Book Review and Giveaway for Fool Me Once by Nicole Williams

FOOL ME ONCE

by NICOLE WILLIAMS

Second chances are for kids, diets, and shelter pets—not for relationships. Especially not one like Chase and Emma’s.

Before he was writing chart-topping hits and smashing record sales, Chase Lawson was Emma’s childhood friend and first love. They promised each other forever, but forever expired at eighteen, when he landed a major record deal and left Emma and their hometown behind.

Ten years later, he shows up at their high school reunion with a proposition she can’t refuse. Six months. Seven figures. He gets a chance to clean up his reputation, and she gets the means to restore the old family farmhouse. It’s only for show—hold hands in public, kiss for the cameras—but boundaries blur behind closed doors.

It isn't long before Emma feels her resolve slipping, crushed by the shadow of the boy she grew to love in the man selling out stadiums of present. Can Emma resist one of the most irresistible bachelors in the world? Or will she fall for the same man twice?

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 2 STARS

"Letting you go was the bravest thing I've ever done."

I know this isn't going to sound good, but this book wasn't terrible but it most certainly was not my favorite. After reading a book that owned my heart and knowing what a well written book can do to me, this one fell far shorter than I wanted it to. No, I'm not comparing it to another book....I'm just realizing what I like and what works well for me. That makes me sad because I have been wanting to read her for quite some time. My disdain doesn't come from horrible writing, because that really wasn't it. It actually stems from the characters, and some of her actions...but also because it fellllt soooo sloooow to me and it was a bit too light for my taste.

Nicole Williams isn't a complicated writer, and for that I was thankful. She had an easy flow when it was moving forward. But having said that, it was also a very light book without a lot of depth and for that, I'm sad. At some points it felt very scripted, and there were times that the "drama" felt strategically placed in order to create an action to propel another action. Almost robotic: Cue the fighting couple so she can rescue her aaaaand ACTION! Cue the talk to keep her safe backstage and give her stubborn independence she needs to fight him, aaaaand ACTION! One plot point after another was added to run interference in their relationship to provide the necessary bumps along the way and I just didn't feel it. It may have also just been Emma....

I struggled quite a bit with Emma, to be honest, and I think she is what actually ruined the book for me. Yikes, I know! Not only did she fight what was right in front of her face the entire freaking time, but she ignored everything Chase was saying. Every.Single.Thing. And I, for the life of me, wanted to shake her while screaming at her - ARE YOU LISTENING?? Unfortunately, the ending sealed my deal on her. I was not a fan of hers at all. Not even a little bit.

But Chase? Man, oh man. He tried so freaking hard to bring her heart back to where it rightfully belonged and he had the patience of a saint - not gonna lie. I did enjoy their banter and I did feel the pull between them when she would actually give in to her feelings, against her mental arguments. It was very tangible....but again, her stubbornness and ridiculousness made me shake my head. Chase was a standup guy, earning himself an amazing living doing something he loved. Aaaand, NO. NOPE. Nuh Uh. That ending made me SO very angry. it just didn't work for me. 

And yet, here's the caveat: if you like second chance romance with a very light flow to it, this may work for you. It was a very quick read. I can see many have enjoyed it, but it wasn't for me. 

"My mind knows I don't stand a chance, but my body doesn't give a fuck about the odds."

~BEE

PURCHASE: AMAZON - Kindle Unlimited

ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY 

◆   ◆   ◆   ◆   ◆   ◆

~MEET NICOLE WILLIAMS~

Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.

~CONNECT WITH NICOLE~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED
COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

A look back on 2018 .... again.

BUT WAIT.....THERE'S MORE!

I wanted to take a look back on some of the books that didn't make my favorites list, but most definitely deserve accolades and honorable mentions because I am still thinking about them. It bothered me that I didn't have a sub-section on my Favorites List for these ones, so I decided to make a new post. I am not looking at this list as second best or not as good as the first, please don't think that. I am looking at this list as a list that I can easily recommend from. One that showcases the different books I read, but also ones that made an impression on me and the kind I want to read more of/like.

