Thursday 30 March 2017

Review ~ Ghost (Boston Underworld, #3) by A. Zavarelli

Ghost (Boston Underworld, #3)
ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: August 25th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Talia. 
I have always been a bird. Caged by one prison or another when the only thing I ever wanted was to fly away. 
Sold. Beaten. Starved. Drugged. 
Nothing scares me anymore. 
Until him. 
He makes the numbness go away. 
He is hazardous to me. It has nothing to do with his mafia lifestyle, and everything to do with what he offers. 
A gilded prison. 
A retreat from everything that I once knew. The reality I have no desire to return to. 
He thinks he’s caged me, but soon… 
I’m going to fly. 

Alexei. 
I live by a code. The Vory code. 
In this mafiya world, there are traditions. 
Expectations. 
She does not care for these things. She does not care about anything. 
She thinks she has me fooled with her haunted eyes. 
What she can’t know is that I see her better than most. 
She wants to fly. 
But I’m going to clip her wings. 
And make her my wife. 

My Opinion

I picked this up on amazon for free and have had it on my Kindle for at least a few months. Since I read and enjoyed Crow yesterday, I had to dive straight into this.

Ghost follows Alexei and Talia's story. In a way I'm glad I moved on to this without reading book 2 as the couple linked due to Talia's connection with Mack. Of course, I still want Ronan's book, but this order worked for me.

I found this book to be darker than the first. There are more details on the torture, more angst, and more rage. Talia is broken when she Alexei finds her. However, putting her back together again isn't always the first thing on Alexei's mind.

Alexei was an interesting and complex character, and he intrigued me from book one because of his deafness. While I think the author did push the limits sometimes with how well he could lip read--especially when I wasn't completely sure Talia was looking at him, I thought it added an interesting dynamic to the book.

As for the relationship, it was engaging. I wouldn't say there were sparks due to the nature of it. However, I definitely believed in the emotions and growth both characters went through.

Overall, I enjoyed this just as much as the first and will be reading more.

4

Tuesday 28 March 2017

Review ~ Crow (Boston Underworld, #1) by A. Zavarelli

Crow (Boston Underworld, #1)
ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: February 8th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
An Irish mobster. A missing friend. Two loyalties, ripping me apart. 

I had a plan. 

Get in, get my information, and get out. Easy, right?

Turns out, infiltrating the Irish mafia isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. I just wanted a soldier. Someone I could flirt with to get me in the door. 

That’s when Lachlan Crow noticed me. Problem was, he wasn’t a soldier. No, he was next in line for the throne of the Irish underworld. And he was determined to hate me from the outset. My sob story about needing a job? Yeah, he wasn’t buying that either. 

Too bad for him, I won’t let anyone get in the way of my mission. 

Who cares if we have some kind of crazy chemistry? He’s the worst kind of wrong- and I would never in a million years be with a guy like him. 

Because they took her from me, and I’m going to make them pay.

My Opinion
It's taken me a few weeks to get through this book. I started it after downloading it free from Amazon and them got swamped with ARCs to be read for the end of this month so put it to one side. In fact, I almost didn't go back to it.

Crow started off interesting and then something kind of lost me as the chapters went on. It wasn't getting to the point quick enough for me, which is why I nearly didn't pick it back it again. However, I was tired and didn't feel like starting a new book so I gave it a second chance and this time I couldn't put it down. After the initial slowness it picked up and had me turning pages at a rapid rate. I didn't want to sleep until I'd finished it.

This book got better the more I progressed. Lachlan and Mack grew into their roles, their chemistry developed to an off the chart level, and so did the plot surrounding them. Lachlan was fiercely loyal. It was what I liked most about him, but I also like how Mack challenged him. Despite his position in the syndicate, she wasn't afraid to stand up to him. They worked together and I believed in their relationship and how it developed.


Overall, I'm glad I took a second chance on this book. It turned out to be a great read and I'll definitely be reading more.

4

Sunday 26 March 2017

Review ~ Forbidden Dance (Lover's Dance, #1) by Deanna Roy

Forbidden Dance (Lover's Dance, #1)
eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 28th 2017

Publisher: Casey Shay Press

Description:
For four years, I’ve lived in almost total seclusion. Homeschooled, forbidden from social media, seeing no one other than the dancers at Dreamcatcher Academy, where I teach ballet to little girls in wheelchairs.

