Ebook Mini Reviews- September

Friday, September 30, 2016

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

Review: The Problem With Forever-Jennifer Armentrout

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The Problem with Forever
Series: standalone
Genre: romance
Pages: 480
Rating: *****










Growing up, Mallory Dodge learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime. Now, after years of homeschooling, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at a public high school. But she never imagined she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.




It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet soon it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.




“It was all about trying, and that was what I would do. I would try.” 

This is the story of Mallory and Rider. How they meet, how they fall apart, and how they fall in love. This story is full of pain, loss, and love. It's about realizing who you are and what won't hold you back. Because when you really think about it, nothing-and no one-can hold you back. 

Mallory comes from a past of pain. She tries not to think about all that happened to her, or to the person who was her best friend. It's all in the past, and she finally feels like she's moving forward and getting better. Adoptive parents who are still surprising her with generosity, she's slowly learning how to live apart of a good life. But when a part of Mallory's past come to her present, it sets her back. But is it for the worse? 

I really love Mallory. She goes through so much, and though for a while she lets what happened dictate her present and how she thinks, it doesn't last long. She realizes how strong she really is and doesn't deserve to live like she has. She hasn't used her voice in four years, but she's now getting back into using it. She gets stronger each day, especially when a set back is thrown at her. She figures out how to be stronger and makes it through. It takes a while, but she really learns about the type of person she is. She learns that no matter what happened in her past, the present is different. She won't let anxiety get to her. She's finally learning how to deal with it and live. That's my favorite part about her. I see so many characters who let circumstances dictate how they are as a person, or keep them from doing certain things. So it was a breath of fresh air to see a character grow and realize this. 

“Forever was something we all took for granted, but the problem with forever was that it really didn't exist.” 

Rider doesn't have adoptive parents. He's been shuffled around, living off the streets and just trying to make it day by day. He lives with a grandma and her grand kids, who he becomes great friends with. He's just trying to get by and stay under cover after having a troubled past few years. Rider is strong, the protector type of guy. I adore how he is with Mallory, especially their familiar friendship. 

"...util he couldn't, until the promise of forever had been shattered, and everything...everything had fallen apart."

This is a romance, but I liked how ever though they've known each other, they weren't instantly together. Their new friendship built as they tried to figure out how to be around one another. They haven't seen each other in so long, it's awkward but cute. I loved reading the scenes with them. They were so real and my heart hurt for the both of them. 

The side characters in this story were good. Each one had their role to the MC's and how they grew. Mallory learned how to stand up for herself and be strong, while Rider learned that he is loved, he just needs to open his eyes and see it. His friends were so good in this story, though they weren't around a whole lot. 

As with any story though, this one came with crushing moments. Just when everything settled, stuff happened that tilted their world all over again. It hurt when I read that part, knowing how involved this person was to them. 

This is written from Mallory's POV, written in first person. I didn't see any grammatical errors, and the story sucked me in from the beginning. I couldn't put this one down, but then again, I can't put any of her books down. So give this one a go, you can't possibly regret it.

Unless you hate feeling strong emotions and living for a week with no soul.

But then again, what reader doesn't want that to happen?


Review: Alpha's Mates-AJ Tipton

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Alpha's Mates
Series: book 2 of standalone series
Pages: 72
Genre: romance, paranormal
Rating: four stars








A CEO under attack by a vengeful coven. Two farm hands with a ranch in trouble. Can these three save each other? 


Cleo has everything under control: she's a wildly successful CEO, Alpha of a powerful bear shifter clan, and a total knockout. When a business deal puts her on the wrong side of powerful witches, she’s exiled to the middle of nowhere. Cursed to be unable to interact with electronics, Cleo has to trust the kindness of two handsome ranch hands to get back to her old life. 



Titus, a cursed dragon shifter, and Connor, gifted with supernatural intuition, are not used to company. When their ranch--a sanctuary for magical creatures--is threatened, the men must rely on their strength and Cleo's resourcefulness to save the day. Will Cleo be too distracted by her own plan for revenge to realize she may have found her true loves? 



Alpha’s Mates is a MFM paranormal romance novella in the “Bear Shifter Billionaire” series, a set of stand-alone stories that sizzle and satisfy. If you like steamy romance, wet and wild firefighting, and a literal roll in the hay, then you’ll love this breathtaking book. 



