Sunday, March 31, 2013

Elemental

Elemental 

Elemental is a prequel novella written by Brigid Kemmerer. It is set five years prior to the first full-length book in her Elemental series, Storm. This book is about Michael Merrick, the oldest of four brothers that are Elementals or individuals that can control an element such as air, water, earth, etc. Michael is a pure Elemental though, meaning that he's more powerful than other Elementals and considered more dangerous. His element is the earth. Emily is the heroine in the story, and she is able to manipulate air. However, her abilities are far weaker and not considered to be a threat. 

Coming in at forty-nine pages, there's not much more to say here, other than Michael's short story has wet my appetite to read more from this series. On the whole, I typically tend to bypass novellas, but I enjoyed this one, and consider it a good prelude for what's to come. If you're having doubts based on the cover, please disregard it, as it does appear to be a little on the cheesy side (open, unbuttoned shirt + poor attempt at seductive look + weird looking stick thingy = yikes!)



Reviewed by Susannah B;)

Deadly Drive


Deadly Drive by Justine Fontes

 
This book was not worth your time.  I could not find a single thing that would make this book good except don’t drink and drive.  Lying to the cops, hello did you hit your head in the wreck?  The good thing was that this short story and I did not have to skip and skip…end of story.

Speaking of Love

Speaking of Love by Ophellia London
 
 
 
Ophellia London is one of the authors I have on my “to watch” list.  I loved Abby Road and I have discovered a favorite author in her. Speaking of Love is the second installment in the Perfect Kisses Series published by the Entangled Bliss line.  I love the bliss line and can say that there has not been a book that I have read that I didn’t like.  This cute, opposites attract novel will leave the reader wanting more.  The characters fit perfectly in their world with mouthy Mackenzie “Mac” Simms and the perfect Rick Duffy, who could ask for more.  I will continue to read all of Ms. London’s books. She has found a fan for life here.  

Synopsis

Speech teacher and successful matchmaker Mackenzie Simms decides to find a woman for her friend, handsome newspaper tycoon Rick Duffy. Though they’ve been each other’s go-to dates for the past month, Mac and Rick couldn't be more different: she is outspoken, sarcastic, and completely loathes his privileged lifestyle. He's laid-back, unassuming, and seems comfortable at an upper-class charity function. So why can't she stop thinking about him?

Rick knows he and the opinionated-though-adorable Mackenzie are better off as friends, so he agrees to the double-date getaway Mac plans at his family cabin. But seeing Mac cuddle up with her “friendly” date rankles Rick beyond reason, and Mac regrets her matchmaking scheme the minute she sees the way her beauty-queen cousin looks at Rick. Can Mac 'fess up to what's really in her heart, when speaking her mind puts everything at risk?

Beyond Eden

Beyond Eden by Kele Moon
 
 
So, let me start off by saying I love Kele Moon, I have read her Battered Hearts Series and I can not wait for the next installment.  I pick this particular book because I wanted to enhance my erotic knowledge, as I do not usually read this genre.  I also picked Kele Moon because of her exceptional writing and she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.  I did not realize that this book was published under Ellora’s Cave or that there were two men embraced on the front of this book.  I actually did not real the synopsis because I believe in Kele Moon’s writing so much I knew I would not be disappointed.  I have to say that with the few contacts that I have had with erotic writing this has been one of the better ones I have read.  This is BDMS and polyamory at its best.  The character’s flaws are realistic and I can see where each one could relate to the BDSM world Eve being lost in her life, Paul feeling inferior and Danny feeling lonely and putting up a guard. I do not have any exposure to this type of encounter, so I find that this threesome who can not choose between two people unrealistic.  I also do not see how three people can live and love each other like this threesome does.  That being said I could not put this book down even thought I wanted to because of its content.  I was like reading into someone’s fetish and into their soul.  This book to me was not just about sex but about relationships.  The past between Evie Girl and Paul Guy really hit home because of the realism and the love that she has for Danny Boy seems to be like a friends with benefits type thing.  I can not relate to the relationship between the two guys, but can see it happening in the real world.  I just don’t see how this relationship can continue to work out without jealously in the future. I am compelled to read the second book just to see how this relationship will develop.  For this not to be my style Kele Moon did an excellent job writing this one. 
 
Synopsis
Three lifelong friends find themselves tangled in a web of love, pain and dangerous secrets in this erotic Garden of Eden tale.

Tall, dark and handsome Danny Carlow has always gotten whatever he wants except for the two he wants more than anything-his best friends, lovers Paul and Eve. Determined, he waits like a snake in the grass, poised for the right moment to offer them a temptation too delicious to resist.

Artist Eve Everton makes the painful decision to leave her true love Paul for the siren call of New York City. Ten years later, with her life in shambles, she returns. When Paul's waiting arms aren't available, Eve falls for Danny's charm and finds herself a willing accomplice in the dangerous games Danny plays.

Former college football star Paul Mattling is now a successful attorney with a bright future ahead of him. But behind those brilliant blue eyes are secret desires for a taste of the forbidden. Will he play it safe or give in to Danny and Eve and bite the apple?

