Review ~ Resolution (Swept Away #3) by J.S. Cooper

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 1st 2015

Publisher: Gallery Books

Description:
When Bianca and Jakob first awoke on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their thoughts were only concerned with survival. But as they explored their surroundings and tried to find out who left them stranded on the island, electricity surged between them. Soon after, Bianca uncovered clues to her abduction, but was left with even more unanswered questions, especially about Jakob’s true motives…

Now, Bianca just wants the truth. Nothing was as it seemed, especially with Jakob. As she discovers cross upon double cross, all she can trust is her instinct, her connection with him. So they decide to return to the island in hopes of finally learning the truth. Bianca and Jakob have been thrown together and torn apart by their secrets—but can she trust him enough to rescue her at last?

My Opinion

I don't know what to make of this concluding instalment in this series. I've been looking forward to finding out the reveals and what was really going on, but I'm not sure now I've read it.

I won't go into any detail because I don't want to give anything away. A part of me also isn't sure about what went on really.

I don't know...maybe it's just me, but I thought the reveal would be more dramatic. Instead I got confusing pieces of speech that I found hard to keep up with. There was some action, and the romance was continually developed well, I just didn't get the big secret which is what all of these books hinged on.


Whilst it was an interesting read I did enjoy the other two better.

3

Blog Tour + Review ~ Testing the Boss by Mallory Crowe

Testing the Boss by Mallory Crowe

Date of Publication: November 19, 2015

Blurb

Billionaire Luke Devereaux gets what he wants and what he wants right now is to bring down the shady organization threatening his family. Teaming up with the FBI is his only option--even if that option comes in the sultry Evelyn Price, the ice-princess who's all business.

Refusing to be distracted by the sexy, rich playboy, Evelyn forces herself to stay focused on the case, gearing up for the criminal takedown of her entire career. As the enemy closes in with Evelyn as its next target, it's up to Luke to keep them out of danger. The more they work to protect each other, and fight for control, the harder it is to resist their undeniable attraction.

And the one thing Evelyn has learned from working with him is that Luke Devereaux gets what he wants.

Available From

Amazon (Kindle)

Review

Each book in this series has become better and better and I like how the stories are linking more. There is now a common thread tying the last few books together and I specifically liked how this took over from where the last book left off but with Luke's POV.

I'm not going to say too much about the book as I don't want to give anything away. Testing the Boss was a short read, but it kept me engaged with its action and steamy sections. Luke was easy to like and Evelyn was interesting. I would have liked more background information on her, but I believed in their relationship. I did feel the chemistry between them and I'm intrigued to see where the author takes the story next.

Overall another interesting read. It was the perfect length for an evening and it's one of my favourite in the series.

4

Review ~ Her Web Master by Normandie Alleman

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 11th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
An online connection.
Masked by anonymity.
No cameras. No pictures.
Curiosity ignited to intrigue.

I thought I knew what I was getting into, but had no idea how far we would go...

My intention was to test the waters, dip my toe in the wading pool. Instead I surrendered to the world of seduction and submission as he submerged me--body, mind, and soul--into an ocean of eroticism. 

Emails, texts, and hidden identities, were one thing. But now, coming face-to-face with the mystery man, the star of my fantasies, both terrifies and completely thrills me. If all goes according to plan, he will intensify the exquisite bond we share by transporting me to that glorious intersection between agony and ecstasy. If not, everything we've built will come crashing down around us, destroying my dreams in the process.

Either way, there is no going back. Because I want more. Much more.
He always says, "For every ounce of pleasure, a price must be paid."

And I am going to pay...

Warning: If you’re not a fan of dirty talk or dominant alpha males, “Her Web Master” may not be for you, but if you're looking for a filthy online boyfriend who will make your toes curl, meet Sophie’s mysterious Dom.

My Opinion

It was the cover that pulled me to this book and it sounded like a hot read. I shouldn't have requested it because of my current backlog of ARCs, but I couldn't resist. Then, I couldn't resist starting it straight away.

Her Webmaster was an unusual read in that most of the book takes place online. The characters only meet twice in the entire book and most conversations are held through emails or phone calls. It made for a different experience while reading since have haven't come across this level of cybering before.

For this reason the book has split my opinion. It was a mixture of hot but also slightly repetitive and dry. I liked it at the start. It was different and incredibly hot. The dirty talk and orders were well written, and so were Sophie's reactions to them. The control MC had was believable and easily felt, even via the messages. When they moved on to phone calls it became even more apparent.

