Book Review for Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

HATE NOTES by
VI KEELAND and PENELOPE WARD

It all started with a mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress.

Something blue.

I’d gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That’s when I found another bride’s “something old.”

Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I’d ever read: Thank you for making all of my dreams come true.

The name embossed on the blue stationery: Reed Eastwood, obviously the most romantic man who ever lived. I also discovered he’s the most gorgeous. If only my true-love fantasies had stopped there. Because I’ve since found out something else about Mr. Starry-Eyed.

He’s arrogant, cynical, and demanding. I should know. Thanks to a twist of fate, he’s my new boss. But that’s not going to stop me from discovering the story behind his last love letter. A love letter that did notresult in a happily ever after.

But that story is nothing compared to the one unfolding between us. It’s getting hotter, sweeter, and more surprising than anything I could have imagined.

Something new.

But I have no idea how this one is going to end…

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 2 STARS that eventually led to a DNF...
"One man's overlooked blessing is soon another man's gain."

I'm pretty sure this was my last attempt at any of Vinelope's co-written books. I am completely disillusioned with their predictable storylines, their battling characters, and the stupid idiotic quirks they give their heroines to make them seem "cute". I think I'm just done. I know I haven't enjoyed PW's work in some time, but I have always enjoyed VK's books because she can voice a hero like no other. She is very strong in that aspect and her stories never have overly dramatic actions. Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me and that was rather shocking for me to admit. I don't know if one voice was more prominent over the other or if the heroine completely ruined it, but either way, it was not a win for me. I made it to 50% before I threw the towel in. I gave it a fair shake.

So, as it's becoming a pattern, we have a pretentious asshole for the hero and a completely obnoxious heroine with "unique quirks". Okay then. Like, I get it. I do. I totally get that we need some tension to build around the characters to make them enemies to lovers, or make it a nail biting pull towards each other. Obviously something has to fuel their desire. She is gorgeous. He is gorgeous. She air types angry words instead of discussing things like an adult. He makes smart ass comments that totally made me laugh out loud: "Someone needs a backspace key." It could be funny for me, but I think the aggravation of the heroine overshadowed it all for me. In the end, it all boiled down to the fact that the heroine acted like a naïve child with absolutely no respect for authority. She was always mad at him for something she did. Every single time, I shook my head at each one too. She precipitated each argument with her actions, and that triggered more unnecessary eye rolls and head shakes. I wanted to yell "GROW UP!!" at her. There was no personal space. There was no respect for your boss. I know they tried to play her off as snarky and strong, but quirky and the kind that gets under your skin. Instead, she came across as a petulant child throwing temper tantrums and doing obnoxious things because that's "who she was." C'mon, who stands on a rolling chair and "looks down" at their boss because he was standing in front of your desk, "looking down" at you and you weren't having it? Oh yeah, immature people do that. She has no business in a professional setting.

I like some reality behind my reads because I like to be able to connect with the characters, but when you spend more time talking about how ridiculous their actions are, or how odd their behavior is, it makes it hard to connect and enjoy. I guess I feel like the crazy side sorta came out of left field right from the beginning - and maybe my initial eye-roll should have told me that I needed to back away. I don't know. Gosh, I know I sound mean, but this seems to follow a trend with them, but why is the heroine always an idiot? She went to sell her unused wedding gown....says so in the synopsis, no secret, but little do we know, she needs the money because you can only eat ramen so many times. Ok, then why trade it in for a gown that's TOO small?? Ok, fate has to come into play, right? Not when you have to force it and write it in like that. Fate didn't seem like it was happenstance, it was literally planned and the meeting was ridiculous. Did I laugh? Sure!! Sure I did, because her strategery behind her meeting him alone was stupid funny. But when I feel like I am looking for more, I suppose this one missed the mark for me.

