Challenge: 50 Books discussion
Finish Line 2012!
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Nance's 2012 50plus Books Read in 365 Days!
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44. Perfection (A Neighbor from Hell #2) written by R.L. Mathewson (Contemporary Romance) 5 starsZoe O’Shea is not the most attractive person and she doesn’t have the most appealing body...but she is honest and true, and, most important, she’s beautiful on the inside. Life just doesn’t go her way when she loses her job for trying to tell the truth, and then, after driving home in the pouring rain, she’s upset that her window falls off its track in her car, and she can’t roll it up. And, to make matters worse, her parking spot is taken, and she gets soaked from a passing car that speeds by her. Now all she needs is for her hotshot neighbor, Trevor Bradford, to bother her too! Probably stole her newspaper again...the bugger! Uggh!! And now, to top it all off, Zoe orders a pizza to comfort herself after a dismal day, and that guy Trevor goes ahead and claims it for himself. The nerve!! Unknown to Zoe, though, is that food in itself, is a Bradford curse. The Bradford appetite is a hereditary weakness dominated by the men. It was their way to pleasure and ectasy, which in turn seems to get them in a load of trouble. The Bradfords - cousins, sons, fathers, and brothers - seem to get banned from nearly every restaurant or takeout joint within a hundred mile radius because of their obsessive compulsion for food. So when Trevor sees that Zoe has ordered a pizza and chicken tenders, he can’t seem to help himself – especially considering that there is not one morsel of food in his refrigerator. Oh, wow, I wouldn’t want to be him when she finds out what he’s done, because even though Zoe is plain and ordinary, she does not lack for that will of spunk and fending for herself! With that being said, she marches herself over across the hall to Trevor’s and makes her presence known by ripping the pizza clear out of his hand while not hesitating to call Trevor as she sees him, “a thief” for stealing her pizza and chicken tenders. And so begins the most unlikely pairing of Zoe, with her plain and average everyday looks, attracted to a man she knows that she could never claim – and, the big, rugged and attractive Trevor...he’s just way out of her league. As their friendship grows, the two end up striking a deal that promises to benefit both of them for the time being, but as time passes by, it is obvious that the pair have changed their feelings towards each other. Together they will find common ground, her realizing how special she really is, and him realizing that she is just “perfect” for him. They learn to deal with her sad and disappointing past and his on-going reading disability, which just brings them closer in the end. This novel is wonderfully enchanting! Both characters were, at times, very comical and endearing. I found myself laughing outloud whenever they were involved in some very humorous situations. A novel not to be missed, along with the first book, Playing for Keeps, in this very entertaining series by R.L. Mathewson!!!
45. Law Man (Dream Man #3) written by Kristen Ashley (Contemporary Romance) 5 starsI just flew through the pages of this third installment to the Dream Man series written by Kristen Ashley. The heroine, Marabelle Jolene Hanover, carries with her so much emotional baggage regarding her family. I was saddened over the lack of confidence and positive tenacity that she didn’t have. Coming from a family of “trailer trash” losers once residing in Iowa, Mara thinks that she is “no way” in the same league as hunky gorgeous detective Mitchell James Lawson. As she rates herself, the detective, and the women that parade in and out of his apartment for the four years he has lived in her apartment complex, Mara gives herself the lowest rating, 2.5, out of everyone who comes in contact with Mitch. Mitch, however, gets her highest rating of 10.5 because he is the man of her dreams. She was totally in love with the guy even though she didn’t even know him. How’s that for being infatuated with the love of your life even though you haven’t even spoken two words to the guy? He must be some sweet eye-candy to look at...sighhh... Well eventually they do meet, and he is some kind of delicious specimen, which again, Mara thinks is totally out of her league. She tries to make him see this, but Mitch is having none of her BS, and tells her that he has been waiting two years for his shot with her. She can’t believe it, and through time, she lets him into her crazy mixed up life. Her life is crazy and mixed up because she has decided recently to take in and care for her cousin Bill’s kids, Billy and Billerina “Billie”, because of Bill’s delinquent behavior...drinking, drugs, and lack of care for his children. Ms. Ashley describes the children’s lives as one of neglect and sadness...no school, not clean, and living in filthy quarters while trying to take care of their pathetic father at the ages of nine and six. Kudos to Mara for taking on a responsiblity which she knows nothing about! There’s also a storyline which also involves her cousin Bill entangled in illegal conduct that threatens the lives of Mara and the children, but with Mitch around, he vows that nothing will happen to them as long as she trusts him...and she decides that she will, and she most absolutely does. He’s such a good guy, and she decides that she would be such a fool if she didn’t trust him! This novel was one of my favorites that I have read so far this summer. With a strong heroine and a confident hero, along with some awesome chemistry between the couple involving that attraction of provactive sexual sweetness, these two don’t dissapoint when it shows how much they mean to each other. While Mara and Mitch ride out a wild and passionate time between the sheets, their personal lives take a nosedive into the life of crime as they try to help two young children see that they matter in this world. This is a novel not to be missed if you are a Kristen Ashley fan or even just a romance fan:) One of her finest...now onto the last novel in the series, Motorcyle Man!
46. Hearts in Darkness written by Laura Kaye (Contemporary Romance Novella) 4 starsFor McKenna James this has probably been the worst day of her life! She broke her shoe’s heel on her way to work, which made her have to turn around and run home and change her shoes making her late to work. Wearing the new shoes that she had just recently purchased, lead to blisters on the small toe of each foot. And now, she finds herself stranded in an elevator with a unknown totally huge man with a dragon tattoo on his hand while her trusted phone’s battery is dead. All she can do is laugh, and laugh she does until tears are streaming down her face. And here begins the story of a confident young woman, McKenna, trapped in an elevator with an unidentified stranger, Caden Grayson, who is panicked in the dark because of a horrifying accident from years ago. What can I say about this short and scorchingly scintillating novella other than it reeks of sexual desire and, believe it or not, extreme luck... To be stuck in an elevator with this tattooed, pierced, and hot than hot male is beyond karma, kismet, or unbelieveable. Its freakin’ fantastic!!! Now, of course, this only happens in books or movies, but it sounds so mind-blowing and cliche, but who cares. It’s a book, and books are an author’s shared imagination of their most secretive thoughts expressed in black and white. The author, Laura Kaye, does not take any time getting into the “heart” of the story. Fear is minimized with their light back and forth banter while desire is building from the electrically charged attraction between the two. I liked how the author told the story from both characters opinions. That doesn’t happen that often, and it was nice to know exactly what each character was feeling. I do wish, though, that there were about 200 more pages to this novella. I just thought that there could be so many more avenues that the author could explore between this passionate couple. Oh, and excellent cover! Perfect for this book! I’ll have to see what else this author has written, and give one of her other books a shot.
Nothing like honesty from a women in time of stress...McKenna when the lights are turned on in the elevator (page 55) –
She’d just been sitting there gawking without saying a word. Hating the idea he might interpret her silence the wrong way, she blurted out, “You’re freaking gorgeous!” Her eyes bugged at her unfiltered honesty. She slapped a hand over her mouth and shook her head in embarrassment. She wished the lights would go off again as the blush roared over her skin.
