Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 120

{Blog Tour Book Review} CHASER by Kylie Scott

Chaser (Dive Bar #3) by Kylie Scott Blurb:Given his well-earned bad boy reputation, Eric is having a tough time scoring.. When single Jean moves to town, she seems heaven sent by the sex gods. Only problem is, she not only wants nothing to do with him, but it turns out that she's pregnant.
Starting over in a small town, Jean is determined to turn her wild lifestyle around and be the kind of mother she always wished she'd had. Since local bar owner and all round hottie, Eric Collins, is now determined to steer clear of her pregnant self, it should be easy. When she goes into labour during a snow storm and her car slides on some ice, it's Eric who comes to the rescue.
There seems to be a bond between them now, but is it enough? And can Eric give up his manwhore ways to be the man Jean needs?

GET YOUR COPY:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2nOeGFw
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XWF4528/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491148359&sr=8-1&keywords=chaser+kylie+scott
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chaser-Dive-Bar-Kylie-Scott/dp/1509806334/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1491148411&sr=1-1&keywords=chaser+kylie+scott
Books A Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781250083234
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250083234
iBooks: : https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/chaser/id1220173878?mt=11
My Review:With his skills behind the bar and his smooth-talking line, Eric Collins is a player and he wouldn't have it any other way. Or would he? With his friend/coworker Nell (with whom he shares a tragic past) on his case and his older brother Joe settling down with the right woman, Eric is determined to show them all that he can be boyfriend material.
Enter Jean. When Eric sees Jean walk into the Dive Bar he's immediately attracted to her, but on closer inspection Eric learns that Jean is pregnant. Twenty-two-year-old Jean left her home behind in Florida to start over fresh in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at the suggestion of her friend Nell whom she met on a pregnancy support site. The last thing she needs is a smooth-talking player like Eric hanging around and reminding her of the father of her unborn child.
As much as they try to avoid each other their attraction to one another is magnetic. Eric finds himself spending all of his free time with Jean and when she needs help the most, Eric is there to come to her rescue. Can spending time with Jean and her daughter Ada put an end to Eric's manwhore ways for good? Will the young, single mother make room in her life for the right man? Or will two visitors with an unreasonable request put an end to Eric and Jean's budding relationship before it has a chance to blossom?
As always with this author's books, I devoured Chaser. I loved Eric and thought he had tremendous character growth in this book. His determination to become the man his friends didn't believe he could be was well plotted and I loved his interactions with Jean's daughter. For a man who didn't want anything to do with children he was a natural with Ada. 
Eric and Jean's relationship was a slow-burning attracting that builds up until the smoldering scene in which the pair finally get together. And while sexy, it also shows the realities of finding "grown-up playtime" while having small children in the house.
Of course I love the cameo appearances of the Stage Dive guys, especially my bae Mal and I like how the two difference series mingle together in this series. It's being able to look back at your favorite rockers from the Stage Dive series and see how their lives are continuing now that their series is done.
One character I could have done without was Nell. I don't really understand her deal in this book. She's angry at Eric for what happened between them and to their child, but she comes off more like a vengeful ex that's determined to ruin any happiness Eric might find while at the same time trying to tell him to grow up and act responsible. The other issue I have, more with the author than the story, is her usage of the word "nappies" in reference to diapers. I know the author is Australian but this series is set in Idaho, in the United States. We don't use the word nappies here. We call them diapers. 
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I like all of this author's books but this one seemed more meaningful to me in a way. I thought Eric and Jean's story was beautiful.
My Rating:

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #114

This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading the second book in a trilogy I started and fell in love with earlier this year...

