Friday, July 31, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway for Flock by Kate Stewart


FLOCK
by KATE STEWART

Can you keep a secret?
I grew up sick.⁣

Let me clarify.⁣

I grew up believing that real love stories include a martyr or demand great sacrifice to be worthy.⁣

Because of that, I believed it, because I made myself believe it, and I bred the most masochistic of romantic hearts, which resulted in my illness.⁣

When I lived this story, my own twisted fairy tale, it was unbeknownst to me at the time because I was young and naïve. I gave into temptation and fed the beating beast, which grew thirstier with every slash, every strike, every blow.⁣

Triple Falls wasn’t at all what it seemed, nor were the men that swept me under their wing. But in order to keep them, I had to be in on their secrets.⁣

Secrets that cost us everything to keep.⁣

That’s the novelty of fiction versus reality. You can’t re-live your own love story, because by the time you’ve realized you’re living it, it’s over. At least that was the case for me and the men I trusted my foolish heart to.⁣

Looking back, I’m convinced I willed my story into existence due to my illness.⁣

And all were punished.


REVIEW: 5 RIDDLE-FILLED STARS
"The fantasies of a masochistic heart are much better than any experience with the real thing."

WORD OF THE DAY: Unconventional
This is the kind of book that you need to go in blind - highly recommended. This is a book about discovery and you can't discover if you know anything. This is a SPOILER FREE review. Just know this is my favorite book of Kate Stewart's to date....and that's saying something. 

Here’s the scenario: You’re sitting on the couch, probably laughing at me because I’m pacing in front of you, trying to calm down enough to not scream at you to READ THIS BOOK. Ok? That’s how this is gonna go. I'll probably be scatterbrained and shooting from the hip because my mind is being pulled in so many different directions but SO MUCH happened but you can't discuss anything because it can potentially spoil things. So sooo good. 

With Flock, Stewart provided me a dose of clarity and confusion mixed with absolute confidence in a story I couldn't put down. To be able to spin a story like this...I can't even imagine where one's mind goes while writing things like this. Shrouded in mystery, with just enough stringing along that I couldn't look away. I felt like the morsels of information were the tastiest when accompanied with questions - and boy, did I have a ton of those!! I absolutely loved this journey I was on, all the while being confused AF discovering a whole new world right with Cecilia. 

"Maybe for now, I should just listen to the voice of reason in my head, instead of the addict in my heart."

By 8% in, I was hooked. Meeting Cecelia and her guys of summer was an adrenaline rush, and it felt as if I were in her shoes - her spot. I loved how she was written. Bad ass with a side of insecurity and innocence - but she had a moral side to her that I could very much appreciate. Not to mention a mouth that made me smile!! That girl had sass!!

I love that Cecelia fought her 'moral' side. I love that there was a mental block for her - one that she personally had to scale. There was a wave of critical thinking that encompassed this entire story, almost a shift from the ‘norm’ that one would automatically fall in step with. This was pivotal to the book, and I for one cannot wait to read the second book to see how it all plays out. Absolutely fantastic....I can't stop thinking about it.

I loved meeting the guys of Ravenhood. All of them. They all had very different personalities, and the lessons learned and the discussions had were all very insightful and had me nodding my head in agreement many times. I craved time with them and watching them all interact with not only each other, but with Cecelia as well, had me hungry for more in all aspects - and to top it off, it was all so very hot. No lie. There was so much mystery and so many secrets that I was confused - not gonna lie, but it all fell into place and left me with some aha! moments.

"I'm a psychiatrist's wet dream."

I found myself constantly looking to see how much time I had left in the book, because I didn’t want it to end. I was entranced the entire time I was reading and wanted nothing more than to sit here all day and get caught up in this world of intrigue and confusion that was coming to life all around me, but I am so glad I got to explore it right alongside to her. Confused as she was, I was too. As enamored as she was, I was too. As angry and heartbroken as she was, I was too. I was right there with her.

One of the things Stewart afforded me was simply applying a deeper meaning to seemingly inconsequential things, things to think about, actions to watch with a skeptical eye. Her words are always thought provoking with an implied possible meaning, but this time she took it a bit father than I've read from her before. I love that she keeps me looking beyond the norm and into possibility. So fucking good!!!!

I held my breath the entire time I read. I looked left and right, underneath clues and over them. She had me guessing and second guessing the whole time. I’m excited to see how the prologue plays into the story because while it did entice, it also caused confusion and curiosities to play out in my mind. All I know is Exodus is definitely a necessary and highly anticipated read!!

