Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6) Review

Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor) by Jill Shalvis

Book description...
LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT.
Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…
With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family–until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…

Wow... THANK YOU to the person who created Netgalley, the amazing place where authors and publishers post Advanced Readers Copies of their books for honest reviews...  I absolutely LOVED this book.... every little thing about it... well except maybe all of the chocolate quotes because I have to say when I get on the scale if it's any higher than it was a week or two ago I'm so blaming Jill... the quotes were funny, they were cute, but they made me crave chocolate... and not JUST chocolate.. chocolate cupcakes, chocolate candy bars, and my biggest weakness of all.... white chocolate.  But I guess I really can't complain... since I got so much chocolate while reading Forever and a Day, I was in a fantastic mood  

Grace worked herself right up to one of my all time favorite heroines.  She was sweet, loyal, funny, and had a heart made of pure gold.  She had insecurities but they're not your typical insecurities... she's lead the majority of her life trying to please everyone else and now that she is jobless... due to a very big jerk of an almost boss... she's in Lucky Harbor trying to find a new job and taking any kind of side job she can get.  But the problem is, she's not really sure that the plan she had is really what she wants... so in other words she's at her very own crossroads... and when the sexy Dr. Josh Scott walks into her life when he needs a dog walker... her life choices become that much more difficult.

Josh is absolutely amazing... in every way possible.  He's an extremely hard working Dr., he's been taking care of his sister... who is paralyzed after an accident that claimed their parents lives, and he's raising his son... alone, because his Mother wants nothing to do with him.  In all reality, his situation was quite sad, but he's extremely calm and seems to take everything in stride... or like his sister claims, he's a machine.  He's got decisions to make himself and the biggest... and quite frankly the hardest... decision he needed to make, almost became easy once he realized he could really have more time with his family, and especially more time with the beautiful Grace.  He saw Grace for who she was, not what her family wanted her to be.  It was sweet and in all honesty made me fall for him even more.

Grace quickly became the rock that Josh never had... he becomes dependent on her for things she never actually agreed to do and he quickly realizes that she is something special.... someone to be cherished... and most of all someone that he loves and wants in his life forever.  Grace finds herself thrust into Josh's life and actually enjoying it.  She bonds with his sister in a way that no one has ever even tried because she doesn't take offense to her attitude and doesn't put up with it either.  She also bonds with Josh's son Toby in an extremely special way.  Toby, who is 5, barks instead of talks... I have to say that it's all part of the age, I have a 6 year old who taught my 2 year old to bark all the time, actually she also taught him to pant... like a puppy... sigh.  Anyway, Toby barks, and nothing Josh has tried has stopped it.. so when he comes home and hears his son actually speaking real words to Grace he asks her how she did it... and is pretty much in awe of her. 

I have to say that even knowing Josh says he fell for Grace before then, I can't help but think that the moment he came home and saw the changes Grace had made by just being Grace, is when Josh got hit with cupids bow and finally understood what true love was.  She quickly worked her way into his heart and there was nothing she or anyone could say to make him want to work her out of it.  Not to mention they had a chemistry that was so undeniable that you can feel it from the moment he rescues her in the ocean... there was no way these two would be able to fight it.

Their story is sweet and reminds you of how crazy life can be, but also how sweet the small things are.  It reminded me that it's easy to take someone for granted... especially those we love most, but to make sure to take the time to thank them for being... well, them!  To thank the ones we love for loving us so unconditionally that they will do what we need without being asked... or even without us realizing that's what we needed.  This is exactly what Grace did for Josh, she made him see that he really did need someone to care for him instead of him always taking charge and caring for everyone else.  Josh made Grace realize that life is what you make it and in the end it's your own happiness that matters... not what someone else wants you to be, because at the end of the day when it comes to love, no matter what occupation you choose or where you choose to live your life... your loved ones will always be happy... because what you're doing makes you happy.

Let's talk about the chocolate quotes... I loved them and I hated them...  I don't think my figure can handle more chocolate quotes, considering by chapter 5 I was craving chocolate so bad I raided my husbands stash... something I never do.... then there was the incident at Walgreen's when my kids and I stopped to pick some stuff up.... we hit the candy aisle... bad idea!!!  So there I am with my 6 year old who is begging for M&M's and my 2 year old who is reaching for anything he can get his hands on, when I get a glimpse of those Hershey's Cookies and Cream candy bars... and guess what?  The king sized ones... were 3 for $3... Yeah, my mouth totally started watering and then I remembered one of the chocolate quotes and thought... hey, if Jill's quote is telling me white chocolate is one of the 4 food groups then I'm all over it.....plus since it's a cookies and cream candy bar it not only has white chocolate but regular chocolate too...

"There are four basic food groups, plain chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate"

Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor) by Jill Shalvis was an absolutely delightful read.  It was sweet, funny, easy, and at times quite steamy.  I've read a few of Jill's other books and I have to say that I enjoyed them... but not like I enjoyed Lucky Harbor.  The only thing I regret, is that I have yet to read the other 5 books in this series, which I plan to rectify... immediately.  Her writing style is addictive, funny, and kept me interested until the very end.  I look forward to reading more of her work... especially more Lucky Harbor... I only hope that they lack all the chocolate quotes....

Interview with Author Frankie Rose

 Frankie Rose, the Author of the amazing novel Sovereign Hope took the time to sit down with me and answer a few questions.  Check out my review of Sovereign Hope Here and make sure to check out the book... it's an amazing story of a girl who is meant to change the world for the immortals.  The way Frankie portrayed the immortals in this captivating story was different than what I've seen before.. it was extremely interesting and kept me wanting more... so much more that I'm already anticipating Eternal Hope (Book 2).  Sovereign Hope is expected to be released on July 1, 2012.



Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to read Sovereign Hope!  I'm excited that you're taking the time to sit down with me today to talk about being an author and a little about Sovereign Hope.

Can you tell me a little about yourself? 

    Hey, Lori! So I guess I was in my early twenties when I realised I wanted to write books. I'd loved writing poetry for a long time before that, and I kind of by-passed the idea of becoming an author because I was more interested in impacting people with short, powerful pieces than sitting down and writing 120,000 words. I just didn't ever think I'd be able to do that, either. 

But then I realised that you can reach more people through book writing, and the journey can be so much more fulfilling if you take someone on an adventure with you in a novel. It's a very special feeling when someone tells you that they've enjoyed your work and they lost themselves in a world you created. 

I can't say that any one person inspired me to become a writer. If anything it was all the amazing authors that I've read endlessly over the year, who gave me so much from their writing. I wanted to be able to do the same thing!

I know every author is different... some just let the story talk to them and some write an outline, where do you find your inspiration for the story? 

I get inspiration that generally starts off as a little seed of an idea in my mind, and I like to sit down and brainstorm from that idea initially. I like to think about events that would be linked to that initial thought, and who would be involved. What type of people they would be, and what their relationships with one other would be like.

Once I have all of that down, I definitely like to plot the story chapter by chapter. This gives me a great opportunity to really get to know my characters before hand, and also prevents me from getting side tracked by unplanned events, etc. It makes for efficient writing that has purpose instead of pure rambling!!

Are any your characters.... *clears throat* like Daniel.... based on any real life people?

Alas, no... He is purely a figment of my imagination... I am currently trying to find the perfect person to be Daniel on the cover of Eternal Hope, though, so maybe he is out there! Anyone who has read the book and has a firm picture of Daniel in their mind can submit a pick of their own to the Operation: Find Daniel page on my website!  

What is your all time favorite book?