Then Blitz arrives.

He’s the disgraced host of Dance Blitz, a bawdy reality show where Blitz sleeps with as many dancers as possible while looking for his perfect partner.

At least he was. A few weeks ago, he got kicked off his own show.

He’s at my academy for a publicity stunt, and my wheelchair ballerinas are his ticket back into the public’s good graces.

I intend to hate him and stay as far away as possible. But when he looks at me, I can’t resist. Before I realize what’s happened, we’re sneaking into back rooms, dancing, kissing, planning dates away from the cameras and the wrath of my family.

But I’m afraid. I have a secret at the academy, a small, wonderful, terrible secret, and if I stay with Blitz, the world will find out.

My Opinion

Forbidden Dance was a quick and easy read. I haven't read anything by this author before but I was drawn to this book by the cover and then the blurb.

In general I liked this book. It had some angst, teenage rebellion combined with bigger issues, reality TV, and a celebrity. I thought blitz and Olivia were good together. They worked well and although there wasn't a full on spark, I did feel a connection between them--especially when dancing. While things did move a little fast, I enjoyed their relationship.

As for the plot, it kept me engaged. I sped through this book, but I did feel certain elements were unnecessary or not developed fully. For example, Gabriella. I didn't see the need for her to actually be in the book. She didn't add much, and the plot surrounding her didn't really go anywhere or become fleshed out. It fizzled out towards the end where other more prominent threads took over so I was left slightly confused as to the point of her being there if nothing was to happen. I also thought there could have been a few more chapters before the epilogue so the ending wasn't as abrupt.

While this book says it can be read as a standalone, a part of me doesn't really believe it. Sure, things are mostly tied up, but getting to the end I find out Blitz and Olivia are going to have 4 more books to their journey. A part of me feels this might tie up and go into more detail on the aforementioned undeveloped sections so I'm reluctant to say this is a standalone if there are so many more books planned.


Overall, I did enjoy this book. I'm intrigued to find out what happens next.

3.5

Friday 24 March 2017

Blog Tour ~ Take Me Back by Meghan March

TMB_Twitter_NA       

TakeMeBack_FrontCover We fell in love on a beach, got married in paradise, and I carried her off into the sunset. It should have been perfect, but saying “I do” doesn’t guarantee a happily-ever-after. Two years later, I barely recognize either of us behind the walls we’ve built. It’s time to bring it full circle. Back to a tropical paradise. Back to find out if we can still make this work. I’m not willing to give her up, but to save us, I have to risk everything. Two damaged people. Countless secrets. The fight of our lives. We might be broken, but we’re not done. Add to Goodreads

PRE-ORDER

iBooks | BN | Kobo

 



My Opinion

When I requested this book for the tour I thought I was getting one thing, and what I got was even better. 

I've read all of Meghan March's books in the last year. She was relatively new to me not long ago, but now I can't get enough of her work. Take Me Back was no exception and definitely takes first place as my favourite of hers. Not only did it have a beautiful cover, but the trying to save a failing marriage idea intrigued me. 

Now, I can't say much else without ruining everything for you. What I will say is I couldn't put this book down. Kat and Dane had a great story to tell and I didn't want things to end. I now have to play catch up with my uni work since I needed to finish this book first thing in the morning after falling asleep with it at 3am, but it was well worth it. 

I'd highly recommend this book!

5

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Tuesday 21 March 2017

Blog Tour + Giveaway ~ The Storm by R.J. Prescott


The Storm
R.J. Prescott
(The Hurricane #3)
Publication date: March 21st 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Sports

Marie Kelly is a survivor who doesn’t know when to quit. Against all odds, she’s living a life she never dreamed she could have. It was enough… until a stubborn boxer makes her want more.
Irish charmer Kieran Doherty has been a fighter at Driscoll’s Gym for most of his life. He’s been content to let his best friend take the spotlight, now it’s his turn to make a name for himself in the world of heavy weight champions. Falling in love is the one thing he vowed never to do, but meeting Marie changed everything.
It’s easy to imagine a happy-ever-after when the sun is shining. But when the storm comes, and all hope seems lost, they both learn that if you want something badly enough, you have to be willing to fight for it.