He smiled. And it changed his whole face.
47. Knight (Unfinished Hero #1) written by Kristen Ashley (Contemporary Romance/Erotica) 3 stars***Erotica with Definite Explicit Language and Sexual Overatures***
Okay, so I just finished reading this a few minutes ago, and I had to write this review so I don’t lose what I have to say. With that being said, I normally love Kristen Ashley books, but I just felt kind of disappointed with this one. I wanted to read this novel so badly, and when reading the first few chapters, I thought this was going to be tender and sweet with a magnificent male-domineering badass in the forefront. But, what I got out of it was a lot of possessiveness and one-sided bossiness from the male lead character. I just didn’t get his whole idea of not letting the female lead have anything to say about absolutely anything...and I mean anything! She also didn't seem to stand up to him when she felt strongly about something, just eventually agreeing that he knew best...she just was a little timid and weak to me. And the weird vocabulary, like her having to refer to him as “Daddy” was kind of strange.
Anya Gage meets darkly gorgeous but intimidating Knight Sebring at a party in his apartment hosted by his brother Nick, who projects a nasty and a manipulative side. Knight, disgusted with his brother’s actions, especially when he sees how he’s treating Anya and her friend, Sandrine, throws him out of the apartment that they were sharing, which, in hindsight, belongs to Knight. After abandoning Nick, Knight focusses all his attention on Anya, while running his nightclub, Slade. Now this is where it gets a little hard to believe. He showers Anya with all sorts of gifts, but will not let her make her own decisions...from gifts of phones, to clothes, to getting some improvements made to the apartment building where she lives. He also complained about her multiple jobs while attending school, and, last but not least, told her how to dress. Now who does that? I get that this is fiction, but it just does not seem even remotely believeable. And I know that this is a shorter novel than Ms. Ashley normally writes, but where is the romance, the sweetness, the powerful chemistry between the two. Sex is not just chemistry...it’s all the little stuff besides, and just giving extravagant gifts does not cut it.
**Possible Spoiler** I really thought that this novel had a lot of potential especially when he sent her three beautiful dresses, along with matching shoes and clutches, and Anya called him and left a voicemail saying,“Honey you haven’t even kissed me yet.”...and he responds to this by leaving work and just randomly arriving at her apartment in the middle of the night and kissing her breathlessly, and saying, “Now I’ve kissed you babe, feel better?” he asked, his voice rough and so...f***ing...beautiful.” (pg. 133). Now that had definite “swoon” written all over it!
Towards the end of the novel, however, there is a bit more emotion, when Anya accepts Knight for who he is, and she professes her feelings to him, and in his own strange way, he declares how he feels about her, even when facing the final cherished gift that he gives Anya, which is included in the epilogue. I hate saying how I was disappointed with this novel because, like I said, I have read a number of Ms. Ashley’s novels, and I have loved them all. I’m still looking forward to giving the Unfinished Hero series another chance when the next novel is released possibly August, 2012.
48. The Gamble (Colorado Mountain #1) written by Kristen Ashley (Contemporary Romance) 4 starsKristen Ashley’s, The Gamble, hooks you in right from the very first page when the heroine, Nina Sheridan, is in search of an A-Frame that she has rented in the Colorado mountains, only to come in contact with an exquisitely sculpted alpha-male, Holden Maxwell.
Taking a break from her so-called engagement from fiance’, Niles, she has traveled a long way from her home in England. Nina is originally from the United States, but has been living abroad for quite sometime now. Engaged to a man who is quiet, always predictable, and an extreme workaholic, she begins to think that he really doesn’t love her and is just settling for that constant expected relationship without the passionate love that should exist. When Nina finally does arrive at the A-Frame, there is a mixup with the timing of her reservations. The owner, Max, who is not very friendly, is home when he is supposed to be away. As she argues with him, he, in no uncertain terms, tells her that she cannot stay there. So, she might as well go back to wherever she came from with her weird accent and highfalutin attitude - preferably to a hotel far away. But, where can she go? She’s in the middle of a snowstorm, suffering from jetlag, and night was falling fast. And besides that, she could feel the onset of a headcold. How much worse can a little needed vacation get? When she finally gets back on the road, after having fought with Mr. Maxwell, she’s not paying attention to her driving and hits a patch of ice, which forces the vehicle to skid into a ditch. What’s a woman to do when all she wanted was a vacation for two weeks in the beautiful Colorado mountains to sort out her difficult relationship? Cry – that’s what!! Days later, after succumbing to a nasty cold, which ends up being a good dose of the flu, Nina finally comes around. She realizes that the nasty owner of the A-Frame, Max, has been taking care of her. Ugggh! Now what does she owe him? She just wants to get away from him real fast!! During the time that she stays with Max while getting over her illness, the two become close, eventually romantically so. Meanwhile, a powerful and well-known man in the small Colorado township, has just been found murdered. He had been Max’s friend at one time, but no longer. Dire circumstances from the past have kept their friendship severed. Who was behind the murder and why? These questions will be answered as the culprit is discovered, surprisingly so, in the final pages of this thrilling and adventurous romance.
All the women that Ms. Ashley protrays in her novels, are strong, courageous, and beautiful. At the end of these novels, they mostly get their man, but they discover that they have acquired more confidence and courage to really standup for what they believe in. There is always tons of action in a Kristin Ashley book – from kidnappings, to car chases, to fist fights, to murders left and right. And, of course, we can’t forget about the family support, the devotion of true friends, and the love of a sensuous couple. Oh, and did I mention the sexy male that was protective of his woman? He’s the one character, in each and every book, that Ms. Ashley makes so irrisistible that you just fall deeper in love with him as the story goes on and on. Sigh....
I really love her books! She has a unique writing style that enables the reader to envision the characters and their stories just as if you were really talking to them. They’re modern and believable...while also getting involved in your not so run-of-the-mill ordinary situations. They’re always trying to get out of a jam – whether with a romantic entanglement, devious criminal, or some sort of family perdicament. It just makes for an eventful and exciting ride through the pages. Ms. Ashley does not ever disappoint from her pursuit of keeping the reader engrossed in all the action and romance. I’m always rooting for the couple to stay together through all the ludicrous twists and turns in addition to all the happy and sad situations that occur. Usually there is a happily-ever-after ending, but not before some sort of unsuspecting secret is divulged or tragedy takes place. It just keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat turning those pages rapidly to see what the conclusion holds for each and every character. And, pleasantly speaking, this book was no different. Don’t miss this one! It’s a keeper!
49. The Chief (Highland Guard #1) written Monica McCarty (Historical Romance) 5 starsTormod MacLeod was a big man. And his hulking physique scared people...along with his ice-blue eyes radiating coldness and intensity. But the man behind the dark helm and long plaid that had lost both his parents at a young age, and then inherited the title of “Chief”, was loyal and protective to the ones he served. He was more than able to keep his emotions and verbal comments under control. That was until he met, and was forced to marry, Christina Fraser under false pretenses. Robert the Bruce is striving to be king of Scotland so that the country can break away from English rule. He solicits a band of highly elite warriors to forge together secretly and fight for this independence to occur. And as its leader, he wishes Tor to command this secret brotherhood. And so begins, author Monica McCarty’s first installment of the Highland Guard.
