Review ~ Struggle (Struggle #1) by P.A. Jones

ebook downloaded from Amazon for free

Release Date: December 28th 2013

Description:
Eva Clark has seen a lot in her 22 years. While running from her bruised past, she meets Nathan Brown...IT guy by day; hot, tattooed kick boxer by night. With his rock solid body, deep male voice, and dark brown eyes, Nathan is both irresistible and impenetrable.

The more Eva tries to get close to Nathan, more he tries to push her away. What secrets is Nathan hiding from Eva? Can true love be resisted?

My Opinion

I really wanted to like this book because it had fighters in it. I love fighter romances but sadly, I had a few problems with Struggle.

The first was that it does need to go through another round of editing. Grammar isn't usually something I comment on as I'm pretty relaxed about it, but there were a few too many errors for me not to as it did affect the flow when reading as I had to pause to figure out what words were meant to be. I also think it could use a content edit as parts were slightly repetitive. Sometimes there were two sentences saying exactly the same thing following each other and other times it was whole scenes repeated due to the switch in first person POV. I think if the author wants to play a scene from both characters view points it would have been better in third so as not to be repetitive.

The second problem I had was that the speech was very stiff and I felt it was unnatural. The constant adding of names and lack of contractions made everything very formal and although I'm not sure of the characters' exact ages, I don't think college students would speak like it.

Saying that though, overall I did find myself enjoying it when I overlooked its faults. For a free download I can't really complain. It's a general romance of girl fall for the bad boy and both have issues from past relationships but I like those stories. It was easy to understand and follow and I did find myself liking the characters. I would have perhaps liked Nathan to be a bit more rugged as he was a little too tame for my liking but in general the progression was all right.

Overall, it was a short easy read that broke up a few hours. It's okay for a freebie but I'm not sure I'll be buying the next one, even if I am curious.

2.5

ARC Review ~ No Rules (An Omega Group Novel) by Starr Ambrose

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 4th 2014

Publisher: Entangled: Edge

Description:
Jess Maulier's estranged father was more than the quiet professor of linguistics he appeared to be – she is shocked to discover he was also an operative for a covert group that rescues hostages. Before he died he left Jess a vital clue to a rescue. Unfortunately, it's in the form of a children's story, and she has no idea what it means. Though she resents the close professional and personal relationship the handsome and dangerous Tyler Donovan had with her absentee father, she turns to him for help.

But Tyler doesn't know how to interpret the story, either. An attempt to decipher it takes them to Egypt, where danger ignites sparks between them. Tyler can't get involved, though—Professor Shikovski advised him never to risk emotional attachments—and Jess tempts him more than could ever be safe. No matter how enticing she is, he has to maintain his distance to preserve his focus. But only mutual trust can save them from encroaching danger.

My Opinion

It was the Egyptian setting that caught my eye with this book as well as the military aspect. I love ancient Egypt and anything to do with the culture so I was excited to read this book as I don't see it used very often. For me, the author did a great job with it being worked into the story. She captured the pace and chaotic nature of the country brilliantly, and the historical aspects were interesting to read about also. It was definitely an original setting.

I really enjoyed No Rules. There was plenty going on and I think I prefer freelance organisations with ex-military men rather than actual military guys. Omega was interesting and developed well. I found them a believable organisation and I enjoyed that the book was focused more around them and their job than the romance. The action was brilliant and I found them all to be believable characters who were strong and wholeheartedly believed in what they were doing.

I will admit that I figured everything out (clues and traitor) very early into the book because of my knowledge of the culture and history so the clues were kind of obvious and I was waiting for the characters to figure everything out. However,that didn't stop me enjoying the story. The book was well paced, had plenty of description and kept me interesting the whole way through. 


Overall, No Rules was a great read. I may have liked a little more development in the romance but it still kept me glued to the pages right up until the end. I would definitely recommend.

