ARC Review ~ Red Blooded by Caitlin Sinead

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 3rd 2015

Publisher: Carina Press

Description:
Instead of eating ramen and meeting frat guys like most college freshmen, Peyton Arthur is on the campaign trail. Traveling with her mother, the Democratic pick for vice president, she’s ordering room service, sneaking glances at cute campaign intern Dylan and deflecting interview questions about the tragic loss of her father. But when a reporter questions her paternity, her world goes into a tailspin.

Dylan left Yale and joined the campaign to make a difference, not keep tabs on some girl. But with the paternity scandal blowing up and Peyton asking questions, he’s been tasked to watch her every move. As he gets to know the real Peyton, he finds it harder and harder to keep a professional distance.

When the media demands a story, Peyton and Dylan give them one—a fake relationship. As they work together to investigate the rumors about her real father and Peyton gets closer to learning the truth, she’s also getting closer to Dylan. And suddenly, it’s not just her past on the line anymore. It’s her heart.

My Opinion

I was really looking forward to reading this book. It sounded slightly different, but similar enough to books I usually read to intrigue me. However, now I've reached the end I feel sort of let down. I was expecting more from what I read in the blurb and it just didn't deliver on what was promised in my opinion.

Red Blooded started off well, and for around the first 40% it held my attention. I found the writing easy to read and the laid-back style made it pleasant. It wasn't a book I had to think too hard about to follow. Similarly, I liked the political angle and I thought it was going to set up some interesting scenes.

However, unfortunately, after that things began to go downhill, until I was only skimming the final few chapters. The main issue I had was the romance took forever to blossom. I was expecting Peyton and Dylan to begin their fake relationship early on and then develop, but it didn't arrive until 73%. By then my attention was waning significantly because I didn't feel any kind of chemistry leading up to it.

The majority of the book is about Peyton's paternity issues and although that side of things was okay, it wasn't enough. The story felt slow and not enough happened. The same thing seemed to be repeated and there wasn't enough romance. I didn't feel a spark and I wanted more to happen faster. By the time a relationship actually developed the book was over. I just didn't care for the characters.

Moreover, I never really connected with either Peyton or Dylan. Peyton switched from stubborn to cry-baby so often that I didn't ever really get a grip on her character. As for Dylan, he was a bit weak and underdeveloped. He was meant to be Peyton's handler but he followed her around like a puppy. He had no backbone and hardly any history or depth.


Overall, I don't know if I expected too much from this book, but in my opinion the blurb oversold it. There was hardly any romance and for that reason I was disappointed. The first half is okay, but after that it lost me unfortunately. I wish I could rate it higher but my only feeling on this book is it was okay. Others who like less romance may enjoy it, but it didn't work for me.

2.5

Review ~ Seduced by the Baron (Fairy Tales of New York, #4) by Amy Andrews

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 29th 2015

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Description:
Once upon a time, Faith Sullivan dreamed of being a famous painter who lived in an apartment overlooking Central Park. Unfortunately, life had other ideas and at 26, she’s still running, working and living at Sully’s, her family’s traditional Irish pub in Brooklyn with her stubborn, ailing father. And she was perfectly fine with her lot until suddenly her three best friends each found their prince, and her own happily ever after seemed like another dream lost. Until one day a long, tall Australian walks into her bar and her loved-up besties decided to play Fairy Godmothers.

Ex pro-surfer turned beer baron, Rafael Quartermaine is in New York for a month on business. He’s looking for a pub to launch Baron lager on the American market and Sully’s is perfect. All he has to do is convince Faith, the traditionalist, to say yes. And once he’s done that, maybe he can convince her that all work and no play makes Faith a dull girl.

Faith’s connection to her family and Sully’s is absolute, and Raf’s business drive and itchy feet aren’t conducive to long term, so it should be an easy break when duty calls Faith back into the fold on the evening of the ball. But running out on the baron is harder than she ever imagined… Will their fling sizzle out, or become something more?

My Opinion

I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one. I connected a lot better with the writing style and I ended up reading it in a matter of hours.

