ARC Review: Fighting Attraction

I am absolutely in love with Sarah Castille's Redemption series. She's actually my new favorite MMA romance author. Check out my thoughts below on her newest release.

Title: Fighting Attraction
Series: Redemption, #4
Author: Sarah Castille
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Pages: 368
Buy Links: Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | BN (Print) | BN (Nook) | Books-A-Million | IndieBound | iBooks Google Play

Blurb:

My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me.
I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption's top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn't the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He's hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart...Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

Such a painfully amazing read!!!

Don't you just love it when you can relate to the characters of a book? Or maybe you want to be that character in real life? These were the kinds of feelings that I had when reading Sarah's new release. I couldn't put it down! It was one of my absolute favorite reads of 2017. 

Penny was British - love her already! She was prim and proper, but she hid a dark secret. She had a certain kind of release that she sought and she only got it from one source, until Rampage came along. 

It had been a while since I read the last Redemption book, so I couldn't remember Rampage all that well. However, I think I liked not remembering him from previous books because I was able to look at him with fresh eyes. He was all kinds of intense! He was friends with everybody and was loved by everybody. And then he had a "dark" secret that he was ashamed of? Oh my, give him to me!

Penny and Jack's inner struggles were like a push and pull situation. Someone would push the other, usually Jack, and then Penny would pull away and retreat to her comfortable source of release.

I'd read a lot of intense novels before, but somehow, this was intense in a different kind of way because I wanted to have what they had. I wanted to be Penny. I wanted to meet my Jack. It gave me all the feels, basically.

One sure way to check if I liked a book was to see how many scenes I'd highlighted. I pretty much highlighted half of this book! I loved so many scenes, I couldn't choose just one to share here!

Of course, there was the camaraderie among the Redemption fighters. I just loved it all!

Blade Saw: "Maybe they'd (Cora and Penny) be interested in a threesome."

Rampage: Don't hit him. Don't hit him. Don't hit him. *hits Blade Saw*

Blade Saw: "What the fuck?"

Rampage: "Slipped."

Blade Saw: "You think I don't know you, but I do. What's the worst that can happen? You ask her out and she says no. You move on. Look at me. I fell for Sandy. Got dumped. Got back together with her. Got dumped. Fell for Jess. Got dumped. Not much of my heart left, but I'm still standing and taking shit from you."

Now I definitely can't wait for Blade Saw's book!

Ok, here's one more just for giggles.

Ray (Predator): "Who did you go out with and not tell me about?"

Penny: "If I didn't tell you, I might have a reason."
Ray: "Why? Did someone hurt you? Someone hurts you, and I'll rip off his balls and stuff them down his throat."

Get this book, and get all the Redemption books! You wouldn't regret it!

Check out my review of the other books below.

Book 1 - Against the Ropes

Book 2 - In Your Corner

Book 3 - Full Contact

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ARC Review: Worthwhile

Lynne Silver's Worthy series has been a hit with the readers so far. Check out my review of the third book below.

Title: Worthwhile
Series: Worthy, #3
Author: Lynne Silver
Self-Published
Release Date: March 18, 2017
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | BN Google

Blurb:

Drew Weaver is co-owner of the hottest club in Miami, with all the women he wants--until his sick mother moves in with him. With his serial hookups on hold, he expects his social life to sag under the weight of responsibility. But after spending time with his mother and her pretty home health aide, Olivia, this playboy discovers being a homebody may just be the hottest, sweetest deal of all. 

Until a rival makes it his mission to tear them apart.
Olivia Rodriguez is the daughter of Colombian immigrants with old-fashioned ideas that she should live at home until she marries a man they approve of. She rebelled in high school with boys--lots of boys. Now a nurse, she's sworn off men, especially Javier, a man who has her parent’s approval. But Javier doesn’t ring her bells. Not like Drew, the handsome, cocky son of her client, who does his best to break down her walls. He is the one guy she can't resist, in any way.

