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!

Undeniably You by Jewel E. Ann Release Day Event

One crazy dog––one awkward vet––one naked pool guy––and one life-changing month in California to make friends, fall in love, and twist fate.

   

Who gets paid to walk a dog and recline by the pool all day? Sydney Montgomery, aspiring museum curator and professional house-sitter, that’s who.

   

When her aunt and uncle need a house and dog sitter for thirty days in Palo Alto, Sydney can’t turn down the chance to be closer to her sister in L.A. Within twenty-four hours of her arrival, Sydney’s cleaning up runny dog poo, taking an uncooperative pooch to a handsome yet awkward vet, and being rescued from the bottom of the pool by a naked “pool guy.”

   

Lautner, “pool guy,” has a hot body and a cool persona. With eyes of iridescent blue oceans, he is mesmerizing, sexy, and addictive. What he is not––the pool guy.

   

Dr. Lautner Sullivan is a college wide receiver turned pediatric resident. He knows how to woo a woman with flowers, pastries, and sweet tea. Lautner is every girl’s dream, but Sydney is not every girl. She’s immune to rainbows, fairytales, pixy dust, and the “L” word.

   

The attraction is immediate, the friendship is earned, and the love is undeniable. Thirty days is their forever, but forever is not long enough.

Release Date: August 18th, 2014

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER - Amazon

Excerpt:

I pour a glass of iced tea and start to walk toward the deck. Then I turn around and pour another glass. “Hospitality is a good thing,” I tell myself, needing only to convince the rational part of my brain.

“Tea?” I offer, walking over to the pool.

Aaron sets the skimmer net along the side of the pool.

“Thank you.” The smirk on his face is suspicious and makes me feel like I’m missing some inside joke. He takes the glass from me and I move past him to get a closer look at the pool because I can’t look at him without his shirt and not break into a sweat.

“What are you skimming?”

“Nothing really. I’m stirring the water,” he says matter-of-factly.

This guy is not for real. What does he mean by “stirring the water?” He’s up to something. It’s obvious why Aunt Elizabeth hired him. She must properly clean the pool after he leaves so Trevor doesn’t get suspicious and fire his ass … a very fine ass I will confess.

“And why is it you need to stir the water?” I turn toward him and my eyes dart straight to his broad muscular chest and well-defined abs all kissed by the sun. Jeez, he’s too perfect and I’m … something. Distracted? Mentally lethargic? Crazy? Horny? BINGO!

“So there’s an even consistency of chemicals when I test the water.”

My mouth is agape and I cannot stop looking at him. He bends down to physically capture my attention. Shit! I show no shame staring at his bare chest.

“Hello?” he says, forcing my eyes back to his.

Shaking the inappropriate thoughts from my head, I take a quick sip of my drink to mask my embarrassment.

“Do I need to put my shirt back on?”

I choke on my tea. “No––” I can’t stop coughing. “I mean––” Clearing my throat, I notice his cocky smile. “Put your shirt on or leave it off. Why would I care?”

God, Sydney, could you be a bigger disaster today? The flap of the dog door distracts me. Swarley leaps down the deck stairs. Aaron hunches down like a lineman in anticipation of his overzealous greeting. The problem is, as Swarley races closer I realize he’s not aiming for Aaron. He’s aiming for––

“Oh shit!” I’m catapulted backwards into the pool.

My body makes its descent to the bottom while I open my eyes to see the blurry magnification of Mr. Sex on Legs pool guy standing at the edge looking down at me. I’m considering seeing how long I can hold my breath. Maybe he’ll decide to leave and I can surface from the depths of my own personal Hell without an audience.

Yes! That’s it. I can do this.

I still hold many records from my high school swimming career. Holding my breath until he leaves should be easy. Unless he decides to be heroic and jumps in to save me. Not a bad scenario either. Then at least we’ll both be drenched in our clothes.

Like a leaky raft, I release my breath one bubble at a time and take a seat at the bottom of the pool. Ha! He’s emptying his pockets. Looks like I won’t be the only drowned rat. Wait. What the hell? No he’s not. Oh dear God, yes he is. Sex on legs dives into the pool, sans shorts and underwear! The two haunting notes from Jaws sound in my head while I scramble to the surface in the opposite direction, desperate to get away from him.

The sweet relief of air filling my lungs is squashed by the anxiety of being chased by a naked stranger.

“Oh my God! What are you doing?” A frantic yell breaks out with the remaining breath in my lungs while I swim toward the ladder, barely escaping him. I leap out of the pool with superhuman speed. Wrapping my arms around myself, I scramble to the pool house, my heart racing and my whole body shaking as I fumble for a towel.

