Book Review and Giveaway for What He Always Knew by Kandi Steiner

WHAT HE ALWAYS KNEW

by KANDI STEINER

Left or right.

It’s that simple, and it isn’t simple at all.

If I turn left, the road will lead me back to the man I promised my life to, the one I’d imagined building a family with, the one who’s done everything in his power to get me back.

If I turn right, the road will take me to the man I loved first, the man who brought me back to life, the man who would do anything to keep me.

I knew the fork in the road was inevitable; it was the decision I never wanted to make between choices I didn't know I had.

And I love them both.

My heart is destined to exist in two equal halves — one with each man. But one half beats stronger, the vein running deepest, and holds my choice in silence long before I know it for myself.

The realization of what I have to do, of the heart I have to break, just might break mine too.

Left or right.

All I have to do is take a breath and turn.

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REVIEW: 5 HEARTBREAKING STARS
"In another lifetime, it could have been us."

I feel like I needed someone to hold my heart more than my hand with this one. I feel like I need to cry and release all these emotions, but I just don't know how. This book solidified my reasons as to why I love angst. It's these kinds of torturous books that I love. This was quite easily.....blissful torture. Blissful, but torture nonetheless. And I loved every minute of it. I absolutely loved it.

I thought I knew who I wanted to have Charlie's heart after starting book one. I was for certain. I had a team picked out, I was makin' t-shirts!! I was completely steadfast in my opinion. And then Kandi threw a wrench in that thought process at the end of the first book, and I started to waver. Well, this book didn't change that wavering. There was so much going on, between Charlie, Cameron, and Reese, that it made me fall for two men, for very different reasons. Which is exactly the same thing that happened to Charlie, and I felt for her.

"I care about you because there is no other choice for me, and I love you the same."

Can YOU imagine all of the sudden only getting 2 months to make your point. To change the course of the previous years and the missed opportunities that were afforded you? I cannot imagine trying to salvage years worth of missing out, screwing up, and not being there. This made for a very time conscious read, one that had my stomach in knots, me biting my nails, and me sending very inappropriate messages to a certain someone.

I feel like Kandi did a great job making sure we didn't feel like this was being played out as if it were a reality TV show. The reasons were real. The desires were real. The love, the pull, the heartache....it was all real. Was I angry at some of Cameron's actions? Hell yes I was. I was mad. Why did he do what he did. Why did he think that was ok and then WAIT?? But the truths fell hard on me with the understanding that Reese did the same damn thing. Why did he do that? Why did he think he had the right to do that? Does Charlie hold any of the blame? Most definitely, but I will never ever be the one to judge affairs of the heart and mind. I will never be the one to say someone's feelings aren't valid and what happened was right or wrong. Because, ultimately, in the end....they all learned something. They each gave to the other what was missing at that time; what was necessary for their hearts to continue beating.

I feel like the voyeur that watched as one couple broke, but remembered why they loved each other; what brought them to each other. All the while, I peeked in on another couple remembering their past and how it shaped their future...and then rooting for love to take hold and persevere.

But that's precisely why I love this trope. This trope lends itself to heartache, but also to reparation. It allows us to see there are always more than two sides to this kind of story. It's not always black and white, plain as day for the eye to see. And that is why I will always read them....the cold hard truth isn't always accessible within the heart's grasp. I love the soul-searching. I love the pain of the truth. I love when love conquers all....no matter what side it's on.

"You are the most sensational woman I have ever known. And your worth is not defined by him."

My heart broke reading the heartache in Kandi's words. My eyes may have perspired a tad bit; my heart was laid out, completely trashed after reading this one. I hurt. I ached. I paced. But the pain was real. I want to curl up on my couch, close my eyes, and cry....because as much as I rooted for one, I hurt for the other.

Trust me when I say you need this duet in your life.

"My heart was broken, but it was still beating. I could work with that."
~BEE

ENTER HERE FOR A GIVEAWAY FOR BOTH OF THE BOOKS IN THE DUET.

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~MEET KANDI STEINER~

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. 

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order. 

Join her group Kandiland HERE.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Savage Prince by Meghan March

SAVAGE PRINCE
by MEGHAN MARCH

I do what I want and who I want. I don’t follow anyone’s rules—even my own.

I knew I shouldn’t touch her, but it didn’t stop me.

Didn’t stop me the second time either. Only made me want a third.

My lifestyle suits the savage I am, and she doesn’t.

But Temperance Ransom is my newest addiction, and I’m nowhere near ready to quit her yet.

I’ll have her my way, even if it means dragging her into the darkness.

Hopefully it doesn’t kill us both.

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REVIEW: 4 STARS
"It's him. This man wears raw power and confidence easier than he does his suit jacket."