I love to read and I feel like I branched out a bit this year by introducing new genres and new authors. It was an eye opening year for me because of the cautious steps I took out of my comfort zone. Looking back, I am so glad I did and now I look forward to so many more books in so many different arenas. If you haven't braved new genres or authors yet, I would highly recommend it. You just may find your next favorite author. Or genre. Or both. I hope you enjoy this extra list of books that gave me pause for smiles and discussion. 

~BEE

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee: This book will not leave me anytime soon. Busting out of my bubble, this is NOT your typical romance, and I am pretty sure it can't even be categorized as romance given that ending. I had the ending rudely spoiled for me, which upset me greatly, but I will say that it was still an amazing book with a love that was wrought with tension and fears, but also full of acceptance and desire. I didn't put this book down once I started it and will easily and always recommend it. I loved this one. But, my heart physically hurt after this one. I felt a cloud over me and while I wouldn't normally attribute that to a great book, it was because the reality and consequences were real. And that's what made me pause.

My review                     Purchase

Verity by Colleen Hoover: Talk about going out of my comfort zone....and loving it!! This one gave me all the goosebumps and all the wide eyes!!! I kid you not, I am *still* on the fence about what "side" I believe and all I know is that Colleen had me riveted. This read a straight through kind of book. You can't put it down, but if you must, I guarantee you'll be thinking about it while it's not open with your eyes devouring it. I loved being able to trust Hoover to bring me to a genre I haven't really wanted to get into, yet I knew that I enjoyed her writing. Having said that, I am now looking forward to trying out another thriller.....without romance. Don't tell anyone. It'll be our secret.

My review                     Purchase

The Confessions series by Ella Frank: OMGosh!! What an introduction to Ella Frank this series was. I had heard about her being the 'go to' for MM books for a very long time, but I couldn't jump into an already running series, so being able to start anew was the way to go. While this series was a spinoff from her Temptation Series, it was billed as a spinoff series. While I wished I had read it before reading this one, I can assure you that I thoroughly enjoyed this one so much that it made me want to go back and read the previous series. Of which, I most definitely will. I am looking forward to more from Ella Frank.

    Robbie:                         My review                     Purchase
     Julien:                           My review                     Purchase

     Priest:                           My review                     Purchase

     The TRIO:                    My review                     Purchase

Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields: This book, Toby...he actually made me put the book down and step away. This one sits signed on my shelf for a very valid reason. I loved him, his strength and his determination to be ok. Mental Health is a very hard subject to read about, but I can't imagine the strength it takes as an author to be able to write and get through something so misunderstood and disrespected, and to do it with poise. I love the power in Ella's words and I love the way she tells a story. She is honestly amazing. I hope you check this one out. Heartbreaking and real, this book showcases the ups and downs, but also the power in true friendships and real love.

My review                     Purchase

The Legacy of Falcon Ridge: This was the final book in one of my all time favorite series that I have been reading for a loooong time. I don't feel like this series sees enough kindles. The story building is strong. The characters are fleshed out. The scenes are emotional and real. It's overall so very good. This one hit me especially hard because I knew it was the final book in DL Roan's McLendon Family Saga (8 books) and I wasn't ready for not only the goodbyes to the story itself, but also to a family of characters that I have grown to adore over the last five years. While it was a tear inducing goodbye, I do know that Roan has a new series up her sleeve that she is writing right now, and I am deliciously excited for it.

My review                     Purchase

Sex Not Love by Vi Keeland: This book is the EXACT reason why I love Vi's work so much. It was funny, it was sweet, it was sexy, it was swoony. I still think about it to this day! The wittiness of her characters and the cute way they met stick out for me the most. Hunter and Natalia didn't have an 'easy' beginning or relationship in the beginning and I certainly appreciated the struggles they went through. I love the believability of Keeland's stories and really seem to enjoy them a lot. This one is a must read!

My review                     Purchase

What He Doesn't Know series by Kandi Steiner

        What He Doesn't Know: The angst in this duet was intense for me. I am a huge fan of Kandi's angst. I call her my Guru of Angst because she can deliver it on a whim. This first book in her duet nailed her signature angst for me and I loved it. The triangle aspect was there, but there was a more emotional back tale to this one that made my heart hurt. I couldn't imagine the pain that any of the characters felt, but I sure went through it while reading this one. I absolutely felt it.