But when Javier shows her evidence of Drew's betrayal, should she give up on him…or is their love and passion worth fighting for?

A womanizer falling in love? 

Drew was the guy who didn't date a woman for more than a week. First of all, that cover was so perfect after reading this book. That was totally Drew on the cover. *fans self* 

I think there's a misconception that all womanizers are jerks, but not Drew. He actually had a heart and he cared about everyone. He kept everything for the long term except for women. He didn't think love was worth his time because of the way his parents divorced. 

Olivia was a sheltered woman who let her family run her life for too long. It made sense coming from a Colombian family. There was nothing wrong with being family oriented, but there was a limit to it. Drew wanted her to live her life, so he offered to be her life guide. 

These two were so cute together. The book was light and such an easy read -- another win, for sure. I loved the funny moments the most, but also the private, more romantic moments. Drew could be silly when he wanted to, and he felt comfortable around Olivia. I liked that their relationship didn't dilly dally. Yes, there were challenges along the way, but Drew didn't waste time telling Olivia he liked her. 

I also loved that the people in their lives were equally involved in the story, without being too much. I especially liked Drew's mom. I wasn't sure what to think of her in the beginning of the book, but at the end, I loved her!

Karen: "Andrew, stop playing footsie with my nurse and manage your dog."

Drew: "Mom."

Karen: "Did you think I'm so blind that I can't see the two of you putting your hands all over each other?"

Olivia: "I'm sorry, we were trying to be discreet."

Worthless (Worthy, #2)

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ARC Review: Private Reserve

Ever since I read Cathryn Fox's Hands On series, she became one of those authors that I would read anything from. So, when I saw that she was releasing a new book with Entangle'd Scorched, I jumped at the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: Private Reserve
Series: Dossier, #1
Author: Cathryn Fox
Publisher: Entangled: Scorched
Release Date: March 6, 2017
Pages: 87
Buy Links: Amazon | Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Blurb:

Olivia was the best thing that ever happened to me. But she’s a good girl, and I have a side that is far too dark for a minister’s daughter. When she started talking about plans after graduation, the only thing I could do was run back to Italy—to protect her from me. But she’s back in my life, and I need a wife before I can take full ownership of our failing vineyard and hotel. Only problem is, I want her again. No way can I put my hands on her. One kiss, one taste, could unleash the side of me that would only scare her.

If she discovers my dark side, I don’t know if she’ll flee back to the states, or surrender to me. What she doesn’t know is she already owns me, and if she leaves, I’ll never be the same.

As soon as I read the first page, I couldn't stop reading until I reached the end.

I love contemporary novels, probably because it was easier to imagine. This time around, Ms. Fox took me to Italy in a beautiful and peaceful vineyard, full of senior couples. The main character Olivia wasn't sure why she ended up in a place like it, until she inadvertently witnessed a passionate encounter.

I had to stop after the first chapter because I had to get back to work, but as I was hiking with my friend that same day, I made a prediction: she would hook up with her ex and the two people she encountered. As I kept reading, I was right. Now, was it predictable? Well, I've read so many books that I figured as much. But the fun part was reading about their journey.

The heat built up until it turned into an inferno, and it was all thanks to Gio. Poor guy kept referring to himself as a beast, thinking that being a minister's daughter, Olivia must be an innocent. He was so wrong. 

"I see the way she looks at you. I see the raw need in her eyes, a girl who aches to be dominated. I would know. We share that, remember?" - Mystery third participant ;)

You'll have to read the book to find out who the third participant was. This book was hot when it finally exploded. As with Cathryn's Hands On series, I wanted more. I wished this book was longer. I wanted to read more about the threesome ;)

Overall, this was a quick, steamy read that I would definitely recommend. I can't wait for the next books!

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Review: Worthless

Lynne Silver is one of those authors that I tend to read whenever I am presented with the opportunity. I initially read Unworthy and was really curious as to the next story, so when I saw book two on sale, I immediately grabbed it. Check out my thoughts below.