My Opinion

I'm so glad this series didn't stop with The Aftermath. When it comes to fighters, you guys will know I'm picky and have high standards, since I've read so many. It's rare that I find ones that are on par with my favourites, but RJ's books do just that and The Storm definitely delivered as well. 

The Storm tells Kieran and Marie's story. I liked Kieran from book one so I was excited to see another boxer get a book. This story was fast-paced and kept me hooked from start to finish. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting. 

Kieran was a great guy. I loved his protective nature and also more loving side. He knew what he wanted and he went for it, but not in a possessive way. He showed Marie he wanted her and made an effort. He also wasn't afraid to cause a scene, and who doesn't love that?

Together the gelled brilliantly. Their romance does move quickly, but they work together. They're a couple I rooted for from start to finish. 

As for the story, like I said, it kept me hooked. I did wish the action came a little sooner and the ending wasn't so fast. However, I think the author could have added a 100 more chapters and I'd have still wanted more so that's probably more me not wanting to leave the world. 

Overall, it's rare to find sequels that live up to previous books, but this one did. I loved Keira --although Con is still my favourite--and I can't wait for the next book. I'm really excited to see what the author does with that.

5

Monday 20 March 2017

Review ~ The Whisperer by Elsa Winckler

The Whisperer
eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 10th 2017

Publisher: HarperImpulse

Description:
Loving him could destroy her…

High school teacher Cilla Stevens has always been different, especially in how she connects with animals. When she calms a stray dog during an incident at school, she’s asked to help a nearby farm with a difficult horse.

Cameron Rahl has had a very different relationship with animals since his mother died in a horse riding accident. But now he's inherited his family’s farm, he's determined to never let anyone affect him that way again.

Until he meets Cilla. He tries to stay away from the gorgeous horse whisperer with the potential to tame him, but something keeps pulling him close. And as much as Cilla tells herself she can keep it casual, she knows they're too connected to be 'just a fling.'

Will Cilla's heart win out? Or will it take history repeating itself for Cameron to realise just how much he needs her?

My Opinion

I'm really not sure what to make of this. I requested it because firstly I love cowboy/horse romances. Second, it was sold to me as like a Nicholas Sparks book so I assumed it would be filled with plenty of emotion.

However, while the horse element was there, something about this book didn't work for me. I didn't buy into it and the more it developed the more distant I started to feel.

To start with I was intrigued. However, Cilla's ability soon began to keep me at a distance. Sure, I believe humans can communicate with animals to a certain extent, but for me the author pushed the boundaries a little too far in this book so that it bordered on telepathy, which then crossed over to other humans like this. It was too much for me to buy into.

As for the romance, I wanted to like it, yet it was just so annoying. The characters go back and forth to the point they felt like high-schoolers rather than adults. There were a lot of stereotypical threads from the romance in this short read and it all became too much. I wanted a spark and a slow build, but the drama got into the way and Cilla was too forgiving.


Overall, it wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't a bad read, I just struggled to buy into the story and therefore it didn't engage me. I wouldn't not recommend it, but I have read plenty of other romances in this genre I'd read first.

3

Saturday 18 March 2017

Review ~ Bad Boyfriend (Eden Hills Book 1) by Julie Kriss

Bad Boyfriend (Eden Hills Book 1)
ebook downloaded via Amazon for free.

Release Date: April 17th 2016

Publisher: Five Doors Creative

Description:
No family. No filter. No morals. Meet my boyfriend. 

Holly 

Everyone knows Dean Madden. He's a bad boy - and my older brother's best friend. The guy you'd never bring home to your parents. His looks are pure sex, and the only fun he knows how to have is the filthy kind. 

I've known him for years. No one in their right mind thinks I should date him. But now I've grown up - and everything has changed. I want him, even if it's just for a little while. Until I can't let him go. 

Dean 

I'm not that guy - the relationship guy. I'm the one-and-done guy, or so everyone says. But when Holly bets me she can date me for four weeks, I'm not going to say no. She's grown up gorgeous - and now I've got my chance. 

I don't deserve her. It can't get serious. I can't get my feelings involved, because there are things she doesn't know about me. But until it falls to pieces, I can give her the wildest, hottest four weeks of her life....

