Review ~ Taken With A Grain Of Salt (Salt series, #2) by Aaron Galvin

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 24th 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Anyone can be taken - a simple truth for Salt folk, a stark reality for innocent teens Garrett Weaver and Kellen Winstel. Kidnapped by Selkie slave catchers and dragged into the realm beneath the waves, both teens must adapt to their new surroundings if they hope to see the shore again. Yet even if they escape their captors, both will need to embrace their fears. For darker things than Selkies lurk in the Salted depths and not all of them have pure intentions for the innocent ones brought down into their watery world.

My Opinion

This was an interesting sequel. It's been a while since I read book one so it took me a little while to get back into things, but soon I was immersed in the Selkie world this author creates once more.

Taken With a Grain of Salt was a lot darker than I expected--or remember the first book being. Almost instantly you're thrown straight into the action and the death toll doesn't stop rising throughout the book. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I'm all for books that don't shy away from the darker side of things. However, I did wonder if the author was going to have any cast left at one point!

Anyway, I'd say this book is more character driven than plot based as the POVs don't really link until the end. I think there were four POV in total and they all follow a different thread as the characters go through their own ordeals. I did feel there was a definite separation in voices from the characters and it kept things interesting as there were plenty of different strands to follow. 

I liked the fact that most of this book was set underwater and that I got a better understanding of what is was to be salted. The world building in this book was more in-depth and we get more detail on history, technicalities, and how everything works.

Like with Salted, this book does get better as it progresses, and once again there is a lot of action towards the end. It may have been a little slow in places, but the author delivers with the ending. 

Overall, this was a good follow up. It's still a unique take on the underwater creatures you read about and slightly darker/grittier than the usual paranormal stuff out there in this genre.

4

Review ~ Playing with Temptation (The Players Club, Book #1) by Erika Wilde

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 23rd 2015

Description:
When Raina Beck is given an invitation to The Players Club, all she wants is a night of decadence with a gorgeous, sexy stranger. The seductive, mysterious man she meets fulfills her deepest desires and most erotic fantasies, giving her a night she’ll never forget. But forgetting him isn’t quite so easy. 

Logan Cruz prefers his women submissive and compliant in the bedroom . . . everything the independent Raina is not. Yet from the first moment he lays eyes on her, he’s determined to make Raina his. Despite her resistance.

When Logan is assigned to protect Raina from a stalker, everything between them changes. Sex becomes more than just physical, and emotions run deep. Falling in love was never on Raina’s agenda, but can she let go of the past and surrender the one thing he wants the most . . . her heart?

My Opinion

This was an enjoyable read. It was hot and has a small mystery/suspense element to keep things interesting.

Logan was of course the typical alpha-male. He liked to be in control but I don't think the author over did it. The fact Raina wasn't naturally submissive gave the relationship an interesting dynamic and you couldn't help but be sucked into their romance. I liked the power play element between the two of them. There is clear chemistry and Logan is swoon worthy. I'm all for hot bodyguards.

Moreover although the mystery element isn't as prominent in the book, it's always in the background. I liked how the author linked it to Raina's past and insecurities and thought it gave things an extra spark of interest.


Overall this was a hot read. The characters were easy to love, the romance was spicy, and there was clear chemistry. I'll definitely be checking out the next book.

4.5

Review ~ Be My Baby *Jared & Calla* (The Baby Saga #3) by Airicka Phoenix

eARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 30th 2015

Description:
It started with a drink and ended in a night neither will ever forget.

Calla McClain had done a great number of questionable things in her past, getting drunk at a friend's wedding and winding up in bed with the man she loved should have been a dream come true. Only their one night of mind blowing sex wasn't the only mistake she'd made in her intoxicated stupor.

Waking up hitched to the girl he'd been in love with since they were sixteen suited Jared just fine. He was in no hurry to cut those papers up, no matter how hard the new Mrs. Dumont insisted she was no good for him. He wasn't going to let her keep them apart, and he sure as hell wasn't going to let her walk away now that she belonged to him.

But can Jared accept the demons snapping at Calla's heels? Can he convince her they were perfect for each other? And what will happen when they learn that getting married was the least of their problems?

