Review ~ Not The One (Lost in London #1) by Amy Daws

ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: December 7th 2015

Publisher: Self-published 

Description:
My name is Reyna Miracle. Even though a part of my name is Miracle, there’s nothing miraculous about me. My body portrays the tales of my life. Every feeling, every heartbreak, every emotion. Marked. Inked. Stained. A walking canvas of my messed up truth. But there’s one confession I can’t put in a tattoo. A confession that will kill me to tell, but my best friend died before I had the chance. Now I’m left with him. The only one who can hold me in the night and squeeze that spot on my neck that feels like my lifeline between sanity and chaos. But we don’t work together. We’re absolute poison for each other. We’re a stifling, suffocating, sickness of darkness. But I feel safe...because I’ve made an art of pushing people away. Now he’s pushing back… And making me believe... Making me wonder... Maybe, just maybe... I could be the one.

My Opinion

This was an okay read. It held my interest, but I found it a struggle to engage with the character's story a bit too much. I didn't quite understand Reyna's reasons behind pushing everyone away and thinking the things she did. Saying that, it still kept me engaged.

3

Blog Tour Review ~ Filthy Foreign Exchange by S.E. Hall & Angela Graham

eARC received via the tour company in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 24th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Echo Kelly is loyal to her studies, family, and aerial artistry. She has no time for or interest in anything else, and is heartbroken when her oldest brother, Sebastian, gets accepted to a study-abroad program— exchanging places with cocky, not-at-all-shy foreign exchange student Kingston Hawthorne.

Kingston Hawthorne had the life every twenty-year-old guy dreams of— endless cash, easy women, and fast cars— until his father ripped it all away, shipping him off to the States and placing him temptingly close to the underage virgin who fascinates him in the most challenging of ways.

With Kingston’s bedroom just a connecting bathroom away from Echo’s, the chemistry between them is even more enticing than the notes he leaves for her on the shower door.

How long can you pretend you’re just friends?

My Opinion

These authors are both first time reads for me. Therefore, when I signed up to this tour I wasn't sure what I was was getting. However, the book sounded hot, had a great cover, and sounded intriguing with a different premise in regards to the foreign exchange concept.

In general, that was what I got. The book was interesting and kept me engaged. It is a slow builder and since it's a duet there's a lot of dancing around each other in the romance. Kingston and Echo are instantly attracted to each other, but nothing really happens in this book except a kiss. It made this book a gentle read. 

Saying that, the reason I haven't rated it higher is because of one thing it did, which happens to be one of my pet hates. The British English was completely stereotypical and overused. It had me cringing with some of the things Kingston said and the realism wasn't there considering his age. Being around his age and English, his language wasn't believable. Sure, people here say some of the stuff he does, but not to the extent conveyed and as a Brit it was irritating. I also found some of the explanations a bit insulting. We do understand Americanisms here, and at times it felt slightly patronising. Maybe that's just me because I have a thing about American authors writing British characters, but it's something I struggle to over look.


Overall, the story was good and I'll more than likely read the next to see how it ends.

3

Review ~ Black (Black #1) by T.L. Smith

ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: January 29th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I am loyal, but I will betray you.
I am strong, but I have scars.
I am an angel, but the devil.
I met her when I was sixteen, she was a breath of fresh air. She swooped in, making me smile. But then she left, taking my next breath with her.
Her smile could light up a room, making my black heart pitter patter.
I found her again ten years later, with a syringe in her arm. 
Blood coming from her legs.
She was broken and I was glad she was broken. She wouldn't think less of me and my damaged ways.

My Opinion

This was another impulse buy because it was on sale and the author is attending a signing I'm going to. The blurb didn't give much away, but combined with the price it intrigued me enough to take a chance on it.

Now I've reached the end I'm really not sure what to make of Black. The start was very choppy and disjointed. It took me a while to figure out what was going on and get into the writing style. I found throughout the entire book there were moments of unclarity whereby it wasn't alway clear who was speaking or being talked about. It did lead me to re-read sections a few times.