I feel very lucky that I got to read an early copy of this book, but I feel like a cruel joke has been played on me as well!! I mean, I still have to wait to get Iron Princess, and well....that is plain torture!!! I really enjoyed this book. I smiled throughout while reading it, and that was a nice change from all the heavy I have been reading and enjoying lately. I am not entirely sure what to say for this review because of all the shrouded secrecy behind every corner in this book, but I can and easily will recommend it....but dammit, this wait is going to SUCK.

One thing I loved about this one was that Meghan dropped clues all through the book. They could mean what she said, but more often than not, they could have meant something entirely different as well. I loved trying to decipher all of them and the purported 'other' meanings too. I mean, I knew a lot of the facts already, because #Mount, but I also liked wading through her words and watching it all unfold. I breezed through this book rather quickly because I was wrapped up in all the goings-on.

Suffice it to say, I was thoroughly entertained by this one because it kept me smiling. Was it heavy or deep? Not even a little bit, and that's probably why I enjoyed it so much. Oftentimes it wasn't realistic in some aspects when the facts were being told, but it was probably because whatever was happening, that 'something' we will learn more about....at a later date. We met Temperance in The Anti-Heroes Collection and so we already had an understanding of her. MY take on her was vastly different based on the first book, so now I am a little confused but optimistic. I know that there is more going on behind the scenes, so I am super curious as to how this will all play out. Having said that, I was a little tentative on this one while I read it, but I cannot deny the smile that was plastered to my face the entire time I read it.

Our stranger, he was definitely a mystery for all intents and purposes, but I loved seeing the side of him that didn't have any control over the desires he had -- and I giggled like a school girl! The mystery behind him was great to see and I loved that aspect of it....it provided a little give and pull, some questions, tit for tat in some ways. And with that, it allowed us to see a little sexy defiance in Temperance and that made me smile because of the double take it caused. There were so many different little clues and nuances about this book that I had to follow to catch on to some of the hidden messages. Nothing that wasn't easily followable, by any means, but it provided a little bit of secrecy and it just made it fun to follow along.

The fun of Meghan March's books are that they are told in mini-series fashion to me. I get a quick paced, entertaining read, and then I get left hanging for a few weeks.....all until I am given the luxury of the next installment. She is so good at drawing me in and I don't know what it is about her writing, but it is super easy to enjoy! I really enjoyed this book. Some questions still remain, but the possibilities for this story are high. I am looking forward to more and was literally freaking out when I got to the end of this one because the story got just a little more complicated!! I have my own theories on how this is going to play out and now I just need to read the next two books and see what I get right and what I clearly missed the clues on. To say this was a good book, that's an easy YES.

"I shouldn't have touched her that first time at the club....or the second...or the third, but how the hell was I supposed to stop myself?"
~BEE

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~MEET MEGHAN MARCH~

Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

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Book Review for Transcend by Jewel E Ann

TRANSCEND
by JEWEL E ANN

“In another life, she was my forever.”

An unexpected tragedy leaves Professor Nathaniel Hunt a widower alone with a newborn baby.

He hires a nanny. She’s young, but well-qualified, with a simple life, a crazy name obsession, and a boyfriend she met at the grocery store.

Over time, he discovers she knows things about him—things that happened before she was born—like a hidden scar on his head, his favorite pizza, and how he cheated on a high school Spanish test.

She speaks familiar words and shares haunting memories that take him back to over two decades earlier when he lost his best friend in a tragic accident.

“I’m afraid of what’s going to happen when you realize I’m not her.”

Transcend is a sexy, mind-bending journey that uncovers possibilities, challenges beliefs, and begets the age-old question: is there life after death?

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REVIEW: WHAT DID I JUST READ....?
"The mind functions with memory, but flourishes from discovery."

I feel like some throw around the word angsty because they know that draws in the readers. They know that's a turn-on for some and use it every chance they get - right or wrong, and I understand that desire to captivate and bring in those readers. I crave well written angst. I love when it strings me along and it makes me anxious. I love when it makes me pace because I can't figure it out. It says something to me when it's so torturously slow that I'm unable to focus on anything else but the book, but I can't sit still long enough to sit down and read it. Jewel knows how to write a story that does exactly that; that grips you and holds you against your will, making you see another side to the potentiality of this story. This one will dominate my thoughts for quite some time. I'm in so much trouble....

"Nate holds me captive without touching me."

I was so afraid as to how this book would play out and end, but by the time I got there, the gasp was completely audible. It was late at night, so of course I had to curtail my freak out, but I am SO excited to get to Epoch because of the discussion that I get to have AFTERWARDS. I know that sounds crazy, but there is only so much I can put in this review. Jewel had me thinking not only outside of my comfort zone, but she had my mind spinning with what-ifs and why-nots. I want to cry for Nate and hug Griffin. I want to cradle Swayze's heart and rock with her while she goes through all this turmoil. My heart is just not in a safe spot right now. Any decisions made have ramifications. Any actions taken have consequences. There is so much at stake on either side of the storyline that it truly makes me pace! Such a gripping conundrum.

