters?  Huh? Huh?....  Well, maybe I should give you a few days to relax and enjoy the fact that you have published yet another book that will have readers wanting more of your hilarious heroines and sexy heroes... Anyway, Congrats J... You deserve a shot of tequila and a standing ovation for your latest release.

Caroline.... She's adorable, I really enjoyed getting to know about her and the love she has for those in her life.  She loves deep, she cares deep, and she's got a boyfriend who adores her.  But can a man be enough when you feel a deep connection with someone else... So deep that you feel it as soon as your eyes meet?... so deep that it physically hurts to think about not being around them?  Caroline faced these questions and it all began on the flight home from one of her best friends funeral... when she was already in a vulnerable spot in her life.  But the words she had just spoke at the funeral will help her begin to face these questions as they come up.

Clay was great, don't get me wrong... BUT... Jackson.... Yeah, totally inducting him into the Hotties and ♥'s club.  The chemistry between him and Caroline was undeniable... quite frankly the connection the two of them had was beautiful... it reminded me of how I feel about my husband, how I've felt about my husband since he decided he wasn't going to give up on the chase I didn't realize I was giving him, and how beautiful that deep connection with him really is!  Jackson was such a gentle man who knew he wanted Caroline, he knew there was something about her that he couldn't give up on... not that he wanted to.  But he also knew she had a boyfriend and while he respected the physical boundaries he couldn't stop his heart from falling in love and knowing he had found his other half.

Here's where it got tricky.... for everyone.....AND... here is where I'm going to stop giving you, my lovely book lovers any more information on this book.... Yep go ahead, call me a biatch, say I'm mean and that I'm always asking for spoilers but I'm keeping my mouth shut.  You'll have to read it to find out what decisions are made, who makes them, and how everything plays out....on your own.  I promise you though, you will be happy with the out come.  The story is beautiful and it reminds you of how rare it is to find that someone who is really meant for you... They always say there are a lot of fish in the sea, and don't get me wrong there are.... and it's fun to play with them... BUT how often do people come across that one special person that was meant for them?

I do have to say that while there is a love triangle in this book there is no physical cheating... and yes I know that emotional cheating is still cheating I have to say that I understood the decisions that Caroline was facing and her reasoning for not wanting to let go of either Clay or Jackson.  She faced some big ones, life altering changes if she picked one over the other, and still struggled with the fact that no matter who she picked she was going to hurt someone....something she did not want to do.  But with that said, I am so glad that while the temptation was there for Jackson and Caroline to just simply kiss... they didn't.


Chance Encounters by J. Sterling is yet another consuming book that will leave you satisfied with a sweet little love story about true soul mates that find each other and fall so deep in love.  OH!  And of course dear sweet J gives us that sarcastic humor that I love so much!  I'm going to patiently wait... okay so yeah, I'll probably bug the hell out of J so we'll say... anxiously wait for J. Sterling's next book, she's got a way with words that fully entertains me which means... this book will go on my re-read list and stay there!!!

Happy Reading!

Bared to You (Crossfire Series #1) Review

Bared to You: A Crossfire Novel By Sylvia Day has GOT to be one of the HOTTEST and most captivating books I have read this week...

Book description...
Our journey began in fire...
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart..

So what can I say about this book.... I liked it, no that's not good enough.... I thoroughly enjoyed it, still not good enough..... I abso-freaking-lutely LOVED this book.  I got this as an ARC and have to admit that for some reason it got passed over until the day after the release date.... total *gasp* moment I know... and I have to say I am terribly sorry to Sylvia because had I not have looked this over that review would have been posted weeks ago!!!!  Anyway, It must be said that this book had me tied up in knots and those knots were so tight that I'm still feeling them a week after having finished Bared to You.  I'm extremely anxious to find out more about these characters and see where their love goes....

Okay so I adored Eva... I mean I absolutely LOVED her.  She is such a strong woman, to have survived emotionally through the things she went through just floors me.  She had insecurities but yet she wasn't afraid to admit any of what a typical male find as "flaws".  She was upfront and spoke her mind yet she was sweet and cared deeply.  Having just moved to New York she decides to take a run and get a feel of the land... she ends up running into a man who she feels an instant attraction to, he makes her feel things she doesn't want to feel... but as quickly as she runs into him... she runs away.   Little does she know that she will be meeting the gorgeous Gideon again very soon...

I'm not quite sure how I can begin to confess the feelings I had for Gideon.... At first I was afraid the name would kill it for me... unfortunately for me I knew a Gideon back in the day, total ass who thought he was the best thing since sliced bread and I totally hated him.... but after spending a little time with this Gideon I realized there was NOTHING that could prevent me from falling head over heals for yet another fantastic hero.  I'm not going to lie though.. Gideon is intense... I mean INTENSE.... there were a lot of reviewers that compared him to Christen Grey from Fifty Shades... and while I can see a few similarities, I have to admit there really wasn't much comparison... Fifty is Hot and all.... and I still love him.... BUT there was something about Gideon that made me want even more.  And the fact that he wanted Eva and wanted her badly enough to do whatever it took, made me fall for him even harder.

Here is what I absolutely LOVED about the relationship... well once it finally began.... when it comes to Eva.  She had a backbone and was not afraid to speak her mind to Gideon... She's upfront that she is the jealous type and she even tells him about her past very early into their relationship.... not because she's looking for attention, but... because she wants him to realize if things come out they could put him in an awkward position and she doesn't want that for him.  She already cares too deeply for him to want any negative light to come his way.  I loved that about her especially considering that the intensity of their relationship and feelings for each other would leave most women willing to do whatever it took to keep him around.  

