24. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Promise Me Darkness by Paige Weaver, read by Jessica on 04/23/2013

“He was my darkness and I was his light. We couldn’t exist without each other.”

For me, life was simple. I went to school and studied. I spent time with my friends and stayed out of trouble. I didn’t drink or swear and I only dated gentlemen. I was the typical good girl with a bright future. My world seemed perfect.

But that was about to change.

Ryder Delaney was the one imperfection in my life. He was the bad boy, the black sheep, the one your mother always warned you about. He had only one hard-and-fast rule – Don’t fall in love.

But some rules were meant to be broken.

We were best friends, inseparable since childhood despite our differences. I knew the real man hiding behind the tattoos and bad attitude. He knew all my secrets and dreams. But he didn’t know there was one thing I wanted and couldn’t have…him.

But sometimes Fate has a way of intervening. Soon our world collapsed. War erupted. Darkness prevailed. Alone and on the run, our only goal was to survive and to ignore the feelings we had for each other. But love is powerful…

and so is the darkness.

23. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Real by Katy Evans, read by Jessica on 04/22/2013

REAL

A fallen boxer.

A woman with a broken dream.

A competition…

IS HE FOR REAL?

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting… Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life. He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . . But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me. I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations. If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

19. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Damaged by H.M. Ward, read by Jessica on 04/18/2013

A New Adult Romance Novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Life sucks. And, as soon as Sidney picks up the pieces something always knocks her back onto her butt. It’s never pretty, but this time is different. This time pretty isn’t even the right word. Peter is the personification of perfection. It’s like he fell off his angel perch in purgatory, because let’s face it–any guy that hot has got to be naughty. He was probably sent here to ruin her life. Peter is beyond beautiful with his sexy blue eyes, dark hair, and toned body. Add in his charming wit and Peter is everything Sidney ever wanted in a man, but when things get hot and heavy Peter shows her the door. Sidney takes the walk of shame and leaves. It’s the end of the worst blind date ever. Her life couldn’t possibly reach higher levels of suckage, but it does. The next morning everything comes crashing down. The insanely hot guy from last night, the one that saw her half naked, is teaching at the front of the class room.

17. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Light in the Shadows by A. Meredith Walters, read by Jessica on 04/17/2013

The sequel to Find You in the Dark

How do you keep going when you feel like your life is over?

Maggie never thought she’d see Clay again. So, she attempts to put her life back together after her heart has been shattered to pieces. Moving on and moving forward, just as Clay wanted her to.

Clay never stopped thinking of Maggie. Even after ripping their lives apart and leaving her behind to get the help he so desperately needed. He is healing…slowly. But his heart still belongs to the girl who tried to save him.

When a sudden tragedy brings Maggie and Clay face to face again, nothing is the same. Yet some things never change. Can the darkness that threatened to consume them be transformed into something else and finally give them what they always wanted? And can two people who fought so hard to be together, finally find their happiness? Or will their demons and fear drive them apart for good?

The thing about love, is even when it destroys you, it has a way of mending what is broken. And in the shadows, you can still see the light.

17. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Find You In The Dark by A. Meredith Walters, read by Jessica on 04/16/2013

Maggie Young had the market on normal. Normal friends, normal parents, normal grades…normal life.

Until him.

Clayton Reed was running from his past and an army of personal demons that threatened to take him down. He never thought he had a chance at happiness.

Until her.

Maggie thought their love could overcome anything. Clay thought she was all he needed to fix his messy life.

That together, they could face the world.

But the darkness is always waiting.

Sometimes the greatest obstacle to true love is within yourself.

17. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fairy Tales and Folklore, Fantasy, Fiction, Kira, Romance

Gift of Magic by Lynn Kurland, read by Kira on 04/01/2013

gift of magic

In the conclusion, the third book in this 2nd trilogy of the Nine Kingdoms, Sarah and Ruith battle their way past an astounding number of evil-doers.  Sarah always retains this mousy-ness about her.  Ruith thinks she’s oh so courageous, but she’s always hesitant, but insistent.  I wonder if the author knew what she was going to do with all the various characters, some of the key players were introduced for the very first time in the second book of the trilogy. I much preferred the charismatic Morgan woman-warrior.  Well I hope the 2nd book the the 3rd trilogy is as good as the 1st title in the 3rd trilogy, whenever it comes out.

16. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

Fever by Maya Banks, read by Nikki on 04/16/2013

Fever-and-Burn-by-Maya-Banks450x338border-2Jace, Ash and Gabe are three of the most wealthiest men. Whatever they want they get. They have been best friends since they were 18 and have created a very successful business together. Jace and Ash share everything, even women. They prefer to have threesomes, them two and one woman. They do everything together. Until Jace and Ash proposition Bethany, a server at Gabe and Mia’s engagement party. Jace is instantly attracted to Bethany and is overcome with jealousy when Ash is touching her. Jace realizes after their threesome that Bethany is different. He doesn’t want anyone else to have Bethany ever. He is determined to make Bethany his, even if it negatively affects his and Ash’s close friendship.

