Shattered by Janet A Mota

Amazon US

 RATING: 4 STARS

After being raped in high school and no one believing her, Haylee runs away from Fort Lauderdale after spending the rest of the her senior year haunted by her attacker. While in college, she meets her room mate Stacey and the two immediately hit it off. After learning that Haylee's parents; who have been extremely distant since her attack; are not going to be around for Thanksgiving, Stacey invites Haylee home with her family. Stacey's family immediately welcomes Haylee and in turn finds a new family in them, something she hadn't had for a long time. Things are different for Haylee and Zander; Stacey's older brother though and throughout the years their feelings grow with Haylee never accepting his or any other guys advances after what she experienced. Finally, Haylee accepts an invitation for a date with Zander and after a scary run in with her attacker from years ago their relationship takes on a very serious level quickly. Can Haylee overcome all that holds her back? Can Zander break down her walls?

This is the second book I have read by Janet and while I have a hard time connecting to the writing style in this book, the characters immediately swept me up in their storm. You feel for Haylee and all she experiences, you want to be there for her since no one else ever was. Zander is just a perfect sweetheart. I was so happy to see the way he treated Haylee and I found myself falling for him more and more by the minute. There were a few editing errors but in general it was put together well. I would recommend this book to anyone who can handle a little tough content in their stories.

Caitlin

Copy provided for honest review.

Rhodes to Crazy by Carly Wakefield

Smashwords

RATING: 3 STARS

Sebastian Rhodes is bored of predictable women and after working hard to develop his career, He falls onto the path of Layla, quite unbeknownst to her and is later introduced to her by chance thanks to his sister-in-law Arianna. It was an instant attraction for Bastian. And Layla was smitten as well, though suffering from the dreadful "foot-in-mouth" disease during their first meeting, it did nothing to hold Sebastian back.

I wanted so badly to like this story. I felt there was great character development, I connected immediately to them, how they felt and what they were searching for in their lives. My biggest issue was the storyline. Sometimes I felt like it could use a pick-me-up. It was slow, and predictable, which I'm sure is bound to happen when you read romance after romance, but I just felt like I needed more. More angst, desire, that "I'm going to stay up all night reading, even if it kills me tomorrow" feeling.

If you lean more toward the sweet romance, then this is a must-read and you can find it for FREE on Smashwords! So head on over and pick it up.

Keri

Devada by Tich Brewster

                                                                      Amazon US
                                                              RATING: 4 STARS


This is the story of Hannah, who has no idea she happens to be a Devada. One of the only things able to kill specific demons. Like the four kings of hell maybe? Hannah lives a seemingly normal life for a high school girl,  her best friend is a boy named Chris. The first sign of trouble are the nightmares she has of losing both of her parents, frightened by them but convinced they are just nightmares Hannah thinks nothing of it. Then things start happening and we meet Josh and Raum, when things get crazy and she loses everything Hannah has to rely on these two to help her learn what she must do to help keep the world safe.

This was a very faced paced, clean novel. I enjoyed the characters, Hannah is very down to earth and I love that she didn't sit there and feel sorry for herself when things went bad. Josh is an absolute sweetheart and the definition of the 'good guy,' whereas Raum is the opposite; smart-mouthed and cocky (which just happens to make him my favourite character). The story kept up at a steady pace and overall was a good read!

Caitlin

Copy provided in exchange for honest review.

Loyalty and Lies by L.A Cotton

         Amazon US

           RATING: 5 STARS

Savanah (Ana) Parry is running, running from a past she can't forget, guilt she can't escape and memories that haunt her when she sleeps. She leaves Florida and heads for Chastity Falls Academy in Oregon for her new start away from the constant stares and whispers. Her goal is to blend in and hopefully start to move on. Ana has no idea what's going on at Chastity Falls but almost right away she can tell that something is definitely amiss. When she meets Jackson everything starts to change in good ways and in bad. Jackson has secrets too, secrets that are so much bigger than the ones Ana carries. The two begin a secret relationship, and we follow along as secrets are exposed, lives are changed and the question is asked 'Can love really conquer all?'

This book, WOW this book. I was sucked into this one from beginning to the end. Despite being left with a cliff hanger that ripped my heart out, this book was incredible. There was just something about it that had me at hello. I don't think I went 5 minutes reading where I wasn't feeling some sort of emotion over the characters. The secrets and mystery had my mind turning constantly and I loved every second of it. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a spectacular NA/College romance with some twist and angst in there for good measure. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Reading Challenge Week 6

2015 Reading Challenge

Week Six

A Book Set In A Different Country

The Legend of Arturo King by LB Dunbar
Amazon US
RATING: 5 STARS

This novel quickly made it's way to being one of my favourites that I have had the chance to review so far and I am so glad I chose it as my challenge book for this week. This book had such a great storyline behind it and I absolutely loved it.