Title: Worthless
Series: Worthy, #2
Author: Lynne Silver
Self-Published
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Pages: 196
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | GooglePlay | Kobo | Nook

Blurb:
Daniel Ross is getting his life in Miami back on track. Common lore says once an addict, always an addict, but Danny's out to prove lore is a moron. After a tough, celibate year of getting sober, a rental room in the home of his sister’s best friend Amy is only a stop on his journey to better things. But the best thing in Danny's life may be right in front of him--the sweet, curvaceous Amy. When they tumble into bed, he discovers a new addiction to her smokin' lips and body.

When Amy Stern agrees to let Danny move in, it’s out of compassion. Her new tenant isn’t supposed to fill her thoughts, and star in her sexy dreams. He's definitely not meant to interfere with her budding relationship with a steady, sweet lawyer. If Amy were smart, she’d design clothes for her plus-sized women’s boutique, date her lawyer, and suppress her longing for Danny. And she'd definitely never touch him. Because once she does, his kisses and his embrace set off an explosive craving neither of them can control.

Now Amy's caught in a love triangle, and she has a secret that she's going to have to share with both men, the sooner the better. Which one of them is worthy of her trust, and her commitment?

Where do I start? I practically tweeted the author every other page; I loved it so much!

Right from the very start, this book did not mess around. The characters went straight to the good stuff. You know what I'm talking about. They pretty much did everything backwards, and it was glorious!

This book was so funny and heartwarming from beginning to end. Danny and Amy had their own internal struggles, but together, they were able to work things out by strengthening each other's resolve. It was really quite inspiring.

Danny: "I think Cat left these here...and let that be the very last time I ever say my sister's name during sex."

Danny was the perfect damaged book boyfriend. Seriously, I might have wished he was real and available for me ;) He was funny, witty, and all-around amazing. He was vulnerable at times, but I think, being able to admit his weakness was so admirable. 

Amy wasn't perfect, definitely not in her own opinion. She had a lot of hang ups about her weight and her appearance in general. But when Danny needed her, she was at his side no matter what. She was his rock and it was so beautiful reading about them leaning on each other at times.

One of my favorite moments were when they would share a meal together. It was so domestic and refreshing. I especially loved that one of the dishes were called "Cuban chicken chop chop." I'm a sucker for those clever names of things so I was swooning at the name alone. 

Overall, this book was hilarious, but also very, very romantic. Despite all the troubles they'd had, this book was light and so easy to read, and one of my 2017 favorite reads. Highly recommend!

Drew: "It's midnight, Ian. Night's barely started."

Ian: *grinning "True. I'm headed to bed, but not for sleeping." 

Danny: *glaring* "That's my sister you're talking about."

Ian: *laughing* "Sorry. Let's go."

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ARC Review: Wolf Moon

I'm so behind with Lisa Kessler's Moon Series, but better late than never. I have read the first book (Adam's story) and the sixth book (Logan's story), but when an email came through asking if I wanted to read the newest and seventh book (Luke's story), I couldn't resist. Check out my review below.

Title: Wolf Moon
Series: Moon Series
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Release Date: February 6, 2017
Pages: 248
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | BN

Blurb:

As the last Pack member without a mate, Luke Reynolds has become an outsider. When he takes a job as the head horse trainer in Sedona, Arizona, he’s looking forward to starting a new life. But everything changes the night he finds a beautiful woman stranded on the side of the highway.

Raven Wood has been bitten and turned against her will. Luckily, her spirit is stronger than most, and she has every intention of escaping the Sedona Pack. Somehow. The sexy lone wolf who rescues her might be just the answer she’s looking for.

But the Sedona Pack Alpha has a mission, and unless Luke and Raven can stop him, they’ll lose everything.

Action-packed and quite epic!

I have been reading this series out of order, and this has been the third book I've read from the series. I must say that this was my favorite book so far! I loved it so much!