“The water feels great today.” His voice sounds behind me.

I whip around and gasp, wide eyed. A wet, naked, sinful-as-a-hot-fudge-sundae body greets me a few feet away. Hands fisted, his arms are casually crossed at his wrists covering part of his junk in the front. The perfect cover to Sports Illustrated stands before me, and all I want to do is smack him across the face to wipe the stupid smirk off it. Then, of course, I want to jump him and rub every sensitive part of my body against his, because right now I’m so pissed and so turned on, I need to dive into the pool again before I self-combust.

“Finish up and get out,” I mumble as I toss him a towel and stomp toward the house. On my way, I pass Swarley beached out in a lounge chair by the pool.

“Evil demon dog!” I scowl at him.

 

Want more? Take a peek at the epilogue and chapter 1 of Undeniably You!

Undeniably You - Sneak Peek

 
About Jewel E. Ann

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.  

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

 

When she's not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

This post was brought to your by RockstarLit PR

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. 


Cover Reveal: Indiscretion Volume 2 & 3

We are so excited to reveal the cover of INDISCRETION: Volume Two and Volume Three by Elisabeth Grace today! INDISCRETION is a contemporary erotic romance being released in serial format - the first volume released on August 4th!

Check out the gorgeous covers below 

and find out a little more about what INDISCRETION is about!

About INDISCRETION: Volume Two

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. INDISCRETION: Volume Two releases August 18th – add it to your Goodreads list here!

Indiscretion: Volume Three releases September 1st - more details to come soon!
Indiscretion: Volume Four releases September 15th

Find out more about INDISCRETION: Volume One

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram 

If you're US based and you want to receive a text message when Elisabeth has a new book go LIVE, text ROMANCE to 313131!  

Release Day Blitz: Indiscretion Vol. 1

We're so excited to celebrate the release of INDISCRETION: VOLUME 1 by Elisabeth Grace! Make sure to get your hands on the first installment of this steamy serial!

About INDISCRETION: Volume One

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.

Add it to your Goodreads list here! Amazon (to come) | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

 Indiscretion: Volume Two releases August 18th
Indiscretion: Volume Three releases September 1st
Indiscretion: Volume Four releases September 15th

Excerpt:

“You do not need to bring that up.” Her eyes narrowed and I could tell she was pissed. “Really?” I raised an eyebrow. “Do you react this way to every man who gives you an orgasm? Or just the ones you choose to hit and run?" “I, what? I did not...” she stammered. Good. I had her off-kilter. At least now I knew the feeling was mutual. “Look, it’s fine.” I shrugged and grinned, showing her I wasn’t all that bad. “Why did you take off that night?” She looked at me, contemplating her answer. “I was embarrassed. I’ve never done anything like that before. I had a little too much to drink and let’s just say I wasn’t thinking clearly.” I took a step closer, my gaze locking on hers. My hand moved to her face and cupped her jaw. I couldn’t resist. “Oh, I’d say you were clear enough with me about what you wanted.” I grinned and inched closer to her. The heat between us was palpable. I enjoyed making her uncomfortable. Maybe it was payback for her having left me in the dust that night. Who am I kidding? It was the attraction that still pulsed between us, even months later, in the light of day and stone-cold sober. Her mouth dropped open. “Please, you were the one who kissed me first!” “True, but you were the one who straddled me like you were gearing up to ride bronco,” I said with a pretend laisse-faire tone. Ah, there was that adorable flush in her cheeks again, when it had just started to subside.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate the release of Indiscretion: Volume 1!

Join Elisabeth Grace and other authors, readers, and bloggers tonight, August 4th, from 5pm to 11pm EST to celebrate the release of INDISCRETION: VOLUME 1! Here's the current line up of events - you can join in here! 5-5:45 pm -- Brooke Cumberland
5:45pm - 6:30pm -- C.d. Reiss
6:30pm - 7:15pm -- Keshia Langston 7:15pm - 8:00pm -- Michelle Lynn-Author 8:00pm - 8:45pm -- Livia Jamerlan 8:45pm - 9:30pm -- Faith Andrews w/Tracey from K & T Book Reviews 9:30pm - 10:15pm -- Corinne Michaels w/Trish from Schmexy Girl Book Blog 10:15pm - 11:00pm -- B.a. Wolfe w/Stacia from Three Girls and a Book Obsession

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram

If you're US based and you want to receive a text message when Elisabeth has a new book go LIVE, text ROMANCE to 313131!