My Opinion

This was another sweet, heartwarming, and touching read. I started this series on a whim because there was something about the cover that kept book 1 in my mind, and I'm so glad I did. With every book I've grown to love the characters more and Be My Baby was a great continuation.

Be My Baby begins quite a few years after where Bye Bye Baby leaves off and centres around Calla's story. I wasn't sure about this development because it skips so many years, but it worked. Calls is fully grown and her own woman in the book. She's had more than her fair share of troubles and the story picks up as she's trying to cope with the consequences.

I will admit that I wasn't sure about the start because of the emotions between Jared and Calla. She came across as cold an it took a while for me to understand the reasons for keeping him at arm's length. However, when Jared started to fight for her, that's when things got interesting. You can't not love Jared and he melts your heart with his actions. He's a solid character that you can rely on and I liked his persistence. There was an obvious spark between Calla and Jared so I was glad to see their happiness grow.

In terms of story it wasn't as moving as the second book for me. There were some sad scenes, but the didn't tug at my heart as much as I was expecting. I'm not saying that was a bad thing as what was written worked well with the tone of the book.


Anyway, overall I can't wait to see where the author takes this series next. I'm hoping Willa gets a story at some point and can't wait to read about her. This is a great series that has somehow managed to allow me to like children for once (I'm not usually a fan of books with babies or little children in). Book 1 was worth the risk and I'd highly recommend the series as a whole.

4.5

Review ~ Her Soldier (That Girl #3) by H.J. Bellus

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited

Release Date: March 10th 2015

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
Sergeant Jeremiah Abbner died in the line of duty serving his country. Or at least that's what the newspapers said...

The US Government handed him a new identity, and strict orders not to make contact with anyone from his past. As far as society was concerned Sergeant Jeremiah Abbner was dead, and buried six feet under.

Not having contact with his ex-wife would be easy. She was a manipulator and a cheater.

Not seeing his daughter on the other hand would devastate him...

Beau Morgan, aka Jeremiah, settles down in a town far away from everything he's ever known. Coping with the trauma he's experienced and discovering a new life Beau finds himself the most aggressive he's ever been. His blood simmers with rage while his fists are thirsty to let it all out .

In the middle of his own living hell he never expected to run into an old familiar face. And to top it off, one who recognized him as Jeremiah.

He's vowed never to love again, but as circumstances land him in the arms of a woman, Jenni Lee, this time he may not have a choice, as she rarely takes no for an answer.

Can Beau Morgan control his temper long enough to settle into his new life? Or will resentment taint him forever?

My Opinion

This was my favourite of the series. For me it combined the emotional pasts and romance the best. For me book one was more about the trauma, book 2 focused in the romance, and in this one the balance was just right.

Once again from this publisher it was the final book that caught my eye. After seeing that it could be read as a standalone I was tempted just to read it. However, I'm glad I didn't. These books are definitely better read in order as you get a better sense of who the characters are and what their relationships are like. There is also more background information if you read them all since Beau appears in book 1.

Overall I liked these characters the best. I really engaged with the and felt like I experienced their relationship. Their emotions were believable and although it was quick, I fell in love with the characters. Beau was a great, tortured hero. He was a good guy who bad things happened to and Jenni worked well with his temper. Her carefree attitude had me smiling at times.

Once again though I do feel the author only scratched the surface of the emotions. Although I felt more connected to these characters and they did tug on my heartstrings I still believed there was more to give. As well as this whilst the ending wasn't unsatisfying I wish it had been resolved completely. Things always seem a little rushed at the ending of these books and if I'm honest I don't want a novella to sum everything up. I want to get to the end of a book and have that closure and not having that disappoints me a little. Don't get me wrong, I want to read the novella out of curiosity but I don't see why it's needed and couldn't be incorporated into each book.


Anyway, in general this was my favourite in the series. I could engage with it, I liked the characters, and I want more.

4

Review ~ The Game (That Girl #2) by H.J. Bellus

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited

Release Date: December 16th 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
Born to shine. 

Groomed to dominate. 