However, there was only so long I could read it before I started to feel the book was become repetitive and needed a change of pace. I kept wanting them to meet and develop a real relationship. For me this part came too late on in the story. When it arrived it was great and I just wanted it to continue. Personally, there is only so much you can create with emails. Since there's no intonation, actions, or reactions on both sides it was hard to form a connection with the characters. I could understand Sophie, but I couldn't root for their relationship.


Overall, this book started off well, but I think it needs to be paced better. It has a unique concept, and I'm still undecided on whether it worked. Either way, the majority of the book was hot so if you're looking for a dirty-talking Dom this may be for you.

3.5

Review ~ Something Amazing (Something Great, #4) by M. Clarke

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: January 11th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:

No one said breaking up was easy, but escaping to Kauai only adds to Rachel Miller's confusion when fate collides her with Jackson Clark. He’s everything Rachel wants—confident, charismatic, and in charge—but his past catches up to them, creating rough waves that seems impossible to calm. Will their love for each other be strong enough or will it crash against the shore?

My Opinion

This was a sweet read that had a summery feeling. I read book one not long ago and having enjoyed that one I couldn't not request this. I will admit I wasn't sure I remembered who everyone was, but it came back to me in drips.

Something Amazing held my interest well through the first half. I liked the setting, and it just had this feel good summery vibe about it. Although Rachel had just broken up with somebody she wasn't miserable. She was an easy character to like and I enjoyed the flirting with Jax.

Saying that, the book did lose me a bit towards the end. The twists were kind of predictable and for me they came too late. I won't reveal it here, but I couldn't really connect with what happened. There wasn't enough emotion for me as it all seemed a little quick.


Regardless, I still found this an enjoyable read. It was an easy, laid back book that was sweet.

3.5

Review ~ Beneath These Scars (Beneath, #4) by Meghan March

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: September 22nd 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I’m the guy you love to hate. 

In every story in my life, I seem to end up playing the villain—and I’ve got the scars to prove it.

That role works fine for me, because I’m sure as hell not anyone’s hero. 

I run my life and my empire with an iron fist—until she knocks my tightly controlled world off its axis.

She’s nobody’s damsel in distress, but I can’t help but want to save her anyway.

I guess we’re about to find out if there’s a hero buried … beneath these scars.

My Opinion

I really enjoyed this book. I received this awhile ago via NetGalley. However, I wasn't sure it could be as a standalone so I put off reading it. The others have been on my wish list and after--finally--reading the first two I thought I had enough information about the characters to read this without book 3 (which hopefully I'll get at a later date).

Also, I read book 3 and 4 out of order partly because I was more interested in Lucas than Lord. He played a bigger part in Beneath This Ink and I was intrigued to see how his life would develop. It's safe to say it didn't disappoint. I liked how he won me over. He was an asshole in book two, but slowly throughout this read I got to see his softer side. He may have hidden it beneath arrogance and denied it at times, but around Yve it was obvious.

Similarly, I liked Yve's strength. She was a respectable character with smarts and a good head on her shoulder. I liked how she refused to play the victim and even when she was scared she didn't ask for help. It might have seemed stupid, but I liked watching Lucas have to fight for her.

As for the story it held my attention well. A few things were predictable, but overall it was an engaging read. I didn't fully understand everything Lucas did with his business at the end, but that's my only qualm.


In general it was another great read. I'll definitely be going back to read book 3 and can't wait for more.

4.5

Review ~ Beneath This Ink (Beneath, #2) by Meghan March

ebook purchased by myself

Release Date: February 9th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her. 

And then I finally had her for one night. 

A night I don’t remember. 

I figured I’d blown my shot. 

But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance. 

Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?

My Opinion

I enjoyed this more than book one. I started it straight after and I'll definitely be reading more in the series.

Beneath This Ink held my attention the whole way through. I loved Con and his story. He was a hot alpha male with a chip on his shoulder, but he came undone around Vanessa. I believed in him and felt for him every step of the way. I understood his reasoning for everything and I thought he was a well rounded character.

As for Vanessa, I liked her growth. I thought she developed well and there were twists in her story I didn't see coming. Although she had the nickname ice queen I liked her and grew to like her more as she found her confidence and started thinking for herself.

As for the plot, it was well crafted. It held my interest and I didn't guess all of the reveals.


Overall I'm excited to read book 3 and 4. I enjoyed this more than the first and can't wait to see what comes next.

4.5

Blog Tour ~ Not Enough by Mia Hoddell

Not Enough
by Mia Hoddell

Genre: Upper YA/NA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 16th 2015

Pages: 324

Blurb
Neve Colvin isn’t good enough. As an introvert, her life is a never-ending list of labels and criticism. Pressures to change come from everyone—including the one person she thought would love her unconditionally … her mother. All Neve wants is acceptance, but surrounded by extroverts it’s a wish that’s nearly impossible to fulfil.