This book was a little disappointing for me. I really liked Rush which is the first book in this trilogy. I hated how Jace felt like he owned Bethany. That he dictated what she wore, where she went, who she talked to. And even more I hated that Bethany wanted and “needed” that. I mean what kind of relationship are you in where your man tells you what to do constantly. As if you’re a toddler and he’s your father. It was disgusting. But that’s just at the beginning of their relationship and things do eventually change…thank God! Now I will impatiently wait for the third book in this series “Rush” and pray that Ash’s story is better than Jace’s.

16. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

Rush by Maya Banks, read by Nikki on 04/12/2013

51l-iMx3taL._AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-46,22_AA300_SH20_OU15_Mia Crestwell lost her parents at the young age of 6. Her older brother by 14 years, raised her with his two best friends Gabe and Ash. Mia has always had a crush on Gabe since she can remember. She never thought she’d actually have the chance to be with Gabe, being that he always kept his distance from her and treated her like his own little sister. But one night she decides to surprise her brother Jace by showing up to his, Gabe and Ash’s new hotel grand opening, only to find Jace isn’t there. But Gabe is. Gabe pulls Mia aside, kisses her and then puts her in a car to take her home with instructions to be in his office the next morning. Gabe propositions Mia with a contract to be his submissive lover while keeping it a secret from Jace. Mia cannot believe what he’s offering. There is no way she can say no to Gabe, but what she’s afraid of is falling head over heels for Gabe and not surviving when he walks away at the end.

Wow! When you think you’ve read it all. I mean I’ve read Fifty Shades of Grey series, two of the Crossfire series, and countless very erotic, very mature romance books. But these so far top the cake for serious kinkyness (yes I just made that word up). Some of the scenes were even a little to much for me to handle and that’s saying a lot. While this book had a good story line, I can’t really see anything past the sex scenes. Some were really hot and some were so…I don’t even know what word to use here, they were just not my style. A little too much really. Nonetheless, it was a good read and I was more than happy to hear that there are 2 more books after this one.

16. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken, read by Nikki on 04/10/2013

51y5U55jTuL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_Kacey has know Jake and Travis her whole life. She grew up with Jake as her best friend and Travis as her tormentor. In their last year of high school Kacey and Jake decide to become a couple where that lasts up until her first year in college. Where they make the mistake of having sex and Jake leaves her thinking the whole thing was a mistake. Kacey never really got over how he ended things that night. Then one day Jake gets a hold of her and propositions her to pretend that they are engaged to make his grandmother happy so he can keep in control of the family business. Kacey agrees to go home with him for 4 days, not realizing she’ll have to be around and pretend to be with Jake in front of Travis, who she despises.

Travis has been in love with Kacey his whole life. He wasn’t intentionally trying to torment Kacey, he was only trying to set up circumstances where he could come in and rescue her. But things never worked out right for him. When he finds out about Kacey and Jakes arrangement, he sees his chance to finally come clean to Kacey and make her his.

This book turned out so much better than I thought. It was a little frustrating at first, and I wasn’t sure which guy I wanted Kacey to end up with. The relationship between Kacey and Travis was actually really funny. I loved the constant banter and bickering between the two. This book was short and sweet and a pleasure to read.

16. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

Never Forget by Emma Hart, read by Nikki on 04/06/2013

http://www.dreamstime.com/-image22810719Lexy Edwards is forced by her parents to spend the summer with her Grandma in Devon, England. Lexy loves her grandma but would much rather be spending her summer with her friends in London. So she’s not to excited to be spending her summer in the small beach town of Lilac Bay, Devon. Lexy is off to college after this summer and just wants to focus on school and getting her education. She’s not interested in anything else. But she soon finds her resolve slowly dissipating when she meets Alec, the town flirt. She tries to keep her distance, but he’s persistent and she soon finds herself falling for him. But what she soon finds out is that her family and the one guy she’s ever trusted as been keeping a secret from her this whole time. She then has to decide if Alec is a chance she’s willing to take in her life.

Ok I don’t know if it’s just different cultures that made this book a total turn off for me, or the fact that Lexy Edwards seemed to be about the most spoiled annoying brat I’ve ever read. She just seemed so ungrateful and full of herself. It was rather difficult for me to get through this book. It may also be that she was so young and I’m not really into reading about teen love stories much anymore. Either way, the ending was nice, and I’m happy there isn’t a sequel to this book…not that I would read it anyway.

16. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder, read by Nikki on 04/02/2013

41IRwEFGB0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_Nell Hawthorne and Kyle Calloway have been friends their whole life. They were born just days apart in the same hospital, their parents were best friends, and lived just down the street from each other. They’re as close as two friends can get. Then on Nell’s 16th birthday, her and Kyle decide to move their friendship to a relationship. From there, they’re inseparable. After graduation they decide to take a weekend at Kyles parents cabin. That weekend changed their whole lives. Kyle dies in a freak accident and Nell never gets over his death. Now 2 years later, Nell runs into Kyle’s older brother Colton in New York City and can’t deny the instant attraction and spark in their touch. Colton sees that Nell still isn’t over his younger brothers death, and decides to help her get through it.

I loved Kyle and Nell’s story. I knew that he died in this book before I read it, so after reading their story I was worried I’d hate the book when I read that he dies. But the love story of Nell and Colton makes up for Kyles death. This book was impossible to put down, it had me so emotional I could hardly see thru blurry eyes to read the book. Not only was this book a good emotional read, the bedroom scenes were even better. I’ll definitely be re-reading this book…or really my favorite “scenes”.

13. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Angie, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Teen Books

Concealed by Sang Kromah, read by Angie on 04/12/2013

Bijou and her grandmother have just moved to Sykesville. Bijou starts school for the first time after being homeschooled her entire life. At school she meets dreamy Sebastian and his twin Amina. Bijou and her grandmother have moved a lot; they never seem to settle in one place. And Bijou is not your ordinary girl. She can sometimes feel what others are feeling and everyone is scared to look into her eyes. Turns out she has a reason to feel different. She is the “chosen one” of prophecy. She is part djinn and supposedly the savior (or sacrifce) that will restore the powers of the djinn. Sebastian and Amina are her protectors and djinn as well. Weird things start happening at school with a teacher and mean girl Mandy. Then the djinn arrive and Bijou has to figure out what is really going on.

I almost gave up on this book. The plot was just all over the place. I found the idea of the djinn interesting, but I think this book could have really used some editing and maybe a plot outline. The characters were all over the place; I could never figure out if they were on the same side or enemies or what. One minute they were one and the next another. It was like everyone in the book had a split personality. And the djinn prophecy didn’t always make sense. It seemed like things changed every once in a while to fit whatever scene was taking place. Sometimes the djinn had powers and sometimes they were powerless. Sometimes Bijou acted like she knew what the heck was going on and others she was completely clueless (about the same things). And then there was the love triangle (or square). Bijou/Sebastian/Niko/Mandy. This was just ridiculous! I almost always hate love triangles and this one ranks at the bottom of my list (or the top of the most hated). The whole story was one convoluted mess.

I received a copy of this book on netgalley.com.

11. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder, read by Jessica on 04/10/2013

Nell Hawthorne is in love with her life-long best friend, Kyle Calloway. Their young love is invincible and life is full of promise; then one night Kyle dies suddenly in a tragic accident and Nell is forever changed. She meets Kyle’s older brother Colton for the first time at the funeral. They both struggle to move on with life as best they can. Years later, they meet again in New York City, and Colton realizes that Nell has never really gotten over Kyle’s death. She seems to be harboring a deeply rooted pain, a heavy weight of guilt and regret. He knows he shouldn’t get involved, but he can’t help himself. Trust doesn’t come easily for either of them, and they both have demons. Together, they learn the purpose of pain and the meaning of healing, and the importance of forgiveness.

08. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger by Kyra Davis, read by Jessica on 04/07/2013

Kasie knows who she’s supposed to be. But one passionate night with a mysterious stranger will teach her who she wants to be. You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it’s the dress, much shorter than she’d ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she’s ever done with a man before.

It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she’s thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that’s engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality…and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom.

07. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Angie, Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Teen Books

Scrapbook of My Revolution by Amy Lynn Spitzley, read by Angie on 04/06/2013

At some point in the future some babies are born different. They have different colored skin and abilities. There are blue, pink, green, gold children who can manipulate things, sense things, blend in like camouflage and are great at athletics. These children are known as Malian and they are everywhere. The government has instigated a policy of benign indifference, but people are still afraid and mistrustful of Malians. Amber is a sensitive, gold Malian. She can read the emotions of those around her and believe you it is not a fun ability. She starts a Malian support group at her high school to get the word out about Malians. Her best friend Bree, a regular, and her boyfriend Cam, a camo, join the group. Amber also meets Johnny Marino, a high profile Malian who can persuade people. Amber’s group is all about peaceful coexistence and education, but Johnny has a different agenda. All this is set against the backdrop of high school and all the angst that goes along with it, plus a little extra because of the Malian issue.

