The Kiss by Erica M. Christensen

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Rating: 4 STARS

The Kiss is the debut novella from Erica M. Christensen. It's a New Adult contemporary romance story that introduces us to Addison (Addi). This poor girl has the life she's grown accustomed to, ripped out from under her, her job, her home, her fiance. All gone. So, she heads home to Iowa from Los Angeles to live with her Mom. 

While home, she gets in touch with some of the friends she grew up with. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, bombs are dropped. It feels like a rough go for dear Addi, and life just isn't ready to sort itself out for her yet. That is until she gets a beer dumped on her in a bar on New Year's Eve by Sexy Tattooed Man. 

I cannot wait to read more of this story. It ends on a fantastic note, and definitely leaves you wanting more. The only point that brought this down for me was during the reading. I felt like the relationship that was being explored needed more depth, deserved more depth. With that said, once I got to the end, I understood what was happening. As a result, it brought the book up from 3.5 stars, to 4. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Keystrokes by Lisa Marie

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Rating: 4.5 STARS

Since this is a book that we have both been waiting to read, we've both written a bit of a review for you to enjoy. Lisa was our primary reason behind starting this blog, and this is the one way we know to show our support. We've been following and encouraging, and helping get Lisa's name out there as much as we possibly can, and we are looking forward to being able to do the same for any number of other deserving authors as well. So, without further ado, here's our review of "Keystrokes" by Lisa Marie.

The chance of a lifetime. That's what it was and, it evolved into the love of a lifetime. Keystrokes is a dazzling read with love and laughter. It's the story of Farrow, the book blogger and Kasen Wells, the Hollywood Hottie. Farrow enters a contest which leads her to the set of "Dirty," getting the exclusive inside look of a novel-turned movie, that hit the media by storm. This is where she meets Kasen, mutually falling hard and fast. A relationship with the Hollywood Star has it's drawbacks, though. Especially when being in the limelight is the last place he wants to be, and Farrow is just getting a taste for it.

I was first given a taste of this novel back in May, my excitement has been building, and I'm so pleased to say that I wasn't let down, either. Lisa Marie has written a sweet and honest story for us, straight out of a fairy tale. Farrow's goal was to become successful in life without the help of a man. This becomes the one barrier between her and Kasen, who wants to step back from his stardom and is ready to settle down in life, with the one woman that makes him happy. We follow them through some major life events, and the support they show each other was fantastic. They were two characters in sync with each other, making the whole story that much easier to read in one sitting (yes, I said one sitting...). I loved it. I can safely say this will be a book that I re-read when I need a lift. 

Keri

Now what to say since Keri has said it all. Keri was the one who introduced me to Lisa Marie, Kasen and Farrow. After months of following teasers and posts I was so excited to sit down and read Keystrokes. Trust me when I say I wasn't disappointed. I loved the relationship between Farrow and Kasen. I felt it was as real as a fictional relationship could be. Although the relationship is tested a few times throughout the book our characters find their way back to each other showing just how true their love is and that they are willing to fight for it. The supporting characters helped the story along creating a wonderful read that I am so glad I got to experience. Lisa Marie you did a wonderful job on your debut novel. xo

Caitlin

Numb by Xavier Neal

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RATING: 4.5 STARS

Logan and Maxx! Hello, and thank you for finally getting to that place you need to be at! It makes my heart so happy!  

This part of the series is filled with a little more drama and heartbreak than it's counterparts "Blind" and "Deaf." In this book we meet Dean. Dean pulls at Logan's heart strings just a little (I mean A LOT.), and I can't wait to see how he works into the next segment. We're seeing a whole other side to Logan. A side that makes my insides all gooey and we see Maxx's weaker moments. We learn more of their history, and we can see why they have such great chemistry and the dynamics in their family unit that keep them going, and keep them together. 

Once again, that inner monologue, and the dialogue with the audience captivates me. It speaks to me. I don't have enough praise for it.

Seriously- I do not want to wait until December for "Hush." But I will, since I have to. ;)

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

*** Reviews for "Blind" and "Deaf"

Deaf by Xavier Neal

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RATING: 4 STARS

We're picking up in the second part of the Senses series with Maxx and Logan. Still trying to figure out what they want to do. Or rather, how to go about getting together. It feels like they finally figure it out. And at least one of them does. 

It seems like Logan is making some pretty vital changes in his lifestyle. Working to make Maxx see who he wants to be, what he's willing to do for her. But Maxx is having a hard time dealing with it and feels like Logan is just doing/saying what he has to, to get what he wants. Their roles have reversed in the second part of their story. And there's a strong "It is, what it is" attitude present, as well.

We see more of the inner monologue writing style, which I absolutely love (I mean it. It really woks for how my brain functions.). And the cliffhanger is what gets me. Every. Time. I really don't like them, especially when we're left with so much feeling unfinished.