"A single touch can say things twenty-six letters can't even begin to say."

I truthfully loved each of these characters equally, and that is rather rare for me. While I am usually very decided on sides while reading this type of story, I can honestly say that this one scares me so much. Each character has their own dynamic playing into this. Each one brings something different; another aspect to grasp onto and run with. I am so conflicted because I love how this book is making me feel!! I love how these characters are making me question and think, worry and sympathize. I find that I'm putting myself in their shoes, questioning the what if....

"Griffin grounds me. I find the best version of myself rooted in his love."

REALITY CHECK: The heartbreak is inevitable on every level. I mean, this is a triangle, but it's very different than any I have ever read. With this twist she added to her storyline, there is an element of supernatural wonder to it. For those of you that don't read that genre, or won't read outside of romance in general, I implore you to read this. I loved her vision because it was so easy for me to follow and to read it. I read it with such curiosity surrounding me on every page. So interesting and so different!

I wrote this on my Facebook post: Jewel E Ann is testing my mind's ability to bend the truth. To accept the unexplainable. I’m in love with this story and the possibilities. Crazy enough, I trust Jewel with this journey because this wouldn’t be my normal read. It’s so different. I’m really getting caught up in this story.

This one, it was the kind of story that grabbed me, sucked me in, and then I was completely and utterly fixated on the minute details that she sprinkled in between the pages. I had goosebumps. I had chills. I had so many questions. But most of all, I had love and adoration for the characters of this story. My heart broke and it smiled, it cried and it sighed. I am SO in love with these characters that I cannot possibly wait patiently for Epoch. I am ready.

OMGosh....my heart!!! Helllp meeee!!! I am just going to wallow over here, rocking in a corner awaiting Epoch. 

"We don't love with our brains, we love with our hearts. We love on instinct."
~BEE

A CHANCE TO WIN BOTH BOOKS WILL BE GIVEN WITH THE RELEASE OF EPOCH.

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~MEET JEWEL E ANN~

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree a a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course . . .heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

LONG SHOT
by KENNEDY RYAN

A FORBIDDEN LOVE SET IN THE EXPLOSIVE WORLD OF THE NBA...

Think you know what it's like being a baller's girl?
You don't.
My fairy tale is upside down.
A happily never after.
I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud.
I was a fool, and his love - fool's gold.

Now there's a new player in the game, August West.
One of the NBA's brightest stars.
Fine. Forbidden.
He wants me. I want him.
But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won't let me go.

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REVIEW: 5 Humbling Stars
"Those eyes are the color of whiskey tonight, and they're just as intoxicating. She goes right to my head."

I'm sure I will be a raving 5 star review floating among a sea of hundreds, so mine may not stick out much. But if you know me, I love to give my opinion on books, especially ones that touch me or move me. This one had everything I needed to keep the midnight oil burning while I ravaged the pages. I was giddy when August and Iris met. I was mad when circumstances didn't work in their favor. I was fuming when reasons appeared as calculated and purposeful and added fuel to the fire of hurt. My heart, it could barely withstand the pain covering these pages, but I knew that Kennedy had a story she needed to tell me. I needed to be patient and make it through her words. It was definitely an exercise in patience and understanding for me.

As difficult as it was, I made it through - but not without stopping and having to put it down. This was a read that I needed to marinate in....it was a savoring kind of read, one that I couldn't power through. It was one that made me read slow, meticulously, soaking up the words as she intended because they were hard hitting words. This one hit me so hard. It was an emotional sucker punch right to the gut...but it was amazing. It's tragic, the actions and happenings in this book, but the fact that she was able to depict such a horrific world and turn it around to give us the love and the happy ending we crave, that tells me something. Kennedy is powerful with her words. She is one of the most conscious writers of actual REAL issues. She is able to wrap these societal issues up in a book that makes you THINK. It makes you FEEL. But you don't feel like you are having some opinion forced down your throat. She is bringing to light tragic issues responsibly, while appealing to our romantic hearts....and I just love her for it. She always has an impact on my heart and my mind. I will admit, this book definitely made me see things in a different light. It was eye-opening and angering, emotional and beautiful, all wrapped up into one beautiful book.

"Yesterday's regrets make today's sorrows."

I had to message Kennedy a few times while reading this. At first it was August that was getting my excitement because of how 'perfect' he was. And when I say perfect, I mean literally perfect. Kennedy Ryan is one of my favorite HERO writers. Her men, they are definitely ones of the swoon-tipping crowd, but they are not infallible. They are real. They have their own controversies surrounding them, but they are real to the very core of their personalities and convictions. August was the man, through and through.