There are a lot of issues here with these two characters.  They have a lot of work ahead of them.... emotionally... Eva has a past that is traumatic... she has worked through it but in all reality what she dealt with you really have to wonder will she ever truly be over it.. she still has some things to sort through in her head and even in her life.  Then you have Gideon, we have yet to learn what his past was like and I have to admit with the small glimpses of what it may have to deal with or what it may have been already has my heart breaking.... and clearly he still has yet to deal with it, but he is trying!  That kind of emotional baggage takes a strong partner to over come in a relationship for it to work.... so with both of them having emotional baggage it means their relationship will be that much more difficult BUT that much more special.  I have no doubt they will over come their emotional pasts together, I can feel the love between them and have every reason to believe that together they will make it... it's going to be a tough road but I'm sure their feelings for each other will over power the past and any other secondary obstacles  that may get in their way. 


Then you have the secondary characters that are potential threats to their relationship..... and here is where there are a lot of unanswered questions: 
* What's the deal with Magdalene?  There is something about here that I really do not like, and I can already see the problems she is going to cause.. hell, she's already caused a few.  Will Eva get frustrated enough to make Gideon chose?  Will Magdalene find another way to try and put a wedge between Eva and Gideon?  
* What is the deal with Gideon's brother?  At first I thought this was just some sort of jealousy thing on Gideon's behalf but then when I realized it wasn't my curiosity peeked even more... like to the point of WTF?   
* What in the world happened to Gideon?  This one has me in knots... I can't quit guessing what it could be and I'm afraid that it's worse than what I'm thinking OR that the suspense has been so built up that it turns out to be something minor... which I don't really see as a possibility considering the dreams but Author's have been known to tease us.
* Why does Gideon try and avoid his mother and does his mother have something to do with his past?  I can't help but feel this way..... there is something that bothers me about his mother, there is something there that we will hopefully learn in the next book.... I really do have to wonder if she may be part of the past that causes these horrible dreams for Gideon.
* Will Eva tell her Dad about her past.... OR will her past be revealed for the public? I see something cooking up here and I'm afraid this will happen.... For some reason I see Magdalene and Christopher having something to do with it all coming out and hurting Eva which will in turn hurt Gideon
* Will Cary work out his issues and will Eva be there to help him?  I LOVED Cary, he was so adorable and I just wanted to keep him for myself but at the end where left with a little cliffhanger.... does something happen to Cary?  Did Gideon say something when he went back inside?  Will everything work out so Eva and Cary can continue on with they're beautiful friendship?  I sure hope so!
* What hold does Gideon's ex have over him and will she decide she's going to fight for his attention again?  She seems a bit needy, a bit desperate.... and I'm afraid of those feelings because I can see where is may mean bad things for Eva and Gideon's relationship... Can Gideon push her away completely?  Will he make a mistake and hurt Eva...again?


The questions I have are never ending but those are my top ones for the moment even though I'm sure they will change tomorrow...... With all that said I have to ask....Is it October Yet?????

Bared to You: A Crossfire Novel by Sylvia Day is one of those books that will keep a little part of my heart and a lot of my attention for a while.  It's emotional, it's heart breaking, it's more than consuming, and it's got a special kind of love between the H/H that will leave you breathless.... OH and it's so freaking HOT that I have to confess that it's probably one of the hottest erotic-romance novels I have read to date... and I've read a lot! 


Happy Reading!

In Dreams (The Dream Series #1) Review

In Dreams (The Dream Series #1) by J. Sterling is a special kind of book... it's emotional, filled with love and friendships, and best of all has got some of THE best LOL moments!

Book description...
When Katherine Johns starts dreaming about a boy she doesn't know, her college roommate Taylor is determined to find him. Convinced he must exist, Taylor is relentless... until she finds out exactly WHO the mysterious stranger really is.
The realization rocks the girls to their core and sends them down a path of unimaginable heartbreak as they learn to navigate their new reality.
Follow Katherine & Taylor's journey through love, friendship and tragedy in the first book of this emotionally captivating series.

So first off I just want to get out there that  J. Sterling is one of the most amazeballs Authorballs ever... YES!  I said Authorballs and no I'm not going to share the story behind that... at least not yet... because the other most amazeballs Authorballs out there is this Authorballs Author-Soul-Mate... That's right and since I've already declared my love for Colleen Hoover and all her fantastic characters I now have to declare that I adore J. Sterling just as much... but a lot of my love for her is simply because I have discovered that she is my TV soul mate... LOL, I had to sneak that one in there J

So you're probably wondering why in the world I'm going on and on about soul mates?  Well that's what this amazing story all stems from... soul connections.  Spending past lives with people.  Have you ever wondered if your significant other is your soul mate?  Or if your best friend was a friend in a past life?  Or my most recent inquiry is if my book girls and I were all somehow separated at birth....  Yeah, me too... and for those of you who think I'm crazy... it's all good there's a nice long line of others you can join... Anyway... I LOVE to believe in this kind of stuff, I think it's tons of fun to have my cards or my palm read and have been told on numerous occasions that my dear sweet husband is my soul mate... Therefore, I understood this book and the connections that were there.  They felt real to me and I loved that J. took a chance and shared her story with us because to me it was believable.  Now before I start telling you what I loved about these characters and giving you my awesome opinions on what I think they should have done I just want to take a minute of silence to appreciate J's freaking fantastic sarcastic humor... You all know how I feel about sarcasm.. and In Dreams had so much sarcasm in it that I felt like these people were my friends..... I saw someone in each character that I honestly could not help but LOVE them all... well except for one but we'll get to her later.