Arturo King is lead member of the band The Nights, along with his bandmates Lansing Lotte, Perkins Vale and Tristan Lyons. One night while playing at The Round Table an underground music mecca where they once got started he sees a vision in white and immediately wants to know more about the mysterious woman. Only she isn't as mysterious as he thought, she just happens to be the only daughter of the manager of The Round Table; Leo DeGrance and her name is Guinevere. Someone he's known distantly for years. She notices Arturo as well and the two begin a journey unlike anything I have ever read before.

The way the author tailored her tale so closely to the Arthurian Legends, something I have always been interested in, was absolutely fantastic. It was great to see the story played out in a modern way. This book leaves you with a doozey of a hangover that has me pulling my hair and officially waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.

Caitlin


Mysterious Miss Channing by Nadine Millard
Amazon US
RATING: 4.5 STARS

I loved this book. I love the way relationships are explored, and all the decency that is in the forefront in historical romances. I also absolutely loved reading the thoughts that pass through Julia's and Lord Ranford's minds while they're tiptoeing around each other, working to discover if the other holds similar feelings.

Julia joins this high society family as a companion to the dowager, and is never once made to feel as an employee, but rather a part of the family. It is through this family that she becomes the sparkle in Lord Ranford's wandering eye. Ranford is new to this Lord business after the passing of his father. He was rather enjoying a life of debauchery before it all came to a quick standstill and responsibility kicked in. Julia is a mystery to all, she never speaks much about her family, or her past, but after a ball that takes place at Ranford house, it all comes spilling out when her father decides to make his way into play.

Reading this, I felt as if I was a fly on the wall watching it all coming together. Other than a few grammatical errors that caught my eye, I will say this is one I will come back to reading time and time again. It's classic, well-thought out, and wonderfully written.

Keri

Wrapped Cover Reveal

We were asked by Juliet Braddock to do an exclusive cover reveal for her second novel "Wrapped" which is book two in her Manhattan Bound series.

It's pretty exciting. I absolutely LOVED Weakened, which was book one, and I am super excited to read book two when it's available.

Juliet's dedication to writing a fantastic story is neverending. She grows with each book, and loves seeing her characters come together and build their lives.

What I love most about Juliet's covers is that these are photos she has taken herself. As a resident of NYC, she has an in depth knowledge of the city, and incorporates it into her books. The covers are of photos taken within the city, and all link back to a part of the dialogue between these two lovers.

So, without further ado, here is the cover of book two "Wrapped."

Come and join me in my love for Drew and Maxine, read book one "Weakened," and fall in love as much as I have. Pre-order your own kindle copy of Wrapped by clicking this link!

Keri

Cover Reveal Lead Up

Do you remember back in December? I read Weakened by Juliet Braddock. Well, I remember. It's a book that hasn't left me since. I've been waiting on baited breath for months now to read the second installment! Wrapped will be coming to a kindle near you in March! And I am BEYOND excited!

Here is my review of "Weakened" if you need a bit of a refresher. And you should hit up our facebook page right now because I'm giving away 5 copies of it!

Stay tuned! 

At 2PM EST we'll be revealing the cover of 

Wrapped: Book Two in the Manhattan Bound series by Juliet Braddock! 

Stone Guardian by Paulina Woods

Amazon US

RATING: 4.5 STARS

I LOVED this book, when you get into the paranormal romance genre it gets tricky trying not to just repeat a story already written because of how popular it is becoming. I didn't have to worry about that at all with this book and I really, really just can't tell you how much I liked that.

This is the story of a woman named Milcah, who grew up sheltered with her mom constantly on the move. All her life she has been told never to take the amulet her mother gave her off, not knowing why she followed this rule always. After the encouragement from her best friend Mary she sets off on a vacation driving to see the Grand Canyon, only she never reaches her destination. Instead she stumbles across what seems to be a deserted mining town, that just happens to have a field full of gargoyles and shifters made of stone. After stumbling across a magic box and breaking a long held curse, she meets Jarod and is transported to a world she never knew existed.

Jarod is a gargoyle, who also happens to be the general of an army sworn to protect all. Once unfrozen he takes Milcah to the guardian realm where she learns of secrets kept from her, her entire life and considering one of those secrets that might just be longer than she ever thought possible. We follow along while Milcah and Jarod try to find out just what she is, what the future for all holds, and their roles in it.

I was not a huge fan of the writing style which other than a few minor editing errors, is the only reason this wasn't 5 stars. When a book is written like this I have a hard time connecting to the characters but I honestly enjoyed this story so much, I barely even noticed. I also loved that it was more about the emotional rather than the physical relationship for Milcah and Jarod. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 18 due to the only sexy scene being super sexy!