I had the chance to read the first book, Alpha's Heir, and I absolutely loved it! So I immediately asked to review book two. I've had to wait too long to read it, but now that I have, I'm so glad I did! First off, despite this being a sequel, it can be read as a standalone. I would advise reading the first, though. Because why not?

Cleo gets a change in environment, literally. She goes from bustling streets and skyscraper buildings to the great outdoors and blue sky's. She stumbles onto a farm, and it basically changes her life forever. Because what farm doesn't? (At least in romance novels. Either romance blooms or murders arise). Cleo is strong and tough, she's not one to let others control her, and she certainly isn't going to let a man do the same. I loved this about her. She won't let others step in and push her aside because she's a woman. She shows how tough we can be!

Back to the life changing farm.

On this farm happens to be two hot guys. And because this is a supernatural party, they're not humans. One is a dragon, and the other is a sexy cowboy who basically rolled in special glitter. Meaning, he's an odd one out and I can't say without spoiling. So take my word for it. Anyway, this farm is for shifters who need a safe haven. I've never read a book with so many creatures. Some I didn't even thing would be in this world! It was fascinating.

Titus and Conner are pretty hottt <so hot it needs three t's> and they immediately want Cleo. But like mentioned early, she doesn't want to be tied down by a guy. But telling them to stay away from her just makes them more determined.

Liked: I loved how fast pace it was. It's a novella, so don't go in thinking it's a full on novel. I loved the characters and how they reacted with each other, and the problems that arise.

Disliked: It went too fast. I felt like there could have been a few more chapters to really tie it up nicely.


"You realize you're a bit scary, right?" he said. 
“Darling, I'm terrifying and don't you forget it.” 


Review: Slammed- Colleen Hoover

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Slammed
Series: Book 1
Genre: Romance, young adult
Pages: 354
Rating: Five stars



Falling in love can feel like poetry. Or it can feel like a slam to the heart. Colleen Hoover’s romantic, emotion-packed debut novel unforgettably captures all the magic and confusion of first love, as two young people forge an unlikely bond before discovering that fate has other plans for them. Following the unexpected death of her father, eighteen-year-old Layken becomes the rock for both her mother and younger brother. She appears resilient and tenacious, but inside, she's losing hope. Then she meets her new neighbor Will, a handsome twenty-one-year-old whose mere presence leaves her flustered and whose passion for poetry slams thrills her. Not long after a heart-stopping first date during which each recognizes something profound and familiar in the other, they are slammed to the core when a shocking discovery brings their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together and the forces that tear them apart. Only through the poetry they share are they able to speak the truth that is in their hearts and imagine a future where love is cause for celebration, not regret.




"Choose your battles, but not very many."


I love Colleen Hoover so much. This is the first book that I've read by her, and it won't be the last. Each book she writes has a way of taking every bit of your soul and crushing it to smithereens. Don't let the pain keep you from cracking open her books though. Slammed is the very first book I read by Colleen a few years ago.

Layken just moved with her mom and little brother after the death of her dad. She is the rock that keeps her small family together and happy. Layken is tough but vulnerable and I admired her courage. She's just trying to be a normal teenager who has schoolwork.

Her neighbor from across the street is the handsome Will. Just the sight of him gives her flutters, the sound of his voice leaving her confused and stumbling for words. She feels connected to him. After he takes her to a poetry night, they agree to talk again and they split ways.

"You keep your ocean, I'll take the Lake."

Of course, Colleen doesn't make this easy.

Because they see each other faster than imagined. At her school. Where she's the student and he's her teacher. Uh oh. The story really starts at that point. They try to stay away from each other, deciding that it's too dangerous for them to be seen together at all. It's a tough time for Layken because she quickly grew close to him.

The writing is just amazing. It always captivates me. Colleen always has some sort of poetry in her books, and this wasn't a let down seeing as how it's all about poetry slams. These characters go through a lot with family and friends. Layken's mom goes through a lot, hitting the family with pain once again. Will is with her this time and it really helped her. The scene when they're at Will's house for dinner is amusing. Let's just that I butterflying love it! (Comment below if you understand that!)