Now before someone says I sound like some bitter biddy, I do realize this is only a book, and there isn't a lot of authenticity you can throw into a book when it follows a time worn tradition of the norms for these authors - their books always sound so good, but it seems the flawless side of their execution is lacking lately. Their books seem to follow an outline each time as well: Girl meets Boy. Boy is a jerk. Girl is smitten, but realizes he is a jerk and stands up for herself. Sexual tension ensues. Boy admits feelings in his head. Boy tries to fight feelings. Boy can't. Boy gives in. Girl tries to all of the sudden deny. Girl pulls away. Boy fights for Girl. Apologies commence. Love at last. The end. I know how this works and I get it. I guess it just felt like a stamped book....a fill in the blank of sorts with no originality at all. I guess the appeal, the excitement of a Vinelope book, has just lost it's luster. It's safe to say I am probably done reading their co-written books. I am glad I got this through my Prime membership so I didn't waste any money on it, but there won't be a giveaway for it either.

This one, sadly, started out with an amazing synopsis, but the farther I got into it, the more I hated the heroine, then I started skimming.....and then I had to DNF. I knew it was over when I had the realization that it has taken me 3 days to get to 50%. That pretty much showed me that I wasn't invested in it and felt like I was wasting my time. Combined with the complete disrespect the heroine had, and the amount of eye-rolls and shouting matches I had with my kindle, I knew I needed to be done. And so I was....

~BEE

Available on AMAZON

◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆

~MEET VI KEELAND~

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

~CONNECT WITH VI~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆

~MEET PENELOPE WARD~

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island. 

~CONNECT WITH PENELOPE~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON      GOODREADS     TWITTER

PRIME/PERSONALLY PURCHASED BOOK

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Book Review and Giveaway for Seek by Mia Sheridan

SEEK

by MIA SHERIDAN

Wealthy socialite Olivia Barton never imagined her fiancé would disappear on what was supposed to be a routine business trip. She's even more heartbroken and confused when a hired private investigator tracks him half a world away, to a seaside town in Colombia. But the country has recently been ravaged by a massive earthquake and deadly tsunami, shutting down outside communication and making travel all but impossible. Still, Olivia is determined to make it to Colombia to find the answers she so desperately seeks. What she needs is a guide—a mercenary.

The man named Thomas arrives in shadows, an unmistakable air of danger about him, promising to help lead her through the ruined, crime-infested country. But when Thomas and Olivia find themselves fighting an undeniable attraction, danger takes on a whole new meaning. Then again, in the lush jungles of South America, all the rules are different and Thomas and Olivia are about to discover that sometimes the thing you seek, isn't necessarily the thing you find.

Seek is a STANDALONE novel with a small, fun connection to the Sign of Love Collection

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 3 STARS

Going into this book, I knew Mia Sheridan was a sweet writer.....as in, she wrote innocence and sweetness and there isn't much grit. There is more of a reserved telling of the story with an ambiance of love. This is only my third book of hers, but I know that I enjoyed her writing previously so I went into this one with excitement. I will read more from her and look forward to her next one. 

While this book started out extremely slow for me after getting the initial storyline started, it definitely picked up for me near the end. There were some nonsensical actions in the book that were basically just thrown in to provide some push for the storyline, but it came across as contrived and drama for the sake of drama. Not really entirely necessary for the story to push forward. 

I had a few issues with this book, and I wont get into all of them since they are my own hangups, but this is why I couldn't really rate it high, but I think my major issue with this one is that her man sounded very.....frilly. This is a passage in his POV after they woke up from their first night out in the open lands of Colombia.

Morning spilled through the jungle, tendrils of light meeting dew-heavy leaves. Shadows shifted and sparkled and the hush of night turned into the chorus of day: rustling leaves, chattering birds, croaking frogs, and a hundred other sounds that meant the forest had woken. 

The air was so clean and sweet, I swore I could drink it if I tilted my head back and opened my mouth. The loamy scent of soil and the sweet smell of tropical plants and flowers met my nose as we walked.

No man talks like that after waking up and describing the land surrounding them. It just sounded feminine coming from a guys POV. Thomas is supposed to be gruff. He is an ex-SEAL, he is a man of 'capabilities to rectify situations'. The words were there for him to be masculine, and buff, and grrrr, but it didn't come off that way in some of his internal monologues. 