Deadly Secret (Sons of Broad #2) by Tara Thomas Blurb:SHE KNOWS THE TRUTH IS IN REACH
As a lawyer and aspiring Congresswoman, Bea likes to keep things professional. But she's hired to investigate past dark secrets embedded in the Benedict business empire - and, as secret wife to Knox Benedict, the job is about to become even more personal...
BUT THE CLOSER SHE GETS
Knox is the moral backbone of the Benedict family, but even a modern-day saint can have a mysterious side. He's out to win back his estranged secret wife - but getting close to her again could destroy them both.
THERE IS NOWHERE LEFT TO RUN...
As Bea and Knox dig up the truth, Bea falls deeper and deeper into danger. Someone close by is watching her - and waiting to kill. Can Knox save the woman he loves from the enemy out to destroy them? And can their marriage survive the deadliest secret of all?
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:I picked up this book because I loved Darkest Night and was dying to find out what happened next. I was also sent an eARC of Broken Promise (Sons of Broad #3) from the publisher so I have to catch up on book two before I can move on to book three. I didn't realize Bea and Knox were married and, I admit, that plot twist has me excited. The first line drew me into the story and I'm slowly unraveling the next piece of the puzzle that I assume won't be completely revealed until the third book. 

Book Review: Love Beyond Opposites by Molly E. Lee

Love Beyond Opposites (Grad Night #3) by Molly E. LeeBlurb: If high school has taught mathlete Jade Aaron anything, it's that nerds never get the guy. 
So when rock star Lennon Pryor starts pursuing her, It's not rocket science. This doesn't add up. 
I mean, sure, he's hot. 
And charming. 
And a god on the guitar...
But he's also the world's biggest player. Being with him would be a bigger mistake than 2+2=5. 
Until graduation night, when a reckless moment leads to a reckless kiss. And now Jade's falling for the one guy destined to break her heart.
My Review:Jade Aaron is a mathlete, a nerd, the type of girl Lennon Pryor would never in a million years be interested in - or so she thinks. With gradation coming up she can't wait to get to UCLA and be able to pursue the art degree her mother thinks is a waste of time. She should be pursuing a more logical degree in mathematics. But just once Jade wants to live a little. Starting with attending Lennon Pryor's graduation bash.
Lennon Pryor has his eye on the prize, he's thisclose to signing a record deal for his band with a label that will extend their three-month tour opening for the BlackHats and get them an album. He doesn't have time to start a relationship he'll just end up abandoning. But he can't stop thinking about Jade Aaron, the girl he's wanted to be with since the first time he saw her freshman year.
It's graduation night, and it will be a wild, life changing ride.
I really loved this book. When I requested it I didn't realize it was the third book in (what I believe is) a trilogy but this book can be read as a standalone. I love any book where the male main character is a rock star and this book shows Lennon on the brink of stardom and not wanting to miss out on the girl he's always wanted. 
I loved that Jade was an artist who was working on a graphic novel, it made her such a cool character. Jade's mother, on the other hand, was so out of line in the beginning trying to discourage Jade's passion. I hate parent characters like that but it seems to be a popular trope. 
This book is a fun, fast read. I devoured it in an afternoon on a snow day and the time flew by. 
Overall, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, cute read about getting a chance with someone you never thought would be interested in you.
My Rating:

{Release Day Blitz} EVERWYLDE by Donna Grant

Today I'm thrilled to help spread the word about the release of the next book in Donna Grant's Kindred Series, EVERWYLDE!


EVERWYLDEAuthor: Donna GrantRelease Date: April 16, 2018Genre: Historical paranormal romance
Blurb:Re-enter the world of New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant’s spellbinding Kindred series. 
To live in the light they hunt in the dark… 
Strong-willed and cunning, Ravyn was taken in as a child by witch Hunters and raised her to be the best of the best. When she receives word that the witch who murdered her family and ripped apart her world is nearby, Ravyn begins her hunt. In her quest to locate the witch, she finds her pursuit impeded again and again by a gorgeous and powerful man. But she won’t be denied and intends to do whatever is necessary to complete her mission. But the Coven is more dangerous than ever, and Ravyn may not be enough to thwart their latest endeavor. 
Carac has spent years building his army and winning wars to become known as one of the greatest knights of his time. But he holds a big secret. Everything he’s worked for comes into question when he’s faced with a threat he hadn’t known existed. He suddenly finds his mission changed after he’s approached by the most spirited and beautiful woman he’s ever seen. It’s soon apparent that priceless antiquities are only the beginning of what they’re fighting for—and what they stand to lose.