Levi Wilks is destined only to be a champion… 

Number one on the field, in the record books, and in every fans’ heart. This star QB is perfection from head to toe. Only his looks rival his talent on the field. 

Not one flaw to be found…that is, until he looks in the mirror… 

Levi sees his dad’s dreams, his mother’s demands, and lost dreams of his own. Dreams that vanished one by one as his life, and career, were carefully etched out for him by others. 

He was always jealous of his younger brother Lincoln, a carefree spirit . Some nights he’d pray for a normal life. An average life. But that wasn’t who he was, he’d never have the courage to be like him. 

But what happens when Levi is forced to sit on the sidelines for a couple of games? 

At the lowest part of his career, he finds himself magnetized by a blonde beauty. 

This unexpected girl challenges everything he knows… 

And dares him to fight for everything he wants… 

Is Levi Wilks ready for her? Is he ready for “The Game” of his life?

Mature Content Warning. Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.

My Opinion

Finally! My streak of bad endings is over. I will admit that I was slightly wary going into this book after being left frustrated by That Girl, however I was pleasantly surprised.

For me The Game was a much more enjoyable read. I felt the writing flowed better, things moved at a better speed, and I'm so glad there was more Lincoln and Lynlee. The story wasn't as tough to read as book one, but there were moments where you could feel the characters' pain. I did engage with them slightly, and I enjoyed the relationship.

If there one thing I would say is that the author didn't seem to dig too deep into the pain and emotions. To me it felt like this book only just scratched the surface--with the past and the present--and at times I did want more heart. I wanted to read the trauma and feel for the characters to make this book great.


Overall though, I definitely enjoyed this book more. It had a satisfying ending and it also gave a better resolution to book one. The characters are likeable, and I'm on to book 3, which is the book I really wanted to read in this series.

4

ARC Review ~ Rebellion of a Chalet Girl by Lorraine Wilson

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 26th 2015

Publisher: HarperImpulse

Description:
Always the Chalet Girl…

Year round chalet girl Tash doesn’t do attachments—she’s learned the hard way that relationships of any kind never last. But when self-made millionaire and hit TV star Nathaniel Campbell arrives to spend a month at Chalet Repos, she’s tempted to reconsider her no-strings rule…

Tash and Nate may be from different sides of the tracks, but the connection between them is undeniable! And Tash soon realises that one hot night with Nate will never be enough. But can Nate ever think of Tash as more than a fling, especially once the truth about her past comes out?

The Chalet Girls are back! Set in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Verbier, winter playground of the rich and famous, ‘Rebellion of a Chalet Girl’ is the latest addition to the fabulous ‘Chalet Girl’ series.

My Opinion

I have been looking forward to Tash's story for a while. She's always been a character that's interested me and I couldn't wait to find out the reasons behind her steely personality. Therefore I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.

One of my favourite things about this series is they're short, easy reads. They're great to enjoy over just under an hour, they keep you entertained, and you don't have to think long and hard about them. The stories are basic, and because of the length there isn't as much detail in them, but Lorraine does a good job of keeping you in the moment.

Just like in the other book I loved Tash, and I was surprised by how this novella tugged at my heart. I felt Tash's emotions and I sympathised with her story. Her feelings were believable and I enjoyed seeing behind the icy front she used as her defence. Moreover I liked the to-the-point relationship. Nate's comments made me smile and he was hot.


Overall once again Lorraine Wilson has created a great little novella. It's hot, quick, slightly cheesy (which is a good thing in these), and the plot are great to get lost in for a while.

5

Review ~ That Girl (That Girl #1) by H.J. Bellus

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: August 11th 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
This book is about That Girl...

The girl who leaves behind her past, including her name; runs away from home and vows to never let another identity claim her again. Broken dreams, an abusive step-dad and ugly memories from her childhood are the only shattered remnants that have the ability to haunt her. 

With no money, an endless blank slate laying ahead of her and no hopes for the future, she sets out to survive at minimum wage jobs, moving from town to town, changing her name with each move, and never allowing glimpses of her past to threaten her empty future. 

Average in every way, from her looks to her personality and even her style, there is not much to remember about her. When she abandons one town for another, she leaves behind her fake identity in the search of the next one, while leaving people asking themselves, “I wonder what ever became of that girl.”