My review                     Purchase

         What He Always Knew: The angst was ratcheted up and then toned down in this one. Tensions were getting high, hearts were getting stretched out and broken, and lives were being irreparably altered. When it was all said and done, I had to put the book down and really think about everything that happened. The ability to fall in love with two men is obviously a possibility, and it's not even something I will ever deny.  Ever. But the decisions one is faced with when there is a fight for the one heart you know belongs to you? That can be heartbreaking. It most definitely was for me. What a journey of love and loss, and finding it again.

My review                     Purchase

Blind Kiss by Renee Carlino: This one had my gut twisting and turning while I read it. In this tale of woe and love, circumstances and time played a huge part in the push and pull of a relationship that had NO other option but to come to fruition. Their meeting is probably one of my favorites from this past year and I smiled throughout it all. The banter, the friendship, the pain, and the love. It was all palpable and you could feel their chemistry and energy when they were around each other. So good.

My review                     Purchase

Thanks for everything this past year. I mean that from the bottom of my heart, really and truly. The discussions, the messages, the likes and the shares - but most of all, the support. I am a happy Bee and I am so very thankful. Here's to a new year full of great promise. I hope your TBR expands and your bookshelf overflows. 

*Affiliate Links used for all purchase links. Affiliate info is listed on a tab on the blog home page. 

The Book Bee's Favorites List for 2018

THE BOOK BEE'S FAVORITES LIST FOR 2018

While I have loved many books this year, these ones stuck out and have taken over my smiles and my heart, and the ones that I still constantly think about. These are ones that I will not hesitate to share with anyone and love to discuss long after I've read them. I hope you enjoy.

TOP FAVORITE READ

Jewel E Ann tops my favorites list with her Transcend Duet. I had the biggest book hangover after reading this story and I found it very hard to move on. I was officially broken after I emerged from underneath the blanket I was hiding under while I read it. The angst was off the charts -  and we all know how much I love that. Not only did she give me a story that was out of my comfort zone with the intricacies behind the reality, but she gave me a love affair that was one of the most epic (epoch?) ways of seeing fate at work. The deep rooted reality behind emotion is embedded in her words.

When Jewel tells a story, she seems to breathe life into them.

The way Jewel tells a story is unlike any other - so don't be fooled by her innocence. I thought about Griffin, Swayze and Nate for a LONG long time after I was done. Jewel is an automatic recommendation from me. She has never let me down or steered me wrong. You want angst? She serves it up with panache.

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

 My Review for Transcend          My Review for Epoch          Purchase the duet

FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR

My favorite new author I met this year would be Calia Read. For an author to take me on a journey like she has, in a completely new-to-me genre, that in and of itself is worthy. I remember when I received an invite to read and review THE SURVIVING TRACE. I was completely taken by the synopsis and the more I looked at it, the more I battled with myself about jumping in. I was afraid because new-to-me author, new genre, an unfinished series. I have my own reasons for not reading all three of those in ONE review, but an unfinished series is a big one for me, let alone a new genre. How will I remember the story? How will I not mix up details when the final book comes out?

Well, the world that Calia brought to life was nothing like I could have ever imagined. Her writing transported me to Belgrave and I saw the ballroom in all it's glory. I saw the fire that ripped the house apart. I saw the old house and the dresses and the dirt roads and the pond. I saw it all. But, the love that I felt was unlike any other I have ever read. EVER. Ever. It was nothing short of intoxicating. I have never been so sucked into a series as I have this one. This will sit on my ALL Time Favorites List from here on out....but I'm waiting for the third and final book so I can stop feeling like I'm in limbo!

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

The Surviving Trace:    My review         Purchase 

The Reigning and the Rule:      My review         Purchase

Add the third book to your TBR.

OTHER FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR 

However, I couldn't only choose one. My other new favorite new-to-me author is R Scarlett. I got the chance to jump on the tour for FILTHY GODS and I was officially a goner. I fell in love - immediately. Her flow and her ability to tell me a story that I got all caught up in showed me that I found another author to put on my must read list.

The part that really shocked me was that this book was the prequel for an entire series and yet she was able to pack so much emotion and depth into this one story and had me craving more from the minute I closed the book. She built up this group of guys, their camaraderie and the strength in their convictions, and brought me to the brink....and now I crave more and haven't stopped thinking about the next books. With Gabe being the first book coming early 2019, I am super giddy!! I am ready to read more by her and look forward to what she has in store for my little heart.