Get Your Copy!Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2HHApWV
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2HHTjNj
iBooks: https://apple.co/2HIj4xc Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2HD00QU
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2HHyOjX
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/2HGw7iH

About Donna Grant: Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty-five novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae. 
In addition to her novels, Donna has written over forty short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews. 
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews. 
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters. 
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes. 
Website - http://www.donnagrant.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/donna_grant
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dgauthor/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141209.Donna_Grant
Tumblr - http://donnagrantauthor.tumblr.com/

{Cover Reveal} ABSINTHE OF THE HEART by Monica James

Today I'm helping Monica James reveal the cover of her upcoming novel, ABSINTHE OF THE HEART!

Blurb:Absinthe Of The Heart by Monica James is the first book in the Sins of the Heart series. 
Two households, unlike in dignity, in the City of Angels is where we lay our scene… 
London Sinclair was the boy my mother warned me about for as long as I can remember. His name alone has brought my family nothing but shame and suffering, so it’s no surprise we’ve been sworn enemies since the first moment we met. 
With his bedroom eyes and cocky smile, he has all the girls under his spell. I have one more year of school left, and then I’m home free because I’m guarding a secret, one I’m ashamed to keep. 
The boy who is completely off-limits is the one who drives me, Holland Brooks, wild. I want London, and I think…he wants me, too. 
Some may compare it to a Shakespearian tragedy, as our surnames have fated our future, but when a single night changes my life forever, I can’t leave the City of Angels fast enough. 
Ten years later, I have atoned for my sins and return to Los Angeles a changed woman. I’ve come home to get married. But the moment London walks back into my life, one thing is clear. Ten years can’t undo that night—that single, sinful night when I gave into temptation—because I want to do it again. 
LINKSGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39653107-absinthe-of-the-heart
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CDD5QT7?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660
EXCERPT:Before I get a chance to scold him, he presses his chest to mine and slowly reaches behind me. We’re caught in a deadlock. I’m barely breathing while he licks his bowed upper lip, unaffected. I shuffle backward, uncaring that I’ll probably fall off the edge because that alternative is far better than burying my nose into the length of his neck. He smells so good. I just want to take a bite. 
But up goes my guard as I refuse to succumb to this insanity a second longer. “This is a new low, even for you. Manhandling a defenseless, injured woman.” 
He has the gall to laugh. “You? Defenseless? That is one word I would never associate with you, Princess.” When that momentous nickname slips past his lips, we both freeze, him gingerly meeting my eyes. 
A thousand emotions are reflected deep within those shadowy depths, transporting us both back to being seventeen. And just like that, my walls crumble. He clears his throat while I avert my eyes, focusing on a lone beer bottle cap on the floor. 
There are bottles clinking and some sort of rustling happening behind me, but I don’t dare turn around to see what the commotion is. When he finally pulls away, I take a breath, but it’s in vain because he drops to his knees before me. 
I have no idea what he’s doing until he lifts my injured ankle and presses a dishcloth filled with ice to the swollen flesh. The relief is instant, so I don’t fight it. I watch as he tends to me, on his knees, as it’s a sight I never thought I’d see. I envisioned London on his knees, begging for forgiveness more times than I care to admit, but this is different. 
Something is selfless, almost repentant about his actions, and I can’t take pleasure in seeing him this way. 
“Here.” He breaks the silence when he offers me his cell from his back pocket. My brain short-circuits. Not only is he tending to my wounds, but he’s now giving me a lifeline to get the hell out of here. But now that it’s within reach, I don’t want it as desperately as I thought I did. 
Regardless, I accept the offering. The screen lights up with a picture of an adorable black Labrador. I don’t know why, but it throws me. 
This is a part of London’s life, and I begin to wonder what else he holds close to his heart. 
Over the past ten years, I exorcised London from every crevice of my mind and body, never allowing myself to slip back into the past. But being here now, I can’t help but be curious, especially because he looks different…he looks happy.
Absinthe of The Heart by Monica James will be released on May 14!
ABOUT MONICA JAMES:Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life. She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends. 
http://www.facebook.com/authormonicaj...
Twitter: @monicajames81
http://monicajamesbooks.blogspot.com.au/

#BookTag Saturday: The ACOTAR Book Tag

I'm continuing the theme of book tags inspired by some of my favorite books and series this week with the...

