Friday, February 6, 2015

ARC Review: No Funeral (No Weddings #2)

One Funeral (No Weddings #2) by Kat Bastion & Stone Bastion

Publisher: Kat Bastion & Stone Bastion, 2014
229 pages, kindle edition
Source: Netgalley
Genre:  Chick-Lit, Romance, Contemporary
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
The stakes climb higher in this second book in the No Weddings Series for Hannah Martin, a woman restrained by her past, and Cade Michaelson, the man who could help set her free.

I’m drawn to Cade as he charms his way into more of my life and offers me something I truly haven’t ever had: a friend. Yet his humor, patience, and drop-dead sexiness take my breath away, and I know my heart is at risk. I want to move forward but am terrified I can’t.

Cade seems to have it together from his own devastating heartache. His subtle actions, however, suggest a different story. And even though he says he wants more, I wonder if he’s able to trust in our developing relationship.

As we navigate through our tangled feelings, we vow to take it slow. Yet no matter how careful we try to be, things between us intensify—and there’s nothing we can do, or want to do, to stop it.

But the biggest question remains: Is chemistry enough to move beyond the past and toward a future together?

My Review:
What can I say about this book besides I loved it even though I read the 4th book first, but in this book I’m getting the feeling they are taking things slow, come take things at warp speed. I liked how this book gave us Hannah’s point of view, I usually like male point of views but her point of view was fun, but switching back and forth between books instead of by chapter within in the one book seems really better and a creative way of doing things.

The humor was on point in this book. Cade’s family is still absolutely fantastic, Cade and Hannah are perfect. I’m thinking we are going to see them each a little less broken. I know its silly for being a little upset about the pace they are taking with their relationship. I mean we are capable of reading book without the sex scenes as long as they are still sexy.


I’m still surprised that there is so much tension between Hannah and Cade. I was assuming there was no way in hell they would be able to keep their hands off each other as well as they did. But I’ve never had a great grasp on the power of self-control, so more power to them.


My Rating:

Thursday, February 5, 2015

ARC Review: Starting From Lost (Broken Beginnings #1)

Starting From Lost (Broken Beginnings #1) by S.K. Wills

Publisher: Booktrope Publishing, 2014
245 pages, kindle edition
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Love is a risk. If you lose it all, would you dare to risk it twice?

Hannah Rogers is lost: cynical, insecure, and withdrawn. Skeletons forged through a bad breakup that should have been a marriage proposal. Now four years later, Hannah follows her dead-end job to the big city where her only hope is to survive the next eight months as her flirtatious boss’s personal assistant. The last thing her predictable life needs is to collide with the boy responsible for breaking her heart, or the twist of fate that sends a sexy new neighbor to awaken feelings she’s long since put to bed.

Alex Sorrento doesn’t have any room in his life for another pet project. He’s already put aside his career and his personal dreams to follow his half-sister Mackenzie to the big city. Lost in the guilt over the events that nearly took her life, he feels he owes her that much. When Mackenzie befriends the new girl on the second floor, Alex finds himself defenseless against the sizzling chemistry between them and the sadness in her eyes. Can he protect Hannah from her ex without losing his heart?

In this turbulent journey about self-discovery, forgiveness, and love, some second chances aren’t worth taking, but others have their own rewards.

My Review:
After reading the synopsis I thought, I so want to read this. It seemed like it was going to be a good read for this year and I was really excited about it.

It took me awhile to get into it and had a long time finishing it I found that Hannah’s character to way to cynical for my liking but I sympathized with her and understood where she was coming from. As for Alex and Mackenzie I really enjoyed their characters.

Starting from lost was a well written book. S.K. has an amazing talent as an author, sometimes I couldn’t connect with this book, but for sure I would be on the lookout for more upcoming books by this author.