ARC Review ~ Her Special Forces by Sophia Rosyln

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 4th 2014

Publisher: Entangled: Ignite

Description:
Retired Marine Viper helo pilot and ground cover expert, Kacey O’Donnell is called out of 
retirement for a special assignment: to assist in extracting the kidnapped daughter of a U.S. 
Senator, after an FBI team is betrayed and taken out. 

Former SEAL hero Nathan Weatherly looks forward to his new job as Deputy Sheriff in the 
small, quiet Normal Rockwell town where Kacey grew up. The former lovers have a history she 
has no desire to revisit, and a dark secret she refuses to share. 

With a young girl’s life at stake, Kacey helps pull Nathan’s team together for one last 
assignment. But, she finds it next to impossible to work with Nathan again—especially when she 
know he wants so much more, and she has so much to hide.

My Opinion

I'm really liking military romances at the moment so I was excited to start Her Special Forces as not only did it have SEALs in it, but there was also a female helicopter pilot. I was interested to see how that developed because it's not something I've come across before. I think, overall I did enjoy this book. However, I did have to suspend my beliefs a lot and use my imagination to fill in some blanks along the way.

I liked the plot as a whole and it has potential to be a lot more, I just feel as it stands now, it's not as good as it could be. For me there needs to be more substance to it. For a military book, I like to read the action but in this book it was missed out totally. There were a few sentences and then everything was resolved, which was disappointing. As well as this I wanted more details into Kacey's PTSD and how it was affecting her. It seemed there was a lot of description during sex scenes but the rest of the novel lacked that development and I think it would be a great book if the level of detail continued throughout.

I did like Kace, though--even if we don't learn much about her PTSD. She was strong and determined, but she also had a good sense of right and wrong. I liked her temper and how she opened up to Nathan in the end. Kacey was definitely one of the best part about this book. I found her easy to connect to and feel for. I also liked how their romance wasn't simple and did have its complications. It's not the most original but I still love books with this kind of thing in.

I do wish I could say the same for Nathan. I liked him a lot but there was one thing about him led me to not believe in his character: his speech. For a retired SEAL, I felt his speech was very feminine and he needed to be toughened up a bit. Some of the phrases he used just made me laugh as I couldn't picture this strong alpha-male saying them--they were too weak. Moreover, some other characters for me were unrealistic. An 11 year old who can fly, drive, speak some Russian (conveniently), not go to pieces when kidnapped but instead remember every tiny detail and count songs to estimate distance? I just didn't buy it. Maybe a few of those things but not all of them.

Despite those things, I liked the narrative woven around them. I did figure out who was behind everything very early on but there were still some twists at the end I didn't see coming. I liked that although the kidnappers' motives were obvious there were a few secrets I didn't see coming. I also liked how Kacey didn't reveal everything until the end.


Overall, despite its flaws, I still found myself enjoying this book. It may not be the best military romance out there but it had me hooked and glued to the pages until the end.

ARC Review ~ The Summer of Jake by Rachel Bailey

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 4th 2014

Publisher: Entangled Embrace

Description:
A new adult title from Entangled’s Embrace imprint… Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan…

Life is just dandy for aspiring fashion designer Annalise Farley. She has a great job (or she will once her designs are discovered), parents who only slightly disapprove, a cat that thinks she’s a dog, and a best friend…even if she hasn’t seen her in a while. But then Jake Maxwell saunters back into her life. Jake, the love god. Jake, her best friend’s older brother. Jake, who broke her heart at sixteen without realizing it, then left to become a pro surfer. Now he’s back, having taken the surfing and business worlds by storm, and he’s ready for a new challenge—catching the eye of another girl. And he wants Annalise’s help. Helping Jake land his next girlfriend is too fraught with emotional danger for her liking, but then Jake offers to put her designs in his shops. Is that the sound of her life cracking at the seams? It’s hard to tell with Jake smiling at her like she’s the only thing that makes him happy…

My Opinion

I will admit, when I first read the title for this book it didn't really capture my attention. However, I'm quickly growing to love books by this publisher so I decided to give it a go as combined with the cover it looked like a feel-good read.

This was a great summer read that was perfect for lounging around with. It was quick and easy but it also had a lot of depth to it. I was surprised by the story as I was expecting a summer romance but I got a lot more. The characters ha a lot of dimensions to them and plenty to keep the story interesting. The book was mainly a romance that wasn't reciprocated, but the small things from their past and present that challenged them have the story more depth.

As well as this I liked the build up in the relationship and how they went backwards and forth. There were times when I was screaming "just kiss her already" or "get together" but that was because I wanted to see the romance as I loved when the characters were together. The author dragged it out cleverly and kept me reading as I wanted to see their HEA. The characters' progression was believable and their emotions were relatable and easy to engage with as they grew.

Overall this was an enjoyable read that's perfect for a summer's day. It keeps you routing for the characters and isn't without the moments that tug on your heartstrings. I would definitely recommend.

Review ~ Into the Shadows (The Associates #3) by Carolyn Crane

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 16th 2014

Description:
He’s working undercover for the good guys. That doesn’t mean he’s one of them. 

HE’S A KILLER.
Thorne McKelvey knows exactly how Nadia sees him—as a brute and a killer just kinky enough to play her sexy games. And that’s how it has to stay. Leaving her was the hardest thing he ever did, but his undercover mission could blow up at any second. No way will he drag Nadia down with him.

SHE CAN’T RISK HER HEART.
Maybe it was foolish to fall in love with her late father’s deadliest henchman, but Nadia Volkov’s not sorry; without Thorne she wouldn’t have their beautiful little boy. There’s nothing she won’t do to protect Benny, which means she must hide his identity—especially from his father.

Now Thorne has burst back into her home, searching for clues to a gangland mystery…and stirring a hunger Nadia hasn’t felt in two years. But Benny’s identity isn’t the only secret she’s keeping, and things are turning deadly. Can Thorne and Nadia trust each other long enough to stay alive and have a chance at happiness?

My Opinion

I really thought I would like this book. It held the prospects of everything I love in the blurb but unfortunately it isn't holding my interest--and I hate to say that. I'm not sure why, but the story isn't making me want to continue and for the last 10% I have been trying my hardest not to skim. The start caught my attention and I thought this would be a gritty, dangerous, action-packed romance but the romance is taking too long to develop and it's not as dangerous as I would have liked. 


I'm not sure if this is because it's the third book in the series (even if it stated it could be read as a standalone) but something just isn't connecting so I'm going to stop at 47%. I may come back to it one day ... 

DNF

Review ~ Her Best Shot (Hot & Nerdy #1) by Shannyn Schroeder

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: September 29th 2014

Publisher: eKennsington

Description:
With college graduation looming, three childhood friends vow to make spring break their last blast of pure fun. But at least one of them didn’t count on such incredible heat… 

Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe, and her future has been calculated with razor precision. Convinced to let loose over spring break, Layla is finally ready to party—until her car breaks down halfway to her destination, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. She knows more than enough about angles to learn the game, but this week she wants him to appreciate her curves… 

Phin Marks has never met a girl like Layla. She’s more Star Wars geek than seductress, and when he offers her a place to stay while her car is in the shop, he’s counting on the attraction between them to set the nights ablaze, no strings attached. But every moment he spends with Layla makes it harder to let her go. Can he persuade her to gamble in the most dangerous way possible…on forever?

My Opinion

This was an enjoyable, quick read that put a smile on my face. Being a novella things did move at a fast-pace and although I felt the insta-love was a a bit too much too quickly, I still found myself caring and feeling for the characters. I would have liked more of a slow build than just jumping straight into sex but having written novellas myself I understand the restrictions and it didn't make it any less enjoyable as the scenes were hot.

I liked how the characters interacted and bonded. They had a playful, witty side which I love. I also liked the pool aspect. I didn't expect it to be continued throughout the book but I'm glad it was.