Seduced By The Baron was a quick, well-paced read. I found there was a lot more chemistry between Faith and Raf in this story, and they were easier to engage with. I wanted them to get together and stay together as they were a sweet couple.

Moreover, I thought the story line was well crafted. More seemed to happen in this one and it held my attention well. There were a variety of plot lines and the entire romance was a cute kind of hot.


Overall, I enjoyed this read a lot more. If you want something quick and sweet, you may want to check it out.

3.5

Review ~ Taming the Beast by Lucy King

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 29th 2015

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Description:
Once upon a time, Mercedes ‘Mercy’ Hernandez had the most enormous crush on her best friend’s older brother, Seb Madison. Now, though, she can’t stand the beast. Forget that he’s as spine-tinglingly gorgeous as ever. He’s a lousy brother and a manipulative bastard, not that she ever thinks about that disastrous one night stand they once had…

Still riddled with guilt over the death of his parents, billionaire loner Seb Madison has spent so long emotionally shut off that when beautiful, fiery Mercy bursts into his life again, he doesn’t know what’s hit him. All he knows is that she confuses him and he doesn’t like it.

Yet their chemistry hasn’t faded and, when hostility turns to attraction, a no-strings affair seems the logical solution. Mercy’s taking a much needed break from her family’s Argentinian vineyard to study for an MBA and Seb doesn’t do relationships. Neither have either the time or inclination for anything other than weekends-only red-hot sex. Or do they…?

My Opinion

This was an okay read. I pushed through to the end because it's only a novella, but it didn't hold my attention well.

Taming The Beast started off slow. I didn't connect with the characters and it didn't really draw any emotion from me. Things did pick up when Mercy finally starts seeing Seb, but I didn't feel the chemistry.


Overall it was only okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to read it, but I wouldn't  say don't read it either.

2

Review ~ Without You by Reylynn Purdue

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review for the tour.

Release Date: January 29th 2015

Description:
Roxanne Daniels was supposed to be spending her summer getting ready to head off to Julliard. That was the plan. 

But that was before-- Before she found her mother’s lifeless body-- Before she walked in on her boyfriend in bed with someone else. Before she knew what heart shattering pain felt like.

Now all she wants is for the pain to go away. But it never does.

Until him. A complete stranger who could end up being much more.

But letting go and moving on is easier said than done.

My Opinion

I'm on the fence about this read. Whilst I enjoyed Without You, I did have issues with it.

Firstly, it is a long read especially for a romance, but I made it to the end so something kept me reading. It was a weird type of enjoyment, it both frustrated me and I wanted to know what was happening in the end. There was something weirdly intriguing about Roxy and Jordan's relationship. I wanted them to get their HEA, and I wanted them to grow and develop, especially Roxy seeing as she was so broken. Despite my issues, they were a couple I rooted for and wanted to see do well.

However, unfortunately their relationship was hindered by the length of this book. Whilst it held my interest, sections were repetitive and it could have done with some things taking out to speed up the pacing. They always felt like they were arguing, crying, breaking up, whining, or then having sex on a constant cycle--and the sex was always closed doors. I have nothing against that, but the author described so much of the build up, she could have put it in.

Moreover, why were all of the guys controlling assholes? I hated the way Roxy's family (brother, dad, and Brent) had a say over every aspect of her life and the fact she let them. Her character felt inconsistent in this sense because at times she was incredibly feisty while at others she fell apart. The motives and reasons needed more work for me and they felt a little underdeveloped. It wasn't clear to me why everyone was so controlling, or why Ryan (the brother) had his rules.

As well as this, the ending infuriated me and the story took a weird turn that wasn't really related to what the book was about. I wanted a HEA, not a cliff hanger. Because it was such a long read, I kind of felt cheated when the whole cycle began to repeat again. I didn't feel Roxy had grown or learnt anything. She was still just as whiny as ever and then there's this twist that comes completely out of the blue to confuse matters even more. It just didn't link to me, and felt like a leap of genres. If it had been entwined with the plot more, it would have made sense, but apart from one scene that isn't really major, it's random.