For Neve there’s only one solution: anyone disapproving must go. Even if it means only one person will remain.

That person is her lifelong friend Blake Reynolds. He’s seen the fights with her mum, the breakdowns caused by attacks on her personality, and the battles for acceptance. Each time she is left shattered and questioning who she is, he’s the one to collect the pieces of her broken heart. Shielding her from the cruelty is his only concern. But how can he protect her when Neve is concealing a secret so dark?

Blake thinks he knows everything about her, and with their relationship developing, he assumes Neve trusts him fully. However, there is one memory Neve is too ashamed of to share. Revealing it will test Blake’s loyalty beyond what she could ever ask, and Blake is the only friend she can’t afford to lose. He’s the one person capable of dragging her from the darkness plaguing her, but with pressures to conform increasing, even Blake may not be enough to pull her back this time.

ONLY 0.99 FOR THE RELEASE WEEK!

Buy Links:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

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Add to Goodreads

What reviewers are saying:

"From the dedication at the beginning up to the end this was both a thought provoking and an emotional read for me and I loved it!" - Sandra @ JeanzBookReadNReview

"This story tugged at my heartstrings, played on my every emotion. It was a beautifully written story of how an introverted young girl blossoms into a beautiful young woman." - Keren Hughes, Author of Nothing Like The First Time

"A heartbreaking read that sometimes had me close to tears." - Susan @ Ladies Living in Bookland

"Heartbreaking. Powerful. Real ... I literally lived the pages, not read them ... It's so well and beautifully written, it is more than just another YA novel." - Cristina @ Crazy Beautiful 

Excerpt

 “What are you doing?” I manage to get out around my laughs. She tenses at my words and then tilts her head back to fix me with a glare, her eyes blazing with irritation.

“I’m sleeping in the bath like I said I would. Why, what did you think I was doing? Teaching myself to swim?”

“I know what you’re doing. I think that’s obvious. What I meant was why are you doing this?” I step into the room and move in front of her so she doesn’t have to crane her neck to see me.

“You know why.”

“You’re not sleeping in here, Stripes.”

“Watch me.”

I cross my arms. There’s no way I’m going back to bed and allowing her to sleep in a bath. The only problem is that it’s hard to maintain a frustrated expression when everything about the situation is so damn funny. “Be back in a second.”

She mumbles something that sounds like “I’m not going anywhere” to my back as I rush out of the bathroom. Rummaging in my drawer, I find what I’m looking for then I’m back in the room with Neve in seconds.

Before she can react, I have a camera in front of me.

“Smile,” I tease, only it causes her glower to darken. Three lines appear on her forehead as her face screws up.

“Delete that now.”

“Nope. Get out of the bath and I might let you.”

“I’m not getting out. I told you I’m sleeping here.”

“Why all the drama? We’ve slept in the same bed for ages now. It’s not a big deal.” She rolls over, showing me her back, and ignores me. “Stripes, get out of the bath.”

“Night, Blake.”

If she thinks I’m going to give up that easy, she’s got another surprise coming. She should know by now that I don’t give up and people don’t say no to me. I put the camera on the counter by the sink, needing both of my hands.

Carefully, so as not to reveal my intentions, I lean over the bath and line up my hands. With one swift motion, I grip her tightly, heaving her out of the tub and throwing her over my shoulder as she screams, “Put me down, Blake!”

“I told you, you’re not sleeping in a bath. Now shut up and stop hitting my back.” My light and jovial words only serve to make her flail around even more. I manage to pin her legs, but I’m powerless to do anything to stop her hands pounding against my back. It’s not enough to hurt, that’s not her intention, but the squirming is becoming increasingly frustrating.

When I reach the bed, I drag her back over my shoulder and dump her on the mattress. She bounces, not able to hide the laughter on her face while she stares at me and hiccups. This is how I like to see her, carefree and happy. It’s rare nowadays that I catch a glimpse of Neve when she’s truly happy, but in this moment there isn’t a strained muscle in her body. It’s natural, and I can’t stop myself from watching her. I’m still amazed that I’m the one who can bring out her joy and it baffles me that she’s allowed herself to be mine.

We remain gazing at each other with ridiculous grins for a minute. When I’m sure she isn’t going to run, I move around to my of the bed side. Her head follows me, and when I go to climb in beside her, she rolls over. She throws her arms and legs out wide, taking up the entire mattress.