This was her reality until Lincoln Wilks.

The number one defensive football player in Fort Collins who finally names That Girl.

My Opinion

Seriously? What is with all of the books I'm reading at the moment. The last few books have left me irritated and screaming in frustration and this was no exception.

That Girl was a weird read for me. It started off slow and hard to get into. Then it picked up and I fell in love with the characters. And then I got to the end and I was left with a wtf feeling.

To begin with I wasn't sure I'd finish this book. The start seemed to be all over the place and hard to follow. Because Oakely is constantly running it creates a jumpy story line. However, I stuck with it and as soon as Lincoln was I introduced things started to pick up. I enjoyed reading about their romance and how Lincoln won her over. Their relationship was sweet and the fact they stuck at Oakley pace have me respect for Lincoln. Some of their cute banter had me smiling and it was combined with the darker aspects of this book well to give a balance of emotions.

However, just as things were starting to get good, the end started to come closer. I couldn't see how the author was going to tie everything up and the fact is she doesn't. For me the ending was incredibly rushed and brushed over a lot of key emotions and feelings that I needed resolved. And the final chapter? I think I understood it, but it wasn't satisfying.

It's a shame really because like the other books I've read recently, they're all great until the end. I don't know if I'm just on a bad streak or something but I hope it ends soon. For me this wasn't the HEA I was wishing for.


Overall, this book may be worth checking out and I may read other books by this author, but I have read better novels dealing with this subject matter.

3

Review ~ Private Lessons by Chelsea Dorsette

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: December 30th 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
When Denise Spencer, co-owner of a chiropractic practice in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado decides to take private ski lessons, she has no idea that her sexy instructor, Dustin Wells, is the same man she’s been flirting anonymously with on a dating website. 

The moment she figures out that Dustin is the man behind the flirtatious, and very naughty emails, she decides to have a bit of fun before he figures out she’s the same salacious woman he’s been flirting with electronically. 

When she finally tips her hand and divulges to Dustin that she’s one in the same woman, a steamy romance heats up immediately, and Denise begins the most exciting sexual relationship of her life. 

Dustin introduces her to everything from a dom/sub relationship, to threesomes and bondage. 

Just when she is starting to realize that Dustin is someone who she wants a future with, everything changes in a matter of seconds… 

And it threatens to destroy everything they’ve built, as her life comes crashing down around her.

My Opinion

From the description this sounded like it would be a hot, quick read. I was interested by the skiing, but also the erotic side of the novella.

However, whilst I liked the story, I found it hard to fall in love with the writing style. There was so much telling involved with this novella and it didn't feel the writing flowed. It was very stop and start between chapters and during a chapter the pace was slow. It started off well but quickly I found my attention drifting as things jumped in time.

For me this novella was set over a too bigger time period. There wasn't enough time to build a relationship with the character and I found it hard to connect.


Overall this was a quick read that broke up the time, but for me the writing was only mediocre.

2

Review ~ He Saved Me (He Found Me #2) by Whitney Barbetti

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimted.

Release Date: December 18th 2014

Description:
Julian
I’ve come to understand that I’ll always find her. She’s my north star, my sense of direction. In her, I’ve found my home. She tells me I saved her. But the truth is, she saved me.

But nothing good can ever last. Andra’s keeping secrets. She’s holding something back. I’m trying, desperately, to anchor her. To let me in, to let me help.

But will all my efforts end up with a ghost of a girl I love?

Andra
I'm used to disappearing. Vanishing into thin air, without a trace of who I've been or where I've gone.

But it’s so much harder to do with a broken heart and no hope for a happy ending. Sometimes the only people who can put all the pieces of us back together are the ones we least expect to. That's what Julian did for me.

Julian found me. But now, all Six wants is to keep me locked up, away from the world, away from the Monster. I can't live like that. It's not living at all. Because I still have unfinished business.

And I'm going to make sure the Monster gets what’s coming to him.

My Opinion

What the hell was that?!!? I was looking forward to getting answers in this book that I felt were lacking in He Found Me. However, whilst there were some reveals this was an appalling ending that tied nothing up. I literally screamed when I finished this book, and that's not something I've done before.