Overall, even though I did have issues with this, I  enjoyed it. I would definitely be interested in reviewing the second book if I was offered a copy just to see where the story takes the characters because I want a HEA!! 

3

ARC Review ~ Beware of Me (Dark Obsession, #4) by Cynthia Eden

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 28th 2015

Publisher: Hocus Pocus Publishing

Description:
Walk on the wild side with New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden's dark new romantic suspense, BEWARE OF ME.

Criminal. Killer. Monster. Ethan Barclay has been called many things in life, and he usually doesn't care what people say about him. He's tough, hard, and brutal when he needs to be. But even the most dangerous of men can have a weakness. Ethan's weakness has--and always will be--Carly Shay.

Their pasts are tied together--twisted and melded by blood and death. Walking away from Carly was the hardest thing that Ethan ever did, but it was also his one good deed. He knew Carly deserved far better than him, and he wanted her to have a perfect life, a life that didn't involve paying for Ethan's sins.

Only now the secrets from their past have been revealed, and Carly's life is on the line. Ethan's enemies, Carly's enemies--the predators are closing in on them. But Ethan isn't going to let Carly be threatened. He will move heaven and hell to protect her. He won't lose Carly, not again, and for those foolish enough to try and take her from him...they are about to see just how deadly Ethan truly can be.

My Opinion

I'm so glad Ethan got his own book. He's been an interesting character throughout the whole series so far and I couldn't wait to read about him in detail.

This book definitely didn't disappoint either. It is by far my favourite of the series. I can't put my finger on why, maybe it was because Ethan wasn't the typical bodyguard. He has a tainted lifestyle and a lot of bad in his past and it gave him a dangerous quality that I like from guys in books. The lengths he will go to to protect Carly are extreme, but it made him more intriguing.

As for Carly, she was a good mix of stable and unstable. I didn't love her, but I didn't hate her either. She was interesting to watch develop. I felt her growth was believable and I liked how their relationship developed. I believed in it.

With regards to the plot, like all of the others it was fast-paced and thrilling. It kept me on the edge of my seat with all of the danger elements, and I couldn't put it down. Like with all of the others I did feel it got a bit far-fetched in the end, but it was still a good read.


Overall another good addition to the series and I can't wait for the next.

4

ARC Review ~ Written on my Heart by Cole Gibsen

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 28th 2015

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Description:
It's been six months since Ashlyn Daniels was kicked out of her home. Six months since she stood up to her abusive stepfather and got a busted rib—and seeing all her things set ablaze in a backyard bonfire—for her trouble. Never going back. She doesn't need trouble...especially if trouble is tattoo artist Lane Garrett, who's six-feet-plus of tattooed hotness and a complete ass.

Lane has spent the last decade fighting to support his family. To protect them. There's no room for romance, even with a fragile (yet amusingly feisty) stunner...even if she somehow manages to invade his world and his heart.

But while some secrets are as visible as ink on the skin, others must remain hidden at all costs...

My Opinion

I didn't expect or plan to finish this book in one sitting. However, once I started I couldn't stop. Written On MY Heart was a touching, sweet, and moving read. I fell in love with it instantly, and it only grew as the pages went on.

For me, this book had great characters. I could clearly feel Ashlyn's emotions and how everything from her past had effected her. I sympathised with her and felt for what she'd been through. She's dealt a rough hand in life and although she's fragile, she's also strong. It's not the thought of having nothing that breaks her and I respected her courage.

Similarly, Lane was an interesting character. I'm not going to spoil his story by saying too much, but his secrets didn't turn out the way I was expecting. I liked how he had a good heart and protected those he loved. He was exactly what Ashlyn needed and he was a genuinely sweet guy.

As for the plot it kept me entertained the whole way through. There are some tough moments but I thought the author dealt with the sensitive subjects well. It was just a gripping read.


Overall I'd definitely recommend this. It had me from page one and the writing was easy to get lost in.

4.5

ARC Review ~ No Kissing Allowed by Melissa West

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 28th 2015

Publisher: Entangled Embrace

Description:
No kissing. No touching. And definitely no falling in love...

