RELEASE DAY REVIEW: 1001 Dark Nights Bundle Six

The next Discovery Bundle from 1001 Dark Nights is here, and it includes some pretty fantastic novellas. Check out my review...

1001 Dark Nights Discovery Bundle #6, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Lorelei James, Alexandra Ivy, Laura Wright, Donna Grant, Rebecca Yarros and Kennedy Layne
Publish Date: August 23, 2016
Publisher: Everyafter Romance
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher and Inkslinger PR
Genre: various romance genres
To Buy: Amazon

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) DREAM OF YOU: Abby Erickson isn t looking for a one-night stand, a relationship, or anything that involves any one-on-one time, but when she witnesses a shocking crime, she s thrust into the hands of the sexiest man she s ever seen Colton Anders. His job is to protect her, but with every look, every touch, and every simmering kiss, she s in danger of not only losing her life but her heart also. 

STRIPPED DOWN: From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorelei James, a new steamy story of the Blacktop Cowboys... Never challenge a cowboy to a little naughty competition A flirty game of sexual truth or dare between best man, Wynton Grant, and maid of honor, Melissa Lockhart during their BFF s wedding reception results in a steamy hookup. But their plans for a one and done change when a family crisis leaves Wyn shorthanded at the Grant Ranch. Experienced horsewoman Mel volunteers to help out and gets way more than she bargained for living under the same roof as the sexy rancher. Playing house has never appealed to Wyn until now. But the feisty redhead is keeping secrets and Wyn s not above stripping her bare body and soul to get to the bottom of it. 

RAGE/KILLIAN: RAGE
Rage might be an aggressive Hunter by nature, but the gorgeous male has never had a problem charming the females. All except Lucie Gaudet. Of course, the lovely Geek is a born troublemaker, and it was no surprise to Rage when she was kicked out of the Wildlands. But now the Pantera need a first-class hacker to stop the potential destruction of their people. And it s up to Rage to convince Lucie to help. Can the two forget the past and their sizzling attraction to save the Pantera?

KILLIAN
Gorgeous, brutal, aggressive, and human, Killian O Roarke wants only two things: to get rid of the Pantera DNA he s been infected with, and get back to the field. But the decorated Army Ranger never bargained on meeting the woman the female of his dreams on his mission to the Wildlands. Rosalie lost her mate to a human, and now the Hunter despises them all. In fact, she thinks they re good for only one thing: barbeque. But this one she s guarding is testing her beliefs. He is proud and kind, and also knows the pain of loss. But in a time of war between their species, isn t any chance of love destined for destruction? 

DRAGON KING: Grace Clark has always done things safe. She s never colored outside of the law, but she has a book due and has found the perfect spot to break through her writer s block. Or so she thinks. Right up until Arian suddenly appears and tries to force her away from the mountain. Unaware of the war she just stumbled into, Grace doesn t just discover the perfect place to write, she finds Arian the most gorgeous, enticing, mysterious man she s ever met.

Arian is a Dragon King who has slept away centuries in his cave. Recently woken, he s about to leave his mountain to join his brethren in a war when he s alerted that someone has crossed onto Dreagan. He s ready to fight until he sees the woman. She s innocent and mortal and she sets his blood aflame. He recognizes the danger approaching her just as the dragon within him demands he claim her for his own.

IGNITE: In Legacy, Colorado, I buried my father alongside his elite Hotshot team. Ten years later, I’ve followed in his footsteps—fighting fires in the mountains of Alaska with my brother.
Amid the flames, nothing ignites me like Avery Claire. She’s stubborn, strong, sexy as hell, and my best friend. She also has no idea that I’m in love with her.

FATED IDENTITY: Grady Kenton relishes the long seductive weekends with Brienne Chaylse, the beautiful CIA liaison who understands his boundaries and accepts things the way he needs them to be. When Brienne’s identity as a CIA special agent is leaked to the media, she and Grady must race to discover whose betrayal runs deep while their true feelings emerge.

These Discovery Bundles from 1001 Dark Nights are very aptly named. Every time I read one, I discover a new-to-me author that I now can't wait to read more of. 

I chose to read Bundle Six mostly because of the two novellas by Jennifer Armentrout and Lorelei James. I'm now all caught up on Jen Armentrout's Wait For You series, and although I've only read the first book in Lorelei James' Blacktop Cowboys series, I am familiar with all of her other series. 

All the other authors were new to me, and I read some things I really loved. My personal favorite was Donna Grant's Dragon King. I love the premise of immortal dragon shape shifters who mate for life. I've added the first book in her Dark Kings series to my TBR already, and am looking forward to seeing how it all started. 