So it all starts off with Katherine having a dream about a boy.  A boy she doesn't know but feels this strange but extremely strong connection with... SO strong that when she wakes up she feels the physical pain from losing him.  Her roommate and new best friend, Taylor, decides to encourage her to keep an open mind about this boy and see if she happens to run into him somewhere.  Gotta say... I absolutely loved Katherine and Taylor.  Katherine was so sweet and so in love that I could actually feel the struggle she was having when it came to the very big decisions she had to make.  Taylor... OMG can I say if she was real I would want her as my BFF... there were moments where I could actually see myself in her... like the fact that she always has something to say and what she says is almost always some sort of hilarious comeback that had me cracking up....

"Fine, fine.  Yes, you have to give Cooper a chance.  Your country would want this.  If you don't date Cooper, the terrorists win.  Happy?"

I have all kinds of Taylor quotes highlighted in E. Luke.... mostly because I told J that I would highlight all the amazeballs stuff in her book and also because I'm a sucker for a good laugh and J totally gave me some awesome laughs in this book almost all through adorable little Taylor!

Then you have Cooper... Cooper is HOT, like so hot that Jenny and I have inducted him into the Hotties and ♥'s club... and we do not just induct anyone... just sayin'.  So Cooper totally has it bad for Katherine but he's not all up in your face and pushy about it... he knows there is something special about her, something he can't explain but just being around her makes him feel better... he wants to get to know her, he wants to spend time with her.  When Katherine finally decides to give Cooper a chance I swear I giggled like a little school girl and thought... It's about time girl.. this boy is hot, sweet, and most of all he's.... oopsie... sorry about that, I almost gave away something important.

Unfortunately for Cooper, Kat is still pretty stuck on dream boy.  Granted she gets all sweaty and nervous around Cooper and she knows she's totally into him... But... her feelings for Dream Boy are stronger, she can't explain it but she can't seem to get over it either.  Cooper knows that she's not quite entirely there with him emotionally but like I said before there is something about her that he just can't let go of and knows that he'll wait for her.. no matter what it takes.  Things seem to be going good for them though.. well that is until Kat goes home for Thanksgiving with Taylor......

I'm not going to talk about anything else in this book because everything from Thanksgiving weekend on will just ruin it for you.... Yes, I am a total hypocrite because I do beg my girls for spoilers... Mostly Jenny... and they hardly ever give me any even though I'm totally giving them the whiny voice and stick out my lower lip in an adorable little pout... but I'm not going to give any away because it will take away from the book, you have to feel the emotions of these characters before you learn anything else and believe me when I say.... that you will appreciate that I didn't give anything away.

Okay so let me tell you about the one character that I did not like and I have to snort at myself considering I actually do have a friend just like her and I've been friends with her since we were little but anyway.. Kylie, she is so far stuck up her own booty that she can't seem to see reason.  She's competitive.. which don't get me wrong so am I but... she's competitive in all the wrong areas.  She gets mad and jealous over the smallest things like a boy that is paying attention to another friend instead of her... Come on honey, time to grow up.. and when I say that... I'm also directing that statement to a certain someone who I have said this to on numerous occasions, even though she never listens to me and laughs because she thinks it's actually fun to be "That girl" that everyone is friends with but really kind of doesn't like for whatever reason.  HA!  I say that and now I have to ask a certain someone.... You know who you are miss MW... Why are we friends again?  Oh yeah, I remember.. I love to listen to your drama filled stories... it's totally like getting to see a real live TV show in person... LOL..

In Dreams by J. Sterling is a great book filled with humor, love, amazing friendships, and connections that last an eternity.  J has got a talent that I am ready to see more of.  She's got another book that will be released on Thursday 4/19/12 called Chance Encounters which going by the description looks like it's going to be a GREAT book as well.  Take a chance on this debut novel of an Author who has taken a chance and shared her talent with us....

Happy Reading!

Serious Play Review

Serious Play by Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee

Book description.....
Luke Bailey has dreams of building homes and putting down roots. But for a man with a rough past, finding any job isn't easy. When Mary Scott offers him a job—and a place to stay—mixing drinks and tapping beer at her theme bar, My Parents' Basement, Luke accepts. Customers flock to the cozy pub, designed to evoke memories of lost childhood, to meet and mingle and play games.
For Mary, her gorgeous new employee should be off-limits. She's his boss. And they're very different—something her interfering family constantly points out. But Mary's done playing the good girl. And Luke isn't the bad boy everyone thinks he is. Their attraction simmers until Mary seduces Luke into playing some deliciously adult games. Then a shocking betrayal threatens everything...

I was pleasantly surprised with this book.  I wasn't sure where exactly this book would take me but there's no question that my interest was sold at bad boy, and it's quite obvious I have a soft spot for bad boys.

Mary, she was just so sweet that I couldn't help but just adore her.  Granted she got on my nerves a few times but then again just about every heroine does because they don't make the decisions I would... crazy I know... but Mary really was great.  She was a fair boss who ran an amazing business.... seriously, how awesome would that bar be? I mean like amazeballs fun right?  So, Mary decides it's time to hire some more help and thanks to her friend Joann, who is a parole officer has the perfect person to help Mary out.  He's someone who deserves a shot.

I absolutely adored Luke... Of course he made bad decisions which landed him some time spent in prison but he was just so sweet.... I mean like I just want to wrap my arms around you and make your past go away because you deserve a life of happiness.   Luke had it rough, his childhood was rough and then he ended up spending 5 years in prison for a crime he willingly committed but also kind of didn't... After all the bullets were a surprise.  So, Luke starts working at Mary's bar and can't help but the constant attraction he feels for her and it's not just her outter beauty he's attracted to.  He's attracted to everything about her and cherishes her friendship.... There's something about her that brings light into his life and he sees how beautiful she is inside and out on a daily basis which makes fighting his attraction for her that much harder.

