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!

Time for a much needed UPDATE!

Hello to everyone who still follows, stops by blog, reads the posts, authors who still reach out for spotlights and review requests...

I must say I am terribly sorry for disappearing once again. It was probably this time of the year, last year, where I started to drift off. I was having a tough time getting into books and lost interest for awhile. It's not anyone's fault, I think I just forgot why I loved to read and ended up stopping for awhile.

When the 2014 rolled around, I decided I wanted to get back into the blogging world after being gone for a couple of months. It was obvious that I wasn't into it 100%, and it can be seen by the amount of posts I had. But I tried to juggle reading and blogging and reviewing all the while dealing with my final semester in university. I got pretty steady with playing catch up reading and reviews around February and March.

It wasn't until the end of March when things started to get bad in my personal life. My dad had a stroke which led him to be immobile on his left side. The stress of his stroke and of school had me in the hospital for a day. While my dad was in the hospital recovering, I was arranging my International Experience to study abroad for a week during spring break. It couldn't be held off since I needed to go to graduate in May. So I had to leave for Germany while I left my dad in the care of a rehab center so he could gain the strength back on his left side.

I had a great time in Germany, met new people, and saw new sites. It was an adventure I never even dreamed I would have ever had the chance to experience. So because of my dad's condition, the school and my Germany trip, reading and blogging took a back slide. I tried to read a bit here and there, but when your mind was elsewhere, it was hard. Coming back from Germany was still a struggle. My dad wanted to go home, I still had final exams and graduation to worry about. But my dad recovered immensely and he still continued to recover today.

When graduation hit, I felt accomplished. Like another chapter in my life has finished. I hoped that over the summer I would catch up with all my unread review books and I was starting to. It was a slow process. I was enjoying being school free while I took care of my dad since he was finally able to come home from the center a few days before I graduated. He sadly, couldn't come to my graduation, but that's all in the past and I have moved on from it.

It was until the end of June and beginning of July hit that I needed to get a job. My boyfriend applied me, I got an interview and I got hired. It's my first job. I know...23 years old and you only had a job now? Crazy right?! My dad was adamant of me not getting a job and focusing on school until I got my coveted degree in Health Science. So I knew that I didn't have the experience yet to go after a job under my degree. I thought working wouldn't take up so much of my time. I thought other bloggers had college and jobs and blogged too, so maybe I could do it too. I wasn't entirely wrong. I thought I could do it, but I didn't realize how tired I was all the time.

I still am tired all the time. I've been working at Subway as a Sandwich Artist since July. It's not exactly a hard job, but it's not easy either. The schedules are mixed up so one day I work in the morning, the next maybe in the afternoon, and then maybe again in the morning the next day, and maybe the next day I'm closing the store. I know it's a lame excuse to say that that I'm tired, that I don't have the time or energy. I'm working on it. I'm still reading. I've been writing reviews here and there, I just haven't had the energy to actually make a blog post.

I am behind on reading and reviewing and posting, but I found that being away from the blog has left me to enjoy the easy pace of reading. Of being able to draw out a book for a long period or read it in a day if I can and not worry about taking notes, or reviewing or blog posts. But I also have missed being involved. Being able to chat with bloggers and authors about books. I missed being up to date on the latest books and adding them on my TBR/wish list.

With all that, I'm not quite sure when I'll be truly back. Just know that I will be popping up here and there. For now, I'm closing my review requests. I'll be on twitter more, I promise. And again, I am sorry for being MIA, a lot. I appreciate those who still follow me and come by and talk to me on twitter. You guys are great and you'll always be the reason for coming back.

If you guys don't mind, send me some recommendations I may have missed out on! Love you guys xoxo

Release Day Launch: ROWDY by Jay Crownover

 

We are over the moon excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for ROWDY by Jay Crownover!! ROWDY is the fifth novel in her Marked Men Series published by William Morrow, and imprint of HarperCollins and you do NOT want to miss it!

ROWDY by Jay Crownover (Marked Men #5)

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.

Amazon / iBooks / B&N / Kobo / IndieBound

EXCERPT-

WHEN I PUT THE key he had given me in the door to his apartment it felt like the end of a long journey. Really it was only a little over twelve hours and I had stopped to nap once along the way, but it still felt like too long since I had seen his face or been able to touch all that toned and tattooed skin. Jimbo greeted me at the door when I pushed it open. His tongue lolled out of his mouth and he jumped up and put his paws on my legs. He was going to be huge when he finally grew into his fuzzy body and I was overwhelmed at how happy I was to see him. I dropped to my knees and rubbed my face in his neck as he licked me all over my face. I was obviously missed and I had to say it was just one more reason I knew I was finally where I was supposed to be. It was late, so the apartment was dark.

I checked the dog’s food and water, trying to be quiet in case Rowdy was already asleep. I was winding my way toward his bedroom when a haphazardly discarded sketch pad lying on the couch caught my eye in the dim light. I paused for a minute to pick it up and felt my heart stop and then start to race as I flipped through the first few pages. There were a couple of drawings that were obviously for clients, tattoos that hadn’t made it from paper to skin yet, but most of the pristine white pages were covered with images wearing my face. There was mermaid me, and naughty- sailor- girl me. There was sassy Indian girl me with long Pocahontas braids and there was sexy devil me standing next to angelic me. There were dozens of them all in different shapes and sizes, but every single image was undoubtedly modeled after my distinct look. I wasn’t sure if he had drawn them all over this last week while I had been gone or over the months we had been chasing each other in circles.

Either way it made my heart swell and the full certainty that I was it for him settle deep inside my bones. I set the pad down and tiptoed through the hall. Jimbo took one look at where I was going and huffed out a disgusted- sounding snort. The poor guy had learned early on that he wanted no part of what happened between his humans when they were together in the bedroom. The light was off and Rowdy was sprawled on his stomach across the covers. His blond hair was sticking up every- where and he hand one arm bent up under his head. The only thing that could have made the sight better would have been if he hadn’t bothered with the black boxers before crashing out.

Even with them obscuring the view, I couldn’t complain. I let out a breathless sigh and crept closer so that I could lean over and touch my lips to that anchor on the side of his neck. I felt his pulse leap and tasted the salt on his skin as he murmured sleepily and rolled over onto his back. Those infinitely blue eyes glowed at me in the dark as a grin pulled up the corner of his mouth.

“Hey.”

About Jay Crownover

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She will also be introducing the dark and sexy world of The Point in a new series this summer starting with ROWDY. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.       

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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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

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