This book started off okay, but slowly my attention drifted. There wasn't a strong enough development in the plot thread to me. It was like the book couldn't make up its mind over whether it was a mystery or romance. Sadly, this left it lacking in both genres. The mystery wasn't developed well enough, and I felt the romance was unbelievable and not engaging. The romance drifted and was nothing like in book 1.

I wanted to like this book, I honestly did, but it was so boring. Things were obvious, scenes were repetitive, and it ended too quickly. You basically don't need to read more than the first 2 chapters to know how it ends. The author could have at least added an epilogue a few years later. I mean what happened to: the romance, Andra and Six's relationship, Mira and Six, the case, did she get justice, did she come out of hiding, how did the experience affect her emotionally??? Those are just a few of the questions I was left with. To me this book didn't feel that planned out and it didn't deliver.


Overall I'm glad I borrowed these as I'd be pi***d off I'd paid. Whilst book one was okay I wouldn't say it's worth the read because this book ended so terribly.

2

Review ~ He Found Me (He Found Me #1) by Whitney Barbetti

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimted

Release Date: May 22nd 2014

Description:
When I was seventeen, I disappeared. I walked out the door of my apartment with a backpack and never looked back. I left the life of Cora Mitchell behind, seeking freedom from my real-life nightmare. But my freedom came with a cost. I lived a fictitious life for the next six years, never letting anyone close enough to see underneath the facade that was Andra Walker. I was content with my simple little life. Until I met Julian. And the moment I started allowing myself to open up, allowing someone to see through the superficial, was the very same moment the Monster from my past would return to find me.

My Opinion

I'm going to keep this review short for two reasons:

1) I want to start book two now rather than write this.
2) I'm torn and can't really put my feelings into words.

Overall I did enjoy this book. It had some moments that made me smile and I loved Andra's wit--especially on the first date. I think the story was interesting and I liked the romantic development, however something just didn't connect totally with me. I'm not sure whether it was the writing style, but I found myself skimming section with long description. That's not to say it's bad, it's just not my preferred style. As well as this I didn't understand fully Andra's past. It wasn't torturing her enough for me to sympathise. It didn't feel developed enough in the emotional sense and then the reveal at the end was kind of predictable.


Anyway I'm of to start book 2 as there was enough intrigue to keep me reading.

3

Review ~ By the Alpha Billionaire Serial by Rossi St. James

  

ebooks borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.

Description:
Maisie James has just seen the unthinkable. Walking in on her boyfriend of five years plowing her stepsister, she’s never felt so betrayed. All she wants to do is forget. 

And billionaire Sawyer Thomas knows exactly how to make that happen. The problem? Their fire and ice chemistry, the fact that they come from completely different worlds, and it doesn't help that they’re complete strangers. 

Four days. That’s all he needs to make her forget the pain that courses through her veins like an incurable disease. Four days to make her forget what happened. To make her forget her name. All she has to do is get on that plane. 

But what’s stopping her? 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Part 1 of 3 in a new mini romance serial. Contains cliffhanger. Parts 2 and 3 (CLAIMED and CHERISHED) are available now. Approx 50 pages. Intended for adults only due to sexual content.

My Opinion

This was a quick, easy serial to read. Like expected things move quickly and you don't really get to know the characters, but they were simple reads to enjoy over half an hour. I would have loved them to be longer and to go into more details as from what I read the characters had potential to be more, but it was an enjoyable and relaxing. They kept a smile on my face and held my attention.

4

Review ~ Obsessed With Him Serial by Hannah Ford

  

Book 1                                Book 2                             Book 3

ebooks borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.

Description:
Introducing the hot and sexy new adult series, OBSESSED WITH HIM, from author Hannah Ford… 

Sometimes the pleasure is worth the pain… 

Desperation. That’s what leads Olivia Holloway to apply for a job at Loose Cannons, the club owned by the city’s most eligible bachelor, Colt Cannon. 

After aging out of foster care, Olivia’s desperate to start her life over and leave her sordid past behind her. 