"Life wants you to fight it, learn how to make it your own."

I could go on forever about this book, and it's hard to keep this going without giving away spoilers. I can only tell you to read it-because you won't regret it. It's told from Layken's pov (and maybe Wills? It's been awhile). It's fast paced but not rushed. You'll fall deeply in like with everyone and their stories.

So go ahead, read it.

"For once in my life, I was here and nowhere else."

Review: Heartborn- Terry Maggert

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Heartborn
Genre: fantasy, science fiction, paranormal
Pages: 238
Rating: four stars




Her guardian angel was pushed. Keiron was never meant to be anything other than a hero. Born high above in a place of war and deception, he is Heartborn, a being of purity and goodness in a place where there violence and deceit are just around every corner. His disappearance will spark a war he cannot see, for Keiron has pierced the light of days to save a girl he has never met, for reasons he cannot understand. Livvy Foster is seventeen, brave, and broken. With half a heart, she bears the scars of a lifetime of pain and little hope of survival. Until Keiron arrives. In the middle of a brewing war and Livvy’s failing heart, Keiron will risk everything for Livvy, because a Heartborn’s life can only end in one way: Sacrifice. Fall with Livvy and Keiron as they seek the truth about her heart, and his power, and what it means to love someone who will give their very life to save you.








*I was given this story in exchange for a honest review*


It's been quite a while since I've read a good YA fantasy. I wasn't entirely sure if I'd like the story or not, but I decided to give it a shot. It has many twist and turns to it, and it was a lot different from what I was expecting. I thought it was just another story that appears to be different but isn't at all. Well, my mistake.

Heartborn isn't cliche and the same as all other fantasy books. It's different. Livvy was born with half a heart. I know, how is that possible? I was wondering the same thing, but just read. You'll get answers. She's on earth, living her life, not knowing about what's going on above. I adored Livvy, something about her felt familiar and real to me.

Above is Keiron, an angel who is getting his wings cut off and getting tossed below. Keiron is a great character. I felt like despite his harsh realities, he still let's himself dream and wonder. He's strong and stern, but can also be vulnerable and loving when it's due.

These two characters are great together. Keiron's mission is Livvy. I won't say a lot about that area, as I don't want to give any spoilers (even though I want to!). I will say that even though they go through a lot, they don't complain about her circumstances. They're brave and work with the cards they've been dealt. It's a beautiful look on how young people are amazing and don't always appear to be a certain way. I'm so glad the author created them this way, I was always rooting for them.

This world is so different from everything else I've read about. It's not cliche and doesn't have the same ideas, which is amazing because in these days it's hard to find something different. So I applaud the author for that also.

Can I just point out how beautiful this cover is? I can't stop looking at it. I know we're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover (don't lie, you do), but if I saw this I'd so pick it up. So now that you've seen the cover, what are you waiting for?

Ebook Mini Reviews-August

Thursday, September 1, 2016

So I'm trying this new style of reviewing: Mini reviews! And instead of focusing on physical books, it'll be for ebooks! I thought I had read more, but it's been a slow month. Enjoy!







I'm a huge fan of teacher/student romances, and I was excited to find this one. It's extremely hard to find good ones, as I've only read more than a few over the few years. This is about Caleb (the student) and Gabriella (the professor), learning how to work around obstacles like family, loss, death, and love.

**** Stars


Get it here







 



I love a good standalone series where it centers around each family member. Even better, this one is about brothers! I love a good cowboy romance (duh!) and this one didn't let down. Carter has returned home from being over seas, and he just wants to relax and run his ranch. Of course, that changes when Summer, the journalist arrives. Add in a few hot brothers and a match making town, and you've got yourself a good story!

**** stars!

Get it here









First off, this cover is GORGEOUS. We have "Ace" the once upon a time famous baseball player. He's a recluse, somewhat angry all the time and wants nothing to do with Aidy. Aidy and her sister run a makeup app so people can pay for them to make them look their best, and she finds a journal. After keeping it, she decides to give it back, but Ace denies that it's his. Yet Aidy knows he's lying. And after chance meetings, they become closer. But if the journal is his, then the girl in it must have been with him too.

***** stars!

Buy it here









 
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