My Opinion

A short, fun read. Bad Boyfriend was steamy and I believed in the characters and their relationship. Although I wasn't quite sure why Dean was so self-deprecating and why girls never made it passed 3 dates, I liked who he was around Holly. They worked as a couple. At times there could have been a little more story--probably because I was enjoying it. I would have also liked a little more development between Jason and Dean. 


Overall, for something I picked up for free on Amazon it was a good read. It kept me engaged and I'd recommend it. 

4

Friday 17 March 2017

Review ~ Bewitching Winter (The Four Seasons #3) by Serenity Woods

Bewitching Winter (The Four Seasons #3)
ebook downloaded via Amazon for free.

Release Date: May 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Six years ago, Neve Clark thought she’d found in Rhett Taylor the perfect doubles partner both on and off the badminton court, but their volatile relationship ended with a betrayal she couldn’t forgive. Since then, she’s dated plenty of guys in an attempt to recreate the passion she once felt with the man who broke her heart, but to no avail.

Anxious to put aside her growing despair that she’ll never find someone to replace him, she books herself on a business course in wintry Queenstown, New Zealand, with the aim of concentrating on her career as Marketing Manager for the Four Seasons lingerie company. It’s only when she turns up that she discovers the keynote speaker is her old flame.

After leaving New Zealand to pursue a career as a badminton player at international level, a series of unpredictable events leads Rhett back to the country and to the woman who haunts his dreams. A sizzling chemistry still exists between them, but even though he wants her back, Neve wants nothing to do with him.

Rhett’s not used to losing. Not everyone gets a second chance at both life and love, and this time he’s determined to win her heart…

My Opinion

I was excited to read this book. However, I have to say I found myself struggling to finish it. I did push myself to get to the end, yet it didn't live up to my expectations, which is a shame. 

Neve and Rhett's story just dragged for me. I didn't feel a spark in their relationship and it lost me more as the book went. I wanted to like them, and I'm a big fan of the second chance romance trope, but this book was lacking something for me. It felt there was more detail about the conference and back story than in the moment getting back together. 


Overall I wanted to like this, but I just couldn't get into it. 

3

Thursday 16 March 2017

Review ~ The Heartbeat Hypothesis by Lindsey Frydman

The Heartbeat Hypothesis
eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: March 20th 2017

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Description:
Audra Madison simply wanted to walk in the shoes of Emily Cavanaugh, a free-spirited teenager who died too young. After all, Audra wasn’t supposed to be here.

Thanks to Emily, Audra has a second chance at life. She’s doing all the things that seemed impossible just two years ago: Go to college. Date. Stargaze in the Rocky Mountains. Maybe get a tattoo. You know, live. 

Jake Cavanaugh, a photographer with mysterious, brooding gray eyes, agrees to help chronicle her newfound experiences. She makes him laugh, one of the only people who can these days. As they delve into each other’s pasts – and secrets – the closer they become.

But she’s guarded and feels like she can’t trust anyone, including herself. 
And he’s struggling with the fact that his beloved sister’s heart beats inside her.

My Opinion

I won't lie, the cover caught my interest with this book the most. I love photography and I was I excited to see how the author wound that theme into the main plot of this book. 

In general The Heartbeat Hypothesis was a good read. It had a steady pace that built slowly and Audra and Jake's friendship was given time to grow and develop. In essence it was a gentle read about two characters coming to terms with past events in their own lives and learning to live with the help of the other. 

I will admit I did expect it to be a bit more emotional than I found it to be. For some reason I expected a few tear jerking moments, but there wasn't. I also thought it ended rather abruptly. The book seemed to go off on a tangent and to get back to its original meaning it had to be sped up. While it answered all questions and tied everything together satisfactorily, I would have liked the easy pace to have continued until the end. 

Overall, for a debut book it was good. I might have gone in expecting more, but it was an easy read that was more about friendship developing than romance. It was a nice change from the usual romances I read. 
4

Wednesday 15 March 2017

Review ~ Cruel and Beautiful (Cruel & Beautiful, #1) by Terri E. Laine & A.M. Hargrove

Cruel and Beautiful (Cruel & Beautiful, #1)
eBook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: November 12th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
This is a New Adult Contemporary Romance standalone, full-length novel that includes mature content, not suitable for younger readers. (Rated R) 

Cate Forbes , a dedicated college student with a carefully plotted future, doesn’t know the first thing about love. When she accepts a blind date with a rumored tasty piece of eye candy, she thinks she can get by with a night of fun. Cate’s plans quickly unravel when she gets one look at the sexy… 

Drew McKnight. 

