2016 has been a year of many lows and many highs. But alas, this is a blog for books, not for the astoundingly crazy, stupid, horrifying things that have happened this year. I've started a Booktube channel, finished and published my fourth book (book 2 in the series), and started this book blog for reviews. It's been plenty busy and new, and looking back on it all, I'm astounded at how much I've accomplished. So here's to 2017, may it be peaceful, loving, and full of books!

The first book on my list doesn't come as a surprise if you know me. It's my top favorite book of 2016, and will probably remain so for 2017:

                                                                               


This is book two of A Court of Thorns and Roses, and it doesn't disappoint. In fact, I loved this one way more than book 1! That doesn't happen often. I realized I never made a review for this one, so when I read it again (because I will!), I'll make sure to remember and leave one here.













The second book on this list is one that, for some reason, has stuck with me. It's confusing, maddening, and downright ridiculous:

Wink Poppy Midnight makes no sense, and yet it makes total sense. It's one of those books that stick with you for a long time just because you're still trying to figure it all out. Here is my review, and if you have read it, wanna discuss?
















The third book on this list is one that is also a mystery but with like, fantasy, paranormal, and who knows what else involved:




The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is one of those that is everywhere. It started as a regular non-fiction mystery with a tad of romance I expected and then it just went off the rails into some other territory. Here, read my review if you want to know more. Not that it'll help probably, but take a gander.
                                                                   













The fourth book on this list is one that tugged at my heartstrings and had me reading till 3am to finish in a puddle of salty tears:

This one certainly knows how to wrap a fist around your heart and soul and crush it without feels. It's about two people who begin to heal with each other, despite not wanting or knowing they needed to. Review.












The fifth on this list is one I had been waiting for, because I was dying to see the conclusion and make sure it ended the proper way. Otherwise, I'd have to have a serious talk with Mrs. Cass!

I remember when this series came out and I finished all three in two days and was in desperate need for the rest. Should have paced myself out, because all I ended up with was a hangover the size of Russia and a few months wait for the next one. Check out my review here.















Book six on this list still amazes me:



This is a retelling of Peter Pan with a neat twist. This one is set in a post apocalyptic future with a steampunk setting, a bunch of lost boys, a girl fighting for her family, and a hot, young, man in Hooks place. What more could you want? Review.












And last but not least:

This is book 2 in the Lunar Chronicles, and I love it. While Cinder was a little slow in pace, Scarlet really knows how to kick it up a notch. I loved reading about her and Wolf, and how the story unfolds with parts from book 1. It's a pretty neat series, so try to make it through Cinder.

Review: Rescuing Harley-Susan Stoker

Rescuing Harley
Book 3 
Romance
320
Four and a half stars

Buy it here

Video game coder, Harley Kelso, thought a tandem skydive would help her make her latest game more realistic. Instead, it literally put her in the arms of the sexiest man she s ever seen. Geeky to the core, Harley is the polar opposite of big and burly Beckett, but that doesn t stop her from wanting to play more carnal games with the sexy soldier. 

When Beckett Coach Ralston offers to fill-in at a friend s skydiving club, he doesn t suspect he ll meet a woman who will change his life and he definitely doesn t expect her to save it. But that s exactly what happens when an accident mid-air forces Harley to land them both safely. She s earned Coach s complete gratitude, and even more, sexual interest 

Until she disappears without a trace. 

With Harley missing, a happy ending might not be in the cards for the man who loves her especially when he becomes the main suspect.

I swear, every time I read a book that wasn't asked for me to read, I end up forgetting to highlight quotes. So here I am, stuck because I forgot to highlight the stupid quotes. Guess I'll just have to improvise and actually write a review for once. << Joking! You totally know I actually write reviews with less quotes than words all together in the actual book.

Heh. Yeah.

Anyway, I've been reading Mrs. Stokers books since the beginning. Like her first character, Caroline. So, yeah, I feel a little cool at that fact. Let me bask in it.

Harley Kelso is cool. So cool, I can use the term like a bowtie is cool, because I can. She's a video game artist, meaning she makes games and is kickass at playing them, because, duh. I love her personality and how down to earth she is. Mrs. Stokers characters are always down to earth, but since we're talking about Harley, I'll point out her down to earthness. As Harley is making her current game, she can't seem to get the scene to look real enough and decides to skydive.

I mean, why not?

This is where Harley meets Coach, one of the tandem skydivers that helps out. He's hot, strong, and obviously an alpha male. Like all of Mrs. Stokers fine specimens of guys she writes about, Coach is there for Harley and falls for her quick. It's hot and strong, something he can't back away from. He wants Harley, and with patience, he'll keep her.

Their relationship is adorable and hot. He's so slow with her, not wanting to rush anything and show her that looks don't always matter and that he loves her for who she is. Geeky clothes included. And she's there to reign in his grr grr, I'm full of testosterone maleness. They're perfect together.

But this isn't just a regular, everyday romance. No way. Throw in some suspense and action, and you've got a great story. I love seeing all the other characters in this book. That's what I love most about these books, is that characters from different series come in to play. It's cool to be reminded that they're all in the same world. I'm always looking forward for the next character and their book, never letting a second slip by when its pre-order time!

The only reason I gave this four and a half stars is because I felt like the suspense and climax were rushed. It wasn't drawn out and left me with white knuckles as I realized the truth and what not. It seemed like that part was second to their romance, which isn't a bad thing. I just expected more.

These are all HEA, standalone stories but I highly recommend reading in order OF SERIES when beginning this journey with hot guys and non damsels-but always in trouble women.

Review: Vampire Academy-Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy

1 of 6 

Young Adult, paranormal, vampire

340

5 stars

Buy it here

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever

“Taking a deep breathe, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life.
I walked away.” 

This isn't the first time I've read this book. Or series. If I had to count, I couldn't possibly do so because I can't even count that high. 

So, it's a lot. 

This story follows Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir in training who has the personality of, well, myself. She's sarcastic, blunt, and often times doesn't know when to stand down. Rose is brave but emotional, keeping herself in check because Dhampir's shouldn't be emotional. They're job is to protect the Moroi, the special ones of their kind. They are vampires. Rose is my abosolute favorite character, the way she draws us into her mind is perfect. I feel like she's my best friend, and her snarky side is the best. 

“Jesse: " Hey Rose, welcome back. Still breaking hearts?"
Rose: " Are you volunteering?”

Vasilisa is her best friend, and Rose is determined that she'll become her Guardian, the one who will always watch over her. Lissa is a princess, and is a huge target for those out to take the Moroi down. I love their friendship, it's the epitome of what friends should be like. They're there for each other all the time, both physically and emotionally, especially Rose for Lissa.

“She accused me of wearing pants from the salvation army."
"Rose, your pants ARE from the salvation army."
"That's SO not the point!” 

Dimitri Belikov is surely on the top of my book boyfriend list. He's dreamy, he's large, and Russian. What does Russian have to do with it? No idea, but he's hot. He tries to stay distant from Rose, needing to be only her teacher and nothing else but that doesn't work. Who can resist Rose? Certainly not Dimitri. He's tough and is hard on her, getting her to understand it's not a walk in the park to go after Strigoi, the Moroi turned bad. 

“My name is Dimitri Belikov. I've come to take you back to St. Vladimir's Academy, Princess.” 

This will always remain my favorite series out there. It has so much action and drama, it's so different compared to other vampire stories I've read and that's what I love about it. Please check this out, you won't regret this series. 

Review: Between Here and the Horizon-Callie Hart

General
Between Here and the Horizon
Series: Standalone
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 270
Rating: Four and a half stars

Buy it here

Ophelia Lang needs money, and she needs it bad. Her parent’s restaurant is going under, and ever since she lost her job teaching third grade elementary, scraping enough cash together to pay the bills has proven almost impossible. Her parents are on the brink of losing their home. The vultures are circling overhead. So when Ophelia is offered an interview for a well-paid private tutoring gig in New York, how can she possibly say no? 

Ronan Fletcher is far from the overweight, balding businessman Ophelia expected him to be. He’s young, handsome, and wealthy beyond all reason. He’s also perhaps the coldest, rudest person she’s ever met, and has a mean streak in him a mile and a half wide. A hundred grand is a lot of money, however, and if tolerating his frosty temperament, his erratic mood swings and whatever else he throws at her means she’ll get paid, then that is what Ophelia will do.

Her new boss is keeping secrets, though. Awful, terrible secrets.

The ghosts of Ronan Fletcher’s past are about to turn Ophelia’s future upside down, and she can’t even see it coming. 

“You think you know me. You think you want to know me. But trust me, Miss Lang. Pursuing me will be the worst mistake you ever make. I’m broken beyond repair…

…and I take great pleasure in breaking everyone else around me.”

Let me begin by saying...

What.

Happened.

Okay, let me give you a little background. This story started out typical. I figured the heroine would end up with the lonely man with two kids after having a rocky start. It happens, I've read plenty of romance books with this premise.

But then things got... weird.