Saying that, things did get more interesting towards the middle. It held my attention and I liked the sinister, dark, gritty plot line. It was a twisted book, but it was intriguing.

I'm not really sure what to make of the characters. They were okay, but didn't really connect with me. It's kind of hard to connect with a hitman and a druggie though. I sympathised with Rose, but not overly.

The thing that really tore me about this book was the ending. I could see how it was goon to end a mile off. I wanted the author to prove me wrong and give me the ending I wanted. Sadly, it just doesn't unfold that way. And even though I could see it coming, it still left me feeling dejected.

Overall, it's not a bad book. It was a quick darker read, but I didn't fall in love with the writing style. I felt there was more to be got out of the story and things needed to be clearer. Though if you like darker reads you may want to give it a go.

3

Review ~ Conquered Match (Coded for Love #3) by Lynne Silver

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 18th 2016

Publisher: Beyond the Page

Description:
The Program: an organization of elite soldiers with superior strength, agility, and intellect. These men put their lives on the line to execute the government’s most dangerous missions. 

When soldier Ryan Lopez learns his beloved wife, Thea, has betrayed his team by going to the media and spilling Program secrets, he takes matters into his own hands and punishes her the only way he knows how—by seducing her until she’s begging for release. 

The more Ryan takes control of her body, the more he realizes he’s never fully understood Thea’s dark desires. And now that he’s had a taste, he doesn’t want to stop. Testing both their limits in a night of unbound passion, it will take every bit of Ryan’s strength to prove to the woman he loves that she is also his conquered match.

My Opinion

This wasn't what I was expecting. After reading book 1 and 2 back-to-back, I had to request this as soon as I saw it up on NetGalley. However,  I was surprised to find it was only a short story, not a full-length novel. It was really just one scene explaining what happened when Thea went to the press to expose The Program. 

It was a short, hot read, focusing solely on sexual punishments and teasing, I just wish there had been more. It felt more like a bonus scene than an actual book in the series. 


It was a good, enjoyable, quick read that was steamy, it just wasn't what I was expecting. At least Xander looks like he'll be getting his book next and hopefully that will be full-length and live up to my hopes.

3

Round up ~ Corps Security by Harper Sloan

All books either downloaded for free via Amazon or purchased by myself.

These are only mini reviews and ratings since I read this series purely for enjoyment. If you would like more detail, leave a comment and I'll explain :-)

Axel by Harper Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I've ever read by this author, and I enjoyed it. Filled with lots of action and alpha-maleness, I was hooked.



Cage by Harper Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a little wary about starting this book as after seeing a few more bad reviews about this and Greg's character I wasn't sure I wanted to ruin my image of him from book 1. However, I'm not sure what all of the bad reviews were talking about. Sure, he acts like a pig sometimes, but I enjoyed this book just as much as the first and it wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. A good read and Cage is a consistent character with wanting to protect his family.

Beck by Harper Sloan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an okay read. It's not my favourite as there was too much repetition from the previous books and not a lot of variation in the story, but it was interesting to see into Dee's mind.


Uncaged by Harper Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this one better than Beck. Although it was a shorter read, it's a nice sweet story with some heart-wrenching moments. And that ending! The author ha better build on that at some point. I want to know more about Cohen.


Cooper by Harper Sloan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this. It wasn't what I was expecting when I started the series, but it was an enjoyable read. I do think I'm just waiting for Locke, though. He's the guy I'm most interested in. If you like the rest of the books in this series, it's a good continuation.

Review ~ Clash by C. A. Harms

eARC received via the tour company in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 12th 2016

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Description:
It was time to fight back.

Time to live.

Too much of my life had already been taken from me by a man that should have protected me. At the hands of pure evil I have lived in fear. When most young women were learning to love, I was fighting to live.

I had broken free of the hate.

Finally getting the chance to feel what real love was, but with all good things, bad times seem to follow. At least for me it does. My name is Payton Walters and I refused to allow them anymore of my freedom.

I will not fall…

Not this time.

My Opinion

Although I have plenty of C A Harms books on my kindle, this is the first I've read. It was the cover that drew me in and I honestly have no idea why I've not read any of her work before.

Clash was a dark, gritty, but hopeful novel. It centred round Payton, a girl abused by her father and abandoned by her mother. She has no self belief, but she's focused on freeing herself. When Dylan, her best friend's brother, finally wake up and realises his feelings for her he helps her through the pain.

Clash is a very gentle read. There are some tough scenes of abuse, but the pace is steady and this is going to sound weird, but you just float through the story. It pulls you in and I found it hard to put down. The romance is sweet with some hotter moments, Payton is easy to sympathise with, and the plot was interesting. Although there were a few moments I didn't believe in, the majority was good.

Overall, a good read. I'll definitely be checking out the other books I already own by this author. I just wish it had been longer.

4

Blog Tour Review ~ Mila (The Heartbreaker Series Book 3) by Evan Grace

Title: Mila

Series: The Heartbreaker Series #3

Author: Evan Grace

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 12, 2016

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Mila Bianchi has always played it safe… 

After her father betrayed her mother with her brother’s wife, Mila decided to stick with boys and men who could never break her heart. She saw what being destroyed by the ones you loved could do, and it was never going to happen to her. 

After the death of her father, her brother Nico thought it would be good for her to come to America and start over. At her welcome to America party, she meets Brian, who she thinks is safe. Spending time together, it doesn’t take long for those feelings to grow, but she’s got a secret, one that keeps her from thinking she’s ever going to find happiness. 

Brian Burns had a rough start in life… 

Orphaned at age six, he grew up in the system until he turned eleven and met the people who would become his parents. Now an adult, Brian wants to help other vulnerable children, so he’s devoted his life to being a social worker and helping them find their temporary or permanent homes. 

The moment he laid eyes on Mila, he knew there was something there, but she pulled the friend card with him. He bided his time, but whenever they seem to get closer, something would hold her back. 

Can Mila open her heart enough to share a painful secret with him? 

Or will they both walk away damaged and heartbroken?

My Opinion

I've enjoyed previous books in this series so I was excited to read Mila and find out her story.

There is a difference with Mila. First of all, it's a female's story. And secondly, we get a guy who isn't a player, but rather a genuinely nice guy who wants commitment. Unlike Nico and Gabe, it's the woman messing things up in this book. I liked the change and Brian was a great character. He was the sweet guy who melts your heart and you root for him to win.

While I liked Mila, I will admit wasn't my favourite in the series. Personally, I felt there was a lot less development and the pacing was much too fast. I didn't feel I got a chance to connect with the characters. I wanted the relationship to be slower and have a build. Things happened very quickly and it made it hard to engage. The timeline bounced around and I didn't feel the chemistry. I also wasn't a fan of the ending. It didn't give me the satisfaction I desired.


Overall, it's not my favourite, but it was still a good read and I'll be looking out for Gaia's story.

3.5

“The Heartbreaker series is one of my favorites out there. Each book is sweet, sexy, passionate, romantic, intense, and gives each couple a fresh start and second chance at love. And Mila... well this became my new top favorite. #TeamBrian” ~Brianna at Renee Entress’s Blog

“THIS IS SUCH A HEARTWARMING STORY!!! Love At First Site!! Filled with Sighs and Cries!!” ~Reviews From The Heart

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A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.

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Review ~ Dirty (Dive Bar, #1) by Kylie Scott

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 19th 2016

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Description:
The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.

Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.

After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

My Opinion

I'm not sure what to make of this book. In a way it was and wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't a bad read, but I kind of feel it was only okay.

When I requested Dirty I thought I'd be getting a book set mostly in a bar. It sounded hot and fun. The problem was the book didn't live up to the blurb for me. It started off good and held my interest well for the first 30%, but slowly things started to fizzle out and by the end I just wanted it to be over.