It's strange for me to love these bundles so much. Normally, I'm very much a stickler for reading series in order. But there's something fun about getting this tiny taste of a world. I know I won't know the characters or the other relationships that have obviously been formed in previous books. But, I'm okay with that. I get a glimpse of the world and the background info, which tells me a lot about the series as a whole and whether I will like it. 

And, as a bonus, I get a steamy romance condensed into 100 pages or less. Six times over. 

Bundle Six gives you a little bit of everything. You'll get a new adult contemporary romance, some adult contemporaries, a suspense story and a few paranormal romances. So, no matter your preferences, as long as you like your kissing books, you'll find something good to read here. 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout
#1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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About Lorelei James:
Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

From Lorelei: “Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.”

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About Alexandra Ivy:
Alexandra Ivy is a New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author. From Alexandra: “I’m not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother’s knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library.

Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.

Years later (no, I’m not admitting how many) I’m still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!

I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.

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About Laura Wright:
Laura Wright is a New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author. From Laura: “Unlike many of my peers in the writing world, I wasn’t a writer or a reader until I left high school. During my youth I was into theater, song and dance, commercials and boys. I loved romance surely, but I had never read a romance novel until my late teens. With that said, I remember the day I did like it was a moment ago – my aunt gave me the Jude Deveraux novel, Knight in Shining Armor and I couldn’t put it down until the very last word. Then I went straight to the library and got another – then another until I’d read everything she’d ever written. After that, it was McNaught, Howard, Schone, Kleypas, and the Silhouette line, Desire. I instantly loved those emotional, sexy reads, so much so that I began to carve out ideas for my own stories, themes that were unique to me and moved me. In 1997 I enrolled in UCLA extension writing classes, met my mentor and critique partners and since have never stopped writing. I was committed then and I still am now; the need to tell my own romantic stories a full on obsession. My first manuscript was rejected, and though the second one was as well the editor who’d rejected it wanted to see something else from me. I had something (note to authors; always keep working, even after you’ve sent in a proposal) and sent it right away. The day I got the call telling me Desire wanted to buy Cinderella and the Playboy was the best day of my life. That is until I married my husband, and had my two beautiful children. But I must say, writing is much like motherhood – tough, grueling, surprising, delicious and for me, a dream come true.”

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About Donna Grant:
Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

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About Rebecca Yarros:
Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She’s a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores.

When she’s not writing, she’s tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of eleven years. They finally can call Colorado home along with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog.Website ** Facebook ** Twitter


About Kennedy Layne:
“First and foremost, I love life. I love that I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister…and a writer.

“I am one of the lucky women in this world who gets to do what makes them happy. As long as I have a cup of coffee (maybe two or three) and my laptop, the stories evolve themselves and I try to do them justice. I draw my inspiration from a retired Marine Master Sergeant that swept me off of my feet and has drawn me into a world that fulfills all of my deepest and darkest desires. Smoldering romance, military men, intrigue, with a little bit of kinky chili pepper (his recipe), fill my head and there is nothing more satisfying than making the hero and heroine fulfill their destinies.

“Thank you for having joined me on their journeys…”

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REVIEW: The Darkest Flame (Roadmap to Your Heart #1)

The Darkest Flame (Roadmap to Your Heart #1), by Christina Lee
Publish Date: August 17, 2015
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-book, purchased
Genre: adult m/m romance/suspense
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 4 STARS

(From Goodreads) Vaughn O’Keefe has been part owner of the Hog’s Den for years. Privy to plenty of Disciples of the Road business, he’s never been more ruffled as when a new recruit named “Smoke” walks through the door. Something about the man gets his blood pumping, but he knows to keep his preferences under wraps around the club.

“Smoke” Callahan has done a couple of rehab stints and is finally clean, thanks to help from the Disciples. He’s on the right path and isn’t about to get sidetracked, no matter how much the guy who manages the bar gets beneath his skin. Besides, his last relationship with a man left him scared, alone, and with a nightmare of an addiction.

When the Hog’s Den becomes shorthanded, and Smoke is ordered to help out the one man he can’t have, his longing for the bartender reaches blistering proportions. Vaughn figures a night together should be enough to satisfy their mutual attraction. But neither banks on just how scorching hot it might be.

As Smoke’s past unravels and the one person he hopes never to lay eyes on again messes with all he holds sacred, it’s time to involve the Disciples. Problem is, he’ll have to risk his membership, his heart, and his own hide to keep everyone he cares about safe.

When Christina Lee wrote There You Stand, which was the fifth book in her Between Breaths series, I was so excited that she took the plunge into the m/m new adult romance pool. And, it was a really good book. The Darkest Flame is a spin-off from There You Stand, and it's also m/m, but everything in it is... MORE. More hot bikers. More drama. More heat. 