My Rating:

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Review: Orlando (Blackmail #1)

Orlando (Blackmail #1) by Crystal Spears

Publisher: Crystal Spears Books, 2014
51 pages, kindle edition
Source: Purchased through Amazon
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
He was no good for me, I knew that. Something about him called to me. If he were a merman he would beckon me with a siren call. Orlando and I have played this game of tug of war since as far back as I can remember.

He wants me, I want him and yet we do nothing about it. But when we graduate high school and go our separate ways and I’m on set and he’s sitting in the producers chair; I run as fast as I can but it just wasn’t fast enough.

He knew I was an actress but he had no idea I traveled overseas to work in the porn industry and I had no clue he did as well.
There’s just one small problem. He’s married, or in the midst of getting a divorce. I won’t believe it until I see it, so until then, he’s just my boss and I’m just his hired porn actress.
I’ve thought about quitting this job and just going back to the states early, but that one damn name, the one that flows off my tongue keeps me here.

O.R.L.A.N.D.O

My Review:
Man I'm such a big fan of Crystal Spears Breakneck series, So you can understand why I had to read this when she changed from an MC series to an actress making a porn film, with her long time childhood friend and crush directing it...it looked fun so I had to give it a try.

This a really short and sassy serial but the author is doing something nobody else has done before...adding on the next two books in the series to this first one for free, so when you buy the original here like I did, you will get an updated file as she finishes the next two. Genius idea and so generous since too many authors nowadays make you buy each tiny installment separately!

I laughed and generally had fun with this one. It's not really a serious book at all but does have a little blackmail storyline to go along with the romance. Some sexy time as well. Orlando is unlike her biker books in that it is not explicit and crude, no bloody violence (yet...who knows what's coming in the next two books) and reads very quickly...most of the book taking place in real life and some parts being the film script and action on the set.


My Rating:

Review: Savor (Senses #5)

Savor (Senses #5) by Xavier Neal

Publisher: Xavier Neal, 2015
147 pages, kindle edition
Source: Purchased through Amazon
Genre: Young Adult, New Adult, Romance, Sports
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Lately, Logan "Unbreakable" Kellar's life has been a series of miscommunications with catastrophic consequences. However, this time around, the consequences threaten to not only damage his current relationships but erase a future he only ever dreamed of. Will Logan lose everything he's ever hoped for or will he finally be able to break the cycle of his mistakes and get the future he is so desperate to Savor?

My Review:
Man what a way to end the story of Maxx and Logan....Logan has just signed his contract to go to the PROS, something he has wanted and waited for all his life. But the only downside to that is he has to leave his lovely girlfriend and their teenaged son aka The Kid, and family and friends behind. Maxx has just received news that could change the course of her relationship with Logan. She decides no to tell him right away. when she does tell him, how do you think he will react?

throughout the series the author Xavier does a fantastic job of connecting her fellow reader to her characters...a lot more in this book. Mazxx and Logan are growing up and becoming more mature adults. Reader will finially see the insecure part of Logan which is heartbreaking and humbling at the same time, Mr. Unbreakable himself is actually breakable when it comes to Maxx. The Kid has been an awesome addition to the series and to this family. He forces the 2 of them to think of someone beside themselves, he literally kind of cements them all, including the other members of this family. It's like Maxx is always saying "family isn't genetic makeup. It's those people who stand beside you through anything and everything." And that is what this series represents, its love between 2 people who are soulmates, and a story of love one family has for each other and stick together through everything.

I became a fan of Xavier's after I read Blinded and man she just seems to get better and better with each book she writes. She has a wonderful talent of creating characters with flaws that she just continues to build upon that grow with each book. I can't wait for the next books in the series Erin and C.J, Luke and Stuart, Tony and Dean aka The Kid and his baby sister or brother and to see how things are going with their parents Maxx and Logan. So thank you Xavier Neal for making me a fan of the series.


My Rating:

Review: Looking For You (Oh Captain, My Captain #1)

Looking For You (Oh Captain, My Captain #1) by Lindsay Paige & Mary Smith

Publisher: Lindsay Paige & Mary Smith, 2014
159 pages, kindle edition
Source: Purchased through Amazon
Genre: New Adult, Young Adult, Romance, Sports
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Oh Captain, My Captain presents Hudson King of the Portland Vikings.