However, having said that, it's safe to say that Mia has a way with her words. She can describe any situation or location absolutely beautifully, rendering a perfect mental picture with her words. Her words flowed rather easily and she can create a storyline that fluctuates with the terrain given, which is why I was able to keep going with this one. I love insta-love, and I know that for some it is hard to accept, but I really enjoy it. While this was a little quick for me, I definitely liked Thomas' growth in this book when it came to the emotional aspect and being aware of her feelings. Olivia, in my mind, was on an unnecessary wild goose chase for no reason at all, but it was the catalyst for this story, so I went with it. She had some strong qualities about her that I really liked and she was a likable character overall. I was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't the woe-is-me heroine, and I was very thankful for that. 

This book was good. It wasn't great. It wasn't a groundbreaking, heart-stopping good one. Not bad. Not amazing. Just good. I definitely loved that it wasn't entirely cliché, but you could see things coming a mile away and it was predictable in some areas, but there was some twists too. Overall, It was an easy read and by the time we got towards the end, I was truly enjoying it because we were in Olivia and Thomas's element, and the story was more centered around them and not the extenuating circumstances. This isn't a negative review, and it sounds critical, but I want to stress that it was a good book and many are loving it. I just don't think it was gritty enough for me, and I kinda felt that what was described and what was delivered were two totally different things. Nothing wrong with that, just wasn't what I expected.

~BEE

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON       B&N       IBOOKS       KOBO

~MEET MIA SHERIDAN~

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.

~CONNECT WITH MIA~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON      GOODREADS     TWITTER

ARC REVIEW

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Book Review and Giveaway for Scarlet Stone by Jewel E Ann

SCARLET STONE
by JEWEL E ANN

“My name is Scarlet Stone, and my biggest fear is that someday I will find what I want most in life, and it will be impossible to steal.”

What happens when life just stops? When one moment makes you question your entire existence?

Scarlet Stone is a third-generation thief who has everything: a doting fiancé, a spacious London flat, and a legitimate job offer. In a single breath, everything becomes nothing, and she finds herself on a plane to Savannah, Georgia in search of the meaning of life.

After securing a six-month lease for a beachfront house on Tybee Island, Scarlet changes the way she looks, thinks, eats—basically her entire outlook on life. She needs peace, but what she gets is a housemate who looks like Thor, acts like a warden, and smells her proximity like a Bloodhound.

Theodore Reed is a carpenter and perfectionist with a body built of steel, a black, hollow heart, and a hunger for revenge. He doesn’t like company, girly-smelling crap, and British accents.


He resents every breath she takes.
She’s fascinated by his every move.

In time, they discover their coexistence is toxic, their physical attraction is electric, the secrets they keep mean the difference between life and death, and the only truth they share is that everything is a lie.

“Over eighty-five percent of the world's population believes in a higher power, yet, very few people believe in miracles.”

Do you believe?

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"Loving me is killing him."

What is the definition of a good book to YOU? Is it the perfectly written, no errors, well rounded book with a HEA? Is it the story that is complete and no loops left un-looped? Or is it the kind of book that, regardless of the turn of the story's direction, it's the one that keeps you glued to your reader but makes your mind race while you think of the possibilities, daydreaming about the outcome, because you simply can't stop thinking about it long enough to slow down and keep reading it....? Because if you're like me, you are gonna love Jewel's words. I'm addicted. Her willing hostage. Seriously, I cannot get enough of her words.

You know what I love? I just love that she perfectly executes FATE. She can write me any story and make me see how fate stepped in, how it intervened to right all wrongs and move your heart to the belief in any story she tells. While this one may have had an element beyond my comprehension in the realm of fate or what have you, I loved the way she told it. I got to read of a love that was not easy. It was badgered and beaten. It was dragged through the depths of the nasties. It was me, sitting here reading this one, wide-eyed late into the night while I devoured her words because I couldn't soak it up fast enough. I couldn't put it down. This was one of my fastest reads this year, and just like every other one of her books I've read, I was drawn in and completely hooked.

"I will accept both his love and hate, as long as he never stops feeling so deeply for me."

