Monday 24 April 2017

Review ~ Ripple Effect by Evan Grace

Ripple Effect
eARC received via a tour company in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 24th 2017

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Ripley Brown had the kind of love that would last a lifetime. 
Until the night it died a tragic death, leaving her reeling and obliterating her ability to trust another man with her heart.

Brock James grew up in a home filled with violence and hate. 
He vowed never to be like his father, until the night he became even worse than the man. The night he destroyed everything. 

Now, Brock is out of the military. He returns home, not expecting to see Ripley. He hasn't laid eyes on her since that fateful night, but even after six years, he knows exactly what he wants.
It's time for Brock to face the demons of his past. The same demons that have been haunting Ripley all this time.

Brock is determined to win Ripley back, but can she open her heart back up to the man who broke it?

And even if she does - will Brock be able to forgive himself for hurting the only person who ever mattered?

My Opinion

I'm by no means new to this author's work. Having read almost every release by her, I had to have this one as soon as I saw the cover. Then add in the second chance and military element and I couldn't resist. Nevertheless, it's safe to say this is probably my favourite Evan Grave book to date.

Ripple Effect was a book I couldn't put down until I finished it. I read the entire thing in one sitting and I want to read more. I loved the characters and the story--just everything about it.

Although sometimes things felt a little quick, Brock and Rippley were characters I rooted for. I wanted them to find their way back to each other and overcome all of the twists. Even six years later their feeling and chemistry was there. Their story sucked me in and I could easily read another book about them.


Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book. It's my favourite by this author so far and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

5

Saturday 22 April 2017

Review ~ Marry Me by Karen Stivali

Marry MeeARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 24th 2017

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Description:
When British drummer Ben Davis lost his childhood sweetheart, he vowed to never love again. He immerses himself in his music, which propels him to international stardom and a lavish lifestyle, but has left his heart cold—until he meets creative and sexy clothing designer Julia Jones.

Julia’s career may be skyrocketing, but her personal life tanked when her last boyfriend crossed the line from controlling to violent. Certain that romance is not in the cards for her, she focuses on her career. Then devastatingly sexy Ben strolls into her life and his intoxicating charisma is impossible to resist.

Once Julia allows Ben into her bed and her heart, they fall hard and fast. But when Julia’s life is endangered, Ben’s reaction terrifies her. They both must confront their past demons if they want a chance at a future together.

My Opinion

Marry Me was a cute, quick read. At novella length it's hard to say much, but it was a sweet book that was okay to spend a hour in the sun with. 

Of course, because of the length things move quickly. The story starts where Julie and Ben already know each other and from there things take off. It did lead to a bit of a unbelievable relationship, yet it kept things lighthearted. 

The only other thing was some of the sex description pulled me out of the book. A times it wasn't sexy and I found myself thinking 'what the hell?' 


Besides that it was an easy and cute read. It broke up me day so if anyone is looking for a fluffy romance that you don't have to think too deeply over you might want to try this. 

3.5

Friday 21 April 2017

Review ~ The Playboy Bachelor (The Bachelors of Arizona, #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

The Playboy Bachelor (The Bachelors of Arizona, #2)
eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 11th 2017

Publisher: Forever

Description:
She's no Sleeping Beauty. And he's definitely no prince . . . 
Margot McCleery could have lived her whole life without seeing Bentley Wellington again-her ex-best friend and the poster boy for Hot, Rich Man-Whores everywhere. But Margot's whiskey-augmented grandmother "buys" Bentley at a charity bachelor auction, and now suddenly he's at her door. Impossibly charming. Impossibly sexy. And still a complete and utter jackass. Bentley's just been coerced by his grandfather to spend the next thirty days charming and romancing the reclusive red-haired beauty who hates him. The woman he abandoned when she needed him the most. Bentley knows just as much about romance as he knows about love-nothing. But the more time he spends with Margot, the more he realizes that "just friends" will never be enough. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him with her heart . . .

My Opinion

Even better than the first. 

Honestly, I'm finding it hard to find words that I haven't used before to describe new Rachel Van Dyken books. I just adore everything about her writing and characters, and seriously can't get enough. 

The Playboy Bachelor is Bentley Wellington's story. On the outside he's a fun-loving joker, and playboy. However, beneath the surface there are some darker secrets causing him pain, which are only brought to light more with the help of meddling grandparents. 

Like always, this book made me smile. Bentley's humour was on point and his gentle teasing had me laughing. I also loved the second chance element with Margot. They complimented each other well, but also clashed since their issues were similar. It created a good balance of light and dark in the book. 