Armed with her besties, an embarrassing number of shots, and her list of 10 Wild Things To Do Before Adulthood, recent grad Cameron Lawson is partying it up before she starts her dream job at New York's biggest ad agency. Her last task? Hook up with a random guy. And while it's so not her style, the super-sexy guy sitting next to her is definitely game. No names. No details. 

At least, that was the plan.

On her first day of work, Cameron discovers her hook-up is none other than Aidan Truitt—her new boss's boss. Talk about failing the “no fraternizing with coworkers” policy on an epic level. Especially when Aidan makes it clear their one night was only the beginning. Falling for him could cost her everything, but sometimes the only way to get what you want is by breaking a few rules...

My Opinion

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy, laid-back read that kept me entertained with its sweet story line.

Right from the start this book has my attention. Cameron is looking to let go for one night and it leads her to Aidan. Things then get interesting when she finds out he's her boss at her new job. I enjoy forbidden romances, I like the secrecy and danger element of being discovered and I think that side of things was created well in No Kissing Allowed.

As well as that, Aidan's commitment issues added another dimension they had to overcome. I felt for him and his views of himself, but I thought his growth was believable and steady. I grew to like him more and more as the story developed and by the end I didn't want to stop reading.

Which leads me to the only issue I have--and it's not really an issue, just a wish. I really wanted this book to be longer. It was a short read but I loved the author's style and it was so easy to get lost in. I wanted more from the characters who could make me smile and I didn't want it to end.


Overall, a great read. It's easy, quick, and one of those books that's perfect for a lazy weekend.

4.5

Review ~ A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh #1) by Sophie Jackson

Paperback purchased by myself.

Release Date: June 9th 2015

Publisher: Headline (Eternal)

Description:
For Kat Lane, teaching inmates at a New York prison is her way of upholding the legacy of her beloved father, murdered fifteen years ago. But when new student Wes Carter walks into her classroom, she's shaken by the strength of her attraction to him. Carter is as handsome as he is dangerous, as mysterious as he is quick-witted - and he ensures people keep their distance. Yet vibrant Kat bypasses his defences and challenges him to reveal the real man behind the intimidating reputation. As their emotional barriers crumble, their inescapable but forbidden feelings cannot be ignored. But will Kat's discovery of Carter's role on the night her father died force them apart...or bind their hearts for ever?

My Opinion

I really enjoyed this book. It's been on my wish list since it was released and finally I purchased it at a signing.

I ended up reading A Pound of Flesh in one sitting. It held my attention the whole way through and I couldn't put it down. The writing was excellent, the characters were captivating, and the story intriguing. It pulled me in right from the start and only got better with the more I read.

Both Wes and Kat were complex characters who had a lot about them. Their emotions were beautifully crafted and believable, they were easy to relate to and connect with, and I felt for them both every step of the way--especially Wes. I hated that he didn't feel good enough when he was a sweet and passionate guy deep down. His vulnerabilities made him even more endearing and likeable though. He felt like a good guy despite his past and I rooted for him the entire book.

Similarly I liked Kat's strength and desire to help him. She's a character I respected greatly and then of course the romance is hot and steamy.

The only slight issue I had was Wes's nickname for Kat. The way he referred to her as 'my Peaches' felt strange to me. It also made me think of the baby mammoth in Ice Age 3 at the start, but that's probably just me.


Overall a great read and I'll definitely be reading more by this author. I'd highly recommend this.

5

Review ~ The Phoenix Shadow (Arcadian Wars #2) by M.H. Soars

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 28th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
When the walls of lies begin closing in, who do you trust?
There is nothing worse than failure, especially one that results in your school being attacked by a ruthless enemy. Still reeling from the aftermath of the previous night, Sam and her cousins must deal with another crisis: Alexia has run away. 

To top it off, there are new players in town. The young Arcadians will be forced to work closely with the prestigious Nox Elite. But they will soon find out that nursing a bruised ego is nothing compared to fighting a faceless enemy, battling personal demons, and dealing with revelations that will forever change their lives.

My Opinion

Unlike with the first book, I had to start this one straight away. I needed to find out what happened, and the author didn't disappoint.

Right from page one the action began and it didn't let up at any point in the book. The Phoenix Shadow had me hooked the whole way through with its many plot threads that are brilliantly woven together to create an interesting story. It is a very fast-paced book, yet it never feels rushed. Because it is split into three POV it allowed the author to jump around and create tension or suspense whereby she left the reader in the dark about what was happening to certain characters. It made you want to read on.

Similarly, the characters developed well throughout the book. Sam is my favourite. She has a fiery and strong personality that comes across clearly the whole way through. I liked the action that always seemed to involve her and how she's not the type of character that sulks over what happens.

Matt on the other hand had more of a slow growth in his character. His voice gets stronger as the book goes on and I think that worked as the secrets he held got the better of him.

I don't want to give away any of the plot as there are plenty of twists and reveals. However, I thought the author dealt with the large cast well. There are many different story lines taking place, but it's never overwhelming or confusing. I thought the transitions between everything were well done and I was glad to see links between the novella that explained things better.


Overall this was a great follow up. I will warn you that there's a mean cliff hanger ending though and it's definitely made me want to read more.

4.5

Review ~ Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist! by Kay Marie

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: May 18th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
My name is Skylar Quinn. I just moved to New York with my best friend Bridget, and I have a confession. Well, more than one. Okay, quite a few really. Fine, here goes!

Confession #1: I'm a sex columnist. Hold on, that's not really the confession. You see, I'm sort of a virgin...sex columnist.

Confession #2: I'm kind of in love with Bridget's older brother, Oliver. No, I was. No, I am. Wait, was? Am? Crap.

Confession #3: I've been avoiding Oliver for four years. Or I was until today, because he just moved in. Yes, you read that correctly. He's my new roommate. So that night we've both been pretending never happened, well, we might not be able to keep it a secret any longer. 

And trust me, this is only the beginning.

My Opinion

This was an easy, enjoyable read. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a great book I really liked.

Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist put a smile on my face from the first chapter. It brightened what had been a crappy day and I enjoyed the humour in it. It thought the relationship between Ollie and Skylar was great--the teasing especially. I love how they interacted and although their relationship takes a while to develop, I didn't mind. The characters were easy to like and their interactions believable. The were easy to connect to and feel for.

Saying that, I wasn't always sure about Skylar, especially in scenes with Patrick. At times it felt like she was playing a game because the attraction with Ollie was obvious. That's only a small complaint.


Overall this was a great read. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next one since it left on a cliff hanger!! I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a humorous, light-hearted romance. It made my day better!

4.5

Book Tour Review ~ Trouble on Tap (Sweet Salvation Brewery, #3) by Avery Flynn

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 14th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
What fun is life without a little bit of trouble? 

Retired supermodel and forever wild child Olivia Sweet is nothing but trouble. The youngest Sweet triplet is back in her hometown, but instead of a triumphant return it’s a parade of humiliations. She’s broke, homeless and dealing with the fallout from her scumbag ex-boyfriend publishing naked pictures of her to a revenge porn website. 

Staid and stalwart veteran Mateo Garcia has seen more trouble than a man ever should in his lifetime. He’s gone from pretty boy Marine to a small town police chief with a chip on his shoulder and scars covering the left side of his face. Now his former lover, Olivia, is back in town and living next door. 

When the two are forced to work together to fix up the crumbling veterans’ center, the sparks fly between the beauty and the man who sees himself as a beast. Not everyone is happy that Olivia is back home though and Mateo has to choose between the town who wants her gone and an uncertain future with a woman who he thinks could never love him…

My Opinion

This was the book in the series that caught my eye and persuaded me to read the other books. Whilst I enjoyed those, I definitely preferred Trouble on Tap.

Mateo and Olivia's story connected with me more than the other books. I believed in the emotions more, and I felt there was more depth to the characters. They both had a history with their own pasts, as well as each other.

As you all know, I'm a big fan of second chance romances and that's what this book is. The author didn't make it easy for the characters with Mateo's grouchy attitude and the Sweet's reputation in Salvation, but it was nice to watch the struggle as they found one another again.

The book was paced well and it held my attention the whole way through. The plot was enjoyable and easy to follow (although there were a few parts that had me flicking back to check things).


Overall, my favourite of the series. It was a book that was easy to connect with and I enjoyed watching the relationship grow.

4

ARC Review ~ Untouchable (Entangled Ignite) by Cindy Skaggs

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 21st 2015

Publisher: Entangled (Ignite)

Description:
She'll do whatever it takes to find her son - Lie. Cheat. Steal. Seduce...
As the former wife of an infamous crime boss, Sofia Capri is untouchable. She exists outside of the law...and outside of the criminal world. When her son is kidnapped, Sofia's desperate to find him. She'll do anything. Lie. Cheat. Steal. Anything but trust. But it's a strikingly handsome FBI agent who's her only chance to get her baby back...

Something about Sofia's fiery beauty must be hitting all of his weak spots, because suddenly Mr. Law And Order Logan Stone finds himself bending the rules. When they're implicated in the kidnapping, Logan and Sofia discover a horrifying reality - they have less than 72 hours to find the boy and clear their names.

Now the heat is turning up...and time is running out...for everyone.

My Opinion

Sigh ... 

This book sounded so good. It sounded dark and gritty because of the mob angle, it had FBI agents, and is from a romance publisher I love. Sadly, this book really missed the mark for me, though.

I enjoyed the first 40% of Untouchable, especially the start. It hooked me straight away and because of the angles mentioned above I was excited to see how things progressed and intrigued to know who was behind everything. I believed in the danger, and that there was a threat from Nick. He had the potential to be a ruthless boss.

Unfortunately from that point on though I lost interest until I was barely skimming the end just to find out who was behind everything. The problem was there wasn't enough interaction for me. There were a lot of inner thoughts and repetition--especially on Sofia's side of things--and I felt it made the writing very dry to read. The pace was too slow, dragging out the couple of days it's set over to extreme lengths.

Similarly the time limit was way to short for 'I love yous' to arrive. Sofia went from distrust, to trust, to falling, to love all in the space of two days, admitting it after a few weeks. I don't buy how someone so paranoid and distrusting would change so drastically in such a short period of time even after going through what they had together.

Logan was also a bit underdeveloped. There wasn't enough colour in his character for me and I didn't connect with him at all. I didn't feel the chemistry.


Overall this started off okay but soon went downhill. It had an interesting premise but lacked in execution. It was okay, but I've read a lot better mafia based books.

2

Review ~ Elude (Eagle Elite #6) by Rachel Van Dyken

ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: July 9th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
The sixth book in the internationally bestselling Eagle Elite Series. 
*Interconnected Stand Alone*

Twenty-Four hours before we were to be married--I offered to shoot her. 
Ten hours before our wedding--I made a mockery of her dying wish. 
Five hours before we were going to say our vows--I promised I'd never love her. 
One hour before I said I do--I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death. 
But the minute we were pronounced man and wife--I knew.
I'd only use my gun to protect her. 
I'd give my life for hers. 
I'd cry. 
And I would, most definitely, lose my heart, to a dying girl---a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place. 
I always believed the mafia would be my end game--where I'd lose my heart, while it claimed my soul. I could have never imagined. It would be my redemption. 
Or the beginning of something beautiful. 
The beginning of her. 
The end of us.

My Opinion

I love this series and I couldn't wait for Elude release. It wasn't my favourite of the series, but I still loved it, and it has been added to the small shelf of books that have made me cry.

Elude broke my heart. Since Ember we've known Andi was dying from leukaemia, but that doesn't make the story any less painful, especially because you want her to live so badly. Even dying she's full of life. She made me laugh, took no prisoners, and still strove for adventure even during the final days. Her attitude was endearing and I liked she could stand up to Sergio. She matched him in every way and I loved how their relationship developed even if it was short.

As for Sergio, he started off an ass. He was dead inside like Andi said, but his change was gradual and believable. I liked watching him slowly soften and open his heart to Andi and I fell in love with him too. It broke my heart to watch him suffer losing her when he'd only just found someone worth living for.

As for the story, it's one of those books where you know what's going to happen, you know it's going to break your heart, and you know it's going to hurt ... but you read it anyway. From the start I knew there wasn't going to be a HEA for Andi, even if I allowed myself to hope. Saying that though I thought the author dealt with the subject matter well and somehow made the ending satisfying. It felt complete and did end with a small up lifting twist.


Overall although it's not my favourite in the series, it's still a great read. Not many books make me cry so kudos to the author for that. I'd definitely recommend the entire series.

5

Sale Blitz: False Finder by Mia Hoddell @limitlessbooks

FALSE FINDER by Mia Hoddell

★★ ON SALE for .99¢ ★★

*limited time*

✢✢✢ SYNOPSIS ✢✢✢

Cora has been able to detect lies since she was born, she’s…a False Finder. 

However when blackmail, betrayal, and lying are all the population has to protect themselves, it makes her dangerous. It also makes her a target. 

Because of Cora’s ability, Rogan Carvelli—London’s biggest criminal leader—has been trying to acquire her for years. 

Cora has learned to survive and remain undetected—at least until one careless mistake causes her friends to betray her. 

Sold to Carvelli, Cora is only left with the help of a secret organisation to escape. She knows nothing about them, but they have saved her too many times to ignore. 

However, the closer she gets, the clearer it becomes… 

Their motives are far from innocent.

✢✢✢ PURCHASE ✢✢✢

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1JjjvcI

B&N: http://bit.ly/1Hx1xTx

iTUNES: http://apple.co/1HxRrC4

✢✢✢ EXCERPT ✢✢✢

“In regards to your other question, yes there are more of us. I’m part of an organisation.”

Cora nodded but on the inside she was screaming. She just wanted all of the information laid out for her so she could decide what implications it would have on her life.

“An organisation that wants to do what?”

“We’re growing still. Every day we’re getting bigger and soon we will have enough people but we are missing one. We need you to complete our ranks,” he stated cryptically. He wasn’t even trying to answer Cora’s question.

“Hold up. Answer my questions first. What is this organisation?” Cora asked, irritated.

“We can help you.” Jed shrugged casually while taking a sip of his drink.

“I don’t need help. I’m doing quite well on my own thanks,” Cora muttered. She knew what was coming next.

“Really? Avoiding Carvelli numerous times because of tips we left you and then getting caught and having to escape? It sounds like you’re doing brilliantly.” Jed’s attitude shifted as he spoke with a sarcastic bite to his voice but his eyes danced playfully.

“Well I’ve lasted a long time without being caught.”

“With our help,” he responded quickly, while peering over the lip of his cup.

“Who are the ‘we’ you keep referring to?”

“Say you’ll help us and you’ll find out,”

✢✢✢ MIA HODDELL ✢✢✢

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

By the age of nineteen, Mia had published nine books, including the Elemental Killersseries and the Seasons of Change series. Since then, her books have charted on numerous Amazon Bestseller Lists, and she has also had poems published in a many anthologies. With an ever growing list of ideas, Mia continues to create fictional worlds through her writing, and is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them.

Blog: http://miahoddell.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/miahoddell

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mia-Hoddell-Author/421368247889610?ref=hl

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/miahoddell

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113175199547008833705

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Hoddell/e/B0093M18QQ/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/GFF_1

Limitless Publishing: http://bit.ly/1LmthNo

Review ~ Fever (A Ballroom Romance #1) by Tonya Plank

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 10th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Rory’s once promising ballet career was destroyed by family tragedy and illness. She turned her life around and became a lawyer. Now at the start of her legal career, she lacks passion in her work and self-confidence in her abilities. But when she meets gorgeous, mysterious Russian ballroom dancer, Sasha, at a firm holiday party, her passions for life and dance are immediately re-kindled.

Since being torn from his Siberian family as a child, Sasha’s life ambition has been to be world ballroom champion, a path he was destined for until his former partner pulled the plug on their partnership. She went on to win the world title, leaving him, without a partner equal in ability, forever in second place. The instant he lays eyes on Rory, he recognizes the depth of her passion and talent, and falls hard for her in more ways than one.

But she also reminds him of great pain from his past. He must not only overcome his own demons but convince her to leave her demanding law career, and all that she has worked for in her adult life, to train with him full-time in order for their partnership – both on and off the dance floor – to work.

My Opinion

When I read the description for this book it sounded great. I mean, sexy dancer, passionate dances, and a little tragedy thrown in for good measure, what more could you want? I assumed it would be a steamy, hot romance ... and it had the potential to be one. However, sadly this one ended up missing the mark for me.

The main problem I had with this book is the writing style. The author uses very little speech and because it's written in first person, you only hear from Rory. As frequent viewers of my reviews will know, I need lots of dialogue to keep me interested. For me, that's where the characters' personalities shine through and without it I never really form a connection. It also moves the story along so it doesn't drag. It's a shame really as towards the end things did pick up slightly, but it was never enough for me to care about the characters. I felt I was told everything rather than experiencing the conversations and actions.

Similarly, this also hindered the romance. In fact after reading it, I don't think I'd class this as a romance--book 2 seems to be where the romance is going to begin. There was hardly any interaction between Sasha and Rory, rather it was more of an infatuation of Rory's part. It took forever for them to finally start interacting and at that point my hope increased, only to be squashed when little happened. I assumed there'd be more passion from the dances and that's how the relationship would build. Unfortunately it didn't happen. There was literally no connection.

Moreover, the characters were very two dimensional or similar. James was an asshole whose actions were predictable and so was Mitchell. They felt like the same guy, and then Rajiv started pressuring her too, and Sasha acted like an ass for no apparent reason. They could have been interchangeable and there wasn't enough variety. I don't know if this is down to viewing everything from Rory's eyes, but yeah ... they weren't likeable. 

Then there's Rory. For the majority of the book she's weak. She allowed herself to be controlled, broke down, allowed people to walk over her, and wasn't a very good lawyer--even if her client was difficult. I found it hard to connect with such a weak character because there was no growth. Her strong moments came out of nowhere before disappearing, never to be seen until a few chapters on. It was inconsistent and the lack of speech did nothing to help it.

Saying all of that, it was still an okay read. It was an easy story to get through, despite its length and I liked the general idea. The author's knowledge of dance and the law also came across in the writing. The description of the dances felt authentic and I could understand what she was trying to get me to imagine.

Overall, this was an okay read. It didn't draw any emotions from me and I would say it needs a serious content edit to trim down unnecessarily long sections and add more development so it would connect with readers and flow better, but it has potential. The world the author's set up is intriguing and holds a lot more room for emotion, passion, and sensations than expressed in Fever.

2.5

ARC Review ~ Even The Score by Kate Meader

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 21st 2015

Publisher: Entangled Publishing 

Description:
He'll make her an offer she can't refuse...
Actress Tess McKenzie is performing in the Tenth Circle of Showbiz Hell-dinner theater. All she really wants is to start a theater of her own. Then Tess receives an offer she can't refuse. She'll get her funding...if she pretends to be the fiancée to her nemesis, Texan property tycoon Hunter Dade. If she's going to pull this off, she'll need all the luck she can get.Break a leg, indeed.

On the verge of a big business deal, Hunter needs to hire a fiancée. He hasn't quite forgiven Tess for ruining his wedding, but when their chemistry goes from combative to straight-up lust, the "no sex" clause in their mutually beneficial arrangement is tested. Which is a serious problem, because if Tess isn't careful, she'll go from breaking a leg to breaking her heart...

My Opinion

I'm going to keep this review short as although I don't think this is a bad book, it just wasn't for me.

What intrigued me about this book was the fake fiancé story line. I love these types of books so I was excited to get into this.

Unfortunately, I just didn't connect with Even the Score. I wanted to, but I struggled. It all seemed to slow for me and I didn't connect with the characters. I can't put my finger on why as the writing was good and all the elements I love in these types of books were there, which is why I say this wasn't for me.


Overall, I wouldn't not recommend Even the Score. It may work for you as structurally and plot wise it was good. The characters do have a history and the basis of the relationship is interesting. You may connect with it more than me.

2.5