Caitlin

(Copy provided for honest review.)





Blissful Valentine by Amy L. Gale

Amazon US

RATING: 4 STARS

This was a quick and fun read. Also a fairly clean NA romance, which was quite refreshing. I've been growing a little tired of the sex-filled novels, of late.

Brooke is turning her life around now that she's in college. She spent her high school years in party mode, and doesn't want to keep on this same path anymore. Enter Dean. Party boy. Frat boy. Jock. All the things that scream "PARTY" to Brooke. She wants to stay as far back as she can, and as much as she tries to put some distance between her and Dean, it just doesn't seem to be possible, when he's there at every turn.

Like I said, I really enjoyed reading this one. I read it in the span of a couple of hours, so it's really more of a novella, than anything else. It's sweet, it's funny, it's pretty clean. Give it a shot, especially if you're looking for a good Valentine's Day story to take up a few hours this weekend.

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

A Different Kind of Fairy Tale by Morgan Rayne

Amazon US

RATING: 3 STARS

A romance budding between two best friends; Stella and Alex. Stella comes from a less than desirable childhood and upbringing, with Alex having had a picture perfect life. We follow through these two coming to their senses with their feelings for each other, and having to work through the tested waters of every new relationship.

While this wasn't my favourite romance story, it holds a number of good qualities. The writing is well done, with good description. Character development was great, giving enough detail to feel with and for them. I just had a hard time connecting to the story line and felt like I was pushing myself to finish. I am interested in seeing how life plays out for the supporting characters, though. A solid story, I will recommend to fellow contemporary romance readers.

Keri

Finding His Swing by Cassidy K. O'Connor

Amazon US

RATING: 3.5 STARS

Baseball star Jake Reynolds is in a hitting slump, one that may or may not have to do with his curvaceous number one fan Chelsea Simmons. The woman Jake hasn't been able to get out of his head since she won a contest to meet him on the field. The problem is Jake is afraid that Chelsea's curves might make her stand out amongst his teammates and their wives and how that might affect Chelsea if they were to pursue a relationship together. He isn't sure he can put Chelsea through that just because he can't let her go.

Chelsea couldn't believe it when she won the chance of a lifetime to meet her favourite baseball player Jake Reynolds. She had no idea that with that one meeting she would send Jake a curve ball he never expected (no pun intended...OK maybe a little.). Can Jake and Chelsea overcome their obstacles and prove that when you're dealing with love, it's up to you whether or not you hit it out of the park ;).

This was a really sweet, baseball romance that is easy to enjoy. I am not going to lie, there were a few times that I was offended on behalf of Chelsea at Jake's inability to get over what every one else thought and affirm his feelings for her, but the overall outcome of this story left me feeling happy and I'm sure it will for you too.

Caitlin

(Copy provided in exchange for honest review.)

Love Always, Kate and Eight Days by D. Nichole King

                                 

           

Love Always, Kate 

Amazon CA     Amazon US   

Eight Days

Amazon CA     Amazon US

RATING: 5 STARS

You know those books that make you feel, and want to reach inside and just... hug the characters? Yeah, that's what these books did to me.

Love Always, Kate is the first book, and it takes us on the grueling, heartfelt ride of Kate's as she maneuvers through some difficult life challenges that have been plaguing her for the last 6 years. She runs into Damian by chance one day, and the two of them manage to build a ground for the two of them to stand on, This book is written in Kate's POV and is wonderfully written, giving us an uplifting way of looking at life, and how to survive.

Eight Days is a novella that takes us on the emotional rollercoaster in Damian during an eight day span of Love Always, Kate. I can only imagine the difficulty in going from Kate's POV to Damian's POV, but King has done a wonderful job, and really made me feel with and for Damian while he battles his demons.

To sum this up, I cannot wait to read the next part in this story, which is due out sometime this year. If you want to feel, like some angst in your YA/NA reads, give this series a shot. It won't let you down.

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for honest review.)

Reading Challenge Week 5

2015 Reading Challenge

Week Five

A Book You Can Read in a Day

Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali

Amazon US

RATING: 4.5 STARS

Karen Stivali has written a great book in the m/m romance genre. I want to start by saying that this was my first venture into m/m, and I was not at all disappointed. It was sweet, it was steamy, and it was tastefully done. 

A short read, that follows a blossoming relationship between Tanner and Collin. Collin being from a strict, irish catholic background, and Tanner from the accepting familial background. Collin goes through a pretty strong game of emotional tug-of-war before coming to terms with who he is, and what we wants in his life. Tanner is patient, kind and understanding, but also dealing with Collin's emotions, and not wanting to hurt him, and push him away. 

If you want something quick, sweet and are into the m/m genre, or want a great stepping stone into it, then definitely pick this one up! 