Colt is tattooed and sexy and all kinds of wrong for her. So why can’t she seem to stop thinking about him? 

Colt knows he’s bad for Olivia. He has a past he’s determined to keep hidden at all costs, and he’s not willing to let anyone get close – much less a girl like Olivia. 

But soon the two are spending all their time together, caught up in the exact circle of obsession and danger they were trying to avoid. Can their love heal their wounds? Or will their relationship destroy them both?

My Opinion

I borrowed this whole serial on a whim. It sounded like an okay read and whilst it started off interesting, I soon found my attention drifting--especially halfway through the second instalment. By the time I finished the third instalment I was reading thinking it was the final book therefore I was disappointed to find out it wasn't.

For me thing just moved too quickly and I couldn't bring myself to care about the characters. The situations didn't feel that realistic and I didn't buy into the feelings. I wish I could have but I won't be continuing the fourth instalment when it's released.

2

Review ~ One Day at a Time (Starting Over #4) by Evan Grace

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited

Release Date: January 20th 2015

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
For the past 4 years Cash has been living his life one day at a time… 

Finally sober, he's running is own business and repairing his relationship with his sister. He's happy with his life and proud of his accomplishments he's made. Now if only he could completely forgive himself for the mistakes he's made. 

Tessa Brooks has lived a simple life…

She helps her widowed brother raise his daughter and spends her days surrounded by books. Then one day, a chance encounter brings her face to face with a man who will open her eyes to what she's been missing in life, happiness.

Tessa awakens something in Cash he thought was dead and buried long ago.

As their relationship grows he knows he needs to tell her about his past, but he’s afraid of how she will react. Will she be able to handle the painful truth of his past?

When forces out of their control lead them both down a path of destruction, they are both left wondering. Will their love be enough to heal each other when they need the other person the most?

My Opinion

This was the book that drew me to the series with its cover. I had debated just reading this book as the series follows different characters, however I'm glad I borrowed them all and read them in order. There is a lot of overlapping and it did give background information in more detail.

One Day at a Time was definitely the best in the series for me. There was a clear progression in the author's writing over the series and I found this book to be paced better, kept me hooked the most, and felt most engaging. I thought things flowed better and the writing felt more natural and realistic.

I found the characters easy to engage with and their dark pasts that seeped into their present broke my heart. There are some quite brutal scenes that weren't easy to read, but I think the author dealt with the tough subjects well.

There is only one criticism I have with this series and that's the characters don't vary in their speech and mannerisms that much. A lot of the same phrases are used throughout all four books and I just wanted a bit more originality in their personality.


Overall though, I loved Cash and Tessa's story. It's my favourite so far and was the most emotionally engaging. I'm hoping that Jonathon get a book next.

4

Review ~ Begin Again (Starting Over #3) by Evan Grace

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited

Release Date: May 26th 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
Two years ago Journey Cummings spent two of the best weeks of her life with the man of her dreams, until he left her without even a goodbye... Journey has spent the last two years trying to find the man that left her high and dry after two blissful weeks together, but he seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth. With no hope in finding the father of her son she tried to just move on, until a chance encounter changes everything. Dylan Carmichael knew he messed up when he lied and walked away from Journey two years ago, but it was over and there was nothing he could do about it now... That is until she walked into his brother's reception on the arm of another and drops the biggest bombshell, he has a son. Can Dylan prove to Journey that he won't walk away again and can she trust him with her heart and their son? When tragedy strikes can Dylan be man enough to keep their new little family together before it falls apart?

My Opinion

This was a sweet read. I preferred it to book 1 and 2, and I definitely think this author has got better with the more she writes.

This book focuses on Dylan's story and you can't help but love him and Journey. I liked that there was a lot less heartbreak and difficult subjects in this book. It was more light hearted and just what I think the series needed. I enjoyed watching the characters grow an coming together, and they blended perfectly.

I was slightly disappointed that Dylan's soldier aspect was lost. I thought he would struggle coming out on enlistment, and I kept waiting for it to happen because of how things had been set up previously. Therefore when it never arose, I couldn't help but think the author missed a trick. 


Overall I'm excited to start book 4 and it's what drew me to this series and the one I've been wanting to read.