Chapter 1 was such a great example of how to write a proper story. If that doesn't sell this book to you, I don't know what would.

Luke was afraid he'd never find his mate, but when he did, wow, what a dilemma!

There was a part when Luke was beaten to a pulp and he couldn't fight back. That was such a gruesome thing to read, but it was necessary. I thought it only strengthened his resolve to successfully infiltrate the pack of misguided wolves led by a sinister Alpha. 

Raven was a headstrong woman who was bitten to become part of an army of werewolves. The instinct to protect was just as present as it was inside Luke's. It was so energizing reading about Raven and Luke trying to protect each other. 

One of my favorite things from this book was in chapter one when the author inserted all kinds of ironic things that the readers would have already known, but Raven didn't. It was fun waiting for her to piece things together and figure things out.

Raven: "You're very sexy when you lift saddles like they weigh nothing."

Luke: "And just so you know... I lift saddles multiple times a day."

Raven: "Is that a challenge?"

Luke: "Nah. Just thought you might want to know."

Another thing I really enjoyed was how Luke kept trying to teach other wolves in the pack he'd infiltrated how to properly greet each other. I thought it was so honorable and... right. 

I also really enjoyed the part when they all turned under a full moon and someone had to bite Luke's tail in order to prevent him from giving away his cover. It would seem that his wolf wasn't in on the secret ;)

Overall, this book made me glad I started reading paranormal romance again. That's not to say I'd actively seek them out now, but I'm glad I'm reading this series. 

"I'd rather have a little place so I can keep accidentally bumping into you."

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ARC Review: Nico

I loved Sarah Castille's Redemption series, so when I received notice to review the first book in a new series, I jumped at the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: Nico
Series: Ruin and Revenge
Author: Sarah Castille
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Pages: 368
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | BN | Chapters Indigo | Book Depository | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Blurb:

Las Vegas Mafia boss, Nico Toscani, is used to getting what he wants, whether it is having the City of Sin under his rule or a beautiful woman in his bed. But when he meets his match in the gorgeous, headstrong Mia Cordano, the daughter of a rival crime lord, all bets are off. . .

Sexy computer hacker, Mia, struggles to break free of her ruthless father’s Mafia ties…but she can’t resist the powerful and seductive Nico, who will stop at nothing to possess her. With their families locked in a brutal war for control of the city, Mia and Nico enter into a forbidden game. Will they surrender to the passion that burns between them―and risk tearing apart their families? Or will Nico be forced to betray the only woman who sets his blood on fire?

The chemistry was so hot!

I don't think I've read a mafia romance before this one, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The mob vibe was definitely there. There was no romanticizing Nico. He was a capo, which meant his hands weren't clean, but his intentions were good. 

I liked that he wasn't into dealing drugs or prostitution or whatever kind of bad stuff that would attract the FBI. He tried to stay straight, even when he did have illegitimate businesses as well. His loyal crew was proof that he was someone trustworthy.

Mia: "I'm not his woman."

Big Joe: "I don't mean any disrespect, ma'am, and I don't have a woman of my own, so I could be wrong. But since I'm supposed to sit outside your place all night to make sure you're safe under pain of death, I think you are."

Mia was a badass mafia princess. She hated pink and preferred the punk rock fashion style. For some reason, Nico found this style very interesting. Mia was also a hacker. Reading about her work was exhilarating, though I wished there would have been more detail in her process. 

Together, Nico and Mia had an explosive time together. There was an underlying danger because they were from rival families, but their attraction was stronger than spite. 

One of my favorite scenes was the "sexytimes countdown." Definitely something to look forward to!

I liked the book enough to look forward to the next book in this series. Check this out if you're into a gritty kind of romance centered around the mafia world.

Here's one more little teaser for you:

Mia: "So you know your tools. Am I supposed to be impressed?"

Nico: *laughs out loud* "I can only hope. Nothing has worked so far. I also have some familiarity with fixing up old cars. Among other things."

Mia: "Fixing to steal them? Like you stole me?"