Keri




Trail of the Raven: Haiti by Chip Davis
Amazon US
RATING: 4.5 STARS

This is the journey of Jack Raven, a man who after the death of his adoptive mother/great aunt Ana sets off to learn more about his mother and his ancestors by retracing his mother steps from the last trip she went on before he came to live with her. From there Jack goes on a journey like nothing I
have read recently.

Chip takes you away with his words and you find yourself feeling like a companion to Jack's journey rather than an observer. Intermingled with the story we find ourselves experiencing tragedy, love, family, loss and a sense of togetherness as Jack's bond and in turn yours; grows with each new thing that happens with these characters. Set largely in Haiti it was an educational and fascinating read. I would recommend this book to anyone and I definitely look forward to reading more of Jack's journeys.

(Part of the proceeds from purchasing this book go to a man named Georges and his teenage son in Haiti towards their dream of opening their own restaurant. After reading this story, Georges will have a small piece of your heart.)

Caitlin

Soul Discovery by Miranda Shanklin

Amazon US    Kobo

RATING: 4 STARS

This is the final book in the Soul Saver series by Miranda Shanklin and you will not be disappointed. With the passages to the other realms open for travel, the gang is hard at work making sure visiting creatures are respecting the hosts of the realms. They begin to think that the faeries and trolls might be up to something and they set off to figure it out. Annisa and Chase decide to set off on their own to visit the magickal creatures they had only heard about up until now as they work to make sure their realm; and all the others they have sworn to protect, remain safe.

The different magickal creatures we are introduced to make this book my favourite in the series. There were surprises and new characters that I absolutely LOVED as they came into play and I found myself wishing for more when it came to them. Miranda did a great job rounding out the ending leaving me satisfied with the complete story. If you haven't picked up book 1 in the soul saver series and are into paranormal NA I would recommend this series to you.


Caitlin

(Copy provided in exchange for honest review.)


*****Reviews for books 1,2, 3 and 4 are also available.

Never Again by J. Lea

Amazon CA     Amazon US

Rating: 4 STARS

This tale of loss and love is sure to keep you going. You'll race through the pages to find out what happens next for dear Ella, and motorcycle racer Jake.

With these two fighting emotions, and coping with their pasts, we watch this tale unweave itself amongst the fast-paced scene of motorcycle circuits and friends. It's your typical tale, with a tug-of-war over the characters emotions, encouraging (or discouraging) friends and families, and you yearning for that happily ever after we all so desperately love to read!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. With the scene being motorcycle based, it was a nice change from the typical hometown, homegrown love that we so often read. The cliffhanger that takes place flows well with the story line, and I'm definitely interested in reading what happens next for these two.

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Reading Challenge Week 4

2015 Reading Challenge

Week Four

Read a Book With a Colour in the Title

Out of the Blue by E.L Irwin

Amazon US

Rating: 4.5 STARS

KatyBeth Reilly is super experienced when it comes to training horses and helping run the ranch she part owns with her parents. Men have never been something she really worried about, although her beauty often makes it so they worry about her but KatyBeth just hasn't found the right one. Then we meet Asher Fitzpatrick; the Hollywood actor who, after a very brief, not so friendly meeting with KatyBeth  decides there's just something about this woman he can't leave alone. As a result, he agrees to do a movie on one condition only. KatyBeth soon realizes that Asher is like no man she has ever met before and we watch as KatyBeth fights all the urges she has telling her that Asher might just be everything she never thought she needed.

I loved this story. It was a very clean, sweet read that had my attention right from beginning to end. I loved watching KatyBeth run Asher through the paces and I loved the chemistry present between the characters. Asher was everything I love in a male lead character, I can't tell you how much I loved him. At one point, I even messaged Keri to let her know that you could easily exchange Kate for Cait ;). I would recommend this book to anyone with a love of country settings and sweet romance.

Caitlin



Black by Catherine Winters
Amazon US
RATING: 4 STARS

This is a vampire book that I truly enjoyed. I've been reading my fair share of vampire stories as of late, and this one is slightly different. We're taken on a journey with Josephine (our main female lead) and a battle of property, shall we say, between Grant and Max.
It was an interesting concept, with Josephine being an author, releasing books written about vampires. Her accuracy in their habits gains some notice amongst the vampire world, however. Max is her ex-lover, also a vampire. Grant is the new guy/vampire, coming in to sweep Josephine off her feet.
My only complaint with this story is that the heroine lacked some depth of character. She was very pliant, and just did whatever Grant told her to do, while with Max she fought tooth and nail. There were a few parts, including the vampirism, that could have been explored a little more as well, to gain a more sturdy storyline. All in all, it was good, and I definitely recommend reading it.

Keri