4

Review ~ Second Chances (Starting Over #2) by Evan Grace

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: February 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
Stacy Hutchins thought she’d finally met the one, until a startling realization that shatters everything... 

Mark Jefferson, her undercover DEA agent boyfriend lied about one tiny little detail…his wife and kids. Stacy hates liars and cheaters so she kicks him to the curb. But Mark makes it very clear he will not go willingly.

Has his obsession with Stacy tied them together forever? Or will Mark finally walk away? 

Dustin Carmichael swore off women a long time ago, until his sister reconnected with her best friend from high school, Stacy. 

But after a perfect month together, a year ago, Stacy played the ‘friends’ card. Unfortunately, they’ve been good friends ever since.

When Stacy's life turns to shambles, Dustin’s more than willing to be there for her. As she tries to get herself together, Stacy finds herself in another dilemma, she can no longer deny the feelings she’s always had for Dustin. 

Will her failure to see that Dustin has changed stop them from having something everlasting?

My Opinion

I started this as soon as I finished book one. It was more enjoyable in my opinion and there was an improvement in the length and plot.

Second Chances was a shorter read than Staring Over and I was glad of this fact. The pacing felt better in this book and I found myself skimming less because there were a lot less irrelevant details. I also thought the conversations flowed better and were less stilted. Things in this book felt more natural and for me it was a more cohesive read.

Whilst the story isn't an easy read, it was an engaging book. Once again the love of the family and friends surrounding Stacy was clear and I think it's what makes these 2 books so interesting. Stacy goes through hard times but she always has a support group. They are a strong community and I like that about these stories.

If there was one thing I didn't enjoy so much is that once again the writing was slightly repetitive. The author really needs to vary sentence starts. As well as this I did roll my eyes a few times. The characters made stupid mistakes that got them in trouble and it didn't feel like something someone in Stacy's situation would do.

Overall though I enjoyed this more than book 1 and I'm starting book 3 now.

3

Review ~ Starting Over (Starting Over #1) by Evan Grace

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: January 25th 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Description:
Bellamy Carmichael’s finally come home after staying away for six years. There’s just one problem, Luke Carter… 

Six years ago she seduced him, but a realization had him turning his back on her and became the cause of her long exodus. But with her brother’s imminent deployment Bellamy knows she’s bound to see him. 

Luke Carter made the mistake of crossing a line he never should’ve crossed six years ago… 

He knows he’s the reason why Bellamy avoids home, and with her coming back home he’s hoping to make things right. He just wasn’t expecting her to look so damn beautiful. 

However, there’s one more problem, Bellamy’s been keeping a secret from Luke for past six years. When passion builds between them she knows that she must tell Luke the truth, but will it bring them closer together? 

Or will it drive them apart for good?

My Opinion

It was the fourth book in this series that caught my eye so I decided to finish my Kindle Unlimited trial by borrowing the whole series.

I didn't really know what to expect from this book, but the story was interesting and that's what kept me engaged. I liked the strength of the characters and how Bellamy's family looked out for her. They had a strong bond and it came through in the situations. Similarly despite Bell's past, her family stuck by her. She was surrounded by people who loved her and for that you respected her family. Bellamy never felt alone even though she carried a secret from Luke.

I will admit that I did struggle with the writing in this book a bit, though. I did find myself skimming sections because the conversations and actions felt contrived and stilted. Sometimes it felt they didn't add a lot to the story and slowed the book down. Similarly, sentences needed varying. There was a lot of repetition of beginning with a character's name or a pronoun. It just made it very dry to read.

As well as this, whilst I enjoyed the danger and threat, I didn't really understand the motives. The reasons behind everything weren't that clear but it was still interesting to follow.


Overall, whilst I did find myself skimming because of the writing, the story was enough to keep me interested. The characters were engaging and therefore I'll be continuing the series.

3

ARC Review ~ Disillusioned (Swept Away #2) by J.S. Cooper

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 17th 2015

Publisher: Gallery Books

Description:
Following on the heels of Illusion, indie sensation and New York Timesbestselling author J.S. Cooper brings us the second novel in the Swept Away series, a trilogy of dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a sexy stranger—but is he friend or foe?