This book is told in the format of a scrapbook/diary. As such there is a lot of high school girl drama as Amber waffles between her feelings for Cam and Johnny. But the real story is out these high school students take a stand and become activists for their cause. They learn how to stand up for themselves and not be afraid. They also learn the bad side of activism. I thought Amber and Johnny were a nice contract to each other; both sensitives, both passionate about their cause, but going about it in different ways. Kind of reminded me of the contrast between MLK and the Black Panthers; civil disobedience versus rebellion. I like how Spitzley addressed racism in a different way. She took away the old black versus white argument and made it a regular versus Malian argument. I think she made her point that we are all the same no matter our skin tone; our actions should speak for us not our color.

I received a copy of this book from the publishers on Netgalley.

06. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Romance, Thriller/Suspense, Tracy

Cry for the Moon by Anne Stuart, read by Tracy on 04/05/2013

This was a very predictable romance thriller novel. But it also had some funny parts. When recently widowed Marielle Brandt inherits an old haunted apartment building in Chicago, she moves her two kids and finds an assortment of tenants who are just like her, broke and no where else to live. Of course there is Simon Zebriskie, who is the love interest, who resists at first because of the age difference. An easy fun read.

05. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire, read by Jessica on 04/04/2013

Can you love someone too much?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

05. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

From Ashes by Molly McAdams, read by Jessica on 04/03/2013

Aside from her dad, who passed away when she was six, Cassidy Jameson has only ever trusted one man: her best friend, Tyler. So of course she follows him to Texas when he leaves for college. She just didn’t expect to be so drawn to their new roommate, Gage, a gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl. The only problem? He’s Tyler’s cousin.

Gage Carson was excited to share an apartment off campus with his cousin. He didn’t mind that Tyler was bringing the mysterious friend he’d heard about since they were kids . . . until the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen jumps out of his cousin’s Jeep. There’s something about Cassi that makes Gage want to give her everything. Too bad Tyler has warned him that she’s strictly off-limits.

Despite everything keeping them apart, Cassi and Gage dance dangerously close to the touch they’ve both been craving. But when disaster sends her running into Tyler’s arms, Cassi will have to decide whether to face the demons of herpast . . . or to burn her chance at a future with Gage.

03. April 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Angie, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Teen Books

Buried by Gerilyn Marin, read by Angie on 04/02/2013

Fane’s Cove is a strange town. There are all kinds of paranormal happenings in the town and the people just accept them. In fact, the same people have lived in the town forever; families don’t seem to leave Fane’s Cove. Cae is part of one of those families and she has a gift. She has a bit of the sight passed down from her grandma. Gray Addison is an anomaly. His family has moved to Fane’s Cove. Cae is drawn to Gray and his quest to find his family history. His family is from Fane’s Cove, but all records of them have been lost. Cae and Gray uncover a buried secret about Jack Addison, Gray’s ancestor, and his connection to the town and its strange history.

This was a fun story. I like the paranormal/ghost/demon aspect of the book, but I was especially intrigued by the hidden history of the town. I enjoyed Cae and Gray’s quest to discover his family history. I also enjoyed their relationship; starts off antagonistic, becomes flirty, develops into something more. My only quibble with the book was the ending. I really hate cliffhangers, especially huge cliffhangers like this one, but it does open the book up for a series.

I received a copy of this book on Netgalley.com.

31. March 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Angie, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance · Tags: , ,

Bloodspell by Amalie Howard, read by Angie on 03/31/2013

On her 17th birthday Victoria receives a music box and an amulet that belonged to her grandmother. In the music box is a journal of her ancestor Brigid. Brigid was a witch and her blood contained powerful magic, magic which has been passed down to Tori. With the magic comes a familiar, Leto the cat, who helps teach her magic. Tori is drawn to a mysterious boy she sees on her high school campus. Christian is cultured and beautiful and surrounded by mystery. Turns out he is a vampire. Tori and Christian soon find themselves falling into forbidden love. But there love cannot be. There is an ancient prophecy about La Sang Noir, which seems to be about Tori and her magic blood. Christian’s twin brother Lucian discovers Tori’s existence and wants her magic and her blood.

This is so obviously a Twilight ripoff. Innocent girl with a vampire lusting after her. Her blood smells so sweet it is hard to resist. At least Tori has powers and isn’t the limp dishrag Bella was. But there is still the love you/can’t have/must have you/can’t live without back and forth between Tori and Christian that gets old really quickly. There is also a lot shoved into this book. It is like Howard took everything paranormal she could think of and threw it into the book. We have witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, fairies, seerers, a prophecy, a vampire council, and a magic talking cat. Seriously, I don’t think she left anything out except zombies. Not all of these things are fully explored or necessary. I think the story would have been better off with a tighter plot and less extra stuff. Not that it isn’t entertaining. There is a lot of action and adventure. They travel from New York to Paris and back. The magic is fun and exciting, although I think Tori became proficient way faster than possible. At times it seemed like she just always knew how to do the spells. Of course there is a love triangle which turns deadly (how could there not be). Overall, not a bad read but definitely not original or new.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com.