"I'm a greedy, overachieving bastard, Juliette. I examined the risks and you're worth the fall."

My review for Filthy Gods       Purchase Filthy Gods

Add the SERIES to your TBR.

FAVORITE HEARTBREAK

I'm pretty sure that category title should give some sort of idea of what HEARTBREAK WARFARE by Kate Stewart and Heather Orgeron did to me. The book hangover with this one was intense and I remember the absolute pain I felt for all three characters involved.

Knowing this was a triangle helped ramp up the emotions for me, seeing as that's my favorite trope - but going through the pain of each character, individually? Well, that was written so convincingly well that I was able to honestly fall in love and break down over two different men. Knowing that I can't control the circumstances or the emotions that come with this type of storyline, that does it for me every time. I'm always excited when I find a triangle that makes me feel more than one emotion and this book did that for me.

"It shouldn't be this hard to love someone so much."

My review for Heartbreak Warfare           Purchase Heartbreak Warfare

FAVORITE DARK READ

BLOODSTAINED BEAUTY by Ella Fields was a departure from her angsty, sexy stories that I'm used to reading by her and was a step onto the darker side of love. This was a welcome change, too. Not only did she have a twist at every turn, but she had me guessing the entire time I read it. I loved that this was a new genre for me, so I read it with wide eyes and a thirst for info. I don't read nearly enough DARK if this is what it will normally do to me! I was all twisted up!!

The crazy thing was, trying to write my spoiler free review was rather difficult. Entertaining, but it proved to be difficult. Every single tidbit of information I could have tried to discuss would have spoiled something - and you know me, I never spoil things. I was a fun review to write, but it was a challenge for sure and I laughed through it by the time I was done. Worthy book!!

"It was then I realized you could hate and love a person at the same time."

My review for Bloodstained Beauty              Purchase Bloodstained Beauty

FAVORITE YA/NA

SUDDENLY FORBIDDEN by Ella Fields is angsty goodness in its purest form, which is why it's also on my favorites list. Ella is only one of TWO authors I willingly read YA/NA from. That age group is usually riddled with drama that isn't necessary and it drives me nuts so I tend to shy away from it more than read it. And I will admit, I was really worried about reading this book, but once I got into it and felt it (yes, felt), I knew that she was going to be an author I blindly followed into every book from here on out. She is on my list TWICE this year, after all.

This book started in high school and moved up into their first years of college, and I was completely smitten. This book was also the first book in her Gray Springs University series, and this turned into one of my favorite standalone series of the year. Bittersweet Always and Pretty Venom were the next two books, and again - all standalones, but I would recommend reading in order because the buildup going through each book to the next is intense. So soooo good. All three of them!! Painfully raw and gripping books, all showing young love at its finest.

"Funny how emotions and lust could blind you and make your focus narrow to only right then. Right now. Forget what could happen after."

My review for Suddenly Forbidden               Purchase Suddenly Forbidden

MOST PAINFUL

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover was one of those books that simultaneously angered you and broke you. It wasn't an easy read and the pain saturated the pages. But there were lessons and truth, realities and love weaved in throughout as well. As painful as this book was, I will and have happily recommended it to as many people that are willing to listen to me.

This is the second year in a row Colleen has been on my favorites list for a book that not only brought me to my knees with an emotional gut-punch, but also because her stories are full of life. She gives me an immediate connection with the characters, a story that I can relate to, and she puts me through the wringer when she hands me the emotions I crave on a silver platter.

"Something so perfect could never become a regret."

My review for All Your Perfects              Purchase All Your Perfects

MOST EMOTIONAL or LIFE CHANGING

LONG SHOT and BLOCK SHOT by Kennedy Ryan sit atop this list because of the impact she caused my soul. I absolutely loved these books, but feeling them from deep within? The way she emotes with her words? The urgency behind her stories? That makes it a little more special, to me. It's not easy tackling social issues, but she seems to do it with a grace that I've only seen by her. She isn't preaching...she's bringing me into this new world and effortlessly making me feel the anger, the pain, the fear, the truth, any emotion that goes along with her storyline on such a tactile, tangible level. And I love it. I seriously love it. She is one of a few authors that I can say I have read every single book of and can readily admit that I could have long drawn out conversations about every single one of them. 

 

The upside to the depth in Kennedy's books is that she has a purity to her words that ring true, no matter if the story drama affects you personally or not. The only downside to her depth is that I have to set time aside to process everything I read, because it is so heavy. She puts me in a book hangover with each of her books because of the heaviness to her storylines. I love her heaviness. I love her depth.  The third book in this interconnected standalone series is going to be Kenan and Lotus' story titled Hook Shot. I seriously cannot wait. She's killing me with the teasers she is putting out.

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

My review for Long Shot                      Purchase Long Shot

My review for Block Shot                     Purchase Block Shot

Add Hook Shot to your TBR

FAVORITE ENDING TO A SERIES

LAKE + MANNING by Jessica Hawkins was an unexpected but very welcome second ending to her Something in the Way series, which was on my favorites list last year. There aren't very many authors that I trust to give me a taboo subject like this and have me greedily devour it and shamelessly recommend it. And to crawl through four books brimming with angst and teaming with anger, yet overflowing with love, and not question any of it? That's Jessica's books for me. I mean, not many authors can get me to root for a guy that traded sisters, but not only did I see why he did what he did (not excusing it), but I rooted them on with every fiber of my being. This was also the book series that had me hating a character so much, the jokes and discussions about her were, let's say.....passionate. 

"No matter what, the story would only ever be about us."

My review for Lake + Manning                   Purchase Lake + Manning

The Highlight of MY Year

I know I get the pleasure of going to a few signings each year, and I always enjoy that. I get to meet authors that I have gone gaga for. I've met other like-minded readers that have been supportive on my blog for years....some, for days. But the highlight of my year was meeting TWO other bloggers that have held my hand countless times over the years. Ones that have picked me up when I fell and comforted me when I have broken down.

I got to finally meet Jenn from Garden of REden and Mo from The Scarlet Siren in July when we all met up at Book Bonanza in Colorado. Mo and I laugh to this day about the fact that we never got a picture together. She was busy running around and I was too. But I treasure this picture of Jenn and Me. Always will. #Everything

Again and as always, I love to share with you what books touched me during the year. The ones that moved me and I couldn't stop reading. The ones that will permanently sit on my shelf of books that I can overwhelmingly and confidently recommend to you whole-heartedly and know that I can stand behind them and discuss them with you without abandon. These are my favorites for 2018. Thank you for sharing your time with me and allowing me to share the love of a good book, one review at a time....with you.

~Bee

HEAD HERE FOR A GIVEAWAY

Book Review and Giveaway for Untouchable by Sam Mariano

UNTOUCHABLE
by SAM MARIANO

The bully isn't supposed to win.

Senior year was off to a rough start: lube in my locker, panties on my front porch, unimaginative name-calling. See, I got a player suspended from the football team for harassing me, and in my small Texas town, you don’t mess with the football players—even if they mess with you first.

I didn’t care if it was an unpopular thing to do; I stood up for myself… and in doing so, opened Pandora’s Box.

I never dreamed I would attract the attention of locally worshipped star quarterback, Carter Mahoney. Never imagined his coveted attention would turn out to be such a nightmare. Beneath his carefully constructed façade lurks a monster, a predator looking for the perfect prey to play with. Now, since I’m the girl no one likes or believes, I guess I’m the perfect target for his dark games and twisted desires.

After surviving my first encounter with his casual depravity, all I really want is for Carter to leave me alone.

But all he seems to want is me.

Warning: This book is provocative. It is categorized as DARK ROMANCE for a reason. It will not be for everyone. If you are a reader with certain triggers or sensitivities common to the dark romance genre, please heed the author’s note at the beginning of this book.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4.5 Stars
“Do you know what you’ve done, princess? You just gave me the keys to the kingdom. There’s no stopping me now.

FIRST AND FOREMOST: There is a warning on this book for a VERY good reason. Not necessarily a trigger warning, but a warning nonetheless. This book gets very twisted very quickly.

If you think this is about a spoiled hero that only wants the one girl that ignores him and fights him off, you're correct.

Just kidding.
It's not.
It's so much more....depraved.

"Carter Mahoney is not for the faint of heart."

When an author can tell me a story and make me put myself in the shoes of the character's POV I am reading, that is awesome - it's great. I love it. When an author can make me empathize with the antihero in the book, that is amazing. But to make me cheer him on?? To make me want him to succeed in his quest?? What the heck?? Either I am SICK, because this is not ok - or she is just bringing out the depravity in ME. Ok, she's not (let's laugh together - we are laughing, right?), but I couldn't help but question myself the entire time I read this book. What is wrong with me?? Whyyyy do I like this so much?? I wanted him to get his girl!! Who thinks that way when they are doing things they should n-e-v-e-r get away with!!?? After reading this book, I'm convinced I have issues.

I've decided my new word is:     WRON(G)OOD

I kid you not, I wrote that on so many messages and FB posts I made about this book because it's so wrong, but it's sooo good, and it's wrong that it's so good - so that can't be good, right? That's SOOO wrong, right?? Help...

Mariano did an excellent job capturing the fear and the anger, as well as the warring emotions that come into play during and after a traumatizing experience, but she also made me empathize and understand why certain actions were reasoned the way they were. These characters are teenagers in their senior year of high school, so while you and I obviously have hindsight as adults to make smart(er) decisions, I didn't think anything was overly dramatic or stupid, which was very helpful for me to get through this one. The mindset of a teenager isn't always easy to capture in a book without sounding like immature brats (sorry), and I most definitely feel like this one was written very well because I didn't ever feel like rolling my eyes because of drama. It was real teenage decisions and drama, relevant to their age group - so appreciative of that.

"I can make you do a lot of things, but I can't make you trust me."

I cannot believe Sam Mariano made me fall in love with an asshole. I'm serious. I found it interesting and pretty impressive that she could turn my own feelings on me. She made me validate everything, right or wrong. I mean, how can I feel this way about Carter!? I truthfully don't understand how I can feel this way about him. But see, there is always a reason. There is always a reason we fall in love with these...."heroes", right? As bad as Carter was, there was a side to him that just made me go to mush. And as mean and brash and insulting as Zoey was to Carter (rightfully so), I absolutely loved how he handled it. His comments and his actions were, for all intents and purposes, bad - but the other side of him made me smile and laugh. His demeanor brought out the sigh that he never should have received from me - but I can't say he didn't deserve that sigh either. He was confident and smart, he had the all-American good looks and great athletic ability, and to add to it - he had charisma. I could see every single thing in this book happening.....every single thing. And for there to be some reality behind this book so that I could connect and relate, that most certainly helped my non-high-school-books-reading frame of mind. Set in a small town in Texas that clearly rode on their high school football team's coattails for Friday Night Fun, this one played out like a movie I would LOVE to see on the screen.

"One fucking mistake is not who I am, and it damn sure isn't the sum total of our fucking relationship."

It's probably wrong to love a book with this type of content as much as I did, but I am not even ashamed to admit it. Was their relationship healthy? Probably not in the eyes of many, but who am I to judge? It worked for them. No, I am not romanticizing anything with this review, nor am I okay'ing any type of lascivious behavior. I am just going to say that while I know this was fiction, I also know that I am completely in love with Zoey and Carter's story and how it worked out for them. This one tested my moral compass on every level possible, not gonna lie. Because, why...how could I cheer on this bully that used any, and I mean ANY (<-- bold and capitalized) means necessary to get what he wanted, when he wanted it? The darkness of the book never scared me. Not even a little bit. The twistedness, the remorseless way in which Carter unapologetically exacted his revenge and got what he wanted made me <whispers> giddy. WHAT!!? I know, right? Innocent Bee loving the morally corrupt high school senior quarterback. I'm doomed.

But I'm ready for more. *rubs hands* I am ready to jump into more of Mariano's books, because if she has to ability to twist me up and captivate me like this, I am on board.

"I'll never be the safe bet, Zoey."
~BEE

PURCHASE:  AMAZON - Kindle Unlimited

Paperback Purchase Link

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

~MEET SAM MARIANO~

Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.

Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.

Sam Mariano is currently working on Dante’s book (if you’re a Morelli reader) and some other WIP. 

Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!

~CONNECT WITH SAM~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS      TWITTER

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

PERSONAL COPY PURCHASED & REVIEWED

PURCHASED COPY GIFTED

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Book Review and Giveaway for Wicked Knight by Sawyer Bennett

WICKED KNIGHT

by SAWYER BENNETT

He never wanted to be anyone’s hero…

Asher Knight is tall, dark, and wickedly handsome. He’s also irrevocably broken. Submerging himself in long hours at work by day and debauchery at The Wicked Horse by night, Asher uses work and play to numb the pain and guilt he feels over the death of his wife. What isn’t satisfied with one will surely be resolved by the other. At least that’s how he’s survived the last few years.

Hannah Madigan works three jobs just to make ends meet. Beat down by life, not to mention a cheating husband who was unfairly awarded custody of their daughter, Hannah is determined to make a better life for herself and get her kid back. But with pressures mounting and one costly mistake that leaves her owing Asher a huge debt, Hannah is as close as she’s ever come to throwing in the towel.

She’s given a golden opportunity…

Determined to stay the course by any means necessary, Hannah accepts an unusual proposal from Asher. He’ll give her a job. She’ll give him her body. Sounds easy, right? Until she realizes she needs his help more than she’s willing to admit. And he finds her adding to his life in ways he never wanted to accept.

This wicked knight may just learn that sometimes saving someone else means allowing yourself to be saved in return.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4 STARS

"If my estimation is right, I wont be able to get enough of her."

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Sawyer Bennett can tell a story! I have read so many books by her, and yet they're all different. If I ever worried that her stories would start sounding the same, she has proven me wrong, time and time again. With this book being the fifth standalone in this spinoff series, I can and will say I'll read five more. 

One of my favorite things about Sawyer's stories are that she writes not only a compelling love, but a love that makes you feel good. Yes, this was a feel good book but it still had the edge I've come to expect from her stories. I read about a very strong and brave heroine who was very admirable with her sense of pride and integrity. I read about a man that was richer than sin, had anything and everything he wanted at his fingertips, yet he didn't have a heart left to love with. If you think this is the cliché broken hero/brave heroine story, you are mistaken. There was so much more she gave me in this love story.

The crazy thing is, this book was extra emotional for me. It almost mirrored parts of my life to a T. No, I haven't fallen in love with my boss or been to a sex club!! But Hannah's plight, her reason for doing anything and everything she does, was hard to read, hard to stomach because that kind of thing happens. As sad as it is, and as unjust as it feels....Sawyer made this story not only about a blossoming love, but about the fight that a mom will battle just to make sure her baby is happy. It was aggravating and cute, sexy yet strong. I do love when we get legal challenges in her books because she knows exactly what she's talking about and that part of the story is always intriguing to me.

So, what bothered me? Why isn't this a five star read if I loved it so much? Not a whole lot, but the beginning was a smidge rough, which set me back a minute. I love how smooth her storytelling is. How convincing her written love is. But this one started out on the wrong foot for me and it made me side-eye the first few pages. There was also more than the usual repetition of actions/reasonings than I felt necessary, which is really unlike her normal style. She usually tells her stories in a forward progression so the recaps weren't necessary, in my opinion. And while I understand Hannah's reasoning for doing what she was doing, personal thought processes made me feel...icky (nice grown up word there, I know) because I don't even know how I would have honestly and truthfully handled that proposition. She sure gave a whole new meaning to doing anything for your child....a true mother's sacrifice. Having said that, I whipped through this book and enjoyed it a TON. So clearly nothing bothered me too much and I smiled throughout most of the book.

All in all, repeatedly: I will forever read Sawyer Bennett's books. I love her stories. I love her characters. I love how easy I all in love with every bit of it. Another win from her, regardless of my issues in the beginning. When I can easily recommend this book, I know it's a win. I smiled. I fell. I loved. I sighed. It just worked well for me.

"Each day I have with her in the future will be the best day I've ever had."

~BEE

PURCHASE Wicked Knight: 

AMAZON     iBOOKS     B&N     KOBO     GOOGLE PLAY

The Series: 

Wicked Favor      Wicked Wish      Wicked Envy     Wicked Choice

My Reviews:

Wicked Favor      Wicked Wish     Wicked Envy     Wicked Choice

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

~ABOUT SAWYER BENNETT~

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series.

~CONNECT WITH SAWYER~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

ARC REVIEW

COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

AFFILIATE LINKS USED