Nico: "You wound me, bella. I give you my word I mean you no harm."

Mia: "The word of a mob boss."

Nico: "My word as a man."

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ARC Review: Legend of Love

I'm really enjoying Lisa Kessler's The Muse Chronicles series. Check out my review of the second book below!

Title: Legend of Love
Series: The Muse Chronicles, #2
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Lisa's Lair
Release Date: December 5, 2016
Pages: 256
Buy Links: Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | BN | ARe

Blurb:

Callie O'Connor's life has never been the same since the Muse of Epic Poetry came alive inside of her. Now she's on the other side of the country, working as civilian psychologist for the Navy, and leading her Muse sisters in their quest to reopen the Theater of the Muses.

But nothing could have prepared her for Hunter Armstrong. He's a Navy SEAL, driven, confident, and dangerous. And he plans to do more than just protect her.

The gods couldn't have picked a better Guardian. But as Hunter soon discovers, Callie has some skeletons of her own in the closet, and loving her could lead to his destruction. 

I had a book hungover days after I finished this book. 

Right from the very start, I was hooked. Hunter and Callie already had an epic banter, and it was literally not even ten pages in. This book was such a page turner. I loved the amount of action, romance, and depth in this book. There wasn't a dull moment at all.

Hunter was a great guy overall. He was noble, kind, and protective. I was really impressed when he used his Navy SEAL skills during some difficult times. I thought it was so hot; I could clearly picture him in my head, dripping from being in the water. *fans self*

Callie was headstrong and a bit misled by her own self. She had the biggest fear of hurting the people she most cared about, so she kept pushing Hunter away. I was glad to know that Hunter was totally into doing all the things that were considered a bad idea by saner people.

I loved the cameo of the main characters from the first book, Lure of Obsession. Being able to work together was cool, and a little foreshadowing of a future hero was awesome. I'm sure you'll figure it out when you read the book. 

That said, I highly recommend you pick up this book. It can stand alone, but of course, it's better to read in order. 

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ARC Review: Tied to His Betrayal

You all probably know by now that I love Stacey Kennedy. So when the second book in her Dirty Little Secrets series became available on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. Check out my review below.

Title: Tied to His Betrayal
Series: Dirty Little Secrets, #2
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Pages: 229
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Books-A-Million | Google Play

Blurb:

Darius Bennett can’t live without supreme control. A self-made billionaire, he’s rich enough to get anything—and any woman—he wants, yet he’s still haunted by a broken relationship. Five years ago, Darius let Taylor Erikson go because he knew he could never give her what she truly wanted: his heart. But the moment Taylor walks back into his life, bruised and beaten, Darius blames himself. To make good on his betrayal, he vows to help her heal—in and out of the sheets.

Once upon a time, Darius was Taylor’s world. Now his fierce embrace is exactly what she needs to get back on her feet. But Taylor pays a heavy price for her sizzling nights with Darius. As the emotional ties become stronger than ever and the paparazzi hunt her down for their next juicy story, Taylor must face some hard truths. They can’t go back. And to move forward, the key to loving Darius isn’t about keeping his secrets—it’s about exposing them.

Passionately hot, Stacey Kennedy hits it home again!

There was something about a powerful billionaire that was simply attractive. But what made Darius desirable was his habit to provide and to protect for those people he cared about. No matter that he thought it was his duty, the people who received his "help" probably took it as him being kind and generous.

One flaw that Darius had was that I thought he was self-centered. He thought the world revolved around him and whatever conflict other people had must have been because they were associated with him. Sometimes I wanted to smack some sense into him.

Darius loves lace; he always has. Lace belongs on your body, he once told me. He steps behind me and tightens the mask around my face, and I realize I can still see quite a bit. And that's when I know the lace is for him--his kink--not to hinder my eyesight.

