Review ~ Crossing the Line (Hard Driving, #3) by Audra North

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 14th 2016

Publisher: Swerve

Description:
He wanted her the first time he saw her. It didn't matter that he was on stage in front of a room full of reporters, or that his publicist was telling him to move on, or that she was asking him a question about racing. One look at her "just been bedded" hair — completely at odds with her deliciously prim appearance — and Ty Riggs is hooked.

Corrine Bellows is one of the woefully few women in a male profession: sports reporting. In a field where "Hey, sweetheart, can you fetch me a cup of copy" is part of her job description, she's determined to keep things professional. And while interviewing Ty Riggs, the hottest new driver on and off the track, is a major scoop, Corrine knows that she is in major trouble when it becomes clear that Ty wants so much more and is determined to get it. As things heat up between them, Corrine finds herself on shakier ground. Her big secret just may destroy everything.

My Opinion

The racing theme was what drew me to this book. I'm a big fan of racing and in turn driver romances. Being from the UK, we don't have Stock Car racing so I was also intrigued to find out more about it.

Crossing the Line was a short read. Things happen very quickly and in what feels like a short space of time. In a nutshell the book centres on Cori being sent to find an exposé on Ty who's been accused of cheating to win. Cori's boss is an asshole who tells her to use any means necessary to get close to Ty and find the story.

The plot is basic, following Cori's dilemma of keeping her integrity or furthering her career by using Ty. I'm not sure what to make of the characters, though. While the book held my interest I never fully engaged or connected with them. I think this might partly be down to the length. Things happened too quickly and there wasn't that spark or slow build I like in a romance. I just wanted a little more from the characters.


Overall, it was a quick easy read. The plot is simple and it's a book you don't have too think too hard about.

3

Review ~ P*rn Star by Laurelin Paige, Sierra Simone

ebook bought by myself.

Release Date: March 8th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
You know me. 

Come on, you know you do. 

Maybe you pretend you don’t. Maybe you clear your browser history religiously. Maybe you pretend to be aghast whenever someone even mentions the word porn in your presence. 

But the truth is that you do know me. 

Everybody knows Logan O’Toole, world famous porn star. 

Except then Devi Dare pops into my world, and pretty soon I’m doing things that aren’t like me—like texting her with flirty banter and creating an entire web porn series just so I can get to star in her bed. Again. And again. 

With Devi, my entire universe shifts, and the more time I spend with her, the more I realize that Logan O’Toole isn’t the guy I thought he was. 

So maybe I'm not the guy you thought I was either.

My Opinion

When I saw this on sale I thought "what the heck?" One of the authors will be at a signing I'm attending in June and since I haven't read anything by her I thought this sounded like a good place to start. 

Now that I've read this, I'm not sure what to make of it. I think I went in expecting too much. I don't know, I expected it to be hotter, but I found myself continually skimming sections. I get that it's current and the authors clearly know their stuff about the behind-the-scenes issues in the industry, but I felt lectured a bit on all of the drama. It took away from the actual spark, and the characters ended up boring me if I'm completely honest. There were too many internal wars and monologues, and not enough actual conversation where their personality developed.

I get that sex is just sex in the industry, and trying to build a relationship around that isn't going to be easy, but for me the chemistry wasn't there an that's really what I was expecting with this book. I wanted a hot, spicy read, with a humorous male lead. Although Logan had his moments, they didn't outshine the sections that I skimmed.

Overall, this was okay. I think I went in expecting too much and the fact I got something entirely different led me to skim and feel disappointed.

2

Review ~ Driven (Driven, #1) by K. Bromberg

ebook downloaded for free from Amazon

Release Date: December 25th 2013

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man 
that just might make her enjoy losing it…

I am the exception to the rule. 

In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track. 

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?

My Opinion

I'm struggling with this book. It's split my opinion right down the middle because at times I skimmed too much and considered giving up. Then it would pick up and I wouldn't be able to put it down. In the end I think it came out favourably, but I'm still not quite sure.

I got Driven free on Amazon, and since I'll be seeing this author at a signing in a couple of weeks I thought I'd give it a go. The start was slow and didn't really I intrigue me. It seemed too cliched and over done. However, I stuck with it, wanting to know when the racing side of things would kick in.

The time things improved for me were when Rylee's job was introduced. I loved the boys and it made her easier to engage with in my eyes. From then on things were better more often than not.

That's not to say I didn't have problems after that. For me the book was a little too text heavy with not enough speech. This is a purely personal taste, but one that hindered my experience. The ending is also a cliff hanger, which isn't a surprise considering it's a trilogy. However, I'm not sure if I want to read more. A part of me does, but then I think of all of the slow moment or times I wanted to give up and I'm not sure it would be money well spent.


Overall, if it sounds like your type of read, go for it. I think my issues come down to personal tastes even though I come away from it liking it more than anything.

3

Review ~ She Laughs In Pink (Sheridan Hall #1) by Jessica Calla

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: May 17th 2016

Publisher: BookFish Books LLC

Description:
Four years after her twin is murdered, Juliet Anderson still struggles with guilt, her parents, and her relationships. Two things keep her from falling into a deep, dark place—dancing and her best friend, Ben. So when Ben decides to play football for New Jersey University, Juliet doesn’t hesitate. She follows. Finally away from her past, there is nothing to stand in the way. Juliet will win Ben's heart. 

Then she meets Ben's roommate, Chase. 

On probation and hell-bent on adhering to a “new life plan,” aspiring artist Chase leaves his New York City home for New Jersey University and meets Juliet before even stepping foot on campus. For him, their connection is instant. She’s the most vibrant girl he's ever seen. Her colors explode on his canvas, and he's never been more inspired in his life. 

Too bad she’s madly in love with his seemingly perfect, good guy roommate.

My Opinion

This is a first read for me with this author, but I will admit it was a gamble. The cover was pretty, but the blurb didn't completely pull me in. It interested me, I just wasn't completely won over. Despite that, I decided to give it a chance.

In general it was an okay read. There were some unexpected twists and turns I didn't see coming, and it did hold my attention the whole way through. I wouldn't say I really connected with it or the characters though.

I think this is mostly down to the situations. Juliet is really wishy-washy. She could never make up her mind and I did get bored of the flitting between the two guys. She also lost my respect for how she treated Ben. I just didn't find her very likeable. Chase was a bit more likeable, but once again I didn't think he was strong enough, it felt like there was something missing.

As for the story, there is a lot of detail. The characters have a vast back story that's added to present events and they do keep you reading. I did wish it was cut down a bit though. I felt things between Chase and Juliet became repetitive at times and could have been sped up. I kept waiting for a spark which never materialised so it felt a bit slow for me. Moreover, the slight paranormal element of seeing colours was a bit strange. I didn't fully understand the purpose for it, or how it was possible. I think that needed to be developed more rather than some of the repetitive scenes.

Overall She Laughs in Pink was an all right read. Like I said, I knew it was a gamble when I requested it, but I'm glad I gave it a shot.

3

Blog Tour + Giveaway ~ Bet On Me by Mia Hoddell

Bet On Me

by Mia Hoddell

Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense

Standalone

Release Date: May 23, 2016

Page Count: 290

Only $0.99 for Release Week

It’s all a game until they’re betting with their lives.

Alaya Matthews is in search of freedom. Tired of her mundane life, she packs everything she owns into two bags and heads for Europe. Her plan is simple: see the world and be adventurous, don’t get tied down, don’t settle for less than her heart’s desires, and never fall in love.

However, Alaya didn’t plan for Cole Ashford.

Drawn to her love of life, Cole wants to know how to live again. For seven years he’s been dead inside, and the numerous threats hanging over his head have finally caught up with him. What Cole doesn’t realise is accepting Alaya’s help will mean confronting every part of his tainted past. Alaya is desperate to know what haunts him, and she’s so certain he’ll reveal it she invents a bet he can’t refuse.

One is never enough though, and as they grow closer together, the more daring their wagers become. Neither of them will back down from a challenge, but the stakes are being raised. Gambling on Cole may cost Alaya her heart, or even worse, her life.

Bet On Me is $0.99 for the release week only!

