Wednesday, December 28, 2022

BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for The Intern by Marni Mann


THE INTERN
by MARNI MANN

A scorching hot enemies-to-lovers office romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann…

In the legal world, everyone knows my last name. So, when Declan Shaw—the hottest, most ruthless and sought-after litigator in the state—comes in to mentor my class’s mock trial, I decide not to reveal that piece of personal information.

I want a one-on-one with him like I’m any other law student, especially when we go out to celebrate after class.

But the one-on-one ends with us in the alley behind the bar.
With us stripping off our clothes.
With me screaming his name.
It’s desperate-to-have-you, no-holds-barred, downright filthy sex.

And then, he ghosts me, like a complete alphahole.

But a few weeks later, when I walk into The Dalton Group—my family’s law firm—where I’m starting my internship, my new boss is waiting for me.

The man I despise.
The man I can still taste in my fantasies.
Declan Shaw.


REVIEW: 3 STARS
"I wanted Hannah Dalton to be mine."

The long anticipated book in Marni Mann's Dalton Family series and boy was I excited to start this one!!!! I can definitively say this is my second favorite series of hers, because I am loving this legal side of it because it's allowing the story to grow for all the characters she's writing. And yes, The Bachelor is next and I am ridiculously excited for Camden's story because I have an inkling of who "she" might be...

One thing I know, Marni Mann has repeatedly given me character and story depth with a heavy hitting love affair of the heart. I've never, ever questioned her ability to pull me in and spoon-feed me a love that has me drooling over their journey. It wasn't until this one that I have struggled with those very pieces that I love about her writing. While this one gave me the perfect storm of anger and lust, it lacked in depth and relationship development for me - that cohesiveness I look forward to reading with each of her books. BUT - thankfully, not to the point that I was unable to enjoy this story because, for the most part, I did. It was a good book.

"His gaze wasn't a normal stare. It was power. Pleasure."

Declan is the definition of a very cocky, very sexy lawyer who knows his stuff. He's strong in the courtroom and that carries out into his personal life in many aspects - whether it's mentoring college students....or some more "private affairs." I love a cocky Hero. They're one of my favorite kinds of men to read because a man buckling for his woman is the best thing to witness and Declan was going to fall hard. I just knew this from deep within. Sadly, it was the journey from point A to B that I got lost somewhere. Even though I found my way and it was an enjoyable read, it missed the heartfelt punch I have to come to expect from Mann.

I struggled mostly with the anger and vitriol from Declan - more than I thought I would. I feel it's mostly due to how strong and smart Hannah was portrayed, so seeing her undeservedly belittled and talked so negatively to and about made me justifiably angry for her. It also inhibited my understanding of her allowing Declan back in each time he did something because I didn't really see a reason for this or feel it through the writing. I just missed out on that soft spot this time, even though I knew the reason *why* he was being the way he was. It just didn't flow with how it was all hitting.

Because it was hitting - all those spots in the bedroom. They were on fire when it came to chemistry and their infatuation with each other. They always came together in a fiery, lust-filled explosion and there was no denying their draw to one another. But I feel like that was the only strength of these characters that worked so well. I just feel like I wanted, or needed...more.

The breakdown of the story felt rather hasty....almost rushed in some aspects. Not all of it, but the pressure, the tension - the angst I crave in these kinds of stories was missing for me and plenty was just glossed over. I also feel like the chapter endings were sometimes abrupt with no follow up at the beginning of the next one. I understand a chapter cliffie so to speak - it keeps me turning the pages to find out more, but I look for some follow up on some happenings and felt like that was missing. The actual depth was lacking for me which isn't the norm with Mann's books. I can appreciate her easy style of writing, but the tension and growth born of the characters' turmoil is what I didn't get here. I absolutely love that aspect with these kinds of heavy-handed books and missed it immensely with this one.

HOWEVER, ultimately, none of these issues stopped me from enjoying this story. Overall, this was one that I read rather quickly and still smiled at the end. A positive experience - just not my favorite experience. I keep saying it, but I love that Mann keeps incorporating her foodie addiction with her characters' storylines whether it be their love of desserts or their willingness to bake and enjoy/share the love. I love that smile each and every time. 

I recommend this book for anyone that needs an easy read without a lot of angst but wants some drama to wade through.

"Tell me you want me, Hannah."
~BEE


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Facebook deletes my posts when I try to give away a book...this is my way around it.



A sexy, billionaire, Hollywood, stand-alone romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann …

I’m not the type of girl who picks up a man on a rooftop bar.
Not the kind of girl who lets a man’s hands roam my body, discovering I have no panties on.
Never the girl who has hours’ worth of o’s from a smoking-hot one-night stand.

But Dominick makes it so easy to say yes.
His body, his moves, and his oh-so-wicked tongue have me saying it over and over again.
Yes, please.
Yes, more.
Yes, right there.

He worships every inch of my body, and I’m still sore the next morning when I meet him again.