I get asked this question a lot and it's really hard to answer. My favourite book depends entirely on the day I'm having and my mood. I love American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and I also have a space reserved in my heart for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Recently, I read Slammed by Colleen Hoover, who is an awesome indie author, and that book was fantastic. I highly recommend it. 

Do you listen to music while you write?  If so, what helps you maintain your focus? 

No way! ha ha... I can't listen to anything. I have a very nasty habit of typing what I'm hearing, so that could end badly, especially with some of the music I listen to! I do have music run through my head when I'm imagining how scenes play out, though. It's usually epic music like Florence and The Machine or sometimes Rage Against the Machine. Both machines... Occasionally, it'll be something chilled out and relaxed for the more intense scenes, like The Heart and the Hand or Bon Iver. I love Bon Iver. 

If you could pick one or two songs to describe Sovereign Hope what would it be?

Ahhh, wow. Hum. I'd like to say Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine, and Derezzed by Daft Punk from the Tron:Legacy soundtrack they did. I don't know whether anyone else will ever have Daft Punk playing through their heads when they read my book, but I imagined it a lot. Maybe that's just because I LOVE Daft Punk, ha ha... 

The other day, I was flicking through my Ipod and a song by Bat For Lashes came on, called Daniel. My ears immediately perked up because of the name, and the lyrics are spookily related to the book. I'm not sure about the sound of the song for Sovereign Hope, but, like I said, the lyrics were eery! Check it out!

Who is your favorite Character in Sovereign Hope and why? 

I have to say Daniel. I'm sorry, people are probably sick to death of authors saying their male protagonists, but it's not because he's hot. It's because there are so many qualities to him, and because he's been seriously screwed over in the past- more than people will know just from reading Sovereign Hope- and I'm a little protective over him. He has this facade that he's constructed to keep himself from being crushed any further, and that makes it hard for him to open up to anyone, including Farley. 

I wish I could ask you more questions about the book, but I'm afraid to give anything away to readers... but I will ask this...Sovereign Hope has an amazing take on immortals... one I haven't seen before.  Can you tell me what inspired you to write a paranormal book?

I read a lot of other paranormal books because they were recommended to me by friends, and some of them were soooo good, but for the most part they were all about vampires and werewolves. I wanted to do something totally different, or at least try for a twist on something new, anyway. That's where the Soul Reavers came from. I wanted them to be slightly more realistic than vampires, in that they lived off a person's actual life force instead of their blood. That's always confused me- why blood could be a sustaining factor to an immortal- when it's just another part of the body. The human soul is what is essentially eternal, and that is what the Reavers steal. 

Thanks again for joining me today and for the chance to read your amazing novel.  I look forward to reading Eternal Hope.  I can't wait to find out what will happen next!

It's been lovely talking with you, Lori! Thanks for having me. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of Eternal Hope, too. All we need to do is find the guy to go on the cover!!

Check out Frankie's Website 

I have to say that Frankie is such a sweet woman who is extremely creative and witty.  I look forward to more of her work and wish her nothing but the best as an author and in life.  Thanks again Frankie!

Happy Reading!

Sovereign Hope (Hope Series #1) Review

Sovereign Hope: Book One in The Hope Series (Volume 1) by Frankie Rose

Book description...
Everyone has a soul
Some are just worth more than others
Farley Hope was seventeen when her mother disappeared. In the last six months not much has changed, except that her eighteenth birthday came and went and still no sign of Moira. Her life is just as complicated as it always was. Since her father died in a car crash before she was even born, she’s officially parentless, and to top it all off she’s still suffering from the hallucinations. Mind-splitting, vivid hallucinations- the kind prone to induce night terrors and leave you whimpering under your covers like a baby.
The last thing on her mind is boys. Farley is on break from St. Judes’ when she meets Daniel. It’s not some casual run in at a party, or even a blind date with friends, though. Daniel is the guy following her in his 1970′s Dodge Charger; the guy standing at her window in the LA lunch hour traffic, trying to persuade her to leave everything behind and follow him. And he's hot as all hell.
The moment Farley lays eyes on Daniel, everything changes. He is cold and withdrawn, but there are cracks in his harsh veneer- cracks that betray the secrets he is trying so hard to hide. Farley is drawn into a world that will shake apart everything she thought she ever knew. There are truths out there that she must learn: that a person’s soul is their only real currency, and there are people who would do anything to take hers; that loving someone can hurt so much more than hating them; but, most importantly, when your future is predestined, there is little you can do to change it.
Farley Hope is prophesied.
Her coming has been awaited for hundreds of years.
She is destined to end the tyranny of the Soul Reavers.
To do so she must die.

I received Sovereign Hope from the super sweet Frankie Rose as a request for an honest review... and that is exactly what you're going to get... but I have to warn you, I was so blown away by the creativity and Frankie's take on immortals that I'm not sure how much of this will exactly make sense... I don't want to give anything away and I want to try and give this wonderful book the praises it deserves!

Farley is a beautiful young girl.  She's funny and sweet despite the worry she has faced with the disappearance of her mother.  Farley hasn't had an easy life... she has suffered from hallucinations, headaches, dizzy spells, and now she is about to face so much more.  I felt for her on so many levels because she had to put her trust in the hands of complete strangers.  One stranger who kept appearing at odd times, mostly when she is in danger, and another stranger who had an extremely welcoming smile but seemed a bit crazy with all her talk about the immortals.  As she puts her trust in these two strangers she begins to have feelings for one of them... feelings that confuse her, because it seems like just the sight of her has him in a constant bad mood.


Daniel... oh, Daniel... how I wish I could have figured you out a little better.  I understood him and the situation he was in and yet I didn't.  His moods seemed to be as unpredictable as the weather and yet he held a sad look in his eyes that had Farley wanting to reach out to him as a way of comfort but that just seemed to make him angrier... at her.  There are small glimpses into Daniel's P.O.V.... and let me tell you, I looked forward to those.  It's fascinating how these authors figure out a way to give you just enough to make your curiosity grow just short of an obsession... and then when you get a bigger glimpse into the character or better yet, you get a little of their P.O.V. where they're actually talking about their feelings... it's like you've hit the mother load... yet oddly, you still want more.  That is what Daniel did for me, Frankie gave me just enough that should have satisfied me, but of course, I want more of him... I want more of his thoughts.... I want more of.... oops, I'm so not going to give it away!


Then, there is Agatha... she is super sweet, she's got this motherly but big sister all in one vibe about her.  I couldn't help but love her and the way she obviously cared for not only Daniel, Aldan (I'll get to him in a second), but also Farley.  She seemed to have hope that Daniel didn't... hope in something (well okay numerous somethings that all kind of play into each other in the long run) that just had me voicing my own hope right along with her!  I have unanswered questions about her too and hopefully those will be answered in book two which I am already anxious for... for quite a few reasons.  


The one character that I absolutely loved, he was interesting, and captivating, I just loved Alden... loved him to the point that I was devastated when he ******!  He was lively, he was a changed man who wanted to do the right thing... even if that meant breaking a promise he made.  The best part of him was how everything that was so genuinely good about this man all revolved around Daniel.. and that just made me care for both of them that much more.


Now as much as I would absolutely love to tell you about the story, I just can't... Yes, you got it.. I'm going to give you my little "I can't give any spoilers" speech.  I have good reason for doing that with this one too... There are things that happen between these characters that you have to experience, you have to get your first impression and then cast your judgement before you either prove yourself right or wrong when the truth begins to revel itself.  But I will tell you....there were so many things in this book that would happen or that would be said and I would find myself stopping just to think... "Wow, what an interesting way to put this"  Paranormal books are so popular these days... yet most of them seem to be so similar that you almost feel as if you're reading the same book... that is not the case here.  Frankie, has taken paranormal to a whole new level of interesting.  Her writing style is addicting and some of the quotes, that I debated sharing but realized they may give away too much?  Yeah, they were down right beautiful! 


