Review: True by Erin McCarthy

True: Tyler Mann and Rory Macintosh

(True Believers #1)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…

Review:

So this book has apparently been sitting on my review TBR shelf for over three years. Oops.. So anyway, thanks NetGalley for reminding me that I had this book. I took a second look at the blurb and I was intrigued enough to give it a whirl and I’m pretty glad I did.

Tyler is a “bad boy” with a heart of gold, although, he’s not much of a bad boy he just looks like one. My favorite kind of “bad boy”.  He’s had a rough upbringing and his younger brothers have it even worse. He does his best but it’s not always enough. Rory is super smart and a bit socially awkward. Usually I don’t like the whole innocent virgin thing but it’s totally buyable in this case. Rory is only 20 and just hasn’t had the opportunity to lose it mostly because she keeps most people at an arm's length.

So I’m still not sure how I feel about Tyler was her best friend and roommate's booty call at the beginning of this book. Not so much into the trading men thing but McCarthy managed to pull it off without much yuck factor. Pushing that aside, Tyler is pretty devoted to Rory from the get go. He doesn’t rush things and it all happens pretty organically. Overall, I liked the story. It wasn’t the best New Adult I’ve ever read but it was a pretty quick read. I finished it in one sitting and I'm intrigued enough to continue the series. I want to see what happens with everyone else.

*Review copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

Review: The Temptation of Lila and Ethan by Jessica Sorensen

The Temptation of Lila and Ethan: Ethan Gregory and Lila Summers

(The Secret #3)

Summary:

On the surface, Lila Summers is flawless: good looks, expensive clothes, and a big, beautiful smile. But a dark past and even darker secrets are threatening to bubble over her perfect façade. She'll do anything to keep the emptiness inside hidden-which leads her into situations that always end badly. Whenever she hits bottom, there's only one person who's there to pull her out: Ethan Gregory.

Ethan set the rules a long time ago: he and Lila are just friends. He doesn't do relationships. Although his tattooed, bad boy exterior is a far cry from Lila's pretty princess image, Ethan can't deny they have a deeper connection than he's used to. If he's not careful, he could be in serious danger of becoming attached-and he's learned the hard way that attachment only leads to heartbreak.

When Lila falls farther than she ever has before, can Ethan continue to help as a friend? Or is he also getting close to falling . . . for her?

Review:

First response for The Temptation of Lila and Ethan by Jessica Sorensen is WHOA… I was not expecting it to be that heavy. Coming into this book you know that Lila has some issues and there may be more going on than meets the eye, but I was not expecting this… DAMN. Some people have some F’ed up parents but I think Lila’s parents take honors for the WORST PARENTS EVER!!! My heart truly breaks for Lila and her childhood, there was just so much wrong with it and she never really got to know what being a child was like or even what it was like to know your parents love you unconditionally or even at all. Within the first chapter we witness Lila just falling apart. She’s barely kept it together for so long but now everything is coming unglued and all she has left is Ethan. Ethan is almost as damaged as Lila, with an abusive father and his own secret that he has been keeping hidden for years. Ethan sees Lila going down a path he is all too familiar with and he refuses to lose her like he has someone in his past. He is determined to do whatever he has to do to make sure that does not happen again, but in helping Lila, he may do something he swore he would never do again…

I loved both Ethan and Lila, but that is no surprise, they first capture your heart in the first book in this series, as Ella and Micha’s best friends they are around a lot. They are both loyal and caring friends, they may have been side characters but they make their presence known. You wonder what is going on between those two but they are pretty closed lipped about it, even to Ella and Micha. Now they have their own book and their personalities are no less dynamic and there is more to both of them that you ever knew. It starts with Ethan as Lila’s sudo-savior, he’s always rescuing her from bad situations. Ethan has this overwhelming need to protect Lila even from herself. I freak’n loved Ethans determination to help Lila, to help her overcome her demons. Sometimes he’s a bit of an ass but when it comes down to it, he always does the right thing. Lila has always been so pampered she basically doesn’t know the basics of living and it’s a bit amusing to watch Lila learn things that most people have known since their teens or younger. Things like doing laundry or doing the dishes, getting a job, paying bills… You know living, but she has never had to do any of those things. There is no way Ethan is going to do those things for her; he gives her a swift dose of reality. While he is teaching Lila things, she is teaching him things, like how to care again. Ethan has long since closed himself off from caring about anyone, he feels like he has failed everyone he has cared about and doesn’t deserve it. His story isn’t as drastic as Lila’s but it has affected him all the same. These two end up being pretty perfect for each other, as different as they seem on the outside they are pretty similar on the inside. While they are busy fixing the other, they end up fixing a bit of themselves in the process.

The story itself is fast moving, I read this all in one sitting and could not put the book down. This is not surprising for a Jessica Sorensen title, she has a way of pulling you in and not letting you go until the end. You come to love her character and care what happens to them. In this book, it is such an emotional journey for both Ethan and Lila. They both have demons they are holding onto from their pasts and before they can move forward they have to come to terms with the past. Lila’s journey in particular is hard fought and amazing. I don’t want to give anything away but it about breaks your heart as she reveals things about her past and by the end while not fully healed she is well on her way to a better healthier life. Ethan’s back story the part with his parents makes you want to rally on his side, that is no way for a child to grow up and story you hear all too often. The other part of it, I was kind of ehh on, it was interesting but I didn’t always buy it. At times it felt forced, but it did add a bit of interest to the story. Overall, I loved this book, maybe not as much as Ella and Micha. I didn’t quite have the same book hangover afterwards but it is another excellent addition to Jessica Sorensens collection!

Review: Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorensen

Breaking Nova: Nova Reed and Quinton Carter

(Nova #1)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she's getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn't want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he's done, what he's lost. He's sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he's too damaged to get close to her, yet she's the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

Review:

Jessica Sorensen has quickly climbed the list to one of my favorite authors. She creates such in depth emotional characters. From the very prolog we are taken on one of the most emotional books I have read in awhile. I swear I was almost crying from the prolog, I mean seriously who gets emotionally attached to the characters from a prolog, but it is IMPACTFUL!

Both Nova and Quinton about break my heart, the sadness and loss they both carry around just tears at your heart. Nova and Quinton are both characters that will pull at your heart strings and you’ll remember long after you’ve finished the book. In fact I’ve been thinking about these two since I finished the book about a week ago. While I was reading the book I didn’t want it to end, I saw the ending approaching and I was dreading it.

I’m not going to say a whole lot happens in this book, because not a ton does. This story is about the characters and their emotional journeys. Nova lost her dad at a young age, she was there when his heart gave out, that stayed with her. When she met Landon her new neighbor, he quickly became her best friend and then later her boyfriend. When he left her too, what was left of her heart was shattered and man can you feel it. Her pain is palpable, when she gets to college, things get a little better but come crashing around her when she goes home for the summer. At home, everything is too raw and fresh and she starts on a downward spiral.

Quinton, his pain if possible is worse than Nova’s. A year ago, he was a good guy with ambition and a drive to do well, he wanted to be an artist and to marry his girlfriend Lexi. **spoiler** Then an accident happened that killed Lexi, his cousin and…him… only Quinton was able to be revived. **end spoiler** Since that fateful night, Quinton has been doing his best to forget life and to slowly drown himself in alcohol and weed. The angst, oh the angst.. so good is this angst…

I’m not usually all about the angst, but with this book it was so very good. Nova and Quinton find in each other kindred spirits. Both are carrying around so much loss and heartbreak, as each spirals further out of control in each other they find some peace, but the guilt they carry around may destroy them both. Through the entire book you want these two to find the peace they both so desperately need. Nova and Quinton take you on this emotional rollercoaster that will have you in tears or close to it. There are certain aspects of this book that I really identified with. **spoiler** having lost three friends from suicide I could really identify with the thoughts that swirled around in Nova’s head when it came to Landon. The thoughts of were there signs? Was there something you could have done to save them? Why didn’t they love everyone enough to stay? **end spoiler**

The only thing I didn’t adore was the constant references to smoking, it gets to the point, where you are like ok, I get it, they are all pot heads. LOL! At times it was over emphasized but the rest is so good, I could live with it. When you pick up this book and you definitely should, make sure you have your Kleenex handy!

*Review copy provided for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

**Also reviewed for Lets Get Romantical

Review: Once Pure by Cecy Robson

Once Pure: Killian O’Brien and Sofia Tres Santos

(Shattered Past #3)

Summary:

She bears the scars of the past. He blames himself for things he can’t control. Their defenses are up, but in Cecy Robson’s latest Shattered Past novel—perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—true love lands a knockout punch.

Sofia Tres Santos remembers a time before her life went sour, before her innocence was ripped away, before she began punishing herself with risky behaviors and unworthy men. Now, at twenty, she just hopes she’s ready to rebuild some of what she lost. One way or another, it always comes back to her childhood friend and longtime crush, Killian O’Brien.

As strong as Killian is, Sofia has always been his one weakness. He knows Sofia has suffered and wants to ensure she’s never hurt again—not like before, and definitely not under his watch. When Sofia agrees to work at his mixed martial arts gym, Killian seizes the opportunity to help and protect the sweet girl he’s always cared for. And yet, as he trains Sofia to defend herself using his hard-hitting MMA techniques, he’s drawn to the vulnerable beauty in ways he never expected.

As Sofia grows stronger, she also grows brave enough to open herself up to love. And along the way, she challenges everything Killian believes to be true, showing him that no matter how much he dominates in the ring, the real battle is fought in the heart.

Review:

Once Pure is the third book in the Shattered Past series or one could even say the first book in the O’Brien’s series; although, Once Kissed is officially the first book in that series. This book features Sofia and Killian who grew up together in the “old neighborhood”. They were childhood playmates until Killian “grew up without” Sofia. We find out in Mateo’s book that Sofia was raped when she was 14 years old and that changed everything. She was never what she viewed as “strong” not like Leti and Mateo but the rape made her disconnect even more.  In the previous book, Sofia’s dad is arrested and I think this changes something in Sofia. I became so proud of her by the end of the book, she grew so much. Little by little she found her backbone and her confidence.  She is determined to not be a victim anymore and while she’ll never be as feisty as Leti she definitely finds a stronger version of herself.

Killian I wasn’t as proud of and Sofia calls him on this shit. He’s hiding something from her.. A promise that he made. You can pretty much guess what it was since the first book in the series but it’s more fleshed out in this book and I can see where a lot of the guilt comes from. I truly believe that Killian has loved Sofia as his family says “since before he got pubs” lol but I dont think he truly believes it until it’s too late. He puts himself and Sofia through some pain before they can find their way back.  

We meet more of the O’Brien clan, and I quite adore them, already, especially Wren and Finnie. I can’t wait to see more of them in the coming books. They are just to loud, feisty and brash. Good times.

Review: Let Me by Cecy Robson

Let Me: Finn O’Brien and Sol Marieles

(O'Brien Family #2)

Summary:

From goodreads.com

Once he was broken beyond repair. Now this MMA contender is fighting to be a better man—for her. RT Book Reviews proclaims that the O’Brien Family series from award-winning author Cecy Robson “has the hottest brothers ever!” And in Let Me, it is Finn’s turn to discover how love can heal the deepest wounds.

A mixed martial arts star on the rise, Finn O’Brien dismantles his opponents with brutal precision. And yet beneath his fierce persona, Finn is raw from a trauma he’s buried for years . . . until the day his deep-rooted rage erupts and lands him in court-mandated therapy. Finn’s not one to bare his soul, but if talking it out means meeting beautiful women like Sol Marieles, he’ll give it a shot.

Sol is working toward her masters degree in psychology, and already she feels like she’s in over her head. With an important internship on the line and a scary family situation demanding her attention, the last thing Sol needs is Finn around to distract her. The man is ripped and seriously sexy yet it’s his troubled side that warns her to keep her distance. But their attraction is intense, and he clearly has the heat to see how far and fast their passion takes them.

Alone, Finn and Sol have been fighting to find happiness in their lives. Together, there’s no stopping them as they face their greatest challenges—not in the ring, but in their hearts.

Review:

Let me by Cecy Robson is the second book in the O’Brien Family Series and the 3rd O’Brien to get a book. I’ve been waiting for Finn’s story since we met him in Killian’s book. He’s brash, he’s funny, he’s confident and he’s broken.  A childhood trauma has shaped his adult life. He’s quick to fly off the handle, has some serious anger issues and closed off. When there is an incident at one of his fights he’s forced into counseling where he sees Sol again. They’ve known each other for a number of years, he even protected her at a party several years ago. Sol saw something in him than that she liked, really liked, but now is not the time to be taking up with someone like Finn. She has school and problems of her own.

Sol and Finnie broke my damn heart but for different reasons. Finn is just so lost, he has all this rage built up inside of him and even fighting isn’t releasing it anymore. He’s escalating and he knows it. He just doesn’t know how to fix it. He’s having a hard time talking to his therapist and the only person that seems to help can’t be there for him 100% of the time. Sol has so much on her plate, she has Finn; whom she adores, but she also has her mother. Who like Finn is escalating. She feels like she needs to fix those around her but all come crashing down around her.

Sol is breaking my heart because she can’t fix her mother and because of her mother she can’t be there for Finn like he needs her to be. She puts all of this pressure on herself. Finn is breaking my heart because he’s not healing. He’s been carrying this load from his trauma most of his life and he can’t figure out how to fix it. Ignoring it, is no longer working and he’s a time bomb. When he does blow it's all you can do to keep yourself for crying for him. Pobrecito. You have a similar reaction when Sol finally realizes something she’s been in denial to for so long.  The emotions run deep between these two. Together they are better, but they have to wade through all of the shit to get there. This one is probably my favorite of the O’Briens so far, possibly even more so than Lety and Brody as well, I have a feeling Finn and Sol’s story will linger in my mind and in my heart for a while longer.

Review: Once Kissed by Cecy Robson

Once Kissed: Curran O’Brien and Tess Newart

(O'Brien Family #1)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Once they shared a night of passion. Now a chance encounter forces them back together. In Cecy Robson’s O’Brien Family series debut—perfect for readers of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—two total opposites find that the flames of desire are still smoldering.

Tough-as-steel cop Curran O’Brien is quickly rising through the ranks of the Philadelphia police department. But when his rookie partner is almost killed under his watch, Curran just wants to prove he still has what it takes to walk among Philly’s finest. So he’s pissed to be stuck on a cushy security assignment for the DA’s office . . . until he gets a good look at the sweet, straitlaced intern he’s supposed to protect—but not touch.

Tess Newart recognizes Curran instantly. How could she not? Back in college she tied this former frat boy to the bed with her argyle socks! That sizzling one-night stand was the only indiscretion Tess ever allowed herself. She has survived law school so far, despite being pushed to succeed by her overbearing father. Now that she’s interning on a major case against a ruthless crime boss, she won’t jeopardize her career by giving in to temptation again. She just never expected temptation to look so damn hot in uniform.

Tess knows her father has other plans for her, and they don’t include Curran. But soon she’s falling for him all over again. And when danger emerges, Curran will prove just how good a bad-boy cop can be.

Review:

So I’ve read six of Cecy Robson’s contemporary romance novels at this point. I’ve always enjoyed Cecy’s writing and while that is still the case with this book, I have to say this one is probably my least favorite of all of her novels. Not saying that the book was bad, because it certainly wasn’t but I just had a harder time connecting with either Tessa or Curran.  

So one thing that got me and I’ll probably get some flack for it but I dont care, it’s my opinion.. Curran, the name itself. For readers of Urban Fantasy the name Curran is the name of one of the most Alpha of Alpha’s in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. This series is wildly popular and fans LOVE it. The character Curran is almost always one of the finalists in “Alpha smack downs” he is EPIC... So if you are going to use the name Curran, your character better be as good if not better than the character already using that name. I couldn't help myself from comparing and Cecy’s Curran couldn't even come close to Ilona Andrews Curran and i found myself let down. I doubt I’m the only one that subconsciously or consciously drew the line.  

Curran as a character, he was all wisecracks and hiding behind smiles. A bad thing happened and now he is suffering from PTSD and a loss of confidence. I couldn't form any sort of connection with Curran until towards the end of the book. He was blocked off and while I liked him, there wasn’t really anything all that special about it. Nothing to grab me in. I started to warm up to him probably about 80% of the way through but thats a bit too late in a book to start connecting with a main character.

Actually 80% seems to be the sweet spot for this book because that's also when things start happening and I also started connecting with Tessa a bit more as well. Again, not a bad character but nothing really stuck out about her. When we find out that she is the chick that tied Curran up with her argyle socks in college I was expecting a sassy or at least confident women. Instead we get a mousey barely there beaten down chick, that I’m supposed to believe is on her way to being a shark of a lawyer… Not buying it. About 80% of the way through she starts to realize she has a backbone and stands up to her father and you start to see her shine through. But again, a little late for that.

At the end of the book an incident is thrown in and it just comes out of nowhere and for what seems like no real reason. I mean I was expecting it, but I was expecting it earlier, where it was was just misplaced and awkward.

Overall, while the book is not a bad book, it was mediocre. The character development was not where it needed to be and not much happens for most of the book. As always Curran’s family is a hoot and I can’t wait to read more from them but when they were around they definitely scene stealers.  

Review: Once Loved by Cecy Robson

Once Loved: Brody Quaid and Lety Tres Santos

(Shattered Past #2)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

He’s the campus golden boy. She’s picking up the pieces of her broken past. But in Cecy Robson’s scorching novel of second chances—perfect for readers of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—their differences only make their connection more explosive.

Every memory Lety Tres Santos has from her childhood comes with a scar—some emotional, some physical. Her father is an abusive drug addict, and her mother enables his destructive behavior. College offers Lety a fresh start . . . until her father finds a way to ruin that, too. Now, after losing her scholarship to kick off junior year, Lety must somehow stay in school, pay tuition, and turn a deaf ear to the whispers that follow her. And she intends to do it all without Brody Quaid’s help.

Brody is a lacrosse star, a 4.0 student—and as a freshman, he fell hard for the beautiful and spirited Lety. But their relationship crashed and burned because he couldn’t break through the walls she’s put up around her heart. With Lety hurting more than ever, Brody strives to win her back and make her believe in real love and true partnership. That will mean opening up secrets locked away in his own past—and trusting someone more than he’s ever dared.

Lety knows how painful it can be to depend on the wrong man. She also knows how much Brody wants to do this the right way. But it takes more than sizzling desire to move on and build a future together.

Review:

This book takes place about a year after the disaster that was her cousin's quinceanera; where she broke up with Brody. Brody is determined to get his women back after a miserable year without her and he's just about worn her down when her father shows up. Now he's got to go at it again but he preservers! He kind of tricks her into it and it was highly amusing. I love how he's willing to wait for Lety, even when she is being so damn stubborn. Brody's family is a mess as well but with Lety's help fences start to get mended there which is heart warming. So much guilt in that family.

I actually quite liked Lety, she is fierce and protective and quite feisty. She has it pretty bad with her abusive father, he seems to target her often but she handles it as best as can be expected and I cheered for her when she decided to break free of what is expected of her as a daughter and made moves to protect herself and her loved ones. I think readers will be pretty happy with that outcome.

I think I enjoyed this book more than the first, it was good and moved along quickly. I really enjoy the Tres Santos family and look forward to the next book in the series.

Review: Once Perfect by Cecy Robson

Once Perfect: Mateo Tres Santos and Evelyn Preston

(Shattered Past #1)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

His life was never easy. Hers wasn’t supposed to be this hard. They come from different worlds, but fate lures them together in a way neither expected in Cecy Robson’s raw, steamy New Adult debut—perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn.

Evelyn Preston’s future once looked perfect—until her wealthy father was caught in an embezzlement scandal and took his own life. Alone and struggling to pay her college tuition and bills, Evelyn finds a job as a waitress at the ultra-hip nightclub Excess, where she used to have more in common with the privileged private-school clientele than her fellow staff members. But something attracts her to the sexy six-foot-four bouncer and underground MMA fighter Mateo Tres Santos. Although they’ve led different lives, their troubled pasts bonds them in both survival and love.

Mateo is ex-army who wound up in prison for assaulting the man who harmed his sister. Now he’s feeling the same protective impulse for this petite blond waitress. When Evelyn experiences a panic attack at the club, Mateo comes to her rescue. And when Mateo is wounded shielding her from a brawl, Evelyn returns the favor and comes to his aid.

As their attraction intensifies, Mateo is determined to find out what nightmares are lurking in Evelyn’s past—even if that means tackling his own to save her.

Review:

I am on a roll and just devouring these books. I just started the series this past weekend and Im already on the first book in the O'Brien series.

This particular book, I liked both characters. Teo is a fierce protector. He's had to protect his mom and sisters from his abusive dad all of his life. He did a stint in jail for assault against the male who raped his baby sister and is now a bouncer at the club where Evelyn works. He almost messes everything up because he can't get past his past but him and Evie figure it out in the end. Evie, used to be rich, now she's poor. Some things with Evie I dont think get properly explained I feel like. In the beginning she is terrified of the dark, but that just seemed to magically go away or just never gets discussed again really past like the first 20%. And there is stuff with her family and how she doesn't get anything including the proceeds from the sale of her family home. I feel like there were a couple of other small things but after a binge read they are all just kind of blending together. lol

Overall, I liked the book but I just felt like there were some things to take the book from ok/good to great.

*Review copy was provided for an honest review, no other compensation was provided.

Review: The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost

The Beautiful Ashes: Ivy and Adrian

Broken Destiny Series #1

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who's bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn't mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn't: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…

Review:

Let me start by saying that Jeaniene Frost is the author of one of my all-time favorite paranormal series (The Night Huntress Series). The characters of that series are funny, engaging and three dimensional. Even if you hate the character you still love to hate them and that character comes alive in the written word… That being said this first book in this new, New Adult series is NOT the Night Huntress Series. It’s not a spin off, you will not be seeing any of the characters of the Night Huntress World and sadly this book does not live up to the Night Huntress legacy. It has to be hard to create a new series when you have such a strong following for another series, but many other authors have done it successfully.

The characters in this book are not memorable, they don’t come alive on the page and hell they aren’t even all that likeable. I was meh on both Adrian and Ivy, neither one was all that engaging. They were back and forth, back and forth, blah blah blah. Was over it before it began. The world and the plot could have been interesting but I think the characters get in the way of it. Sad, really. This is set up to be an urban fantasy series but I don’t think I’ll be following it, I just don’t have any interest and I’m definitely not invested in it. I’m really sad about that because I do so enjoy Jeaniene Frost and really hope she goes back to what she is good at, funny, sarcastic character with interesting, engaging plots with lots of action!

Inked Armor by Helena Hunting

Inked Armor: Hayden Stryker and Tenley Page

Clipped Wings Series #2

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.

In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker's tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn't believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents' death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.

Review:

Crap, I read this book well over a year ago and I still think about Tenley and Hayden from time to time. As a book couple they are quite memorable, this series is quite memorable and definitely makes an impact. It is one of my favorite series of all time. Tenley and Hayden take us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.  These two are more than a little bit obsessive compulsive with each other. Their relationship should really be annoying, usually obsessive compulsive couples drive me nuts, but it works for these two. Together, they work, apart they are a mess. Their individual losses are devastating but they manage to provide each other with an amazing amount of emotional support, maybe because they each know what it means to lose someone. Besides their emotional support their physical chemistry is scorching. These two know how to tear up the sheets and they don’t hold anything back. So get ready for your heart strings to be pulled by their emotional journey and your pages to go up in flames from their chemistry.  

While the first book Tenley has to come to terms with her past and Hayden is there to help her with that, in this book it’s Hayden’s turn to take us through his emotional journey. When we end the first book it is on quite a cliffhanger, but it’s something Tenley has to do to move forward. Hayden does not take it well and his dark past comes to the forefront. His nightmares get worse, his temper is quick to flare and his OCD is off the charts. When Tenley comes back it is a second chance to make things work, they moved so fast in the first book that they are determined to slow things down and get it right this time. However, as the book progresses it becomes clear that their relationship is being threatened from outside forces as Hayden’s past isn’t as much in the past as he thought it was. It turns out his dark past is very much in his present. 

Review: The Destiny of Violet & Luke by Jessica Sorensen

The Coincidence Series:

Book 3:

The Destiny of Violet & Luke: Luke Price and Violet Hayes
 

 
Amazon Link  
Goodreads Link 
 
Summary:
From Goodreads.com
Luke Price's life has always been about order, control, and acting tough on the outside. For Luke, meaningless relationships are a distraction-a way to tune out the twisted memories of his childhood. He desperately wishes he could forget his past, but it haunts him no matter what he does.
 
Violet Hayes has had a rough life. When she was young, she was left with no family and the memory of her parents' unsolved murders. She grew up in foster homes, living with irresponsible parents, drugs, and neglect, and trying to fight the painful memories of the night her parents were taken from her. But it's hard to forget when she never got closure-and she can't stop dreaming about what happened that tragic night. To make it through life, she keeps her distance from everyone and never allows herself to feel anything.
 
Then Violet meets Luke. The two clash instantly, yet they can't seem to stay away from each other. Although they fight it, they both start to open up and feel things they've never felt before. They discover just how similar they are. But they also discover something else: The past always catches up with you . . .
 
Review:
The Destiny of Violet & Luke is the third book in the Coincidence Series. Luke is Kaydens friend from way back and Violet is Calies roommate but the two have never met. Until Violet kicks Luke in the head while jumping out the window. I loved that’s how they met with a good kick to the head. However, from there I had a hard time connecting with either Violet or Luke for most of the book. It took me until about 50% of the way through to get into it. Once I got into it, I was into but it took me a while to get there; which is surprising to me as I adore Jessica Sorensen and have loved pretty much everything I have read by her. Luke wallowed in alcohol and screwed pretty much anything that moved and Violet is super closed off. As a reader it was hard to get close to her which I guess is part of the point. Violet is super traumatized from finding her parents and a lifetime in foster care getting passed from family to family all who couldn’t deal with her baggage. Luke is also traumatized from his childhood with his mother who used to make him administer her “medicine” since he was six. He is super in control of everything he controls his emotions by basically getting drunk every day. It’s his way to deal. It isn’t until things start getting real with Violet that his drinking starts to calm. He’s never felt anything about anyone the way he’s feeling about Violet. She intrigues him like no other. Violet cares about no one, it’s safer that way but Luke has helped her and asked for nothing in return. She’s never experienced that before and it draws her in. Violet and Luke have a lot of emotional baggage to get through and they have a good start on getting through it together when it all implodes! Like epically implodes! For some it will be a jaw dropping holy ish kind of moment. Despite this not being my favorite Sorensen book I am looking forward to the second book and seeing where this goes.
  

Review: The Hurricane by R.J. Prescott

The Hurricane - Cormac “the Hurricane” O’Connell and Emily McCarthy

(The Hurricane #1)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Emily McCarthy is living in fear of a dark and dangerous past. A gifted mathematician, she is little more than a hollow, broken shell, trying desperately to make ends meet long enough to finish her degree.

Through an unlikely friendship with the aging, cantankerous owner of an old boxing gym, Em is thrown into the path of the most dangerous man that she has ever met.

Cormac “the Hurricane” O’Connell is cut, tattooed and dangerous. He is a lethal weapon with no safety and everyone is waiting for the mis-fire. He’s never been knocked out before, but when he meet Em he falls, HARD. Unlike any other girl he’s ever met, she doesn’t want anything from him, but just being around her makes him want to be a better person.

They are polar opposites who were never meant to find each other, but some things are just worth the fight.

Review:

Im actually not that into fighter contemporary romance novels especially New Adult ones but something about the blub really grabbed my attention so I decided to give it a whirl. I am super stoked that I did! This is one of my favorite new books by a new to me author.  When I finished the book, after I managed to pull myself out of my book coma I messaged one of my best friends and fellow readers that she absolutely had to read this book, even knowing that she dislikes New Adult. Before she had even finished the book she was asking if there were any other books in the series out, sadly, I had to break the news to her at there are not any at the moment but there are some to come…

So now that we’ve established that I pretty much loved this book, I guess I should tell you why. The main reason… the characters… every last one of them of which there are many.  Even tho the book is set in England all of our fighters are Irish so they have the Irish brogue going on for them. In this book our hero is Cormac. Of course he’s brash and before he meets Emily, is just drifting through life, drinking too much, screwing too many women just because he can. He doesn’t take his boxing seriously much to his buddies and hos coaches dismay.  One day he sees Emily though the window of where is coach and mentor Danny is eating. The young timid waitress grabs his attention like no other females has ever done. It’s weeks before he can manage to work up the nerve to meet her and when he does his life as he knows it is OVER.  The book basically starts with this meeting and grabs you from the first few pages.  Emily is super timid and has gone through her most of her life afraid, with good reason. She is hiding from those that were supposed to protect her. She is young, scared and has no friends except Danny the old man who always sits in her section. When this big bad man comes in and sits with Danny it takes everything she has to go over to the table and serve them. She’s at once scared what someone so big could do to her and in awe of the power that radiates from him. She later learns he’s a fighter and has no problem believing that. When Danny offers her a job working on his books she has no idea she is about to enter her own version of her personal hell, there is violence all around her but she needs this job so she finds some inner strength she didn’t know she had and marches into the gym only to be faced with the handsome man in the booth and it’s all over from there.

I loved watching the journey these two make, separate they are both broken hollow shells of what they could be, but together they become whole and start to heal wounds that would have remained open otherwise. Cormac’s physical strength lends itself to Emily to allow her to start to feel safe which allows her to open her eyes to the world around her and come out of her self-imposed shell.  Emily’s innocence, inner strength and innate goodness lends itself to Cormac to allow him to stop being so angry at the world and start channeling that into his boxing. Before Emily he was adrift, with her, he finds a focus he never knew he had to make something of himself. The go on this journey together and the reader gets to see it all.  I also liked that Emily, doesn’t just give into Cormac, she actually makes him work for it. He has to prove himself worthy of her, and he sets out to do so. He knows she’s worth it! In setting out to prove something to her he ends up proving something to himself as well.  The story is such a journey that I devoured.  I also liked that both of them were struggling for money, so much so that they didn’t have phone so they brought back the love note, which was so freak’n cute.

Ok, ok. I can probably ramble on much longer about this book and how much I loved it but it’s long enough. I’ll let you go.. to read it for yourself. 

**review copy provided for an honest review. No other compensation provided.