When Bianca and Jakob awake on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their first thoughts are of survival. But as they explore their surroundings and try to discover who stranded them on the island, they can’t deny the electricity surging between them. Soon it’s more than just a campfire keeping them warm…

But just as Bianca is starting to trust Jakob, she uncovers a clue to their abduction—and he may know more than he’s letting on. Was Jakob just as surprised as she to find himself alone with her…or could the man she’s fallen for be her captor?

My Opinion

I really enjoyed Illusion when I received an ARC off NetGalley so I was excited to see the sequel go up.

Disillusioned was just like the first. The web of lies and secrets gets even more tangled and the author keeps throwing things at you to try and stop you figuring things out. I will admit that there is a lot of information in this book and it wasn't all that clear at times. It did have me skimming back to make sure I'd read certain sections properly, but in the end I think it worked.

I enjoyed reading about the characters and how they grew together. I wouldn't say they are a couple you can fall in love with as there is always suspicion surrounding them. However, they keep you on the edge of your seat and I like that there's doubt created. You're never really sure of their motives.

Whilst certain things were obvious, and others bent reality slightly too much for me to believe in, I think the author crafted the plot well. I still have no idea what the whole picture is or what's going on, but it revealed enough information to give hints. Sometimes it did feel like it was going around in circles, but it's intriguing.


Overall it was a good follow up. I knew the author would end it on a major cliff hanger and even though I was expecting it I still hated it. I wish I could find out what was going on now rather than having to wait until summer.

4

Review ~ Forgive Us Our Trespasses (Redemption #1) by M.L. Steinbrunn

ebook borrowed via Kindle Unlimited

Release Date: March 3rd 2014

Description:
How long would you wait to be with the one that you love? How much of yourself would you hide in order to keep them? 

Brooks knows the moment he meets Vivian that he will do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means leaving her. Running from his past, he spends the next decade trying to forget the shattered heart that he left behind. 

Is there any betrayal worth the cost? Are there some sins that cannot be forgiven?

After a lifetime of rebuilding the walls guarding her heart, Vivian confronts the harsh reality that some fortresses are not meant to stand. Winding through a gray fog of disappointment and deceit, she must conquer her deepest fears to accept the love she believes she is too unworthy to have. 

As the paths of these two battered hearts cross once more, together they seek redemption for their sins. However, when the secrets of their pasts come knocking on their door, forgiveness and love will be tested, and they will be forced to answer the question: “When the lies run out, will the truth finally set you free?”

Forgive Us Our Trespasses is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content.

My Opinion

I first saw this book up on NetGalley however I ended up borrowing it from Kindle Unlimited instead. I wasn't sure enough about it to request it for review as I didn't want to feel obligated to review it. Regardless, when I saw I could borrow it it seemed like the perfect solution.

In general this was an okay read. I liked the concept and bigger picture in the book but it wasn't without its fault.

Firstly, the start intrigued me. The prologue was great and had me hooked instantly. I felt for the kids and I was curious to see where the author took their story. Needless to say that after this the first few chapters were a bit slow. It wasn't until Brooks chapter that things started to pick up for me and I could engage with it once again.

I enjoyed the college section of this book. I liked the relationship between the girls. It was solid and believable; they clearly had each others' backs and I liked that about them. They also all had a unique personality that made them different from each other.

However, I'm not sure I can say the same about the guys. I never really connected with Brooks or felt anything but indifference towards him. I also think I could have liked Will but he wasn't around long enough to find out, which I hated. I just felt they were a little bland compared to the girls.

Similarly, Brooks didn't come off as that smart. He made dumb decisions and constantly messed up. This is what leads me to my biggest issue with this book: it was so predictable. Brooks secrets was so obvious and the reveal came so late that I did find myself skimming and my attention drifting. The pacing in this book varied from good to poor whereby by the end I was really losing interest. For me the reveal should have come a lot sooner so the ending wasn't as rushed--it seriously needed an epilogue at the least.


Anyway, overall, despite its faults this was an easy book to read. I think it has potential but needs a little more work so I'm glad I was able to borrow it rather than buy.

3