On the other hand, Taylor somehow ended up worse than when she was with Darius. You see, Darius being the protector that he was, broke Taylor's heart thinking she was better off without him. Well then, she ended up in worse situations. Thanks, Darius. One thing I loved about Taylor, however, was her drive. No matter how bad things got, she was logical and didn't let her emotions get the best of her. She also saw the best in people, even when the same people would hurt her in return. Last thing I loved about Taylor was her love of books. A woman after my own heart!

Together, these two broken pieces became whole when they finally accepted that they belonged with each other. But of course, it didn't come without challenges. There was a mole among them, and I couldn't wait to read the next one in hopes that they'd finally find the culprit.

Before I spoil this book, I would end this review and implore you to buy this book. You would most definitely not regret it. 

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ARC Review: Necessary Evil

The first time I read a Jamie K. Schmidt book, I was scorched. When an opportunity presented itself to read another book from this author, I took the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: Necessary Evil
Series: Sentinels of Babylon, #1
Author: Jamie K. Schmidt
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Pages: 234
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

Lucy Simmons comes from a rough family, but she’s a damn good public defender. Even though she hates to see criminals walk due to sloppy police work, the law’s there to make sure everyone gets a fair trial, and Lucy certainly doesn’t believe in the kind of justice meted out by the leather-clad ex-cop they call “Evil.” He’s stubborn, cynical, and out of control—but he plays her body like no man ever has. For once, both Lucy’s boss and her brother agree: The biker is trouble.
 
Evan Villiers took a sacred vow to let no killer, rapist, or pedophile go unpunished. When scumbags fall through the system, the Sentinels of Babylon clean up the garbage. Although the SOBs and their methods may not be to Lucy’s liking, the beautiful lawyer has become Evan’s light in the dark. But his next hit is Lucy’s own brother—a murderer who got off on a technicality. Now, with his loyalties split, Evan must turn his back on his sworn duties . . . or lose the woman who has claimed his reckless heart.

Desperate passion met justice served. 

This book had so many facets and I enjoyed all of them. For some reason, this book seemed a bit long, but I think that was only because the characters and their stories were really well-developed. The author did an amazing job crafting a story and still making the book a reasonable length. The sexy scenes were also scorching but not excessive. 

Evan "Evil" Villiers was a retired cop who became someone who dealt justice when the system couldn't provide it. He had three friends and I honestly loved the way their characters were molded in this story. I couldn't wait to read the rest of the series to see what happened with the rest of the characters.

He looked like a hot fudge sin sundae with a cherry on top.

But first, it was Evil's turn and he needed to make Lucy his own. He was quite possessive in an alpha kind of way that he preferred to show Lucy he cared for her in his actions rather than in words. He skirted around facts whether it had something to do with possibly killing people or how he truly felt about Lucy.

"I am a man. You are my woman. Nothing hurts what's mine."

Of course, something had to be said about the dirty talk in this book. It was always welcome in my book. The chemistry between them was so hot and always desperate to explode.

If you're looking for an intense read with a lot of action whether on the streets or in the bedroom, I'd highly recommend you check out this book. You won't regret it.

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ARC Review: Pull Me Close

I've enjoyed every single Sidney Halston book I've read so far, so when I saw she had a new release up for review on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance. Check out my review below!

Title: Pull Me Close
Series: Panic, #1
Author: Sidney Halston
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Pages: 247
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo

Blurb:

Welcome to Panic, a sultry Miami nightclub where bodies and hearts move to a beat that doesn’t stop at sunrise—the setting for “a magnificent story full of deep emotion” (Sawyer Bennett).
 
Katherine: I thought I could enjoy a night out like a normal person. I thought I could handle the flashing lights, the pulsing music, the crowded dance floor. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After having an anxiety attack and passing out during my sister’s engagement party at Panic, I wake up in the arms of the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. Nick Moreno’s no gentleman. But he might just be the man I need to help me take control of my life.
 