Theodore Reed...he left me scrambling and feeling. He made me angry and desperate. He made me fall in love and want to strangle him. Scarlet Stone was an anomaly all her own. She had the capability to bend her own will, and make me understand why, but not how. She had the desires to learn, and the patience to do so. These characters, they had so much depth to them. There was so much to discover between their mind and their beliefs, their heart and their pain. I loved their journey because it was anything but ordinary, and let's face it...the journey alone is equal parts flabbergasting and gut wrenching, in true Jewel E. Ann fashion. But knowing that it was stretched beyond my ability to fathom, that's what I love about her words. Whether I believe or understand, it's always an experience to read her books and there is always a little bit of her in her books too.

There are all the reasons in the world to love her writing, but this book made me see those reasons why: She makes me think. She makes me feel. She makes me smile. But my favorite reason is that she always catches me off guard. Always. Not always conventional, but always shocking. It never fails that I'm left catching my breath after one of her books, and this one was no exception. I hope you are up for the ride, because this one is a crazy one!

"I don't think it's possible to shatter a person's world without scarring your soul."
~BEE

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON or KINDLE UNLIMITED

ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY

~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.

~CONNECT WITH JEWEL~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON      GOODREADS      TWITTER

CHECK OUT JEWEL'S BOOKS

ARC REVIEW

COPY GIFTED OUT ON FB

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Book Review and Giveaway for The Reigning and the Rule by Calia Read

THE REIGNING AND THE RULE
by CALIA READ

Étienne Lacroix and I had a fire I thought would never die.
Our love was timeless.

An irreversible decision sent me back to the present day with a family I barely recognize, but I am determined to find a way back to Étienne.

I can survive time. But I can’t survive life without him.

Time bends to no one’s demands, so I must fight with everything I have to return to the past. However, I am terrified that the past I once knew might not look the same, and the man who once called me his surviving trace will no longer be waiting for me.

Time bends to no one’s demands but sometimes love does…

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 5 STARS
"I'm no match for time. Every time I think I have you within my reach, you are ripped away."

DISCLAIMER: I might die and I told my husband my ashes are to be shipped to Belgrave to be buried there. <--- TRUTH.

This book, no...this trilogy is why I read. The very reason why I pick up books and read them. The heaviness, the journey, the love - it's all there, expertly told in a way that deemed me powerless to walk away from the inevitable heartbreak I was sure to feel as I had to leave them once again. But, if you want the truth: I was immediately sucked back into this story, even after being away for 5 months, but I cannot stress enough: YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THIS ONE!!! OMGosh, I'm struggling to come to terms with everything I just read, and I am in desperate need for the rest of their story!!! SO MUCH HAPPENED. Like, take notes. Ok? I don't even know what to tell you. But this story, OMGosh, yes. Aaaaah!! You see? I'm rendered speechless...or a bumbling idiot that can't string words together. I sound like a loon trying to give you my feelings on this one. Oh man, I am so glad I took a chance on this trilogy, and I am begging YOU to! After reading this, I wanted to cry but celebrate, rant but swoon - I felt so much, but pain is the evident one. My heart literally hurts. How am I supposed to go on....?

WILLINGLY!!!!!! I seriously willingly gave my heart and soul to Calia Read again. AGAIN. OMGosh, seriously. Seeeriously. I don't even know where to start with this one because this book arrested me. It completely captivated me and I am scrambling to come to terms with what I just read, what she did to my heart, and what I'm going to do while waiting for the final chapter in this amazing trilogy. If I could sit you down on the couch next to me and try to explain to you how this book affected me, you would get a lot of hand gestures, and heart clutches and hair pulling. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved this one. I needed this one something fierce, and being able to once again pace myself while reading it just so I can feel the depth of it, relish in her words, frolic in her fictional world of time traveling back to her soul's keeper..... <sigh> So. Damn. Good. 

"Time has made us its playthings, and there is no way to escape its clutches."

The angst in this one was a different kind of angst than the first one, for ME. I loved this one, but the angst was suspense based and therefore was a different nail-biting kind of feeling. It was an intensity that allowed me to read slowly, allowing me to savor it, but I was able to think about it while holding off on finishing it. Yes, I held off on finishing this one for days, just like I did with the first - which kind of prolongs me staying in their world, right? Well, that's my thought process at least. Not only do I hate leaving them, but knowing I don't get to read their conclusion for several months terrifies me. I love this couple so much. I was left in a good spot with their story, but more questions are here and I am even more confused, yet again. I want to know who, what how, whyyy?! I need to know!!! I am going to miss you, Étienne and Serene!!! *insert heart break*

Hands down, Favorites List 2018 material right here. My heart bled for Serene. It broke for Étienne. It is screaming at me right now......well, at Calia Read too, but at me for reading this book now knowing I have to wait for the final book. And I know saying that probably scares a few readers off from picking it up, but I will tell you this: I would rather know this beauty and love and cherish it and think about it and revel in it for the next few months than not know it at all. Weird coming from me, I am aware, but when I read a story and I still remember it, still feel it intimately months later, I know for a fact that this story and this couple will never leave me. I am so very in love with Serene and Étienne and I am excited to read their final book, but I think I will hold on a little longer by not finishing it right away - my way of refusing to let go, to saying goodbye to them. This series is on my "IF I Ever ReRead a Book" list. I don't ever recall having felt this strangling hold on my heart and my senses from a book before. I am....heartbroken. I need more. Anything. Something. Do you hear me, Calia Read???

"It's much like love. If it is pure and honest, it will find a way to survive no matter how impossible the circumstances are. 
~BEE

PURCHASE The Reigning and the Rule: AMAZON

ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY

PURCHASE The Surviving Trace: AMAZON

My review: http://bit.ly/2lBgzDx

~MEET CALIA READ~

Calia Read is the author of the Sloan Brothers Series, The Fairfax Series, Figure Eight and The Surviving Trace. She lives in Texas with her husband and their five kids. She is currently hard at work on the second book in The Surviving Time Series.

~CONNECT WITH CALIA~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

ARC REVIEW

COPIED PURCHASED/GIFTED

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Book Review and Giveaway for Possession by TM Frazier

POSSESSIONby TM FRAZIER

The story of Grim and Emma Jean continues.

War is coming.

We've come so far.

We'll have to fight for what we have.

Or die trying.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4 STARS

"Loyalty is everything. Without it, you're nothing. 

For being the second book in a trilogy, I don't know whether to be excited or just plain mad. This book just dangled more of Emma Jean and Grim's love in front of me while teasing me that I have to wait for more!! Argh! HAHAHA!! I am *really* liking this series and have enjoyed what I've read so far.

I feel like I keep saying this, but: GIMME MORE!! I need to know how Grim and Emma Jean make it through this whole thing. She is SO stubborn and he is extremely protective, and they stick to their personalities well. The ramifications of any choices made can turn out so many different ways, but a love as strong as theirs cannot be denied fruition!!

With a dark genre not being my normal go-to for reads, even though I really like the idea of them, it totally feels like I read these kinds of books with my eyes WIDE open since there is a different dynamic to the words and the characters and there is always another element to consider. So with this addition to the series bringing quite a bit more action and reactions, I'm not lying when I say my eyes were wide open. With everything happening and all the curiosities and questions that my innocent little mind had (don't laugh!), I had to follow so much and think about so many different things. It kept my mind busy while reading it and I enjoyed that aspect of it a lot.

This was a really good read to add to the trilogy....but obviously I can only say so much. I was a little bummed that I learned a little more about Preppy than I wanted to since I haven't read his book yet. He was discussed and a major plot point of his book was discussed in this one. I know it won't ruin that book for me, but I was bummed to have seen that. HOWEVER, we got an introduction to NINE in this book, and I look forward to reading more about him. I just hope I get more love and more growth from them in the final book because beneath all the dirt and grime, there is a love story that is enduring the test of time and rivalries. I read this in one sitting and pretty much ignored the family. It was full of action so the book continually flowed and never stalled, which I am very thankful for given the nature of the storyline. 

"She's my other half. The piece of me that's been missing since the day I was born."

~BEE

Disclaimer: There are some elements of this story that will NOT please people, but I had to take into account the genre and how it worked for the story, or what effect it had on the story for the total, overall progression of the story.  Because.....the story. (I said story too many times in that sentence. HA!)

PURCHASE POSSESSION

AMAZON     iBOOKS     KOBO     B&N

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

--------------------------------------
 

PURCHASE PERVERSION (book 1)

My review: http://bit.ly/2NZDRnb
Read an excerpt: http://bit.ly/2xdA6jQ

AMAZON     iBOOKS     KOBO      B&N

--------------------------------------

PREORDER PERMISSION (12/11/18)

AMAZON     iBOOKS     KOBO     B&N

~MEET TM FRAZIER~

T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier never dreamed that a single person would ever read a word she wrote when she published her first book. Now, she is a five-time USA Today bestselling author and her books have been translated into numerous languages and published all around the world.

T.M. enjoys writing what she calls sexy‘wrongside of the tracks romance’ with morally corrupt anti-heroes and ballsy heroines.

Her books have been described as raw, dark and gritty. Basically, what that means, is while some authors are great at describing a flower as it blooms, T.M. is better at describing it in the final stages of decay.

She loves meeting her readers, but if you see her at an event please don’t pinch her because she's not ready to wake up from this amazing dream.

~CONNECT WITH TRACEY~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

UNCORRECTED ARC REVIEW

COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

Book Review and Giveaway for Confessions: The Princess, The Prick & The Priest by Ella Frank

CONFESSIONS: THE PRINCESS, THE PRICK AND THE PRIEST
by ELLA FRANK

Everyone said our love wouldn’t work.

That it was too hard, too complicated, too messy.

Oh how I enjoy proving everyone wrong.

My men are smart, sexy, sophisticated—and most of all, crazy about me.

The only problem is trying to explain that to my big, opinionated Italian family.

But after all we’ve been through, we deserve a happily ever after. And if there’s one thing I know about my guys, they always manage to have a few surprises up their sleeves.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4 STARS
"While Julien was all sleek and sensual when naked, Priest was full-on power."

This was a finale that I didn't know I needed, but didn't know I was going to get, so it was the best little "unexpected gift" I got after reading my first Ella Frank series and subsequently falling in love with her writing. Longest sentence ever, right? Well....I didn't know how to say all that. Bahaha! I do know that the love these men share is one to be envied. It's not often you get to see a love like that blossom so beautifully.

Ok, in all seriousness, I was pleasantly surprised upon reading this series and getting an official HEA for this triad was literally icing on the cake. Their dynamic was so smooth and full of uncomplicated love, so it just made me smile throughout this book. They had such a heartwarming mix of perfection. I loved watching their relationship grow and mature together.

As descriptive as Frank is with her words and her ability to bring to life these genuine friendships between all the characters, she is definitely not shy with her sex scenes. They are sprinkled heavily throughout the books, but the fact that it's not flagrant and is valid for the story and their relationship, it makes them meaningful. I enjoy her writing style, and I love her characters. The way they treated each other was bliss. Their world is animated with all the love they share, but the respect for one another is palpable and undeniable. Robbie's sweet mixed with Julien's attitude gave Priest's alpha side something to soften up to - and that is what made the story what it was for me. They all worked well with each other - they complimented each other and provided something only they could to the relationship, and seeing how this love changed them, morphed them into the triad they are today, it came together perfectly.

The only downfall I felt with this one was there really wasn't a buildup to anything. It was a very sweet, from beginning to end, story about Robbie, Julien and Priest getting their finale but there weren't any obstacles to overcome, so it read very evenly. That isn't a bad thing by any means, it was just a very even-keeled read without any ups or downs. Sometimes the inner monologue gets tedious for me in books, mostly because it's overdone and is missed opportunity to actually discover more in actions and not just words, but as it was layered throughout this one, I got a good laugh a few times. Her third person writing flows very well, but I could tell in the beginning I was not in the right frame of mind because I had to read and re-read spots a few times to find out whose head we were in and that slowed me down at first, but I was able to catch up quickly and put myself in that frame of mind to follow along.

This final quote that I'll finish my review with signifies to me exactly what this love is all about. While I couldn't imagine trying to share myself with anyone else, they seem to do it seamlessly and without abandon as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And I walk away from their story knowing that the only thing needed in our world.....is love.

"Most people don't understand us. But they don't need to. We understand. We have from the moment we met."
~BEE

PURCHASE THE PRINCESS, THE PRICK & THE PRIEST

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

PURCHASE ROBBIE:  AMAZON

My review: http://bit.ly/2p5Oi9E

PURCHASE JULIEN:  AMAZON
My review: http://bit.ly/2HtJcuT

PURCHASE PRIEST:  AMAZON
My review: http://bit.ly/2wbv5HN

~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.

~CONNECT WITH ELLA~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS      TWITTER

ARC REVIEW
COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Book Review and Giveaway for Break Me Down by Author M. Mabie

BREAK ME DOWN
by M. MABIE

BREAK ME DOWN is the continuation of Abraham and Myra's story and the second novel in the Breaking Trilogy.

"I wasn't the woman I once was, sheltered from reality. Through it all, one thing remained the same—I wanted Abraham."

A life outside the gates of Lancaster was never a choice I would have made on my own. Groomed into obedience, I was blind to their manipulation, their neglect, and their abuse. 

They are a cult.

Abraham saved me.

Then the ugliest truths came out, and I ran.

Regardless of how hard I push him away, there is no denying the security and comfort I found in his arms. No ignoring the pull he has on me or how his affection gives me strength.

Hope.

The will to fight.

But I'll have to find myself before I can ever be truly his.

The real world broke my heart, but it wouldn’t break me down.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4+ STARS

"I may never know why, but the animal inside me wanted Myra as bad as I wanted to be the moral man she needed."

I love that we got somewhere with this second book!! THIS is how you write a second book in a trilogy! It's always scary to jump into an unfinished trilogy not knowing when we will get the full story, but it's doubly scary not knowing if the author is just stretching thin a storyline that could be told more efficiently. Well, serious headway was made with this one. Between personal growth and storyline growth, this one was still a roller coaster of emotions with great a buildup of anticipation. Aaaaand a very sad cliffhanger with this next one as well....

"I was learning the hard way why patience was a virtue."

Not only did the beginning of this story bring us right back into Abe's emotional turmoil, but we got Myra's triumphant release and some personal discoveries as well. As sad as I was that the first book left off where it did, Mabie did such a good job making us go through the emotions and really feel Abe's pain and torture - and it was pure torture what he went through. Necessary, but painful. But I feel that the real story was Myra's awakening. I cannot imagine my entire world being torn apart and my reality being questioned. I would be a flat out mess, and yet Myra did it with class and grace, but more so with strength and determination. I loved watching her come out from hiding from within herself. She truly grew so much during this book, and sliding back into her new norm was definitely a task.

I can only say so much about this one because of it being the middle book in the trilogy, but I can say that I really enjoyed it and loved it. The new developments that were thrown into the story to give it that much more depth were well placed. Overcoming some obstacles and barriers that were outlined in the first book and then moving to this one was a feat, I feel but it still flowed well. I love when an author can weave in the intricacies needed to make a story flow with growth and humor and love. Mabie did that with this one so well. While reading this, the perspective given to me was eye opening, for sure. Some things I never would have thought of, nor would I have given it a second thought. Almost a little crazy to think about, but there is so much that I take for granted, but they were some of those things that were brand new experiences for her and to see her experience . It was fun to see her explore and grow personally and intimately. I loved how Mabie spelled out the emotions with their actions, not just telling me what was going on. I felt all their joys and triumphs, as much as I hurt when they did. I cannot tell you enough how much I am loving this trilogy so far!!

I am excited for more to come from Myra and Abe and the love they undoubtedly share. Bring it on!!! Don't leave me hanging, Mo!!!

"My body still felt the pull of his. His eyes still warmed my skin."

~BEE

PURCHASE BREAK ME DOWN:

AMAZON     iBOOKS     B&N      KOBO

ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY

-------------------------------------------

PURCHASE BREAK MY FALL:

My review: http://bit.ly/2N1SAwW

AMAZON     iBOOKS     B&N     KOBO

~MEET M. MABIE~

M. Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes unconventional love stories and tries to embody "real-life romance."

She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne's World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost. 