Okay, now a little more background. Ophelia needs money for her parents, or their restaurant will go under, and since she lost her job as a teacher, she needs something. A interview to tutor two kids for six months appears just at the right time, and she takes it, hoping that it'll go okay. It doesn't, or so she thinks. 

After taking the job, she starts. It's only been a few days since she got hired and she's gotten to know the man who hired her. Ronan is a single father after his wife died. He's been trying to make it work but knows he isn't doing the best job he can. So he brings his kids to his home town to fix the gaping hole that has built over time. Only Ronan has some secrets, and Ophelia is about to learn them... whether she wants to or not.

Um, yeah. So this book was crazy. Like I said, I totally thought it was like every other romance I've read. Single woman falls for single father who's wife died some years before. He's stubborn and they fight before he comes to his senses. Yada yada yada, right? Well this one isn't like that. It does a complete 180 and I was thrown-not for a loop but from a shove off a cliff. I was gobsmacked. So much so, I just wrote gobsmacked. I can't say much more without giving something away, yet I want to discuss this book so much. It affected me, that's for sure.

“He was a man possessed. I was a woman lost. Together, we were two halves of something fragile and delicate, beautiful in its complexity.” 

Review: Chasing Wishes-Nadia Simonenko

General
Chasing Wishes
Series: Standalone
Genre: New adult, romance, fiction
Pages: 303
Rating: Four and a half stars

Buy it here

For sixteen-year-old Nina Torres, it feels as if life is nothing but a dead end. Despised by her rich classmates and afraid that she'll become just like her drug-addicted mother, Nina's future seems to get dimmer every day.

There is one bright spot in her life though...

Sitting beside her one night, the only person in the world who cares about her makes a promise. No matter what happens—no matter how much Isaac's wealthy family disapproves—he and his girlfriend Nina will be together forever.

Fate plays a cruel trick on Nina, though, and a visit from Child Protective Services the next morning turns Nina Torres into Irene Hartley, a woman with a future but who will never see her beloved Isaac again.

Nine years later, a blind and incredibly handsome young entrepreneur hires Irene to be his personal assistant. Terrence Radcliffe reminds her so much of Isaac that she can hardly believe her eyes, and she's falling for him fast. Irene knows that fairy tales don't come true, but she allows herself one last wish. She wishes that she could finally say goodbye to Isaac and let herself take a chance on Terrence.

What she doesn't know is that Terrence is also searching for someone: a shooting star who streaked through his life nine years ago, and he won't give up until he finds her...

"I wish I didn't have to go home. I wish I was someone else—someone with a future..."




This book was unrealistic, cheesy, and predictable. But it's also cute, fun, and just full of "aw" moments. It made me happy, and didn't give me the killer tendencies I usually get when reading New Adult romance. To be honest, often times I love the cheesy, predictable stories. They're isn't a main character that makes me want to beat my head into the wall because she/he doesn't want to be loved or whatever.

Nina wants to be loved. She wants to go away and be with someone who is nice, and loves her because she certainly isn't getting it at home from her mom. She's had a tough life and dreams of getting free of it and the violence that goes on. Her mom pays for drugs by using her body, an embarrassing fact to Nina. She's the brunt of teasing at her school, which is how she meets Issac.

Issac wants to help Nina. He wants to be her friend in a place where no one else wants her. She doesn't believe him when he says that and tries to stay away. But Issac, my man, doesn't give up. He wants Nina.

Long story short, because I don't want to give spoilers, life happens.

But then they meet up years later. Just not as them.

Nina is now a young woman who is an inspiring voice actor with a job at a sandwich shop. Not exactly where she wanted to be her in life, but doesn't give up. She's been fighting for so long, she won't quit now. And one day, while reading stories to children at the library, she sees this guy who she finds handsome. And they meet at the sandwich shop.

Terrance needs someone to help him get around, and really add details to the descriptions from the world around him. He's blind, and his old friend doesn't cut it. Nina comes into his life at the right moment, and he ends up hiring her to get him around.

But what neither of them expected was to fall in love.

And that their past isn't too far behind them...

This is a standalone, new adult romance and I loved it. It's just fun to get away for a quick, cheesy read and this is what I needed. The times Nina describes places for Terrance is great, it becomes real in my mind. And the side characters are good, they definitely served their purpose. So if you're looking for a fast, loving read, here you go.

“I just want the feeling that I'm safe, the feeling that things can work out and that there'll be a happy ending someday.” 

Author Tour with Mira Stanley

Hey everyone! This is a little different from my usual posts but it was an opportunity I couldn't pass! Today I get to speak with Mira, author of her new release, Irresistible Jerk, which I got the chance to read. Mira is on a blog tour, and one of her stops is mine. This post has Mira's bio, author interview questions, the review, and the rest of the blog spots to visit!

 Mira dreams of a life where hairy-chested, foul-mouthed pool men serve cocktails while she reads in the embrace of a shady hammock. Her reality looks more like errands, carpooling, sneaking in writing time when she can, and snuggling with her husband and kids after a regular-old day in the Pacific Northwest. 

Sex is sacred. It’s also fun. That’s why Mira writes smut with feeling. In her perfect world, every woman who wants it would have access to entertaining, titillating, thought-provoking stories in an environment free of shame.

Learn more about Mira and her books at www.mirastanley.com







Author interview!

Welcome all! Today I’m lucky enough to be interviewing Mira Stanley, author of Irresistible Jerk.

Hi Mira, thank you for doing this interview. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

1.       Which writers inspire you?

Thanks so much for having me! Thank you for starting with an easy question.

My absolute favorite erotic romance authors are Charlotte Stein for her quirky, introspective heroines, Cara McKenna for her crazy hot heroes and intense subject matter, and Alexa Riley for her heroes that just can’t wait to breed their women.

2.       Where did you get the idea for Irresistible Jerk?

My Dirty Minds series started with my adoration of construction workers. There’s just something about a hard working hero who wants a neck rub when he’s done working for the day that I love. I love a rough man with a potty mouth. It was a pleasure to write my perfect man in the first two Dirty Minds books. I can’t wait to add more!

3.       What makes your main character so unique?

Kelly’s a preacher’s daughter with a dirty mind. What sets my Dirty Minds series apart, and especially Irresistible Jerk, is Kelly’s desire to break away from the expectations her family and church have placed on her. She’s tired of feeling guilty for the dirty thoughts she has, and Joe is just the guy to help her embrace that dirty-girl side of her that’s been dormant for too long.

4.       What else have you written?

I write Highlander romance and contemporary romance as USA Today Bestselling Author Jessi Gage. As Mira, I’m just getting started. I’ve got a Sci-Fi erom series in the works, and I’m writing some shorter pieces for some fun anthologies, including a naughty priest story and a werewolf ménage.

5.       What are you currently working on?

I’m raising two little kids who have more energy than seems possible. They keep me SUPER busy. But I do find time to write my kinky Mira stories and my less-kinky Highlander stories, usually while they’re at school or after their bedtimes.

My goal is to have ten novellas in the Dirty Minds series, and I’d like to have the series finished by the end of 2017. Anyone care to place bets on whether I can do it?

I’m hoping to have Mira releases just shooting out of the cannon, one after the other. So readers should join my newsletter here. That way they won’t miss anything!

6.       What genre do you write in, and what draws you to it?

I love erotic romance because of the thrill of arousal and the emphasis on relationship. I MUST have happy endings in what I read, and that goes for what I write too.

7.       Why do you write?

These stories are in my head. If I don’t write them down, they just—poof—go away. That seems so sad to me.

I also write to entertain, titillate, and encourage other women. In my own life, sexual dysfunction is a real and difficult thing. I wouldn’t have the happy marriage I do without steamy reads to help jump start my engine. I’m not alone. A lot of other women are in the same boat—or should I say dry dock—with me.

Some people frown on erotic romance or even just romance in general. They say it sends the wrong message. It’s porn for women. There’s nothing redeeming about it. It’s sinful to read and write.

I disagree. I think a woman can love God, have a good relationship with Him, and read steamy books at the same time. Both religion and romance are important parts of my life, and I suspect readers will notice themes of religion in my stories.

8.       Any advice for aspiring writers?

Write what you love, but if you want to make a career out of writing, you absolutely one-hundred percent have to write to an existing market. Find a way to mesh what inspires you with what’s currently selling. Brows retailer bestseller lists and do what those authors are doing, but add your own twist.

Thanks for the interview! I hope all goes well in your writing career.

Thanks for having me! It was fun!

I’ll leave you with a GIVEAWAY that you can earn multiple entries in. I’ve got a $50 Amazon Gift Card up for grabs as well as a few copies of the first two books in my Dirty Minds series.

Here’s where readers can find me!

Irresistible Jerk (Dirty Minds, Book 2)

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | All Romance | Kobo | Google Play | Smashwords | Goodreads

Mira Stanley links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*Spoilers ahead*

Irrisistible Jerk
Series: book 2
Genre: romance, erotica
Pages: 63
Rating: four in a half stars

Buy it here

*I received this in exchange for an honest review.*

This story revolves around Kelly and Joe, two people who are very different but want one thing: sex. This story picks up right where book 1 ended, so please read that first. I loved the first one, it was fast paced and hot, something you just need after reading long, drawn out stories for a while.

Kelly is a pastors kid. She grew up conservative, and Joe is the exact opposite of her in so many ways. She's innocent and pure, while he's down and dirty, a one way dancer with the devil. He doesn't want to be with her, not wanting to corrupt her with his darkness, but she's too tempting to resist. So they have fun.

"I wanted to let him."

I love reading about Joe and Kelly. They're great characters, each of them bringing a little something to the story. I don't want to say a whole lot, but there is conflict and they have their ups and downs. This series is a few books I believe, so their story isn't over yet.


Here is all the info on the blog tour. Make sure to cheek out these blogs also!

Review: Consumed-Kate Carley

Consumed
Series: book 2
Genre: romance, mystery
Pages: 297
Rating: four stars

Buy it here

Thirty-seven minutes after midnight.
Like clockwork, an exquisite stranger sashays into his bar, orders up a shot of Jack Daniel’s, and stirs up his curiosity— not to mention his libido. Awaiting the arrival of this mysterious woman, night after night, has Ethan Bearbower growling in frustration. 
Or maybe it’s her hasty retreat after slamming the whiskey that’s driving him crazy. Lord knows her choice of attire isn’t improving his condition in the least—one night she’s dressed like a shy, sweet nymph, and the next, a seductive dominatrix. 
No wonder he’s going out of his mind.
But once Ethan uncovers her true identity, his inquisitiveness morphs into a protective streak he can’t seem to control. Consumed by this unusual fascination for a woman he’s just met and his need to keep her safe, Ethan struggles to reconcile his long-held beliefs with his mounting emotions. 
Danielle is searching for the truth, and she’s not going home until she’s satisfied. But before she can unearth the answers to her biggest questions, she discovers a sexy man who just might derail her quest. 
With explosive chemistry and tenderly whispered words of love, their relationship seems destined to last forever…until Danielle’s unrelenting search brings danger to her doorstep.

*I recieved this in exhange for an honest review*

Danielle wants to know what happened to her sister, who was murdered. And the best way to go about that is to go to where it happened and investigate herself. Despite being determined, Danielle learns that it's much harder than she thought, but she's not letting this go. She goes to the same bar every night in hopes that she'll learn something new.

Ethan finds himself curious about the woman in the bar. She comes in every night, drinks a little, talks to random people, and leaves. His curiosity gets the better of him, and he follows her home, wanting her to be safe once he sees where she lives.

Danielle learns that Ethan might be able to help her on the quest to find out what happened. The police force trust him, so why shouldn't she? But the more she finds out, the closer she comes to danger.

This was a pretty good read. I loved the mystery that surrounds the story, Danielle's determination to figure out what happened, and the romance that blooms along the way. Everything was perfect with timing. Nothing was too fast, and I didn't really see some things coming. I love stories that are heavy in romance and light in mystery, so this one was perfect for me. Ethan and Danielle worked well together, and it was cute seeing Ethan get protective of her, even though Danielle can take care of herself.

This is book 2 but it can be read as a standalone. I'll have to read book 1 now! So if you like romance, light mystery, and suspense, this is your story!

Review: How Meg West Was Won-Libby Mercer

How Meg West Was Won
Series: standalone
Genre: romance
Pages: 247
Rating: three and a half

Buy it here

Whoever heard of a white knight showing up in a pair of old, scuffed cowboy boots?

She may be smart as a whip, but Meg West's co-op is in a heap of financial trouble. When sexy and rugged cattle rancher, Dutch Hargrave, makes her a job offer, the vegetarian California girl can't afford to refuse. And quite frankly, she hasn't got the strength to turn down a man with a slow, Texan drawl that makes her toes curl.

Enlisting the help of the feisty bombshell is the answer to Dutch's prayers--and his fantasies. Meg has the professional know-how to help lead his ranch into the 21st Century.

Before long, Meg and Dutch are as busy as a stump-tailed bull in fly season, working around the clock trying to preserve Dutch's heritage. But while the grueling work brings them closer together, the heat on the ranch starts to rise. Will Dutch find a way to win over Meg West while saving his family's farm?

*I received this in exchange for a honest review*


I loved this story. It was full of cowboys (obviously my favorite) and a girl who is the complete opposite to said cowboy. But that always make the story more interesting, doesn't it? I love reading stories where the MC's are different, it adds a more realistic touch, because who is the same?