It's a shame the book ended so quickly. My iPod still showed I had 20% remaining but it was just an extract of the next book. I did feel it came to an end all of a sudden and would definitely like more of these characters as there was certain background information that wasn't fully developed and had only just been introduced.


Overall though, this was an enjoyable read that was perfect with the summer weather here in the UK. It made me smile and I liked the characters the whole way through.

3.5

Book Spotlight & Excerpt ~ The Forever Saga: Flash by Sean C. Sousa

The Forever Saga: Flash

Genre: Sci-fi, Adventure

ASIN: B0099B2UBS
ISBN: 0615686230

Description:
Long ago, the first reign of Grigori Geist nearly destroyed the Earth. 

Returned from exile, Geist is secretly rebuilding his kingdom beneath Antarctica, and assembling his robotic Vaucan race to conquer mankind. Only one obstacle remains: the war hero Brian Renney. 

Yet Brian is now losing a battle against his fears. Scars of heart and mind linger in the Vietnam veteran and retired coach, fueling nightmares that leave him abrasive as a husband and father. His failures embitter his youngest son, Jason - a star athlete torn between pursuing the woman he loves, and meeting the demands of a father who is far from the storied Army captain he once was. 

And all the while, Geist is coming for them. 

Against an ancient tyrant and his servants, Brian and Jason must face a threat that plagues the world from deep shadows...and gain an ally who, once meant for evil, will forever be a force for good.

Buy: Amazon | Audible | iTunes | B&N

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

Review ~ A Fighter's Desire by L.P. Dover

Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: July 28th 2014

Description:
Two is always better than one.

Knowing a fighter’s desires and needs are one thing, but actually experiencing them is another. A Fighter’s Desire gives you not one, but two stories full of hardcore passion, angst, and action that’ll leave you breathless and aching for more.

Part One: Ryley and Camden Jameson, well-known MMA fighters and identical twins, were just as aggressive and passionate in the bed as they were in the ring. They loved a good fight, and that’s exactly what they got when they met Ashleigh Warren. The brothers had a habit of sharing things—including women—and she happened to be the only one they truly craved. However, the problem was getting her to agree to their proposition. It was one she couldn’t refuse, but she knew it wouldn’t be easy to win. Nonetheless, she sure as hell was going to enjoy it.

Part Two: Fighting temptation isn’t easy when you’re constantly around the one person you’ve desired more than any other. Gabriella Reynolds was warned by her brother, MMA Heavyweight Champion Matt Reynolds, to stay away from his friends; they only wanted one thing, and in the end they’d break her heart. She heard it, but the desire to have the one man she couldn’t led her down the forbidden path to pursue him; he also happens to be one of her brother’s best friends. Tyler Rushing can’t deny his attraction to her, and he’s afraid she’ll want more than what he can give her. When he finds out that’s not the case … everything changes. They have no choice but to keep their time a secret, and it’s a secret that’ll stay with them forever.

My Opinion

I've have been waiting for this book since I saw the author announce it's release so when I saw it up on Amazon, I had to buy it instantly. I will also say that it messed up my plans by arriving early and forcing me to start it before getting any work done--not that I'm complaining.

L.P. Dover's Meant for Me was what introduced me to the world of MMA romances and she still remains my favourite author in the genre. I love her fighters and I can't wait to see where she takes this series. It had everything I've come to expect plus one more aspect.

One of the things I liked about this book was that they were a grittier version of the fighters' lifestyles. It was a realistic portrayal of their lives and gave an all access view of their true characters without the true love aspect. I will admit because this book is split into two parts, with two stories, the sections were shorter so I felt I was left hanging with each ending. However, I liked that the girls were continued throughout both books. Their relationship was believable and I liked their strong personalities. The endings also have me intrigued as to what is install for the guys next.


Overall, this is a hot book that shows the gritty, edgier side to the fighters'lifestyles. It was a gripping, page-turning read and it has just made me want the next book straight away!