M. Mabie usually doesn't speak in third-person. She promises.

~CONNECT WITH MO~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS      TWITTER

ARC REVIEW

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

Book Review and Giveaway for Fireworks by Sarina Bowen

FIREWORKS

by SARINA BOWEN

Skye Copeland is on paid leave from her broadcasting job after accidentally drawing a pecker on the traffic map.

Let that sink in. Like it’s her fault the traffic pattern created a perfect schlong?

Skye isn’t laughing. She needs this job. And that’s the only reason she’s willing to chase down a story in her least favorite place—that hell on earth known as Vermont.

A quick trip. In and out. Much like - never mind. She can sneak into the town that once tried to break her, get the story and slide back into the good graces of her producer. Easy peasy.

But things go sideways the moment she steps over the county line. Her stepsister is running from a violent drug dealer. And the cop on the case is none other than Benito Rossi, the man who broke Skye’s teenage heart.

His dark brown eyes still tear her apart. And even as she steels herself to finally tell him off after twelve years, the old fireworks are still there.

Things are about to go boom.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4 STARS

"The heart is a fool, and love at first sight is a vicious bitch."

Woah! This was the best 'welcome back' to a series if I've ever had one!! And of course, after reading this one, I need to make some time to go and read the few in the middle I missed. Really and truly, Sarina Bowen's writing has a wholesome appeal to it and her stories always make me smile. She can write hot, but I think my favorite part is it's always meaningful and rich in love. It's a love that gradually grows, but is never forced. It's smooth and you can always feel it.

First and foremost: I know authors say it often, the whole "this is a standalone in a series", but this one legit is, 1000%. Easily, hands down can admit that. I have missed the last two books in this series for scheduling conflicts, so I took a gander on this one. I am so glad I did because not only did I miss this series, I missed Bowen's great storytelling. Oh! And this is the first book I read after meeting her for the first time, and I think I giggled a little more at this heroine thinking she reminded me a lot of the author. 

Benito and Skylar were a sweet and very sexy couple and the title of this book really hit home for them, for me. Benito is honestly one of the best kinds of heroes that I like to recommend. He was real. He was sweet and caring, but bled strength and desire. Sure, he was in touch with his feelings, but the protective side he had was definitely one that made me <sigh> every time it came out. Between the secrets, the misconceptions, and the lies that revolved around Benito and Skye and their childhood, it was neat to watch them not only reconnect on a comfort level, but I loved watching them fall in love on another. Benito made me smile so much and he was so in tune with her and that just showed me how much he really did care. He was so reverent with her, to the point that I could see the hearts in his eyes. They gravitated towards each other naturally, and the way she wrote it, I fell in love too. I sighed. I swooned. As I read of their past, I got their present as it was unfolding, and that was heartwarming to read. I reeeally loved them.  

"I want to throw myself into Benito's arms. And I also want to punch him. That can't be healthy."

This was a great second chance love that made me truly smile because it rang true on so many different levels. My heart hurt while learning of their childhood, but it soared as I read their reconnection. While this one had more action and suspense than I usually go for in my romance novels, I have to admit that I couldn't put it down. The story that spun around this couple was intense and filled with serious craziness, but it never took away from the love story that Bowen was telling. I loved LOVED loved that about this one. Benito was the man, and Skye was very determined and headstrong. These two made the story work so well for me. It was hot. It was sensual. It was sweet. It was even swoony. It was such an easy and great read - easily recommended!!

"What's the statute of limitations on heartache? I don't think mine is over."

~BEE

PURCHASE

AMAZON     iBOOKS     B&N     KOBO     GOOGLE PLAY

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY

◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆    ◆    ◆

~MEET SARINA BOWEN~

Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Ivy Years is her college hockey series. Centered around the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college, The Year We Fell Down began breaking hearts in March, 2014. There are three novels and a novella in the series so far. See http://www.sarinabowen.com/TheIvyYears for updates.

HIM is a bestselling sexy, sporty hockey LGBT novel co-written with Elle Kennedy.

For lovers of angsty snowboarders, Sarina also writes the Gravity series, featuring snow sports heroes.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, six chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com

~CONNECT WITH SARINA~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

ARC REVIEW

COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY