Blog Tour Review ~ Where Lightning Strikes (Bleeding Stars, #3) by A.L. Jackson

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

Release Date: March 22nd 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Do you know what it feels like right before lightning strikes? How you can feel the current running through your veins? The trembles of warning that ripple through the air? It was a thrill Tamar King chased all her life until it became the very thing she had to escape. 
For the last four years, Tamar King has hidden herself in an isolated world she created. She was safe. No one could touch her. Until Lyrik West walked through her door. 
He’s the lead guitarist for Sunder and everything she can never have. The dark and beautiful rock star becomes everything she craves. 
Lyrik’s life has been devoted to his band and that success has cost him. Bitter, hard, and filled with regret, he refuses to lose himself again, but from the moment he sees her, he wants one night with Tamar King. 
The gorgeous bartender is more than he bargained for. Their attraction is consuming. Their desire overpowering. With one touch, they ignite. 
But is it worth the cost of getting burned?
She’s a gorgeous nightmare and he’s a wicked dream…

WHERE LIGHTNING STRIKES, a Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel

My Opinion

I read the first two books in this series last year so I couldn't wait to get my hands on Lyrik's story. Although a spin-off Where The Lightning Strikes can be read as a standalone, however I'd recommend reading the others first so you get the full effect.

Just like with Baz, I liked Lyrik's haunted character. Although I had my suspicions about what he hid in his past I didn't fully guess. It was what kept me reading and I think him and Tamara complimented each other well. They were two broken pieces who became whole and found their courage through the other.

In general the plot was interesting and did hold my attention. I did feel the middle could have been cut down a bit as some of the internal monologues became a bit long and repetitive to slow the pace, but mostly it was good.


Overall, a good read. I'll definitely be looking out for the next book.

4

Review ~ Drowning to Breathe (Bleeding Stars, #2) by A.L. Jackson

ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: September 15th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:

The danger in pretending is it becoming real...

Sebastian Stone, Sunder front man and guitarist with a rap sheet about ten miles long, escaped to Savannah, Georgia, to get away from the trouble he’d caused.

Not find more of it.

The moment he saw Shea Bentley, he saw beneath all her sweet and innocence to something that went deeper.

Darker.

Their relationship was built on secrets; their love built on lies.

Sebastian never imagined how deep her secrets went.

When the past and present collide, Sebastian and Shea find themselves fighting for a future neither believed they deserved. Their passion is consuming and their need unending.

Now, holding the truth in his hands, Sebastian is faced with sacrificing everything he’s come to love to protect Shea and his family.

Two pasts intertwined.

Two lives bound.

Will their demons drown them or will Shea and Sebastian finally learn to breathe?

My Opinion

Like I stated in my review of book 1, I started Drowning to Breathe the second I finished A Stone in the Sea. I'm glad I waited to buy both of these books together because the cliffhanger was cruel. However, I thought this book was definitely better than book 1.

For me, this book was better paced. I felt the emotions more, and there was more going on in it. The storyline was varied and interesting so I couldn't put it down. I should have a bone to pick with this author since I missed out on a whole day's work, but I can't really be mad because I enjoyed the time spent reading this.

I loved Baz's protective instincts. Yeah, he was a bit on the angry side, but I felt his affection and desire to make sure no harm came to either of his girls. I especially liked how he accepted Kallie and treated her.

The only drawback which has cause me to knock my rating down slightly was the ending. Although all loose ends were tied up it felt like I was told everything in a few pages. It didn't give me the closure I would have liked since it was so abrupt.

Overall though I preferred it to book 1. This duet was two books I couldn't put down.

4

Review ~ A Stone in the Sea (Bleeding Stars, #1) by A.L. Jackson

ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: February 23rd 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
He wanted nothing at all…

Until he found she had everything to give…

Sunder lead singer and guitarist Sebastian Stone has everything—fans, fame, and fortune. He also has a heart full of bitterness and a reputation for a short-fused temper. But an outward reputation rarely reveals the true man inside. Facing assault charges after trying to protect his younger brother, Sebastian is sent to Savannah, Georgia to lie low until the dust settles in L.A.

Shea Bentley is beautiful, kind, and hiding from the very lifestyle Sebastian has always embraced.

When the mysterious, tattooed stranger begins hanging out at the bar where she works, Shea is quick to recognize he is nothing but trouble, but she's helpless to the way her body lights up every time his intense gray eyes tangle with hers.

They both soon find themselves drowning in a sea of desire and passion that won’t let them up for air.

Sebastian knows firsthand secrets never die, and he’s not the only one who’s hiding them.

Loving someone always comes with a price. But will it be Shea’s past that costs them everything?

My Opinion

It was book 2 that drew me to this duet, and when I saw them on offer I couldn't resist. I didn't expect to read both books in a day and a half, but that's what I ended up doing. I couldn't even stop to write a review in between.

A Stone in the Sea started off a little slow. In the beginning I wasn't sure I was even going to get to book 2. However, it turned things around and the ending had me starting on Drowning to Breathe immediately. If there's one thing I'd say about this read it's you'll need book two immediately because of the cliffhanger. I'm definitely glad I waited for the release day to buy both.

The characters, like the story, grew on me. I slowly grew to feel for them and engage with them. I adored Kallie and the way she wrapped everyone around her little finger.

Although the story was a bit repetitive the ending made up for this and book two improved the story even more. Overall it was a good read. I will say I preferred book 2 more but you can't read that without this one.

4