Review ~ Off Guard by Marian Tee

ebook downloaded for free on Amazon

Release Date: June 19th 2014

Publisher: Jaded Speck Publishing

Description:
An all-new "friends romance" short story from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Marian Tee

18-year-old Gabby has a date. Finally. But because of the sheltered life she's led, she needs a chaperone of sorts. Enter Hadrian Bancroft, the hottest guy in uni - and her best friend. Or at least he was until he kissed her.

My Opinion

This was a very short, easy read. It was straight to the point, the characters were believable, and it was a nice read to break up the time and rest with. I would have liked a little more as what you get is good and I enjoyed the author's writing. I would be interested in finding out more about these characters.

3.5

Review ~ The First and Last Kiss (A Modern Day Fairytale) by Julius St. Clair

ebook downloaded for free on Amazon

Release Date: November 26th 2013

Description:
Nick and Erin are perfect for each other. Unfortunately, Nick is plagued with a curse – one that will enslave him to whomever he kisses for the first time. Erin is willing to wait for the commitment, but what will she do when someone discovers her boyfriend’s horrible secret?

My Opinion

This was very short. I assumed that by the length of it on my Kindle it was a novella, so I was surprised when it suddenly finished at 34% and the rest of the book was an excerpt from another of the author's work. However, saying that it was an okay read, and it was free so I can't complain. 

There isn't much I can say about a story this length but it broke up my time and was slightly different to things I've read before. For me, it needed a bit more development though for me to have felt more strongly about it.

Review ~ Hot Secrets (Tall, Dark & Deadly #1) by Lisa Renee Jones

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: 23rd August 2012

Description:
Royce Walker, a former FBI Agent, who’s opened a private security firm with his brothers, has always had the hots for the prim, proper Assistant District Attorney, but considered her hand’s off because of a family connection. However, when danger threatens Lauren, he isn’t willing to stand by and watch her get hurt. Now the passion for survival is only rivaled by the passion burning between them. And that passion, might just be the death of them both.

My Opinion

This was a quick, easy read that although was predictable and a bit of a whirlwind, it did keep me engaged and hooked until the end. I liked that it was a short read that was filled with a lot and I also liked that there was more to it than just insta-love.

I'm all for hot bodyguards and alpha males at the moment so this was top of my list to read when I downloaded it. I loved Royce and his possessive or 'caveman' attitude as Lauren referred to it, even if I had to change his appearance in my mind to make him hot to me. I liked his control and the way he protected Lauren. He was a character you could count on and wanted to support the whole way through. He was consistent and a constant that could be relied on and not once did I doubt him.

As well as that, I did like Lauren's strength and how she grew to rel on him. I will admit that because she was so keen on growing after the death penalty it didn't make her the most likable character. I felt that, although it was her job, it made her a bit cold and heartless because of the way she pressed for it even when her safety was questioned.

Apart from that though, I liked the overall story and the drama built well as it became more prominent and dangerous. I would have liked a bit more on the ending so it didn't feel so rushed and over in the blink of an eye but I'm glad there was a good resolution.


Overall, if you like insta-love, hot security men, and short reads you should check out Hot Secrets.

3.5

Review ~ Striker by Michelle Betham

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 5th 214

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Description:


This summer, it’s time to play dirty…

Amber Sullivan is an ambitious, beautiful and feisty Sports reporter for a local TV news programme. With an ex-professional soccer player for a father, she’s grown up in and around the world of premiership football, and boy does she know better than to get mixed up with the men who play the game. As rich and charming as they are, Amber has a strict no player rule.

One of the biggest names in football, Ryan Fisher is young, hot, and talented. He has it all – looks, fame, money; not to mention women falling at his over-insured feet and a lifestyle he’s in no hurry to give up.

At the centre of a multi-million-pound transfer deal back to his home club, Ryan’s a big scoop for a local sports journalist and Amber can’t afford to miss this career-making opportunity – even if that means having to interview the cocky sports star.

But once the tape starts rolling it’s clear Ryan’s got more than just an exclusive on his mind… and he’s used to getting exactly what he wants.