This time, he’s Mr. Dalton, my sister’s cutthroat entertainment lawyer.
And he has a proposition for me.

He wants to make me famous.

Of course, that means sharing a screen with my wildly jealous sister.
It means giving up my career.
It means the whole world will suddenly know everything about me.

Which presents one catastrophic problem—Dominick doesn’t date famous people.

So, do I take a chance at becoming a Hollywood star, or do I pass up the opportunity to be with the man who gave me a taste of forever?


 ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~

THE BILLIONAIRE

A sexy, forbidden, age gap, stand-alone romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann …

I’ve always been a good girl.
But the second I walk into the hotel bar, I see temptation.

The man sitting there is delicious. Older. Experienced. Once our eyes meet, I know I’m not walking away unscathed. I’ve heard about men like Jenner Dalton—richer than God and hotter than sin. He’s got heartbreak written all over him.

But it only takes fifteen minutes before we’re headed up to his room.

I’ve never done anything like this before, but something tells me he’s worth it. Every swipe of his tongue feels electric, every kiss sets me on fire and his experience has me begging for more.

And more.

And more.

In one week, I’ll return to college in Miami.

He’ll go back to being LA’s most eligible billionaire.

The miles and years between us are just too many for this to mean anything.

So, between now and then, I plan to spend every moment being anything but good …




 ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~
THE SINGLE DAD

A sexy single dad and nanny romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann …

Most college-aged girls go to Europe to experience their sexual awakening.
All I had to do was come home.

Ford Dalton isn’t the kind of man I’d look at twice—because I can’t stop looking at him at all.

We can’t take our hands off each other in the bar.
Back at his house, it’s our lips.
And in his bed?
There isn’t a single part of us that’s not on fire.
One night would never be long enough for Ford to show me every delicious thing he can do to my body.

But there’s something he’s keeping from me: he’s already met the love of his life.

His daughter, Everly.

And there’s something I’m keeping from him: I just applied for the job of my dreams.

Everly’s new nanny.

ADD TO GOODREADS

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* My Review: https://bit.ly/3u9c4nG

 ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~
 
COMING MARCH 28, 2023: 



A sexy, billionaire, forbidden, stand-alone romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann …

AMAZON       B&N       APPLE       KOBO

 ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~
 
~MEET MARNI MANN~

Bestselling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their two dogs, who have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.

~CONNECT WITH MARNI~

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Sunday, December 11, 2022

BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for TANGLED IN TINSEL by Trilina Pucci



Imagine being snowed in with four hot successful men.
P.S. they've all played the hero in too many of your naughtiest dreams.

Problem is, you work for them, and that makes them off-limits.
Except now they're looking at you like you're Santa's cookies.
And they definitely want to take a bite.

Talk about making you reconsider your life choices.
These four are aiming for Santa's naughty list, and I'm pretty sure I'm getting:

Jace
Reed
Alec
...and Cole

for Christmas.

It might've started as a decorating job.
But it ended Tangled in Tinsel.


REVIEW: ALL the NAUGHTY STARS

Ok, seriously? This was probably one of the funniest and naughtiest books I've ever read. Not just naughty, but ridiculously funny too. I cannot wrap my head around her creative process - but I love being witness to it. This one is the perfect example. Not a lot of substance to the story, but a whole lot of naughty to the holiday. This book definitely has the tongue wagging and the face-fanning on high. If you want naughty holiday fun, this is definitely it. This was the dirty definition of hot...

I do have to say, because I heard this in her voice...HER voice, it made it so much better. And that made it all that much more funny to me. Trilina Pucci is easily one of my favorite authors to follow - her books are always worth the click. She has a very steady voice in her writing and all of her books I've read have been winners for me. I have always enjoyed our book conversations, so finding out she was writing this was a very hilarious phone call - quite entertaining, to say the least. 

Well written smut is a great way to categorize this. It was enjoyable and naughty and delicious and naughty and fun and naughty. Did I mention it was naughty...? It was.

Jace is the smile and hug you never knew you needed.
Reed is the smirk that sets your insides on fire.
Alec is the smart ass that loves to see you...in all your glory.
Cole is the intensity that holds you captive with one glance.
They are all delicious in their own right and I wouldn't mind running into them - all at once, or individually. Either or...

And before you ask, I know...I know. Why don't I have a rated star on here? Well, I don't think I am entirely able to "rate" the book because it was literally just a book filled with one naughty romp after another without a lot of actual storyline. While it was super fun to read and I smiled throughout the entire book, I don't know about it being a rateable (is that a word??) book for me. Would I recommend it? If you love Trilina Pucci in all her snarky amazingness, with her intense and very dreamy men, and her "put yourself in her shoes" heroines, then an emphatic YES. This is a must read for some down and dirty naughtiness and I for one thoroughly enjoyed it.  Just straight up (pun intended) naughty fun. Truly.

Overall - as long as you're not a pearl-clutcher, or the mention of c*nt offends you, this book might just be the naughty deliciousness you crave to heat up your holidays. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

~BEE

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~just make sure your name shows or sign it~

It all started when…

Trilina decided, 3 years ago, that between making grilled cheese sandwiches and running carpool she was going to write saucy novels for readers to titillate and excite them. She hasn't slowed down since!

Trilina has always had a love of writing; as a child she would journal and typically change the ending of whatever she was writing to suit her daydream. A knack for storytelling has translated into her debut, as an author, being met with rave reviews.

She lives in California where she multitasks the roles of wifey, mama and author. She hopes you enjoy her words and keep coming back for more!

Read Sexy, Stay Sexy!

xoxo, Trilina

~CONNECT WITH TRILINA~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER 

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Saturday, October 29, 2022

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: A Wild Heart by Amie Knight



I lost a huge piece of myself the day my husband was killed in action.
In the months that followed, I felt like my grief would swallow me whole.
My only solace was my daughter, whose bright light guided me through the darkest of times.

I never wanted to meet someone else.
I vowed to never fall in love again, especially with a marine.

It was supposed to be no strings attached and for a while it was.
But Weston Reeves’s grumpy soul called to my tortured one.
Maybe it was the midnight rides on his bike or the way that only I could make him smile.
He lit me up, set my body afire, and for the first time in five years made me feel alive.

Our relationship was probably the worst gamble I’d ever taken.
But my stupid, wild heart needed him, even if our love was destined to burn me to ashes.

REVIEW: 3.5 STARS
"My chest burned with every breath, fire in my lungs, agony in my heart. My body and soul ached unbearably."

Ok?? Did you read that synopsis? Tell me that doesn't make your heart want to get its battle gear on!!? I knew I was going to jump into this one with a smile knowing that the heart was guarded by not one, but TWO characters - and I was here for it!!

Having said all that, I have officially read my FIRST Amie Knight book and I will most definitely read her again. When I am in the mood for an easy read, one that I know will bring a smile to my face - I know I can turn to her books. This book, this one brought me all the smiles with Emily and Weston's electric connection and heartfelt fight to persevere through the muck to get to the beauty. That part of this book is what kept me reading - I won't lie. I loved that they fought, but came together....literally and figuratively.

A journey that met plenty of obstacles, I knew this needed to have some heartbreaking moments interspersed with the high-flying, endorphine causing happy times in order for it to truly work. I have made no secret of my love for the up and down aspect of a relationship that is ripe with turmoil - because in the end, that shows the tenacity of the love that is fighting to push through and survive. This one definitely had that. I needed that for a new voice in my library. While it wasn't super hard hitting, and could have given me some more "time" in a sense of allowing the emotions to percolate, I did really enjoy the ease in which I read this book.

One of my favorite things is a "warning" before I go in. I love the fact that a story is going to give me something to think about. The words are going to give me something to hold onto and dig deeper into. This one? I was warned by a dear friend that I would need some tissues for this one, and knowing me - you know I don't cry easily - so that was a warning I was excited about. That quote I posted up there definitely started the potential for the tears. Knight put me in Emily's heart...in her broken soul, and she made me feel Emily's agony and pain over the loss of her husband. I put myself in her shoes because I can't fathom the thought of losing my husband who is my best friend. So, this really started out with a bang for me.

However, this one didn't produce any tears, because I feel the rush to get the emotions out was almost too quick, not allowing my emotions the time to punctuate. BUT, it most definitely had the potential. It just didn't quite hit hard enough for me. So the truth for ME: I was expecting more oomph behind the words. I wanted that depth and that angsty pull that I always crave when matters of the heart are involved. I like the pain...we all know this. This one just didn't provide the angsty pull I would have hoped it had given that synopsis and predicament both characters were in, but I can still say it was a great book and I enjoyed it a lot.

Overall, this was a quick and easy read and a good introduction to Amie Knight. Easy is the word of the day because it was a great read but the writing was not overly deep for me. Definitely worth the read and a good base for me for her voice, so I know what to expect when I dive into my next book of hers. Bring on the recommendations!! (Note for new readers: this is book four in a series, but is a standalone. We meet some previous characters, but there isn't any overlap to worry about.)

"Weston may have owned my heart, but fear had an insurmountable choke hold on my soul."
~BEE




~ MEET AMIE KNIGHT ~

Amie Knight has been a reader for as long as she could remember and a romance lover since she could get her hands on her momma's books. A dedicated wife and mother with a love of music and makeup, she won’t ever be seen leaving the house without her eyebrows and eyelashes done just right. When she isn't reading and writing, you can catch her jamming out in the car with her two kids to '90s R&B, country, and showtunes. Amie draws inspiration from her childhood in Columbia, South Carolina, and can't imagine living anywhere other than the South.

~CONNECT WITH AMIE ~

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Sunday, September 11, 2022

KU Review for Pen Pal by JT Geissinger



The first letter arrived the day my husband was buried. It was postmarked from the state penitentiary, and contained a single sentence:

I’ll wait forever if I have to.

It was signed by Dante, a man I didn’t know.

Out of simple curiosity, I wrote back to ask him what exactly he was waiting for. His reply?

You.

I told the mystery man he had the wrong girl. He said he didn’t. I said we’d never met, but he said I was wrong.

We went back and forth, exchanging letters every week that grew increasingly more intimate. Then one day, the letters stopped. When I found out why, it was already too late.

Dante was at my doorstep.

And nothing on earth could have prepared me for what happened next.


REVIEW: 4.5+ STARS
"Even small dragons can still breathe fire."

Initial reaction: WOW!!!! This book blew my mind. It gave me goosebumps. It was just one of those books that took me on a journey - one that I couldn't even begin to fathom, but I couldn't let go because it was so engulfing. I told myself, "listen to the universe, what it tells you, what it's saying. Go with the flow. With the surroundings." It just made me think beyond my own conscious perspective of this world, and opened my eyes to JT's writing style and to the fact that I needed to read more by her. Immediately, preferred...

And then reality started to set in and after I posted about this book, and with it came all the comments (which I love!) and then the discussions (which I absolutely love!!) and it kind of made me rewrite my review. So let's go back to my original thoughts and then jump to my current thoughts. My thoughts on the book DID NOT CHANGE, nor did my rating. It just changed my discussion here. 

Original thoughts: 

I cannot recommend *enough* you go in as blind as you possibly can to full enjoy this to the fullest extent of what this storyline can do to you. Or for you. I will not ruin anything, I will not spoil anything, I will not even mention anything just in case you haven’t looked anything up. Just know that I went in as blind as possible and felt everything I feel the author originally intended. It was all based on organic discovery - and that's my favorite way to be introduced to a new-to-me author. Now, some of the sex scenes were a little beyond my comfort zone as they were not what I honestly enjoy reading – but they were super freaking hot and Aiden and Kayla were the definition of chemistry. I loved their instant attraction, and their security within each other's arms. I loved their love. I loved the way he loved her. I loved the way he made her feel.

The last 10% or so got a little - dare I say…cheesy? (Readers of this book will totally get that!) I felt a little put out about the cheesiness in some aspects, but I ended up closing the book with a huge smile on my face. It was super intense for the first 90% and I enjoyed it immensely. Was I hopping around, trying to explain everything to my husband at 88%? Yes. Yes, I was. Was I extremely proud of rolling with the storyline and being so excited when I got that far? Also yes! I freaking loved getting to the point of excitement with the outcome of the twist and it brought on the biggest smile. A new author making me avoid life for the two days it took me to read it? This was a fast paced read and one that had me turning the pages with eagerness. That may sound cheesy, but it's a perfect description of how I was feeling. 

I did get some movie type vibes from this book, just as she mentioned in her acknowledgments - but I feel like she put pen to paper in such an amazing way that it held my attention the ENTIRE time I read it. I seriously couldn’t put it down and am trying to remember when was the last time a book sucked me in like this?? I can’t say that enough - completely caught up. I wanted to read deep into the night - but 5am wake ups for kickboxing don’t agree with me staying up super late. HA! I was completely consumed by Kayla and Aiden and the entire plot of this book. The mystery. The love. The intensity. It was everything I needed as an introduction to Geissinger. I loved it!!!

I loooove when a book does this to me - I had to feel my way not only through a new voice, but a completely unknown circumstance as well. Some discovery was taken away from me in one aspect by another reader trying to warn me - but I’m not mad about it after reading this book. Did I want to discover that by myself? Most definitely, but looking back - all the clues started making their appearances, whether I knew or not. I would have started guessing anyway...but discovering any part of a book should always be organic for me. 

Soooo good for me. So good. Highly recommended for the journey I went on. I am loving ALL the messages I am getting from other readers that are going on the journey blind and it's making my little blogger heart so giddy. Thank you for including ME in YOUR journey.

"I want every fucking thing you have to give me, Kayla. And I want you to give it to me without hesitation. Without question. And without regret."

Afterthoughts:

The varying opinions and emotions surrounding this book have provided many discussions, and quite a few arguments - from what I've personally witnessed. What I love is that it has allowed many to discuss it with intent and to explain their own thought processes (which is why I blog) and I have really enjoyed the polarity of the discussions. Not because I like to argue - because I do, but because I have enjoyed seeing what some people have thought and having that moment to absorb their understanding of this, whether I believe in it or not. But that's the beauty of a book discussion - the very reason I blog. I have stayed very confident in my beliefs on this book and they won't change - but the conversations have been very  enlightening. 

So, to be fair, I wasn't around for the lead-up of this book. I wasn't even present for any of the promo or touring, and I most definitely wasn't there for the hype beforehand since I had never read anything by JT. What I saw when I read this synopsis was something I *knew* I needed to read ASAP because I didn't want to come across any spoilers. SO, I set out to read it...

The biggest, boldest question about this being a romance is what is the most discussable argument I'm seeing come out of this. Why am I able to consider this a romance in MY world? Because I fell in love with Aiden and Kayla falling in love. I fell in love with their version of reality. I fell in love with them the entire time they were exploring one another. I’m not here to argue with anyone about the logistics of it being a HEA or a romance because that's someone else's emotions to decipher - not mine. To ME, this was. Because people fell in love and were together forever and ever, amen. That’s it. That’s all I needed. And contrary to what I've heard, nothing is graphic or "on the page" for gore. Again not fighting. Not arguing. I loved this. This worked so well for me. It is a brilliant version of a HEA for ME. But why? Because it told me a love story that showcased two people in love and being together forever. Literally, forever.

"I learned that love means nothing unless it's acted upon. Love isn't real without intent. It's a verb. It isn't passive. But most of all, love means sacrifice."

However, I can and do respect others' opinions and see why some people are having a problem with it. No disrespect meant to anyone's feelings, I’m just not one that needs trigger warnings and I don’t need my hand held for fear of anything upsetting me — so when I get a book like this that takes me on a crazy journey, one that I have never been on before, it makes me giddy. I read and understood and enjoyed her version of "not a typical HEA" and ran with it, full steam ahead - nothing holding me back. I'm tellin' ya, I loved it! I cannot wait to read more of her books if she can do this to me.

If I could give any bit of advice and you're up for an adventure, I'd recommend:
- Stop reading reviews.
- Stop looking for spoilers.
- Don’t plan anything - just pick this up, call out for dinner, and sit and absorb this journey, word for freaking word. I know I couldn't put it down and am forever grateful that I took a chance on JT's voice...finally.

Go. In. BLIND. (Or as blind as the internet will allow you nowadays.) I loved this book. I will be reading this author again - and very soon. I love the kind of book that stretches definitions like this one did because it makes me stop and think about so many variables. Thank you, JT!!! I'll be back!! 


Just remember, hindsight is always 20/20. Opinions belong to the person giving them, and you are free to agree or disagree. Respect is also something I fully and happily hand out for anyone that wants to discuss a book with me with an open mind, because opinions are what make this bookworld so fun, right? Right! Happy reading!!

"Pain is the cost of love. And the deeper your love goes, so too goes the pain. You can never have one without the other."
~BEE

no giveaway for personal reads


~ MEET JT GEISSINGER ~

J.T. Geissinger is a #1 international and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty novels. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over eight million copies worldwide and been translated into more than twenty languages.

She is a three-time finalist in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.

~ CONNECT WITH JT ~

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Monday, August 1, 2022

DNF Review for More Than a Memory by Molly McLain


by MOLLY MCLAIN

He’s my brother’s best friend. My first crush, my first love, and my first time.

But I had to break his heart to save us both.

Ten years later, my life is in danger, and Aiden is the only one who can offer the protection I need. I don’t have a choice, because the man and the life I chose instead...

They're about to cost me everything.

I know Aiden hates me, and he has every right to. But maybe this is my chance to tell him the truth. I really did love him. I always have. And maybe it’s wishful thinking, but Aiden and me…

We’re more than a memory.


REVIEW: DNF REVIEW

He’s my brother’s best friend. My first crush, my first love, and my first time. <— BOOM! Sold. Sign me up. Gimme gimme. I mean, that’s literally my kryptonite. Forbidden all the way. Hahahah! Waiting a year and a pushed back release date for this was rough - not gonna lie. But, seeing that synopsis made all the toes curl and definitely made me a giddy Bee!!! I love a second chance, but the icing on the cake was that the forbidden side was a brother's best friend trope. All time favorite. So once my excitement was sufficiently ramped up, my screeching halt was finding out it was a fake relationship book…nowhere did it mention that in the synopsis, and I never do well with those because I think they’re contrived and forced. However, I knew I wanted Aiden’s story, so I was going to push through and read it. Surprisingly, this wasn’t what throttled my enjoyment of this book. I struggled really hard with this book and that actually took me by surprise. 

Aiden is the man. I freaking love him. He is absolutely amazing. He was the sole reason that pushed me through as far as it did. Molly McLean gives a very masculine voice to her male characters and this one was no different, given Aiden's job and role in Olivia's life - it was the strength this story needed. I like the way she voices them, and I like the way she has them treat their women. I absolutely love it and I have zero complaints about that. Twice now I have fallen in love with her men, and I can't imagine it will stop there. I do rest easy knowing that I will pick up another book of hers because I really enjoy the romance she gives me.

BUT. It was the stubbornness of the heroine that stifled my enjoyment of this one. It was definitely not the good kind of stubborn. I like a good stubborn woman - hold out for what you want!! That’s me, I can relate. It’s when it’s completely unwarranted and the writing on the wall is literally brushed over, negating common sense. That is where I struggled. For some reason Olivia really had me struggling with her actions. Nothing she does was relatable within the situation as it was broken down. I look for this in books and their characters – it’s the relatability for me because then I can better understand the situation. But when the situation calls for concern or calls for ready action, and the stubbornness is out of stupidity, I cannot in any way, shape, or form go along with the idiocy. That’s seriously why I struggled with Olivia. I hate stupid bravado. I hate a stubborn woman that doesn’t think rationally. <breathe, Bee>

Overall - my anger just stemmed from Olivia. All of it. The only reason I couldn't push through on this book was all of her excuses for her actions - all the way down to the "But I had to break his heart to save us both" part. I just couldn't get on board with the stupid notion that her job was more important than her safety, or didn't understand protocol, or couldn't figure out situational awareness - and it was all ridiculous. If there is an unmarked car and cameras all up and down the street…there is obviously a safety issue, so for her to pretend to be all strong and mighty thinking she doesn’t need help and is only willing to work with one person, this was beyond frustrating. It just frustrated me about the heroine's false bravado. I may have PTSD just from this character alone...

This wasn't the second chance romance I had hoped it would be because it dipped it's toes into too many tropes that I try to knowingly steer clear of...and that makes me extremely sad. I will read more because I truly and honestly enjoy Molly McLain's writing. I know from deep within my black little heart that this was truly the one character that actually ruined an entire story for me. I hit my quota and now I know I won't run into one again. Right? Right. I'm sure of it. 

Notable mention - I *neeeeed* to mention: her covers are straight up candy and I love them!! They'll turn heads every time and make me want to check them out. And I will. Every. Single. Time. This cover is the perfect depiction of Aiden, too. Hands down, pure deliciousness.

Having cried enough about not being able to finish this story, even though I scrolled around and to the very end to get all my answers, I will most certainly be picking up Jinx's story when it comes out. I believe he will be the one to be knocked down by his woman and I am looking forward to it. 

Snuggles and smooches, Aiden.
~BEE

No giveaway for DNF reviews


~MEET MOLLY McLAIN~
Molly McLain lives in a tiny Wisconsin town with her husband, three kiddos, and two adorable
German Shorthaired Pointers. She's addicted to 80's ballads, 90's rock, cheesecake, and office
supplies, and she's been scribbling down love stories in spiral notebooks since she was old enough to
daydream about hunky boys and happily-ever-afters. Now, she turns those daydreams into steamy,
small town romance novels.

~CONNECT WITH MOLLY~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER



ARC REVIEW/KU BORROWED AS WELL
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NO GIVEAWAYS FOR DNF REVIEWS

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Friday, July 22, 2022

BOOK REVIEW and SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY for REVERSE by Kate Stewart



Thirty years ago, my father became the other half of a broken love story.

A relationship he’s kept hidden for decades.

Upon unearthing his secret through a series of emails in our paper’s archives, I began my search for the truth. Haunted by my father’s love story, and in my quest for answers, I never imagined I would discover a love of my own. Or that my love for Easton Crowne would be key in discovering the reason behind what split our parents up.

Doomed from the start and knowing the havoc our relationship would inevitably wreak on our families, I could never have prepared for the toll it would take or the cost of the truth.

But in order to find our ending, we had to go back to their beginning.

My name is Natalie Butler, and this is my star-crossed love story.


* * * SPOILER FREE REVIEW * * *

REVIEW: Off the charts emotional damage...
"Their story doesn't change the significance of ours."

A few years ago, I picked up a book titled DRIVE. I had never read Kate Stewart, and I was super leery at the time trying new authors - but this one proved to be a win in more ways than one. Not only did I find a triangle that had me physically feeling the words (my favorite kind), but I found an author that I was willing to follow blindly into any circumstance she doled out. And boy, did I hit the jackpot! She knew how to obliterate my heart - but she did it with grace and poise. She has since written so many of my favorite books that have topped many of my charts. This one will sit amongst the highest on my favorites shelf.

I. CRIED. Ok? I cried!!! I rarely get to say that, but every now and then I get lucky enough to find a book that pushes my emotional boundaries and gives me something to feel and think about, and this book was just that. It's no secret I love her writing. Stewart is such a heavy writer and one that pushes me every single time I read her. I also love that she makes me work for the answers that I am seeking while reading. With a little "read between the lines" writing and a whole lot of LOVE to sift through, she never lets me down when it comes to the characters, their defining moment, their love, and their meaning. So, needless to say - this one hit me square in the jaw. Took me down.

This book is also the exact reason why I love a rockstar romances. Artists always have a deeper, more meaningful connection when it comes to the very definition of true love. So the roller coaster of emotions is never foreign and always welcome and Easton and Natalie have a romance worthy of the pages of this book...but I want to watch it in on the big screen. This one will be melting hearts for a long while. Someone, anyone - please make this happen. 

"Every time I look at him, my insides light fire, and I am every bit a moth to his flame."

I've been asked multiple times if reading DRIVE is necessary in order to read this book and while I can confidently say no - I have to pull back and reiterate that it is INTEGRAL to reading, understanding, and feeling Reverse in the manner in which it was meant to be enjoyed. The baseline for the emotions that are already swirling. The understanding of why this whole situation is forbidden. The reality behind the ending of this book is encased in the beginning of the entire story: DRIVE. Go read it, and then jump into REVERSE. So while I can easily say that Kate Stewart is an all encompassing writer and she does a great job filling in the blanks, I feel like you would do yourself a huge, massive, ginormous disservice to go into this one without reading Drive first because it quite honestly begins there. In order to experience this emotional rollercoaster in all its glory, I feel like it's my duty to SUGGEST HEAVILY that you read the first book. Also, as a fellow reading friend - why have you not read it already?? I feel like I may have failed you...

After going through everything they did in this book, I questioned a few things - merely because they affected me in a way that made it more personal. They were plenty of times that I questioned why Natalie was not throwing up or not physically ill seeing what was going on. If I am sitting on the outside looking in while reading her story, and it was affecting me physically? I have no clue how it did not affect her. I’m asking myself this constantly. Stewart's words are masterfully used in a way to elicit the utmost pain imaginable. I am fairly positive she revels in that knowledge, too. But, if there’s one thing I know, it's that she personally lives, eats, breathes her stories because you can feel how emotionally invested she is every time you read one. My heart is always put through the wringer every time  – and this one is no exception. This one, I had to crawl on my hands and knees out of a dark, emotional place to accept how it all went down, but for entirely different reasons than you would be used to from me. Pure brilliance.

I know I have mentioned 1001 times how much I loathe with every particle of my being the “miscommunication” between lovers - and for the record, I’m not saying this is what happens, only that I loathe miscommunication in a romance book because it never comes with the right emotions or a valid reason. BUT, when the reasons and the...validity? reality? collide, that’s when the whirlwind of anxiety ramps up and gives me that pang of terror that has me clinging to my kindle while I read. The anger, the vitriol, the pain - I didn’t want to have to understand it but I understood every single minute of it and why it had to happen. Not because the story needed it, but because of the personal growth that needed to happen. I could understand the stubbornness and the truth behind it. I didn’t want to accept it - hell, I refused to accept it, but it was very much so a reality. So yeah, maybe I clenched a bit. Maybe. But, I loved it the entire time I wasn’t breathing right. 

With that, I loved how many people had Easton’s back. I also loved how many people had Nat’s back. But what I loved more than anything else was knowing a slice of humble pie will never taste as good as it should. As a reader, I reveled in that....it sure caught me up in a smile or two.

It's official: I’m a glutton for punishment. I continually, willingly, and happily give my heart over to Stewart and she inevitably has her evil, twisted, and oh-so-amazing way with it. My heart is in shambles. The pain is palpable in this book. The hurt is heartbreaking. The anger is soul-crushing. The reality is...truth. There's nothing I love more than a love worth fighting for, a story that embodies the pain and emotion in real life drama - all without the BS. This one has it in spades. It's angering. It's heartbreaking. It's soul-crushing. But it's REAL. 

This book is not meant to be safe. It's meant to be emotional, harrowing, heartbreaking....you're supposed to feel it. 

The depth. The emotions. The quality storytelling. It's all there...no order, just all there. I was emotionally connected on every level to ALL the characters in this duet and I feel like I left a part of me within the pages of this book. I will forever hold them near and dear to my heart. So, to reiterate: GO. READ. DRIVE. And then pick up Reverse and continue the love story that will live with you for quite some afterwards. Easily, happily, most definitely a 6 star, "best of the year" read for me. I highly recommend this duet and I cannot wait to have this signed on my favorites shelf.

"We can't apologize for loving each other, or we'll give others the power to condemn us."



 

Read Drive, the first book in the series: 

From the bestselling author of The Ravenhood Trilogy, comes an angsty, steamy, white-knuckle ride full of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Music . . . the heart’s greatest librarian.

The average song is three and a half minutes long; those three and a half minutes could lead to a slow blink, a glimpse of the past, or catapult the soul into heart-shattering nostalgia.

At the height of my career, I had the life I wanted, the life I’d always envisioned. I’d found my tempo, my rhythm. Then I received a phone call that left me off key. You see, my favorite songs had a way of playing simultaneously. I was in love with one man’s beats and another’s lyrics. But when it came to the soundtrack of a life, how could anyone choose a favorite song? So, to erase any doubt, I ditched my first-class ticket and decided to take a drive, fixed on the rearview.

Two days.
One playlist.
And the long road home to the man who was waiting for me.




~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~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER



ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED
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SIGNED PAPERBACK AND TSHIRT BEING SENT BY AUTHOR DIRECTLY

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Monday, July 18, 2022

BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for BEYOND MY DARKNESS by RC Boldt


USA Today bestselling author RC Boldt delivers a seductively unique romantic suspense with a paranormal twist in Beyond My Darkness...

Twelve years ago, I fled, vowing to never again use my power. But everything changes when I break that vow and bring two bodies back to life in the morgue.

It sends me spinning directly into his orbit.

Arrogant. Menacing. Enigmatic. That’s Bronson Cortez, the notoriously violent gang leader who remains elusive to authorities.

He breaks the law at every turn and answers to no one. But when he offers me an alluring glimpse of what lies beneath that iron-clad exterior, I realize there’s more to him than meets the eye.

The man who fiercely guards his heart somehow manages to claim mine.

But he doesn’t know the truth about me.

I wonder if he could be the first to accept me for who I am—what I am.

I wonder if he’ll be the first to see beyond my darkness.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 3.5 EERIE STARS
"A knight in shinin' armor is fuckin' useless."

Well then!!! I have been looking for something a little different in my reading repertoire and if this one didn't fit the bill, I don't know what will. As I have shared a few times on my Facebook page, I have been wanting to get into mafia/gang trope reads - but I have to ease in because I usually find myself going, "Well, this is so predictable." while I end up rolling my eyes or cringing because of "shock value" writing. Clearly, that is NOT what I want. Lo and behold, this comes across my feed and I knew I needed to check it out. I have read RC Boldt before, so I know her easy flow and her chill style of writing. I also enjoy her storytelling, so I knew jumping into this one with the magical side of a "demonic ability" coupled with the power of a strong man in charge of his own world, it would give me a little bit of excitement. 

I was not disappointed!! To be fair, this was a super light, super easy read with these elements so I do want to make sure people aren't wandering in for some super dark, twisted, horrifying read. The "dark" side of this book wasn't dark at all, so the step over to it was really fairly easy for me and it tittered on the side of paranormal - again, not a lot of reference to it, but enough to fit into that category. I was immediately intrigued based on the synopsis since my favorite show is Pushing Daisies - and this kind of skirts that line in a very loose way. It definitely held my interest from start to finish.

"I'll never be normal because I'd rather spend my time with dead bodies than real people."

Georgia is her own person - and I know I often talk about how I love a strong female, but I have to point them out when I see them, and Georgia is just that: strong. She was feisty and determined, given everything she had been through, so watching her make her way through this was rather interesting. She definitely took a few routes I wouldn't have taken, but "knowing her" made it understandable. I liked her sassy side, and loved the way she spoke to Bronson and his crew. She was young enough in some aspects to be naive to things, but experienced enough to back up her bravado she needed to traverse the different sides of her own city.

Bronson was this super abrupt, but completely entrancing man that not only ruffled feathers, he had that look that melted ice cold hearts: mine, especially. I liked his demeanor. He ran a tight ship but made sure he had his morals in check. Hard to believe, being he was a gang leader - but he did. I just liked who he was and how he handled things. Boldt gave him a mission and his need to fulfill it was evident. He was a little soft around the edges at times, but I feel like he was justified given everything going on around him. I loved the way he pursued Georgia and how they both taught each other about matters of the heart, as stubborn as they both were. Their dynamic was a fun one to watch. 

I just really liked the characters A LOT and I thoroughly enjoyed the dance they had during the entire book. I could have kept reading their story...

The step away from reality in my reading was a nice reprieve and I think it made this the fun read that it was supposed to be for me. The only issues I could really bring up were the transition from the suspense side of the book into the finale and wrap up of the story. I also didn't feel like I got the full extent of the whodunnit aspect because it was fed to me instead of figuring it out. Not bad, but the whodunnit bothered me a bit. The ending almost felt abrupt, but as I was explaining this to my husband, he asked the most simple question: do you think you just weren't ready for the story to end. I gave it a good think, and I can honestly say that was my biggest hangup, so maybe I wasn't done with them just yet. I could have kept reading about the ways that Bronson sought her out, touched her, loved her. I could have reveled in that a while longer. He was definitely the kind of man that made the heart beat a little faster. Again, I enjoyed the writing and the story as a whole, so I will most definitely read more stories/authors in this trope because I did enjoy the curiosity it allowed me.

END NOTE: This was such a fun read! I really, truly enjoyed it and think it's a fun 'tweener for those of us that haven't dallied in the dark part of the book world yet, as well as the 'magical powers' aspect of it. I liked being able to suspend belief and just go with the flow of the story, making it a super easy book to read. I definitely walked away knowing I had a smile on my face. RC Boldt is a lighter writer, so I know what I am getting into with her worlds and I always enjoy them. I don't have to overthink things and can usually power through them with a smile. OH!!! AND, there happened to be a link at the end....so, you know I clicked that so darn fast. So, now the countdown to October 25th officially begins because *I NEED* this next story something fierce. Kthxbye.

"They say history will repeat itself if one doesn't learn from the past."
~BEE

PURCHASE Beyond My Darkness 

AMAZON     KOBO     APPLE     B&N     GOOGLE
 
 

 
PREORDER A Stop in Time
October 25th release

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~MEET RC BOLDT~

RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the 
Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.

~CONNECT WITH RC~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER


ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED
COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

RC's BOOKS ON AMAZON

Any links on this page may be affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you purchase anything by clicking on them. You will not be charged anything extra. I use these links as a way to fund my book giveaways.
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