Sovereign Hope: Book One in The Hope Series (Volume 1) by Frankie Rose is a fast paced, interesting, and consuming read.  It kept me on the edge of my seat... and up past my bedtime. I look forward to reading more of Frankie's work... but most importantly I look forward to reading Eternal Hope and finding out what happens next with all of these amazing characters!  


Happy Reading!

Behind the Scenes Interview with Kellan Kyle

So, one of my amazing girls, Jenny Aspinall, got the opportunity to interview Kellan and Griffin from S.C. Stephens Thoughtless Series.  Because she is such an awesome friend and I totally bribed her with baseball tickets, she let me join her.   So with that, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet Kellan and Griffin from the D-Bags.  I tried to keep my mouth shut as much as possible since this was Jenny’s interview and I was just there as moral support but you all know how sometimes I just can’t help myself... not to mention this IS Kellan and Griffin (sigh, yes, Griffin).  Here is a snippet of the interview in Jenny's Point of View  (and some behind the scenes banter)-  I hope you enjoy.......

★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ 

I’m just sitting in a hotel room waiting for them to arrive and I have to say, I am beyond nervous. 

Oh my, Kellan has just walked in - (just for the girls) he's wearing faded blue jeans which are sitting on his hips, a white tee shirt and......no shoes!  Omigod, my cleverly masked control is slipping because Kiera is with him and I am in awe.
She is absolutely beautiful.  Kiera and Kellan are so stunning, they leave you breathless.
Griffin, large as life walks in, drops a few expletives, gives me a bear hug and sits next to them.

Jenny: *Shaking her head at Lori & stage whispers* Why are you adjusting your cleavage.... again?
Lori:    Are you kidding?  Look at them, they’re hot.
Jenny: *Looks over at Kellan and her jaw drops to her chest*
Lori:  Jenny... Jenny, close  your mouth honey *reaches over, with her hand on Jenny’s chin and closes her mouth.*  You’re drooling babe... deep breaths!

Jenny:     Hi everyone thanks for taking the time out of your tour to talk to us.  There are so many      questions to ask, I don't know where to start.  Kiera it's so nice to meet you, this is unexpected but I'm so happy you're here
Kiera:     (Blushing) I...can't believe I'm here either. (Looks over at Kellan) I was told we were going out to eat.
Kellan:     I said I had to make a quick pit stop first
Kiera:     You didn't mention that your "pit stop" was an interview. I thought we were just going to get your shoes back from Matt. (Looks confused) Why does Matt have your shoes anyway?
Kellan:     (Glares over at Griffin) Because some nimrod thought it was funny to chuck 'em over the balcony
Griffin:     (Smiling ear to ear) And it was funny. Did you see that tiny little dog peeing on one?
Kellan:     You're officially uninvited from dinner, Griff.
Griffin:     No way, I'm coming with whether you want me to or not. I'm fucking starving.
Kiera:     I apologize in advance for Griffin



Jenny:     Kellan, can I ask you what bands influence your music and what you’re listening to at the     moment?
Kellan:     Oh, wow, that's a tough one for me. I'm a lover of all music-- (Griffin interrupts) Even polka?
Kellan:     (Ignoring Griffin) I grew up with classic rock---AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd (yay!!)---    but I'm a huge fan of Linkin Park (yay), Hinder, Papa Roach, Seether. I'm easy to please.
Griffin:     Yep, that's what they say.

Jenny:          Griffin/Kellan, what is your favourite song of all time?
Griffin:     "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails. It's my theme song.
Kellan::     You have a theme song...really?
Griffin:     Doesn't everybody? (Eyes Kellan up and down) Yours should be "I suck and Griffin's the Man" 
Kellan:     (Sighing) Why did I invite you along?
Griffin:     Because, like I said, I'm the Man
Kellan:     God, this is going to be a long interview.

Jenny::      Do you see yourselves doing a world tour down the track and more specifically, would you come to Perth (please say yes) if so, be sure to bring The Boss, I owe her a Vodka and you     know she’s addicted to Tim Tams!
Kellan:     Oh yeah, we're definitely heading down under!
Griffin:     Dude, you just said down under. (Smirks) I was just there an hour ago.
Kiera:     Griffin! God, you're disgusting
Kellan:     Anyway, yes, at some point we plan on visiting Australia, among other countries.
Griffin:     (Snorts) Down under
Lori:     *Looks over at Jenny*  Do you see why I love him?
Jenny:  *Shakes her head at Lori...again* I thought you were happily married?
Lori:       I am... we have one of those list things... you know a free pass kind of thing.  D has Megan Fox and I just happen to have Griffin
Jenny:  Why did I let you come again?

Jenny:     Kellan, would you get another tattoo and if so where? Griffin same question to you.
Kellan:     No, there's nothing else I want on me
Griffin:     I think I'm going to get a junk tatt
Lori:       *Looks over at Jenny and whispers* Now that I’d like to see... Now, do you see why I love him?
Kiera:     Classy
Griffin:     What? It's awesome. You'll only get to see all of it if I really like you. (Wiggles eyebrows suggestively)
Kiera:     (To Kellan) Can you leave him at home next time?
Kellan:     It's like you can read my mind

Jenny:      Kellan, where did you get the idea for the notes you left Kiera when you went on tour last                   time?
Kellan:     I...just...
Griffin:     (Smacks Kellan's arm) You left her love notes? Dude! Should I grab Kiera's purse     before we head out so you can get your balls back?
Kellan:     (Ignoring Griffin) I just wanted to make sure she knew how I felt
Jenny:  *Shares a knowing sweet look and sigh with Lori*
Kiera:     (Kisses his shoulder) It was very sweet - (these two are just adorable)

Jenny:      Kiera, did you just melt when you kept finding those notes (I know the whole female     population did)
Kiera:     (Turning bright red) Wow, these questions are turning really personal. Um, (Bites lip) yeah, of course. Who wouldn't? (Griffin raises one hand while pretending to jack off with the other)

Jenny:    Griffin, are you excited at the prospect of becoming a father and do you have any advice for other 'would be' fathers out there?
Griffin:     Uh, yeah-- ( Sorry, Lori’s clearing her throat to get Griffin’s attention.  She has a gift for    Griffin.  Griffin’s just opening it. Wow, this is so awkward. It’s a pair of knickers!)   Why does she have to encourage him?)
Griffin:     Fuck yeah, awesome!
Lori: *Smiles over suggestively at Griffin and gives him a saucy wink*
Jenny: *Looks at Lori with wide eyes*  Are you kidding me?
Lori:  What?  They’re just a pair of panties.  I hear that Rock God’s *Smiles at Griffin* love to collect them
Jenny: *Shakes her head*

(Lori and Griffin are having some sort of sign language conversation – she just wants to ask a couple of questions – I’ll have to let her or we’ll never get this finished.  Go ahead Lori,  if you must!)

Lori      Kiera - I'm sure being on the road with the guys, you're seeing and hearing a lot     of "interesting" things. So I'm curious to know, as an author, are you finding a lot of     inspiration?
Kiera:     More than I ever thought possible. (Smiles over at Kellan) I'm actually the most inspired when I watch him on stage. He's...something else. (sigh....)

Lori:      Kellan - When it comes to writing a song... what or who is your biggest inspiration?
Kellan:     (Looks down) Uh, for my earlier stuff, it was just life in general, the ups and the downs.     (Looks back at Kiera) I think it's pretty obvious who has been inspiring me lately, though     (I think I just fainted!)
Lori:     *Looks over at Jenny* OMG.  These two are so cute!

Griffin:     God, if this gets any sappier, I'm so outta here.
Lori: *Blows Griffin a kiss* Griffin, you ever want me to interview you.... in private.. I’ll make sure it’s far from sappy *Winks*
Jenny: For heavens sake Lori, you are something else.
Lori:   What?  I was just telling him if he wants his own interview sometime that I would love to do    it.
Jenny: Uh huh!
Lori:    Honey, you’ve got to get your mind out of the gutter here *Looks over at Griffin, smiles and winks* I could have suggested the interview be in the nude.....
Lori      Griffin - After reading Effortless my love for superheroes changed, I'm now a big fan of the   Hulk... who's your favorite?
Griffin:     Ah, Lori, I've managed to turn everyone I've ever met into a Hulk fan.
Kiera:     Not everyone, Griffin
Griffin:     (Sniffs) You just haven't given me the opportunity yet, Kiera
Kellan:     Griffin...
Griffin:     Just joking, man. Relax. To answer your question, Lori, I'm a big fan of Cat Woman. (Grins) A giant pussy wrapped in skin tight leather? What's not to love? (no comment)
Kiera:     Griffin! Small children might read this interview!
Griffin:     Pussycat, Kiera. It's a technical term
Kellan:     It really isn't, Griffin
Griffin:     Whatever. I didn't mean it like you guys thought. (Jerks thumb at Kellan and Kiera) They always have their minds in the gutter. It's embarrassing. (Smirks)

Jenny:      Lori, I can’t believe you just asked that!
Lori:     *Shrugs* What? I couldn't help myself and I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to know"
Jenny:     "Why did I let you come in here again?"
Lori:     "I'm going, I'm going. Bye Kellan, Kiera, and Griffin . It was a pleasure to meet y'all"
Lori: *Gives Kiera and Kellan a hug* *Sits down in Griffin’s lap to give him a little peck on the cheek*
Jenny:  Lori!
Lori: I’m going!  You’re awfully pushy tonight, but I still love you and I’ll have your cocktail waiting *smiles and winks at Jenny*

Jenny:    Sorry about that, where were we? Can you tell us your most embarrassing experience (mine was watching Griffin unwrap Lori's present)
Griffin:     Nothing embarrassing ever happens to me.
Kellan:    Uh, I've said some really, really stupid stuff when I've been drunk...yeah, I don't even want to go there.
Kiera:     Smart move.
Kellan:     Yeah...beautiful day today, isn't it? (good save!)

Jenny:         We’ve been told that SC is writing a book another book about you all, any idea when that might be available or what it will be called?
Kellan:     She won't tell me yet. She just says she's over halfway through it, and it's starting to really come together. I'm taking that as a good sign. Oh, God, the title, though. She's driving me     crazy with that one. Every five  minutes she's tossing another 'less' word at me, trying to get     my opinion. I told her to just title it TL3.    
Kiera:     Titles are tricky. I sympathize with her.
Griffin:     How about Kellanless? It could be an "all Griffin, all the time" book .(ahhh no thanks)
Kiera:     Well, then it would need to be named Classless or Tasteless    (boom!)
Griffin:     Or Suckless. (Scrunches brow) Wait, no, that's not good.  (not touching that one!)
Kiera:     (To Kellan) Please stop him. (Kellan smacks the back of Griffin's head)

Jenny:     Good luck with the tour and thanks so much for your time, we really appreciate it.
Kellan:      Thank you for having us. We really appreciate it  (swoon)
Griffin:     Any fucking time! (Smells underwear from Lori) Now, let's go eat!  (ewwww)
Kiera:     Thank you. That wasn't nearly as embarrassing as I thought it would be. (Leans in) And again,     I apologize for Griffin  (Kiera is divine! Could I love her anymore?)

Saying our goodbyes, we all hug (yes, Kellan hugged me....I think I just died)!

Lori:  *Looking at Jenny who is wide eyed, with a big smile on her face, and you can just see the giddy energy rolling off of her* Hey babycakes, I have your drink right here... you need it?
Jenny *barely holding in the squee'ing* YES! *Throws back her drink in one gulp*
Lori: Jenny, we just met 2 of the D-bags.... YOU just met Kellan Kyle
Jenny:  OMG Lori, I just met Kellan Kyle... THE Kellan Kyle... OMG I need another drink
Lori: I'm all over it, let's get your another drink *Stands to get up*
Jenny/Lori  *Launch at each other hugging and jumping up and down giggling and screaming their excitement*
Jenny:  Lori?  There are people starring at us
Lori:  So, we just met Kellan, Griffin, and Kiera... let them stare
Jenny: You're right... I just met Kellan... OMG I just HUGGED Kellan.  OMG you just gave Griffin a pair of your knickers you naughty girl
Lori: *Sigh's dreamily*  I know, isn't he so cute.  That dirty mouth of his...
Jenny: *Laughing at the look on Lori's face* I know, I wish I would have copped a better feel of Kellan when he hugged me
Lori:  You should have, You should have grabbed a nice hand full of that adorable-
Jenny:  LORI!  *Sigh's* You're right, I should have *Sigh's* OMG We just met Kellan and Griffin.
Jenny/Lori *Launch themselves at each other again hugging and jumping up and down giggling*
Lori: Come on honey, we've got some phone calls to make, and we've got to get this interview down so we can share it with the world
Jenny:  *doing the happy dance* I just met Kellan Kyle!  *Looks at Lori and starts giggling*
Jenny/Lori *Link arms and dance their way out of the hotel*

★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ 

Eeek!  Now I'm even more pumped up for Thoughtless 3!  The teasers S.C. has been posting on her and Kellan's facebook pages have been killing me.... they're awesome, but I want more!  I am ready for more Kellan and Kiera... and of course more of the D-Bags!

To see the full interview... minus the banter between Jenny and I... click HERE to go to the amazing Maryse's website to check it out!!!

Happy Reading!

Heavy Issues (Bowen #2) Review

Heavy Issues by Elle Aycart

Book description...
 Steering clear of relationships has never been difficult for demolitions expert Cole Bowen, but now, with his brother's engagement sending the female population into full-blown hysterics and the town of Alden's month-long festivities helping along, he finds himself in hell. When he discovers Alden's new resident and the object of all his wet dreams, Christine Sheridan, has sworn off relationships and is going to hire a gigolo to get professionally laid, he decides to kill two birds with one stone.
Christy is so not drinking again. Thanks to José Cuervo she has her friends signing her up for stud conventions and Cole frigging Bowen offering sex in exchange of fake dates, which is so out of the question it isn't even funny. She knows the domineering man will push her boundaries, and after battling all her life with self-esteem issues, she isn't ready for that. Too bad he won't take no for an answer.
Cole is determined to strip away all of her defenses but refuses to lower his ever-present walls, so when Christy realizes she wants more, she's left with only two options; walk away or crack his shield and risk her heart in the process.

Christy quickly became one of my all time favorite heroines!  She's extremely funny, loving, expressive, and her personality is just downright beautiful.  So I've never been afraid to say that a heroine gets on my last nerve... and Christy did... at first.  She got on my nerves until something happens and she feels the urge to confide in Cole... things she goes out of her way to avoid talking about.  Once, she begins her explanation of her insecurities and why she's got the emotional issues she has... everything begins to click into place.  Christy has this way of explaining it all to the point of it making complete sense and actually had me thinking "Wow, this is more serious than I ever would have thought".  I felt for her, and I was proud of her for finding her way and overcoming the obstacles she encountered in order to make herself not only healthy... but happy.  Or at least as happy as she thought she could get.

Now that Christy has moved to Alden after calling off her wedding... she has come to the conclusion that relationships just aren't worth it.  So she has decided that she is going to forget the relationships, the whole falling in love thing, and just go for the sex... but not with just anyone... with someone who knows what he's doing and doesn't need the guidance her previous men had needed.  Now this realization may have been induced by a few shots of tequila... fair warning honey, tequila is always a bad idea LOL...  but the entire conversation she has with her girlfriends is just down right hysterical.  I sat there laughing and nodding right along with the words because they're all so true... plus, the entire conversation is so something my girls and I would have... only we'd probably be in public and cause some sort of a scene ... Christy and her girls may not have been having this conversation in public... but, part of it was still heard by, of all people, Cole Bowen.

"I Christine Sheridan, vow that I'm done.  No more searching for husband material.  Or for love.  No more meaningful long-term relationships.  Just give me orgasms!  Big, mind-blowing ones!" 

 Cole... another sexy as sin Bowen brother... has just heard Christy's declaration... no relationship? no strings? no headaches? just mind-blowing sex?.... well he's definitely liking that idea, especially since he happened to over hear the idea of the woman he has been lusting after since she blew into town.  I have to admit here, and quite frankly I'm shocked I even thought this, but I actually prefer James over Cole.  It's probably my mind set at the moment but Cole was just a little too... broody for me.... well except for when he's talking dirty... and O.M.G. can that man talk dirty, but then again so could James... I'm starting to think that the Bowen brother's have taken a class in how to talk so dirty they can melt just about any woman?  Well, they can come practice on me!!  I really did like Cole though, he may have been broody and extremely afraid of developing any kind of feelings... which he had a pretty good reason for... but he was still a great man who was absolutely perfect for Christy!  The way he adapted to her needs was adorable... for a man afraid of feelings, he sure went to the extra effort to make sure he made her happy.  Then there was the way he tried to help Christy see herself for the beautiful woman she is... to look beyond what she sees in the mirror... and I was gone, the way he gently forced her to see what he saw brought tears to my eyes.

So they begin this relationship.. no not relationship... we'll go with agreement.  She get's mind-blowing sex with multiple orgasms and he gets fake dates.  Because now that James is engaged and off the market, the women of Alden are desperate to hook themselves a Bowen brother.  So he uses Christy as a buffer, in hopes that the women will stay away.  Only he's not so lucky, the women of Alden are not only desperate, they're actually quite pathetic.  But Cole doesn't see them, as a matter of fact, he doesn't notice any woman, other than Christy... then he finds himself actually wanting to spend time with her... looking forward to spending time with her.. and finding himself missing her when he goes for any length of time without seeing her, even if it was only an hour ago.  He's realizing he has these feelings but he's trying to ignore them because there is no way he can stay away from her now.   But, Christy is finding herself quite attached and it's scarring her to no end because she knows they agreed to the no strings thing. 

Heavy Issues by Elle Aycart is an amazing read.. it's fairly easy, sweet, touching, and has some of the best dirty talk I have ever seen in a book.... Just ask my girls, they will definitely confirm that one for you.  Elle is definitely an author to watch for.. she has a creative style that has me hooked and waiting for more.  She writes strong, beautiful characters that touched my heart.  I'm anxious for more of the fun, sexy, and entertaining Bowen series!

Happy Reading!

More than Meets the Ink (Bowen #1) Review

More than Meets the Ink by Elle Aycart

Book description...

Wickedly sexy James Bowen is a bad boy of the highest order -- tattoos and attitude included -- which unfortunately ranks way up on Tate's not-a-chance-in-hell list, right there along with skydiving naked over Teheran and juggling Ebola vials just for kicks. But what the heck, she's on holiday, the guy is absolutely irresistible, and she needs to unplug from her life. With her dad and brother gone, Tate is left to deal with the family restaurant, which is fast going down the drain. Her employees are acting out, her boyfriend has bailed out, and her very own private stalker is emailing her to death with lovely threats of doom, fire, and dismemberment. So yeah, maybe a little holiday fling is in order. Strictly sex though, and no follow-up whatsoever once.
She hadn't counted on her take-charge holiday fling having an opinion of his own and stubbornly sticking around, before and after the sex, making himself at home in her life. There is definitely more to James than meets her prejudiced eye, and even if she's not ready to look deeper, James isn't prepared to permit her not to.

First things first... Big huge Thanks to my gorgeous girls for recommending this book... there are so many wonderful things you said about this book that made me want to immediately pick it up.. but there was one little thing... and you girls know what I'm talking about .... that made me move this baby up on my TBR list!

I have to say that I have mixed feelings about Tate... there are things that I loved and admired about her... her humor, quick wit, ability to express her thoughts, and the fact that she is not afraid to admit that she will cast a quick first judgement that may or may not be accurate.... I admired the strength to keep going on with the family business, and her determination to not let it fail.. when in all reality she could have done what the rest of her family did... tuck tail and run.  But then there are the things that got on my nerves... mostly her judgement, the way she was so quick to toss James right into the loser category because of his tattoos and crazy good looks... while I laughed at her explanations... I also found them to be quite offensive, and have to admit that she was an extremely lucky woman that James actually found her judgement and outbursts kind of cute.  Then there was the fact that she was terrified of a relationship... any kind of relationship... and while I understood where she was coming from, especially after what she went through and was continuing to go through... on her own... I couldn't help but feel like she took her insecurities to the extreme, especially considering James gave her no reason to feel that way.

Now, James.... wow... he was absolutely fabulous and quite frankly a saint for being so willing to put up with some of the things that Tate said.  Then there are the things that come out of that mans mouth that... OMG, talk about something that had me flustered... which does not happen all that often LOL.  But James knows, almost from the moment he met her, that there is something special about Tate... something so special that he has to have her in his life.  Even though he doesn't want to, he goes along with her "sex only, no strings, no repeats" rule because he's determined to convince her that they should give "them" a shot.  But when it's time for her to return home and she gives him the complete brush off, he finds himself rushing back home too...  in all reality he's rushing back home to the same town Tate lives in too... and then he decides that she is it for him and he is not going to let her walk away, he is going to prove to her what they have means something... that it's something worth fighting for... that it's a once in a lifetime kind of special. Now what kind of a girl would be able to resist that?  I know I couldn't... no way could I considering he treats Tate like pure gold!

Obviously James has a chase on his hands here... but I have to say that even though she is fighting him about them being together, she's really kind of doing a pretty poor job of it... and what they share together is extremely sweet... Oh, and definitely H.O.T. hot!!!  The sad thing is... James IS the only good thing Tate has in her life right now... especially considering her employee's suck, she has yet to deal with the death of her family, the rest of her family has left her to fend for herself with the family business... that is quickly going downhill, and worst of all... she's got a stalker... and not just a "Hi I think you're hot and I'm obsessed with you" kind of stalker.... her stalker means her harm.  So instead of sharing this with James right away, she hides it... and to say that he is unhappy with the situation and her when he finds out... is a complete understatement! 

More than Meets the Ink by Elle Aycar is such an amazing all around read that I can not wait to start Heavy Issues (Cole's story)... well, actually I'm not... as soon as I finish typing this out.... I'm all over it  .

Happy Reading!

Giving It Up Review

Giving It Up by Amber Lin 

Book description...
Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it’s not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.
He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren’t enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.
But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.

First of all I would like to start off by saying Thank You to Amber for sending an ARC of her book.  She warned me that this book is a little darker than what I typically review... but quite frankly the description completely caught my eye and I knew that I wanted to give it a shot.  I guess I can also go ahead and admit, that even though most of the books I review on this blog are more on the sweet side of the Romance or Romantic Suspense, I do read dark, emotional books as well... they just tend to be a little harder to review because the characters are quite frankly... extremely complicated... and it's sometimes hard to express my opinion without giving away too much.  Even though the characters from Giving It Up are extremely complicated with a lot of heavy issues... they were fascinating, kept me completely engrossed, and had me dying to know what was going to happen next.


There is absolutely no denying that I felt for Allie... I felt for her from the bottom of my heart.  The poor woman had gone through more in her life at 22 then most grown adults have ever experienced.  The things she experience just completely broke my heart and as much as I want to list what she went through and lay my thoughts out there.. I just can't.  This is one of those books that I'm glad I didn't have any spoilers, because I was able to experience Allie's feelings first hand.  I was able to sit back and cheer her on when I agreed with the decisions she was making... and most importantly I was able to read every word with a sense of hope that Allie would get the beauty in life she deserved more than anything!

Like I said, her strength is what I most admired about her.  Of course, because she is 22, she didn't always make great decisions... but she made those decisions with her intentions always being in the right place.  She struggled not only in life itself, but she struggled emotionally... on a level I wish no woman would ever have to struggle.  But she did all this and sacrificed so much because her number one priority was her beautiful little girl Bailey.  Bailey was the only good, or as she worded it "clean good" in her life.... or at least that's how she chose to look at it.  But she had more good than she realized.


Allie had an amazing friend in Shelly... granted I didn't agree with all the choices these two girls made, there is nothing I can say or do but to admit to the fact that Shelly's loyalty to Allie is astounding.  I have a lot of great friends who would do anything in their power to help me out in any situation but the lengths that Shelly will go to for her... were extreme... they were sad and I wanted to cry that she felt that she had to do those things.  BUT, I couldn't help but absolutely love her for wanting to do it all... for Allie and Bailey. 


Then there is Colin.  Colin is still a bit of a mystery to me... Amber did an amazing job at not giving much away but giving me enough that I was desperate for more of him.  What he does for Allie and Bailey is just beautiful.  Like the girls, I didn't agree with his choices and if I were Allie I may have thought he was a tad on the crazy side... but I couldn't help but want more of him... figure him out... watch more of his interactions with both Allie and Bailey.... and most of all learn what it was about Allie that made him make those choices, especially knowing the consequences.  


Watching Allie learn to live her life differently was hopeful... hopeful, because every time she came to a new conclusion about herself, about her past... and realized she had been wrong up until now was amazing.  She was able to overcome so many feelings and emotions she should have never had to feel to begin with... especially if the people she had turned to, in the beginning, would have actually done their job.  I was proud of Allie, throughout the book.  I was proud of the mother she was to Bailey, I was proud of the woman she had become even though she could have checked out, I was proud of her for trying to reach for the love she thought she never deserved before, and most of all I was proud of the way she took charge of her feelings in a way that changed her life in the best possible way.  


Giving It Up by Amber Lin was a fantastic read... while on the darker side... it was an amazing story of a young woman who is able to overcome her extremely troubled past with the help of a good friend and an amazing man who wanted  nothing more than to show her the love she deserved.  Amber sucked me in with her writing style and I look forward to reading more of her work... Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and see a little more of Allie, Colin, and Shelly! 


Happy Reading!

Manhunt Review

Manhunt by Lillie Spencer

Book description...
Sometimes you have to forget it all to remember what really matters.
Michael Brennan's life and career come to an abrupt halt when he receives a phone call telling him the love of his life, Nikki Wright, is in the hospital after another attack by her ex-boyfriend Sebastian Cross. Rushing back to Hershey, PA, Michael turns up at Nikki's hospital bedside covered in Sebastian's blood and tells her they have to leave immediately.
Though her injuries have induced amnesia, Nikki inherently feels she can trust this man with her life. Soon, they find themselves on the run from both their own troubled pasts and authorities hunting for Sebastian's killer. With each new day and each touch drawing her further into Michael's embrace, Nikki remembers more about this fugitive she once loved, and who still loves her enough to risk everything to protect her and keep her safe. But can she love a man who just might be a murderer?

I am a huge fan of romantic suspense novels... okay so I'm a huge fan of any kind of romance novels... anyway, whenever I pick up a suspense novel I tend to get a little nervous.  I get a little nervous because it's always hard to tell exactly what you're going to get... are you going to get Romance with a little suspense?  Are you going to get suspense with a little bit of Romance?  Are you going to get an even combination of the two?  You just never know and unfortunately you may be in the mood for a strong romance with a little suspense or a suspense with a little romance along the way.  So when Lillie asked me to read and review her book, while I was extremely excited that she wanted MY opinion, I was also a little scared.... and I say that because I've been in this strange reading funk lately where I think I want one thing and then when I read it I find myself bored thinking... "That is so not what you were looking for Lori!"  But, I have to say that.... even though I had to put E. Luke down and take a step back from Manhunt so I could process what I was reading... I was NOT disappointed in this book what so ever!

Michael is an absolutely beautiful man... inside and out.... who has got one of the biggest hearts I have seen in a male character in a long time.  Granted most of the men I tend to swoon over are either bad boys or alpha men who have their sweet moments... Michael just blew me out of the water.  He could be classified as a bad boy.. no doubt, or he could also be classified as an alpha male... with the way he steps in and takes complete control of the situation.... but at the same time his love and loyalty casts him in more of one of those men that you just want to lean on, no matter what your mood may be...  He's been in love with Nikki since they were kids and feels it's his duty to protect her... no matter the consequences... so when she ends up in the ER after having been brutally beaten by her ex-boyfriend... who also happens to be Michael's enemy... he takes matters into his own hands.  While, I did not fully agree with half of his decisions, by the end of the book I realized he had a reason for every step he took... and I found myself changing my opinion on whether or not I agreed with specific decisions he made.


I struggled with my feelings towards Nikki and she was the main reason on why I needed to step back and process my thoughts... because quite frankly I couldn't understand her thought process half the time.  But once I took the time to actually think about what she had been through, about what her mind was telling her, about what her heart was telling her, and most importantly what her instincts were telling her.... I was finally able to feel the compassion she so desperately deserved.  Here she's been brutally beaten by her ex-boyfriend, who she had a restraining order against, she's suffering from amnesia, and in rushes this gorgeous man who is insisting she come with him on the run.  Like I said, she desperately deserved compassion because of what she had been through and when I finally told myself "Lori, quit being so snarky and think about what the girl must be feeling" I realized, this book is kind of giving you a lesson on how important it is to follow your instincts.  Granted her head was telling her to run and her heart was telling her there was something about this man that called to it... it was her instincts telling her to finally put some trust in a man who has shown her nothing but kindness.


So on the run, small flashbacks start to encourage Nikki to follow her heart... even if it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to her... and when she finally does, it's clear how much these two are meant to be together.  It's obvious from the beginning how much Michael truly cares and loves Nikki... but it was Nikki's lack of memories that kept me guessing at what could have possibly happened in the past to make these two push each other away... and once I found out the reason... I found myself even more in love with Michael!


Like I said before... this book kept me guessing... I bet I had at least 3 different theories going on in my head before the truth finally came out and to say I was stunned... is a but of an understatement.  I was most definitely kept on my toes to the point that when I would actually set it down I would still be thinking about the new information I just found out and what could possibly happen or come out next so that these two love birds would be able to enjoy the happily ever after they deserved to share together.  It's not often that a book will keep me thinking the way this one did... and when I say that I don't mean thinking about the book after I've finished it because I fell so hard over the characters... I mean in the sense that I actually had to sit down and think about what was going on... I had to think back to small things that may have happened at the beginning of the book... you know kind of like one of those movies that you have to pay such close attention to or you find yourself completely lost at the end... thinking... "Ummm, What?" but it wasn't quite like that either.. and now I'm probably not making any sense... "Typical, Lori!" Anyway, it's nice to come across a book that will keep my creative thinking skills sharp... 

Manhunt by Lillie Spencer is definitely a book to check out if you love a good romantic suspense!  I see good things for Lillie and her future books... she is creative and does a wonderful job of using her writing style to make everything seem extremely realistic.  I look forward to reading more of Lillie's work in the future!


Happy Reading!

Where the Heart Lies Review

Where the Heart Lies by Michelle Garren Flye

Book description...
All widowed Alicia Galloway has left of her war-hero husband are the flag that draped his coffin and his final wishes: to move to his hometown, take over the family bookstore and enjoy a simple, quiet life with their two small children. When she arrives, her husband's best friend makes that new life anything but simple. How can she be so drawn to Liam Addison?
Liam only intended to help Alicia get settled. But one unexpected kiss awakens his long-held forbidden feelings. Soon, the town busybodies swoop in to warn Alicia away from him. Because no matter the man he's become, he'll never live down his reputation as town troublemaker and wolfish womanizer.
No one wants the war hero's sweet widow and the supposedly former bad boy together. But the more everyone tries to keep them apart, the closer he and Alicia get. And the more determined Liam is to prove he's a changed man. Will it be enough to convince Alicia to let a new love in her life?

I have to start off by apologizing... normally, I wouldn't read and review a book until closer to the release date... but I just couldn't hold off with this one.  The description caught my attention and even though I tried to find something else to read until at least the beginning of July, I just couldn't get this one out of my mind.  I mean, come on... an American Heroes widow catches the eye of the play boy best friend?  To me, it screamed drama... but in all reality I got so much more from this book... mostly from the characters... they, in more ways than one, captured my heart and sucked me so deep into this story that I didn't want to put the book down and ended up reading it in about 4 hours.


Alicia is one of those characters that no matter how much I tried, there would have been no way I wouldn't have been able to fall in love with her.  She had one of the biggest hearts that was so filled with love and forgiveness that she made me want to take a step back and evaluate myself as a person... make me want to become a better woman... a better wife... a better mother.... a better friend... she was absolutely beautiful.  The strength she has was astounding... Here this woman has just lost the love of her life and yet continues to face challenge after challenge, struggle after struggle, and the most devastating was her having to face more loss.... and yet here she continues to put one foot in front of the other and face all these things head on, the best way she knows how.  She meets a lot of new friends but the one person she feels she can most depend on is her husbands best friend... Liam... even though the entire town is pretty much against her even being his friend.


Liam is just... yeah, all I can come up with is a complete charmer.  He's got this vibe about him that just makes you want to be around him, he's sweet and he shows his compassion in his eyes.  But the problem is he has got feelings for Alicia that he feels guilty over... because when it comes down to it, he just wanted to let her know he was there for her if she needed him yet he finds himself seeking her out, hoping she will need him...  There is a history between him and Ty and one that Liam feels extremely guilty over... I really felt for him because he truly believed that him pursuing Alicia was wrong, that he didn't deserve her, and when it came down to it... she is Ty's wife... even though his feelings for Alicia began years before and he would continue to do anything she needed him to do... he just couldn't get over the guilty feelings and see if he could possibly find his happily ever after with this woman who has come to mean more to him then he ever could have imagined.  Plus it doesn't help that the entire town is out to make him look like this horrible guy who is responsible for the decisions that lead Ty to becoming a Marine and essentially losing his life.


Then there is Penny... I have to voice my thoughts on Penny, when normally I would just let it go and let my fellow book lovers come to their own conclusion on Alicia's new BFF.  There was something about her that just rubbed me the wrong way right from the beginning... she seemed to over eager, too up in Alicia's business, and way to focused on keeping Liam and Alicia away from each other.  It all bothered me to the point that when everything, that I had already suspected, came out in the open... I sat there and stared at E. Luke with my jaw dropped and a goofy expression on my face because I just could not believe how easily Alicia forgave her.  Granted it really wasn't up to Alicia to forgive her, but then again, in a way it kind of was.  Penny is a very selfish woman, who tries to come off as this great friend who is just looking out for Alicia, but when it came down to it, she was just looking out for herself... because the secrets she was keeping, would not only hurt a lot of people, but would possibly destroy her relationships with those people she would be hurting.


So obviously against the advice of Penny, and the numerous stink eyes and quick opinions Alicia would receive from certain town residents... Liam and Alicia form a very special bond.  At first nothing comes of it, other than two people who genuinely care for each other.. but are fighting their feelings in secret... until an unexpected first kiss... and then unexpected second kiss.  Their relationship was sweet but at the same time it was sad to watch both of them fight the guilt they had over Ty, Alicia's husband.  But eventually they both got to the point where they wanted to explore what could develop between them because fighting their feelings was getting to be too hard... especially considering neither of them could go a minute without thinking of the other.

Where the Heart Lies by Michelle Garren Flye was an absolutely amazing book.  Granted there were a few times where I was a little confused on the POV because it switched a little too quickly but it didn't take long to figure out whose thoughts I was reading... and since I'm being completely honest here the story itself made me completely look over the abrupt POV changes.  It's been a while since I've read a book that sucked me in as quickly and as deeply as Where the Heart Lies did and I have to say that I look forward to reading more by Michelle... especially if her other books are half as good as this one.  I love books where I can connect with characters and I definitely connected with these characters to the point where I was sad to see their story come to end.


Happy Reading!

The Protector (Taskforce #1) Review

THE PROTECTOR (Taskforce Series) by Marliss Melton

Book description...
  Eryn McClellan teaches ESL in Washington, D.C., until the day she’s targeted by terrorists avenging her father’s actions in Afghanistan. The FBI has stepped in, but when it looks like they are using her for bait, General McClellan enlists the aid of the only man he knows he can trust: former Navy SEAL Ike Calhoun.
Embracing solitude in his remote cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ike thought he’d left the War on Terror far behind. Now he’s stuck shielding a blue-eyed beauty from ambitious federal agents and crazed jihadists. More disturbing still, the charming Eryn seems intent on shattering his self-imposed isolation. Ike does his best to resist her welcoming ways, but he can feel his restraint eroding like a mountain in a mudslide. With the FBI hot on their heels and the terrorists not far behind, Ike willingly wages a one-man war in defense of the woman whose passion and faith have given him the strength to rise above his past.

If I haven't made it clear before I will now... I absolutely LOVE a good Military Romantic Suspense novel, they suck me in until the very end because there is always something happening... and I find it all exciting... exciting to watch two people fall in love during tragedy, and while most people probably don't find the beauty in that.. I do... I see the beauty because I choose to look at the positive side of just about everything.... which is sometimes extremely hard to do, but I'm naturally a positive person and try in find beauty in anything and everything.  Sometimes when reading a M.R.S. you get lost in all the action... but in all honesty Marliss does a fantastic job of blending all of the action, love, and drama together to create a story that will keep you on your toes the entire time.

Eryn was absolutely amazing.. she didn't get on my nerves at all, which considering most heroines... especially those in a M.R.S. novel... do, I was extremely pleased!  Eryn has a huge heart and is sweet as can be.  As a general's daughter she has become the target of a terrorist who is seeking revenge.  She ends up in the hands of a very capable and very trust worthy man.  She's seen pictures of Ike, that her Dad has sent over the years, and recognizes him once he confirms who he is.  She knows she shouldn't because of the "stand back" vibe Ike is so good at throwing her way but yet she can't help but start to feel something for him.  So she decides to grab the horse by the reins and break down his walls in order to get to his heart.

Sigh... Ike... who doesn't love to read about an emotionally wounded man, who refuses to believe he can find love in life?  It's extremely satisfying as a reader to see a heroine break down a heroes walls and climb right into his heart... it's even more satisfying to see that hero confront his protective and possessive feelings towards her.  Ike noticed these feelings in himself almost immediately... granted some of it came from the thought of disappointing the one man who has treated him like a father... but not all.  He saw Eryn's beauty and right off the bat labeled her as being dangerous.... dangerous to his heart because he saw a woman that could make the world disappear for him... make him fall in love... and he was determined to keep his focus no matter how much he wanted to kiss her.

They have many obstacles to get through... not only are they on the run from the terrorist but they are also on the run from the FBI, because Eryn's father did not feel comfortable with the FBI keeping Eryn safe... especially once his fears are confirmed that they were using her as bait.  Here was where I got mad... I LOVED Jackson, the only agent who seemed to want Eryn to be with Ike instead of them because he saw the errors in his boss' ways when it came to protecting an innocent woman, and even though I totally got his decisions I couldn't help but feel a tad betrayed by him when he followed through with orders that essentially almost got Eryn killed... three times.  But at the same time, from the very beginning I could see where a special bond... a friendship that would be beneficial to both Eryn and Jackson begin to form... and I was not wrong... this is where I'm going to say that even though I have yet to read the book description for book #2, I am secretly hoping that it will be Jackson's story... or I should say I'm secretly hoping that Jackson will get a story in this series!

The only time I got upset with Eryn was when she made a judgment call and decided to take some matters into her own hands.... I understood why she was doing it, I mean I completely got it... but that does not mean that I liked it.  Actually, now that I'm thinking about it... her decision which ended up leading to Ike making his own judgment call, that made me fall that much harder for him.

While on the run together, they fall in love.  And it was one of those undeniable kind of loves that makes you want to smile because they both deserve the beauty of each other.  Even though Ike did not want to admit his feelings for Eryn.. you could almost feel them, they ran so deep... but he was afraid to lose his focus and he thought if he lost his focus, he would lose Eryn... not emotionally but lose her to the dangers that were chasing them... so for a while he held tight to that focus.. and while I admired him for his strength, I couldn't help but voice my opinion that he needed to explore what was between them sooner then he did.  BUT, with a helpful push from Eryn, or should I say quite a bit of sass and a lot of understanding... he gives in.. and it was amazing.  He was such a beautiful man, with a guilt filled past who deserved nothing short of the big love that Eryn was willing to give him.  But he did have some things from his past he needed to address before he could feel like he deserved her love... before he could feel like he deserved the forever he desperately wanted with her.

THE PROTECTOR (Taskforce Series) by Marliss Melton was a great start to a series that I can already tell is going to capture my heart in a way that only a Military Romantic Suspense novel can.  Marliss has a way with words that allows you to feel the heart pounding action, feel the beautiful love that is growing between characters, and almost be able to see and touch the scenery.  As I said above it's hard to find a GOOD M.R.S. Novel... and Marliss has got GOOD down to an art!

Happy Reading!

 

Easy Review

Easy by Tammara Webber

Book description....
A girl who believes trust can be misplaced, promises are made to be broken, and loyalty is an illusion.
A boy who believes truth is relative, lies can mask unbearable pain, and guilt is eternal.
Will what they find in each other validate their conclusions, or disprove them all?
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex's frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she's still the same intelligent girl she's always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There's just one problem--their only interactions are through email.
Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire. When he asks if he can sketch her, alone in her room, she agrees--hoping for more.
Then Jacqueline discovers a withheld connection between her supportive tutor and her seductive classmate, her ex comes back into the picture, and her stalker escalates his attention by spreading rumors that they've hooked up. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

Okay so I have to say that I was excited for Tammara with the release of this book but I wasn't able to get it up on my TBR list until last night for a few different reasons.... My girls had read it and gave me a little warning about something they knew I should be prepared for because that something could potentially be hard for me to read... so thank you my lovelies.... So with that said I knew that I had to turn to some books that wouldn't have anything too emotional for me... BUT, I really wish I would have read this book sooner.  Don't get me wrong it was emotional and there were some tough situations that were quite emotional but the entire story... and I mean the entire story is so beautifully written that I couldn't help but physically feel the love between these characters... and I do mean I actually felt it!  So big Congrats to Tammara for writing such a beautiful story that has me still wishing I had more time with those beautiful characters.

Jacqueline is absolutely beautiful... yes, she is physically beautiful but that is so not what I'm referring to here... she has got such a beautiful mind and heart that there was no way that I couldn't love her.  After following her boyfriend to college, he breaks up with her... after 3 years he decides he wants to sow his oats... total douche.... but I have to say that with a name like his and the way he acts... he totally did not even deserve her to give him a shot, let alone three years of her life.  So anyway, her best friend and room mate, Erin, finally get her out of the dorm room and to a party at a frat house where Jacqueline runs into a little trouble...  but then she rescued by Lucas...

"Holy fuckburgers.  Who was that hot guy?"

Well, my fellow book lovers... that hot guy is Lucas.  I had to put that quote in here, which is said by Jacqueline's best friend Erin... cause quite frankly when I read it I not only LOL'd but I mentally stored fuckburgers into my vocabulary... I know, I'm goofy!  Anyway, Lucas is absolutely amazing... his looks portray a total bad boy.... tattoos, lip piercing, longish hair that falls into his beautiful eyes... but he's quiet and reserved.... which in all honesty made him even hotter to me.  It made me want to pull away all the layers that are Lucas so I can find what lays at his heart and take care of it forever... which is exactly what Jacqueline sets out to do... and even though it's a tough road to get there and a tough story to hear... when she finally gets to the heart of him, she finds herself a man that will cherish her love every day for the rest of his life.

Okay so as usual, I'm going to give you my little speech on how there is so much I would LOVE to discuss about this book... BUT.... if I give you anymore info I'll be giving away important parts of the book that you just have to read for yourself.  And as much as I hate to admit that... it's true.  There really isn't a whole lot I can get into with this book without giving away spoilers.  Yes, I love myself a good spoiler in a book but these are just too good.... granted one of them I kind of figured out for myself pretty early on but that doesn't necessarily mean that you will and it's just too good.. too cute...too sweet for me to expose it.  

But I will tell you this.... there is one part of the book where Jacqueline visits Erin's sorority house to sit in on a very important meeting..... while reading this entire scene I was very hesitant to take a guess on where everything would head and I'll keep my mouth shut on the outcome but I have to say that one character totally touched my heart with the speech she gave... I wish... from the bottom of my heart that more girls would speak up that way!  

Then there are the encouraging words from Tammara herself at the end of the book.... awesome words of encouragement and I am here to tell you that I stand behind Tammara 100%.... To all girls out there, if you are assaulted in ANY WAY... speak up, tell your parents, a friend, a counselor, someone.. anyone who can be there for you... and help you not only to deal with what happened but to also help you report it to the police who can do something about it.  Keeping something like that bottled up inside is not healthy... and trust me on this because when I say that, I speak from experience.

Easy by Tammara Webber was an absolutely amazing book.... it was beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, and entirely consuming.  Tammara has got a beautiful writing style that gives you everything you need to wrap yourself up in a story that, if you're anything like me, will leave you smiling dreamily at your ereader when you finish and also feeling a little on the sad side that your time with Lucas and Jacqueline is over.  I truly hope that you enjoy this book even half as much as I did... because I have to say that Easy is definitely going on my reread list... because loving these characters is just that... Easy!

Happy Reading!