Meg is not country. She's a true California girl who doesn't eat meat and is at one of the earth. She's set in her ways and doesn't let anyone tell her otherwise. I liked that, because no matter what society really says, she owns her self and personality. She has no qualms about who she is and what she wants to change about the world.

Dutch (what a cool name) is a man through and through. He works on his farm, eats meat, and doesn't really care about hippie stuff. But he realizes he needs to go green, so he asks Meg a favor. She needs to help his farm become better, and along the way, maybe they'll get closer.

I loved these characters. They fit well despite their differences. Meg enlightened Dutch and in turn, something sparked between them. It was fun to read about them slowly getting close. It wasn't sudden, which I liked. It took time and trust, just like a real relationship does.

The setting was beautiful. I could really imagine the world Mercer created, the rolling hills and the farm. It felt real and I appreciated that. Her writing is good, I only really spotted a few errors throughout the whole story.

If you love cowboys, hippie Californian girls, and romance, then this is for you!

Review: Burn-Jayelle Morgan

Burn: The Elemental Hearts
Series: Book 1
Genre: Romance/paranormal
Pages: 282
Rating: four and a half stars

Buy it here

Depending on an Elemental Warrior is the key to her survival…and maybe more.

Brooke Simmonds moved to the isolated mountain town of Topaz Ridge for three things: A position as senior designer at the local paper, money in the bank, and complete independence. The day she gets everything she’s been working towards, her life goes up in flames. Literally. Her rescue is a haze of pain and smoke, but she remembers him, the handsome stranger that carried her out of the blaze. Are her memories clouded by smoke inhalation, or did she really see him manipulating the flames to save her?

He’ll either lose his control, or his heart. Or both.

Levi takes an instant liking to Brooke, whose smile makes him burn hotter than the fire inside him. When her apartment building bursts into flames, he springs to the rescue. As one of the elite Elemental Warriors sent here to fight the forces of Chaos, he’s got the power to do it. His control however, is…unpredictable. He gets her to safety, but not before revealing himself for what he is.

When the enemy turns their sights on Brooke, she’s sucked into a world, and a war, she never knew existed. Now, she’ll have to depend on Levi to help her navigate this new world whether she wants to or not. The burn between them is undeniable, but will it be enough to help them conquer their foes, and their differences? Or will they both go down in flames?

*I received this in exchange for an honest review*

This is a new author for me, so I wasn't sure how I would like the writing style but I always give books a try. I did love this book, and I'm glad that there will be more coming out! Burn was a well thought out story, with just the right amount of action, paranormal, and romance. Three of my favorite types put together!

This is about the Elemental Warriors, who are tasked with ridding the world of chaos, or the Chaolts who use humans with elemental powers, called Erratics, to cause natural disasters. I have never read something with this plot idea, so this was very interesting to me and I was insanely curious about how this would all come to be. The Elemental Warriors protect the earth and making sure humans don't know of their existence, something that can get hard at this point.

Levi is the hero in this book, and he is a Fire Elemental who is struggling to control his power. You could feel how frustrated he was when he wasn't allowed to do something. I felt bad that he was taken off patrols by his commander, and I knew he wanted to control his powers more than anything.

Brooke comes into the picture, having no idea about Elemental Warriors and Chaolts and how they surround them. She's about to get into the middle of a dangerous war, and I love how strong yet vulnerable she is. She doesn't know how to fight like a ninja or anything crazy like that. I don't like when normal girls somehow are able to kick the butts of villains who are magical in some form. That's not realistic. When Brooke's apartment explodes as Levi is chasing down an Erratic, Levi is bound and determined to make sure she's safe.

I loved the attraction between them. Levi knows he can't be with Brooke, it isn't okay, but as time goes on and he grows to like her more, he's about to do whatever possible to keep her safe and make her his.

This is full of action and romance, which I love. Everything moved at the right pace, the secondary characters were right on par. I loved the setting for this story. It's so fun to read about something new in paranormal, and it's great that something new can be created still. I give mad props to Morgan.

If you like action, paranormal, romance, and a new world, check this one out!

Review: Hot for Heather-Caitlyn Lynch

Hot for Heather
Series: standalone
Genre: Romance, erotica
Pages: 26
Rating: three stars

Buy it here

Heather is a quiet classical pianist lacking in a social (or sex) life. One day, she's utterly shocked to find out that the hot delivery guy she accidentally flashed in the hallway is actually her brand new neighbour, Mike, a soldier recently back from deployment. And Mike's very interested in getting to know the gorgeous girl next door who makes such beautiful music. He's especially interested in getting know her on top of that piano. And on the piano stool. And anywhere else in her apartment she's willing to let him...