My only complaint it that it ended. I didn't want to come back to the real world and could have easily read another book on Bentley. Overall a definite must read. 

5

Thursday 20 April 2017

Blog Tour Review ~ Paper Fools by Staci Hart

SBPRBanner-Paperfools-BT

In the game of love, she never loses.


Paper Fools by Staci Hart is available now!!

cover-wrap-pf

Title: Paper Fools

Author: Staci Hart

Cover Designer: Quirkybird Designs

Photographer: Lauren Watson Perry

Aphrodite knows love — just don’t ask her to figure out her own mess.
Rather than deal with her sticky love life, she toys with the hearts of unwitting humans. It’s a little game she plays, and the stakes are high. Lucky for her, she’s just found the perfect match.
Lex is everything Dean needs, but he can’t have her.
It doesn’t matter that her eyes speak to a long forgotten part of him, or that her art and poetry touch his shredded heart. She’s off limits — crossing that line would implode his band and everything he’s ever cared about. There’s only one option: stay away from her, no matter the cost. Even if the price is his heart.
Dean is everything Lex wants, but she can’t take the risk.
The second she meets him, she knows her heart is in danger. She’s convinced it’s only attraction that has her hung up on the dark, quiet lead singer, but with every day that passes, she knows it’s more. It’s just that she can’t put her heart on the line. She won’t — love has never been worth the sacrifice.
If only they knew they were just pawns in a much bigger game. And in the game of love, Aphrodite never loses.
*Formerly titled Deer in Headlights, Paper Fools has been rewritten and reedited just for you.*

My Opinion

The premise of this book intrigued me. I haven't read many books with the theme of gods being in control of human relationships as part of some games. It was a different idea and I wanted to see what the author did with it.

Paper Fools turned out to be an okay read. I enjoyed the relationships between the gods and how the author modernised them. I thought that twist was clever and kept the book contemporary. It also made them easier to relate to.

Moreover, I liked the human drama between Dean and Lex. However, this is also the part that let the book down slightly. Because the gods were playing with the humans and creating situations to control them I found it hard to fully believe in the romance. There was a spark, but it all moved so quickly. I understand why this was, but I wanted more from the relationship to make their emotions believable.

Overall, this book has an interesting concept. At time the pace of the writing dragged while the relationship went too fast, but it was a good read. I still prefer A Thousand Letters though.

3.5

Excerpt:

She reached into her bag, digging around in the black hole for her book, but looked up, sensing someone in front of her. When her eyes locked on his, she froze. They were the greenest eyes she’d ever seen, shocking and bright, rimmed by thick, dark lashes. His long face was graced with an elegant nose and wide lips bent in a crooked smile. And he was tall, really tall, with ebony hair that fell forward as he looked down at her. He pushed it back without seeming to think about it, but it still looked perfectly tossed, like he’d just rolled out of bed. She realized she still hadn’t taken a breath and flushed as she fumbled and almost dropped her book. “Uh, hi. I’m Lex.” She tossed her hand in a wave, hoping she looked casual. He paused for a second, watching her with an expression she couldn’t quite place. The moment seemed to stretch on forever, and as she studied him, it dawned on her that he was amused. This unnerved her, even more so when it dawned upon her that it was exactly what he wanted. “Hey,” he said, the timbre of his voice deep and full. “I’m Dean.” Lex realized her mouth was open. And that he was smirking. And that he was dead sexy while he was doing it. She closed her mouth and cocked an eyebrow, putting on her snark to hide the fact that he’d gotten to her. “Dean, huh? I heard they call you Professor Panty Dropper.” His smile stretched wider. “Oh, is that what they say?” “They do.” A tall blond, who she guessed was Roe, stood at the microphone, glaring at them. “Mic check, Dean.” They stared at each other like idiots for a split second longer before Dean turned to pick up his guitar, and he took his place with the rest of the band. She watched him walk away and blinked a few times before turning to her bag again, not looking for anything in particular — she only wanted to keep her hands busy and her eyes off of Dean while she scraped her dignity off the floor.

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Read Today!

(Free in Kindle Unlimited)
Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/SggznE

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About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

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Friday 14 April 2017

Review ~ A Player for a Princess (Dirty Players, #2) by Tia Louise

A Player for a Princess (Dirty Players, #2)ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: September 20th 2016

Description:
From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, the game continues...
Zelda Wilder is on the run, this time from the ruthless assassins who've decided she knows too much to live.

"Playboy Prince" MacCallum Lockwood Tate isn't about to let the beautiful player who stole his heart get away--if only he could decide whether he wants to save her or spank her for her dangerous choices.

After tracking her down to a casino in St. Croix, Cal follows Zee back to Tortola where he intends to keep her safe. One problem: Zelda's criminal liaisons are two steps ahead of her.

Lives are threatened, and all of the players' skills are tested in this plot to capture a killer and save a princess.

My Opinion

I dived into this as soon as I finished book one. I loved book one and needed an end to Cal and Zelda's story. 

However, while I loved book one, I don't think this one lived up to the first. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, I just don't think there was as much uniqueness about it. The characters kind of lost their quirks a little, such as the cons and racing. I get that the story needed to progress, but I liked the difference it gave book one.

Similarly, I didn't feel as much happened in this book. While it kept me hooked and I really enjoyed it, I just wanted more like in book one. 

Honestly, I think the author set the bar so high with book 1 that she would have had a hard time beating it no matter what she'd written. 


Overall, I think it was a good follow up and I did enjoy it--even if it sounds like I didn't. I'll definitely be reading the next one and I'd highly recommend both books. 

4

Wednesday 12 April 2017

Review ~The Prince & The Player (Dirty Players, #1) by Tia Louise

The Prince & The Player (Dirty Players, #1)
ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: May 17th 2016

Description:
Let the games begin...

Runaway Zelda Wilder will do whatever it takes to secure a better life for her and her sister Ava. Crown Prince Rowan Westringham Tate will do whatever it takes to preserve his small country.

"Playboy Prince" MacCallum Lockwood Tate will do whatever it takes to steal Zelda's heart...

When Zee is blackmailed into humiliating the brooding future king, she never expects to be pulled into a web of international intrigue--or to fall for Rowan's naughty younger brother Cal.

Cal is determined to capture the sexy player, but Zelda is in over her head with very dangerous men. Time is running out, and it may be too late for the prince to save this player.

My Opinion

This book definitely wasn't what I'd been expecting. However, it turned out to be so much better. 

The Prince & The Player had everything I love in it: romance, suspense, con artists, royalty, drama, chemistry. It's packed full of action and heat, and I couldn't put it down. 

I was instantly pulled into this book with Zelda and her casino con. She was a character that intrigued me and that only grew as I was curious as to why she was so protective over her sister. 

This book had me turning the pages rapidly. I thought I was going to get a cheesy love triangle based on the blurb, and while I don't mind those, I loved how the author handled all of the relationships in this book. The pairings made sense, all of the characters remained likeable, and most of the drama happened outside of the relationships. I wasn't expecting the book to take the turn it did, but I'm dying to read more. 

The only minor negative is I'm not entirely sure the author is well versed in everything Formula 1. As a big fan of the sport for many years, the incorrect terminology and inaccuracies with the sport did grate on me a bit. These sections could have done with some more research. 


Overall though, I really enjoyed this. I would definitely recommend it and I'm moving on to book 2 as soon as possible, because be warned there is a cliff hanger. 

4

Tuesday 11 April 2017

Review ~ Big Rock by Lauren Blakely

Big Rock
ebook received for free on iBooks via a newsletter.

Release Date: January 6th 2016

Publisher: Everafter Platinum 

Description:
It's not just the motion of the ocean, ladies. It's definitely the SIZE of the boat too. 

And I've got both firing on all cylinders. In fact, I have ALL the right assets. Looks, brains, my own money, and a big c*&k.

You might think I'm an a*&hole. I sound like one, don’t I? I'm hot as sin, rich as heaven, smart as hell and hung like a horse.

Guess what? You haven't heard my story before. Sure, I might be a playboy, like the NY gossip rags call me. But I’m the playboy who’s actually a great guy. Which makes me one of a kind. 

The only trouble is, my dad needs me to cool it for a bit. With conservative investors in town wanting to buy his flagship Fifth Avenue jewelry store, he needs me not only to zip it up, but to look the part of the committed guy. Fine. I can do this for Dad. After all, I’ve got him to thank for the family jewels. So I ask my best friend and business partner to be my fiancée for the next week. Charlotte’s up for it. She has her own reasons for saying yes to wearing this big rock.

And pretty soon all this playing pretend in public leads to no pretending whatsoever in the bedroom, because she just can’t fake the kind of toe-curling, window-shattering orgasmic cries she makes as I take her to new heights between the sheets.

But I can’t seem to fake that I might be feeling something real for her.

What the fuck have I gotten myself into with this…big rock?

BIG ROCK is a standalone, dirty romance novel written from the guy’s POV by NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely…

My Opinion

I've been wanting to read this book for a while, but just never got round to it. However, I got it free on iBooks with Kendall Ryan's newsletter and had to start it immediately.

Big Rock was an easy and laid back read that kept me smiling. It was a great character driven book, whereby the humour and love between Charlotte and Spencer kept me turning the pages swiftly. I couldn't put it down and it was just a feel good book.


Overall I would definitely recommend this. It was a great read.

4

Monday 10 April 2017

Review ~ Tattooed Dots (Halo, #1) by Kimberly Knight

Tattooed Dots (Halo, #1)
ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: February 11th 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
People are brought into our lives for many reasons. Over time, we find out who is meant to be a temporary acquaintance and who will be there for a lifetime.

Easton Crawford put his modeling career before his marriage until it was ending in divorce. Years later, he is finally learning how to be the father his daughter needs him to be. He’s not looking for someone to step into the mother role—just nightly casual hook-ups. 

When his best friend convinces him that a good way to meet single women is to go on a singles cruise, he finds more than just a one night stand. 

At age thirteen, Brooke Bradley became an adult, raising her younger sister while her mother continually ignored her parenting responsibilities. Since then, Brooke has continued to take care of the people in her life, including her deadbeat boyfriend, Jared.

For Brooke’s thirtieth birthday, her best friend surprises her with a cruise but fails to mention it’s a singles cruise. When Brooke meets Easton, the one man willing to be her constant, will she finally find the courage to leave Jared? 

Easton knows that Brooke is someone who is meant to be in his life forever, but when a health scare threatens to change everything, Brooke and Easton are faced with unanswered questions and unspoken fears. Are Brooke and Easton only meant to be temporary acquaintances or are they brought into each other lives for a lifetime?

My Opinion

I've been trying to start this book for ages, but every time I tried something would get in the way. However, I finally finished it and I definitely enjoyed it.

For the most part this was a chilled and relaxing read. It was the single father aspect that drew me to this book and I liked Easton. The fact he only wanted Brooke on the cruise and there were no games was another bonus.

The story kept me reading at a fast pace and I did enjoy it. I wished the ending hadn't been so rushed, but Easton and Brooke do have another book so I'm looking forward to finding out more.


Overall, I'd definitely recommend it.

4

Sunday 9 April 2017

Review ~ Interference (Prescott Family, #1; Love In All Places, #1) by Mignon Mykel

Interference (Prescott Family, #1; Love In All Places, #1)
ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: August 8th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
There's only one thing he wants to do

Having grown up in a hockey family, Caleb Prescott knows better than most the ins and outs of a season.
If there's one thing he has vowed to stick by, it's that he's there to play the game, not be the face gracing media.

Sydney Meadows is finishing up her degree and decides to intern with a casting company. Fun, right?
Until she's given an impossible task--get a well known hockey player, who has very little media presence, to agree to star on a dating show.

What starts as a challenge, quickly turns difficult in other ways...

But sometimes plans change...

My Opinion

I happened across this book on a Facebook post when it was free on Amazon. I hadn't heard of the author before, but the cover looked like a cute contemporary romance so I downloaded it.

What I didn't expect was for Interference to hold my attention as well as it did--to the point where I did nothing but spend the day with Caleb and Sydney. So yeah, I have a bone to pick with the author because now I'm really behind on my essay deadlines for uni!

Anyway, Interference was a great read. I loved the setting and reality TV element, but most of all I loved the chemistry and banter between Syd and Caleb. Their humour was on point and they felt like they'd known each other a lifetime rather than weeks and months.

Caleb wasn't the typical playboy athlete. It was refreshing to read about a guy who wasn't a man-whore. I loved his loyalty to Syd, and combined with his love of his family, he just seemed like a real genuine and good guy.

As for the story, the majority of it was sweet. There were some hotter, steamy moments, but their romance was just a feel-good one that made me smile. I got swept up along with the cruise and I didn't what to come back to the real world.


Overall I'd highly recommend this book and I can't wait for more. Although I would have liked Jonny's story next, I'll settle for Porter because it means more Prescott boys.

5

Saturday 8 April 2017

Blog Tour Review ~ Target (Circle of Justice, #2) by L.P. Dover


Title - Target: A Circle of Justice Novel
Author - LP Dover
Genre - Romantic Suspense Standalone
Release Date - April 4, 2017 Cover Designed By - Mae I Design and Photography


An assassin . . . that’s what I am.
I’m Wade Chandler by day and a killer at night. I get the job done no matter the cost. Not only do I hunt people for the FBI, but I’m also the owner of Chandler Enterprises, one of the top companies in the southeast.
When Brina Carmichael – daughter of the former president – wants my business advice, it’s hard to resist her long legs and seductive smile. One thing leads to another and now I’m in too deep.
I can’t let her know what I am, but I’ve never wanted a woman the way I want her.
However, harboring secrets comes at a price and I have a feeling she’s keeping some of her own. Especially, when my next mission leads me straight to her. Turns out she’s not who I thought she was. 

My Opinion
I think it's pretty clear by now that I love LP Dover books. If you read my last review you'll have seen Trigger didn't hook me as much as her usual novels because of Preston's job. However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read Target, and I'm thrilled to say it was so much better than Trigger.

Target pulled me in from the start. Brina was a strong female lead, and I thought being the former first daughter was an interesting twist--especially since I'm from the UK and we don't really have that here. She matched Wade perfectly and I thought the balance between assassin and businessman gave Wade a more likeable quality over Preston. While he had a dark side, he felt more human than just a killer.

As for the plot, I'm not going to say anything except there are a few twists. For once I didn't try to figure out who the bad guy was so I loved how the book played out. I thought there was a great balance of romance and suspense.


Overall, this is so much better than book 1 and I can't wait for Ian's story.

5





 
Standing at the receptionist’s desk, I waited to hear the verdict. Would Wade see me or not? When I heard his answer, I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t want my stupidity to ruin my shop’s chances at success. The receptionist smiled up at me. “You can go back now, Ms. Carmichael. His office is the last one on the right.” “Thank you,” I replied with a smile of my own. Pulse pounding in my ears, I walked down the hall to Wade’s office. I had a folder of my designs tucked under my arm. Hopefully, it’d be enough to persuade him. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on his door. “Come in,” he called out, his voice making me shiver. I hated how this man made me feel like that. It’d been over a week and I could still feel the way he touched every square inch of my body. I wasn’t a needy woman, but he made me want more. This is business, nothing more. Head held high, I opened the door. Wade was at his desk, leaning back in his chair, all cool and confident, dressed in his expensive suit with his brown hair perfectly coifed. Definitely not a bundle of nerves, like I was. “Mr. Chandler, it’s good to see you again.” His brows lifted. “Likewise. Although I’d probably believe it more if you hadn’t run out on me the last time.” And there it was. Biting my lip, I shut the door. I couldn’t tell if he was angry, or didn’t care. “Thought I’d save you the trouble,” I confessed. “We both had a little too much to drink that night. And let’s face it, it was either going to be me or you. And I prefer not to be the one left behind.” “Neither do I,” he said in all seriousness. “So, what brings you here?”

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols. Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.



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Friday 7 April 2017

Review ~ Just Human (Just Human, #1) by Kerry Heavens

Just Human (Just Human, #1)
ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: July 20th 2013

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Meet Liv and Danny...

Liv loves Danny. She knows she loves him more than he loves her, so she lets him go without a fight when his parents make him move back to America. She knows she will never love anyone like she loved him, but she has to move on.

Danny loves Liv. He knows he loves her more than she loves him, because she does nothing to get him to stay, so he goes quietly when his parents leave the UK. He knows he will never love anyone like he loved her, but he has to move on.

Twelve years on, they have made a good job of pretending, they may have almost forgotten. But when they get in touch via Facebook, it seems that it is all still there. 

They quickly find that they are intensely compatible in ways they hadn’t even begun to explore before they were forced apart. 

Can they put aside their fears and give it a go? Or will deep rooted doubts and insecurities tear them apart?

My Opinion

Just Human is the first book I've read by this author. I picked it up for free on Amazon and decided to take a chance on reading it since I love second chance romances.

I was surprised at how well this book kept my attention. I couldn't put it down and I bought and started book 2 as soon as I got to the end thanks to the cliffhanger.

I really enjoyed watching Danny and Liv reconnect. I liked their relationship and I couldn't get enough of them. My only quibble is at times things did drag and I skimmed sections that were repeated in a different POV. I'm a big fan of dual first person narrative, but it has to move the book along and not recount the same events. That's my only issue though.


I'm not saying any more because I want to get back to book 2. Overall I'd definitely recommend!

4

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