I'm about to dive into Numb, which will hopefully resolve a lot of the angsty, unfinished feelings that I have at the moment. I'll be back with the next review soon enough, I'm sure of it!  

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

*** Reviews for "Blind" and "Numb" available

Londyn Falls by Jennifer Domenico

Blurb:

He makes me want to ease his sorrow. To know what broke his heart. To help him heal. When he’s near, my breath catches, my heart races, my body sings. His very presence ignites my soul with desire.

All I want is to love him.

I just wish he knew it. ~ Londyn Harper

She makes me want to open my heart. Ask her to love me. Tell her my secrets. She makes me want to try again. When she’s near, my heart begins to heal, my body yearns to touch her, the darkness disappears.

All I want is to love her.

I just need to tell her. ~ Luca Di Roma

Londyn thinks she could never get a man like him. Luca fears if she learns his secret, she will run. Does he have what it takes to love her? Could she love him back?

 

   

Excerpts:

 

The professor sighs and leans back in his chair. “I can’t have you cowering in the corner like a frightened mouse. You need to speak up and say what you mean. Do you have an assertive bone in your body?”

“Yes.”

“Well, use it.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“What shall I call you then?”

Every ounce of the minimal confidence I have left in me slithers away as I watch the professor rise from his chair and walk towards me. I do my absolute best to stay put and not run from the room like I want to. Placing both hands on either side of my desk, he leans close to me, staring into my eyes, daring me to flinch.

“You may call me Professor.”

 

Teasers:

Other Books by Jennifer Domenico…

Turn Towards the Sun

Turn Towards the Sun: After the Rain

Turn Towards the Sun: Forever in Bloom

Beautifully Twisted

Have My Heart

Chasing Desire

About The Author:

One day, many months ago, Jennifer Domenico went to sleep and a beautiful love story played out in her dreams.

When she awoke, she felt compelled to write it down. So she did- for days and days she wrote. The result was her first novel, Turn Towards the Sun and a writing career was born.

Ms. Domenico lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her very Italian husband, a dog that adores her, two cats that tolerate her, and a wicked sweet tooth.

Social Media Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/JenDomenico

http://jenniferdomenico.com

@jendomenico

https://www.facebook.com/authorjendomenico

Amazon US

Rating: 5 STARS

This is the love story of Luca, the ornery professor, and Londyn, his new assistant. When I first started this book, I was upset. I thought it was a spin off of "Gabriel's Inferno." I was wrong. And then I was dreading it being one of those "insta-love" stories that drive me crazy. It wasn't. 

This story is so well written, keeping you engaged from beginning to end. The characters and story progressed so naturally, the POV changes were done to perfection. The manner it's delivered in was a great choice. The whole time you're just waiting, and hoping that life will come together for these two, that they'll overcome whatever obstacle they seem to think is standing in their way. I don't have enough good things to say about this book. I will highly recommend this novel to any romance reader in the future.

This book is set to release on November 16th. At which point I will include buy links in my review.
Also, please stay tuned because we will be a part of the Blog Tour for this release on November 24th! 

-Keri 

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Unexpected Surprises by Janet A. Mota

                                               
                                               Amazon CA Amazon US Kobo                                                  Rating: 3.5 stars  

This review is going to be a little hard for me. This book had a really good storyline. Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of the style of writing used in this book. Honestly, the plot deserves a 4 but I have a hard time getting past the writing style, which brings it down to the 3.5 rating I gave it.

The story is about Kat and Rey. First we meet Kat who has just survived a horrible accident and the loss of her parents, husband and 2 children as well as any chance to have children in the future. (My heart broke for this woman at this point I even shed a few tears). Five years later, and Kate has been living a life in the shadows, only going to the grocery store when necessary and never anywhere else. She finally decides she needs a change and after talking to her uncle and him letting her borrow his apartment in Portugal while he is away, she takes off for some much needed time away. There we meet Rey who has known Kat forever, always loving her in secret. We then learn despite having been in love with her husband, Kat has always had a part of her heart locked away for Rey. These two are so sweet to each other and you can tell that they really do love each other. It's not that easy though and the two have to struggle and overcome many obstacles on their journey to Happily Ever After.

Like I said, I really did enjoy the story and I would recommend it to someone looking for a sweet second chance romance with a tiny bit of angst thrown in for good measure. The writing style wasn't for me but if it sounds like you would like the storyline please give it a shot. You might find it's worth it.

-Caitlin

(ARC provided for honest review.)