Delving into the lives of those who live and work within the so-called Beautiful Game, ‘Striker’ is a story of sex, secrets and the true cost of fame.

My Opinion

I'm not going to be able to finish this book to write a full review sadly. Having read football based novels before, I thought I would enjoy this but I can't get into it. It's not moving quickly enough for me and there's too much detail that, to me, seems unnecessary. I gave it until 30% but it's not engaging me so I'm not going to be able to continue as it is a long read.

DNF

Free Day Blitz ~ Winter Angel by Mia Hoddell

Winter Angel
by Mia Hoddell

Genre: YA Romance
Release date: 25th June 2014
Length: Novella

Blurb:
She was on holiday. He was tricked into returning.
Neither of them wanted to be there, but neither could avoid it.

Amy wants to be back under the sun in Portugal. However, when her suggestion is overruled in favour of a skiing holiday, even she can't turn it down. What she couldn't have predicted is that the holiday could make her break the one, and only, rule she has: not to get into a serious relationship again.

When Amy first sees Luke, she knows something is wrong. He's struggling to cope with everything and her need to help people makes him the perfect distraction from the cold. He hasn't been to the Alps in five years and he swore to never ski again. But as his defences are broken by Amy's persistence, the winter paradise begins to reawaken his desires.

However, with constant flashbacks triggering his anxiety, he's torn, battling conflicting emotions as he becomes increasingly captivated by Amy. She has a rule though. She didn't go on holiday to fall for someone and the last thing she needs is to ignore her own advice. Whether or not she can move past her insecurities will depend on whether Luke can face his biggest fear.

Winter Angel is a standalone, young adult romance novella, but is the second book in the Seasons of Change series.

Download in now for FREE!

Only free 19th & 20th of July

Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

Add to Goodreads

You can also download Summer Demons: the first, bestselling, standalone novella in the Seasons of Change series for 99c / 77p.

Excerpt

White. Gazing out of the small, circular window, it was the only colour he could see surrounding him. The bursts of light—which had broken through the heavy, grey clouds—were reflected back as the ground grew closer with each passing second. Not too long ago he had been blissfully unaware of the location his sister was dragging him to for a holiday. A bubble of excitement had surrounded him throughout the early morning as he got up, and stayed with him through travelling to the airport and catching the flight. However, it had burst as soon as the icy tips of the mountains appeared and the plane began its descent. Until that moment, he had hoped his guesses had been wrong.

His sister had carefully planned the trip, making sure to hide all clues as to where they were heading, and as she glanced across at him, it seemed as if she had been successful. Luke’s knuckles were white on the arm rests. He had claimed both of them, gripping them so hard they looked like they would snap under the force, or at least be moulded to the shape of his hands when he removed them.

Ellie watched as he took in a shaky breath, but she heard no exhale.

“Luke?”

The silence that filled the space around them was icier than the Alps they had just flown over. Her brother’s gaze remained fixed on the window, watching as the ground, and his fate, drew ever closer. Deep, ragged breaths steamed up the window, which was almost touching his nose. Desperately, he tried to control the tremors shaking his body, and his pounding heart, from the fear that washed over him in waves.

“Luke, please, say something.” Worry had crept into Ellie’s tone. She had thought her idea would do him good, that forcing him to face everything would turn him back into his old self. Ellie missed the brother she had grown up with and wanted him back. However, seeing his eyes wide with fear, his jaw clenched in anger, and his arms tense with both, suddenly she wasn’t so sure about her plan.

“You promised, Ellie. You swore you wouldn’t pressure me, and I trusted you with that. You know how I feel about this.” His voice was sharp and curt as he spoke through clenched teeth, trying to keep a hold on his emotions.

The urge to flee surged within him. He wanted to go home, to get off the plane and board the next flight straight back to England, but he couldn’t. Not only was the plane still minutes from landing—trapping him in the confines of economy class, which felt even smaller as realisation forced him to understand Ellie’s plans—but he also refused to waste more money on the pointless trip Ellie had conned him into taking. If he was going to use the money he had earned from before everything changed, it would be on his own terms.