When we met the sassy and witty Iris, I knew she was going to be one of my favorite heroines. She was strong. She was opinionated. She had drive. Everything about her, I could look up to and admire. And yet, my head shakes when I see what happened during this book, and how perceptions are actually rumors in disguise. How questions turn into misdirected accusations. My heart hurt, but I never stopped looking up to her because with everything she went through, she held her head high and always did the most admirable things. I loved everything about her.

"If you ever want a man to keep dreaming, give him a glimpse of what could be."

If I wanted to discuss the love and the drive that August had for Iris, I would be able to get all giddy and smile, look to the heavens and sigh. I could. But that would be a gimme, right? He just did everything right. He fought long and hard for a feeling. Yes, a feeling. And to me? It spoke volumes about his personality and his strength as a man. His thoughtfulness was apparent, as well as swoon-worthy. The little things he did and the big things he did...they all had an impact on the heart of the story. But the pain that he felt when he found out the truth of the world in which he wasn't aware of? My heart shattered. I couldn't even begin to put myself in his shoes; to try and accept a reality that he wasn't able to protect Iris from.

Kennedy Ryan is the type of author that uses her platform to educate and entertain. She paints a horrid picture of filth and guilt, anger and malevolence. But she writes of bright lights, warm encompassing hearts and arms of solid gold. This book definitely made me take a deeper, personal look inside my own biases; my own thought processes. It stopped me dead in my tracks and pissed.me.off. But it also gave me the love and the emotions I've come to crave and expect from her stories. As usual, Kennedy nailed this one. I'm going to stop right here, because all the highlights and notes I made while reading could give me enough info for 4 reviews. Do yourself a favor and feel this book.

"There is no before. There is no after. Now gives birth to forever."
BEE

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~MEET KENNEDY RYAN~

I'm a wife, a mom, a writer, an advocate for families living with autism. That's me in a nutshell. Crack the nut, and you'll find a Southern girl gone Southern California who loves pizza and Diet Coke, and wishes she got to watch a lot more television. You can usually catch me up too late, on social media too much, or FINALLY putting a dent in my ever-growing To Be Read list!

Kennedy Ryan FB Group.

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Excerpt Reveal for The Wrong Side of Heaven by Gia Riley

Excerpt

One thunderstorm fades into another, and I keep my eyes on the stars, praying this one isn’t as bad as the last. It’s tornado season in Kansas—the only other force besides Tess that threatens me on a daily basis.

The crack of thunder is sharp, and the flashes of lightning so close together, I know it’s almost time to get in the closet. There’s no basement. No shelter to run to with a secret door to the underground. It’s just creaky floorboards, dust, and a protective layer of cotton pillows I bought at the dollar store.

If the storm were to pull the roof off the trailer, there’s not much else inside my room for the wind to whip around. The only other piece of furniture I own is a dresser. But I learned, whatever I put in there, Tess will take, so I keep my clothes in the trunk in the closet. The little bit of money I have is kept in a secret compartment in the floor. It’s not much, but I save every penny I earn from babysitting jobs around the trailer park.

Over the summer months, I try to pick up as many nights as I can because, without school, I spend too much time in the trailer. Too much time with Tess leads to problems.

Last night, we argued about my chest. She said my boobs were getting too big and that my mother probably had a matching set, just like all the other whores in town. If I knew anything about my mom, I’d disagree, but Tess could be right, so I didn’t bother trying to convince her otherwise.

As much as I hate Tess, she’s all I have. When my dad died, Tess decided to keep me. She said something about the money from the government helping to pay the bills. I’m not stupid. I know all that money goes up her nose and feeds her habit.

Sometimes, when Tess is exceptionally bitchy, I almost wish I had gone into the foster system. At least then I’d have had a chance at happiness. Because living in Carillon is nothing but hell. A hell I can’t escape until I turn eighteen and graduate high school.

Three hundred sixty-four days separate me and freedom.

I am me. Alone and by myself.

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THE WRONG SIDE OF HEAVEN

by GIA RILEY

Some touched.

Some watched.

Some just talked to me.

They all had their vices.

Fear.
Betrayal.
Loss.

I’m trailer trash in the slums of Carillon.

Until I met him, the mysterious neighbor who speaks through handwritten notes. He never shows his face, only comes and goes late at night, and I’m drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

I shouldn’t want him.

I don’t need him.

But when I close my eyes, he’s all I see.

He’s my addiction. The secret I keep close to my heart.

But sometimes things aren’t what they seem, and secrets don’t stay secrets forever.

And together, we’re just two lost souls on the wrong side of heaven.

~MEET GIA RILEY~

Gia Riley has been in love with writing romance since high school when she took her very first creative writing class. From the small but mighty state of Delaware, she’s a country girl at heart, traveling back to her roots in Pennsylvania as often as she can. 

She’d rather pick truth than dare, bake than cook, and will always choose coffee over tea. 

Just like life, her stories always have a mixture of heart and humor.

You can connect with Gia on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. She also has a reader group, Gia Riley’s Books, on Facebook. Stop by anytime, she loves hearing from readers!

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Book Review for What He Doesn't Know by Kandi Steiner

WHAT HE DOESN'T KNOW
by KANDI STEINER

On the northeast side of town, there is a house.

The house was once magical, filled with love and joy and plans for the future.

Inside its walls are many things that belong to me — my books, the china from my mother on my wedding day, the beautiful cage once home to two birds, now empty, just like me.

And a man.

A man who also belongs to me.

A man I no longer wish to keep.

A man who, no doubt, has not slept, though the sun is rising. Because the house where he waits is where I laid my head to rest every night for eight years. Until last night.

No one who knows me would believe Charlie Pierce, the quiet, bookish girl who never made waves is pulling out of the driveway of a man who isn’t her husband.

But they don’t know me at all.

I don’t even know me.

Not anymore.

They say there are two sides to every story, and I suppose in most cases, that’s true. But the one I live inside of? It has three.

On the northeast side of town, there is a house.

But there is no longer a home.

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REVIEW: Please don't let me suffer......
"I would have been lying to myself if I said my intentions with her were completely innocent."

What the hell did Kandi do to meeee?? <--- That's how I want to start this entire thing off because I don't know what I am going to do. This wait, while it's only two weeks, is going to be death defying for me. Clawing at my walls, crying in a corner, woe'ing is me'ing by my lonesome. Kandi, what are you doing?? Are you LAUGHING AT ME?? Now, I may joke through this entire review but this is no laughing matter. This is just me trying to use a defense mechanism to hide my poor broken heart.

Ok....so, first and foremost, my Kandi is back. MY Kandi is back. My angsty story-writing, heartbreaking, torture-weaving Kandi is BACK. This is what she does so well. This is what she does brilliantly. I've missed this über angsty Kandi. Moments gave me pause. Actions gave me anxiety. Words stole my breath away. I gasped and I sighed. I furrowed my brows and I worried my lip....this book gripped me. The mystery surrounding the problems in Charlie's marriage kept me going, page after page. This was such a delicate and angsty dance between past memories and current emotions. But jealousy was not a pretty color on them thar boys. BOTH of them.

This book?? It had some heartbreak, it had some laughter, it even had some truthful sorrow. It encompassed a full range of emotions, but most of all, it had nostalgia and love, memories and comfort. Such a great storyteller in her own right, Kandi makes me giddy with her passion and the angst that she painted the pages with. This book had the beauty of an old love....that didn't feel old. It certainly didn't act old. Every turn of the page brought me a little morsel of a memory; the faded smiles and the wispy sighs. Miniature fire starters that made me want to reach into the pages and hug these characters -- or smack them. But it made me yearn...it made me crave the forbidden, the memory, the desires. There was a spark borne of pain, deceit, sorrow, and compassion. It all played into the pull of hearts, and it allowed a chasm to build. Oh!! And the guilt? Oh gosh, the guilt is not what you'd expect.

"It was never about the music when she was sitting there with me."

Reese was just sigh-worthy for me. Oooh maaan. When you think about someone that is so in tune with another, you know they pay attention to the little things. They make YOU their priority and they do so because they like to see you happy. Reese was this genuine, down to earth, wanted nothing but the best for Charlie, kind of man. Whether it was to the detriment of his own heart or not, he always had her best interests in mind. His selflessness was completely swoon-worthy, and nothing will ever change my mind about him. Granted....he was jonesing for another man's woman, but semantics. I just want him all for myself. I am completely, irrevocably IN LOVE with him. #MINE

Having said that, I am pretty sure Kandi did the virtual impossible with me. I *hated* Cameron. Hated him. Ok? Ha-Ted. So much so that when that ending hit, I was gasping. I was shocked. I was beside myself because I didn't know WHY Kandi did that. Here I was, following along this amazing story and watching myself, umm...I mean, watching Charlie reconnect with her first crush. I was happily watching him be good to her while her husssband was messing around with her heart, treating her like she wasn't important and he had better things to do. What in the world?? Ugh, Kandi!!! I felt sorry for him. What? Whyyy? Why did Cameron make me feel sorry for him?? I blame Kandi....yeah, her.

I don't even know how to suffer through the wait for the next book. Do I do it with Whiskey....or do I do it with Tequila. We should ask the expert, right Kandi? In my heart of hearts, I know I don't  aaaactually have to wait that long since I will have an ARC to read soon, but having to wait just a few days is going to be extremely painful. I'll take something....on the rocks. ASAP. kthxbye.

Oh! And I know what #TEAM I'm on....and I can't wait to see what Kandi does with the next book!! 5 Stars easily, hands down....all the way.

"Cameron was her husband. I was the boy who used to live next door."
~BEE

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~MEET KANDI STEINER~

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. 

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order. 

Join her group Kandiland HERE.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Sinner by Sierra Simone

SINNER

by SIERRA SIMONE

I’m not a good man, and I’ve never pretended to be. I don’t believe in goodness or God or any happy ending that isn’t paid for in advance.

What do I believe in? Money. Sex. Macallan 18.

They have words for men like me—playboy. Womanizer. Skirt chaser.

My brother used to be a priest, and he only has one word for me.

Sinner.

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REVIEW: 4.5 SEXY AND SWEET, but HOT STARS

"How something could be flawed but still good, how something could be imperfect but still worth loving. 

AS YOU KNOW, I have loved Sierra Simone for a long time, and if you've followed my reviews for any amount of time, you are aware of this tidbit of information. It should be noted that this book will not be for everyone, just like PRIEST was not for everyone. Sierra likes to dive head first into the taboo and forbidden aspect of the religious orders, and she takes no prisoners. And I like it. 

I enjoy the complexity in the way in which Sierra can tell a story. Her words, they are so...intelligent, for the lack of a better word coming to mind. She makes me think and seek a better understanding of the topic at hand. I know she would talk circles around me, but I am sure I could just sit there and listen to her talk about things all day long. 

"Ecstasy. That's that it's called when saints experience spiritual euphoria, and I'm no saint, that's for fucking sure, but this...this is ecstasy."

This one, while still harshly taboo, it is miles apart from Priest in some aspects. I felt like there was a lot more depth to Sean and I loved seeing such an about face of a character. With a few contradictions in my thought process, but a very definitely plausible explanation, Zenny and Sean made such the anomaly in terms of a couple, and I fell in love with them. His harshness to her innocence? Brilliant. I loved that she gave him such control and trust over herself that I couldn't do more than just sit back and watch how she manipulated his mind, while he manipulated her heart. The stark contrasts in their desires during the whole book, the way it all melded and came together made for a fantastic story, and one that I really enjoyed!

"I want to talk about how much I want her, how much I need her, and how much that doesn't scare me."

This book was very wordy, but it wasn't obnoxious by any means. Even saying it was wordy almost seems frivolous, because it was well thought out, it was descriptive, it was a journey worthy of a slow perusal. She was setting a methodical pace in conjunction with Sean's desires, and that allowed me to feel everything he was feeling. Sierra was quite meticulous in describing things, bringing us into the moment and allowing us to fall in love with Zenny and Sean together, and separately. I definitely loved that aspect of it. There were a few spots that I questioned the whys of things, but for the sake of the story and knowing where Sierra Simone could take it, I sat back and allowed it all to unfold and play out as she had imagined it. I am so glad I did -- I couldn't put this book down. I was never bored with this story. Ever. And of course, the naughty talkers that Sierra write's are delicious!!! Sean was NO exception, and I loved that he had a no f*cks given attitude about it. I love a good talking alpha man, but I also love that same man to have true and honest feelings, and Sean most definitely did. I fell in love with his heart and the entire idea of him from his family to his love life. 

"This mouth. I want to eat it and fuck it and worship it and abuse it."

This book had an amazing undertone to it, one that I normally wouldn't read because it's not in my comfort zone, but the way Sierra explained everything, and the way she included it in the story was the best way in order to incorporate it for me. I loved that the bane of Sean's existence....was also responsible for his saving. This one challenged me to read deeper. It forced to me to read more into the words, the underlying meaning of what Sierra was trying to convey. I felt the pain Sean felt, I heard the words Zenny was telling him, I accepted the healing Zenny was providing him. I loved that this story confirmed the very existence of soul mates; that there is someone out there for everyone. It was idealistic in that aspect, and it made this book very enjoyable for me. This was such a fascinating read!

TO NOTE: I am quite open about the fact that books do not make me cry in general. Many books that others have cried at that I have loved or felt they were super emotional rarely make me cry.....but this one made me openly bawl. There was no stopping the tears. I had to put the book down a few times around 89% because I couldn't even see the words. This book....it hit way too close to home. This happened in MY life -- line by line, and it was hard to watch it unfold again. But having said that, this book was so good and I can and will easily recommend it. After reading it, I felt a little melancholy, a little sad it was over, but a whole bunch of HAPPY at having read yet another taboo and forbidden book by Sierra. She writes this genre with such conviction!!

"How the hell could temptation incarnate be a fucking nun? How fair is that?" 

~BEE

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“Zenny,” I mumble against her lips, some valiant part of me recognizing that this is far, far beyond the kiss she asked for, and also recognizing that I’m going to come all over the inside of my Hugo Boss suit pants if she keeps it up. Even through the clothes, I can feel her heat, her  shameless rolls hinting at where she goes soft and wet between her legs. 

Fuck, I want to see it. I want to see her pussy. It’s suddenly all I can think about, all I can want or crave, just one glimpse, just a peek. 

“I want to see your cunt,” I say hoarsely, lifting my head. 

“My…cunt?” She says the word like she’s never said it out loud before. 

“Yeah.” My voice is so ragged right now, so desperate, and fuck, I’ve never felt this frantic before. Like I’ll actually combust if I don’t get this one thing, this one small sight of her secret place. 

She lets out a shaky breath, her hand dropping from my lapel to her skirt, which she slowly rucks up to her waist as I devour her lips once more, as I bury my face in her neck and kiss every sliver of skin exposed above her collar. I bite at her ear, at her jaw, my hand finding hers as it pulls her skirt up, so that I’m helping her do it, that we’re doing it together, this forbidden act, this forbidden revelation. 

Her forbidden body. 

That word, forbidden, spikes through my mind, bringing with it equal spikes of lust and fear. 

Because yes, it’s fucking hot that I shouldn’t be kissing her, I shouldn’t be begging to see her most secret place, my hand shouldn’t be covering hers as it slides up her thigh—but it’s also bad. Bad even for Sean Bell. 

Bad, bad, bad.

◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆

~MEET SIERRA SIMONE~

Sierra Simone is a former librarian who spent too much time reading romance novels at the information desk. She lives with her husband and family in Kansas City.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Confessions: Robbie by Ella Frank

CONFESSIONS: ROBBIE
by ELLA FRANK

Relationships are complex.
Love ever-changing.
And when it comes to rules of the heart,
they were made to be broken…

That’s what Robert Antonio Bianchi was telling himself, anyway.
Otherwise, he really had no excuse for what—or who—he’d done.

No excuse, except for his lonely heart, a pitcher of margaritas, four Bitter Bitches, and the apparent need to confess all his weaknesses to the two men he knew would bring him nothing but trouble.

But trouble was nothing new.

Just ask his crazy sisters or any of his friends, and they’d be the first to tell you:
If there was a bad decision to be made, Robbie always had a knack for making it.

And thus begins the story of the priest, the princess, and the prick.

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REVIEW: 5 STARS
"We don't want to change you to suit us, Robert. We want you because of who you already are."

W.O.W. For my FIRST book by Ella Frank, this was a WIN and I am now on a mission to read more. Yes, you read that right. This was my first. Now, silly me....I saw #1 after the title on this one, so I assumed that this was a whole new series. It is. However, it is a spinoff with characters from her Temptation Series. Now before I get some crazy side-eye from all you die-heard fans of hers, make sure you see that this was a very definite 5 STAR read for me, but let me explain.

Robbie was with Logan at some point, and I already knew this from following her Temptation Series quite loosely. I knew he was in it, but I wasn't too sure about the other two characters, deservedly referred to as The Priest and The Prick. So, my recommendation would be to read the first series before jumping into this one, BUT I was able to follow along with some effort. Effort meaning, there was a familiarity of her characters to each other, characteristics of their personalities and actions that may have been lost on me, but BUT but I was able to follow along and fall in love with these three men, and I think that says a lot about her storytelling and her ability to make you fall for her characters. I will say this though, I am on a mission to find TIME in my schedule to squeeze in the Temptation Series.  That is an official MUST READ for ME based on what this book did to me emotionally, as well as the clean way she told it. I seriously enjoyed this one so much.

The character dynamics were so easily followed and understood. I generally like my MM to be alpha men. I don't know why, and that's maybe an issue with me....but I like my men in all my books to be alpha and strong and present. All of these characters had their own personality and I really enjoyed their differences. Robbie was such a fun character. I could just envision him with his kohl eyeliner and pink lips with his mussed up hair....that vision, coupled with his skinny jeans made for a different but very enjoyable character read for me. But seeing the shift in wants and desires shift to needs was a beautiful thing to read. There was an erotic air to this read....a very sensual feeling, but not overly so to feel overdone and I loved that about it!

I cannot tell you enough how in love I am after reading this one. Not just with her writing, which was impeccable, but with her ability to tell this story with the love and affection she did, all the while giving me very definite and separate accounts for each man and their likes/dislikes. I was able to follow along, but I had to pay more attention. While her writing flowed, I knew I had to spend more time paying attention to all the nuances between these characters and all the emotions she was making me identify and accept. This book, her writing....it was just beautiful. It's not a shout-from-the-rooftops-dance-like-a-crazy-person kinda thing for me, but very definitely a you-HAVE-to-read-this-one sort of thing. I seriously loved this book. I loved the visions Ella gave me with her descriptive writing. I loved the insecurities and the emotions she made me feel. I loved everything about this one. E-ver-y-thing.

While I feel this was Robbie's story, I think it was obviously very inclusive of Julien and Priest as well, and it really laid a great foundation for this spinoff series. Knowing that the next story is Julien's POV, I can only surmise that the third one is Priest's POV. I honestly cannot wait to dive into their stories!!

To recap: I am not new to Ella Frank in name....but I am very wet-behind-the ears new to her writing. I have followed her for some time because I have loved the sound of the books she has written, and I have purchased some but haven't made the time to read them. Making time for this one was priority for me since I knew I wanted to finally be able to recommend her with conviction since I keep chatting about her books on my page. I have mentioned a time or two that I enjoy well written MM. It's no secret and that is something I will happily check out. And Ella is now a definite authority on well written for me, and I will be reading more. I am SO excited to check out more. I have linked the entire three book series up there on the Goodreads link, so make sure to add them all to your TBR. I literally sighed after reading this book. It was such a welcome difference to my repertoire of books, so much so that I am giddy thinking about reading more from her!

"Smile, mon cher petit. You make everything that's dark fade to nothing when you smile."
~BEE

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~MEET ELLA FRANK~

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Phillips.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Tap That by RC Boldt and Jennifer Blackwood

TAP THAT

by RC BOLDT and JENNIFER BLACKWOOD

The beer's not the only thing getting tapped.
CALLIE

I have a secret. It’ll get me fired if my boss ever finds out…which shouldn’t be a problem except for one thing: my coworker, Reid Morgan.

He’s cocky, aggravating, and that hot-as-sin mouth simultaneously makes me want to slap him and melt into the mattress.

Now that he’s discovered my secret, he’s doing everything in his power to take my job.

REID

I have a problem: my pint-size spitfire of a coworker who’s primed to take my promotion.

She’s infuriating, sexy as hell, and I just can’t seem to keep my hands off her.

Now we’re both vying for the same position…and only one of us can come out on top.

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REVIEW: 3+ STARS

"His smile makes me want to slap that expression off his perfectly stubbled face. He's wearing jeans and a black shirt that hugs every muscle. The only word that comes to mind is: delicious."

This promised to be a great title, between RC Boldt's signature comedy and swooniness in her men, to the introduction of Jennifer Blackwood's writing. I haven't read Jennifer's books yet, but I have heard of her and even met her at a signing once, so I was so excited about this story! While this wasn't my favorite read as of late, it was an easy read. I wanted a little more depth, I suppose, but this one felt like a surface scratcher read. It was was a rom-com, I know, but I felt like it lacked a little for me...which isn't the norm where RC is involved. But overall, a light and fun read with a sweet ending!

The book started out a little rough for me, especially because the reality of her actually getting that job in the first place made me say huh? Like, check references, people! So of course, I was already questioning things. But, by about the 32% mark, it started to pick up a little. It was slow in a few spots, but I was still actively interested in it. By the time I got to the 51% mark, it honestly felt like a finished story....which was very odd!! Needless to say, the rest of the story had me curious about what was going to happen to add more drama and more making up for Reid and Callie.

What I wanted and what I got were almost two different things. Almost. I wanted to see the depth in Reid. I wanted him to fight for Callie and I wanted to see him be a man and stand up.....and what I got wasn't exactly that. I was hoping his backbone would stay strong, but he disappointed me for a little bit there. His redemption was a rough ride, in my eyes. I wanted to see Callie's strength that she gave us early on to continue, and I feel like she did that.

We got some made up drama that added to the overall storyline, but it felt very contrived in some aspects.  It made me roll my eyes at some points, but it was definitely some of my biggest pet peeves playing out across the pages. It also felt slow and immature in some parts, but they are young, so I could go with it and follow along. Again, not my favorite, but it pushed the story forward and gave us some insight into their thought processes, and also allowed us to see who Reid and Callie were and what they are made of.

On the positive side, these two were a fun couple. When it was them, and not outside extenuating circumstances, the story was cute! It was light. It was easy. It was sexy! These two had chemistry and I enjoyed seeing them hanging out and hooking up. It was a really fun read with some super sweet times together. I loved finding them in some....tingly predicaments, and those were all sorts of fun! I smiled a lot, I giggled a few times, and I even sighed a few times. This couple was definitely cute.

This was an enemies to lovers/rom-com read, and I definitely enjoyed the setup and the fostered animosity between these two characters, so it was legit. I mean, I would hate to be in Reid's shoes...but I'd also hate to be in Callie's too! So the setup, in that aspect, was on point and I liked that. I laughed at their push and pull. I relished in their snarky comments. I loved that they were sneaking in quick glances, adding some fun into their job. I enjoyed their desire playing out before me. At times I felt all the intensity between these two, and at times it fell a little flat for me. Overall, this was a good read for me, and despite the slight problems I may have had with it, this ended on an easy smile for me.

~BEE

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~MEET RC BOLDT~

RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.

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~MEET JENNIFER BLACKWOOD~

Jennifer Blackwood is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Oregon with her husband, son, and poorly behaved black lab puppy. When not chasing after her toddler, you can find her binging on episodes of Gilmore Girls and Supernatural, and locking herself in her office to write.

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