The relentless hockey-playing medical resident knows what he wants— a career in Oncology and Cate. Although he’s heard the gorgeous brunette is a little relationship skittish, a single night out isn’t what he has in mind. Determined to have her — in every way possible— he shows her just what a future with him would hold. 

Only life has other plans. The unthinkable happens and everything begins to shatter. Both in too deep, they will have to fight the cruel and hang onto the beautiful.

My Opinion

There's not a lot I can say about this book without giving things away. I'll try, but this may be a short review because of it.

This is the first book I have read by either of these authors. I caught it on Amazon for free and the blurb hooked me. I don't usually read freebies immediately after downloading them, but since I currently have no ARCs I did with this.

The book instantly pulled me in. With its powerful start I knew it was a book that would break me and take my emotions for a ride. Turns out I was right. This book is filled with emotion, love, and pain. The story is beautiful and so is the relationship with Cate and Drew. It felt real and it kept me turning the pages despite knowing I wasn't going to like what happened.

This book would have been a five star for me had it not been for the twists. I won't reveal anything, only say that I'm not sure I was a fan of how things played out due to circumstances. If you read this book--and you should--you'll have a better idea of what I mean.

Overall, this was an emotional read. Although the ending lost me a bit, the majority of it sucked me in a wouldn't let me go.
4

Tuesday 14 March 2017

Review ~ Sugar, We're Going Down (Love Me, I'm Famous, #2) by M.H. Soars

Sugar, We're Going Down (Love Me, I'm Famous, #2)
ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


Release Date: February 18th 2017

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
They say nothing compares to the first kiss. That sentence needs to be amended. Nothing compares to the first kiss from Oliver Best. I knew in the moment our lips touched that the cocky rockstar would be forever imprinted in my mind. I also knew that loving him would be my destruction. And yet, love him I did. 

Oliver Best, former rockstar, heir to one of the largest fortunes in Great Britain, and the country’s most infamous bad boy. 

Saylor Blue Carter, college drop-out, lead singer of a struggling band, not a penny to her name. 

When they met, it was hate at first sight. Oliver was an arrogant ass. Saylor was a cold hearted bitch. These were the thoughts they had for each other. Until that kiss. That life altering, earth shattering, nuclear kiss. They knew what that kiss meant. They knew anything between them would be explosive and without hope for a happily ever after. So they vowed to forget, they tried to stay away. But now with their best friends’ wedding approaching, all bets are off. 


*Warning: This book ends on a cliffhanger. The sequel will be published on June 6, 2017

My Opinion

Yay, Ollie and Saylor!

I have been waiting for these characters to get their own book for ages. I fell in love with them in book 1 and couldn't wait to see how their palpable tension evolved.

Sugar, We're Going Down kept me hooked and turning the pages at a rapid rate. Written in Soars' easy style, I was swept along with the characters, being drawn into their love, fights, and torment.

The book definitely took a different turn to what I was expecting, especially Saylor's part. However, I found it a surprising twist that I did enjoy. It added more complications and plot to make this more than a simple romance.

As for the characters, the chemistry and tension between Ollie and Saylor was great. It built nicely in their game of cat and mouse and their denial of their true feelings. I thought the author did an amazing job of developing their feelings and relationship.

My only complaint is that this book left on a massive cliffhanger and is going to be in three parts. I've been desperately waiting for Ollie and Saylor's story, and while I'm glad I'm going to get a lot of them, I would have liked to know this up front. It wouldn't have stopped me reading or requesting it, but it would have meant I didn't spend the last 10% wondering how the author was going to tie everything up and make it satisfying--something that would have been impossible. I kept waiting to be let down rather than focusing on the book. I'm also not sure how three books are going to be filled right now, two seems to fit at the moment, but I can't wait to find out.

Overall, it definitely lived up to what I wanted from these characters and I can't wait for the next instalment.