Tor wants nothing to do with this proposal of Bruce’s – only wanting to be sole leader of his own clan, Chief of MacLeod. Eventually, though, having been duped into a loveless marriage after a night of compromising Christina of her virginity, Tor has no choice but to marry her and accept an alliance with Bruce and his supporters. Christina is totally disgusted with her father’s participation in wanting her to ruin herself for the sake of political control. But, she has no choice, and now she is stuck with an extremely intimidating and very angry husband. Through time Christina keeps a guarded eye on her husband, and gets jealous when she thinks that is bedding another woman. But, in reality, Tor really has eyes only for his wife, “Tina”. Christina thrives on trying to please her husband – wanting to help him and make him proud of her. But, Tor is curtly adament about not needing her “help” because she could possibly stumble upon knowledge of his leadership of the secretive brotherhood that would put her, his clan, and the warriors in extreme danger. She just doesn’t understand why he wouldn’t want her help, and how can he be so cold and unattached. She feels this way until the surrounding small village near their castle is attacked, and Christina realizes that Tor must bury his emotions to protect himself against the most gruesome and sorrowful scenes. She also realizes at that point, that she must be more patient with the man that tries so desperately to shield friends, comrades, and family members from a pain so horrific and crushing. As time goes on, Christina finds herself falling for the compassionate clan leader, but does he return the sentiment?
Oh, what a great group of heroes this series will be about! I’m already finding myself envisioning all ten warriors with their massive muscular bodies and breathing of fierce alpha-male manners. This definitely has the potential to be a memorable collection of books with its stellar cast of highlanders that specialize in their own distinguished fighting skill. We also get a small glimpse of some of the clans they came from and the relationships they formed within the brotherhood.
The character of Tor was insufferable at times to his family members, but as a leader to his clan and his band of warriors, he was superior. The man just had to learn how to be a little more open and trusting. And, low and behold, his wife eventually showed him how. Christina was just too nice a person – always willing to trust and obey. She longed for Tor’s attention and affection. The intimate love-making scenes between the two were compassionately sweet and scorchingly hot – the author, not skimping on the intensity and passion. Finally in the end, they were both honest and supportive, especially when Christina finally realizes just what her husband is up against. This is definitely a great start to an impressive series, which does not beg to disappoint!!
50. The Hawk (Highland Guard #2) written by Monica McCarty (Historical Romance) 5 stars***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT IN REVIEW***
As author, Monica McCarty’s, saga continues with the specialist band of warriors comissioned by Robert the Bruce to take over Scotland, we next encounter Erik MacSorley - extraordinaire-at-sea. The man has a great sense of humor and smolders with that twinkle-in-your-eye intensity. And, that’s exactly what Lady Elyne de Burgh witnesses after being captured while swimming near his boat off the north coast of Ireland. MacSorley is commissioned to slip undected past an English patrol ship while continuing on his way to Dunluce Castle to meet with Irish mercenaries. After her capture, he refuses to let Ellie go because she might have heard what their glorious group of bandits has planned. But, he just can’t kill her! He loves women – every woman! Uggh! And, to make matters worse, she’s trembling and pale! In other words, scared to death! Oh, damn! What does Erik, “The Hawk”, do with her now? Well, she’ll just have to stay with them until he finishes his mission - then he’ll decide just what he’s going to do. Poor Ellie! How did she get herself into this mess? All she wanted to do was go for a swim! Now look at the danger she could be in. When she first meets Erik, she is totally entranced by his mesmerizing blue eyes, sculpted handsomeness, and powerful muscular physique. But, she can’t resist seeing him for what he really is - a pirate, a warrior, a rogue gone bad. She tries to make him see that it was only a mistake that he had come upon her. But, there’s no way that he’s going to let her go. Who knows what she had heard them talking about? He just can’t take that chance – for the good of Robert Bruce and The Guard. And so begins Erik and Ellie’s romantic quest to find true love – a passion not bound by dowrys or titles, but by honesty, trust, and devotion. Two amazingly strong characters that were tied together by a cause so vital - each honorably obligated to the opposite side. What will these two characters find together? Will they survive the hardships of a war only to decide that “the cause” is more important than their relationship? Or, will their love be that strong that they will find some sort of compromise so they can be together forever? Erik and Ellie were great together! I loved both of them immensely! Erik was a funny guy – great sense of humor and just radiating that intense heat. Couldn’t help but love him to death! While Ellie, was, of course beautiful, but feisty and not afraid. She had a backbone – always standing up for what she believed in. And happily, in the end, she believed in Erik. Within him was where her heart was entombed – forevermore to stay. Great book! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Ranger! Ms. McCarty does it again!!
BEST 5 BOOKS THAT I'VE READ SO FAR THIS YEAR (in no order):1. Dancing on Broken Glass written by Ka Hancock
2. Sweet As Sin written by Inez Kelley
3. Fallen from Grace written by Laura Leone
4. The Fault in Our Stars written by John Green
5. Me Before You written by Jojo Moyes
**Honorable Mention** - Heaven and Hell written by Kristen Ashley, On the Island written by Tracey Garvis-Graves, and Poughkeepsie written by Debra Anastasia
Books Read So Far in 2012!! 51-75**51** The Ranger (Highland Guard #3) written by Monica McCarty (357 pgs) - finished 8/23/12 - 4 stars (iPad)
**52** Cross My Heart written by Katie Klein (200 pgs) - finished 8/26/12 - 4 stars (iPad)
**53** Love Dreams written by January Valentine (391 pgs) - finished 8/27/12 - 4 stars (iPad)
**54** What I Didn't Say written by Keary Taylor (336 pgs) - finished 9/9/12 - 3 stars (iPad) YA
**55** The Viper (Highland Guard #4) written by Monica McCarty (381 pgs) - finished 9/12/12 - 5 stars (iPad)
**56** Rock Chick (Rock Chick #1) written by Kristen Ashley (412 pgs) - finished 9/18/12 - 4 stars (iPad)
**57** On Dublin Street written by Samantha Young (414 pgs) - finished 9/20/12 - 5 stars (iPad)
**58** Emerge written by Lila Felix (245 pgs) - finished 9/26/12 - 3 stars (iPad)
**59** Love Anthony written by Lisa Genova (320 pgs) - finished 9/29/12 - 5 stars
**60** Unexpected (Something More #1) written by Chloe Neiman (190 pgs) - finished 10/5/12 - 4 stars (iPad)
**61** The Mighty Storm written by Samantha Towle (442 pgs) - finished 10/12/12 - 5 stars (iPad)
**62** Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers #1) written by Tara Sivec (282 pgs) - finished 10/14/12 - 5 stars (iPad)
**63** Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1) written by Dianne Duvall (354 pgs) - finished 10/14/12 - 4 stars (iPad)
**64** Creed (Unfinished Heroes #2) written by Kristen Ashley (382 pgs) - finished 10/18/12 - 5 stars (iPad)
**65** Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Bridgerton #4) written by Julia Quinn (370 pgs) - finished 10/27/12 - 4 stars (iPad)
51. The Ranger (Highland Guard #3) written by Monica McCarty (Historical Romance) 4 starsSo glad that Monica McCarty keeps writing about this group of superior warriors that just always happens to capture some