Reader Advisory: Not for the faint of heart, the pain in this story is vivid and real, the emotions even more so. Haunting and poignant, Beyond Eden presents a darker side of BDSM. You might gasp. You might cry. You might find yourself reading it again and again.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Unravel Me


Unravel Me
               After reading Unravel Me and Destroy Me ( a novella from Warner’s POV), I’ve come to the conclusion that one has to be a die-hard Adam fan to still be (completely) Team Adam after reading them. You don’t even have to read Destroy Me, either. But you should because it might just change your mind. If you’re still an Adam fan (no riding the fence) after reading chapter sixty-two (like I did nineteen Duggar family times and counting) in Unravel Me, then there’s no help for you; you’re a yippee-ki-yay, Adam die-hard. Might I presume that you might be a Bill Compton (ugh!) fan, too? Just kidding;) 
              Don’t get me wrong, I like Adam. However, next to Warren, he looks like, well…like boring, pointless, sulking Bill next to Lord have mercy, exciting, delectable, bad boy Eric. I really think that you can draw a loose, albeit similar, comparison between these characters. And to Stefan and Damon, as well. Warner is somewhat slightly, shall we say...maniacally intense (okay, I really didn't want to use the word psychotic), but c'mon, Eric and Damon aren't the most normal love interests, either. And I love me some Eric! I love me some Stefan, too-so I don't always go for the bad boy. But let’s be real, regardless, the author will probably go the predictable, safe, and uncomplicated route in the last book. So, you Team Adam fans will probably win out in the end. If she doesn’t though (fingers crossed), I will gladly throw the universe a twenty or two or three. 
               Okay, on a serious note, Unravel Me was one of the best books that I’ve read this year. It has romance (chapter sixty-two alone is priceless! Read it! Devour it!), action-adventure, dystopian and paranormal elements, and a messy and emotional, roller-coaster love triangle. Oh, and an author who can string the most poetic sentences together, like nobody’s business. No sophomoric slump here, blogger friends. And Keniji. Awwww. Honestly, if I could, I would conjure up some magic touching potion, and pair him with Juliette before I would Adam. Sorry Adam, you’ve just been relegated to last place in my book. Now, on the other hand, if you’re last name was Levine…you'd be a total first place contender (wink). As a totally random aside, I just saw him in concert and he looks even better up close. How someone could look so hot with a map of sweat on their face, I don't know, but he manages to pull it off. I'll be his towel girl, for sure. I wonder what he would look like with blonde hair and green colored contacts...hmmm. 
               I’m not going to go on and on about this book, just pick it up and read it-after you’ve read Shatter Me and Destroy Me, of course. In addition, please feel free to share your thoughts on the book or on the love triangle and/or interests.

Unravel Me - 5 stars out of 5!



Unravel Me playlist:
I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons
Daylight by Maroon 5 (Warner and Juliette-chapter 62)
Wanted by Hunter Hayes (Warner and Juliette-chapter 62)
If I’m Not In Love by Faith Hill (Juliette’s feelings for Warner-wishful thinking, perhaps?)
Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson (Juliette at the end of the book)
Just Give Me A Reason by Pink
I Saw by Matt Nathanson




Reviewed by Susannah B;)

Friday, March 29, 2013

His Reluctant Rancher


His Reluctant Rancher by Roxanne Snopek

 This installment of the Three River Ranch Series, His Reluctant Rancher, is a good stand alone novel that follows the lives of the characters in the Three River Ranch book as well as the characters Desiree Burke, a physical therapist and Zachary Gamble, owner of Twinridge Ranch.  This book was light on the romance and heavy on filler in; it focused on the physical rehab, family, and ranching aspects more than the romance. This was a cute book with down to earth characters. One good thing about this particular book is that it is a good stand alone and I could follow the sub plot well and didn’t feel the need to read the previous book.  For this I will give His Reluctant Rancher a 3 star review.

Synopsis

The last place city girl Desiree Burke expected to find herself was living at and working on a ranch, much less butting heads with the ranch’s sexy cowboy owner, Zach Gamble. But that’s exactly where she ends up after an incident at work leads her to her best friend Rory’s doorstep. Desiree is a gifted physical therapist, and Rory knows exactly where her brand of tough love is needed the most.

Zach’s been through hell and back. A devastating car crash left his brother gone, his father paralyzed, and him with mental scars a mile wide. His survivor guilt alone makes him sure he doesn’t deserve to find love. But as Des works her way into his ranch, his family, and his life, suddenly the last person who belonged there is the only one he believes belongs…with him.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Beyond Shame

Beyond Shame by Kit Rocha
 

Ok, let me start off my saying I have never read the dystopian genra and I am not a real big fan or erotica so I really do not know why I was even interested in this book.  From the beginning I was like what?  I didn’t get into the dystopian theme, the sex was out of this world, but I didn’t like this book. I skipped around and it could never hold my attention.  I did, however, like the love interest between Noelle and Jasper and how she chose him over going back to her family.  Sorry I have to give this book a 2 star rating, but that is because I really like Jasper.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Double Crossed


Double Crossed by Ally Carter
 


This short Novella by Ally Carter: A spies and Thieves story puts the reader in the middle of a jewel heist.  This story is geared for a young audience none the less, I enjoyed it.  This novella goes right along with The Gallagher Girls Academy and Heist Series and throws us right in the middle of Macey and Hale’s lives.  This was cute, short, and sweet. 
From Goodreads
Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?
W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?
There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.
Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.
When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?
The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.
 