*I received this story in exchange for a honest review*

Every once in a while, I like a good steamy, fast read. So I decided to read this one, and here's what you need to know.

Heather is a classical pianist who feels like life is passing by and she's isn't doing enough that's worth while. She's lonely, and she wants some fun to spruce up her otherwise boring life. Enter Mike, Heather's new neighbor. Mike just got back from a deployment in the military, and once he notices Heather, it's his new mission to seduce her.

I've never read anything by this author before, so I didn't know what to expect going in or how the writing would be. While the narrative was good and tight, something felt disconnected. Could be me, it happens sometimes and I don't connect to the story and the characters. 

Since this is a novella, the attraction is immediate. Everything abruptly goes from innocent type beginning to hot and steamy in 2.5 seconds. So I was expecting quick change, but I do wish it was a bit longer as the ending felt abrupt. But for a quick, erotic read, it's good. Nothing too original. I might pick something else up from this author and see what another one is like for me.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer-Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Series:book 1of 3
Genre:teen, mystery, romance
Pages: 480
Rating: four and a half stars

Buy it here

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
     It can.
     She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
     There is.
     She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
     She’s wrong.
     After Mara survives the traumatizing accident at the old asylum, it makes sense that she has issues. She lost her best friend, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s sister, and as if that weren’t enough to cope with, her family moves to a new state in order to give her a fresh start. But that fresh start is quickly filled with hallucinations—or are they premonitions?—and then corpses, and the boundary between reality and nightmare is wavering. At school, there’s Noah, a devastatingly handsome charmer who seems determined to help Mara piece together what’s real, what’s imagined—and what’s very, very dangerous.
     This fast-paced psychological—or is it paranormal?—thriller will leave you breathless for its sequel,The Evolution of Mara Dyer.

“Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real.”


Before I began reading this, I thought it would take forever to read, which is why I started it early. I decided not to look up the synopsis and just go in blind. I don't know what I was expecting but this story hooked me. 

Mara Dyer doesn't remember what happened the night her two friends and boyfriend died. She wakes up in the hospital with nothing but a few bruises. She's confused about that night, and though she knows something happened that night, she has no choice but to continue on, trying to move past the mysterious circumstances of their death. 

Mara has gone through a lot. I liked how the mystery played out. It was confusing and I felt her fright with not being able to remember anything. Its like losing a whole night of your life, and that itself scares me. I wanted to know what happened just as much as she did. Mara is strong, even when she doesn't know it. Her world is crazy and I wanted to help her. 

“You always have a choice.” 

Noah is the guy she meets at her new school. Like any other young adult book, he's broody and mysterious, much like this story. I wasn't sure how to feel about Noah. It seemed like he was suspicious of something, so it was hard to trust him for a while. I do like how he was with Mara. He wanted to help her and convince her that she's a good person.

“Why do you always look like you just rolled out of bed?'
'Because usually I have.' And the way he raised his eye-brow at me made me blush.
'Classy,' I said.” 

Mara's family was odd. We don't read much about them. They're important to the story line, to Mara's development, but I would have loved to see her with them more. Daniel, her brother, seemed to be the closest to her, so it was nice to see that bond. 

I loved the mystery that surrounded Mara. Something is always happening to her, causing more mystery to appear and dig through. I tried to figure it all out but it was hard. That was somewhat annoying, that we really didn't learn anything at all in book one, besides the night of her friends death, which was great to finally figure out, but like I said, more secrets appeared. Mara's relationship with Noah was perfect though.

For some reason, there was a feel in this book. I was expecting more revelations about the plot, like I mentioned above, that didn't really come. I felt like there could have been more.

I'm finishing the third book now, so I'm glad that I finally read this series.

You should, too.

“I'd rather he not know the depths of my crazy.” 

Review: The Violet Stone-Camilla Klaus

The Violet Stone
Seires: standalone
Genre: Paranormal, romance
Pages: 186
Rating: three stars

Buy it here

*I received this story in exchange for an honest review*

Let me start out by saying that this is a stunning read. I was hooked from the beginning! I love the plot idea around this, and the world that Klaus wrote. I felt like I was really there, and I appreciate when authors grasp that. The idea that magic is feared-not revered-is great, because usually fantasy is a type of story that everyone loves magic, even when there is bad vs good. Since magic is a big no-no, anyone suspected of possessing it (children), they are sent to colleges-go figure! This came across for me more as a jail type setting. They can't be around the non magic for fear that they'll roast some marshmallows using magic.

Hey, I think that'd be cool.

Zhara is such a cool character. She's really come to terms about being a Mage, and becomes driven for her rights. She's not a evil person, and not all magic is bad. She's strong and won't let anyone keep her from what she believes it right. I could really visualize Zhara and feel as if she was a real person (which to us authors, our characters are!). I had a great time reading about her. As she learns some things about her, she meets Roland.

Oh, Roland.

Rolan is strong, manly, and wants to do what's right. The last thing he should be doing is falling for Zhara. That's obviously the worse thing someone can do. Okay, at least in this world and really, in Roland's mind. I loved how they interacted. It was fun seeing him try to stay away from Zhara, when we all know that wasn't going to work. So when they finally came together...

Anyway...

I loved reading about the revolution. Many people break out of college and work together to bring down the prejudice against Mage folk. It was memorizing to read about, and really hits home with the realistic resemblance in our current world. Klaus made some pivotal points throughout this book and was so real. I loved that about her writing. 

I couldn't find anything I really disliked. It was a good read, but it just fell a bit flat for me. I was immersed and loved it, but something still felt missing. 

But give it ago, you might find it magical.

Ebook Mini Reviews- September

Hey, all! Here are my favorite ebook reads for this month. I've read quite a few, so here they are! If you want to see a full review on one, please comment below and let me know!

Avery is head fire chief in her small town, one that's the hot area for tornadoes. She's always calm in the storm, but when Jake comes back to town, she's anything but calm. I loved the chemistry between Avery and Jake. It's just a simple contemporary romance. Nothing special, but if you're in the mood for an easy romance with a bit of weather problems, here it is.

*** stars


Buy it here











Lachlan Crow. A killer. A mobster. He's also hot. Mack is in search of her best friend, who disappeared a year ago. She goes to Slaint, an Irish bar run by the mafia. She has a plan, and is determined to do what she can to find her friend. She wasn't betting on Lachlan, or falling in love with a mobster. But she did, and everything went crazy.

I love mafia books, they're so thrilling and intense. Throw some love in the mix, it can't get better. I love Irish characters, so this wasn't a let down.

**** stars

Buy it here

Ah, book 2 in the Underground series. This one is about Sasha, a dancer from Slaint, and Ronan, Lochlan's right hand man. Both are stubborn and determined to leave each other alone. But as you know, plans never work according to plan. I loved these two. This book, much like the first, has action and romance. I'd say 18+ for those wondering.

*** stars

Buy it here










The third book in this series. Obviously it's good because I'm still reading it. This one is about Talia, a girl who's been through horrific ordeals and just wants to disappear. Alexi, a russian mofia guy, needs to marry and Talia becomes his woman. But as their love slowly builds, someone might try to tear them down. At this time, the stories are familiar, and despite being about different characters, it seems repetitive.

*** stars

Buy it here

Baseball, a cute guy, and second chances. What more could you want in a story? Parker screwed up years ago. He didn't truly know what he had until it was gone. Kinley was crushed and is determined to stay away from home so she doesn't see the one guy who messed her heart and head up. But Parker isn't letting go this time.

I adored this story. It's quick yet fulfilling and full of angst, second chance love, and family.

**** stars


Buy it here









Another sports romance, this time: Hockey! And even better, it's set in Seattle, my home! I love reading books that are centered here. Gage and Bailey have been friends for years, and he needs her to become a nanny for his daughter until she figures out what to do. Gage doesn't want to ruin their friendship, but Bailey is ready and waiting. I wanted a bit more of the Seattle atmosphere to appear, and I wasn't too fond of the characters and their personalities.

*** stars



Buy it here

Book two (book one is Heartless). This is another book set in Seattle. It shows a bit of the places, but again, I would have liked to see more. Maren is a divorcee with two kids. She doesn't have time to date around and have fun, much to the disappointment of her good friend. But then Dante appears in her life and turns it all around.

I like Dante. He's sexy and fun. He's a bit younger than Maren, who isn't happy with that fact. But Dante wins her over ;)


**** stars

Buy it here

Do you see a theme for the books I read? I can't help it, I love sexy covers. This one is about a MC (motorcycle club.) We have Lance, who just found out he's a father. He's the president at the club, and knows it's not the place for a little girl to be. But he's bound and determined to figure out why this has happened. But it's not easy with Jamie hanging around. She's Gigi's teacher, and has looked after her for a while now and want's what's best for the little girl. That means not letting her stick around the club. But someone is out to get them, and it's up to Lance to get them back.

*** stars

Buy it here