We met both Vaughn and Smoke in There You Stand, and The Darkest Flame tells their story. I knew there was something between them, but it was obvious that they were not free to be out, given their current situations. Smoke is a recruit for the Disciples of the Road and finally on the right path in his life. He is wildly attracted to Vaughn, the part owner of the Hog's Den, which is where the Disciples always hang out. 

The attraction is definitely not one-sided. Vaughn has had his eye on Smoke for a long time. The best part about The Darkest Flame is the crazy amount of sexual tension. It is RIDICULOUS. Bikers and motorcycle clubs are very hetero. They are full of testosterone-laden man-whores who love to bang the biker babes that hang out at their club houses. It's not exactly accepted to be gay and in an MC.

Both Vaughn and Smoke are bi-sexual, so they've been able to hide their proclivities thus far. But, when Smoke is forced to work behind the bar with Vaughn, both men fear their days of hiding are numbered. Subtle nudges behind the bar, storeroom meet-ups, late-night closings - it was just a matter of time before they gave in to their attraction. 

Smoke and Vaughn were desperate to get back to business as usual. They weren't used to having their attentions so divided. Smoke has been wholly devoted to the club since they helped him kick his habit, and Vaughn's life is his bar. All of a sudden, both men are thrown off kilter by each other, and in their desperation to put their universes back to rights, they decided to just "get it out of their system." Now, how many times have we read about this plan? It's adorable that they thought that would actually work. 

After a few hot and heavy interactions, they finally get down to business. Holy. Crap. When Smoke and Vaughn decide to quit dancing around each other, they absolutely set my Kindle on fire. FIRE, I tell you. And, of course, once was not enough (DUH). They kept testing those invisible alleged boundaries set by the club, all while getting closer and closer to one another. 

The Darkest Flame was not all about the forbidden love between Vaughn and Smoke. The club is trying to bring down a rival gang that is in to some really bad things - Smoke's former club, in fact. And, since Smoke has the inside knowledge, he's asked to help by ratting on them. Despite the fact that Smoke knows his old club is into bad things and was a really bad thing for him, personally, he's a good, loyal guy, and he struggles with the morality of this. Since his loyalty has shifted, he does what is asked of him, but it never sits right with him, and eventually, Smoke has to answer for his actions. 

Luckily he has Vaughn's support the whole time. Although Vaughn is not part of the club, he is as close to it as he can be without being in it. That affords him protection and friendship from them. And, since the club meets at the bar all the time, Vaughn also has a bit of knowledge about how things go for them sometimes, so he knows Smoke is right smack in the middle of this operation, and he knows it can be dangerous. Suddenly, Vaughn is very worried about the man he's come to love, but there isn't anything he can do about it, since he's only on the periphery. 

It was fun seeing Cory and Jude a few times during The Darkest Flame. They've settled into life and are happy, which made my heart happy. I can't wait to see what the rest of this series will bring - and I can't wait for the recap we might see from Vaughn and Smoke.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Deceived

Welcome to my stop on the Deceived blog tour hosted by YA Bound Blog Tours! Check out my review, then hop down to the bottom for a fantastic giveaway. Don't forget to visit the other stops on the tour!

Deceived, by Julie Anne Lindsey
Published September 18, 2013
Publisher:  Merit Press
Format: e-ARC, provided by YA Bound Blog Tours and the author in exchange for an honest review
Genre:  young adult suspense, romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Rating:  3.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) When Elle's father, a single parent and a big shot in corporate insurance, moves her to yet another boarding school for senior year, Elle is disgusted when nothing changes. Her night terrors don't go away, and, soon, despite her father's caring calls and visits, Elle starts to believe she's losing her mind. She knows she's being followed; a ribbon is tied around her doorknob, and there are those cigarette butts that keep turning up on the doormat, in violation of a strict smoking ban on campus. Then there's Bryan, an intriguing boy Elle meets at a flea market and later finds out is a student at her school. Yet on campus, he pretends he doesn't recognize her - until the day he divulges just how much danger she's in. In her search for an answer to all the madness, Elle unravels the truth about her dad's real identity, why someone has lied to her all her life, and the terrifying truth that she may be the only one who can save her from the one who's following her now.

I've always been a big fan of the "whodunit" kind of mysteries. I like the suspense of not knowing everything that's going on. Of not being quite sure who the good guys and the bad guys are. Any book that can wrap that kind of suspense up with the romance that I really need to keep me sucked it is definitely one that I want to read. Deceived has all those elements, so naturally, I was excited. 

Elle doesn't have all her memories from when she was a child, but she knows something scary must've happened because of her dreams. And, now she is away at school with the opportunity to finally shake her fears, except they seem to have followed her. Signs that she's being watched are all over. But, who's doing the watching? No doubt Brian is, but there's something different about him. His presence actually makes her feel safer, and she may need his protection if the real watcher has his or her way.

I loved not knowing what was going on. I love to be surprised. Deceived surprised me, and that's hard to do these days. The mystery in Deceived was a really good one. There were plenty of twists and turns wrapped up in a little bit of cloak and dagger and sealed with a kiss. 

The romance was a sweet one, albeit a tad unbelievable. Brian has his own secrets that come out relatively quickly, so thank goodness we don't have to wait until the end for that. He's a bit older than Elle, but the age difference never bothered me. I was never overly aware of it. I think Brian was my favorite character. He was aloof and slightly creepy in the beginning, and then brave and strong when he needed to be. He was the perfect compliment to Elle. 

Elle was the weaker character, I thought. She was very fearful and timid. I prefer my female characters to be strong and bold. Elle was mousy almost to the point of ridiculousness. Sometimes I just wanted to shake her and tell her to man up. She did have her moments, including a big one, where she does reach deep down to find the strength the situation calls for, so I did appreciate that. 

Many times, I felt like some of the things that were going on were just not plausible. I can't say too much without giving major plot points away. But, there are definitely some events and some plot elements that seemed a little far fetched. I feel like stories should be seamless - they should reflect real life and I should feel like I could take a trip to where the story is happening and really find the characters there. I didn't feel that way with Deceived. 

Overall though, Deceived was a really good book. I remained engaged and interested. I really wanted to find out which of the possible baddies was the real one. And I wanted to find out if Elle and Brian found a way to be together. The suspense was killing me - and that's a good thing. 

About the Author

Julie Anne Lindsey is a multi-genre author who writes the stories that keep her up at night. In 2013, Julie welcomes five new releases in three genres including her newest title, DECEIVED, a YA suspense from Merit Press, and her first cozy mystery, MURDER BY THE SEASIDE, book one in the Patience Price, Counselor at Large series from Carina Press (a digital imprint of Harlequin). 

Julie is a self-proclaimed word nerd who would rather read than almost anything else. She started writing to make people smile. Someday she plans to change the world. Most days you'll find her online, amped up on caffeine and wielding a book.
 
Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW), Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), Sisters in Crime (SinC) and the Canton Writer’s Guild.

Learn more about Julie Anne Lindsey --> Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Blog / Pintrest / Tumblr

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REVIEW: Down London Road (On Dublin Street #2)

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Down London Road (On Dublin Street #2), by Samantha Young
Published May 7, 2013
Publisher:  NAL
Format: paperback - I own
Genre:  Adult Contemporary Romance
To Buy:  Amazon  * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository


Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets …even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.

I love feisty, take no crap heroines. One of the things that endeared me to Down London Road right off the bat is that Jo's first meeting with Cam goes very badly. And, she gives him one of the best kiss-off lines ever.

"Well, I guess that makes us a pair. I'm a brainless, morally corrupt, money-grabbing bimbo and you're a jumped-up, pretentious, artsy-fartsy, know-it-all dickhead... See, I can judge a book by its cover too."

Jo is one of my favorite adult contemporary characters. She has incredible strength of character, is so brave and goes after what she wants. I don't agree with all of her choices - sacrificing her own happiness in order to snag a rich man who will take care of her and her brother is almost akin to whoring yourself out to the highest bidder. Her intentions were in the right place, but her actions were sorely lacking.

Cam was no prize at first either. Thinking Jo was cheating on his friend (she wasn't), he is a complete jerk to her. Several times over, in fact. But, when he realizes the error of his ways, he makes up for it in big ways. Cam was amazing. I mean, UH-MAZING.

"What I feel for you... It's all-consuming," he breathed, leaning his forehead against mine again. "It's almost debilitating. It's too much. It's... I can't even describe it, but being with you is... There's this intensity inside me all the time, this... constant pull, desperation... it's like you're branded on me or something. And it bloody well burns."

I thought Down London Road was a really tight story. We see Jo and Cam both go from being one person in the beginning to someone different at the end as a result of their experiences both individually and together. It's the way it should be in a really good story. There doesn't seem to be a lot of veering off into tangents or stalling in the middle. The story moves from one place to the next to the next with fluidity. I was never bored or wondering if it was close to being done yet.

Another thing I loved about Down London Road is that we still saw plenty of Joss and Braden from On Dublin Street. I absolutely LOVE it when authors do this for us. They endear us to characters in book one, and then realize that, even though their story is largely done, that doesn't mean that we're done spending time with them. So, thank you, Sam, for giving us plenty of face time with Joss and Braden (but not so much that I forgot who the main story was all about). It was great seeing them again.

Things were set up perfectly for Nate and Olivia's story, Before Jamaica Lane, which will be out in January 2014 (NO! TOO FAR AWAY!). I can't wait!

Book #127 - The Selection (The Selection #1)

The Selection (The Selection #1), Kiera Cass
dystopian, romance, contemporary fiction
327 pages
Started 11/14/12
Finished 11/17/12
4 STARS

And my cover fetish strikes again. Have you ever seen a drop-dead gorgeous cover in the store, and without even checking out the dust jacket or Goodreads review, you find yourself in the checkout line just biding your time until you can get home and gaze lovingly at it? Ok - maybe that was just me.

America Singer is lower on the social totem pole, and she's in love with a boy who's even lower than her. Then, she gets the chance of a lifetime - she is selected to be one of 35 girls in the running to marry Prince Maxon, thus becoming princess of Illea. Her boyfriend dumps her, so America figures she has nothing to lose. And, no one is more surprised than she when she actually starts to care for the prince.

The cover didn't disappoint this time. You know - sometimes these things are hit or miss. I found The Selection really entertaining. Illea and its structure was fascinating. And a little depressing - I sincerely hope that our future society is nothing like this one.

America is strong and capable and sensitive. And kinda stupid - I mean, usually a girl can tell the difference between falling in love and indigestion. It's a little unbelievable that Mer couldn't. Other than her utter ignorance when it came to Prince Maxon, I really liked her.

This was one of those books where you aren't quite sure who you want the girl to end up with in the end because you like both boys. Aspen, although a complete idiot, really seems to live and breathe America. If he wasn't so caught up on his macho need to provide for his woman, he would be so perfect. And, it's obvious that America loves him. But, then there's Maxon, who is so much more than what meets the eye. He, too, loves America, and I think if she would stop being so blind, she would see that she cares a lot for him too. And, America would be a perfect princess for Illea. So, who should she be with? My vote right now is for Maxon. Aspen had his chance. You snooze, you lose, buddy.

I immediately put The Elite (The Selection #2) on my wishlist. I can't wait to see what happens with the northern and southern rebels. I'm sure there's a deeper story there. And, of course, who Maxon ultimately chooses as the winner of The Selection. 

Book #125 - Stranger

Stranger, Megan Hart
romance, erotica
425 pages
Started 11/12/12
Finished 11/13/12
3 STARS

This was the first book that I've read that had a very, very local flair. As in, it took place in the town in which I live. Talk about weird!

Grace is a funeral director, and since she sees families grieving all the time, she has decided that casual, unattached encounters are all she can afford to have. Or, not afford, as the case may be. Paying for hot men to take you out and then have your way with them does take a toll on the pocketbook. But, then she meets Sam, purely by chance, and that chance meeting with a stranger in a bar ends up challenging her outlook on life and love.

I've got to be honest - I had a hard time with this book. Partly because our leading lady thinks that paying for male prostitutes is a salve to soothe the hurt spots in her life. I prefer books featuring smart, stand-up, kick ass heroines. Grace is none of these things. She's weak and sad and doesn't think nearly enough of herself that she should.

The other part is loosely related to the first part. I just couldn't get behind the characters. I didn't particularly like any of them. The people Grace worked with were bitchy and emo. Her family members were cranky and judgmental. The men she had sex with were impersonal. It's hard for me to get fully behind a book when I don't really feel any kind of connection with the characters.

I admit, I was a little disappointed. I have another Megan Hart book on my shelf that I intend to give the old college try. Perhaps Stranger was an anomaly. I hope?

Book #121 - Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2)

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2), J. Lynn
romance
203 pages (e-book only)
Started 11/3/12
Finished 11/3/12
3.5 STARS

I liked Tempting the Player better than Tempting the Best Man. This, too, only took me about 12 hours to read, but it was longer and a bit more complex than its predecessor. I loved Bridget and all her imperfections and insecurities. I could relate to them.

I think the thing that bugged me the most about this book is that the so-called villain didn't get her comeuppance. In fact, at the end, it almost seemed as if our main characters decided not to care that Bridget was blackmailed and threatene...more I purchased Tempting the Best Man and Tempting the Player at the same time, and had planned all along to read them one after the other. I hadn't initially counted on being disappointed in any way with Best Man. I thought about putting Player off for awhile then, but ended up just forging on 

Bridget wasn't expecting Chad Gamble, professional baseball player and all-around hot god, to take her home with him when they met in a bar. But, he did and it shook her - so much so that she ran and didn't look back. But she can't shut her mind off for a whole month, and then another chance meeting turns into an indecent proposal. Which turns into something a whole lot more than that. 

I liked Tempting the Player better than Tempting the Best Man. This, too, only took me about 12 hours to read, but it was longer and a bit more complex than its predecessor. I loved Bridget and all her imperfections and insecurities. I could relate to them. Chad was the typical romance book guy who falls in insta-love the second he lays eyes on Bridget. Insta-love is okay every now and again, but honestly, in this case, it was pretty unbelievable. A pro ball player is in a bar and falls madly in love with a girl who is totally not his type after just a few minutes of conversation. Riiiiiight. It could happen.

But, no - I think the thing that bugged me the most about this book is that the so-called villain didn't get her comeuppance. In fact, at the end, it almost seemed as if our main characters decided not to care that Bridget was blackmailed and threatened social, financial and legal ruin. I don't know - if that had been me, I really don't think I'd have forgiven all that very easily, despite how things turned out. It was irritating and unfulfilling. Beyond that, I have a sneaking suspicion that the villain will be the subject of the last Gamble Brothers book.  Not cool.

The end was fun and satisfying, though, and Player provided me with another 12 hours of entertainment. So, it's all good.

Book #120 - Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1)

Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1), J. Lynn
romance
172 pages (e-book only)
Started 11/2/12
Finished 11/2/12
3 STARS

Tempting the Best Man was satisfying and sexy and sweet... and completely cliche and cheesy. I enjoyed it for the 12 hours or so it took for me to read it from beginning to end. It's a good thing it was fairly short and a very easy read, because if it have been longer, I think I would've gotten annoyed by how predictable it was.

Madison has loved her brother's best friend Chase ever since she was a kid, but after she made a move and he rejected her, she has tried her hardest to avoid him at all cost. Out of sight out of mind, right? And, it would've been ok, had her brother not decided to get married and make her the maid of honor and Chase the best man. Now, Madison and Chase are not only forced to see each other, but they're forced to interact and play nice. And, that's going to be harder than either of them thought. Not because they dislike each other so much. But, because it appears they can't keep their hands off each other.

J. Lynn is the adult pen name for one of my favorite YA authors, Jennifer L. Armentrout. So, I had high hopes. And, the wit and snark that I've come to love in her writing was definitely there. No, the problems I had with Tempting the Best Man were definitely not rooted in the quality of the writing, but rather in the plot.

Chase and Madison were loveable characters, and you find yourself rooting for them from the outset. And, I don't really think I'm giving away any spoilers here when I say that yes, they do end up together in the end. But, how they get there was almost ridiculous at times. They are thrown together in the most classically corny way possible, and in the real world, it would've never happened like that. Color me crazy, but I do prefer a lot of realism in my contemporary romance books.

There were loose ends that didn't get tied up to my satisfaction. Toward the end, again in expected fashion, there's a huge misunderstanding between Madison and Chase that threatens to keep them apart. And, strangely, that misunderstanding was never addressed - it was never talked about or resolved in any way. I kept waiting and waiting for one of them to bring it up and get it all out in the open so they could have their group catharsis and hug it out. But, it never came, and I felt cheated because of it.

For all my complaining, I do need to mention that there were good parts of this book. I loved the writing and when Madison and Chase were together, I liked the chemistry and rapport they had with each other. The side characters (Chase's two brothers, Madison's assistant at work and her brother and new sister-in-law) were solidly fleshed out and a nice addition to the main couple's story. This book, although pretty short, was entertaining. Which, I guess, is the whole point, isn't it?

Book #100 - Bared to You (Crossfire #1)

Bared to You (Crossfire #1), Sylvia Day
360 pages
erotica, adult romance
Started 9/10/12
Finished 9/11/12
4 STARS

First of all - I remember in the beginning of 2011, I was hanging out on a parenting Web site and saw a mom who said she was aspiring to read 100 books that year. At the time, I remember thinking, "No way - that's impossible!" I love proving myself wrong.

Back to business. I read Bared To You, probably for the same reason that many people have. It's a "If you loved 50 Shades of Grey, you'll love this too!" book. And, I did love 50. A lot. And, honestly, I've kinda missed my 50 fix. After reading Bared to You, I can see why it's recommended for the fans of the 50 series.

Eva is poised to start a new life. She's moved across the country to New York to start her dream job at an ad agency. She has a great apartment with her best friend. She's finally starting to move past the horrible demons in her past. And, then she runs into Gideon Cross in the lobby of her new office building. I mean, literally runs into him. And, they both instantly know there's something between them that's intense and exciting. But, although insanely rich and devastatingly handsome, Gideon is just as messed up as Eva is. Time will tell whether that's a good thing or not.

Yes, the similarities are striking. Gideon is ridiculously rich and confident. It appears he's been abused as a child. He has control issues and stalkerish tendencies. And, he likes to have sex. A LOT. Eva has just graduated from college and has secured her first job. She has a serious lack of self-confidence. And, after meeting Gideon, she realizes she likes to have sex. A LOT.

But, Bared to You, is no Fifty Shades of Grey. Yes, one might argue that Bared is better written. And, I wouldn't put up much of an argument. But, Bared to You is missing a certain something. Fifty has a sort of excitement and happiness underneath it all that I felt was missing from Bared to You. Bared was heavy and much darker than 50. I felt like the world could've been developed more fully and colorfully. This guy is stinking rich - I want to read about that! It's part of the fun!

I really liked Gideon, but some things he did and said didn't jive with what I had in my mind. He gave in to certain things way too easily. A powerful man like that wouldn't capitulate so easily to a woman he barely knows. And, Eva - ugh. I don't get that woman. She flipped out over the tiniest things and let some major things slide. There didn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to it. It was infuriating.

All things being what they are, I did enjoy Bared to You. There are a lot of secrets yet to uncover (and a lot more sex to have too, I bet). I do anticipate reading the next Crossfire book. 

Book #48 - Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3), E. L. James
456 pages
romance, erotica
Started 4/23/12
Finished 4/25/12
5 STARS

The last book in the Fifty Shades series was equally as exciting, funny, sad, romantic and hot as the first two. I was so happy to see that James didn't fall off her game and botch the last book like Stephenie Meyer did with Breaking Dawn. As much as I enjoyed the Twilight books, I have to say it - this fan fict series is better than the original inspiration.

Again - I have to caution those that haven't read Freed that there WILL be spoilers below. It's impossible to talk about this book without giving away key plot points from the first and second books. Consider yourselves warned.

I was a bit bothered that the beginning starts six weeks after the conclusion of the second book. Although we do revisit much of that time through Ana's memories, it's just not the same as experiencing it firsthand. And I so enjoyed the masquerade ball in the second book - I would've loved to read more about Ana's and Christian's wedding as it happened. But, that doesn't make the fact that they actually bit the bullet and got married any less sweet.

And, thankfully, their being married didn't water down any of the tension between them. Christian is still trying to control every aspect of his life (including his wife), and Ana is still trying to maintain some semblance of self in the face of such intensity. I'm glad that the "I Dos" didn't magically fix the problems in their relationship. Anyone who's married knows that getting married sometimes complicates things even further. And, there's still a psycho out there trying to kill or kidnap Ana, Ana still has insecurities about Christian's many exes (and one, in particular), and Christian's past keeps getting in the way. Needless to say, these two have lots to work out.

But, the love they have for each other is palpable and exciting and real and utterly, heartbreakingly romantic. It's what kept me turning the pages long after I should've gone to bed. The last 50 pages or so are the absolute best of the entire book. I read them three times before I could consider myself "done." As a whole, this series is the most fulfilling one I've ever read. It's definitely one that will get read often. The writing is smart and funny. The characters are deep and complex and interesting. The sex is hot, yet not cheap and corny (and, that's really hard to do). I couldn't have asked for a better break from my life for a week.  

Book #47 - Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)

Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2), E. L. James
532 pages
romance, erotica
Started 4/20/12
Finished 4/22/12
5 STARS

I have a new favorite book. I can't really say what might have been my favorite book pre-Fifty Shades - there were several I really loved. Several I loved enough to re-read several times (I'm not generally a re-reader). And then along came Fifty Shades Darker.

At the risk of sounding all gushy - WOW. I mean, wowwowwowwow.

I'll warn you now - it will be difficult to talk about this book without giving away some spoilers. So, if you haven't read this book and don't want to know certain things, please stop reading now. And, don't say I didn't warn you.

Ok, so Ana and Christian have had a tough time of it. Especially Christian. He's feeling all these...feelings. And, he has no idea what to do with them or how to act. But, he at least recognizes the fact that Ana is something new - something special. And, he's willing to make a lot of changes and sacrifices for her. Ana, on the other hand, is afraid of those changes. Afraid she will never be good enough for him, which makes her cautious and insecure. But, Christian has never shared anything with anyone before. And, as the depth of both of their feelings grow, they both realize that they can never be apart again.

In my humble opinion, this is the best of the three books in the series. A lot happens in these 530-odd pages. Ana and Christian redefine their relationship, share details of their lives, fall completely apart at the seams and build each other up again with their love. Oh, and they have sex. Lots and lots of sex. But, the sex, which is what has made everyone talk about these books, is so secondary. It's just background noise. What has taken center stage is the story of this damaged man who starts to claw his way back to a real, whole existence, one "first" at a time.

And the ending...oh, the ending is so epically satisfying, I read it three times before I could officially say I was "done." This was an amazing, astounding, shocking, romantic, sexy book. What more could I say about my most favorite book ever? 

Book #46 - Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1)

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1), E. L. James
514 pages
romance, erotica
Started 4/18/12
Finished 4/20/12
5 STARS

To be honest, I'm not quite sure where to begin with this one. I finished Fifty Shades of Grey nearly a week ago, and I'm still swirling it around in my head, trying to wrap my brain around the complexity that is Fifty Shades. I do know that I loved it. I mean, looooooooooooved it. And, I don't entirely get why. This book isn't normally my thing. It's sexy, kinky, and there's not a single vampire, werewolf, shifter or faery in sight. Let me break it down - maybe it will help my scattered thoughts come together.

Ana Steele is ready to graduate from college when she unexpectedly meets rich, beautiful Christian Grey. He is inexplicably drawn to her, which compels him to invite her into a part of his life. Ana is equally attracted to Christian, so she reluctantly yet happily accepts. He intrigues her and excites her and makes her feel things she has never felt before. As she grows closer to him, and even falls in love with him, she learns what a wonderful, but flawed man Christian is. It breaks her heart, and she hopes that her love will be enough to save him from himself.

This is most definitely an adult book. With a capital 'A.' The sex was a little distracting at first - it's all spelled out, and Christian's into some pretty crazy stuff. But, once you get past the kinky stuff, what you're left with is a really good love story. You have a man who, through no fault of his own, considers himself so abhorrent, so awful, so tainted, that he is not worthy of anyone's love. And then he meets this girl. This innocent, beautiful, sometimes cranky headstrong girl who gets under his skin in a way that no one else ever has before. He starts to have these...emotions...and he has absolutely no idea what to do with them. His cool, calm, collected self is thrown for a loop. He's wonderful and romantic one moment, and angry and aloof the next. Ana doesn't know what to do with this man that has become the center of her universe. Feelings that intense are bound to cause angst and strife. Right? 

Book #27 - Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3)

Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3), Simone Elkeles
308 pages
contemporary fiction
Started 3/5/12
Finished 3/6/12
4 STARS

I feel like I should just link to my reviews for the first two books in the Perfect Chemistry series. Because, really, the only difference is that this story is about Luis - the youngest Fuentes brother. Other than that, it's really the same story. So, here ya go:

Perfect Chemistry
Rules of Attraction

Yep - that about covers it.

Book #25 - Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry #2)

Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry #2), Simone Elkeles
324 pages
contemporary fiction
Started 3/1/12
Finished 3/3/12
4 STARS

This is the continuing story of the Fuentes brothers. Once again, this story is deliciously devoid of vampire, werewolves, faeries, angels or demons. Hey - even I need a change-up every now and again. Rules of Attraction is set up exactly like Perfect Chemistry. The Fuentes brother in question - this time it's the middle brother, Carlos - is a self-professed bad boy on a path to destruction. Until he meets a girl. A good girl. And, she changes his life. Makes him believe in himself again, and in the process, makes her own life better too.

Sure it's the same story. It's been done a million times before. I don't care one bit. :) It's well written. I was engaged from the first page until the last. I love how Elkeles keeps the story from the first book alive in the second by weaving Alex's and Brittany's story through Carlos' and Kiara's. And, of course, there's the happy ending. You know how I love those.

Book #18 - Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1)

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1), Simone Elkeles
360 pages
Romance
Started 2/18/12
Finished 2/18/12
4 STARS

The strange thing about this book is the lack of any "strangeness" - no werewolves, vampires, faeries, or any other supernatural beings. It doesn't take place in the future or the past either. This is, simply, a boy-meets-girl story set in present-day Chicago. How refreshing.

Alex is a Latino from the wrong side of the tracks (literally!). Brittany is the rich chick who has everything handed to her. Although there's more than meets the eye for both of these kids, they're both burdened by their preconceived notions and the constant buzzing in their ears from their friends and family. Then, they're forced together when they become lab partners in chemistry class (aha! the book title is so clever, isn't it?). As they each catch surprising glimpses into each other's lives, something more than a shared desire for an A in the class forms. Everyone around them has reasons why they can't be together. Heck - even THEY have reasons why they can't be together. But, of course they don't let that stop them, and they fight through the stereotypes, the socioeconomic boundaries, and the objections of everyone around them to find a way to be together.

Let me be clear. This book was very formulaic. It was predictable. It's been done many, many times before. But, dammit, it was a fun book. I might've been able to see the ending a mile away, but I found myself not really giving a crap. Sometimes the predictability of a book isn't as important as whether you're enjoying the ride to the very foreseeable end. And, I sure did. I loved watching the relationship bloom between Alex and Brittany. It was so sweet. And, when they got together in the end, I wanted to cheer for them. Sometimes we all need a guilty pleasure, and for me, this was it.