EDIT: I received a copy from NetGalley where there was no cliffhanger warning. I notice there is on Goodreads. 
4.5

Monday 13 March 2017

Review ~ Wardrobe Malfunction by Samantha Towle

Wardrobe Malfunction
ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: February 18th 2017

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Vaughn West, Hollywood heartthrob, has been at the top of his game for years. He thinks he’s untouchable—until a betrayal brings him spiraling down. Now, everyone pities him, and if there’s one thing Vaughn hates, it’s pity. 

After a few months of working his way through every available actress, pop star, model, and waitress in California, Vaughn needs to get his life back on track and focus on what he does best—making hit movies. 

Charlotte Michaels is in love. Just not with one person. 
Louis Vuitton…
Christian Dior…
Valentino…
Gucci…
And the list goes on. 

Sadly, Charly’s limited bank account doesn’t allow her those luxuries, and the closest she gets are lucky finds in charity shops and working closely with some of those names in her job as a wardrobe assistant. 

Now, Charly has landed the mother of all jobs—working on the new Vaughn West movie. Excited doesn’t even cut it.

Only things don’t go as planned, and it turns out that Vaughn is actually a jerk. A hot jerk, but a jerk nonetheless.

So, why do their clothes keep falling off whenever they’re around each other? And why can’t Charly keep her mind in the closet and off Vaughn? 

Getting mixed up with a smart-mouthed, fashion-obsessed wardrobe assistant is the last thing Vaughn needs.

Getting mixed up with an arrogant, self-centered, obnoxious, jumped-up actor who has a lack of respect for fashion is the last thing Charly needs.

Things are about to get hot, dirty, and messy in Hollywood. Very messy. Especially if Charly’s closely guarded secret falls out of her closet.

My Opinion

I loved this. Samantha Towle quickly became one of my favourites after her Revved series, and I've read just about every release since. I really enjoy her writing style and this book was no exception.

Wardrobe Malfunction was a sweet--sometimes steamy--romantic comedy that put a smile on my face. It made a bad day better and lifted my mood completely. I didn't quite know what to expect from this since I bought it based on the author's name alone and not the blurb, but I loved Vaughn and Charly. Their banter and interaction was beautifully crafted and filled with humour. I especially loved how they met, it had me chuckling to myself to the point I received strange looks from my family.

I'm not going to say anything about the plot. This is a book you need to experience because it is one that will make you feel good. It's a great story and one that I will definitely be re-reading if I ever need a pick-me up.


Overall, this author just gets better. I loved Wardrobe Malfunction and would highly recommend it.

5

Sunday 12 March 2017

Review ~ Whiskey Kisses (3:AM Kisses, #4) by Addison Moore

Whiskey Kisses (3:AM Kisses, #4)
ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: May 16th 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Izzy Sawyer has always been the it girl. She believes she’s the last person on earth who deserves a happily ever after. Holt Edwards has always been the player that women voluntarily fall to their knees for. When it comes to love, Holt doesn’t believe in fairytale endings.

When Izzy dives back into the dating pool, Holt is right there, ready and willing, to offer tips and tricks to get her through an entire army of blind dates—starting with a bone melting demonstration on how to deliver mouthwatering kisses.

One thing leads to whiskey and Izzy is starting to think happily ever after doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Holt is starting to rethink his stance on fairytale endings. 

But Izzy has a secret that has turned her world upside down. Holt has a secret of his own that cost him far more than he ever bargained for.

Sometimes life doesn’t give you the happily ever after. Sometimes it’s best to leave fairytale endings on the bookshelf where they belong.

Izzy can’t stop thinking about Holt.
Holt can’t seem to quit his favorite new addiction—Izzy.

The mercury is rising—secrets are percolating—and their lust for one another is just about to detonate.

Izzy needs just one more hit of Holt and his late night Whiskey kisses, but deep down she knows that will never be enough. She wants all of him—every bone melting kiss he ever has to offer. 


Izzy wants Holt
Holt worships Izzy.

Summer in Hollow Brook just heated up.
Sparks are flying. 
Together Izzy and Holt are unstoppably electric.

My Opinion

A sweet read with a little angst thrown in. It kept me hooked and entertained, and was a great addition to the series. Cole and Roxy are still my favourite, but I enjoyed Holy and Izzy's story.

4

Saturday 11 March 2017

Review ~ White-Hot Hack (Kate and Ian #2) by Tracey Garvis-Graves

White-Hot Hack (Kate and Ian, #2)
ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: June 7th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Their love story began in Heart-Shaped Hack. Join Kate and Ian for the thrilling conclusion in White-Hot Hack.

When cybercriminals doxed undercover hacker Ian Bradshaw and forced him to flee, he begged Kate Watts for forgiveness and vowed never to hurt her again. He also convinced her to marry him, and when their idyllic summer on Roanoke Island comes to an end, the newlyweds relocate to their new home deep in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country. Ian still struggles with boundaries, but he keeps Kate’s lingerie drawer filled with surprises, and there’s no shortage of number-six kisses. There’s even a fast, new car to replace his beloved Shelby.

Ian promised Kate that life with him would never be boring, but spending her days picking out paint colors and going to Pilates isn’t going to cut it. Meanwhile, Ian discovers that building a white-hat security firm from the ground up seems harder the second time around, and he might have underestimated how much he’d miss the undercover work he walked away from. To make matters worse, the hacktivists are threatening national security, and the task force could really use Ian’s help.

Kate and Ian have always worried that their past would catch up to them, and when faced with the biggest showdown of their lives, they must capitalize on the one thing they excel at most: teamwork. Ian claims no one is a better hacker than him, but in order to triumph, he’ll have to prove it. And if he can’t, he risks losing the woman whose heart he worked so hard to hack.

My Opinion

I started this as soon as I finished Heart-Shaped Hack. I needed more of Kate and Ian, and I really enjoyed this author's writing style. In the end I think I enjoyed this more than book 1.

White-Hot Hack was filled with all of the humour and witty banter between the characters that I enjoyed from book 1. The characters continued to hold my interest as they battled with complications that came with married life. Kate and Ian are two characters who feed of each other brilliantly. Their fights, love, and interaction made me smile.

I also really enjoyed the suspense element. Although I once again guessed the culprit, I enjoyed watching it all unfold. I thought the author developed the hacker sides of this book exceptionally well. She'd clearly done her research and it paid off in creating an authentic book.

Overall I really enjoyed this read. I wish Charlie had a book rather than his story be summed up in the epilogue so I didn't have to stop the duet here.

5

Friday 10 March 2017

Review ~ Heart-Shaped Hack (Kate and Ian, #1) by Tracey Garvis-Graves

Heart-Shaped Hack (Kate and Ian, #1)
ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: August 25th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
When Kate Watts abandoned her law career to open a food pantry in Northeast Minneapolis, she never dreamed it would be this difficult. Facing the heartbreaking prospect of turning hungry people away, she is grateful for the anonymous donations that begin appearing at the end of each month. Determined to identify and thank her secret benefactor, she launches a plan and catches Ian —a charismatic hacker with a Robin Hood complex—in the act.

Ian intrigues Kate in a way no man ever has. But after learning he’s snooped around on her personal computer, she demands retribution. Impressed with her tolerance and captivated by her spirit, he complies and begins to slowly charm his way past her defenses. Time spent with Ian is never boring, and Kate soon finds herself falling for the mysterious hacker.

But Ian has enemies and they’re growing restless. In the hacking world, exploiting a target’s weakness is paramount, and no price is too high to stop an attack. And when Kate learns exactly how much Ian has paid, she’ll discover just how strong her love is for the man who has hacked his way into her heart.

My Opinion

I found this book via another blogger's review. It's rare for me to read reviews that win me over if I haven't found the book myself, but the excerpt shared hooked me. It sold the book as one with a great dynamic between the characters and I definitely got what I expected.

Heart-Shaped Hack was a brilliant read. I could say a lot, but I won't as there are some twists that are better experienced. The main thing I loved was the character. Ian was confident and cocky, but he was funny with it. I liked his playful, unashamed arrogance, but I also liked his tender side. He wasn't a typical alpha male, and his sense of humour made me laugh numerous times.

Similarly, I think Kate balanced his character well. She could match him in wit, but was also more grounded.

As for the story, it kept me hooked and I couldn't put it down. I did guess a lot of the twists, but it was the characters who kept me engaged with this read. Their banter just flowed.


Overall a great read. I've bought book 2 and would definitely recommend this.

5

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