I think the main thing that caused my attention to drift was the lack of chemistry. I didn't really feel a spark between the characters. This might have been down to the timeline being so short. At the beginning the premise was interesting, I just think it lacked execution. Parts of the story felt irrelevant or a filler and so the bigger moments like the build up to Vaughan's leaving were glossed over and sped up. I didn't feel any kind of emotions over things.


Overall, while it wasn't a bad book it didn't hold my interest like I hoped. It's an easy read, but I think I went in expecting more.

3

Review ~ Denying Mr. Parks & Addicted to Mr. Parks by Lilly James

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: August 4th 2015

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Description:
Evelyn Banks is her own worst enemy… 

A recovering alcoholic, the key to Evelyn’s continuing sobriety is to remain focused and controlled. She finally has her life on track with a new job at a law firm, but her world is shaken when she meets the firm’s gorgeous, charming, dominant CEO. 

Wade Parks asks for only one thing—to be obeyed… 

Wade’s perfect world is one of discipline and obedience. When he encounters his firm’s new employee, he begins a cat-and-mouse game in his pursuit of the feisty and independent Evelyn, determined to break through her cold demeanor and give her the discipline he’s sure she craves. 

Evelyn is willing to submit to his dominance, but her emotions are another matter… 

Both of Evelyn’s parents were addicts, incapable of giving her the slightest bit of affection, and she’s not equipped to deal with the rush of powerful emotions her relationship with Mr. Parks unleashes. So she turns to the only solace she knows—numbing her feelings with alcohol. 

He sees past Evelyn’s flaws, but some secrets hit too close to home… 

Just as Evelyn’s heart begins to thaw, Mr. Parks is reminded of his own troubled upbringing and he pulls away, leaving her feeling abandoned. 

But another very real danger is lurking, and Evelyn might be very wrong about the source of the threat… 

Can she be saved by denying Mr. Parks? 

Or is submitting to him the only way to save them both?

My Opinion

This was another freebie from Amazon. It was an interesting read and held my interest. I also loved the Britishness. I love finding British authors who stay true to their roots. We need more Brits in the publishing industry not caving to the American way.

I did feel it could have been cut down a bit. The story is long and some of the events are repetitive. The plot was also pretty predictable. Saying that, my irritation at Evey kept me reading. Was she a likeable character? No. However, her pain and coldness intrigued me. I wanted to see her recover and if Wade could get through to her. Although, I had my suspicions about the ending because this is a trilogy.


Overall, I have book 2 as a freebie too so I'll definitely be continuing the trilogy.

3

Addicted to Mr Parks

An interesting sequel. I do feel the pacing in these books could be better. It's taking too long for things to be revealed and actions/conversations feel repetitive, but they're still okay reads.

3

Review ~ Remembering Everly (Lost & Found, #2) by J.L. Berg

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 5th 2016

Publisher: Grand Central 

Description:

He's forgotten his past, but it hasn't forgotten him. After losing two years of his life trapped in a coma, August Kincaid will do anything to win back the love of his life. But his past threatens to destroy his second chance at happiness, it's Everly who is in danger of paying for his crimes.

My Opinion

I was on the fence about requesting this book. On one hand, I was slightly intrigued to find out how Everly and August's story ended because of the mean cliff hanger in Forgetting August. However, like you can read in my review of book one, I had issues with it and struggled. Therefore I wasn't sure this book was going to be for me. Turns out curiosity got the better of me.

Remembering Everly was more interesting and definitely hooked me better than book 1. It wasn't smooth sailing, and I did feel at times there was too much repetition or irrelevant monologuing, but it was much better than book one.

I won't say too much on the plot as these books are about the story unfolding as August regains his memory, but it was interesting, even if things were a little predictable.


Overall, I'm glad I got to see how this duet ended. The books were a bit slow for me, but I think that's because I'm a fan of dialogue-heavy writing and these books aren't that. I know plenty of people who have enjoyed these books so you might want to check them out.

3.5

Available From

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About JL Berg

Author J.L. Berg is a California native living in the South. She is the author of the self-pubbed Ready series. When she's not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a romance book, in a yoga studio, or devouring anything chocolate.

Find JL Berg Online

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