Hudson King loves his job and his family. His life is missing that someone special, and he’s ready to settle down. He has the bad luck of only finding women who want him for his money and fame. If only he could meet someone who didn’t know him by his profession...

Ellie Sullivan has had a hard life. It’s revolved around her family, and then her career, leading her to never have a real relationship. One night in Portland, Ellie strikes up a conversation with a guy at a bar, not knowing that it was the Hudson King...

After several dates, Hudson is able to avoid Ellie figuring out what is really happening in his life. However, the secret can’t remain hidden. Will Ellie stay with Hudson after she discovers his lie? Or will Hudson lose the girl he’s been looking for?


My Review:
I am blown away by Mary and Lindsay!!! They did it. It was a fantastic read and I read this book in 1 sitting and couldn't for the life of me put it down. This book has pretty much everything you are looking for in a book. I loved the amazing characters, the awesome story line, the hot steamy romance and of course becoming a favorite of mine in books is the hockey!!!! I would recommend you give this book a (it might not be for you, but at least you gave it a go). Absolutely can't wait for the next one.

My Rating:

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

New Releases: February 2015

New Releases of February 2015

This idea come from Xpresso Reads - But to write i in a monthly release format is Rachel's Reading Corner Idea. So let get to it.

These are the February 2015 Releases:

Contemporary/Romance:
  
One Of The Guys by Lisa Aldin
When Reason Breaks by Cindy L. Rodriguez
Vendetta by Catherine Doyle

  
The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
Better Than Perfect by Melissa Kantor
The Hooker & The Hermit by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Paranormal/Fantasy:
 
The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead
Gathering Frost by Kaitlyn Davis
All That Burns by Ryan Graudin
  
Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton
Greta and the Glass Kingdom by Chole Jacobs
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Dystopia:
  
Rebellion by Stephanie Diaz
City of Savages by Lee Kelly
Dove Arising by Karen Bao

  
Kalahari by Jessica Khoury 
The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig
Unleashed by Sophie Jordan

Mystery/Thriller/Horror:
   
Dead To Me by Mar McCoy
Scripted by Maya Rock
Unchanged by Jessica Brody

   
Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson
Suckers by Z. Rider 


Monday, February 2, 2015

ARC Review: The Gatekeeper's son (The Gatekeeper's Son #1)

The Gatekeeper's Son (The Gatekeeper's Son) by C.R. Fladmark

Publisher: The Shokunin Publishing Company, 2014
313 pages, kindle edition
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Junya’s grandfather is a billionaire who keeps the secret to his success hidden in a heavily guarded safe.
His mother is a martial artist who wields a razor-sharp katana—and seems to read his mind.
And a mysterious girl in a Japanese school uniform can knock him over—literally—with just a look.
What do they know that he doesn’t?
Junya’s life takes a dangerous turn on his sixteenth birthday, when someone sets out to destroy not only the family’s business empire—the one that he’s set to inherit—but Junya himself. He’s fighting for his life, and doesn’t know who to trust.
What has his family been keeping from him?
Junya’s journey takes him from the narrow streets of San Francisco to Japan, and through hidden portals to the top of the ancient Japanese Izumo Shinto shrine, to places where death and violence are a way of life. And in a mystical world he’s never imagined, he finds his true destiny.

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book for what it was, a male fantasy novel and I could see myself giving this authors books another go. But most of this book was heaps of Young Adult for me to handle. I like my YA's dont get me wrong but sometimes they need just a little bit more.

It takes great skills to write a novel for both men and young adult men, as this is C.R. Fladmarks debut novel he deserves every good review he gets for this novel.

Lost of fighting (What men and Young men like), your prerequisite cute girl, secrets out the wazoo, ninjas and a badguy who helps Junya for his own ends, That was the good stuff.

My Rating: