Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for Ends Here by M Robinson



Ashes to ashes.
Dust to dust.
And all that fucking shit.
I had killed.
I had sacrificed.
The innocent and the corrupt. I knew blood and I knew violence.
Never imagining I could know love too.
Mia Ryder was a woman to love. To cherish. To fucking claim. Now, forever, and
every day in between.
If there was anyone I’d go to Hell and back for, it was her.
Even if it meant, going to war with…
My fucking brother.


REVIEW: 4 "ENDS HERE" STARS
"There was no way he couldn't have felt the effect he had on me."

ENDS HERE by M Robinson was NOT what I expected.....maybe it was more, maybe it was a lot more, but definitely NOT what I expected. The action packed into this book, and the drama that preceded it all, was something that I never foresaw, nor did I expect any of it to happen the way it did. Having said that, Robinson's books have never let me down, and while the emotional and mental rollercoaster she took me on while reading this one was haggard, I would never want to pass up this opportunity for a great story. What a heartbreaking, time consuming ride this one was. Buckle up, it's about to get bumpy!!

To catch up, here is my review for Road to Nowhere: http://bit.ly/2hRX2fB

Fair warning: I stopped reading this one for a WEEK....that is not my normal, nor my typical reaction to a highly anticipated book. I don't know if I can specifically pinpoint when or why I needed to put it down, but I know that the amount of drama and activity going one was slightly overwhelming, but I knew I wanted to see this story through. I was SO excited for this one. Normally if I can't handle a book, or I am having a hard time, I DNF it. (UGH, right!??) I hate doing that, but I hate feeling like I am wasting my time on a book that takes me through so much drama that it makes my head spin, especially when there doesn't seem to be any basis for that much drama (at first, granted...at first). The odd thing for me was I knew I wasn't wasting my time. I knew that Robinson had a story to tell and I knew I needed to see it through. I am *so* glad I went back to it and finished it up. The triangle between Creed, Mia, and Noah was a story that needed to be told and the feelings, while I would never have completely understood them from reading only the first book, I definitely understood Mia's pain and the confusion while reading the second book. Obviously there was a reason for the drama and action in the first and second book, and that was the catalyst for everything that happened that thrust our hearts into the limelight. Mia, Creed, and Noah had a very impassioned story and it was a heartfelt story at that, but there was SO MUCH DRAMA. This was one emotional roller coaster from the beginning to the end, for sure.

"I'll spend the rest of my life remindin' you what you mean to me if I have to. Ain't lettin' you go. I will always, always fuckin' love you. And no one can take that away from me. Not even you."

Creed offered us this hard, brusk outer core balanced out with this soft, loving, and caring inner self. He was a walking contradiction in the best of ways. While Mia had a multitude of controversies and concerns, we got to grow with her and learn what it was that was making her tick; what made her make the choices that she made. Noah offered this emotion that I didn't think I would feel, and I loved having that unknown option because it provided me with another layer of intensity that I wasn't expecting. It was definitely hard to get through, and not one that I saw coming at all, but I am so in love with this couple and the way they finally saw it through. It wrapped up really well; so much so that I can't wait to discuss it with someone who has read it! Drama, twists and emotional turmoil mixed into one LONG duet. I say, if you are going to read this one, make sure you read both of them in a row, back to back, so that you can just get immersed in the love, the emotion, and the drama that surrounds this couple -- so you can feel it all in one fell swoop.

Robinson has an unconventional way of telling a story; one that sucks you in immediately. While her grammar/sentence structure may aggravate the grammar nazi within you, it allows you to feel the staccato in her words and the impact they were meant to have. Originally, that was hard for me to overlook, and that would normally not fly with me, but after reading so many of her books, I realize that's just her way of telling a story and I've never been disappointed. Ever. She's one of my favorite authors to read now because her stories are so full of life.

This story was the truest definition of the battle between the heart and mind. Embedded deep within their souls was a story to be told, and subsequently read. Things are not always what they appear, and Mia and Creed's story was the epitome of just that.

"The way she looked, the way she felt, but mostly the way she made me fucking feel. Searing and scarring me in ways I never wanted to recover from."
~BEE



PURCHASE:
ROAD TO NOWHERE: http://amzn.to/2p98ie9


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~MEET M ROBINSON~
Best Selling Author M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein.

She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa Fl. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in psychology, with two years left.

She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German Shepherd mixes and a Tabby cat.

Join her VIP Group.

~CONNECT WITH M~

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ARC REVIEW
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COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for Mister Moneybags by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward



I met Bianca in an elevator.

She was on her way to interview me when we got stuck.
The beautiful, raven-haired reporter assumed I was a delivery guy because of the way I was dressed.

She had no clue I was really Dex Truitt, the wealthy, successful businessman she’d dubbed “Mister Moneybags”—her afternoon appointment.

Bianca told me how much she hated Dex’s type—snobby, over educated, silver- spooned men who didn't appreciate the simple things in life.

So, after the elevator finally started moving again, I cancelled the interview and let her believe I was someone I wasn’t—a bike messenger named Jay. I loved the way she looked at the fake me and didn't want it to end.

I began dating her as “Jay”—all the while letting her interview the real me over email.

I didn’t expect that our chemistry online would be just as hot.
I didn’t expect the mess I’d gotten myself into.
I didn’t expect that Jay and Dex would fall in love with her.

And she was falling for two men.
Only, both men were me.
And when she found out, we were both going to lose her.

Nothing could have prepared me for that day. And I certainly wasn't prepared for what came after.

All good things must come to an end, right?
Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.


REVIEW: 3.5 OMG- HILARIOUS stars!!!
"Better to be slapped with the truth, than kissed with a lie."

OK - FIRST THINGS FIRST, this book was HILARIOUS. From the moment Bianca and Dex met, this book had me laughing. It was quite humorous with the quick and sexy comebacks from Dex while they were stuck in the elevator, and it provided a great start to this book!! #Vinelope always provides an insightful story to match the love that is blossoming. There is always something to think about as you are falling in love with their characters. I have loved every one of Vi and Penelope's cowritten books and #Vinelope is one of my favorite duos! Seriously love their stories. But, while I enjoyed this book, I found myself rolling my eyes more often than I felt I should have and questioning events and discussions more than I wanted to; that was rather awkward for me. However, overall, this one was hilarious and I enjoyed it and will easily recommend it.

SO THIS ONE was a reverse triangle of sorts, and that was awesome to read. I loved the fact that Dex was competing with himself and jealous of himself...because HE was playing the part of Jay. So freaking funny! I had to laugh, and the hilarity that ensued from his antics had me going. Dex positively won me over. I loved how strong and sexy he sounded in the dark on the elevator when they first met. And their sexual chemistry? Spot ON! I was immediately sucked into the book. I even laughed at Bianca's little affliction because apparently we are the same person. HA!! 

--> Hilarity. I mean it. You will laugh so hard!!!

DEX AND BIANCA were such a great couple and he did so much to take care of her....but I have to say that I have a slight girl crush on Bianca. She was strong and stuck to her word and made sure she was comfortable before she let anything happen. Were there parts that had some unnecessary drama? Yes, but it all resolved itself and added to the depth of the storyline. And while I didn't feel anything more than desire and lust between the two until the verrrry end, it was fun to see and read their messages and watch the growing relationship between them. That was really heartfelt, so I adored that part and relished in the sincerity of their discussions. 

I ALSO REALIZE that with the good comes the bad. I found myself taking some things too literal and too serious because it went from funny AF to super serious, but then back to funny again, thank gosh!!! If it stayed all light and funny throughout, I think it would have been easier for me to accept some of the goings on and the circumstances they were put in. It wasn't their best, to be honest because I don't think some of the scenarios were completely thought through, so there were many questions to be had on my part as a reader. I definitely didn't hate it, but between the parts that honestly and seriously made NO sense and the brick wall we hit in the middle that really slowed things down, it was a little disappointing. I know that I love love LOVE Vi and Penelope and I hope their next one is just as amazing as all the others. I definitely won't stop reading them. These two? They are rom-com GOLD. 

Having said that, please understand that this was a good book!! I will and can easily recommend it. 

"What was staring back at me was absolutely beautiful. Not the man himself, but looking into his eyes, I saw love in it's purest form."
~BEE



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Other books from Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Cocky Bastard

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~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~

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~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~

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for Hate 2 Lovers by K Webster and JD Hollyfield




She hates him and his big head.
He likes her and her big t*ts.

She hates him because she somehow ends up naked every time she sees him.
He likes her because she somehow ends up naked every time he sees her.

She hates him because the big oaf knocked her up with his kid.
He likes her because she's carrying his child.

She hates the way he gets inside her head.
He likes the way she lets him see glimpses of her heart.

Andie: I hate you.
Roman: I know...but I'm going to change that.


REVIEW: 4.5 HILARIOUS STARS!!!
"We're two stars on a collision course for each other. There is no orbiting around one another like some sweet love story."

HOLY HELL!!! This one was FUN-NY!! I laughed throughout the entire book and LOVED this one!!!! We all know how much I loved Text 2 Lovers and it was a great new pairing of authors for me, combining an author I've read and a never-read author for me. Well, if I thought that one was funny....I apparently didn't understand what funny was. Holy Cow. Seriously....so.freaking.funny. SO good!!!

If you remember Andie and Roman from Text 2 Lovers, you will have the upper hand when reading this book. While Hate 2 Lovers is a standalone in the series, the first book provides some serious background information and sets the pace for this wild and funny couple. Andie gives a whole new meaning to psychotic. Like, for reals....100%, straight up, lost-her-marbles, CrAzY. But, holy crap, does that provide the catalyst for all the shenanigans that happen. While I don't normally enjoy OTT females because they are eye-roll worthy, this one was a comedy from beginning to end with a very perfect Roman. This book provided the absolute perfect blend of sarcasm, anger, wit, and dominance. Roman is seriously my favorite hero of this series and he provided many a coughing fit for me because I was laughing so hard (it may have helped that I've been sick).

"She's beautiful and perfect -- even when she's messy and destroyed."

For all the comedy that was in this book, there were some darn near perfect lovey-dovey times as well. Roman is truly the perfect guy for Andie because I am fairly certain no one else could handle her craziness. He honestly had the patience of a saint, and the fact that he could work through and calm Andie down at any given moment with ease and understanding just made him amazing in my eyes. Honestly, though, these two were so enjoyable to read and I really enjoyed this story A LOT. It is something I can highly and easily recommend and hope that you enjoy it. It really blended their two personalities really well. I loved it.

Seriously.....READ.THIS.BOOK. In fact, read this SERIES. Both of these books are fun and romantic. If you ever need a genre reference for Rom-Com, these two books are IT!! So funny. So good. So sweet. So great!

"Our story is different. Our story is explosive. Our story is chaotic. Our story is my favorite."
~BEE


PURCHASE HATE 2 LOVERS:

PURCHASE TEXT 2 LOVERS:
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~MEET K WEBSTER~
K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she's active on social media connecting with her readers.
Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.

~CONNECT WITH K~

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~MEET JD HOLLYFIELD~
Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part time superhero...

J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.

Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA's.

~CONNECT WITH JD~

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ARC REVIEW

Excerpt for Ain't He Precious by Juliette Poe



AIN'T HE PRECIOUS
Welcome to Whynot, North Carolina, population 3,872. It has one stoplight, one bar, and the one-and-only Trixie Mancinkus.

Eleven years ago, Trixie graduated Harvard Law, turned down a job offer from one of the most prestigious law firms in Boston, and headed home to Whynot to open her own firm. Not only did she leave behind the big city, but she also left her boyfriend of three years. And just so we’re clear… that would be me.

So what am I doing in Whynot at this very moment? It seems Trixie needs help with a legal case and for some insane reason, she called on me for assistance. I’ve been in town for five minutes, and I’m every bit as out of place as I feel. Trixie is all sweet, southern curves to my tailored suits and high-priced haircuts. It’s a culture clash of north versus south and about the only thing we have in common is our physical attraction to each other.

But I have a new motto since coming to Whynot: When life hands you lemons, all you need is a little sex and sweet tea to make things better.


CHECK OUT THIS EXCERPT FROM HER BOOK:
Over lettuce wraps, I let her vent more about her brother but I only let this go on during the appetizer. Once our entrees arrive, I insist we change the subject. She’s not calming down, only getting more worked up, and diversion has always worked best with Trixie.

“Raleigh seems to be a nice town,” I say conversationally in an effort to get her relaxed.

She rolls her eyes at me because as much as I know how to “handle” her when her temper is spiked, she recognizes the fact that I am indeed handling her. Apparently, she finds it adorable. She cuts a piece of her orange chicken and gives in to my attempt to switch the conversation. “It really is. It’s spread out so you don’t have that overwhelming big-city feel, but you have all the luxuries a big city affords like museums, professional sports, fine dining, etcetera.”

“Overwhelming is an interesting choice of words,” I observe. “You didn’t feel that way in Boston, did you?”

I’m surprised when her cheeks turn a bit red. Her voice is reluctant when she admits, “Yeah… it was a bit too much for me.”

My mouth hangs open as I stare at her. How could I not know that? We had made plans to live in Boston, and there was a time when she was completely on board.

“I’m sorry,” she blurts out. “I know what you’re thinking… Why would I have even considered all those plans we’d made if I felt that way?”

“Got to admit… this is a bit surprising to hear.”

Trixie puts her fork down and levels her gaze on me. “Ry… I loved you. And I loved Cambridge. It was small and well… comfortable. It wasn’t small like Whynot, but it reminded me of home a bit. But honestly, I was only considering staying there in Boston because of you. I didn’t like it at all. Too many people. Too much concrete and glass. Too much noise. It’s just not me.”

“You should have said something a lot earlier than you did,” I reprimand her quietly. I can’t help feeling a bit angry over this revelation, because who knows what would have happened had we had some honest discussions about where we wanted to go that could suit both of us.

“Would it have changed anything?” she asks me bluntly. “You were set on Boston. You wanted that job at Hayes Lockamy. You worked your ass off at Harvard and the clerkships to get that job offer. It was everything to you.”

“It wasn’t everything,” I tell her sharply.

“Maybe not,” she retorts. “But it clearly meant more than me. As I recall, I asked you to come to Whynot to practice, and I got a resounding ‘no’ to that offer.”

“You sprung that on me at literally the last minute, Trixie,” I say angrily. “After I’d accepted the job offer at Hayes Lockamy. You didn’t give me any time to process any of it.”

“And you didn’t bother to try to talk me into staying,” she snaps.

“Seriously, Trix,” I say in exasperation. “I’ve been here two days, and I’ve watched you in your element. You were born to live here. This is where you’re supposed to be. Being a small-town lawyer in Whynot surrounded by your close-knit, if not nutty, family is what brings you joy. Are you seriously trying to infer that you would have left all of this to stay in Boston with me if I’d just tried to talk you into staying?”

“No, what I’m saying,” she sneers at me as she leans across the table but I don’t miss the light sheen of tears in her eyes, “is that you and I clearly weren’t meant to be, and we’re both better off for making the choices we did.”

Now that hits me hard, right in the middle of my chest, and I have to resist the urge to rub my knuckles over my breastbone to ease the pain.

Trixie merely pushes up from her chair, grabs her purse, and practically runs out of the restaurant.

“Shit,” I mutter as I stand up. I grab my wallet, take out enough money to cover the meal and tip, and toss it down on the table.

I jet out of the restaurant, scan the area, and see Trixie walking quickly toward her car. I wouldn’t put it past her to jump in it and drive off without me, so I break into a fast trot to catch up with her. My hand latches onto her elbow just as she reaches her car, and I spin her to face me.

“What the hell, Trix?” I ask her with frustration, anger, and a little bit of self-loathing that I let the conversation get so out of hand. I’ve always been the mild-mannered one between the two of us, knowing how to deftly control and sidestep her temper so it doesn’t get the better of her.

Or me.

I brace, expect her to rail and rant some more. Instead, she launches herself right at me, making a tiny hop to throw her arms around my neck. Her mouth comes to mine hard as one of her hands grips into my hair, fisting it tight.

Jesus Christ… stars wink in my vision at the feel of her mouth on mine, so long forgotten and yet completely familiar all at once. I don’t think—just act. My arms band around her tight, hauling her body to mine. I push her back into the side of her car, tilt my head, and I kiss her back with every bit of longing and regret that she seems to be mutually feeling in this moment.

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~ABOUT JULIETTE POE~
Juliette Poe is the sweet and swoony alter ego of New York Times Best Selling author, Sawyer Bennett.

A fun-loving southern girl, Juliette knows the allure of sweet tea, small towns, and long summer nights, that some of the best dates end sitting on the front porch swing, and that family is top priority. She brings love in the south to life in her debut series, Sex & Sweet Tea. 

When Juliette isn’t delivering the sweetest kind of romance, she’s teaching her southern belle daughter the fine art of fishing, the importance of wearing Chucks, and the endless possibilities of a vivid imagination.

~CONNECT WITH JULIETTE~

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for Fighting for Love by Kelly Elliott



A larger-than-life firefighter inspires a career-driven woman to live in the moment—and trust in the power of love—in this flirty, emotional novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Harmony.

Finn Ward has two passions: being a firefighter and being single. Although his parents are constantly nagging him to settle down, Finn just wants to enjoy himself while he’s young. Then, at a union meeting, he meets a gorgeous lawyer with a dazzling smile—and suddenly, settling down doesn’t sound so bad.

Rory Adams is fresh out of law school and looking to make a name for herself at her mother’s firm. She doesn’t have time for silly games anymore. But when she catches the eye of a dashing fireman who makes her body tingle from across the room, something instantly ignites between them. The only problem? Her father is Finn’s boss.

Their relationship turns both of their lives upside-down. Rory tames Finn’s wild ways, while he shows her that life can’t be all work and no play. But it’ll take some serious determination to keep their love secret—and real courage to admit the truth.

REVIEW: 3.5-4 STARS
"I didn't know I was this hungry until I tasted you."

I don't even know where to begin on this one. I get recommendations all.the.time and a lot of times they don't work out for me. As it so happens to be, this one was recommended to me as well, so naturally I was a little hesitant. Odd coming from a blogger, right? I know, I know....hypocritical. However, once again, this friend must know me well enough, because this book, while it started out a little slow and didn't hold my interest immediately, there was just enough to hold me in and keep me going. I am so glad I did too. It picked up and ended up being a smile-worthy book for me.

First and foremost: FINN WAS IT!!! He was so damn sexy and I loved the way he treated her. Talk about a reformed playboy! I loved the way he treated her and I enjoyed the lighter side to the book. It veered toward serious a few times, but the comedic side to the story was quite strong. My favorite parts were when Rory and Finn were together and were exploring each others minds and bodies; the connection wasn't just physical, but emotional and mental as well. They were kinetic. There was always a draw, a spark, something tangible every time they were near each other. They meshed really well with each other. I loved how romantic he was, and Elliott captured the "different kind of love" aspect really well. The realizations that things were different, that you desired "more", were very obvious and I enjoyed that aspect of it.

I love me some firefighters, but I love me a strong man that knows what he wants and fights for it too. I really enjoyed their dynamic and the way they countered each other. If one was having a problem, the other saw a solution. If one was upset about something, the other provided a different perspective. Their banter and jokes between them were definitely fun and I giggled quite a bit. I liked how well they worked together and learned from each other. I really really did!

A little truth: It was repetitive in some spots, outlandish and quirky in others (read: OTT), with scenarios I couldn't quite connect with at times. Rory had some moments where I truly wanted to shake her because her thought processes took me out of the scene and made me roll my eyes, but I knew that was "who she was" and could accept it. There were also some side stories/characters that were just not ok...but it added to the overall aspect of the story. This is an easily recommendable book for me because it did have all the elements to a good story there, but I only wished it had a little more depth to it. Was it somewhat cliché? Maybe a little bit, but it was a young, light and easy read that you can tackle in one sitting. It was worth the smiles.

"If I wasn't careful, Finn Ward would quickly become an addiction."
~BEE
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~MEET KELLY ELLIOT~
Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings. 

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012. 

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.


~CONNECT WITH KELLY~

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ARC REVIEW
UNEDITED ARC RECEIVED