Havoc by Xavier Neal

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Rating: 4 STARS

We  are introduced to Clint (Grim) in the prologue, a sad back story of his mother passing, bringing to light Clint's feelings about his dad's absence growing up. And in the beginning we learn how serious and "Grim" he is, so he's aptly named. In the here and now of the book, Clint is on leave, counting down the days until his next deployment until he finds a bruised and battered Haven unconscious in his yard. His mission at that point becomes nothing other than keeping her safe. He falls for her. He feels so strongly that he needs to protect this young girl. He is immediately in tune with her feelings, and is overwhelmed by it, as is she. We follow them through the next intense 87 days, settling Haven into a different life, with a network of people to help, and preparing each other for life after his deployment. And we find out what they forgot to prepare for, as a result of concentrating solely on that time. 

I might be biased, I really love romance stories starring Marines, Army dudes, and other sorts of commandos, this is definitely a book up the same alley as "Corps Security." This is not a super smut read. But the romance is there. The "alpha" is there, quite literally.

Two things that "bothered" me with this book, and prevents me from giving it 5 STARS is; one- the relationship between Clint and his dad. I feel like he's holding on too tightly to something he should understand with the career choices that he made. And two- I think more back story on Haven would have been good, or sharing the POV between them.

-Keri 

(ARC provided in exchange for honest review.) 

Fractured by Leanne Pearson

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Rating: 5 stars

This is the story of loss, heartbreak and the hard and long journey back from grief. It's a story about learning to move on, even when it seems like you never will. It's the story of what happens when two people so broken and lost find each other and realize maybe, just maybe there can be love after loss.

Our main characters in this story are Kate and Dom. After suffering the loss of her long time love and boyfriend, Kate is struggling under the heavy weight of her grief. Suffering from the staggering symptoms of PTSD, immense survivor's guilt, and a broken heart she spirals into a life where the only thing that seems to matter is how much she can drink to make the pain go away. Enter Dom, a struggling war survivor who knows exactly what Kate is going through when it comes to her PTSD and wants nothing more than to make the shadows disappear from the woman who seems to push everyone away in her grief. Dom doesn't give up though, and we follow along while he tries to help her back into the world she's shut herself off from. Dom knows a little bit about survivors guilt himself, after being one of the very few survivors from a tour in Afghanistan, he's struggled with his own demons for years. Almost right away he is drawn to Kate, he sees her struggles and understands what it's like. Their journey together isn't always easy but not much is a match for love, it always finds a way.

I want to tell you so much more about this story, since I can't, I will just say that you will not be disappointed. I cried, I laughed, I got really freaking frustrated at points with the heroine because I just really wanted her to realize what she was doing to herself and those around her but at the same time I understood. Dom was what every hero should be. His devotion to Kate from the beginning had my tummy all a flutter. He was strong and that was just what Kate needed, someone who could help shoulder and fight through all of the negative feelings and thoughts Kate constantly struggles with. If you are looking for a story about love lost, love found and love's redemption then please pick up a copy of Fractured by Leanne Pearson you won't be sorry. GREAT debut novel.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for honest review.)

You Are My Sunshine by Angie Merriam

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  Rating: 4 STARS.

Honestly, what did I just read?. It was like one minute I thought I might have it figured out and then BAM I get slapped in the face with a crazy new piece to the story. I LOVED IT!!! I'm not going to sit here and say I loved everything about it. I found at times I was shaking my head at some of the events that were happening or something someone was saying just because it seemed a little bit unrealistic. Overall though, I really did enjoy this book. It also deals with cheating, something I generally shy away from and have a hard time getting through, but even though I have such strong feelings on the subject the main way it was involved in the story did not really offend me the way some others do. I have to admit, I started this book not liking the leading male character, he was a cheater, she deserved better, I was very biased against him. By the end I think I liked him more than the heroine. The heroine was great she was smart, independent, and determined not to fall back into a relationship she wasn't sure she could ever truly trust again. The background characters were great, Dane and Trish were great supporting characters I looked forward to seeing them appear throughout the story.

                                      “Have you been working out Matt?"

“I will never hurt you again. You are my Sunshine. No one can take my sunshine away.”

                                                

                                                         "Do you crave my touch anymore?”

So the story goes like this. Sunshine Everly loved her husband, in fact she's certain that she still does. Matt Everly loved his wife, but he made a horrible mistake that ruined his marriage. Sunshine swears she will never be able to trust Matt again, how can she give him her heart again when the last time she did he broke it. Matt swears he will do WHATEVER it takes to make her see that they can start again and that they can overcome what they've been through. I loved watching the relationship build back up between these two. They were just sweet you just want so very much for everything to be okay. However while this is going down, and Matt is working to get back into Sunshine's good books murder, secrets and lies attack the small town of Lincoln. At a rather good pace the story unfolds for you and has you guessing over and over again. As I said at the beginning, there were a few times in the book I found myself shaking my head because something I was reading wasn't very realistic, but it was minor enough for it to not really effect the feel of the story for me. Anyways if you enjoy a good case of "Who Done It" pick up this book by Angie Merriam you won't be sorry you did. 

Caitlin

(ARC provided for honest review.)