Nick: When I hear there’s some random girl passed out in the back room of my family’s South Beach nightclub, I’m pissed. My dad’s already behind bars and we can’t afford any more bad press. But after giving her a lift—literally—back to her apartment, I stop seeing Katherine Wilson as some random girl. She’s gorgeous, vulnerable, and braver than she knows. And when we kiss, all I want to do is pull her close and promise that she’ll always be safe in my arms.

Emotionally charged from beginning to end!

This book literally started with a panic...attack. Right then, I knew this book was something I would love. Nico was such a jerk in the beginning that I wanted to smack him a hundred times over. He had a bad experience with drugs, and so he assumed everyone acting strange were high on some sort of illegal substance. 

Poor Katherine was just another junkie to Nico. I wanted to yell at him that she wasn't high. I empathized with her throughout the whole book...because I knew just what it was like to have anxiety. I might not have panic attacks like Katherine, but anxiety attacks could be just as exhausting. I knew what it was like to be afraid and to feel so weak because of a mental illness.

Katherine was such an admirable character because she fought for a life she used to have, where she went out with friends and had fun instead of holing up in her apartment in fear of dying if she left the safety of her home. Nico was a jerk, but when he opened his eyes, he was able to understand and even became supportive...up to a certain point. This book wouldn't be so interesting if there wasn't any conflict ;) I would say, however, that I was fangirling for most of the book, totally in love with the characters. And then, towards the end, I was literally crying for a while...

I was so thankful that the author wrote this book and I hope it would somehow educate people that anxiety and other mental disorders were not something people chose to have, just like cancer or any other disease. 

Anyway, I loved the irony that the club Nico co-owned with his brother Matt was named Panic. By the way, Matt was such a lovely character! He was so fun to read. Now I can't wait to read the rest of the series! Pull Me Close is a must-read, but be forewarned that this book was so emotional and might affect empaths more than others.

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ARC Review: Cowboy Karma

I've met Mia Hopkins a few times, but this would be my first time reading one of her books. Check out my thoughts below!

Title: Cowboy Karma
Series: Cowboy Cocktail, #4
Author: Mia Hopkins
Publisher: Little Stone Press
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Pages: 101
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

Who needs luck when you can get Lucky?

When Harmony Santos’s boyfriend dumps her on her birthday, she doesn’t get mad. She gets lucky…with a mysterious cowboy whose bedroom eyes and rough edges bring out her inner bad girl. But when their one-night rodeo turns into more than a rebound, Harmony worries her heart hasn’t healed enough to take on someone new—even if that someone is as sweet as he is sexy. 

Tie-down roper Lucky Garcia can’t believe his good fortune. A shot at national finals and now this—his longtime crush, in his arms at last. The more time he spends with Harmony, the harder he falls for her. But financial demands and family responsibilities take him further and further away from her—as does his secret fear she hasn’t quite gotten over her dickhead ex. 

Behind closed doors, Lucky and Harmony are filthy perfection. But when reality comes knocking, the star-crossed lovers must decide: walk away intact, or risk it all for a chance at happiness. 

Get ready for rope tricks, spanking, self-pleasure, and a smoking-hot cowboy who puts the big D in Dominant.

Easy bedtime read...until you get to the sexy parts, then it gets intense...

Lucky and Harmony reunited on the dance floor and the sexual tension was thick. Lucky was described as the hottest sex on a stick, to be fair, and Harmony needed a bit of a distraction.

Their chemistry was fiery and I loved reading their sexy scenes. There was a time when they dipped their toes in a bit of BDSM, and though the safe words were cliche, I still liked it. It was sweet and full of passion, that was for sure. 

One of my favorite things were Lucky's way of communication. Since English wasn't his first language, it was so adorable how he would try to clarify things with Harmony. I literally tweeted the author as I read because I just had to share the joy of reading the conversation between the two.

Lucky: "Just to be clear, that's it? That's it between you two?"

Harmony: "That's it."

Lucky: "So."

Harmony: "So."

Lucky: "Back to this 'you and me' idea."

Harmony: "What about it?"

Lucky: "I think we should look into it a little more."

