REVIEW: 99 Days by Katie Cotugno

99 Days by Katie Cotugno
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Day: April 21, 2015
Source: Edelweiss*
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon

Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that’s how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.

Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn’t finished. I’m expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it’s just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. “For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow,” he says, “I’m really glad you’re back.”

Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me. 

My thoughts, feelings and reactions

Katie Cotugno had me at her first novel, How to Love, and even more so with her second in 99 Days. I was consumed, enamored, and swept up in the craziness of Molly’s summer back home. I couldn’t wait to finish her story. 



Can I just say that Molly’s love life was one big unexpected roller coaster ride?! It was very  compelling to read because throughout the book, she struggles with the stares, the whispered remarks, the cruelty of her old friends turning on her all the while having the Donnelly brothers back on her radar. She tries her hardest to get through the days that she has until she goes back to school. During this summer back home, Molly tries to find herself, figure out what she wants in life, mend the friendships she lost, and ultimately decide whether to fix what was broken between her and the Donnelly brothers. 



Right off the bat I knew that Molly would be a tough character. I would have either disliked her from what she did or go head first into her world and see her side of the things. So I have to say that reading 99 Days, you will need an open mind about Molly because I promise that Cotugno will show you the truth. And while the truth is not easy to read you will develop a totally different perspective and understanding in Molly’s situation. 

99 Days is not just about Molly getting through those days, but showing you what lead to Molly and Gabe’s indiscretion. Molly is not perfect by any means and she does make some major mistakes in this book. But for all the wrong choices she made, I still loved her. She was still a bright, smart young girl who had a lot to offer. She didn’t just mope around or hide all summer. She actually made her 99 days work for her. And even with what happened between her and the Donnelly boys, she didn’t deserved to be ridiculed and bullied or driven away from her home. 



I also thought this book really showed the unfairness of how Molly got all the backlash, all the hate while Gabe barely had any. No one that was really close to Molly put a stop to it. It was not to say that Gabe didn’t have any sort of consequence with what happened, but it was plainly obvious that it wasn’t as harsh as the way Molly was tormented. She wasn’t the only at fault, but in a situation like this, she was put as the ultimate bad guy for coming in between the brothers. It really sucked to have to see all that hate geared toward Molly.



99 Days is not a second chance love story, and in my opinion I don’t think it’s a love story at all. Sure, there was romance, but that wasn’t the point or the message I read in between the lines. I thought it was about forgiveness, friendship, and self-discovery. It was about learning from one’s mistakes and becoming the bigger, better person. And I think Molly did that. Like I said, she’s not such an easy character to love or even like, but you really learn to see her side of things, you feel for her as a person.



Overall, I thought 99 Days was a really good book. You have to read Molly’s story to understand the bigger picture between her and the Donnelly boys. I think readers will appreciate a character who makes huge mistakes as a human can do and learn to deal and move forward because of it. 

*Thanks to HarperTeen for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

REVIEW: Better Than Perfect by Melissa Kantor

Better Than Perfect by Melissa Kantor
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Source: Edelweiss*
Rating: 2.5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Juliet Newman has it all. A picture-perfect family; a handsome, loving boyfriend; and a foolproof life plan: ace her SATs, get accepted into Harvard early decision, and live happily ever after.

But when her dad moves out and her mom loses it, Juliet begins questioning the rules she’s always lived by. And to make everything even more complicated there’s Declan, the gorgeous boy who makes her feel alive and spontaneous—and who’s totally off-limits. Torn between the life she always thought she wanted and one she never knew was possible, Juliet begins to wonder: What if perfect isn't all it’s cracked up to be?

Melissa Kantor once again delivers a tale that is equal parts surprising, humorous, heartbreaking, and romantic. Powerful and honest, Juliet’s story brilliantly portrays the highs and lows of life in high school and will resonate with any reader who has experienced either. 

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

I fell in love with Melissa Kantor’s Maybe One Day. It tugged on my heart strings and stayed with me long after I finished the novel. It was only natural for me to be intrigued by her following book, Better Than Perfect. I was excited to dive into the book and I was ready for many emotions to come pouring out of the page. Sadly, I did not get the feels from Better than Perfect the way I did with Maybe One Day. 



Better Than Perfect hints on the realization that the aspirations and dreams that a person strived for isn’t what they wanted after all. This is all seen through the main character, Juliet, who supposedly leads a perfect life with a good family and loving boyfriend and a bright future at a prestige university. While this all seemed something I or anyone could relate to, my detachment and utter lack of concern or care for Juliet was impossible to ignore. 

It was already apparent that Juliet didn’t have a perfect life (who does anyway?) and was not entirely happy with the lot she had. Throughout the course of the book, Juliet faces the dilemma of deviating from all she has ever known and loved and planned while giving in to the urge to try something totally different like dying her hair and singing in a rock band. This all sounded oh so interesting, but lacked in delivery and development and left me bored. 



Many points, conflicts and topics get touched on like Juliet’s mother’s depression and her strained relationship with her father. Those were probably the best parts because of the way the whole perfect concept got shattered by her family. It was the pushing moment to get Juliet to explore other possibilities. However, it wasn’t the center of the book. Those family developments were few and far between and had me wishing there was just...more. The ultimate let down was Juliet’s journey to figure out what she wanted. She really just skated on by with her boyfriend, doing random things and most of the things she did and tried I forgot because they weren’t really important or worthy of remembrance. This especially goes for the misleading romance vibe I got from the summary with Declan. I thought it was a pointless plot line that didn’t tickle my fancy at all.



The message was supposed to be clear cut about being able to lead a life you want without hindrance but this got lost in the void with Juliet’s choices and how much I really couldn’t care for her feelings. I was mostly disappointed by her actions until the very end where she finally pulls herself together a little too late for my taste. 

*Thanks to HarperTeen for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

REVIEW: Solitaire by Alice Oseman

Solitaire by Alice Oseman
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: March 30, 2015
Source: Edelweiss*
Rating: 4/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N

In case you're wondering, this is not a love story.

My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that's all over now.

Now there's Solitaire. And Michael Holden.

I don't know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don't care about Michael Holden.
I really don't.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

To be quite honest, while I was reading Solitaire, I wasn’t exactly sure what in god’s name the book was really about and what the freaking point was until near the end. But I enjoyed the mysteriousness of what Solitaire was, how it was true to the tagline of not being a love story and how the writing felt like one flow of conversational thoughts that just clicked and worked for the main character. 



Meet a non optimistic, bored, teenaged girl in her Year 12 named Victoria Spring or Tori for short. I thought I wouldn’t like this girl, but the more she showed who she was, I sort of kind of fell for her. She had little quirks about herself that made her interesting such as her not liking people, how she really could care less about certain things, how she was awkward, how she hated the invention of the phone, but loves to blog. Tori was comically cynical and perpetually sarcastic, and her slightly pessimistic demeanor about school and her life in general was refreshing. She was snarky at her best and sleepy at her worst and I liked her for being so brutally honest and opinionated despite the fact that she hated reading books and Disney moves and  had an uncanny ability to have a negative comment about anything and everything. But she was entertaining, yet relatable because she struggled with school, starting conversations with people and making friends. She just felt like a genuine, authentic teenager you could meet these days. 



To counter the pessimistic attitude from Tori, there was Michael. He was the opposite of Tori in a lot of ways, but at the same time he also thought like her too. He just didn’t show it or voice it as much as she did on the outside. Michael was eccentric and loud at best and wacky and weird at his worst, which wasn’t really all that bad if you ask me. He would pop up at the most randomest of times and wouldn’t fail to find Tori and kind of make you laugh and put a smile on your face. There was just something about his oddness and his energetic nature that was hard to ignore. 



The only way to really find out about Solitaire is to just read, experience it, and take it all in. This goes for what Solitaire actually is in the book and the whole book itself. I felt this book was more about Tori and how she saw her life and other things and people and how she felt. There was no rhyme or reason to her thoughts or actions. Her inner thoughts and verbal monologues were super entertaining and full of sarcasm. With the mysteriousness of Solitaire this allowed the pacing and plot of the book to propel forward. There were also little side plot lines that took hold of my attention and I’m sure will do the same to other readers. There was definitely something edgy and realistic about the nature of Solitaire as a book and this definitely had to do with some of the topics of suicide, depression, etc. that got explored here. Like I said, the book’s tagline is true to its word, however, the lightness of Tori and Michael’s friendship really was adorable and quite hilarious so I don’t think the lack of a love story hinders it.



What really stood out with Solitaire is how authentic it is in teenage voice and mind. Nothing is sugar coated and Tori’s blunt responses and thoughts are sometimes uncalled for but they give a refreshing point of view. Solitaire is definitely a different book that many will have various thoughts and feelings on, but I for one really enjoyed it and had a good time reading it.

*Thanks HarperTeen for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

REVIEW: ROWDY by Jay Crownover

ROWDY by Jay Crownover (Marked Men #5)
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: October 21, 2014
Source: Edelweiss
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned.

Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister.

Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.

My Review

Oh Rowdy! I never thought the day would ever come that I finally got to read your book and get to know all about you and your Anchor tattoo and pompadour styled hair. You absolutely, positively, indefinitely, slay me. You really really do. You were everything I hoped you would be, book and character and so much more. So much more. What can I say, I was a big fan from book one til now and wowza, I seriously could not get enough of you!

I already knew there was something special and unique about Rowdy, as was for the Marked Men. But Rowdy had that eat your heart out, play boy, will never ever settle vibe going on and then and then...I get a glimpse of the broken hearted, I let the one pass me by side that had me wishing I could cuddle him to my side forever. His story and past became a mystery I wanted to uncover. Each bit I did unravel while reading this book had me irrevocably attached. I was hit by Rowdy’s compassion, his loyalty, his desire to loved and wanted and cherished. There was just more depth to his personality, to who he was as a person and as a man. He had some major vulnerabilities and insecurities that you wouldn’t have thought was there, but this just made him more human, more reachable as a fictional character. 

When it came to Rowdy’s romance with Salem, this was where he showed that broken side of him and the fear he harbored. Watching these two fall in love was beautiful. They weren’t perfect, both had issues to contend with whether it was from the past or the unknown future ahead of them. I liked that Rowdy and Salem had history. They had room to learn from their mistakes and grow to be independent people who can love one another. Salem was a great match for Rowdy. She was his perfect girl with her flirtatious nature and come right at you attitude. She was bossy, and witty, and caring all wrapped in her tattooed pin-up girl look that totally rocked. They worked even though they felt like it wasn’t going to and lets be honest, they were hot as hell together. They had the best chemistry and sexual tension that just built up nicely and exploded epically. Rowdy and Salem were just amazing together.

Jay Crownover continues to floor me with each and every book she delivers brilliantly in the Marked Men series. I always end up devouring the current book and aching for the next. It’s an addiction I refuse to shake off. Every book keeps giving glimpses of characters that I have fallen so deeply in love with and when it comes time for their turn to be front and center, it’s inevitable that my love for that character expands and extends and gives me all kinds of ooey gooey feels. And boooooy was I feeling them feels with Rowdy 100 percent of the way! 

ROWDY was exceptional and I cannot wait for more!

REVIEW: WILD by Sophie Jordan

WILD by Sophie Jordan (The Ivy Chronicles #3)
Publisher: Avon
Publication: November 18, 2014
Source: Edelweiss
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Months after her boyfriend dumped her, Georgia can still hear the insults he hurled at her. Boring. Predictable. Tame. Tired of feeling bad, she’s ready to change her image, and go a little wild. What better way to prove her ex wrong than a hot night of sexual adventure at the secret campus kink club?

In the shadowy den of the kink club, she unexpectedly runs into Logan Mulvaney, her friend’s little brother. A player extraordinaire too hot for his own good, he may be younger, but the guy is light years ahead when it comes to sexual experience. Now he’s telling her to go home—“good girls” don’t belong here!

Georgia is tired of having others define her. She’s going to teach Logan a lesson he won’t forget—one white hot, mind-wrecking kiss . . . that leads to another . . . and another . . . and. . . . Realizing she’s way in over her head, Georgia runs.

Only Logan won’t let her go. Everywhere she goes he’s there, making her want every inch of him. Making her forget who she is. Who he is. And just how wrong they are for each other. 

My Review

Oh my god someone hold the phone, because Wild by Sophie Jordan was the best of the best of the Ivy Chronicles trilogy and I just have to tell everyone how amazeballs it really was. I have to say that Jordan really outdid herself with this one. Hands down, Wild was one of my all time favorites.


This book was made by the unexpected and surprising pairing of Georgia and Logan. These two just rocked this book so thoroughly. Georgia was a gem. I liked her so much because she was a great friend, a warm and nice person in general and smart to boot. I loved seeing her try to step out of her shell and be a little wild and adventurous. Logan was a surprise altogether. After seeing him as a playboy in the first and second book, it took my breath away to see another side of him; an understanding, deeper, and gentle side at that. The dirty talking, super sexy, get you all hot and bothered side was to be expected, of course, but to read it an action was something else. Hot daaaaamn!


I also really loved how these two got to know each other while walking along the edge of their sexual tension. Logan brought out a more spontaneous side out of Georgia, whilst not making her do anything too drastic to change her true character. Georgia learned to embrace what she really wanted. She also learned that it was okay not to live up to every expectation and to deviate from them. Logan really helped Georgia to not fear the unknown or the disappointment that she may receive. Georgia got to see how big of a heart Logan really had, the softness and achilles heel he had when it came to caring for others. I just thought the change and the growth these two showed for each other and with each other was truly amazing. It was great that Jordan made room for readers to change their perspectives on these characters and allowed us to see something that was hidden behind the scenes when they weren’t front and center. 


There was a lot of push and pull in this book between Georgia and Logan, more push from her and more pull from him. Logan brought out the delicious side of things very nicely, if I do say so myself and Georgia was mostly the one that struggled with her impulses and feelings and fears. It wasn’t to say that Logan didn’t have his issues, but I thought he was more sure of what he wanted compared to Georgia. I get the hesitation from Georgia and while the set backs between them were frustrating, it was more than evident that it would be all worth the conflict and overbearing mothers and difficult fathers and kinky clubs in the end. 

All in all I thought Wild was the most satisfying of all three books in every way from getting to know Georgia and Logan, to the romance, to the delicious sexy times, and to the conflict and overall plot line. What’s best is that Jordan was very generous with the reappearances of Pepper and Reece and Emerson and Shaw. We get a little more of them and that made my heart super happy to know where they were going and doing next. Wild wraps up the series with a nice shiny bow of contentment. And though I will miss the characters in the series, I am not sad to see them all where they rightfully should be, blessed and full of happy ever afters. 

REVIEW: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: September 9, 2014
Source: Edelweiss
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare in this lush, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.

My Review

Illusions of Fate brought me back to the warm moment when I  finished and devoured Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy. It just brought me back to that place where I just knew I was reading something that good, something that hooked me beyond measure or explanation. Right from the get-go I was completely immersed into White’s latest novel that contained ample amount of whimsicality, magic and edge.

There are many things I love about the main character of this book. Jessamin was such a breath of fresh air, a surprise and a delight to read and be in her head. She wasn’t just independent or strong or brave. She was all that for sure but she was intelligent in a way that she was eager and ready to learn whether it be history, literature or magic. She had sass and snap and just the way she held her head high even when she was stared at or gossiped about made me admire her more and more. 

When it came to Finn, it wasn’t hard to fall in love with him. It was nearly effortless from his out of nowhere first appearance, to his charming personality and his eccentricity. There was just something about him that was so fascinating and magnetic and just gosh darn likable. I loved how he was just so flirtatious and slightly mad. I sort of liked the underlying unhinged powerful quality he exuded. When he wasn’t flirting, he was joking around and being so humorous and even a little naughty. 

My most favorite part of Illusions of Fate was the magic, the fantasy, and the intrigue. Jessamin gets thrust into the cold and rich world of Albion whilst leaving behind her warm and bright island of Melei. When comparing Albion to Melei, Albion lacked the inviting sun and the family traditions and gatherings. Avebury, where Jessamin  lived in Albion, was described thoroughly and richly from the architecture to the cold weather to the snooty people and their elegant attire. White even included how people of Albion treated those who come from the islands through Jessamin’s experiences and encounters of other people. How there was discrimination and prejudices from those with colored skin to those who are not as privileged to those who lacked the power Finn had. All of this just made this book inherently marvelous. 

The main plot was what really had me spellbound the further I got into the book because it just got better and better. It wasn’t just simple magic, it was a war of power and the villain, Downpike, was ready to do just about anything to get his hands on it. He was diabolical, vengeful, evil, and crazed. He was the perfect villain to the hero in Finn and the heroine in Jessamin. The conflict and revelational twists that surrounded these three was absolutely surprising and astounding. I never thought things would go that way and it was freaking awesome. 

My only gripe with this book had to be the romance. There was nothing wrong with it per se. I loved the development of Finn and Jessamin’s relationship and how both had to win over the other. I loved how they were beguiled by one another then at odds until they finally settled onto common ground of partnership and love. I just wish there was more of that romance. I needed just a little more to satisfy. Despite that, I was enchanted by their subtle romance anyhow. 

All in all I thought Illusions of Fate was nearly impeccable. Readers will enjoy the fantasy ride brought on by the magic feud between Finn and Downpike along with Jessamin’s smart thoughts and comebacks. There’s much to love when it comes to Illusions of Fate!

REVIEW: The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen (The Coincidence #2)
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Rating: 4/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

The dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is finally out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way to clear his name is for Callie to speak up-something he'll never ask her to do. Instead, he'll do whatever he must to protect her . . . even if it means letting go of the only girl he's ever loved.

Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But that means facing her greatest fear and admitting her own painful secrets aloud. The thought of breaking her silence terrifies her-but not as much as the thought of losing Kayden forever.

Deep in her heart, Callie knows the time has come for her and Kayden to forget the pain of the past. With the help of her friends Seth and Luke she makes a plan to show Kayden the life they could have. But can she convince him they can make a fresh start together-or is she already too late?

My Review

Breaking down The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen...



The Beginning


Redemption picks up where Coincidence left off with Callie worried and reeling and Kayden broken and almost at rock bottom. 



Callie


I’m probably most proud of her for being brave and strong for not just herself, but for Kayden as well. True to her word, Callie never judged Kayden, but supported him and helped him. She tried to be a strong person so she was able to save herself and save him. She mustered up all the courage she had and put herself out there and I was so amazed by her resilience. Callie wasn’t that quiet, meek, scared girl in Coincidence. She really steps up and out and speaks up. 



Kayden


I was aching for him because of what he did, what he went through and how he felt. It was his turn to finally be helped and saved and while it took him a few push and pull moments, Kayden followed through. He had a hard time and he struggled with his inner demons and continued to believe he wasn’t good enough. I was rooting for him to also have the courage to speak up, to help himself and move forward. With Callie’s help, he sees the potential in himself and his ability to just allow someone to understand him and be there for him. And even after everything Kayden has been through, he has always been a good person despite it all.



Friendship


As before, Redemption really celebrates friendship. Callie, Seth, Luke and Kayden have become each other’s little family. They hold no judgement towards each other, they respect the boundaries while still pushing the lines to move forward. They are there for each other without the need to share every little thing. It’s a friendship based on understanding, care and concern. They all share in their dark and especially in their light. I love that these four have made a path towards an even stronger bond with one another. 



The message


Sorensen really boasts the importance of friendship, love, and overcoming the fear of what the truth can bring and trusting that someone will listen and believe. She shows the real struggle and pain one can go through after traumatic events, how it is possible to heal and be loved, and that a happy ending small or big is within reach. 



All in all, I am happy where Callie and Kayden are right now, but I would not mind following their story even further. 



REVIEW: One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy

One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication Date: August 4, 2014
Source: Netgalley*
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Sometimes it’s good to be bad…

When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.

Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.

As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skylar’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.

My Review

One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy was one tantalizing, arousing, and hypnotic Brazen novel I simply could not get enough of. I loved everything from the tenacity of the characters, to the sensually heated sexy times and to the fling to relationship trope. 


Skylar was such a charming character. She was a perpetual good girl who decided to finally do something wild and crazy and out of the box. She was sarcastic, humorous and just a joy to get to know. What I loved most about Skylar was how she wormed her way into Gage’s life and heart. She joked around, she cared, she was concerned about his well being and she just oozed confidence in herself as a woman and as a person. 



Gage was a brooding, ominous, self efficient and self reliant kind of character. He was convinced that he couldn’t make an emotional connection with someone or even show affection they needed. While he was convinced of that, he showed that he was capable of more than that. He was sweet, sexy, and loving in so many ways. His only fault was not being able to rely on someone else, but he worked on that. He was a fighter, but he was a guy who was dependable and reliable, a guy who had heart even though he didn’t believe so. I loved him for being just an awesome guy all around despite his internal issues. 

Skylar and Gage’s interactions went from one night stand, to a fling, to a relationship that heated up every single time they were together. It was definitely electric fan and ice water needed worthy. They heated up the office in Gage’s night club, his bedroom, Skylar’s bedroom and even dark alleyways. Just their make out sessions alone were enough to be throughly seductive. Kennedy sure knows how to write them!



What I was really impressed with was how she subtly allowed these two to indulge in things they never thought they would ever do. It was refreshing to see Skylar be impulsive and Gage be affectionate. Skylar was the light to Gage’s darkness and she allowed her warmth and inviting nature into his troubled life and brought real happiness. I just loved how these two connected in and out of the bedroom.



All in all, I was so so so infatuated by this whole book and even more so with Kennedy’s writing. I’m ready to devour her next book for sure!


*Thanks to Entangled Brazen for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review

This does not effect my opinion of the book

My Brazen Addiction: the one with Duchess and Florence

Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey (Line of Duty #4)
Publication Date: November 25, 2013

The fighting was just foreplay...

Brent Mason and Hayden Winstead can't stand each other. She plans exclusive parties for her rich familys charities. He's a rough and tumble cop who rigs explosives for a living. Could two people be any less suited for conversation? They think not and prefer to keep it that way.

Unfortunately, their two best friends are deeply, disgustingly in love. Forced together, the mutual attraction simmering beneath the surface of Brent and Hayden's non-relationship grows with every argument until it explodes into a scintillating night of mind-blowing sex. And it wont be the last, as far as Brent's concerned.

Hayden has a secret, though. Her father's company is relying on a merger to save them from financial ruin, and only Hayden's marriage to the CEOs wealthy son can secure the deal. If she's to protect her family, she'll have to forget Brent. And he has no intention of being forgotten. 

Get Asking for Trouble: Amazon | B&N

Oh my sweet Florence and Duchess!! 

Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey was...asdfghjkl !! I can’t even. It was so effing good. Like I just took a bite out of the best chocolate bar I ever had the pleasure of biting into and then experiencing a foodgasm that rocked my world, the universe, and the stars shortly thereafter. Tessa Bailey just never fails to leave me thinking: damn, that was fucking amazing!


I have the biggest most softest soft spot for Brent since I met him in Officer of Limits. He totally had me rolling on the floor laughing from his jokes. It wasn’t any different in this book. In fact, he had me smitten for his goofball side and his sexy dirty talkin’ big woohoo in bed side. Because holy sweet mother of pearl, I was feeling tingles with Brent and not the my foot fell asleep tingles either if you know what I mean. Anyway, I loved Brent so much because he had those sides to him, but he also had this honorable, respectable, protector and provider side of him as well. He wasn’t just this big bad cop or a smug, cocky guy. He was just this sweetest thing. He was like a big fluffy teddy bear I wanted to wrap my whole body around. He loved his family, he was a great friend, he worked so so hard, and he was happy and he didn’t complain. He was just so freaking wonderful. 


"Be warned, though. If you take away the use of my hands I'll only make up for it with my mouth."

"If you have any doubt about my ability to fuck the ever-loving sarcasm right out of you, I'll be more than happy to clear it up."

Hayden was the perfect match for Brent. I adored Hayden because she wasn’t afraid to dish back the shit that Brent gave her. She was confident and strong and caring and selfless. She was just as funny as Brent. I freaking loved that they argued, teased, and made fun of one another. They acted like they hated each other, but it was so obvious that there was some underlying sexual tension ready to burst out. Like a rated R version of a boy pulling a girl’s pigtails because he totes liked her.


"You are an enormous dick."
"Correction. I have an enormous-" She hung up. 

The thing I loved most about Brent and Hayden being together was how they slowly saw how different they were. As they explored their sexual relationship, they got to know one another on a deeper level and their preconceived notions about each other were challenged. Brent thought he was beneath Hayden and that he didn’t belong in her world while Hayden thought Brent would only see her as a spoiled rich girl. These things were totally changed and though there was drama and angst and fights, I loved every single second of these two so so so much!

"Don't let the door hit you on your well-spanked ass on the way out."
"Your concern is touching, sweetheart. Miss you already."

On my bedroom scale from 

 (1) COLD: I’m just not feeling it to (5) HOT: I need a fan...


Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey was a freaking five: burning hot! I need a fan and some ice water and where in world is my boyfriend?! Tessa does not fail to bring the sexy and I mean triple x sexxxy. Holy banana cream pie were these sexy times smokin’! The best thing was how the power was balanced and thrown back between Brent and Hayden. Hayden would be in charge in bed (which was awesome) and then Brent would dominate (even more awesome) and my goddddd, help me I was dying. It was sensual and provocative and downright panty melting orgasmic worthy. I just neeeeeeed more. 

"I'm never soft around you, duchess."



The brazenly addicted verdict...


Tessa Bailey has done it again! Each book she comes out with just gets better and better. Asking for Trouble completely swept me off my feet, made my face hurt from the laughing and I’m pretty sure I nearly broke the highlight thingy majig on my Kindle because of all the quotes I wanted to save forever and ever. This book was the whole package and most definitely my favorite enemy to lovers trope ever.

 

P.S. Brent Mason you belong in my bed 24/7.


"I guess you haven't figured it out yet, huh? This week alone I let you cuff me, stuff me into a suit, and inflict me with Blue-Ball Syndrome."

Overall rating: 5 stars for Brent babyyyyyy


REVIEW: Indiscretion Volume One & Two by Elisabeth Grace

Indiscretion: Vol. 1 by Elisabeth Grace (Indiscretion #1)
Release Date: August 4, 2014
Source: InkSlingerPR & Author*
Rating: 4/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

F*ck and chuck. Pump and dump. Hit it and quit it. One night stand. Didn’t matter how I branded it—that’s all she had wanted it to be. That much was clear when she left me with my pants down and my dick still out.

What she hadn’t counted on was fate intervening and our worlds colliding—again.

The day I showed back up in the life of Chloe Griffins, I knew I had to have her again. My body was hungry for another taste. Like an addict, I’d been craving another hit for months, and there she was—flesh and bone, tits and ass.

The fact that she worked for the competition should’ve been reason enough for me to leave her alone. I had a job to do that summer and f*cking Chloe wasn’t part of it. But I was like a man possessed.

I’d do whatever it took to have her again.

My Review

Indiscretion Volume One by Elisabeth Grace three words: quick, steamy, and witty. Don’t mistake the shortness of this book with lack of depth because you get just about enough to get to know the characters while still keeping you wondering and needing to know more. 


I’m always intrigued by one night stands that turn into more because it seems so unlikely yet it kinda gives you that maybe-that-really-can-happen feeling. With Indiscretion Volume One, Chloe does something she’s never done before and not only did it blow her mind, it kind of made way for her to explore this sexual side of hers unselfishly without backlash. I really liked Chloe because she was driven and hardworking, someone who was ambitious yet stepped up to take care of her kid sister. And while she seemed like a super woman and sister, Chloe had her vulnerable side, her own insecurities and fears. What I saw in Chloe was someone who was human, someone who was really easy to connect with.

With Max, I felt there was still a lot more to know about him. However, what I got from him in this first book is someone who was equally ambitious and goal oriented as Chloe. Both of them really valued their career. At the same time, Max was very wealthy, but he tried not to let his money and his last name define him. He wanted to do things on his own and that included swaying Chloe to have some form of a relationship with him. Max definitely had the perfect mix of sweet, strong, and sexy man who dominated without being aggressive. 

Chloe and Max were a great match, they were very alike in values, drive, and goals but they were definitely from different worlds. Somehow they clicked and they really brought heat in the bedroom department. Each character had their own lovable quirks and together, they just really had it going on. 



All in all, Indiscretion Volume One was a great start towards this serial series and I’m excited to see how far Chloe and Max’s fling will go. 


________________________________________________________

Indiscretion: Vol. 2 by Elisabeth Grace (Indiscretion #2)

Release Date: August 18, 2014
Source: InkSlingerPR & Author*
Rating: 4/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Fraternizing with the competition? Check.

Risking everything I’d worked so hard for? Check.

Mind-shattering orgasms? Double check.

Max Richfield made me forget myself. Forget all the reasons why I'd chosen to be alone for so long. I had goals. I needed stability. He brought chaos. I’d taken years erecting my walls. And with good reason, I would soon discover.

Now my inability to see beyond Max’s charm could cost me everything.

My Review

Indiscretion Volume Two by Elisabeth Grace picks up right where the first installment left off. In this second book, things spice and heat up even more for Chloe and Max and I got even more insight on them together and individually.

Grace definitely ups the steam in volume two and makes way for feelings of romance to be experienced by the two as well. As Chloe and Max spent more and more time together, it started to get obvious that their fling was turning into something more. 



I really liked that again this book was quick, fast paced, and still allowed the exploration of the blurring lines and mixing of sex and emotions. The proximity, chemistry and connection Chloe and Max continue to be even more palpable and the fact that they were both experiencing feelings for one another was pretty awesome because the hesitation and fear felt genuine and completely authentic between two people getting to know each other still. 


And speaking of getting to know, we get glimpses of Chloe’s past and a bit of Max’s background. Again, I like that we don’t get the full effect just yet, but we get just enough of these two each and every time. 



The stakes get even higher and conflicts arise between Chloe and Max and this has me even more invested with these two! Overall, I’m on the edge of my seat and can’t wait to get volume three! 



Elisabeth Grace has done amazing so far and I’m loving it so much.



*Thanks to InkSlingerPR and Elisabeth Grace for sending copy in exchange for an honest review. 

This in no way effects my thoughts on the book(s).

REVIEW: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen (The Coincidence #1)
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Rating: 4/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck-and his life-might finally end... until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.

Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.

When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved...

My Review

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen is not a lighthearted book. It was an intense, heavy, and very dark novel that really brought out the demons, secrets and ugly lives a person may live and try to deal with. It really brought out the message to be strong enough to share the inner turmoil with someone you can trust. 

I was really aching for Callie and Kayden. Both had some serious issues that plagued them from early childhood and on. Callie withdrew from herself after a traumatizing event and had the hardest time trusting anyone else. Kayden struggled with a very rough home life and ended up dealing things in their own ways. While both of them struggled, they lived on in college and ended up opening themselves up to one another. Callie slowly trusted in Kayden and Kayden allowed himself to have an emotional connection with Callie. These characters were definitely broken, but not unfixable and they sure came a long way with the help of each other's company. 

Sorensen did a great job of weaving these heavy dark issues and balancing them out with a love story between the main characters. The characters are fleshed out and well developed and we get a chance to get into both their heads. While these two get to know each other, their secrets get revealed slowly while still keeping the suspense and their turmoil still on the rocks. So much is still yet to dealt with and also, there's still so much more to these characters than what meets the eye and I like that Sorensen left it that way. 

I also really loved the friendships in this book, especially the ones between Seth and Callie and Kayden and Luke. Together they were all silly and a force to be reckoned with, but apart they were also just as humorous and made way for a great amount of tension and comic relief. It really showed that though Callie and Kayden had trust issues, they both had someone else to fall back on, to talk to and they both valued the friendships. And when they all grew closer, they slowly became more than that. I thought it was pretty awesome.

Overall, I was throughly engrossed into The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden. I was intrigued by the characters, hooked by the plot line, and swayed by the chemistry in the romance. I definitely can’t wait to read book two!

REVIEW: How to Love by Katie Cotugno

How to Love by Katie Cotugno
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he's never seemed to notice that Reena even exists until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated-and pregnant-Reena behind.

After: Almost three years have passed, and there's a new love in Reena's life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena's gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she's finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn't want anything to do with him, though she'd be lying if she said Sawyer's being back wasn't stirring something in her. After everything that's happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

My Review

What I loved about How to Love by Katie Cotugno



1. Reena


I adored her from the very beginning and the more I got to know her, the more I wanted to be her friend so badly. She was quiet and reserved, intelligent, driven, and had a lot to learn when it came to love and relationships. I got to see how she was before the boy, during the boy and after the boy. I saw Reena kind of stumble through love and a weird undefined relationship and get hurt and grow up and all that jazz. I loved her because she was so real and flawed. She was a character who was smart and had goals but who made a few mistakes, lived on and tried to become someone better.


2. Sawyer


He was kind of the mystery boy, the enigma, the one to snag Reena’s heart and attention. I wasn’t quite sure what was up with him, but I knew he had some issues he needed to deal with instead of just run away from. I had a love and hate relationship with Sawyer because he could be the sweetest, deepest, cutest boyfriend towards Reena and then other times I wanted to bop him in the head for being so dumb and making dumb choices and tossing Reena around. But even though, like Reena, I had a soft spot for Sawyer. He wasn’t entirely bad and he did redeem himself in my eyes. 

I do wish for his own book because I'd love to get to know him more and get lost in his mind.

3. Romance


The relationship between Reena and Sawyer was an odd one because they just “hung out” most of the time, there wasn’t any labels until later on. Most of the time Reena didn’t know what they were and there was a lot of ups and downs. They were not the perfect couple and they fought a lot. Reena kind of conjured up this great ideal Sawyer she knew from childhood and as she got to know him, it was clear that he wasn’t like what she thought and vice versa. Still, they kind of made it work, but they struggled with letting each other in. Their romance to me was very genuine, something that couldn’t be defined clearly, yet you know it was there and you know it’s important and meaningful. They meant something to one another, but they just needed time to work their own issues out and grow up some more.



4. Reena & Hannah


These two were probably my favorite tandem and held the best moments in the book. Reena shined most when she was with Hannah. I felt the love she had for her daughter and though she lost her future plans, she gained a new one in Hannah. She never resented Hannah, but loved her so much. She wasn’t a perfect mother, but it was obvious how much Reena cared. Reena had to grow up and mature really quickly and I saw just how much she struggled, but rejoiced with Hannah. They were adorable together.
 


5. Before & After


How to Love was spilt between the time before Sawyer left and then after. This worked so well for the book because I got to see how Sawyer and Reena came to be, how unclear and rocky their relationship was and why Reena ended up being stronger, more mature after everything she went through. We get to see exactly what lead up to the events of Sawyer’s departure to his return and the affects this all had on Reena and how she coped. A lot of things are learned about Sawyer and Reena both individually and as a couple and this is drawn out wonderfully throughout the whole book at a really nice pace. And the best thing is that the before and afters alternate in a way that made sense as if the present Reena was thinking about the before events, like a day dream. It just worked so well and it made everything flow beautifully.



6. The Writing


Katie Cotugno did an incredible job of giving Reena a very distinct, clear, and personably voice. As I read the novel, I knew and felt it was Reena. There was something about Reena’s voice that immediately had me taken and so absorbed into her story so quickly. Cotguno completely developed Reena’s character and brought her out so throughly in the writing. It was amazing.
 


All in all, How to Love was an incredible story. It was engaging, thought provoking, and just relatable in many ways. There was just something about it that really captures the heart and keeps you glued to the very end. 


REVIEW: Seeking Her by Cora Carmack

Seeking Her by Cora Carmack (Losing It #3.5)
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

A few months after being honorably discharged from the military, Jackson Hunt is still struggling to adjust back to the real world. He needs to get a job and find a sense of normalcy if he’s going to keep his own demons at bay. The job that falls into his lap, though, is anything but normal.

Bodyguard (and baby-sitter) to spoiled-rich-girl Kelsey Summers isn’t exactly what he’d been looking for, but it’s a chance to travel, to get away from the home that has felt stifling ever since his return. It would be a pretty sweet gig if it weren’t for the fact that Kelsey’s father doesn’t want Kelsey to know she’s being followed. Hunt feels guilty (and a little bit creepy) as he watches her from afar. She’s vibrant and infuriating, exciting and reckless, mysterious and familiar. When he sees her falling into the same patterns that he suffered years ago, he decides it’s time to stop watching and help her instead. But getting to know her is more difficult than he thought, especially because the more he knows her, the more he wants her.

My Review

Seeking Her was a good prequel to Finding It. I didn’t really get to know Hunt in that book, but this one I got a sense of who he was. The good thing about Seeking Her was how it was not a retelling of Finding It. We follow Hunt just before Kelsey’s backpacking to Europe and just to the point where they finally meet in person. 

I was happy to see how tortured and imperfect Hunt was. I knew he was going through some stuff, but I didn’t really sympathize or understand until I read all about the depth of his emotions and all the demons he continued to battle. It was great to see how he saw Kelsey. There was something soft and deep about the way Hunt was. He saw things in a bad and good light and I liked that he was trying his hardest to be a good, better person for himself. 


While Seeking Her complements Finding It really well, I thought it was unnecessary to read and can be skipped without harm. I wish the book was longer, but then it would have been more of a retelling through Hunt’s eyes more than anything. While I did not completely love Seeking Her, I still appreciated being in Hunt’s head and getting a different perspective. 

All in all, Seeking Her was a good addition to the series. It only enhances it rather than hurts it, but it was not a need to read type of novel. 

Blog Tour: TEACHING ROMAN by Gennifer Albin

TEACHING ROMAN by Gennifer Albin (Good Girls Don't #2)

Publication Date: June 26, 2014

Rating: 5/5 stars

Get it: Amazon | B&N

Jessica Stone has her life in perfect order until her perfectly boring boyfriend Brett puts things in perspective. So when she receives a call to action from her heartbroken best friend Cassie, she ditches her plans for Winter Break in gloomy Olympic Falls and sets off to Mexico for some fun in the sun.

Determined to use her oceanview to prep for her MCATS, she doesn't plan to run into anyone from Olympic State, least of all the cute communications prof she's been crushing on for a year. When he unexpectedly saves the day, the two are thrown together in a distinctly extracurricular activity.

Roman Markson doesn’t expect to run into anyone he knows from Olympic Falls while visiting his family in Puerto Vallarta, especially not a former student. Although Jess Stone has a way of catching men’s attention, a relationship with her is strictly off-limits. However, the rules feel less strict in Mexico, so they agree to a plan: one week in paradise and nothing more.

But avoiding each other back on campus is harder than they anticipated, especially when they can’t stay away from one another. Neither is sure what they have to learn—and lose—before life teaches them a lesson they’ll never forget.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

It’s no secret that I absolutely unconditionally love and adore and cherish Gennifer Albin’s Catching Liam so freaking much. I love that book so much that I have been waiting anxiously for the next book in the Good Girls Don’t series for what seems like ever and I have to say that the wait was well worth it and more. 


Teaching Roman was everything I was hoping it would be and gossssssh, I was so so happy by how everything went down with Jess and Roman. These two characters were amazing and holy crap on a cracker, I was so taken by Roman like cray. He was nothing and all the things. He was gentle and intelligent and sexy and caring. Roman was so effing irresistible. 

Jess was a sweet girl who loved organization and lists and was very driven to be a doctor. She took a chance and a risk to be with Roman. It was so out of her character, something she thought she would never do, but I thought it really put her love life in perspective. I loved that she gave in to what she was feeling even though she was scared of the unknown. She made mistakes and did her fair share of running, but she made me proud in the end. Jess was a tough girl who knew what she wanted and she made sure of it when the time was right.

Roman and Jess were so adorbs, like no joke. I always love when flings turns into the real deal and with these two, it definitely was the real deal. They were so sweet and warm towards each other. They were the type of couple where it hurt to look at them yet you couldn't look away because they were perfection. I have to be honest that their romance development was pretty fast, but Roman and Jess just felt like they knew each other for so long. They clicked in some cosmic way both intelligently and romantically. And I have to say that Roman in bed...wow, can I be teacher’s pet? I was slightly jealous of Jess. What I loved about their relationship was the equality of it. Both of their dreams and ambitions were important to one another and there was a level of maturity that both had that a lot of relationships lacked. They were both willing to sacrifice something so that the other could fulfill their goals and I was touched by that a lot. Their relationship was very genuine, something I could tell that would last and not be fleeting.

Teaching Roman had its ups and downs and angst and drama and the best of tenderest moments with some really intense ones as well. The Roman and Jess love story was not easy, but it wasn’t as difficult as they thought it would be either and I was so throughly enamored by these two I was up for their back and forth anyhow. While no one can ever hold a candle and birthday cake towards by beloved Liam McAvoy, Roman does come real close.

All in all, I loved Teaching Roman with just the amount of enthusiasm as I did with Catching Liam. Gennifer Albin did not disappoint and I’m hoping to get Cassie’s book real real soon! 

Favorite Quotes

"Have you discovered some type of magic potion that reduces your need for sleep?"

"Hours and hours of amazing sex"

"Your shows? Are you a sixty year-old woman? Gonna do some Sudoku and start adopting cats?"

"Don't be a bitch."

"Don't be a sixty year-old woman!"

"...and I want a size report. What's Professor Markson packing under those khakis? Inquiring minds want to know."

"What on earth do we need batteries for?"

"I thought I would loan you my vibrator. It seems like you need it more than I do."

"I cook better than I screw." 

About the Author

Gennifer Albin holds a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri. A recovering academic, she turned to writing her own books.  In her free time she sits on the National Novel Writing Month Advisory Board, laughs (and cries) with her mom writers group, and watches too much Doctor Who (if that's possible). Gennifer lives in Poulsbo Washington with her family.

Website | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads

This blog tour was brought to you by InksSlinger PR