Blog Tour + Review ~ Nico (Heartbreaker, #2) by Evan Grace

Title: Nico

Series: The Heartbreakers #2

Author: Evan Grace

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 24, 2015

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Jill Swanson has loved Nico Bianchi since she was eighteen, but how much heartbreak can one woman take before she’s utterly broken?

After a tough year and half Jill’s main focus is on raising her infant daughter and doing the best that she can with her situation. When a call from Nico’s mother sends Jill and her daughter to Perugia, Umbria. Jill’s faced with the one man that shattered her heart and left her a changed woman.

She didn’t expect to still have feelings for him but now her main focus was being there for his mom and letting him get to know his child.

Nico Bianchi spent ten years sabotaging his own happiness out of fear that history would have a way of repeating itself. 

Now sober and healthier than ever he’s ready to fight for his family. But just when he’s finally gotten through to Jill, ghosts from the past reappear and test his sobriety, threatening to ruin his new life. If he sabotages things again he knows, he will lose his family for good this time.

Are soul-mates destined to be together?

Jill wants more than anything to believe that she and her daughter are finally going to get their happily ever after. But with Nico’s past coming back to haunt him, she come face to face with the reality that no matter how strong her love is for him, it might not be strong enough…and she may just lose him forever. 

Will Nico finally rid himself of the demons that haunt him once and for all?

Or will Jill have to walk away to protect herself…and their child?

Chapter One

Jill 

“Should we give him more time?” Dr. Franklin asks me and all I can do is shake my head, no. Nico Bianchi has let me down again. I don’t know why I keep giving him chance after chance because all he’s been is a no-show. Oh, he’s come to a couple of appointments but he seemed about as uninterested as a person could get. He tells me he loves me and that he wants this baby, but his actions prove otherwise. I know he’s still using whatever drugs he’s been taking and drinking all of the time. The multiple slutbags he’s been hanging out with doesn’t help either.

I guess it makes me glad that I had already stopped sleeping with him when his behavior turned more erratic. Who knows what type of STD’s he’s got. I was truly hoping that he’d change for us, but instead he’s gotten worse.

Today I’m finding to find out the sex of the baby. At my twenty week ultrasound the baby kept his or her legs crossed and wouldn’t show us and since I’m measuring big they want to do another ultrasound today.

“Okay since we’re not waiting let’s get started.” I lie back on the table and pull up my shirt. Dr. Franklin tucks a paper drape into the top of my jeans. She squirts some of that warm jelly onto my belly and grabs the wand thingy. “Let’s hope this little one cooperates with us today.” As soon as my baby’s image appears on the screen I feel the tears build in my eyes. I still can’t believe I have a little human growing inside of me. The doctor tells me everything that she sees and my heart swells knowing that my baby is looking good. “Oh my. This little one is finally working with us. It appears you’re having a little girl.”

I begin to cry happy tears. I’m having a little girl. My life will soon be dresses, baby dolls and shoes. “That’s great.” I whisper. My voice sounds hoarse from the tears I’m shedding.

After my checkup she lets me know that when I enter my eighth month next month that I will start coming in every two weeks. She tells me to continue normal activity for now, but if I have any tightening in my belly or begin to spot that I need to start slowing down. I tell her goodbye and stop at the front desk to schedule my next visit.

When I step outside I make my way to my car and climb inside. I blast the heat and try to warm myself up. While I wait I pull out my phone and send Nico a text.

Where were you? You missed ANOTHER appointment.

I pull out of the parking lot and decide to stop by Nico’s condo. I’ll show him the pictures and tell him what we’re having and he’ll probably act like he doesn’t care as usual. When I reach his condo I see another car sitting in the driveway and my stomach starts to turn. I get out and make my way to the front door. I knock and ring the bell but he doesn’t answer. I have a key, but normally I don’t use it. Well, today that changes. I’m tired of him hurting me over and over. I feel like I’ve become pathetic because I always forgive him. I always give him another chance.

I stick my key into the lock, turn it and then push open the door. The place is a mess. There are bottles everywhere. Vodka, Tequila and beer bottles litter the coffee table, the end tables and every other available space. I walk through the living room and make my way down the hall to his room. My stomach turns violently as I notice women’s clothing scattered all over the floor and ending at Nico’s door.

Review

After what I saw of Nico in Gabe I was excited to see where his story would take him and even more excited when I saw the blog tour sign up offering ARCs. This book surprised me by taking a different line to what I expected, but it was enjoyable.

Nico was a much sweeter read than I expected. That's not a bad thing, but I was expecting to watch more of his recovery and see his growth as he battled his addiction. It wasn't the case with Nico, and the author left the entire recovery process out. I can understand why and it made the book a much lighter read, yet I would have liked to see more of his struggles so I could root for him.

Saying that, Nico was a surprisingly likeable character. I could sympathise with both him and Jill and did think there was a rekindled type of chemistry. Once again, I would have liked him to work harder for forgiveness, but that didn't stop it feeling believable.

Although I'm not usually a fan of kids in books, Nicola was okay. I liked the way Nico interacted with her, but it hasn't changed my mind on the kids side of things. The author wrote it in a more realistic way which was good since it didn't sugarcoat parenthood.

One other thing I liked was the Italian roots. Coming from an Italian family I liked the authenticity of the whole unit.

Overall a good read. It wasn't what I was expecting, but nonetheless enjoyable.

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 ~ Forgetting August (Lost & Found, #1) by J.L. Berg

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 1st 2015

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Description:
Some days, Everly still thinks she sees him. In the food court at the mall, or in a car speeding past as the light changes. It only lasts a second, but when it happens, she slips back to a time when she was ruled-and nearly ruined-by August Kincaid. And it doesn't matter that she's moved on, that she's about to marry another man. In those moments the only thing she can do to regain control is take a deep breath and remind herself that August can't hurt her-because he's in a coma. Except that he's not anymore.

August is awake. With no memories, he sets out to solve the mystery of his lost life. He unearths a photograph of a beautiful redhead named Everly and knows instinctively that she's the key. But when he finds her, the August she describes is more monster than man. 

Tortured by the thought of having hurt her, August wants only to become the man Everly deserves. As the new August emerges, Everly glimpses the person she first fell in love with. But can she trust that this August is real? When the final secret of their shared past is revealed, one of them will make a choice that changes their future forever . . .

My Opinion

I really don't know what to make of this book. It's a first by this author for me and I took a chance on it because she's going to be at a signing I'm attending. Whilst it wasn't a bad read, it has me confused about what I actually think of it.

I liked the secrets and how things were drip fed. The big picture was never fully revealed and it kept me reading. I also thought the book was paced well and the amnesia angle was interesting.

Unfortunately, it was the characters I struggled to engage with, especially Everly. She was weak in my eyes, and I think part of that may have come down to the lack of information. Had I known what I do once I reached the end I may have understood more. However, as I read on I didn't like or understand the choices she made. I hated her for messing with Ryan since he was such a sweet guy, and I didn't buy into her growth. It also all seemed so pointless.

For me this book seemed like one big prologue to setting up the next book. I think that's why I'm so confused as to what to think. The story arc wasn't that clear or finite.


Overall it was an interesting read which I'm sure many will like. I may be interested in seeing where the next book goes, but I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

3

Review ~ Resolution (Swept Away #3) by J.S. Cooper

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 1st 2015

Publisher: Gallery Books

Description:
When Bianca and Jakob first awoke on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their thoughts were only concerned with survival. But as they explored their surroundings and tried to find out who left them stranded on the island, electricity surged between them. Soon after, Bianca uncovered clues to her abduction, but was left with even more unanswered questions, especially about Jakob’s true motives…

Now, Bianca just wants the truth. Nothing was as it seemed, especially with Jakob. As she discovers cross upon double cross, all she can trust is her instinct, her connection with him. So they decide to return to the island in hopes of finally learning the truth. Bianca and Jakob have been thrown together and torn apart by their secrets—but can she trust him enough to rescue her at last?

My Opinion

I don't know what to make of this concluding instalment in this series. I've been looking forward to finding out the reveals and what was really going on, but I'm not sure now I've read it.

I won't go into any detail because I don't want to give anything away. A part of me also isn't sure about what went on really.

I don't know...maybe it's just me, but I thought the reveal would be more dramatic. Instead I got confusing pieces of speech that I found hard to keep up with. There was some action, and the romance was continually developed well, I just didn't get the big secret which is what all of these books hinged on.


Whilst it was an interesting read I did enjoy the other two better.

3

Blog Tour + Review ~ Testing the Boss by Mallory Crowe

Testing the Boss by Mallory Crowe

Date of Publication: November 19, 2015

Blurb

Billionaire Luke Devereaux gets what he wants and what he wants right now is to bring down the shady organization threatening his family. Teaming up with the FBI is his only option--even if that option comes in the sultry Evelyn Price, the ice-princess who's all business.

Refusing to be distracted by the sexy, rich playboy, Evelyn forces herself to stay focused on the case, gearing up for the criminal takedown of her entire career. As the enemy closes in with Evelyn as its next target, it's up to Luke to keep them out of danger. The more they work to protect each other, and fight for control, the harder it is to resist their undeniable attraction.

And the one thing Evelyn has learned from working with him is that Luke Devereaux gets what he wants.

Available From

Amazon (Kindle)

Review

Each book in this series has become better and better and I like how the stories are linking more. There is now a common thread tying the last few books together and I specifically liked how this took over from where the last book left off but with Luke's POV.

I'm not going to say too much about the book as I don't want to give anything away. Testing the Boss was a short read, but it kept me engaged with its action and steamy sections. Luke was easy to like and Evelyn was interesting. I would have liked more background information on her, but I believed in their relationship. I did feel the chemistry between them and I'm intrigued to see where the author takes the story next.

Overall another interesting read. It was the perfect length for an evening and it's one of my favourite in the series.

4

Review ~ Her Web Master by Normandie Alleman

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 11th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
An online connection.
Masked by anonymity.
No cameras. No pictures.
Curiosity ignited to intrigue.

I thought I knew what I was getting into, but had no idea how far we would go...

My intention was to test the waters, dip my toe in the wading pool. Instead I surrendered to the world of seduction and submission as he submerged me--body, mind, and soul--into an ocean of eroticism. 

Emails, texts, and hidden identities, were one thing. But now, coming face-to-face with the mystery man, the star of my fantasies, both terrifies and completely thrills me. If all goes according to plan, he will intensify the exquisite bond we share by transporting me to that glorious intersection between agony and ecstasy. If not, everything we've built will come crashing down around us, destroying my dreams in the process.

Either way, there is no going back. Because I want more. Much more.
He always says, "For every ounce of pleasure, a price must be paid."

And I am going to pay...

Warning: If you’re not a fan of dirty talk or dominant alpha males, “Her Web Master” may not be for you, but if you're looking for a filthy online boyfriend who will make your toes curl, meet Sophie’s mysterious Dom.

My Opinion

It was the cover that pulled me to this book and it sounded like a hot read. I shouldn't have requested it because of my current backlog of ARCs, but I couldn't resist. Then, I couldn't resist starting it straight away.

Her Webmaster was an unusual read in that most of the book takes place online. The characters only meet twice in the entire book and most conversations are held through emails or phone calls. It made for a different experience while reading since have haven't come across this level of cybering before.

For this reason the book has split my opinion. It was a mixture of hot but also slightly repetitive and dry. I liked it at the start. It was different and incredibly hot. The dirty talk and orders were well written, and so were Sophie's reactions to them. The control MC had was believable and easily felt, even via the messages. When they moved on to phone calls it became even more apparent.

However, there was only so long I could read it before I started to feel the book was become repetitive and needed a change of pace. I kept wanting them to meet and develop a real relationship. For me this part came too late on in the story. When it arrived it was great and I just wanted it to continue. Personally, there is only so much you can create with emails. Since there's no intonation, actions, or reactions on both sides it was hard to form a connection with the characters. I could understand Sophie, but I couldn't root for their relationship.


Overall, this book started off well, but I think it needs to be paced better. It has a unique concept, and I'm still undecided on whether it worked. Either way, the majority of the book was hot so if you're looking for a dirty-talking Dom this may be for you.

3.5