The ACOTAR Book Tag was created by Crazy4Books.

1. High Fae: Recent Favorite Magical or Fantasy Book
A: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
2. Beast: Your Favorite Fictional Bad Boy
A: The Darkling (Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo)
3. Hunteress: Favorite Kickass Female Character
A: Elena Michaels (Women of the Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong)
4. Riddle: Book With a Great Twist
A: As She Fades by Abbi Glines
5. Bogge: A Book that Gave You Nightmares
A. Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics (Man eating pigs. Enough said.)
6. Naga: Favorite Book Monster
A. Does the Bone Carver Count? (A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas)
7. Rose and Thorns: Favorite Love Hate Relationship
A: Matthias and Nina (Six of Crows), The Darkling and Alina (Grisha Trilogy), Feyre and Rhysand (ACOTAR Series)
8. Spring Court: Book that Reminds You of Home or makes you Nostalgic
A: Boy Heaven by Laura Kasischke 
9. Painting: Book With The Best Descriptions
A: The Heart Forger by Rin Chupeco
10. Curse: Favorite Retelling
A: RoseBlood by A.G. Howard

Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows (Six of Crows Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo Blurb:Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price–and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.
My Review:Welcome to the Barrel, the slums of Ketterdam. A place ruled by gangs and filled with gambling dens and pleasure houses. And at the center of the Barrel is possibly the most powerful gang of all - the Dregs led by criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is infamous in the Barrel, there's not a job he won't take and he has an uncanny ability to unearth dirt on anyone to use as leverage. 
When Kaz is presented with an impossible mission, breaking into the impenetrable Ice Court of Fjerda to retrieve a Shu scientist capable of creating jurda parem - an addictive drug that heightens Grisha abilities and turns them into weapons - Kaz sees a huge pay day, 30 million kruge. 
All he needs is to assemble a crew... 
Inej, a Suli girl known for her ability to fade into the shadows and gather information. Jesper, a sharpshooter deeply in debt and needing a big payout. Wylan, the son of a merchant who knows his way around explosives. Nina, a Grisha trying to make amends to a man she's done wrong. And Matthias, a convict out for revenge. 
But can they achieve the impossible, break the scientist out of the Ice Court and come out alive on the other side? Or will their best laid plans blow up in their faces. This quest is more dangerous than anything they've faced before, but what is life without a little danger?
I'm actually surprised by how much I loved this book. I waited a long time before deciding to read this book and it was only after reading and loving the Grisha Trilogy that I decided to give it a chance. Before I might have said I liked that series better but I love them both equally. I love the worldbuilding and character development in this book, each character shines in their own way, although I would have liked to have seen sections in Wylan's perspective. Maybe in the next book?
I both liked and disliked the passages that delved into the character's pasts and how they ended up with the Dregs. They showed the origins and paths the characters took that led them to who they would become but at times I found them a little boring. The storyline moved steadily for the most part but I felt like it took me a long time to actually get through this book. 
Overall, this book surprised me. It kept me hooked and invested in whether the crew could pull off the heist or get caught in the process and the ending has me eager to get the next book and see how it ends. 
My Rating:

{Cover Reveal}: ONE GOOD MAN by Emma Scott

Today I'm helping InkSlinger PR and Emma Scott reveal the cover of her upcoming novella, ONE GOOD MAN!
ONE GOOD MAN BY Emma ScottRelease Day: April 19 
Blurb:It’s spring, 1970. The Vietnam War has been raging for years with no end in sight. Janey Martin, a California college student and aspiring journalist is tired of writing puff pieces about her university men’s sports teams. She wants to be taken seriously as a journalist and as a woman. With riots at their doorstep, her wealthy father sends Janey to the Sorbonne in Paris to finish her college education away from the chaos. 
Janey is reluctant to leave the Big Story that is Vietnam, but vows to prove herself. Much to her dismay, her first assignment is to interview the hotshot star forward of a local soccer team. Janey is sure Adrien Rousseau is going to be like every other playboy jock she’s ever dealt with, but quickly learns there is much more to Adrien than meets the eye. 
The mysterious, sexy footballer just might be the biggest story of Janey’s life.
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37684681-one-good-man
SIGN UP FOR LIVE RELEASE ALERT: http://bit.ly/2nTGLf6
ABOUT EMMA SCOTT Emma Scott is a bestselling author of emotional, character-driven romances in which art and love intertwine to heal, and in which love always wins. If you enjoy thoughtful, realistic stories with diverse characters and kind-hearted heroes, you will enjoy my novels. 
NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2nTGLf6
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaScottwrites/
WEBSITE: http://emmascottblog.blogspot.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/EmmaS_writes
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emmascottwrites/?hl=en
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/906742879369651/
AMAZON PAGE: https://amzn.to/2IHnfcN

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #113

This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm 2/3 through with a popular book that I finally caved and read and I'm also re listening to Caraval in audiobook ahead of Legendary's May release (and yes, I've preordered!). This is what I'm reading this week...

Six of Crows (Six of Crows Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo Blurb:Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price–and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:I finally caved and picked up this book at the library because it seems like everyone in the world has read and loved this book except me and I was finally ready to give it a chance. I debated between getting the audiobook and buying the new paperback edition off Amazon but decided to check it out from the library first. I'm actually surprised that I like it as much as I do. I don't like it as much as the Grisha trilogy, but I'm invested in the storyline and the characters and I'm interested to see if the crew can make it into the Ice Court and break Bo Yul-Bayur out. There are sections of this book that seem to lag as the characters delve back into their pasts but I'm learning to get used to it. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books I Loved But Will Never Reread

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Enjoyed But Have No Plans to Reread... Ever.
This week's TTT is all about books that I've read and liked but don't plan to read again. Some books I can reread over and over again, while others I enjoy - sometimes even LOVE - but it's more of a once and done read for me...
1. The Harry Potter Series I'm probably one of the few bookworms alive that isn't obsessed with this series. I read them, they were fine, I wouldn't do it again. I tried. I couldn't get past page 4 of the first book. 2. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer Okay, this one I may reread someday, just to see what I think of it as an adult.3. Just An Illusion: EP by D. Kelly This book was beautifully written but it broke me emotionally. It's not good for my emotional health to try to reread it. 4. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher I liked the Netflix show better than the book, I thought the tv show elaborated on and gave more meat to what I just consider a story of bones, a outline of what the story could be. I also really didn't care for or feel sympathy for Hannah, the reasons she gave for committing suicide were a bit melodramatic. 5. Fallen by Lauren Kate I loved this series as a teenager, and I actually liked the movie when I watched it last year, but I think I just outgrew the series and I now dislike the angels and demons aspect which is basically the whole storyline. 6. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman This book was okay, but it's very depressing overall and I try to avoid books like that. 7. Divergent by Veronica Roth While Divergent was okay, this trilogy lost me about 1/4 into Insurgent and I hated what the author did to the main character halfway through Allegiant so I probably won't ever reread this book. Oh, and the movie sucked. 8. Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia Beautiful Creatures is one of those rare book-to-movie adaptations where I prefer the movie over the book. On the other hand, I would definitely reread the manga of this book! 9. Hereafter by Tara Hudson I liked this trilogy but I don't like how the author chose to end the third book. I was hoping for a different outcome so I don't think I could sit through reading the books again.10. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks I loved the book but Miley Cyrus and the movie edition killed my love for this book. I can't believe Nicholas Sparks wrote this book to make a movie role for her. *gags*
What are some books you've read but wouldn't read again? Is it because you didn't enjoy them? Don't have the time to read a massive book a second time? Don't want to ruin your first impression of the book?Let me know in the comments or drop a link to your answers!-