“You’ll enjoy it when you’re there,” Ellie stated, brushing off his comments like they meant nothing to her.

“That’s easy for you to say. You don’t have to live with, or through, what I have.” Luke was trying hard to control his voice. Had they been in private, he would have already been shouting. The cramped environment meant that Ellie was getting off lightly, but he swore that when they reached their chalet, he would not hold back. She had no right to interfere with his life.

“Never tell me I didn’t live through it, Luke. I was there when it happened, in the hospital, and when you got home. I was there through it all. It may not have been me, but it wasn’t like it had no effect on my life,” Ellie hissed. It was the only way she could convey her anger without disturbing other passengers.

“Why though, Ellie? Why is this such a big deal to you?” Luke’s eyes were full of sorrow as he turned to face his sister for the first time, begging to understand her reasoning for putting him through something she knew would hurt him.

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything paranormal and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.

With three poems published before the age of sixteen, Mia moved on to short stories but finding she had too much to tell with too little space, Mia progressed to novels. She started her first series (The Wanderer Trilogy) at the age of fourteen and since then hasn’t stopped writing. Elemental Killers is her second series and with an ever growing list of ideas, Mia is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them.

Connect with Mia:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+ | Amazon Author Page

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Review ~ Take Me Now (Take Me Now #1) by Faith Sullivan

ebook downloaded from Amazon for free

Release Date: July 26th 2013

Description:
How do you survive the internship from hell?

Don't fall in love.

Ivy thought being a reporter-in-training at the Independent Gazettewould be her dream summer job. Little did she know, interviewing Eric, a landscaper with a heart of gold, would derail her plans. It turns out Ivy's boss, Lauren, has been eying his chiseled physique for quite some time.

But at twenty-four, Eric already has a tragic past, one that he is still reeling from. Even though his ordeal turned him into some sort of local celebrity, it's been a while since he's shared his bed with anyone. When he comes to Ivy's rescue out of the blue, it's not long before the two of them start seeing each other behind Lauren's back. When they get caught, Ivy's journey toward a college degree is jeopardized and her relationship with Eric is severely put to the test.

Career versus love? In the end, a shocking turn of events provides Ivy with a revelation she never saw coming.

My Opinion

This was an okay read but there wasn't much build up or background. The whole story was kind of a whirlwind of instant emotions and situations so I found it a little unrealistic and hard to engage with. It was okay for a freebie but for me it needed a lot more development on the emotional side and in creating the characters and their relationships--I couldn't really connect with it to care about what happened.

ARC Review ~ No Limits (Ultimate #1) by Lori Foster

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: 26th August 2014

Publisher: Harlequin

Description:
Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He's also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she's older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon. 

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather's legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette's scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he'll break all the rules to do it…

My Opinion

So I have read a lot of books with an MMA backdrop lately and this is probably up there with some of my favourites. There were a few things that have stopped it reaching five stars but I'll explain that in a minute.

First of all I really did enjoy this book. I love strong, protective alpha makes and I think they're even hotter when they're a fighter. This sums up Cannon exactly. However he also had a caring side and he wasn't domineering like a lot of characters I read. Cannon genuinely put Yvette first and cared about her well-being. I also liked how close the fighters were and that they accepted Yvette. Armie was a laugh and always put a smile on my face so I'm hoping he gets a story soon. 

As well as this I liked the development of the characters emotions. The progress was believable and it made way for some hot scenes. I also enjoyed Yvette's change and how she dealt with the past. I thought the issues were handled well and that her feelings were believable and real.

Like I mentioned before, the reason I didn't rate this book a five was because of some of the plot structure. For me the ending kind of came out of no where and, although I won't spoil what happens, I felt it was randomly added on. I could see small links but for me there needed to be more development throughout the entire novel and for more suspicion and options to have been created. Personally I felt it all a bit sudden and rushed and it did feel like I was reading a different book.


Overall though, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing where the author takes the series. If you're getting into the MMA craze, you may want to check this books out as Cannon is a great character.

Review ~ Island Fever by Shelli Stevens

ebook downloaded for free from Amazon

Release Date: April 4th 2014

Description:
*This is a short story, and super sexy romance* 

“Operation Get Leid” That’s the deal Melanie and her best friend make when they head off to Hawaii after graduating college. But seduction doesn’t come easily to Melanie, and finding someone to seduce is even more of a challenge. 

That is until things take a twist--or at least her ankle does--and she finds herself in the care of a sexy doctor on his residency named Asher. And this young physician is more than willing to show her his bedside manner.

But the lines of flinging and falling in love start to blur, and Melanie knows she’s in trouble. Will she be able to leave paradise and call their summer fling for what it was? Or is she already in too deep.

My Opinion


This was a short, sexy read that was perfect for the hot, summers day. It made me smile and kept me engaged the whole way through. My only complaint was that I wish it had been longer!

4

ARC Review ~ The Young World (The Young World Trilogy #1) by Chris Weitz

Paperback received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 29th 2014

Publisher: Atom

Description:
After a mysterious Sickness wipes out the rest of the population, the young survivors assemble into tightly run tribes. Jefferson, the reluctant leader of the Washington Square tribe, and Donna, the girl he's secretly in love with, have carved out a precarious existence among the chaos. But when another tribe member discovers a clue that may hold the cure to the Sickness, five teens set out on a life-altering road trip to save humankind.

The tribe exchanges gunfire with enemy gangs, escapes cults and militias, braves the wilds of the subway and Central Park...and discovers truths they could never have imagined.

My Opinion

Where to start? Well firstly, I really wanted to like this book. The cover caught my eye and then I read the blurb and it sounded like there would be a lot of  action and drama. It may have not sounded like the most original concept but I've enjoyed books with a similar premise before so I was excited to start reading this when Atom sent me a paperback copy.

However, now that I have finished it, I feel kind of empty and can't help but think "was that it?". I really tried to like this book, and I struggled through until the end but I can't help but feel it's only an okay read. There were definitely parts that were better than others and for brief moments I thought things were going to pick up. Sadly, though, these moments were few and far between and it didn't.

I think the main reason I didn't engage with this book was down to the characters. I didn't connect with them at all and therefore, I just didn't care what happened. The Young World is written in dual POVs (Jefforson and Donna) and whilst I had no problem with Jefferson's POV, I can't say the same about Donna. I'm not sure if it's the author's director background or the fact that he is a male trying to write from a female perspective, but I felt the writing in these sections was stiff and littered with stereotypes. Donna uses "like" a lot which became irritating and as well as that, her sections seemed to be written more in the style of a play. I felt no real emotion in her sections, especially when characters' speech is written like:

"Me: "Shut up, will you?"

Jefforson: "We can trust her."

Me: "Okay, uh, why?"

Jefferson gives her, like, a significant look.

Jefferson: "Tell them."

I found this a really detached way of writing and it kept me at arm's length the whole way through rather than build a relationship with the character. The was little emotion or description for me to picture and created a rather bland section. There was also little growth in the characters because of the lack of detail.

Saying that though, Jefferson's sections were better. They were written in the normal style of a book and flowed better. I can't say I liked Jefferson as he didn't seem strong enough and his emotions didn't seem believable, but his sections were definitely more interesting as there was action that was described well. This was why I made the point about the author writing struggling to a female character as Chris Weitz seemed to have no trouble with Jefferson.

Jefferson's sections were the ones that kept me reading, so I would say around 40% of this book was interesting and caught my attention. When things happened they were great--like the polar bear scene, the bar, and the library--however the bits in between sadly, didn't make them worth while.


Overall, this was a book I really thought I would enjoy but my overall feeling is it was only okay. I think it may suit a younger audience better (even if there is some strong language) and they may be able to connect with the characters more, but it wasn't one for me.