innocent young woman’s heart. Another stellar hero to swoon over! Creeping panther-like, silently scouting out his mission, Arthur “Ranger” Campbell is there and gone without the wisest of people knowing that he was once among them. His latest tryst, as he inconspicuously works for the English crown, while actually supporting Robert Bruce, the man trying to claim victory from the English and be crowned the Scottish king, has him hiding in the shadows to witness an attack as Bruce’s men try to capture near fifty pounds of silver while it changes hands between the English. What he doesn’t count on happening, though, is the realism that a young woman is now en route on that same road, and without his interference, she will get caught in the crossfire, and probably die. Oh, what should he do? Make it like it is none of his concern - she was just at the wrong place, at the wrong time? Or save the innocent lass from harm? As his decision is final, and he takes a chance of trying to save her, to his surprise, he is recognized by one of his Highland Guard brothers, Gregor MacGregor. With a reunion between the comrades taking place, Arthur’s sense of the enemy is soon alerted. Not wanting to be caught, the Highland Guard band disappears into the night, the lovely young lass hurries into the arms of a priest who is outside the nearby church, and Arthur silently slips into the dark unnoticed. The two don’t meet again for a whole year, and when finally they do, both are surprised and riddled with cold distaste. Ms. MaCarty’s heroes are sensual and bold – brimming with rugged good-looks, intimidating poise, and grandiose stature. Arthur was mysterious and hard to read. But, he was loyal and honest – especially to his family and brotherhood of warriors. So, when he realizes that a member of Anna’s family is responsible for his family’s past tragedy, he is bound and determined for revenge. Only, the relationship between Arthur and Anna intimately intensifies, and both are ultimately attracted to the other. The character of Anna was another one of Ms McCarty’s beautiful heroines that was strong and fearless, but yet so vulnerable when it came to Arthur. She trusted him, but was torn between the loyalty of her family – not wanting to admit to the truth surrounding her father’s duplicity and torturous activities. Will both, Arthur and Anna, ultimately declare their true love no matter what the cost? And, if they do, will their love survive when the two are on opposite sides of a battleground that threatens to desolve part of a nation as they know it? Can’t wait to read about the next hunky highlander that continues in this adventureous male-intoxicating series! And, I’d just like to say, Ms McCarty puts the hottest specimens on her covers...WOW...smokin’!!!
52. Cross My Heart written by Katie Klein (Young Adult) 4 starsYeah! A book that can stand on its own! It just seems that there are so many young adult books written nowadays that are part of a series. And, it was also clean – only one little scene that got mildly steamy, which was nice for a young adult book. Well with that being said, this was a refreshing novel about a young love so new and unexpected. After being thrown together to work on an English project, Jaden McEntyre – a superior academic student trying to save the world, and Parker Whelan – the epitomy of a motorcycle badboy with that brooding sexual confidence, become friends. Jaden already has a boyfriend, and is not looking for a relationship with the mysterious Parker, but she just can’t help herself. After two months of working on their English project together, there’s something between the pair. Jaden’s main plan after high school is to get into the college of her dreams, Harvard. But, as time goes by while still working with Parker on their English project, which includes reading and interpreting the literature classic Ethan Frome written by Edith Wharton, their relationship takes on a whole new dimension, and her life’s plan might not be in her future. Her friends just don’t understand her interest in him. He’s a loner – sitting outside eating his lunch and not bothering with anyone else in school. Jaden insists, though, that she’s just hanging out with him because of their English project. But as their time together increases, she finds herself sneaking around to be with Parker - wanting more privacy; and, making up all kinds of excuses not to be with her boyfriend, Blake. The discussions between the two concerning Ethan Frome, become more intimate – more personal. Jaden just doesn’t know what it is about Parker that she’s so attracted to, but she does know that she can’t stop thinking about him. He just smells soooo goood! And he has such an amazing smile – that is, when he decides to smile. And, whenever she thinks about the guy she gets all warm and cozy with butterflys in her stomach. What will she do as her feelings for him intensify? And, does he feel the same way about her? This novel kept my attention the whole time – wanting to find out what happens in the end. Does the heroine end up with the good boy (Blake) or the bad boy (Parker)? In fact, I was totally blind-sided when I read the ending. So, it’s totally different than what you think is going to happen; at least for me it was. Did not see that coming at all! Applause for Ms. Klein for pulling that off!!! I really enjoyed the two young adults. Jaden is so confident about what she wants and is always willing to help – the stellar student, everybody’s best friend. Parker is the dark guy in the distance – watching everybody intensely, secretly listening. This was a sweet and tender romance concentrating on two young adults trying to find the path to their future, while stumbling upon a love so rarely possible at such a young age. Definitely worth a look!
53. Love Dreams written by January Valentine (Contemporary Romance) 4 starsReview to follow soon
54. What I Didn't Say written by Keary Taylor (Young Adult) 3 starsJake Hayes has been in love with Samantha Shay for like...forever! While at a high school party drinking beer, he finally decides to go tell her with two of his football buddies, Rain and Carter. Even though Carter has had a few beers himself, he decides to drive Jake, with Rain riding along for moral support. Not far from where the party is being held, the three become the victims of an accident, which ultimately has devastating results for Jake. Flashback...Jake has always wanted to be an airplane pilot - a dream that has been part of his life since he was little. So, with Jake in his senior year of high school, he decides that he wants to join the Air Force and fly planes. Back to present...unfortunately now, though, when he is injured in the accident, he may have to re-think his future. Just when Jake thinks that life has dealt him a trump card, in walks Samantha with her long hair flowing, bright eyes shining, and willingness to help him get on with his life, no matter how heartbreaking it is. Unbeknownst to Jake, however, is the fact that Sam is hiding something. A big something that could cause her to move away – never to see him again. Jake eventually finds out her secret and promises her that no one will ever find out the truth – no matter what the cost. As a result, the two conspire together to keep Sam’s secret so that she can graduate school from the island on which they live and not have to move away. This was a nice little high school romance with just the right amount of intimacy thrown in for the teenage reader. Both characters were likable with their hardworking and devoted antics. I totally congratulated Jake’s entire family’s support and honesty when it came to their seven kids. His parents were firm discipliners, but yet also encouraging and understanding when faced with teenage crises. The young adult reader, or even the adult reader for that matter, will find this novel enjoyable because of the reliable and trusting family and friend support system and young tender romance. A novel to entertain every reader who picks up this marvelous book!
55. The Viper (Highland Guard #4) written by Monica McCarty (Historical Romance) 5 starsSo Monica McCarty has done it again with another spectacular Highland Guard novel. Loved the hero, loved the heroine, and loved their story of learning to trust, learning to need, and learning to love each other. Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi (great name) is the epitomy of danger. His look is dangerous, his demeanor is dangerous, and most of all his outlook on life is dangerous. He is sent to rescue the Countess Isabella MacDuff. Hanging first from a cage for her betrayal to the English crown, and now imprisoned in a small room high in a tower, Bella vows to help the now crowned leader of Scotland, Robert the Bruce. Bella is the wife of Earl John Comyn, an unfeeling and dispicable ass that has no regard for her as a person. He’s tried to embarrass her and break her spirit. But nothing that he ever did, allowed him to break through that outer shell of strength and courage. She was a survivor, and a survivor she would be for her young daughter, Joan, who eventually she has to leave behind to protect. Out of all the books that I have read so far in this series, I have enjoyed this one the most. Staying up long into the night to be mesmerized and entranced by the love story, along with the excitement of their adventures in and out of being captured, I saw some new emotions developing beween the two charcters. Neither character knows what it’s like to fully love. Both have been betrayed and treated horribly by their spouses. At first I didn’t know if I was going to like the character of Lachlan. He was sarcastic and crude – dangerous and rough around the edges. He definitely spoke his mind, not hiding exactly how he felt. But he was exciting and breathtaking. A person that you would want at your back with full control - constantly thinking ahead of the unexpected. The man just rippled with muscle and scorching hotness. And, I just was in awe with the author saying just how good he always smelled...gotta love a guy who smells scrumptious!! The character of Bella was a little more hard to read. Okay, of course, she was beautiful, but first she wanted him, then she didn’t want, then what the hell, she couldn’t deny her feelings anymore. She was not afraid when things got tough, and proved to Lachlan over and over again just what a caring and compassionate woman she really was. I liked how Ms. McCarty let their intimacy simmer through their eyes and occasional touches, even though they both were lusting after each other. It was a back and forth longing from the very beginning, and when they finally did come together, it was explosive, and their feelings were just laying there right in front of them. Both were so afraid to take that chance on the other given their past experiences, which is easily understood. There were some little comical scenes thrown in the book as well. I have learned to be pleasantly entertained with the bantering back and forth between the warrior brothers. They all seem to be able to assess each other pretty well – giving jabs of humor and poking fun when the other is in a awkward situation. It’s very funny!! Can’t wait to see what is in store in the next novel...The Saint...sure to be just as romantic and gratifying as the others in the series.
56. Rock Chick (Rock Chick #1) written by Kristen Ashley (Contemporary Romance) 4 starsReview to follow soon
57. On Dublin Street written by Samantha Young (Contemporary Romance) 5 starsSo, I finished this book around 2:30am this morning, and all I can say is “WOW, FANTASTIC”!! It was just like...WOW, AMAZING!! It was full of emotion - mentally draining for all characters...friends, lovers, parents, siblings alike. It was loving and tender, exciting and mesmerizing, funny and sad, but the word I really could use to describe it most was...triumphant! Triumphant from almost every character’s point-of-view - from the girl who lost her family at the age of fourteen, to the guy who never experienced what it was like to love so powerfully, to the best friend not willing to commit to a man who loves her regardless of her past family abuse, and right up to the sister who ends up having a medical scare that has everyone saddened and running for cover from a could-be tragedy. So here goes my review of a novel so worth the time to get embroiled in, that it had me thinking well after the final page was turned of how lucky we really are to be loved and be part of a supportive and understanding family.
The novel, narrated by Jocelyn Butler, features a 22 year-old young woman that was emotionally flawed in a devastating way. She shares with the reader the most painful secretive past imagineable. “Joss” had loved and lost her parents and baby sister, Beth, in a horrific accident as a teenager. Getting close to anyone is not an option! She vows to hide and lock away that part of herself forever. From that young age, she lived in two foster families until age 18. Once reaching 18, she decides to live abroad in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland – a town that her mother had once resided in before coming to the United States on a work visa. After getting her degree in writing, she now pursues her dream to become a novelist. Fantasies are her novel of choice, but she soon finds herself dreaming about writing a contemporary book based on her parent’s beautiful love story. They shared a love that was full of tenderness and trust. It was a love that Joss would never forget – one that was sought after by many. Thinking about the past, though, triggers full-blown panic attacks that require her seeking out a therapist to deal with them. It’s time to deal with the past, and going to Edinburgh Castle when she needed peace, a peace from her life’s tragedies, just didn’t work anymore.
She meets Braden Carmichael, a property development businessman, while trying to hail a taxi one day. The guy was gorgeous with wicked blue eyes and dark hair, and talked with that charming Scottish accent that just made her toes curl. But, jeez, was he cocky and full of himself. He’s got that whole confidence thing going on that just smoldered with sexual heat. She finds him arrogantly poised, and is in no uncertain terms, interested in getting involved with him. But, forces throw them together anyway because of her current living arrangements. As the weeks pass, whenever Joss sees Braden, his intensity just seeps into her skin, making her all warm and cozy. She has never been this attracted to anyone before - even frustatingly so when countless times she tells him to call her “Joss”, and he constantly refuses.
“Joss is a girl’s name. Possibly a tomboy’s name.” He smirked. “Jocelyn, on the other hand, is a woman’s name. A really sexy woman’s name.” (pg 188). – which just causes her to melt.
But her past stands in the way of her acting on her feelings. Everything she touches and everyone she knows ends up having something bad happen to them. She’s not supposed to ever be happy. Besides, all the women that she’s seen Braden with have all been model-tall with long legs and skinny bodies beaming with that Barbie Doll look. Joss is nothing like that. She’s all curves, much shorter, and harbors that sarcastic and guarded personality. What could he possibly see in her? But he pursues her, and they strike up an agreement that eventually brings down those guarded walls of love and family that she had put up through the years. Unfortunately, though, Braden is not without a past too. A past that has him afraid to commit to a single relationship – never staying in it too long to get attached to anyone. The two needed each other. Jocelyn, with Braden’s help, learns she should put her past to rest as she realizes that she deserves to love and be loved unconditionally, and Braden needed Jocelyn’s courage to trust in their relationship and have faith that he wouldn’t get hurt by trusting this woman. Unfortunately, though, when a medical crisis arises with Braden’s sister, Ellie, the waters will be tested as to how much these two really love each. Will Jocelyn abandon ship and leave Braden heartbroken? Or, will Braden be able to show Jocelyn just how much she deserves to love and be loved by others without feeling that she is broken or incapable of happiness?
“I feel like I'm missing something really important when you're gone. So important I don't feel like myself. I've never felt like someone was mine before. But you're mine, Jocelyn. I've known that from the moment we met. And I'm yours. I don't want to be anyone else's, babe.” (pg. 400). - Braden says to Joss when she asked him why he’ll be able to handle her in the future.
I loved the conversations that these two had. Okay the language wasn’t all that clean, but I can put that aside if is required to make the story. And, yes, it did add immensely to the story that was being told. Ms. Young’s colorful language was comical. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times – f**kity, s**t, f**k (and variations of that) – never heard it said like that before. Joss just had this dry sarcastic sense of humor that was really funny. And, Braden also had a potty mouth that just added to their smokin’ hot lovemaking scenes, which were tastefully and erotically charged. And, I mean they were sizzling hot! The “arse scene” between the family was laugh-out-loud funny too! The characters were just so entertaining!
This was not a slow book by any means. As the chapters were ending, I just couldn’t wait to get started on the following one and find out what was going to happen next. I don’t say this too often, but this is definitely a book that I would read again. It was just that good – full of real feelings, a hot and sexy story, with the right amount of drama that had me pulling for the couple to just stay together. Just hoping that Joss will hang in there and see what Braden was dangling right in front of her. A chance to triumph from the lonely and sad life that had consumed her for eight years! A novel sure to put a smile on your face and add a little brightness to your day ...just look at all the positive reviews!!!
58. Emerge written by Lila Felix (Young Adult) 3 starsJenna is a survivor. Every day she experiences the abuse, both physically and verbally, from her mother and step-father. They’re poor. They don’t work. In fact, they don’t want to work. And, they constantly make fun of and taunt Jenna mercilessly. In other words, they are just plain losers. Jenna is a hard worker. She’s a senior in high school and has a part-time job in a sheetmusic store. Her parents are constantly running out on her and Jenna’s younger sister, May, while expecting her to support them and take care of her sister. During the day in school, she keeps to herself mostly. The reason being because she does not want anyone to really know her embarrassing and harmful situation at home. That is, until she meets hotty Carlos. Oh, Carlos! So attractive and beautiful...with his short black hair, cinnamon dark skin, and manly goatee. The first time that he smiles at her in sixth period drama class, she just can’t believe that someone like him would acknowledge someone like her. Is this for real? Or is it some kind of joke? As they get to know each other, bit by bit Carlos learns her secret. Once he finds out, she wonders if he will still stick around, or will it be too much for him to handle, so he’ll bail? A young tender love story that has you saddened for a couple on the brink of adulthood. A young woman trying just to survive while finding true love as she deals with the physical and emotional abuse of the one person who is supposed to love and protect you – your mother. A heartfelt young adult novel!
59. Love Anthony written by Lisa Genova (Contemporary Fiction) 5 starsFirst, I just want to say ”thank you” to Ms. Genova for writing a book about autism. Regardless if this is a book of fiction, I found myself re-living daily episodes from the past years 19 years with my own son. The author really did her research well. It just gave me a sense of peace that I haven’t felt in a long time. I could relate to the main character, Olivia who constantly questions - “Why my son?”, “Why my family?”, “Was it something I did wrong while I was pregnant?”, and “Will we ever find out the true answer?”. Every day in this world we are faced with destruction, chaos, and tragedy – just trying to pick up the pieces for a life gone wrong. But autism does not come from life’s hard-knock choices. It comes from the unknown - a force yet to be reckoned with. So how do we live through the challenges of not knowing what’s in store with our innocent trusting children? Day by day, that’s how – knowing and hoping that you’re making the right choices for them because that is all they have in their corner – you!
This book didn’t just deal so much with the medical and scholastic aspects of autism. It dealt a lot with the feelings that come with having a child diagnosed with this life-long tragedy. It was beautiful, heartfelt, and meaningful. Now some people have criticized the author’s novel for having too many unnecessary details that were not needed to enrich the story. Well I, for one, thought that the details were important and necessary. It made the story more believable...because, after all, we all have a life to live. I have three other children, and life couldn’t be more hectic. I had to learn to spread myself pretty thin when they were young, and my husband held a job that was very demanding and time-consuming. Now, life is a little easier because my kids are 21, 19, 17, and 16. Without those extra details present in the book, it wouldn’t have shown how autism can have a huge impact on anyone who comes in contact with the disability, not just family members. For example in my experience, I have had people not be able to talk to me or look me in the eye when they first found out about what my son was dealing with, and other times, people wanted to know everything – they were just so interested and supportive. People’s reactions were weird at times. Some people treated my son like any other child, not drawing unwanted critical attention to him, and other people looked like they were scared to death, and didn’t know how to treat him. You never knew what people were going to think or blame you for when they didn’t really know what was really going on. I had people scream at me to take him home when he was having a episode in public, and other people offering their help. I was always surprised one way or the other. And, that’s exactly how Olivia is portrayed in the book when faced with awkward situations from her son, Anthony.
I absolutely loved the book-within-a-book idea. The other main character, Beth, writes a novella told by Anthony, while also living through her own more intimate family crisis. It’s written from his point-of-view. It was simply magical! After reading numerous books and looking up things on the internet for years, it just gave me a different incite as to how these children think and learn. What’s in their head is such a mystery. One minute you think you know what they are thinking because of a past episode, and the next minute, you’re scratching your head saying, “How can that be? It wasn’t like that the last time.” It definitely always keeps you on your toes and constantly keeping your brain in working order. There’s never a dull moment. It’s not all about the tough times, though. It’s also about the happy ones – seeing progress right before your very eyes when looking back through the years. The first word spoken – years later than a normal child, but spoken none the less. The first time they actually look in your eyes – not very often, but when it does happen, you’re so excited that just maybe you’re getting through that barrier built from the inside out. And, of course, the first hug – perhaps they will feel, just a smidge, how much they’re loved.
On that note, I just want to acknowledge to Ms. Genova how much I enjoyed her novel. It was inspiring and moving. It was beautiful and mesmerizing. But most of all, for me it was home.This is the life that my son lives each and every day. Every morning he gets up and takes on the same routine – something that feels comfortable and calming to him. You never know what that particular day will be like – good or bad. But I do know this, whatever it takes, he can count on us to do our finest; whatever he needs, we will provide it the most superb way we can; and, whatever makes him happy, we will always have his best interests at heart.
As the reader, you will probably need a few tissues to get you through the sad parts, but hopefully it will give you a better understanding of just what a child and a family goes through when autism is present in their every day lives. It’s not easy, but you do it because you’re all your child has. I do believe that someday there will be a cure to unlock the mysteries surrounding this spectrum disorder that affects 1 in 88 children – autism. Until then, we just have to practice patience and understanding for these children who are just simply extraordinary in every way possible.
60. Unexpected (Something More #1) written by Chloe Neiman (Contemporary Romance) 4 starsIs it the right thing to do when you finally admit to falling in love with one of your best friends? Well, that’s exactly what oncology nurse, Nina Payton, finds out when she falls hopelessly and passionately in love with her friend, Adam Braun, who she has known since college. Nina marries her college love, Jack, but because of his constant bouts of infidelity and cold intimacy, divorces the “creep”. As if on que, in walks Adam, whom she still has been in constant contact with through text messages and phone calls. But, with his recent husky suggestive phone calls and intimate innuendos, Nina thoughtfully begins to question, “Just what is their relationship?”. Should she act on the growing intimate feelings that she is now experiencing regarding Adam? Or, if she does act on those feelings, and it possibly ends badly, will it jeopardize the “best friends” relationship that she has grown to rely on through the years? Well, author Chloe Neiman, writes her first novel splendidly! Even though the novel was not that long, it built to a climax that made me want to cheer for the heroine, Nina, who decides to take a chance on love again – believing that she deserved a life of happiness. Within the novel we meet supportive family members, devoted friends, and experience a love so beautiful and tender. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Neiman has in store for her next novel! I, for one, would really love to see her write something just a tad bit long. This novel was over just a bit too soon.
61. The Mighty Storm written by Samantha Towle (Contemporary Romance) 5 stars***POSSIBLE MILD SPOILERS PRESENT***
Awesome rockstar romance!! This novel was so thrilling with that sexy musician’s heat! Jake Wethers reeks of the most delectable magnetism – he’s a rockstar, and everybody loves him! Even, the chick who was once his best friend, Trudy Bennett, still has a crush on him, as she still keeps tabs on his career from afar. This novel is wonderfully written from her point-of-view!
Once-upon-a-time Trudy and Jake were next door neighbors – best friends, pals - living in Manchester, England, just enjoying music. Tru’s father was more like a father to Jake than his own was. Sadly, Jake and his mom were both victims of domestic abuse stemming from a father and husband who was a womanizer, drunk, and drug-addict. Jake’s mother eventually gets rid of the low-life and remarries. He, unfortunately, has to move away to the states when his step-father gets a job promotion, resulting in the pair losing touch – taking Trudy’s heart with him. Trudy was hot for him, and unbeknownst to Trudy, Jake was also lusting after her. They had never acted on their feelings, and both seem to regret it. After a band member dies in a horrific accident, Jake lives a life of destruction and chaos – drugs, women, and partying galore – so lost in his grief. And, Trudy is a music journalist for a fashion magazine, just going about her life so casually while living a normal life involving a two-year relationship with boyfriend, Will. So, when Jake hears the name of the person conducting the interview with him for an English magazine, he’s just hoping that it’s really her – his Trudy! In she walks, Tru, even more beautiful than he remembers. Wow!! Do they pick up where they left off when they were teenagers? They both look the same, but yet different – more grownup, more intense. Yup! The feelings are still there, even though neither one knows how the other one felt those twelve years ago. The only difference being that Jake, this hotter-than-hot tattooed Jake, is even more beautiful to Tru than he was at 14 – if that can even be believeable. And Tru is just what Jake is needing and wanting. His Tru - so compassionate, so alluring, so f****ing gorgeous! So the two leave off just where they did twelve years ago, joking and flirting, but the joking and flirting turns more intimate as weeks go by. So much so, that they two begin an affair that has heartbreaking results – affecting not just the couple, but another person as well. The relationship is raw, explosive – just filled with passion. “And that’s why I prefer to dance in the bedroom.” – Jake, just being his sexy self, professes., Swoon!! Sigh!! Can it be what Tru’s been looking for her entire life? Jake definitely knows what he wants, but will he be able to convince Tru that that’s exactly what she wants too – even though she feels so guilty? How can she be in love with two men? Well only Tru can answer that and decide ultimately what and who she wants!
Boy, Jake is definitely the badboy aficionado!!! Just needing to have his own way because of his rockstar persona – money can buy it all. But, it can’t buy Tru. Tru was pretty “true” to herself, so-to-speak. She had a conscience, had some class, but most of all, she was compassionately in love. In love with Jake! He was her forever! Yeah, she did some really stupid things, and he did some really stupid things as well. But they were just meant to be. So, let’s see, will they stay together; this being the ultimate question? After all the hurt and shame that’s between the two, do they have it in themselves to hang on and weather their “storm”? I don’t know what Ms. Towle has in store for this couple in the future, but there’s one thing I know, this was a fantastic novel! It was happy, it was sad. It was so emotionally draining, but with conviction and certainty that this couple would find a way to make it work.
Tru found her “Mighty Storm” in Jake
“Jake once said on stage that Jonny was the mighty in their storm, and now I see that Jake is my mighty storm. He’s broken and complex, and no one knows him like I do, or ever will. He needs me. He’s my storm to calm. And I’m going to spend the rest of my life doing just that.”
The additional characters that the author introduced – Simone, Vicky, Will, Denny, Tom, and Stuart – were entertaining as well. You could almost picture the author letting each one have a book of their own.
I really enjoyed it...again staying up til’ 2am to finish a great read! I can’t wait until December for the sequel to come out. Until then, I’ll just have to rant and rave of how good this actually was and hopefully other readers will pick it up and give it a shot. You will not be disappointed! I promise!!!
Oh, and another awesome bookcover! So, many novels recently just have these to-die-for sexy covers! It really gets you in the mood...even before you hit the first page!!
62. Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers #1) written by Tara Sivec (Contemporary Romance) 5 stars***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT IN REVIEW***
Holy “seduction and snacks”, Batman!! I just can’t stop laughing after reading this book!!! It was so freakin’ funny!!! I laughed so hard at some of the things that this author wrote, that I had tears running down my face. And, my kids thought I was crazy!!! Hahahaha! It was that funny! But, if you’re not into crude language with expletive sexual innuendos included, than this might not be the book for you. Ms. Sivec is just hilarious with her descriptions, and the things her characters say are just ridiculously funny.
Claire never wanted kids, and when I say never ever wanted kids, she was totally adament about it. Until she finds herself knocked-up after losing her virginity during a frat party with her drunken one-night stand, who I might add is cute, and funny, and she had so much in common with. Who the hell is the guy? Shit, she never got a name. Now what? Well, her and her friend, Liz, hunt around for the dude for months, and they never find the f***ker. Ugggh!!! So, she has this baby, which the author doesn’t hold back describing her symptoms and delivery in comical mock detail. She names her son Gavin, and he’s finally here! Yeah!! The kid is amusingly funny also - now at the rip-roaring age of four. The things this kid comes out with is such a hoot, which oftentimes embarrasses his mom. Obviously they are big on the potty mouth language – from Claire’s father - George, her friend - Liz, and Claire herself. They just don’t know how to tone the language down, and before you know it, the kid is spouting obscenities galore. Funny funny stuff!!! I say that laughing, but if my kids ever talked like that, I’d find a table and hide under it real quick, while my face, of course, changed twenty shades of red. Well, now that she has this kid, will she ever find the father? And if and when she does, what will happen to this couple? It was kind of obvious what would happen from about one quarter into the book, but it was still an entertaining read.
The story is told from Claire’s point-of-view with snippets of Carter’s – finally claiming the one-night stand title. His narration plays off her feelings and does a great job of letting the reader know how Carter felt about Claire during and after their one night of passion together. He’s hot for her! And, has been hot for her the past five years, and everyone knows it but Claire. When they finally meet again after years having gone by, she’s bartending one night in the little town where she resides. A guy sitting at the bar appears to be drunker than drunk. But, Claire doesn’t get a good look at him until he makes direct eye contact. Holy Mother of God, can it be? Can it be him after all these years? Gee, what to do, what to do...hmmmmm??? She can’t just blurt out who she is just like that! She needs time to think. Well, Claire’s secret eventually comes out, and the pair have some major decisions to make.
The author mixes the amusing parts of the novel with a sensually heated love story, and she definitely does not disappoint with the sizzling sexual encounters. This novel was just so much fun to read. One of the most funniest I’ve read in a long time. Give it a shot, you will sure to be laughing your ass off!!! Tee Hee Hee!!!!! Can’t wait to read the next installment, Futures and Frosting!!!
63. Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians) written by Dianne Duvall (Paranormal Romance) 4 starsReview to follow soon
64. Creed (Unfinished Heroes #2) written by Kristen Ashley (Contemporary Romance/Erotica) 5 stars***Erotica with Definite Explicit Language and Sexual Overatures***
Sylvie Bissenette was one intimidating chick. She was tough, but to the people she loved, she was caring and loyal. If she was your friend, she had your back. But, she was a damaged soul – dealing with a sad and abusive past. Once-upon-a-time she was in love. The kind of love that got you all flustered with that warm tightening in your belly when you saw that handsomely grinning to-die-for person. The kind of love that was supposed to last forever. But, in a blink of an eye, it was all taken away. And, what she was left with, which she never saw in her future, was a controlling and abusive husband that had broken her spirit. So as a result, fast-forwarding sixteen years into the present, she didn’t have many friends, and was careful as to who she let into her life – now seriously apprehensive when it involved any individual from her past.
Tucker Creed was the love of Sylvie’s life – someone who she had thought she could always depend on. Growing up, he was her protector. They formed a loyally innocent friendship when she was six and he was eleven. Right from the start, Tucker, was her “knight in shining armor”. He was the one that she sought out when things were not going okay at home. Tucker also needed Sylvie as much as she needed him. His home life was just as awful as hers. His father, who was an honorably decorated war hero, died. And, because of that, Tucker’s devastated mother’s once stable life, sprialed out of control. The men, the drinking, the lapse in her domestic and mothering skills were just so embarrassing to Tucker, and it tarnished his father’s respectable memory. The whole town knew her reputation, and to a young teenager growing up trying to find his way, it was just too shameful. The only person who understood was Sylvie, and through time she became everything to him. She was the one person that stood by him, and promised that when she was legal at 18, she would run away from home with him - leaving their miserable pasts behind. Only, that never happened because of a brutal incident preventing Tucker, now only known as Creed, from meeting Sylvie the day that they were going to leave. And, now that’s where the novel begins. He’s back in her life, and what is going to happen to them as a couple? Will she let him into her seemingly safe world? And not just back into her safe world, but will she allow him to tug at her heartstrings once again?
What a great couple!!! Both damaged souls. Both coming from a life of abuse and destruction. And, both just trying to live their lives, while trying to fill that void of a love lost so many years ago. What they needed was each other. And, by Creed now coming back into Sylvie’s life, he makes it apparent that he will do whatever it takes to get her into his life again. She, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with him. He has some nerve just showing up out of the blue like that – after disappearing sixteen years ago! It’s going to take a lot for Creed to crack that shell that Sylvie has built up over years of having ample time to cut him out of her life for good. Sylvie was kind of a hard character to like in the beginning of the novel because she was this petite tough-as-nails bruiser. It made you question if there was actually a woman in there. But, if you saw how she acted with her neighbor’s kids, she was a very tender-hearted and compassionate woman. Her life as a child just had been so difficult, and when she had finally left her father’s house, it was to go into a life even more destructive than she had just come out of. So, I guess if you had to think about where she actually came from and what type of life she had lived, she made it out pretty well considering her past volatile history. Creed, the badass name he had christened himself at the age of thirteen after his mother was brought home once again by the police after driving drunk, was some beautiful specimen. Easy on the eyes with that hard-muscled body, just ebbing sexual heat while smiling dazzlingly. And, those ice-blue vivid eyes! Wow! Just intoxicating the man was!! My, my, my!! Sighhhh... He had been running his entire life just trying to make something of himself after circumstances prevented him from being with Sylvie – horrific tear-wrenching circumstances, which eventually she learns about.
The novel was just so heartbreaking and sad. It was one of Ms. Ashley’s best! I couldn’t read it fast enough. At first I wasn’t too keen on the first installment of this series, Knight – thinking possibly that Ms. Ashley had lost her passion for romance and powerful chemistry between the main couple. But amazingly so, you do get another glimpse of Knight in this book, and my opinion of him is changing into the positive. He isn’t in this novel much, but what I do see, is someone that is gradually reforming his controlling ways into something more protective and caring. Just from the few interactions with Sylvie, it is evident how much he cares for her not just as a colleague, but as a friend also. This book was romantic, and thrilling, and let’s not forget about the steamy and erotic sexual conquests – simply delicious!! So, with that being said, I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series with anti-hero, Raid...
65. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Bridgerton #4) written by Julia Quinn (Historical Romance) 4 starsReview to follow soon
Challenge: 50 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Romancing Mister Bridgerton (other topics)Creed (other topics)
Darkness Dawns (other topics)
Seduction and Snacks (other topics)
The Mighty Storm (other topics)
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The second install of Ms. Ashley’s Dream Man series continues with Wild Man, the story of DEA Agent Brock Lucas and baker extraordinaire Tessa O’Hara. I didn’t quite like this book as much as the first one, but it was not without drama, family loyalty, romance, and, of course, hot and steamy sexual overatures. Tess keeps a dark and horrifying secret hidden that is exposed when her brutalizing ex-husband is arrested for being a narcotics distributor. She has been romantically seeing hunky DEA agent Brock Lucas for four months now. He’s her prince, her darkest desire, her ultimate“dream man”. And, after Brock “Slim” finds out exactly how her ex-husband, Damian, had once abused her, he goes ballistic...knocking over chairs and seething with anger. He hates and despises the conniving and calculating businessman that Tess once called her husband. He knows that Damian would sacrifice anything or anyone to just get what he wanted no matter how despicable it would be. So Slim decides that Tess needs protecting, and protect her, he will. Along with protecting her, Slim also has two sons, Joel and Rex, from a past marriage to former wife Olivia. Even though Olivia has remarried, she uses her children as pawns to try and make Slim jump through hoops as her little trained puppy when she snaps her fingers. Now, though, with Tess in his life, he decides that he’s tired of Olivia’s games and will do whatever it takes to get him and his children out from under her thumbs. Tess and Slim are a compassionate and honorable couple. They try their best to make other people happy, but while doing that, they seem to put theirselves last. Tess vows, however, that this wild man is hers and with those intensely gorgeous silver eyes that Slim possesses, he obviouosly feels the same about her. This novel is about infinite family loyalty, the unconditonal love for children, trying to forgive a parent for their past mistakes, and finding a love so rare and passionate, that you’re willing to go the distance no matter what the cost. Ms. Ashley does not disappoint with her characters that are over 40+ years. I’m glad to see that she developed some characters that are not your young and gorgeously put together hot studs and beach babes. This book did move a little slower than Mystery Man, but it was still high action-packed with that emotional upheaval of bad vs. good. A novel worth giving a chance with characters that were anything but charismatic, mature, and just plain entertaining!