 

Born To Blog


Born To Blog by Mark W. Schaefer & Stanford A. Smith

 


OK, so I got Born to Blog off netgalley and thought that since I am new to blogging I could use some advice to see if I could get this blogging thing right.  After reading this book, I have decided it could help every blogger out there.  I am not looking to get famous from blogging, but I am sure some of you out there are.  This book gives you tips and advise on everything form how to blog, how to get more followers, and how to get famous.  If you are looking for any of these things then Born to Blog is for you. 

Abby Road


Abby Road by Ophelia London
 

Ophelia London knocked it out of the park with Abby Road.   This scrumptious novel will have readers devouring it in one sitting.  Between the life of the “it girl” rock star and the hot ex-marine, this book has all the components to become on the best seller list.  The audience will be captivated from the first page to the last sentence.

 Abby Road is definitely in my starting line up.  I absolutely love this novel.  It not only sucked me in, but introduced me to the author’s writing style (which I loved).  Ms. London will be on my list of must read author’s.  This New Adult Contemporary Romance has all the qualities that I love in a book, and I do not see any reason that it could not be the “next big thing”.  I fell in love with the characters from the beginning and took the roller coaster ride with them.  I could not put this one down.  Hopefully, this book will be the first in a series.  I would love a glimpse in the other band member’s lives and have a shot at love.  I give this book 4 ½ stars.   It was great!  The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because of the cover.  I think the book would be a show stopper with a hot cover.

 

and the kind you create—as well as a beautiful love story that proves even when everyone in the
From Goodreads

Touted by the tabloids as the biggest rock star of our generation, Abigail Kelly is used to being in the spotlight. But beyond the glam of Hollywood, her world is falling apart. Still reeling from the death of her brother and wilting under the iron fist of Max, her manager, Abby banishes herself to the secluded beaches of Floridafor the summer, thinking some anonymity and sunshine are just what she needs. What she finds, instead, is Todd, an ex-marine eager to embrace life after war. Together, Abby and Todd find the balance Abby’s life has been missing.

That is, until Max resurfaces, demanding Abby return to Los Angeles to record her band’s newest album. As the pressures of public appearances, paparazzi, and late-night recordings start to mount, Abby will have to risk everything or lose the life she always dreamed of.

Ophelia London’s ABBY ROAD is a love letter to music—both the kind you cherishworld can recognize your face, the only people who matter are those who can see inside your heart.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Shatter Me


Shatter Me
So, Shatter Me has been on my TBR list for a long time now. I finally got around to reading it, and I loved it! 5 stars all the way! I loved Ms. Mafi’s politically incorrect, lyrical writing style, and consequently, I could not put this book down. Juliette, the heroine, was awesome, and one of the better female protagonists that I’ve read lately. Think Rogue from X-Men. Yes, she’s got similar physical complications. She’s such a rich, complex character, as well. Additionally, one that speaks inside her mind a lot (and evidently, without punctuation).  
One thing that I liked about her writing is that it’s slightly outside the box, and she takes certain writing liberties, but there’s no hesitancy in the deliverance. Some readers might think that she’s being sloppy or was in a hurry or didn’t have a good editor, but the more you read, you see that her writing style/form parallels Juliette’s state of mind throughout the course of the story. At the beginning of the story, here you have Juliette, who’s been in isolation for 264 days, and you see how that has affected her emotionally and mentally. Ms. Mafi’s writing literally reflects her current state of mind. For me, it worked and it added this extra believable dimension to Juliette’s character that I think made her more intriguing.
I would characterize this story as dystopian with shades of paranormal, but the descriptive world-building that you would find in other dystopian novels (Divergent, The Hunger Games), is missing here. There is a little more of an emphasis on the romance between the characters, and yes, there is a triangle, of sorts. However, if you’re a dystopian fan, don’t let that discourage you because I would highly recommend this book. And, if you are a fan of meaningful YA romance, that gives you analogies and metaphors that you leave salivating, ding, ding, ding, here’s you a winner! With lines like, “I can touch you,” he says, and I wonder why there are hummingbirds in my heart.     “Juliette” His body presses closer and I realize I’m paying attention to nothing but the dandelions blowing wishes in my lungs.  (Beautiful!)  Man, if only I could write like that.
As I mentioned above, there is a triangle, of sorts, or what could be loosely described as a triangle. This time, we have Juliette, Adam, and Warner. Juliette and Adam’s relationship is pretty straightforward, but Juliette and Warner, on the other hand, is a lot harder to describe. I was seeing visuals of Damon Salvatore as I was reading Warner’s parts; that same dark character that does wrong, and is unapologetic, but that you know somehow, somewhere, has some humanity still left in them. To say the least, Warner is very interesting, and there was one particular scene between them where I found myself with a slightly accelerated heartbeat and a huge lump in my throat (that always surprises me when a good book is able to do that). I’m actually intrigued by Warner, and what makes him tick. Moreover, I feel that his feelings for Juliette are as sincere as they can be for him. And that one scene…*sigh*.
Then there’s Adam. Adam is whom I should be rooting for and I am. However, I also know what to expect from Adam, so the intrigue level is not quite there. At this point, I can say that I’m highly curious as to which direction the triangle will go, and I hope I’m not too terribly disappointed. This is one time where I’m torn between two heroes; my head says one thing, yet my rapid heartbeat indicates another.

 Shatter Me – 5 out of 5 stars





Shatter Me Playlist
The Space Between by Dave Matthews Band (Adam and Juliette in isolation together; those first few weeks and when he takes her bed)
Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band (Juliette and Warner and that one *sigh* scene)
Brand New Day by Joshua Radin (when Juliette is finally let out of isolation, and gets to experience the outside again)
Run by Matt Nathanson and featuring Sugarland (Juliette and Adam)
When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss & Union Station

If you’re a fan of Warner, you have to read Destroy Me, a novella devoted to him. It will give you better insight into him, and his feelings for Juliette.
Destroy Me Playlist –
If It Kills Me by Jason Mraz (Warner to Juliette)
Faster by Matt Nathanson (Warner to Juliette)

Reviewed by Susannah B;)

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Insurgent

Insurgent

Is it possible to like a second book in a series or trilogy, more than the first? Yes, it is. Many times, unfortunately, the second book in a series is just fluff and filler. Additionally, some major characters even go AWOL for a while. Nevertheless, I felt that way about Divergent/Insurgent, though; I liked Insurgent slightly more, although I'm sure that some of you will disagree. To be quiet honest, since Finnick was (noticeably, past tense) my favorite character in the Hunger Game trilogies, if there was no Catching Fire (book 2), then there would be no Finnick. Therefore, how could Catching Fire not be my favorite in the trilogy? Let's not speak about Mockingjay, and how I threw the book at a wall, shall we? 

Did I like Tris better in this book? (see my earlier Divergent review) Hmm. Well, yes and no. There were moments when I felt like she was a sensibly strong character. That's the thing, though. For all her smarts, I've never thought she was all that sensible, regardless of her faction aptitudes (i.e., going on a foolhardy suicide mission just because, someone that you know already not to trust, dangles a carrot in front of your eyes. Moreover, you don't even know what that carrot is.). But let's just cut through the chase, regardless of how much I like her character or not, I'm here for Tobias (cue: Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out For a Hero). Essentially, I'm going to finish this series to see what happens to his character and to Tris and him as a couple. Seriously, the girl finds herself in more inane situations when he's not around (shakes head). 

I hereby proclaim 2013 as the year of Tobias. And, have you seen the guy slated to play him in the movie? Theo James. Never heard of him before, and I'm not surprised that he's English-seems to be the norm for the hero in a YA book to movie-but he is very close to how I had Tobias pictured in my mind. The ears that stick out some, the nose with a slight hook, the lean body type (although, I pictured him a little bigger, but still on the lean side). He is a nice looking young man, although he doesn't look eighteen. Albeit, when they cut his hair shorter, he just might appear younger. I'm going to give him a pass on his age because Shailene Woodley (slated to play Tris) doesn't look sixteen, either. Really, this girl has got some serious luck on her side to be getting all these good roles, and now, on top of it all, she gets to make out with him...she's evidently got a huge stash of four-leaf clovers, hanging horseshoes and rabbit's feet somewhere (starting on mine today!). Good for her, but she definitely needs to give her leprechaun, George Clooney, or whoever cast her in The Descendants, a huge hug because I'm pretty sure that she didn't get this role based off her acting performance in her ABC Family show (my two lucky penny thoughts). 

Over the course of these two books, the one thing that I've learned about this series is: don't become attached to any of the characters, except for the hero and the heroine. Because just when you start to feel something for them, they're gone. As in g.o.n.e. Permanently. Add one more to the rising casualty list. And some of these are so random, too. Like, you really didn't have to write them out that way; there was no passion, rhyme, reason or purpose for it, and it wasn't even really for shock value. Or, if it was intended that way, it missed the mark. Part of the problem here might be, there's just too many characters to keep track of, popping in and out of the story. Maybe that's one reason for why there's so many sudden character finales; it's just easier to kill them off, then to continue writing on-going storylines for all these various characters.

I don't know, maybe I'm just being hypercritical (if you think so, feel free to call me out on it in the comment section;). However, I could take the most fickle sixteen year old girl around, and she would still not be as fickle or conflicted as Tris. It's exasperating. And, how is it that Tris seems to always be the smartest person around? (spoilerish) Yeah, yeah, parts of her brain are bigger (oversimplification) than yours or mine (yawn). So what? Sounds painful, if anything. Shouldn't she be having some headaches or migraines with that kind of condition? As someone who gets tension headaches, maybe my brain is big too. Let's put me in a Houdini water tank simulation, and let's see if I can break my way out. Kidding!

However, why is this small, average looking girl seemingly immune to everything (truth serum, fear, pain, simulations)? Maybe in book three, we'll find out that she can resist Kryptonite, too. For someone that has all this going for her and Tobias, in this book, she's got a clear death wish that I just can't empathize with. She's got Tobias wrapped around her finger, for pete's sake. What more could she want? Although, her relationship with Tobias is strained, and there are trust issues on each end that they have to overcome, I just couldn't understand her self-destructive tendencies. Tobias was holding out on her, although his were more of an omission. She was holding out on him. Repeat. Repeat. Then, she lied to him, and made a promise to him that she broke. She goes on later and breaks his trust again. It's no wonder that he gets exasperated, as well. She's Dauntless, so that means she's supposed to be brave and take risks, but she was taking risks out of a sense of grief, and I could not connect with her on that level. It negated her earlier image from book 1, as well. Her grief was almost self-serving, conveniently transitory and superficial; a cop out or an easy out for such a supposedly strong character. Furthermore, her parents would not have wanted that for her-that kind of a sacrifice. Additionally, given everything that she went through in Divergent, she should know that. So, what was her real motivation? That's the thing with Tris, regardless of her faction traits, I never seem to fully know her...

Insurgent - 4 stars out of 5






P.S. - I've decided to include a small playlist at the end of each review that I post. These are songs that I was reminded of when reading the book or songs that I listened to while reading it. A couple are oldies but goodies.

Holding Out For A Hero - Bonnie Tyler
When You Tell Me That You Love Me - Diana Ross
Kiss Me Slowly - Parachute
Closer - Joshua Radin - Tobias comforting Tris
What If You - Joshua Radin  - the scene where Tris leaves Tobias to go to Erudite headquarters
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri - Tris finally telling Tobias how she feels about him
I Will Not Take My Love Away - Matt Wertz (my favorite)

Reviewed by Susannah B;)






Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Once Tempted

Once Tempted: A Sliver Creek Novel by Laura Moore




Once Tempted is a great book for those of you who like ranch life or just a good romance. It was a little wordy at times, but otherwise a down right favorable read. I think that this will make a fine series and would love to read about the sibling’s adventure at finding love.

From Goodreads

Oldest son Ward Knowles feels the sprawling California ranch in his blood. And now that the family business has expanded to include a popular resort, he’s working harder than ever. Silver Creek is his legacy and his life, which is fine for the ruggedly sexy ladies’ man and committed bachelor. Love and trust don’t come easily for Ward since he lost his heart to a gold digger—until he meets a shy, unpretentious beauty whose sweet grace is about to turn his jaded heart into a hungry one.

Tess Casari has found sanctuary at Silver Creek, working as an assistant to Ward’s mother, Adele. Grateful for her busy new life running the ranch’s spa and resort, Tess can escape the heartbreak, humiliation, and secret shame of her failed marriage. The last thing she needs is temptation—especially from a man who reminds her so much of the husband who shattered her faith in love. But passion and destiny are about to change the rules for two people who have stopped believing in the healing power of love.



Sunday, March 17, 2013

A Vampire's Salvation

A Vampire’s Salvation: A Beyond Human Novella by Virna DePaul

 

DePaul’s novella A Vampire’s Salvation was short and sweet.  It was very fast paced, almost rushed.  After the first date, the couple fall in love which is a little unbelievable to me, but he is a vampire and hot at that.  There was a mysterious twist to this novella in which someone wanted the heroine, Frankie, dead.  It was unresolved it this novella, so I assume that there will be a sequel to this novella.  If you like vampire books this one is ok, but not anything to brag about.

 

From Goodreads:

Jacob La Costa Rios is the head of the California governor’s security team; he’s also a vampire who wants the governor, a presidential hopeful, to support the peaceful integration of vampires into human society. Unfortunately, there are others who oppose Jake’s plan. Plus, Jake’s a little distracted by discovering his one true mate, the human female who can give him everything he’s always wanted: love, children, and continuing immortality. Francesca Marie Stewart is the governor’s “go-green” political consultant.

Although she’s been attracted to Jake from day one, her priority is her career and protecting her heart. But then Jake blatantly propositions her and Frankie, who hasn’t experienced sexual intimacy since she was seventeen-years-old, decides it’s time to take what she wants—within reason. No matter—once Jake makes love to Frankie, he knows reason will be the farthest thing from her mind. Then he just has to eliminate the person threatening her, reveal the fact he’s a vampire, and convince her that trusting him will bring both of them eternal happiness.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Wolf with Benefits

Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston




OK, so all the reviews I have read on this book have been 4 and 5 star reviews. I thought great another outstanding book. This is the eighth installment of the Pride Series, and you can tell it is a series. I have never read any books in this series and I probably never will. This book is not a stand alone by any means, there are so many characters that I could not keep up with them and just stopped reading. It would probably have been an awesome read if I knew the back story and sub plots, but not having read them I could not figure who was who and what was going on. I am sorry to have to give this book a two 1/2 star review for stand alone purposes only. I’m sure I would have loved it if I would have read the rest of this series.

From Goodreads:

Shelly Laurenston, New York Times bestselling author and a star in the paranormal romance genre, comes the eighth book is the successful Pride series, that blends outrageous humor and sexy shapeshifters to create irresistible heroes that readers fall in love with.

Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?

Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for…



Monday, March 11, 2013

Wallbanger

Wallbanger

     Have you ever read a book and thought that the first part was fabulous and had you in stitches, and then you got to the middle, and from there on, you wondered if the author was in a possible time crunch or did they just lose steam? That's how I felt about Wallbanger. The first half was hilarious and witty, and then when I got past the middle, I felt this shift in the story. Additionally, a shift in the writing style/form, not consistent with the first half. To be honest, from the moment that the text messages appear and the secondary characters start having POV's of their own, she lost me as an interested, engaged reader. And, I hate that, too, because the potential was there, but the consistency was not. 

     The second half: it wasn't as funny or cute, and I found myself not laughing quite as much. And the things that I thought were funny and cute and original in the first half, were now, at this point, way overused and drawn out. There's a point, as an author, where you have to stop repeating the same joke or punch line, or it just becomes annoying and irritating to the reader. Well, that's how I feel, and that's how I felt about her "O", the pussy cat references, and even all of the Clive (the heroine's cat) mentions, which were grating on my nerves. Seriously, her cat was mentioned on page 7, page 8, page 9, page 10, page 11, page 13, page 14, page 16, page 17, page 18, page 24, page 25, page 26, page 27, page 28, page 29, page 30, page 31, page 34, page 36, page 38, page 39, page 40, page 45, page 47 (well, you get the picture). We get it- you're a cat lover! I don't even think that Old Yeller was mentioned on as many pages, and he was the story! 

     Looking at it, I really don't understand how this book has so many five stars on Amazon. Color me puzzled. It was more like a beach read; light and easy. Forgettable after a day or so. The cover will stay with you longer than the actual story will. Final thoughts: if this book is on sale and you're in need of a good laugh from a romance book, get it, but if you have to pay full price for it, my advise is to skip it. I wished I had. Oh well, that's my thoughts. Peace out;)



Wallbanger - 2.5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by Susannah B;)

     

Burn for Burn

Burn For Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian



Revenge is oh so sweet or is it…

The cover was beautiful and the synopsis was good, but the story itself was far better. I really enjoyed watching these characters develop and the plot thicken as the pages flew by. I was however, confused by the ending and the possibility of a paranormal twist. One minute I was reading this good book and the next thing I knew there was no more text. I thought that maybe my reader went haywire, but no folks, the story literally just stops. This is why I left this book at a 3 star review, if it would have ended properly I would have had no problem giving it 4 stars maybe even 4 ½. This book is definitely a guilty pleasure. I really didn’t want to like this book because of the bullying theme, but I could not put it down a demolished it in one sitting. I am looking forward for book #2.

Three very different girls, from 3 very different backgrounds come together for one reason REVENGE. Lillia, Kat, and Mary have three very different stories that intertwine with each other’s lives. Lillia is the sidekick girl in the “mean girls” clique. She seems to be growing a conscience. Kat is the girl that got kicked to the curb in middle school by the mean girls. Mary is the ugly duckling that turned into a swan with a jaded past. Pick on these girls and wish you didn’t.

Spellbinding

Spellbinding by Maya Gold



Spellbinding is a cute, entertaining read for younger YA audiences. This coming of age novel with a magical twist will have readers trapped in its spell. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the fast paced plot seems to flow just right and the characters develop well. If you are looking for a light YA read this could be your book. I give this review 3 stars.

The beginning of this book starts off as a dream sequence where Abby Silva, heroine, is drowning and being accused as a witch. Her real life is not much better; she is unnoticed and blending in the background at school. She has a crush on Mr. Popular, who of course has a girlfriend who is the epitome of a mean girl, and is in desperate need of her driver’s license and a job. She is given a school assignment to research her genealogy which leads her to Salem, and to Rem. Rem is they boy in Abby’s which dreams, and it doesn’t hurt that he is hot. There is an instant connection that Abby must get to the bottom of.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Divergent

Divergent 

So, I finally got around to reading Divergent by Veronica Roth. When I heard that it was going to be made into a movie, and that actors/actresses had already been slated to star in it, I knew I had to read it. It's like a no-brainer, for me, at that point. 

I'm really torn about this book; I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I liked it okay, but I feel strongly that my affection for Tobias/Four compels me to like it more than I actually really do like it. If that makes sense. If the story had had no romantic angle, and was just about Tris and her family and the factions, I wouldn't have cared for it. For me, I kept reading for Tobias and/or Tobias and Tris, when she was with him. Unequivocally,  in my estimation, he was the most compelling and swoon-worthy character in the story. Roth knows what she's doing with him, too, because she had me at the color of his eyes alone. "His eyes are so deep-set that his eyelashes touch the skin under his eyebrows, and they are dark blue, a dreaming, sleeping, waiting color." (swoon) Let's be real: he could have been a mime in this book, and I still would've loved him.

Bottom line: I had a hard time connecting with the main character and heroine, Tris. Once I felt like I had her  figured out, she would go conflicted, wishy-washy again and change it on me. She's like a freakin' Rubik's Cube; you get one side figured and you've got five more to go. Although, to be honest, I use the Dan Brown (genius!) cheat system myself. Seriously, I read the book and I'm still trying to figure her out. Spoiler... 

And I can't believe that she didn't know if she loved him or not by the end of the story. HELLO! He's the best thing you've got going for you. Again, another example of her somewhat self-involved, wishy-washiness. I wanted to give her a swift kick for that one. Additionally, the way she was with Al...she deserves another swift kick. Hurry up and give this protagonist some empathy quick. At times, I found myself almost pitying her, which I'm sure is not what the author intended for her brave, heroic, going up against society's oppression, heroine. 

I will give Mrs. Roth props for creating such an interesting world with so many different layers and in her debut novel, at that. Backstory: this dystopian novel is set in Chicago and because of natural disasters and war, society has broken into factions that are based on virtues (i.e., selflessness, bravery, honesty, intelligence, and peaceful) If you not in one of these factions, then you are not only without a faction, obviously, but you're homeless, as well. When someone turns sixteen, like Tris and her brother, Caleb, they are given aptitude tests to determine their personality traits and to identify what faction they are most like. They then have to decide whether to stay in their family's faction, or join another one, thereby cutting them off from their family and their old faction. This is where the title of the story comes from. If during the aptitude test, ones test results are inconclusive and they match up with more than one faction, they are considered divergent (which is a bad, bad, unspoken thing). *As an aside, I read somewhere that Mrs. Roth starting writing Divergent while she was in college, and color me impressed, because when I was in college, I didn't even have time to write the papers that were required of me. lol. 

Another point in the book's favor: secondary characters that I actually cared about. Will, Christina, Al, Caleb, Uriah... Their storylines weren't just fluff or filler, and they were fleshed out more then I expected, for secondary characters. I found myself caring about what happened to them, and hence the scene with Will...disappointing and totally unnecessary. And another reason to give Tris a swift kick! She's racking them up, too, but I hope that in the second book, Tris's behavior is more in line and more true to her character. 

I would have to give Divergent, four out of five stars. However, one of those stars is for Tobias alone. 




Reviewed by Susannah B. ;)















Friday, March 8, 2013

Seven Night Stand

Seven Night Stand by Nicole Helm



This cute, flirty book will be a great weekend read. The plot develops well, and the characters have depth. This well written, sassy romance is sure to be a fan favorite. This novel deserves all of the 3 ½ starts I am giving it.

From Goodreads:

Reality TV scout Vivvy Marsh loves her job, but she'll lose it if she doesn’t find a hit. When she’s sent to Kansas to scout a show, it looks like a bust...until she meets sexy pilot, Nate Harrington. His family would make the perfect show to save her career.

Nate can’t deny his attraction to Vivvy, but no way can he let this show take off. The Harrington family is riddled with secrets, and she wants it all out in the open. For the next seven days, he’s going to stop at nothing to keep her out of his family's business, even if it means keeping her distracted in his bedroom.

Sesame Street

Sesame Street I is for Imagination is a great read for kids.  I have a 22 month old and a 4 year old who enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed reading it to them.  For a bedtime story or a mid day read, this one is great for the kids. You can not go wrong with Elmo!

Playing the Maestro

Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne




Playing the Maestro is a quick, light hearted read for those of you who like music. It has a lot of musical influence and reference, so if you don’t know music this might not be the book for you. If you were in the band, or symphony like I was you will absolutely connect with this book and love it.

From Goodreads

Melody Mires has sworn off dating musicians, but when the sexy European conductor Wolf Braun takes over her struggling symphony, her hesitation almost flies out the window with the notes of her flute—until he opens his mouth. Wolf is arrogant, haughty, and seems to have a personal vendetta against Melody. Oh, and he’s her boss. If she wants to keep her job as principal flutist, she’ll have to impress Wolf while simultaneously keeping her undeniable attraction to herself.

Wolf came to America to get as far away from his past as possible, and to recover some of the swagger he had as one of the world’s best maestros. He never imagined being forced to reassess the entire orchestra’s talent—and potentially fire anyone who doesn’t make his cut. Dating the attractive flutist is out of the question, but as their feelings reach a fever pitch, can they risk both their careers for a chance at love?

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Code Red

Code Red by Amy Noelle



I was fortunate to get an ARC of this phenomenal read, Code Red, that releases April, 11 2013. This book was more than I expected by far. I have had it on my reader for awhile waiting to review it closer to the release date; that was a huge mistake. This novel was by far the best I have read in weeks! The alluring characters and the concept of a broken heart are intriguing to say the least. The cast of supportive girlfriends I would definitely hang out with. I love their sarcastic banter! This book was an overall homerun. I give Code Red a solid 4 ½ star review. I would love a sequel to this story or at least Ryan and Jen’s story.

Nicole Magette got her heart broken in college and vowed to never fall in love again. Her besties Jen, Ashley, Kim, and Mandy have always been there for her and each other, so who needs a man. They vow to call a “Code Red” when one of them are affected by a man and might get hurt. Seven year later three out of the fabulous five have called a code red and are now married to the men. Nicole turned into a man eater, use them and never look back. So when hot Joshua Daniels walks into her office when she is writing an email about why her vibrator is better than a real man, she feels the need to call her code red. Can this code red be the one?





Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Nantucket Blue

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland



Nantucket Blue is a sweet summer beach themed book that has a release date of May 7, 2013. This is shockingly a Disney Book Group release. I say shockingly because when you think of Disney, you think of kids. This is not the case with this read. It is definitely a YA. From the great cover to the last sentence, this book had me captivated. I found the characters to be very likable and some times unlikable but authentic. There was a love triangle for those of you who like that, I personally do. I do feel like the ending was a little rushed, but that did not take away from the story line. Maybe I was so into this book that I did not want it to end, regardless, it was an outstanding read.