“You’re in the bath then.” She points at the door with the hand furthest away from me, a devilish twinkle in her eyes. It takes me a while to respond. The sight of her body stretched out in her skimpy pyjamas makes my throat dry, and I have to consciously remind myself to swallow. My gaze focuses on her pale skin, which is exposed by her shirt riding up and the top of her shorts lowering as a result of her actions.

“I don’t think so.” My voice comes out more breathless than I expect as I watch her spread out in front of me.

“Well, you’re not sleeping in here with me.”

“My bed, my rules.” I place one knee on the mattress and climb on. My arms support most of my weight so my body is directly above hers. “So, I can either sleep on the left … or on top of you.” My voice drops into a murmur and she gulps, her lips parting as I hover over her. “Take your pick, Stripes.” 

Teasers

About the Author

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

Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder and Not Enough.


Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs.

You can follow Mia on:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+ | Amazon

Or sign up to her newsletter for the chance to receive ARCs, giveaways, and exclusive content first.

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Review ~ Beneath This Mask (Beneath #1) by Meghan March

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon

Release Date: September 29th 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name. 

The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away. 

I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it. 

Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?

My Opinion

I'm going to keep this review short as I read this book purely for pleasure. I found it because the author is attending a signing I'm going to and when I saw it free I couldn't resist.

Beneath the Mask was an enjoyable and captivating read. I couldn't put it down. It drew me in with its interesting story line and I really liked the characters. Simon was caring yet strong while Charlie was strong and stubborn. I thought both of their stories were well developed and they were believable characters.

Overall a read I couldn't put down and I'm starting book 2 now.

4

Review ~ How to Fall by Rebecca Brooks

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 16th 2015

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Description:

One week of adventure might just lead to love…

Julia Evans has always put others ahead of herself--her high school math students, her troubled best friend, and her ex. But with New Year's approaching, she buys a round trip ticket to Brazil. For one week, she can put her needs first. She can meet a stranger in the hotel pool at midnight and dance all night on the beach.

Screenwriter Blake Williams has to keep moving before Oz's latest scandal catches up to him. But the dark-haired beauty with a backpack and an adventurous streak is messing with his plans. He can't seem to walk away from her. But secrets have a way of coming out, and when the week is up, Julia and Blake will have to decide if they're jumping into the biggest adventure of all or playing it safe.

My Opinion

This book definitely grew on me. I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the end, but I'm glad I stuck with it.

How To Fall wasn't a slow read by any means. It jumps straight into the action when Julia arrives in Brazil and I think that's what took me aback at first. It was quite a jarring start and I was trying to get my head around all of the details that were missing and who everyone was. Then when the fling began I found I was racing to catch up with the events that were moving too quickly.

Luckily, things do become explained and at around 40% I couldn't put this book down. I loved the culture and different setting. It's clear the author has spent time in Brazil and it made the book authentic.

Similarly, the characters grew on me. I did feel the spark and chemistry between Blake and Julia. Once they started more of a relationship the book held my attention better. Blake was sweet, but also hot. I would have like their back stories to have been delved into a bit more in an emotional sense. I felt they were very much factual statements placed in throughout the book. I didn't feel the emotions I expected in that sense, but it was still an enjoyable read without it.

The only other thing was at times I did wish the author got to the point a little quicker. Sometimes the writing seemed to ramble and I felt some of the longer sections could have been condensed.

Other than that, overall this was a good read and it transported me to a world of sun and beaches which was perfect for the changing seasons here. I think this one will grow on people of the give it a chance.

3.5

Blog Tour Review ~ His Contract (Legally Bound, #1) by Rebecca Grace Allen

eARC received viaa tour company in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 10th 2015

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Description:

Lawyers know when to play by the rules…and when to break them.

Legally Bound, Book 1

Harvard law professor Jack Archer once balanced his professional life with the private world of dominance, surrender and trust he shared with his wife. Since cancer stole her a year ago, finding love again—her final wish for him—is the furthest thing from his mind.

From his empty house to the classroom, grief follows his every move. Until he meets a young woman with shadows in her eyes even darker than his own.

Once a shining star at law school, Lilly Sterling’s dreams died when the Dom she trusted left her heartbroken and lost. She’s starting fresh in a new city as a paralegal, but meeting Jack reawakens all her old demons—and her lingering desires.

Jack offers to become Lilly’s mentor for both the courtroom and the playroom, but tells himself it’s not a relationship. Their carefully worded agreement guarantees that. But when their trial agreement starts heating up, both Jack and Lilly must decide what will tip the scales: the letter of the law...or love?

Warning: All rise for a book that contains a wounded submissive and a Dominant who wants to retrain her while retaining control of his heart. Discovery phase may involve spankings, bondage, edging, and blindfolds. Is it hot? You be the judge.