When your love can handle night and day, light and dark, rainy days and sunny days, broody....and loving? You know your heart has found its landing spot. This book showcased that perfectly. I love, love, love rainy days - this book proved that to me. But those days with sunshine are all the more brighter and sweeter. I just need....more.

"I played with fire, and now I'm singed beyond recognition."
~BEE








~MEET KATE STEWART~

Kate Stewart lives in Charleston, S.C. with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. A native of Dallas, Kate moved to Charleston three weeks after her first visit, dropping her career of 8 years, and declaring it her creative muse. Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense because it's what she loves as a reader. A lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap, she dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity only and does a horrible job of playing the ukulele. Aside from running a mile without collapsing, traveling is the only other must on her bucket list. On occasion, she does very well at vodka.

~CONNECT WITH KATE~

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Monday, July 27, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway for Ignite by Emma Renshaw

IGNITE
by EMMA RENSHAW

One night changed an entire town.

One girl changed my entire life.

After she left without saying goodbye, I never expected to see her again.

The fire that changed Hawk Valley was my first night on the job. She was my first save as a firefighter. But she wasn’t the first to walk out of my life without looking back.

She was just another number on that list.

I grew used to putting out sparks in my personal life, too. But when she came back, I couldn’t stop myself from chasing after her. Just a fling, we said. But where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Of all people, I should have known that. It could never be casual with us. It was always going to become an inferno.

Until someone else put out the fire.


REVIEW: 4 SEXY STARS
"Lick. Sip. Suck. Just like a shot of tequila."

I was so excited to jump into this book after meeting Ridge and Zoe in EMBER, so I'm excited to say that Emma Renshaw did not leave me hanging. I was a little gun-shy because I don't like a lot of 'out there' drama in my books - a lot of romantic suspense has this in it, but this one, while there was some drama, it fit the storyline really well. This was an easy, smile-inducing, heartwarming read that certainly hit all the buttons for a wonderful read for me. The characters were real and down to earth. The storyline gave me some good ups and downs. I got to see some of the past characters I met previously. This book really made me smile.

Since this is a romantic suspense series - not a genre I willingly read often, I was concerned that the abundance of drama to give "excitement" would feel a bit overworked and repetitive from book to book, but she doesn't overdo it. She didn't disappoint with the love that is IGNITED between Ridge and Zoe either. So so good. I loved their easy banter, the way they got along and the fact that it was  a natural progression with content. There were real boundaries, real emotions, and real consequences - and I loved that!! Renshaw writes such a different take on insta-love. It's a different vibe and the tone of it is down to earth and real. The draw that Ridge and Zoe had was unmistakable, undeniable, but unavailable to one heart...that's what drew me in.

I definitely enjoyed her easy writing style and the love she poured onto the page through her characters. The way her characters mixed and connected with each other was super sigh-worthy. Ridge is something else. Renshaw gives me good insight on the softer side of a strong man, willing to stand up for his convictions, but has a side that melts for the woman he loves. She's brilliant at giving me that side of a strong man and I have adored it with the two men she's introduced me to with her books so far. I am fairly new to her, so I am loving her voice and word flow.

I know I complain about drama in my reviews often, but I won't trade good storyline for amazing love as that is one of my pet peeves, so I don't normally overlook overdone drama - so this one was a welcome addition to my kindle, for sure. This one had some drama, but not too bad, so it was easier to read than I had anticipated. I am hoping the drama for the next one is as easy going as this one was. It always worries me because I don't want to wade through crazy antics before I get to the amazing love she can and does present effortlessly with her stories. I have really fallen for her writing style and the ease in which she shares a love that is undeniable.

Another thing I know I can count on is the number of characters she introduced in this book, there are some stories out there waiting for me to read!! I loved that she was able to cross over some of the guys from her Vow series!! (I need to go back and finish that one!!!) I really enjoy her character introductions and the story beginnings she delivers. I honestly can't wait to read more. I am super curious about the final two books in this series, Inferno and Smolder - there are a few characters I am waiting for stories on and I am excited to see who gets the next one.

"I've been waiting my whole life for something like this." 
~BEE


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Read below if you'd like an excerpt from Ignite

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

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~EXCERPT~

Coffee splashed over the edge of Ridge’s coffee mug as it clattered to the table. He pushed the chair back, stood, and was hovering over me in one stride. One hand gripped the arm of the chair, and the other wove into my messy hair. He tilted my head back, bringing my lips a sliver away from his own.

“I was serious last night when I said I want you—and more nights like last night—until you leave. Were you? I haven’t even scratched the surface of the things I want to do to you.”

No one had ever spoken to me like that before. I’d never been with a man this bold. I’d thought one night would be enough, but it wasn’t. I wanted to see him again, see him until I left, but I knew it would be a challenge to make sure my heart didn’t get involved. I couldn’t allow it to. I couldn’t fall into Ridge’s arm and get lost in his smile.

“Yes, I was serious,” I whispered. With each word my lips brushed against his. I arched my neck to get a sliver more contact between us. “It’s only a fling though. I’m leaving, Ridge. We can’t forget that.”

His jaw tightened and his nostrils flared as he broke eye contact for a second. Then he nodded once. “Only a fling. I won’t forget you’re leaving,” he promised. His lips sealed over mine, and I whimpered in the back of my throat as his tongue swept into my mouth. He broke the kiss, brushing his thumb over my cheek. “While you’re here, it’s just us. I don’t share, Zoe.”

I nodded. Ridge’s lips tipped up and he stood, releasing me. “And if you need another night of commiseration or celebration, I’ll bring you to The Watering Hole. Anything you need while you’re here, I’m your guy.”

ADD IGNITE TO GOODREADS

ADD THE BURN SERIES TO GOODREADS



~MEET EMMA RENSHAW~
Emma loves to write, just don't ask her to write about herself. If she isn't writing, you can find her lost in a book or trying to get her doggo to take a selfie with her. He usually refuses. At the end of the day, you can find Emma at the closest Mexican restaurant eating queso and sipping on a margarita. She lives in Texas with her husband and dog.

~CONNECT WITH EMMA~

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Saturday, July 11, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway for Am I the Only One by EK Blair


AM I THE ONLY ONE
by EK BLAIR

Desperation had a flavor.

It was all Emma could taste as her life in Washington DC started to crumble before her.

In a city filled with prestige and American dreams also lay political fallacy and corruption—corruption she would soon find herself indulging in.

Emma would have done anything to save herself from the downfall, gone to any length, sacrificed her soul if needed.

What she didn’t realize was that someone else was more desperate to save their own life and that the worst was yet to come.


REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"Image is everything, even if it's covered in lies."

WHAT. DID I. JUST READ??? Just kidding....I know what I read. It was a slice of the brilliant mind that is EK Blair.

Talk about an adrenaline rush!!! Holy cow, I'm on a high right now after reading this one and I must say that I loved it. LOVED IT. I have missed this depraved, creepy side of EK Blair for some time now. Her writing is glorious and has been for some time - I thoroughly enjoy it!! But this book, this storyline was fascinating!! I was hooked and on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it.

Having said that, I will admit that I kinda knew what the twists were as I could see them coming, but the way she wrote the inner depravity....the craziness.....the desperation, that hit the head on every nail. I loved that aspect of it because Blair writes it so well - delightfully so. At some point, I started to see the tables turning and what was going on and I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. I knew, I just knew that things were going to go a little haywire and I was literally sitting and waiting for it to happen.

"It seemed if you wrapped yourself in designer labels and surrounded yourself with the proper society, people were willing to turn a blind eye to live in their false reality of perfection."

It almost laid itself out and karma was a bigger enemy that one could possibly imagine, and I loved the way she ended it because it did everything to up the creep factor. The POVs were used cleverly. The first/third person voice was....creepy and scintillating. Who says that??? Who puts those two words together? HAHAHA!!! All I know is, Blair's take on a twisted mentality - female for sure -  is a special kind of madness. Brilliant, but madness. It's these kinds of books, the kind that make me giddy and excited to talk about, these are the ones that I love to share!!!

I don't read thrillers all that often and I know that I am trying to add new voices, as well as new genres and tropes to my 2020 reading list, but I can tell you this voice in this trope was perfection. It was a ride from the minute I opened the book until I closed it, looked around and told my husband how great it was. Being pulled in, being intrigued with a book the entire time I'm reading it is what does it for me, and this one held me captive the entire time I was reading. I liked the not knowing, the creepiness, the volatile side that desperation seeks. The vile side of crazy that no one should want to watch play out...

What a twisted story!!! I'm so glad I read this....so very glad. My favorite part was watching it unravel while watching these characters grasp for purchase on their own reality. It was SO good. Only EK Blair can get you in the emotions with such betrayal and craziness! I want to make a point to say how much I found this cover intensely fitting for the story that was told - this is a shelf-worthy book and cover!

"I'm furious that he remains solid and content while I'm losing my mind in a panic."



~MEET EK BLAIR~
New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling author, E.K. Blair, takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her books. A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody and has been noted as 'The Queen of Dark and Twisted'. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath.

Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She's a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.

~CONNECT WITH EK~

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