Monday, May 26, 2014

Unwound by Lorelei James



"In this conclusion to the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man’s need for control is tested by the one woman he’ll risk everything for…

When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before….

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel.  To regain her trust he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together. But after their private pleasures are made public, Ronin is unsure if he’s the right man for Amery. Can they face the consequences together? Or will their differences rip them apart?"

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Unwound is the second book to the Mastered series and conclusion to Amery and Ronin's story. You can read my review of Bound here. The first book is told from Amery's POV. Which is prefect in my opinion. It lead to a lot of the mystery on Ronin and what the 'hay' was going on. The last chapter of the book was told from Ronin's POV which got me really excited for book two. I wondered if we would have an entire book from his POV or would it be split?

Unwound starts with Ronin showing up at Amery's place and passing out. Then we go back six weeks in time. Which sounds confusing but was played very well. From there we learn that we will be reading the book in both Amery and Ronin's POV. This duel POV added a nice spin to the story. From Ronin's POV we can see he's thinking way more than is being outputted in spoken word. We also get to see his struggle to put his feelings for Amery in words even though he feels everything for her.

The duel POV also gave us nice insights to different characters that have played more minor roles to the book. From Ronin's sister to Amery's parents to the nasty ex that won't let go to Ronin's own mother. I also loved that we got to see the differences between the two families and they're acceptance (or not) of each character.

Before purchasing the book, I had read a few review online that complained about Amery not being strong or able to make a decision. I think it was just the opposite, she was very strong and wanted to play it close to her heart since she was hurt once by an old boyfriend and of course, the hurt from Ronin. Which also leads me to the best beat down scene every, in a bar, against the ex. It was a real beat down but it was nice to read about a girl standing up for herself in a self-defense mode. Very empowering!

I'm actual afraid to get to much into the story for fear of dropping spoilers everywhere. This review is sparse but the book is not. It was a wonderful follow-up to the Bound. I will say that this book is just as sexy as the last and that I loved the focus on rope art.

A third book in the Mastered series is going to focus on Shiori Hirano and Knox Lofgren. Let's say that sparks were flying between these two in Unwound and I cannot wait to read about the new couple in book 3!

I liked this series so much that I bought copies of Bound and Unwound to donate to our local library. Both copies are now cataloged and ready for readers! Make sure to stop by your local library to see if a copy is available.  
 

 

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren


"One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away."

********

When I heard that Christina Lauren were coming out with a new series, Wild Seasons, I might have fangirl screamed. Before their new series hit the shelves I was excited to read more from the writing team but nervous that the first series was a fluke. I have had many favorite "freshman" writers, than read a second series or book and lose that love. I didn't want to lose love for Christina Lauren. I LOVE the Beautiful Bastard series. Each book with their unique style of writing showcasing different characters facing different problems. Nothing like the formulaic books out there that I've read before. So, maybe that was where my fear cam from. Having to read the same formula over and over again (like some very famous mainstream authors who I love).

So, luck for me and for you a future reader that this wasn't the case. Which brings us back to Sweet Filthy Boy, very much like it's title, sweet and filthy. This book surprised me on many levels. For one, it was nothing like the Beautiful Bastard (BB) series. In the BB series, the men are well established and in the 'high' season of their careers. The women all know where they're going and what they want from life. The men in this series were also extremely rich.

In Sweet Filthy Boy the first characters we meet are Mia and Ansel. Mia has just graduated from college with her two best friends. She plans to go to business school but really doesn't want to go. She's undecided, or I would say resigned to the cards she has to play in life. Ansel has graduated and working as a lawyer in Paris. He's in a job that is non-stop busy but it very junior in the firm. He knows what he wants out of life and is keeping the focus on the long-term goals. I loved that this was different from the BB series. Not only are they in different places in life, they're realistic in the money department. Living in a small apartment in Paris to me was way better than being in some fancy, large apartment in Paris. It gave the story more reality to the situation.

Another reason I loved the book was for the couple themselves. They're learning how to fit into each other's lives while in Paris. As Mia pointed out, one was hiding from the past while the other hiding from the future. So, they were living in the present together. Like any new couple, they had their moments of not communicating or feeling awkward around each other. I loved reading about how the characters evolved with each other and themselves over the series. I also wanted to note that this story is told from just Mia's POV. I think if Ansel had a POV in this story, we would have lost some of the mystery and shock of what he was hiding from.

As a friend would ask, how sexy is it? I would say it's sexy! Fans of BB know these writers can be very sexy in their descriptions. I would say this book had many sexy moments. There was also a fun to the sexy, the characters enjoyed each other and getting out of their own heads (you'll see).  However, BB still outranks it for most sexy I have read, which is up there with 50 Shades and Bared to You. So, if you were a little put off by BB very "descriptive world", I would still give this one a chance. There's no angry stairwell incidents to speak of.

I was lucky enough to get my copy from the New Ulm Public Library. If a new book is out of your budget, make sure to check-in with your local library to see if they have a copy. If they don't, you can always have them order you one from a different library! You can also find this book at all the usual places...Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, etc.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Frozen: A Sister More Like Me

by Barbara Jean Hicks, Brittney Lee (Illustrator)  

"Explore a wintery world of magic in Walt Disney Animation Studio's latest film, Frozen. This jacketed picture book features an original story about Anna and Elsa, the film's two sisters, as well as illustrations by one of the artists who worked on the film."

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I really don't know what family of a small child isn't going through the Frozen craze. I think we heard Let it Go sung 100 times over the course of a month. Our daughter is Elsa crazy and a Frozen fan. We were lucky enough to find this book in Barnes & Noble. I say lucky because any product Frozen related is off the shelves and soon and it's put out. 

A Sister More Like Me is told from each sister POV, Anna and Elsa. One is messy and the other neat, one is elegant and the other breezy. With this in mind, we get a contrast of the two sisters on how they are different. More importantly, we learn (as they do) how the compliment each other. 

I also would like to note that the illustration is amazing! It could be easy for Disney to keep using the same images directly from the movie over and over and over again. I've seen it done too many times with other brands. Lucky for the reader and the parents reading the book the images stylized and beautiful. I loved the story but I really LOVED the illustration.

So, if you have a Frozen fan at home, make sure to check out the latest book offered from Disney!

Monday, May 19, 2014

Looking to support a great cause and read at the same time? Check out Alpha on Top!

I'm super excited that this analogy is now on sale, especially with all proceeds going to great charities and the first book in the group is Cage! You can read my review on Axel here. Cage is the second book in the series.

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Bonus scenes and/or new material in each book! 

CAGE by Harper Sloan 
Greg Cage was born to protect. For the last decade, he has carried the guilt of his sister's death and need for vengeance around... until it was stripped from him. All he has ever known was how to protect: his family, his friends, and his country. Can he go against everything he has ever known, and give up that control? 

Melissa Larson has been the rock in her family for more years than she can remember, and the fight to keep them together is her main priority. She has always been fiercely independent and proud, never asking for help. When that choice is out of her control, will she be able to let someone else be her strength? 

With unexpected events at every turn and fate wrecking more havoc on another member of the Corps family, Greg and Melissa learn just how powerful their love can be. 

UNTIL NOVEMBER by Aurora Rose Reynolds 
November is looking forward to getting to know her father and the safety of a small town. After leaving the Big Apple and her bad memories for Tennessee, she starts working for her dad at his strip club doing the books. The one time she’s allowed there during club hours she runs into Asher Mayson. He’s perfect until he opens his mouth and makes assumptions. November wants nothing to do with Asher but too bad for November, fate has other plans. 

Asher has never had a problem getting a woman, that is until November. Now all he can think about is making November his and keeping her safe. 

BROKEN HART by Ella Fox 
Sabrina Tyler is head over heels in love with her boss and best friend, Dante Hart. She thinks that he has no romantic interest in her but she's wrong. Dante doesn't believe in love or commitment or any kind. Sabrina has gotten under his skin, but Dante has no intention of acting on it. 

One wild night changes their relationship forever, but Dante lacks faith in love and doesn't believe in Happily Ever Afters. Can Sabrina break through and fix what's broken in Dante Hart? 

INCINERATE by Tessa Teevan 
When Knox Wellington opens the door to Charlie Davenport, he's not expecting the fiery brunette with whiskey colored eyes and a feisty personality. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the chip on Knox's shoulder threatens to destroy any hope of him wooing the sweet, southern volunteer sent to help with his rehabilitation. Little does he know she's no Southern Belle, as she gives as good as she can take. As unexpected circumstances push them closer together, heads butt, patience is tested, and flames ignite as they dance around their mutual attraction, both of them jaded from broken pasts. 

They've both been burned before, so when their feelings of lust, desire, and wanting are inflamed in the heat of the moment, will they finally be able to get over the pain of the past or will their relationship be reduced to ashes before it can ever really begin? 

PUSH THE ENVELOPE by Rochelle Paige 
Alexa is your average college junior, attending classes and piloting Mile High Club charter flights. Boys haven't been on her radar for a couple years after a disastrous breakup with her high school sweetheart. Drake transferred to Blythe College for the rugby team, not for a new assortment of college girls. When he meets Alexa, Drake knows he's met his match. She tries to resist him, but he isn't used to taking no for an answer. 

BROKEN by K Webster 
Life is perfect for Andi until her entire world is crushed in an instant and she is left broken. Forced to pick up the pieces of her heart, she chooses to abide by a set of rules that prohibit her from getting hurt again. When Jackson enters the picture, he wants to play her game. What happens when things get complicated and hearts actually do get involved? Will they move on or will they break the rules?



Buy Links:




Friday, May 16, 2014

Secret Alpha by Larel Ulen Curtis


"I’m Dan Smith, and I’m currently living two lives. Maybe even three if you really look into it. Haley, Allison, Hunter, Wade, Sergio, and Isla all exist in one or more of them somehow.
Am I a supporting role in their stories, or are they merely characters in mine?
You decide.

Haley told her story. Now I’ll tell mine.

She said. He said.

This is my story.

Note: Secret Alpha is the second book in the A is for Alpha Male Series and must be read after A is for Alpha Male."

Warning: Some explicit language and sexual content.

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Review

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Secret Alpha is the story from Danny's POV from A is for Alpha. You can read more about my review on A is for Alpha here. Where Haley is very energetic, Danny is the cool breeze off a slow river. They compliment each other very well. Haley is all energy, snappy comments and Danny thinks things through and knows when to to rein Haley in. He also appreciates her for who she is not wanting to change her. I think I loved that most about his character.

While I liked A is for Alpha, I loved Secret Alpha. I liked Haley as a character, especially that she was her own woman and had a great relationship with her mother. I loved listening to Danny's thoughts on Haley and seeing his relationship develop with her through his eyes even more. Like I said before, I can best describe Haley as the Gilmore Girls all rolled into one. Snappy comebacks, constant movement with thoughts and a thoughtfulness towards her mother that you can truly appreciate. At times, it felt like I needed a breath, a pause, a moment to just appreciate in A is for Alpha. I got that with Secret Alpha and with that I got that these two truly were meant for each other.

If you read A is for Alpha, you know Danny has more going on then what the surface shows. In order to keep this spoiler free, I won't go into those details. Reading Secret Alpha gave us the background on what was happening to and around Danny during Haley's time away on her trip. Why did he call two days later? Why had he known about the YouTube video of Haley and her mom? How did he just know things? We get all of those answers and more!

While reading his POV I found myself laughing a lot. Danny found his humor and life when he met Haley (again) and seemed to be showing it to the world through his thoughts and actions. I also loved how he met Hunter again. The whole group of characters really complimented each other. I hope to read more about Wade and Allison, even Hunter (Haley's brother).

Please note I received an ARC for my honest review of the book.

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Giveaway



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Where to Buy 


Secret Alpha:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1itCwi7
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/QW2f71
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nX5wOE

A is for Alpha Male:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1do8T0t
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1nRQBcd
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1hdtN1u   

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About the Author


Laurel Ulen Curtis is a 27 year old mother of one. She lives with her husband and son (and cat and two fish!) in New Jersey, but grew up all over the United States. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and puts that to almost no use other than forecasting for her friends and writing a storm chasing heroine! She has a passion for her family, laughing, and reading and writing Romance novels. She’s also addicted to Coke. The drink, not the drug.

LAUREL’S SOCIAL MEDIA:


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater


"“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before."


******** 

When this book first came out, I gave it a try and found I couldn't get into it. So, I'm sure you're wondering why now I'm talking about it on my blog. Who knows when it comes to books and me liking them. It could be one of many things. I'm in the mood for something more sexy or with more mystery or based in high school or in college or who knows. What I do know is that I'm a big fan of Stiefvater and that wouldn't change if I couldn't get into one of her books.

Fast forward to present when I volunteered to play in an orchestra that was 1.5 hours away...which meant a lot of time in the car over two weeks (approximately 10 CDs worth of time). I have a co-worker at the library who drives 45 minutes to get to work and LOVES books on CD to listen to over the drive. With an excessive amount of driving time in my future, I decided to grab a few books on CD for listening. I picked up The Raven Boys hoping the reader of the boy would suck me into the world Stiefvater created. 

I'm so glad that I gave this book (actually CD another chance). When I first heard the narrator speak I thought, "oh no a guy doing voices for girls, blah!" I was very wrong on that aspect. Will Patton is the narrator and did an amazing job of creating unique voices for each character. Patton really evoked emotion and painted a very clear picture to the story. There were times while driving in the dead of night, through thunderstorms, that was I creeped out from the narrator and the storyline.

As for the story itself, from start to finish, it was an amazing read. Lots of mystery and paranormal added in with friendships and the beginnings of something. Each character added something to the unique mix of the group. Not one character was there that shouldn't have been. You can guess early on who the villain is but not so much for the other twists and turns that are presented. I think I actually said out loud in the card, "Oh no!" more times than I can count. The twists were that good and unexpected.

As for a love interest or love triangle, there really wasn't much developed. Blue was warned from an early age that she would kill her true love with a kiss and couldn't kiss him. What a thing to grow up hearing?! No kissing boys!! I think this was her mom's greatest weapon to keep her away from the male gender. But since her mother is psychic as same with the rest of her family, I tend to believe them. There was a possible love interest and a future love interest, as shown in visions, but it's slow developing. The mystery at hand was the meat and bones of the book. I'm hoping that we get more love story in the second and third book. I'm a romantic at heart!

Finally, the last chapter of the book...actually the last few paragraphs was filled with heartbreak, mystery, and excitement. I really loved how this book ended. Not on a cliffhanger but with enough mystery to want to read more!

I would fully suggest that if you have a long road trip ahead of you to check out The Raven Boys on CD. I was lucky enough to get my copy from the library.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Bound by Lorelei James


 

"In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession…."


Bound by Lorelei James a wonderfully written erotic fiction novel. Amery goes to a self-defense class to support her friend and co-worker to only discover that if she wants to support she has to participate in the class. From here she meets Ronin in the classroom when he questions why she isn't wearing the required uniform. I loved their first interactions together. Clearly, Amery is happy to be on her own and be her own woman but to defy someone isn't second nature. It takes effort but something about Ronin gets her hackles up. I really liked this aspect about Amery. The whole, I'm my own woman and don't need a man at the beginning of the book. She has friends and a business but with Ronin's help she sees that she can expand beyond that. It's OK to want someone more in your life.

I also liked the added layers to each of the characters. With Amery's parents and back story to Ronin's mute-ness about himself and his history. The last chapter in his POV was awesome and I'm looking forward to hearing more from him in the second book (finger's crossed!). The book also took a few nice twist and turns with an unexpected visit from a family member to an ex who doesn't like seeing someone happy.

Finally, the book had a certain amount of sexy to it. I wouldn't say that it focused on the BDSM at all but something more art and less pain called Shibari more correctly known as Kinbaku. Which is stated by www.hikarikesho.com/eng/shibari.php as "an ancient Japanese artistic form of rope bondage that has many styles and uses."

That alone made the book truly interesting...learning something new from another culture. Not the usual whip and chains type of erotic fiction...which I truly appreciated. While this book is sexy I would say it's not overly so...not in the sense of 50 Shades.

I was at the salon a few days ago and was asked by the girls working there what sexy book they should read next. With this book in my hands, I said Bound! The great storyline and many layered characters only enhances the sexy of the book. So, if you're looking for the next erotic fiction to read, give Bound a chance.

I was lucky enough to find a copy through the library and now I'm on the hunt for book two, Unwound, which will conclude the story of Amery and Ronin.



Thursday, May 8, 2014

Breakable by Tammara Webber


"He was lost and alone. Then he found her.
And the future seemed more fragile than ever.


As a child, Landon Lucas Maxfield believed his life was perfect and looked forward to a future filled with promise — until tragedy tore his family apart and made him doubt everything he ever believed.

All he wanted was to leave the past behind. When he met Jacqueline Wallace, his desire to be everything she needed came so easy…

As easy as it could be for a man who learned that the soul is breakable and that everything you hoped for could be ripped away in a heartbeat."


********

Breakable is nothing less than amazing. Just one word could describe the whole book, it would be amazing. When I first heard that there was going to be a second novel from Easy by Tamarra Webber, I couldn't conceal my joy to know we were going to read Lucas' POV. What makes this novel unique to others supplying the male's POV in second book was that we hear from both Landon and Lucas. Same guy but in two different states on mind. Landon is before and after his mom dying and Lucas is after his mom dying and before, during, and after falling in love with Jacqueline. I'm going to split the review into each POV that was presented in the book starting first with Landon.

 

Landon 

While read Landon's POV I kept thinking of this quote from Neil DeGrasse Tyson which aired on MPR. He said, "I would say I am where I am today not because of what the teachers said about me or did for me, but in spite of it. And I don't think that's what you want, so I will decline...Also consider that if you a straight-A student in your class, that student has straight A's not because of teachers, but in spite of teachers. That's what having straight-A means. It means you do well, no matter the teaching talent of the teacher. That's what straight A's mean. So if you're a teacher and you put forth your straight-A student as though you had something to do with it, you are deluding yourself." (The full quote and story can be found here.)

I felt the same way about Landon and his being moved to this new town while grieving in his introverted way. No teacher gave him the benefit to look beyond the quite kid who didn't want to interact with the students. The outcast. The one being bullied. Even in high school, being called out on day one as a trouble maker. How do you expect our students to excel when they're faced with that and no one willing to look deeper into the issue. It's something I feel strongly about and it really it home on the problems that exist in public schooling.

So, in spite of the doubt and bullying and a father who wasn't there, Landon somehow made it out to become Lucas. That is what makes this story so inspiring and amazing!

 

Lucas

Ever chapter we get a Landon and then a Lucas POV. At the beginning Lucas has become this working machine to pay for college, get top grades to not find himself back in that small town, and a small base of friends. What I liked most about the Lucas chapters what that we got to meet his friends and see his interactions with people outside of Jacqueline. In Easy, he was always this dark and mysterious character. In Breakable, he was a solid person who had fears, wants, needs and was trying non-stop to do and say the right thing. How could I not fall even more in love with this character.

I will also note this book is more introverted. Which I found perfect to match the character. We get character interactions and new text between Jacqueline and Lucas but there is a lot of thought and observations that we get just from Lucas.

After finishing the book I hope for a few things. One is a book on Boyce and Pearl. Really! Those two have something and I want to read about it! The second hope is for something on Cole who was a new character in the Heller family. I'm sure he has always been there but we meet him for the first time through Lucas.

I would recommend that you read Easy first if you haven't. That's a must because the book is that good. Then followup with Breakable. If you're an Easy fan, Breakable will be just as good, if not better to read.

I'm now off to donate my copy to the local library so they can have it in their collection. If you live in the area, make sure to place a hold on this amazing book! 

 

Monday, May 5, 2014

A is for Alpha Male by Laurel Ulen Curtis


"This road trip wasn’t to be just any road trip, but a very special one indeed. An adventure with an acutely specific purpose-- to find our other halves. The peanut butter to our jelly. The i to our Phone. The stripper to our pole.

If our romantic desires were a personal ad, they would read something like this.

** Two sassy women (Ages twenty-seven and forty-nine respectively--Ouch. Okay, ages twenty-seven and thirty--with nineteen years experience-- respectively) seeking Alpha Males to love us with zeal and kiss us with skill. Gorgeous face and sexy, tattooed, hard body a must. If you aren’t a dangerous bad*ss with the x-rated skills and virility to match, don’t bother. Must be willing to protect us from danger, value our quirkiness, and keep your mouth shut when said quirkiness is what leads to said danger. Momma’s boys named Dan Smith need not apply.**

I know. It’s a bit wordy. In fact, it would probably cost a fortune. Luckily, we’re not ready for the personal ad. We’re not that desperate...yet.

This is my story." (Description from goodreads.com)

Warning: Some explicit language and sexual content.

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If you were ever a fan of the Gilmore Girls, then this might be the book for you. While not as innocent and sweet as the show, this is a mother daughter adventure based on finding that one guy who makes you tingle and feel empowered and loved in that special "alpha" sort of way.

The reference to Gilmore Girls is based equally on the close relationship between Haley and Allison as well as the fast talking and thought movement from Haley's POV. For me, at first it took a little to get use to. I myself tend to talk very quickly and jump subjects without people understanding the thought process behind it. In A is for Alpha Male, we get to read the thought process behind the quick whit.

Reading this book was like having a good conversation with one of y friends. It felt personal and comfortable. Especially the relationship between Haley and Allison. Haley is also fiercely independent woman who really loves her mother. To me the theme looking for someone who understands your brand of crazy and loves you for it.

As for the love interest, he was swoon worthy. I liked how the relationship developed over the story. While NAME HERE felt a connection right away, she was given the "friends flag" and was happy to have that. She felt as if they were meant to be in each others lives, albeit friendship or lover.

The main love interested also kept the reader on their toes wondering what was going on inside of his head. He ran hot and cold but not so far as to alienate the reader or the friendship with Haley. You could feel his struggle to maintain friendship and not move into the lover category.

Which leads me to the additional ARC in the storyline. If you tend to skip ahead to see what happens, I would recommend not doing that with this book. It was a nice mystery to discover while in the moments and not from skipping ahead. While a seasoned reader might guess one part to the mystery of lover boy correctly, the additional pieces of said mystery added a nice layer to the story.

In the beginning of the story the author notes that this was written for her love of Kristen Ashley books. Since I have never read the author's books, I had no reference to the books they were talking about. So, the fangirl moments was a little confusing to me. With most books I read, I just went with the fangirl moments.

I'm now off to read Secret Alpha the companion novel to A is for Alpha Novel.

Please note that I was given an ARC of A is for Alpha Novel for my honest opinion.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green


"Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten." (Description from Goodreads.com)

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Our New Adult book group choose The Fault in Our Stars for our May book. I first started reading this book six months ago but decided I couldn't finish. My first thoughts were what a well-written, funny story and that surprised me. I was afraid to read more...for the bad to happen. So to say I finished it it a big accomplishment for me.

There has been so many reviews written about this amazing book. Too many to count and too many so well done, it doesn't seem right to write my own words to it. However, I did want to bring light to this book and make sense out of what I read. Here's my own review added to the many out there already...

I would say that this is a beautiful, beautiful love story where we get the time to watch Hazel and Gus fall in love. Not make dumb mistakes where they take each other for granted and have huge misunderstandings but a true falling in love story where you know these two were meant to be together. That is what makes is so heartbreaking, the kind of ugly crying that you don't want anyone to witness.

What makes this story sad is not the cancer or that someone might be dying from it or even the long aftereffects of cancer. It's that these two wonderful souls have found each other and have such a short time together. As one of them said, "Dying is a symptom of cancer." They wouldn't want you to feel sorry for them, even for the short amount of time they get together. As someone who loves reading love stories, it's hard not to feel for them. Feel the pain of one watching the other go through something so horrible and painful, with no answer on how to help but be there. That's what is gut wrenching about the story...at least to me.

When reading it during tough parts, I kept reminding myself that they did have that short, wonderful time together. How many of us in the world don't even get to experience that? The world might not be a wish granting factory but for me it granted these too an epic love story.

The Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful, funny, well-written love story. When reading it, you can't think, "It's a story about kids with cancer." They're teens and living life the best they can in spite of cancer. If you haven't had a chance to read this one yet, I would suggest a bag of chocolate, box of tissues and a day to yourself to really enjoy this story.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Alphas on Top Cover Reveal

Please note the next cover reveal is steamy!


Six sensational authors have joined forces to bring you their sexiest alphas. These smoking hot stories just got even hotter- all of the books include new material and/or bonus scenes! Mark your calendars for May 19, 2014-- because things are about to get super steamy!



Books included in Alpha on Top:



Cage by Harper Sloan


Until November by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Broken Hart by Ella Fox

Incinerate by Tessa Teevan

Push the Envelope by Rochelle Paige

Broken by K Webster

Add Alphas on Top to your GoodReads TBR list.