My Opinion

I wasn't sure what I was going to be faced with from this author, since I've not read any of her previous work. However, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this read.

His Contract was a slow building, captivating romance of dominance and submission. It held my attention well and I found it hard to put down in the end.

I thought Jack and Lilly were intriguing characters. The author made me sympathise with Jack right from the first page and I thought his journey of growth was believable in its pace. I also thought he was a great guy. He pushed Lilly's limits and helped her through her fears, but he was also gentle and caring. I believed in his feelings towards her.

Similarly, I thought Lilly was a well rounded character. I would have liked Damien to be more involved than just the last 20% because that side of things felt a little underdeveloped. However, I found her an easy character to like and engage with.

The only thing I have a slight complaint about is the length. Sometime it felt the book dragged and became repetitive. There were scenes I wanted more from that only had a couple of pages, and then there were ones that just went on and on, which felt like they were rehashing old plot lines.

Overall though, a good read. It drew me in and was well written. The balance between emotion and sex was good and it was an enjoyable book.


4
 

Review ~ Right Where You Are by L.E. Bross

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 16th 2015

Publisher: Pocket Star

Description:

Avery Melrose is used to having it all. So when her boyfriend cheats on her, she reacts like any spoiled rich girl-she freaks out and vandalizes his new truck, Carrie Underwood style. Now she's stuck with 300 hours of community service doing road-side garbage duty.

Seth Hunter just got out of prison, and after a few hundred hours picking up litter on the side of the highway, he can finally put his mistakes behind him. If he can string together some kind of existence, maybe it'll be enough to get his sister away from their stepfather, the man who sent Seth to prison in the first place.

A romance between these two is doomed from the start. Girls like Avery want castles and white horses, and Seth is no prince charming.

But sometimes, being around Avery makes Seth think he could make something of himself. Maybe even be worthy of a girl like her. It's just too bad real life gets in the way first, tearing these two apart before they have any chance of getting to Happily Ever After.

My Opinion

This was a cute, short read. I didn't know what to expect having never read anything by this author, but it was surprisingly enjoyable and held my attention well.

Right Where You Are follows Avery and Seth as they begin their community service. Seth is on parole while Avery is the rich sorority girl who is used to getting what she wants and uses daddy's money. I found Seth a likeable guy. I could understand the asshole act he put up for the world to see, but behind it all he was a generous guy who just wanted to protect those he loves. Avery on the other hand was more of a mixed bag for me. I liked her, but I didn't believe in her change. It was abrupt and didn't feel natural enough.

I could say that about a lot of the book really. Whilst it was enjoyable, the pacing was way too fast. Everything just seemed to happen and not all of the time was it believable. I wanted there to be a more gradual growth. The speed at which things happened was most noticeable at the ending. For me this book was a great read until the ending. I came away feeling let down and disheartened. I can understand wanting a HEA, but I hate it when everything is summarised in a chapter. I could tell at 90% the ending was going to be rushed and I was right. It was all too easy and it felt like a let down.

Overall, an enjoyable read. The pacing did let it down a bit and the ending wasn't that satisfying, but the majority of it was good.

3

Review ~ Calling Me: The Complete Series by Louise Bay

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 16th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:

Is it possible for a guy to turn on a switch and realize he’s been in love with a girl that’s been under his nose for over a decade?

Ashleigh Franklin can’t decide.

Ashleigh wants the fairy tale. Ever since she was a kid, her best friend’s brother, Luke, has been her fantasy Prince Charming. Now he’s trying to convince her that she’s the one he’s wanted all these years. There’s no way it’s that easy to escape the friend zone.

Single after years living with a girlfriend, Luke has finally woken up. What he’s been waiting for has been right under his nose for almost his entire life. Can he persuade her that he’s serious and won’t break her heart?

A Wonder Woman costume, a bottle of tequila and a game of truth or dare between two close friends changes everything. 

My Opinion

Overall, The Calling Me series was a cute box set. It did have its frustrating points, but for the majority of the three novellas I found them easy reads that flowed well, and were good to relax with.

Like I said, I've read the box set version that includes all 3 stories. If you're going to read this series I'd definitely recommend doing the same as they are quick reads.

For that reason I'm finding it hard to separate the stories. To me it felt like one whole book so because of that I'm going to keep things vague and short to avoid giving too much away.

Ashleigh and Luke were good characters. Things don't dig too deeply into their pasts, but they're easy to engage with. Ashleigh is frustrating at times with her assumptions. I could understand her reasoning at the start but it seemed to drag out to the point of stupidity.

As for the story it was a gentle, laid-back narrative. Parts were predictable, but it was enjoyable.

Overall 3 nice, easy reads.

3