Buy Bet On Me within the first week and you can also claim an exclusive bonus scene. Just fill in the form HERE.

“One of the best stories I've read this year … I rarely get chance to sit and read a book from start to finish, but this is one of those that you just have to make time for.” ~ Author Keren Hughes

“A romantic suspense full of intrigue right from the start that had me on the edge of my seat.” ~ Anne @ Bookaholics Reading Haven

“This book is full of suspense and the chemistry between Alaya and Cole is scorching.” ~ Author Sharon Stevenson

He shook his head in despair. “I’m beginning to think I made a mistake trying to save you. You’re not going to make my life easy, are you?”

I clutched my hands to my chest, giving him my best dreamy-eyed swoon. “Aww, you were trying to save me. You’re so sweet! And for the record, no, I’m not going to make your life easy. But hey,” I shrugged, “it was your choice. You could always save me by boxing him against the window and leaving me in peace.”

“Oh really? Maybe I’ll just go to the toilet instead and leave you to fend for yourself.” He kicked one leg out into the aisle, moving to stand. When his body shifted, it gave me another glimpse of the greasy-haired man who watched us from the corner of his eye and reached for his bag, as if ready to pounce as soon as Hazel … uh, Cole moved.

Throwing away all self-respect, I reached out and grabbed his wrist. “No!”

He sniggered and collapsed back against the seat with a smirk. “So you do need saving.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re cruel.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t know me, remember? Don’t sound so surprised.”

My jaw dropped at his words and my gaze shifted nervously around the carriage. Maybe I was better off taking my chances with the other guy. I swallowed hard.

“I’m not your sweetheart.”

“Would you prefer it if I called you Ice Queen or Gingernut instead? Because I didn’t think those would go over as well.”

Glowering at him for flipping my line back around on me, I folded my arms across my chest. I refused to rise to his teasing and ask why those names. Gingernut obviously came from the way my hair changed colour in the sun. However, Ice Queen could have been because of a number of things.

“This is the part where you’re supposed to give me your name,” he prompted when I didn’t respond.

“You could always not talk to me. Problem solved.”

“Sweetheart it is.”

To celebrate the release of Bet On Me, Mia is hosting an online release party.  There will be plenty of takeovers, giveaways, games, and more so make sure you JOIN HERE

#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, Not Enough, and Bet On Me. 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.

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Blog Tour Review ~ Always His (Crazed Devotion #1) by C.A. Harms

Title: Always His

Series: Crazed Devotion #1

Author: C.A. Harms

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 9, 2016

Forgiveness … 

It isn’t always as easy as it sounds. 

Becoming a Marine had been Ryker’s dream, but that dream faded when it led to losing the one girl who held his heart. 

Returning to Alabama after being gone for more than five years was going to be hard, but he couldn’t continue to live without her. 

His world seemed empty and there was only one thing that could heal that void. 

Find Nicole… 

Beg for her forgiveness… 

And never let her go again. 

She would always be his...

My Opinion

This is the second book I've read by this author now. I found Always His to be a sweet, heart-warming read, that held my interest so that I sped through it.

I dived into this book the minute it appeared in my kindle and had finished it within a few hours. This author has a gentle style of writing that's great for purely escaping from the real world. It draws you in and keeps you hooked.

Always His is a cute romance about Ryker returning home after a stint in the Marines to fight for the girl he left behind. The romance is sweet, and there's definitely a connection. I did feel things moved a little too quickly and were a bit drama-less at times. Everything just seemed too easy and I wanted Ryker to have to work harder to win Nicole over.

Saying that though, that's what made it a great escape read. It remained light-hearted for most of the book and kept a smile on my face.

Overall, this was another good read. I enjoyed it and will most likely be looking out for book two.

3.5

“Every time I read a C.A. Harms book I think I have found my favorite book, then I read her next one and I fall in love all over again! Always His is the first book in a new series called Crazed Devotion and it starts with a BANG!” ~Geri from Southern Yankee Book Reviews

“Absolutely one of the most romantic love stories I have ever read.” ~Nancy from My Girlfriends Nook Corner

C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.

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