They dance around each other until finally Luke admits he wants her but won't make any moves because he likes her too much.  Mary on the other hand... she just wants one little taste of Luke or she knows she'll regret it.  One taste leads to one hot make out session that leaves them both breathless and craving more from each other.  So here is where both of them grated on my nerves... They both want each other, like seriously want each other but neither will address what happened between them, they act like it never did.  I got Luke's reasons... he thought Mary was too good for him and was also afraid that line being crossed was going to hurt his friendship with Mary and most importantly hurt his job.  I'll hand it to Mary here, she finally addressed it and yeah... she did a fabulous job... OMG totally hot, like so hot I'm getting tingles thinking about it!

So they begin this relationship that in my eyes was actually beautiful... Mary saw something special in Luke that others didn't.  She didn't let his past hold her back from thinking about a future with him... she may not have sat there and defended him with every comment thrown around but in all reality she'd be doing a lot of defending if that were the case.  So she kept her mouth shut for the most part and showed Luke how special he was to her.  Luke knew how amazing Mary was and how much he needed her to be a part of his life... he was so afraid of losing her because he thought he was no where near good enough to be in her life, like this at least, forever.  He wanted to make his life better so one day he could be worthy of a life with her... if only  he knew that he was worthy of her, that she loved the person he was and would support anything he chose to do.

An offer of a lifetime comes along and things are about to change for Luke and Mary... while I was mad at the decision Luke made I can't say that I didn't understand it, he did need to figure out what he wanted out of life and what path he wanted his life to take... but before he made this decision he did one thing that made me smile and love him even more.... he started the mending process of a bridge that was about to crumble...

Serious Play was a great read.... it didn't consume me but I can't say that I was able to put it down because I wasn't.  I had to know what was going to happen between Mary and Luke next, what decision was going to made, and would they be able to overcome and work through the heartbreak that seem inevitable to both of them?  Summer and Bonnie do a fantastic job of sucking you into the story and have you anxious to find out what happens next with our beautiful couple and all the challenges they still have yet to face.  Serious Play was a fun read with a HEA that was sweet but still showed the struggles our adorable couple have yet to face but facing them will be easier because after all.... they have each other!

Happy Reading!

Good Girls Don't (Donnovan Brother's Brewery #1) Review

Good Girls Don't (Hqn) by Victoria Dahl

Book description...
With her long ponytail and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman—or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a breakin at her family's brewery. He's got his own problems—starting with the fact that his partner, Simone, is pregnant and everyone thinks he's the father.
Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother's playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tension could tear her tightknit family apart. In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their "baby" sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath. He's not who people think he is—and neither is she.

So I have to admit I usually absolutely LOVE Victoria Dahl's work because they have that extra kick that will have me laughing out loud and completely drooling over the hero and loving everything about the heroine.  This book just didn't do it for me... don't get me wrong it was a wonderful book and it did have a few LOL moments and the hero was totally drool worthy because he has that whole broody cop thing going on and well... who doesn't like a man in a uniform that needs a little extra TLC?  But there was just something there that didn't pull at me like most of Victoria's books...

Tessa is sweet, she's cute, and I have to say I felt for her with the whole over protective wish they would stay out of your business older brothers.  But there was just something about her that kept me from entirely feeling the book... I can't say for sure but if I had to guess on why... it would be that she made the first moves on Luke... I don't see anything wrong with initiating but I like my heroines a little more on the timid side when it comes to sex and when I say that I mean that I like the hero to make the first move... I like to watch him chase and I love the build up of the seduction and that just didn't happen here.

Luke... well, Luke was hot but then again like I said before I like that whole man in a uniform that needs a little extra TLC but I have to say that even though he did have his reasons for not wanting anything more than a physical relationship I just didn't feel it.  Not that I didn't get it more of I just felt like it was made out to be a lot more than what it was and not to mention the rumors going around about him?  For some reason it down right pissed me off that he didn't even try to correct them, that he just let people believe what they wanted to believe when in all reality those rumors... especially the one about his ex-wife... were horrible to let people continue to believe and could quite possibly ruin a lot for him... and don't get me started on the fact that his Mom was still so close to his ex-wife.

Crap... Here I'm going on about what I didn't feel in the book and making you all think that it wasn't good when that is so far from the case.  I honestly could not put the book down... I had to know what was going to happen next... I had to make sure that Tessa and Luke would find the happiness they both deserve... and most importantly.... I HAD to see how her brothers would react to her dating Luke!

Good Girls Don't (Hqn) by Victoria Dahl really was a great read.  It was easy, light, had a few cute moments, and gave you that little somethin' somethin' to keep you coming back for more.  I really enjoy Victoria's writing style, one of my all time favorite LOL books with a hot as sin hero and some hot as hell erotic scenes is Talk Me Down... and maybe I was expecting something a little more along those lines with Good Girls Don't and I didn't get that with this read.... I did, however, get enough from Luke and Tessa's story to want to spend more time with the Donovan Siblings and considering that Jamie is up next... time spent with them will come sooner than later   

Happy Reading!

Double Clutch (A Brenna Blixen Novel #1) Review

Double Clutch (A Brenna Blixen Novel) by Liz Reinhardt.

Book description...
What happens when you fall in love with the perfect guy... twice... in one day?
Brenna Blixen spent her freshman year homeschooling in Denmark; now that she’s back in the States, she’s determined to make her sophomore year unforgettable. And by unforgettable, she imagined awesome classes, fun friendships, and maybe a little romance.
What she got was a whole lot of romance, and all at once.
The same day that dark, brooding Saxon Maclean charmed her with his killer good looks and whip-smart wit, Jake Kelly stole her breath away with his heart-wrenching smile and intelligent, thoughtful focus.
But Saxon is a proud player who makes it clear that he doesn’t know why he can’t get Brenna off of his mind and out of his system, and Jake’s sweet and humble attitude hides a secret past life that might be more darker and more complex than Brenna’s willing to handle.
Complicating the matter is the fact that Saxon and Jake were once best friends and are now arch-enemies... and the more Brenna finds out about their connection to each other, the more intrigued and worried she becomes.
Between keeping the peace with her lovingly over-protective parents, designing t-shirts for her high school’s rising punk band, keeping up her grades in both academic and technical high school, and running the track like a maniac, Brenna has enough to worry about with out juggling two guys who make her heart thud and drive her crazy all at once.
She has to make a choice. But how can she when giving her heart to one of them might mean breaking the other’s? 

Okay let me start off by giving a big virtual hug to Liz... She is amazing, sweet, funny, and I am so grateful to have "met" her.  I received an autographed copy of Double Clutch from Liz a while back and let me just tell you she sure did brighten my day... not just with an extremely amazing gift but with her amazing words of encouragement that had me smiling and tearing up a little!  Thank You Liz..... You're a special woman   

How many ways can I say that I absolutely ADORE Brenna?  She's smart, she's sweet, she's confident, and she is ready to face the world head on with her natural beauty and amazing personality.  I honestly could not get enough of her... I dearly wish that more girls could show the confidence the Brenna had, that they could embrace their inner beauty and own style without fear, and could just be themselves instead of trying to be what they think they should be to please their peers.  Brenna is the girl we all wish we were in High School.  

So now that Brenna is back in the US she is starting two new schools.... High School and Tech School.  Here is where is gets super fun and where as a reader I actually found myself arguing over who she should pick.... Saxon, NO! Jake.... NO! Saxon... No, Jake.  I seriously could not make up my mind.  Both of these boys were enticing in their own way and the only way I could settle the indecision in my head was to say I want them both... Saxon.... sigh.... he just oozed that natural sex appeal with his killer bad boy looks, the ability to have grown women blushing with a simple grin, and knowing just what to say to ultimately piss you off all while getting you all hot and bothered... Talk about Bad Boy Perfection!!!!!  Then you have Jake... I just wanted to put him in my pocket and keep him forever.... He has the bad boy past but has learned from his mistakes and is now focused on life, he is sugar sweet, and gorgeous beyond belief.  Who would you pick?  The Bad Boy that you know you will have lots of fun with or the Sweet boy that will melt your heart?

I couldn't decide... I mean I know who was better for Brenna in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship but at the same time I wasn't entirely sure of that decision... I couldn't decide if Brenna should go for the pure love or go for some life experiences.  It was clear that both Saxon and Jake cared deeply for Brenna and she cared deeply for both of them... even if she wasn't willing to admit for caring about Saxon.  What a tough situation to be in.... having to chose between two gorgeous boys both willing to shower you with love and affection... if it were me, I would have chosen both... why not get the best of both worlds.... Right?

So Jake and Brenna start dating while Saxon pines in the background for Brenna's time and attention... The love that grows between them is very special, it's very sweet, and it had me smiling nonstop because I could feel the emotions right along with Brenna...I could feel her love for Jake and I could see the love he has for her as well!  I absolutely LOVED how cautious Jake was about Brenna's experience... I understood her frustration but I honestly could not feel sorry for her because... WOW Jake was a gentleman about the whole thing.... and considering I was once an inexperienced teenage girl I wish that boys would have been that cautious with me because those situations are meant to be special.   He knew what he had with Brenna was special and he wanted every experience with her to be just that..... Special!  Even though they're young... their love is beautiful and you can't help but cheer them on as they head towards their happily ever after.

Double Clutch (A Brenna Blixen Novel) by Liz Reinhardt is a beautiful story with a love triangle that will have you second guessing yourself over who you'd pick.... who you think Brenna should choose.  Liz has a wonderful talent that should not be ignored... her writing style pulls you in and leaves you wanting more.  You can feel the emotions of the characters, see the scenery, and live the book as if you were there.  I definitely give Liz some major props and have to say I can not wait to read more of her work.... I can't wait to share my thoughts on Junk Miles with you and I can not wait to start reading Slow Twitch. 


Happy Reading!

Sempre (Forever) Review

Sempre (Forever) by JM. Darhower had me so entirely consumed that when it was over I was satisfied but upset... I wanted more, I still want more and that want is moving to needing more of this emotionally captivating story!!!

Book description...
This is a story about sacrifice... death... love... freedom. This is a story about forever. Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco had vastly different childhoods. Haven, a second-generation slave, grew up isolated in the middle of the desert, her days full of hard work and terrifying abuse. Carmine, born into a wealthy Mafia family, lived a life of privilege, never having to answer for anything he did.
Both now seventeen, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide, making them question everything they ever believed. Entangled in a web of secrets and lies, they learn that while different on the surface, they have more in common than anyone would think.
In a world full of chaos, where money and power rule, Haven and Carmine yearn to break free, but a string of events that started before either were born threatens to destroy them instead. Murder and betrayal are a way of life, and nothing comes without a price-- especially not freedom. How much will they have to sacrifice? Can they escape their pasts? And, most of all, what does it mean to be free? Not everything is as it seems, and no one can possibly come out unscathed, but maybe, just maybe, it’ll be worth it in the end.

I honestly can't even begin to describe HOW amazing this book was.  I was entirely engrossed in a way that had me still thinking about these characters in the middle of reading another book... well actually I've since read two books and still had these characters or their story out of my mind.  It was like The Sapranos with a little of the movie Taken thrown in ... meets Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster.  It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire 500+ pages... yes it was a long book but it certainly didn't feel long and I'm anxious for more... I'm anxious to see what will happen with these characters that have come to consume my every thought!  Thank you to all my Girls who recommended this book but a big Thank You to Gitte for going on and on about how amazing Carmine is ♥.

Haven is an absolute doll... I honestly enjoyed watching her becoming who she was supposed to be all along.  She goes from this very timid, scared girl to a young woman with confidence who is filled with love to give and even to receive. She moves to the DeMarco's home as a servant and is actually happy there because her previous home was horrible.  She was treated terribly by her old "Master".... emotionally and physically abused, starved, and most importantly robbed of her freedom.  But she didn't know any better because she grew up in that life... it was all she ever knew.  Moving to the DeMarco's house was scary for Haven because of how she was previously treated and because she didn't know that a "slave" could be treated differently..... The DeMarco's treated her fairly, even showed her kindness, even showed her what it's like to have friends and a family, and the best of all she learned what it's like to fall in love.

Colpo di fulmine.... is what Carmine experienced when Haven moved in with the DeMarco's.  I can't even begin to describe my feelings towards Carmine... at this point I don't even care that he was a 17 year old when the story began because... wow, all I can really come up with is wow.  He had that total bad boy thing going on, he used girls for one reason, he didn't treat anyone with respect,  he was selfish,  and he was reckless.... until he met Haven, until he saw something in her that he wanted... no, he needed.  He wanted to get to know her, he wanted to spend time with her, and for once in his life he didn't mind her being around or touching his things.  I don't know what it was about Carmine, but I couldn't get enough of him.  Watching him interact with Haven was touching... especially when he would begin to lose his temper and would either try and back track or would stumble through an apology because the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her in any way.

With his 18th birthday approaching Carmine is left having to make a decision about his future... a decision that isn't so easy to make now that Haven is in his life.  Everything was always so clear until.... La sua bella ragazza.... his beautiful girl, entered his life and turned it upside down... in a good way, a very good way....  She helped him begin to heal from the emotional wounds he's carried for years, she made him laugh and smile,  and most of all she made him want to be a better person... she made him want to be a better man for her.  He didn't understand his feeling for her right away but he knew there was something about her that he couldn't get off of his mind and it certainly didn't help that she seemed scared of him.  So he took the time to ease into her life and get to know her.  When they share their first kiss... it's explosive for both of them because it's technically a first kiss for both of them.  Carmine may have used girls but he never kissed them... never... and that could only mean one thing......

"Ti amo tantissimo, mia bella ragazza.  Per sempre"

What is it with me and foreign languages... the endearments....sigh... they get to me, they make me smile, they sometimes give me shivers... they're beautiful and I'm a total sucker for a man who uses them... especially when I'm totally crushing on them and I was totally crushing on Carmine!  There is something about a bad boy that just pulls at my heart, they always have these reasons for remaining emotionally detached from not only women but from everyone... it's the dream of wanting to be that girl that makes a bad boy WANT to change his ways.... WANT to become a better man because of her.  It always sucks me in and has me cheering for them both... cheering for their happily ever after!

This is another one of those reviews where I really want to get a lot of my chest and share all the beauty, the sadness, the heart break, and the love with you.... but there isn't much I can share with out giving anything away.  This is one of those books where I want my fellow book lovers to have the opportunity to experience all of the beauty, sadness, heart break, and love that is all wrapped up in this extremely consuming, beautiful story!


Sempre (Forever) by JM Darhower was an absolutely FANTASTIC read... so fantastic that I'm ready to read it again... so fantastic that I couldn't concentrate on the two books I read after I finished Sempre.... so fantastic that I am praying, I have my fingers crossed, and I will beg if I have to... that there will be another book, that some of the unanswered questions will be answered and that we will get the chance to spend more time with the beautiful Carmine and Haven!  Make sure you check out Sempre... I hope you love it as much as I do!!!

Happy Reading!

Slammed and Point of Retreat Giveaway Winners....

Like I said in the Reviews of both Slammed and Point of Retreat I did this giveaway as a pay it forward kind of thing.  I was honored when I won an autographed copy of one of Colleen's books and when I emailed her and told her I couldn't pick which one because I loved both of them she surprised me by sending both... YES BOTH!!!! How awesome is she?  Not only that but I've started to get to know her a little and let me tell you... She is amazeballs fantastic.... I butterflying adore her.  She's down to earth, she's hilarious, and she is sweet as pie.... On top of all that she has got an amazing talent that I hope you will all check out!!!!!

With that said let me announce the first winner who will NOT receive an ebook of Slammed as I'm sure she has read her own book numerous times but instead will receive a special gift from me.....
                     Colleen Hoover!!!!!!

Now for the Winners who will receive and ebook of Slammed.....

                                                                                                              Sali  & Ivie

And the Winners who will receive an ebook of Point of Retreat.......
                   Becca Miller & Natasha B.


Congratulations to the lucky Winners!!!!!!  Make sure you send me your email addresses or in Colleen's case I will need your address sweet lady.  Please email them to me at Lorisbookblog@gmail.com

Knight (The Unfinished Hero Series #1) Review

Knight (The Unfinished Hero Series) by Kristen Ashley is another amazing KA treat... mouth watering hero and a sweet but strong heroine that will leave you craving more!!!

Book description...
Anya Gage has learned that to get anything good in life, you have to work for it. She has no expectations, no dreams.
Then she finds herself at a party where she doesn’t want to be and she meets Knight.
Knight Sebring knows who he is, what he wants and what he likes. And he gets it. But he never expected something as sweet as Anya Gage to wander into his bedroom during a party he did not expect to be having to borrow his phone.
Knight tries to leave Anya to the life she deserves of white picket fences and a man who watches football on Sundays – good, normal and clean. But when Anya comes to his nightclub and finds herself in a situation, he knows someone has to look after her, he can’t fight it anymore and he decides that man will be him.
Knight teaches Anya that, just as with the bad, in life you should also expect the good. And he teaches her this by giving it to her.
But Knight has a dark past and just as he desires Anya for exactly who she is, he fears when she finds out exactly the man he has become and always intends to be, she’ll leave him for good, normal and clean.


As a member of Team Action (a name given to us by Kristen herself), I have decided that I could not do this review alone so I requested that my Team Action girls help me out here and throw in their opinions too.  So let me introduce you to Team Action..... 

Jenny, Nikki, Gitte, Sali, Shelley, and Lori. 

About Team Action... It all started as a crazy book club and ended up turning into an amazing bond between women all over the world.  We talk daily and have regular video chats, we all come from different backgrounds, and willingly teach each other new words whether they are in the dictionary or not... LOL ... we've become super close and I don't think any of us would know what to do with out each other.


About Knight.... (Previously posted by Nikki on Goodreads)  KA pulled a swifty on us and allowed us the amazing opportunity that we've been able to now bring out into the light. We feel honoured and humbled to be chosen to represent KA fans from all over.

Instead of doing a typical review we have decided to do a Q&A type review... We hope you enjoy reading our responses to this book, we are all obsessed KA fans and took this job to beta read for her seriously just like we look at Knight as if he were a real person... well of course he is... Right?... Right!!!   Hold on my friends because Team Action is reporting for duty....


1.  How do you feel about KA exploring more of an erotic avenue?

Gitte: I knew she could do it because her "Yummy" scenes are HOT but could be so much more so about bloody time. She writes them so well and Knight...WOW ...yep KA DID IT!!!!

Lori: I had all the confidence in the world she could turn up the heat in what she's already given us... I mean the vision of Ty in the shower is burned into my brain... CAM!!!! 

Nikki: I loved it. I totally got her apprehension about going down that path though.... I know (as all us girls do) that she didn't want to alienate her readers by going more erotic. But to me it feels like a natural progression. The sexy times in her romance being what they are (well written, hot, exciting, pant-worthy), I knew that she could take it that step further. I think in one of my phone convo's with Jenny we had actually agreed that we felt that KA had almost gotten to that more erotica feel with the sex scenes in Games of the Heart. Mike was SERIOUSLY hot in that one. 

Shelley: Finally, YES,  she is going to give it to us, because you know she wants to, and I/WE always wanted her to do it. So Yeah...totally awesome that she did , and did it so well.

Sali: Ummmm.... YAY!!!!!

Jenny: I was beyond excited when Kit mentioned that she wanted to enter the erotic romance genre.  I felt she always intended to go there but maybe didn’t have the confidence to do it.  Each book was getting closer and closer and in this book she proves that she always had it in her, because, let me tell you,  she nailed it.  This book is HOT!

2. What did you love about Anya?

Sali: Her down to earth attitude, her work ethic, and her deep understanding and acceptance of Knight

Jenny:  I just adored Anya!  She reminded me a lot of Lexie.  She was compassionate, caring, nuturing and just an all round beautiful soul.  She knew her mind and she didn’t beat about the bush.  If she had something to say she communicated (yay for Anya!)  and she was the perfect partner for Knight.  Their relationship was just beautiful (and freaking hot!!!!)

Lori: Everything.... this is one heroine where I did not have any complaints, she didn't get on my nerves and I loved how she treated everyone... like they mattered.  She didn't have the greatest upbringing but yet she still matured into a woman I would love to get to know, a woman I would love to be friends with!!!

 Shelley: A heroine who is accepting, understanding and only has love to give, You cant help but not love her. She has none of the annoying self-centred issues that so many other female characters have. She is the light to his dark.

Nikki: Ooh I really loved Anya from the first page. Standing in the corner at a party that she didn't really want to be at and spotting Knight walking into the apartment like a volatile stormcloud? Nom. It was like Joe or Luke all over again. Anyhoots, I'm complete off track here..... I'm just saying that I identified with her from the very beginning. She was unassuming and sweet. She'd been dealt a pretty rough hand throughout her life and worked hard to get out of that. She didn't expect handouts or a free ride. I liked all of this about her because it proved that she had a strong sense of self. And I loved that she didn't whinge or create drama. And she accepted Knight for who he was.

Gitte: She was open, honest, beautiful, sweet and knew her own mind. She wasn't afraid of going for what she wanted and she loved Knight despite his "flaws".....I LOVED Anya and how Anya loved in return...Oh and she calls her round tummy her "Buddha Belly"....CUTE!!!!

“Did you wear the red for me?”
For some reason I felt timid suddenly but still I answered, “It’s your favorite color.”
I was rewarded immediately. His face got soft, his eyes got dark and his beautiful lips whispered, “Baby.” - Ok I cried a little bit here!!

3.  What did you love about Knight?

Jenny: Oh god Knight!!!! Where the hell do I start!  This guy had it all.......... Hot, Alpha, no nonsense, says it like it is – an absolute stud muffin between the sheets. He loves Anya unconditionally – he verbalises  and he’s as possessive as all hell  – wow I just freaking LOVED this guy!!!!!!!  He can put his expensive shoes under my bed any day!  I’ve come to the conclusion I’m a fickle tart where KA’s men are concerned, but Knight is up there as one of my faves. 

Sali: Umm...hello?? Fucking hot as hell control freak who fucks like a god.  What's not to luv?

Lori: Yeah!  Totally what Jenny and Sali said!!!  There is always something about KA's men that get my attention like no other... they are pure alpha, know what they want and go after it... in this situation Knight was trying to protect Anya (and you'll understand once you've read the book) but I found that hotter than anything else... he wanted her, but he thought she deserved more than she'd get with him... HOT!

Nikki:Jesus, what DIDN'T I love about Knight? Okay so to start with you sort of think he's a bit rough around the edges, mysterious and extremely alpha. That's pretty much spot on because what you see is what you get with Knight. I loved THAT about him. Unapologetic, demanding, HOT. And the feelings he had for Anya were just divine. You could so see the magic there. And the sexy times? Jesus. I had to read this with a fan going at all times. I ADORED the erotic flavoured sex scenes in this book. They were honest and hit a secret spot deep inside of me. I loved Knight and Anya's interactions in those scenes... perfect.

Shelley: Well he's a Kristen Ashley Alpha with extras....enough said!!

 Gitte: Absolutely EVERYTHING...Knight has it ALL. Pure unedited alpha HOTNESS. He has style, class, he is protective, possessive, shows pure aggression and he is the ultimate fantasy...

"He jerked my hand as he turned and I started falling. He caught me, swinging me up in his arms as I cried out in shock and grabbed on like I did the night he carried me over the coats."

OMG he sweeps her up and carries her *swoon*

“You… do not… leave your house… dressed like that… without being on the arm of a man like me,” ... “A man like you?” I whispered......“A man who’d shoot another man in the face he even looked at you. Yeah, Anya, a man… like… me.” - TOTAL badass alpha male protective comment!!!

"Your face is a face that launches a thousand hard-ons" - Whoa total CAM!!! hahahaha

“No, Anya, no fucked up shit outta that sweet mouth. I’m not gonna listen to it and I’ll work my balls off, I don’t care if it takes decades, to make you stop even thinkin’ it. Instead, you gotta know that every second I spend with you it becomes more and more clear you were made for me. A gift I don’t deserve, didn’t earn but I’m not giving it back.”

- Seriously KA...he is PERFECT!!!

4.  At what point did you swoon over Knight?

Gitte: He had me from the beginning when he sweeps her up and carries her over the coats...but it was cemented when he said:

“Wars fought over a face like this,” he murmured like he was talking to himself, my heart stopped beating and his thumbs moved lightly across my cheeks. “A man would work himself into the ground for it, go down to his knees to beg to keep it, endure torture to protect it, take a bullet for it,” his eyes came to mine, “poison his brother to possess a face like this.”

- OMFG KA... PURE GENIUS...he showed the romantic side after all the control!!

Nikki: My point-of-first-swoon was when Knight lifted Anya up in his arms and walked her over the pile of coats in the hallway. That did it for me.... I was a goner

Lori: Def the coats... That whole alpha male taking charge of something is a major turn on.

Sali: OMG Chapter 5.... Wars were fought over a face like this  

Shelley: When he looks intense and says "Come here"  Eeeeeek Definitely when
he picked Anya up over the coats……swaaaaaooon – you will all see what I
mean!

Jenny: Definitely when he picked Anya up over the coats……swaaaaaooon – you will all see what I mean!

5. How did you feel about Knight's sexual endearment for Anya?

Nikki:I... LOVED it. It was one of those things that I completely identified with in regards to my response above of the sexual stuff hitting that secret spot inside of me. I loved the sexual endearment; I TOTALLY got it, but can understand how some people could feel trepidation about it. It was something that worked for Knight and (after a little while) Anya, though. And it totally worked for me.

Sali: Fucking Hotballs!!!!!!

Shelley: At first...nuh uh...no way!! I am from a different back ground to my USA girls and really didnt get it. A had to cringe, then we discussed this endearment and once I understood the different meanings and uses, I re-read those scenes with more acceptance. I have to say that in no way detracts from the scenes...well not for me, not anymore.

Lori: It was like total CAM and then a major BAM... Then I had to wonder... does KA have a microphone in my bedroom or something.. yeah I'm a dirty bitch ;)

Jenny: One of my TA girls accidentally mentioned the endearment to me before I got to it in the book and I actually sighed, and not in a good way.  I thought this was something that might turn me off the characters as it’s not something I have ever personally liked.  Well, I should have had more faith in KA.  How wrong I was and how much I’ve come to love those bits of the book. Knight and Anya have a very special relationship and the endearment enables the reader to grasp that through this.  Can I say that never, ever did I think I would find this term hot, but KA managed to do that for me and it is actually one of the things in the book that made me blush when reading it, it was THAT hot! 

Gitte: At first I wasn't so sure. I've never heard it used in that context before. However, it didn't take me long to completely CAM every time he used it and it became one of the HOTTEST things I've ever heard because of the intensity of Knight and the way this endearment is meant!!

There ya go my friends... Team Action totally loved Knight as I'm sure all of you will.... The relationship between Knight and Anya was beautiful, it pulled at all of our hearts, it kept us wanting more, and most of all it proved what a natural KA is when it comes to giving her readers a fantastic story and leave them wanting more!

I know we all feel the same about Kristen... we absolutely love her not only as one of our all time favorite authors but as a person and as a friend!  She's down to earth, funny, and genuinely cares what about her readers!   She's beautiful inside and out and we all thank her from the bottom of our hearts for choosing us to be a part of this amazing journey she is taking... We ♥ you Kit!!!!!

A portion of the Acknowledgments from Knight....  




Definitely check out Knight (The Unfinished Hero Series) ... I'm sure you will fall in love just as we did!

Team Action Over and Out!!!!

Happy Reading!