Can one summer charge your life? Seventeen year old Cricket Thompson is suppose to spend the summer on the swanky island of Nantucket with her best friend Jules Clayton, Jules’ family, and her hot crush, Jay Logan. Everything changed when Jules’ family suffers a tragedy. Cricket and Jules drift apart and Cricket is stuck in Providence alone for the summer. Taking a leap of faith, Cricket finds a job and moves on her own to Nantucket. When the job does not pan out Cricket finds herself taking a job as a chambermaid for an inn on the island. Will her long time crush be the love of her life or can someone else on the island be her prince charming?

Monday, March 4, 2013

Paradise Hops

Paradise Hops by Liz Crowe



I usually do not review books this way and usually stay to a professional reviewers standards, but I just can not with this book I was interested in this book due to the synopsis and possibility of a love triangle. After reading it I was heartbroken and also left with a big question mark. Reading it was easy and flowed great until the dream sequence/coma. The book to a bizarre twist and that really lost me. I also thought that this book was realistic until the coma parts. I know that many people are grief stricken after a loss, and in this case that this reaction is believable. The ending left me with more questions than answers. I saw the high reviews and thought that I had a winner and it fell short. This book receives 3 stars from me.


From Goodreads

A brutal attack left Lori Brockton convinced she was damaged goods. By the time she emerges from hiding two years later, ready to run her family's famous brewery, she's determined to be independent--never rely on anyone ever again. Nearly a year of working in every corner of Brockton Brewing Company, from warehouse to pub, front office to kitchen, teaches her all she needs to know about the business. Then, she comes face-to-face with masculine perfection in a suit and her world is rocked in more ways than one. Garret Hunter is the new Brockton business manager who takes one look at the beautiful, sad young woman and his entire existence coalesces around winning her heart.


But standing between Garrett and what he believes is his true love, is a six-feet six-inch blond-haired bad boy brewer.

Eli Buchannan is a craft beer rock star, recently hired by Brockton to drag the company into the 21st century. He brings innovation and attitude plus a prima donna ladies’ man reputation. But he's sworn off anything resembling commitment, personal or professional, after getting burned at his last job on both fronts.

Garret Hunter is “The Perfect Man” -- handsome, successful, stable, eager to settle down. Eli Buchannan... is not. Compelling, smoking hot, creative and elusive, he represents everything Lori Brockton should avoid. But just as she makes a difficult choice, a drastic life-changing shift occurs, and nothing is ever the same again.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Lush

Lush by Lauren Dane




Lush is the third installment in the Delicious Series by Lauren Dane. This hot and steamy romance will leave you breathlessly wanting more. The characters in this series seem to leave the readers wanting more. Hopefully, the nest installment will be as enjoyable as this one.

After writing the above review, I wanted to add my personal opinion of this book. I am going back to read the first two books in this series because I fell in love with the characters in this book, but I would say that the stand alone factor in this book was not really there. I caught on to the background, but if you invest time into reading a book you really want the whole story. I felt like there were a lot of characters that were in this book that were not introduced well enough for it to be a good independent read. Having said that, I want to go back and read the beginning of this series because I fell like I want to know more of the characters back story. This series will be on my “to read” list.

From Goodreads

USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers a second serving of sexy in her new Delicious novel, in which taste and temptation make up a sweet recipe…
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.

Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…

Embracing You, Embracing Me

Embracing You, Embracing Me by Michelle Bellon



Embracing You, Embracing Me takes you back in time to the ninety’s with the music, language, and who couldn’t forget the hair. This coming of age novel will make you laugh, cry, and want to hit something (not necessarily in that order). This story about the emotional a teen can face and overcome is endearing.

I really did not get into the book the way I would have like to. I kept thing it was goig to get better for Roshell but it didn’t. This girl could catch a break at all. I kept reading thinking it’s got to get better, but it kind of just went stale. I did, however, finish the book thinking it was a waste of a few hours where I could have been reading something much better. I will give this book a 2 ½ star review. It did bring back good and bad memories from the 1990’s in which I actually spent most of my time with my cousin whose name happened to be Roshell.


From Goodreads

Young Adult novel begins in a 90s Trailer Park, and hits hard. In a decade when image matters, when the so-called Generation X is swelling with 'future perfect' hopes and pride, 16-year-old Roshell McRady dances her way through High School, never quite admitting that she's ashamed of her trailer park family home. Meanwhile she listens to Madonna while conjuring creative Top Ramen recipes to feed her younger cousins; she empties enough hairspray until her bangs are feathered and vertical like a lethal weapon; and she agonises over how to convince Gabriel Harrison, the new Mystery Guy in town, to invite her to the prom - a night which threatens to turn into a disaster. But then life takes a dramatic turn for Roshell, and her life changes forever. A love story emerges from the anguish of Roshell's life, and when she leaves school and finds work at a casino, things don't get any less complicated for her - until one night a powerful dream marks out the exact path that she must take. Embracing You, Embracing Me has young adult humour and nineties-style cultural aspirations, but surprises with some hard-hitting moments that give the book a keen edge.