This book was short, but it had a lot of heart. So, if you want an easy, light read, with a sprinkle of spice, this would be the book for you. 

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ARC Review: Bound to Submit

Laura Kaye is one of my absolute favorite authors for a reason... When she releases new books and offers them for review, I'm always at the front of the line to sign up. Check out my review below of her latest new release.

Title: Bound to Submit
Series: Blasphemy, #1
Author: Laura Kaye
Self-Published
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Pages: 154
Buy Links: Amazon Paperback | Kindle
BN | iBooks | Kobo

Blurb:

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Intricately hot and emotional!

Master Griffin and Kenna Sloane both had something to feel guilty about. Together, they faced their fears and battled their demons, and it was so beautiful. I was crying towards the end of this book and the damn tears just wouldn't stop!

Kenna felt self-conscious about her arm; she felt like people would be put off by it, but the one opinion she really cared about was Griffin's. His reaction to her insecurities was so passionate that I was overwhelmed with admiration for his character.

"Are you under the impression that your amputation in any way detracts from my attraction to you? Because if you are, I'm telling you right fucking now that you're the most beautiful woman I've ever known in my whole goddamned life and nothing--nothing--could ever change that."

The way that Griffin embraced all of Kenna, even as she thought she was incomplete or undeserving, was so inspiring. His feelings for her helped him show Kenna that he wasn't going anywhere.

Kenna: "It can't exactly cut me, Griffin."

Griffin: "That's not fucking funny, Kenna."

There was one really intense scene that brought so much tears in my eyes. I just couldn't wait for you all to read it. It was so amazing and heart wrenching at the same time. Especially when Griffin had to text '911' to one of the other Doms. Just brilliant how they were all there for each other whenever assistance was needed.

One of my favorite parts was finding out Griffin drove an Audi A7. What a sexy car for a sexy man. Can every sexy man just drive an Audi, please?

There were two things I wanted to mention though. First, it seemed that in any BDSM situation that took place in someone's personal abode, there was always a wash cloth in the bathroom for someone to use. I mean, I don't even own a wash cloth. How do these characters just always happen to have a wash cloth at the ready? (lol)

Second, the ending felt a bit incomplete. There was one scene I was hoping to see, but when I saw "the end" and didn't read about the scene, I was a bit disappointed. Well, I guess when Griffin thought "it was private", I guess that meant the reader couldn't read about it either. Darn it! 

Overall, though, this book was so good. I have always devoured Laura's books and this was no different. I would highly recommend it. 

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ARC Review: Not Quite Perfect

It'd been a while, but I was so happy to finally read another Catherine Bybee book! Check out my thoughts below...

Title: Catherine Bybee
Series: Not Quite, #5
Author: Catherine Bybee
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Pages: 332
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | Books-A-Million | Book Depository

Blurb:

Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation.

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?

From the very start, this book was a total hit! I love it when a book catches my attention right from the very first page.

Mary and Glen argued like an old married couple and it was the cutest thing ever! All Glen needed was a little nudge. I loved that there were no heartaches in this book, but there were suspense and thrilling scenes!

I also enjoyed the humor in the story when it was appropriate.

Mary: I like the coat, not the price. I'll be fine.

Glen: I'm all about chivalry, but it's butt cold out there, and I like my coat.

Everything went on smoothly, except for the minor detail of Mary's house and safety. No big deal, right? It was awesome seeing Glen fly all over the country and even overseas just to get to Mary. What a dream!

The cameos of the other characters made me want to read the rest of the books. Not Quite Perfect was just well-written and full of feel-good pages. I remember when Glen told Mary the reason why he chose to stay with her. I just about swooned to the moon and back.

The last few chapters were the absolute best. I stayed up past my bedtime to finish it and I was beyond satisfied. Books like this are the reason why I'm so thankful to be a bookworm. Books like this are the reason why I continue to smile each and every day. Thank you, Ms. Bybee :)

This was definitely a must-read!

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