Genre: Contemporary Romance

“Marry me.”

“What?” I stared back at him, unblinking.

He moved closer, taking my face in his hands. “I love you, Evie. I look into the future, and the only thing I see clearly is you. Marry me.”

What’s an eighteen-year-old girl who was madly in love with her nineteen-year-old boyfriend say?

Of course, I said yes.

Twenty-four hours later, I married Adam Gunner at a Vegas chapel to the sounds of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Not the best omen. I get that now.

Then, exactly one week later, I left him. I walked out, leaving behind my wedding ring, annulment papers, and my heart, and he never knew why.

I haven’t seen him since. Not in ten long years.

Now, he’s here, standing before me. Looking at me with nothing but hurt and hatred in his eyes, he wants answers.

Answers I can’t give.

Evie POV

My eyes rake over him as I remember the Adam I knew ten years ago and compare him to the Adam I see before me. The long hair is gone, replaced with cropped locks. The unshaven scruff on his face is still very much there though. At least some things haven’t changed.

“You cut your hair.”

“It has been ten years.”

“I know. I just…I remember a time when you said you’d never cut your hair.” A small smile touches my lips at the memory.

“Yeah, and I remember when you promised to love me till death do us part. Shit changes.”

My smile drops from my face. My cheeks sting like he’s just slapped me.

I deserved that. Doesn’t stop it from hurting like a bitch though.

When I Was Yours by Samantha Towle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “Rock Girl” “Livin’ on a Prayer” Kisses

Holy bananas…When I Was Yours was exactly what I needed. I was getting over a pretty intense book hangover and I always know I can count on Samantha Towle to give me amazing characters and fantastic emotion and boy oh boy did she deliver in spades! I was completely and totally sucked in from page one until the end…like, I couldn’t put it down, I read the whole thing in one day. I loved everything about Adam and Evie, they angsted my heart to bits and pieces and I could not get enough of their chemistry.

Adam Gunner…so many things to love about this man…Adam held my heart basically from the beginning, but to be honest, I never really stood a chance. First of all…he’s a man whore and I have a slight weakness for man whores, I just can’t stop myself from loving them. Second…he has the drop dead gorgeous surfer look down to a ‘T’…6’3”…long, lean and muscled…blonde hair with gorgeous blue eyes…just YAS! Excuse me while I drool. I loved that his hair was longer and he did the whole scruffy thing when he was younger…just made him that much more delish…but grown up Adam in a suit is a thing of beauty as well. Third…and most importantly…the thing that got me about Adam was his heart. When Adam loved, it was fiercely and passionately. He didn’t have a great childhood…okay, that’s putting it lightly – he had a shit childhood…so if and when he loves…he loves totally and completely and it’s the most amazing thing on this planet. In fact…I can think of three things that Adam truly loves…surfing, his best friend Max and his Rock Girl.

‘From the moment I’d seen Evie sitting up on that rock eleven years ago, I’d been obsessed.
I lusted her, then loved her, and then hated her. I’ve mentally chased her for the last ten years, never giving her up.
My obsession has always been there.
I never could get enough of Evie. And no matter what she’s done to me, whether I love her or hate her, I will always want her.
I fucking hate that.
I hate that she’s my weakness. She controls my life, and she’s not even a part of it.’

Evie Taylor…oh this girl was gorgeous from the inside out and I fell just as hard for her as I did for Adam. Obviously…at first, only getting Adam’s POV, I wanted to not like her (she hurt my Adam – not okay!) but once I got in Evie’s head…any possible chance at not loving her flew right out the window. She has had just as difficult a time growing up as Adam did, for a whole slew of other reasons. This girl has suffered so much loss and rather than adopting a negative attitude, she pushes forward and above all things, remains pretty positive. I loved that about her – I loved her personality period, but her outlook on life just astounded me. Evie had a completely opposite childhood to Adam…she grew up with loving parents and a little sister that she cares for deeply…and I loved her relationship with her family. She is so dedicated and self-sacrificing when it comes to them…putting them above anything and everything when it comes to her own needs. The love and care and devotion that this girl has in her heart is what made me latch on to her so tightly…as much as I wanted to be mad at her for what happened with Adam, I really couldn’t…I knew once the truth came out that whatever reasons for her decisions would be forgivable. And I was right.

‘I press a soft kiss to his mouth, loving as he hums a delicious sound of assent beneath my lips. “And if I haven’t told you this already, I like you, Adam Gunner – a whole lot.”
His eyes smile into mine, and it’s beautiful. He’s beautiful.
“And I like you a whole lot, too, Evie Taylor.” His lips press to mine again. “I think you’re fucking amazing.”
Smiling and happy in a way I’ve never felt before, I tuck my head under Adam’s chin, burrowing closer to his body, not ever imagining myself being anywhere else but here with him.’

Well, I’ve already admitted how much I love Adam and Evie separately, so when they combined forces…I was in heaven. As if they didn’t already have me in the palm of their hands…they have my biggest kryptonite…history! 11 years of it…granted, most of it isn’t ideal, but the good stuff is so incredibly, heart stoppingly wonderful, it makes all the bad stuff seem worth it. (I promise!) I love so many things about these two crazy kids…like the way they meet – so original and cute and amazing. I love their banter…I could listen to them talk about nothing for hours. I love how much he loves her smiles…and that he loves to watch her sketch…and encouraged her to sketch. I love that she loves to wear his shirts…I love her trust and faith in him…and I love the positive influence she had on his life. Adam was never a bad guy…but he definitely didn’t have a real purpose…he was just existing and I feel like after Evie, he had found his purpose. She gave him direction…she grounded him in a way he had never experienced before. It was like separately they were great…fantastic, loveable people, but when they were together it was like they were invincible…they could face anything and everything as long as they had the other one there to support them…it was a beautiful thing to experience.

‘Something changes in this moment and things that seemed important to me before don’t seem so vital anymore.
But what is important are those words she just spoke.
I’ve waited ten years to hear her say those words, to say that she’s missed me.
Now, she has.
Maybe it’s because she said she missed me or because she’s wearing my shirt or because I’ve finally lost my damn fucking mind, or maybe it’s all those things combined, but I can’t stop myself.
I kiss her.
I kiss her fiercely. I kiss her with ten years of pent-up anger and need and longing and desperation.
And I know, in that second when my lips touch hers, that I won’t regret one moment of what’s about to happen. Even when it hurts so badly that I think I’ll regret it, wish it had never happened, I won’t.’

How do I describe the way I feel when I read a Samantha Towle book? I have come to a point with her books that I know without a doubt I will get amazing off the wall feels with characters that I love insanely too much. I love her tone…I love the way she establishes the characters and creates this tangible angst between them…I love the humor that she injects into each book…I love that her characters feel like friends…I just love reading her books, and When I Was Yours is another classic example of why I will keep coming back for Samantha’s personal brand of torture. I do not think I can stress this enough, I love love love LOVE L-O-V-E LOVEEEEEE the way When I Was Yours was told. We get alternating POV’s between Adam and Evie but we also bounce back and forth from past to present. It gave a great balance of seeing their past…seeing them fall in love…getting a grasp on who they were as a couple, to then feeling their pain and angst as they were torn apart and what it did to them as adults. I think the time span is what was the real sucker punch…a decade apart and still knowing your heart belongs to one person is hard core…and wonderful…and the way Samantha presented their epic love was perfect.

‘The feel of her lips moving against mine, her tongue in my mouth…nothing has ever felt so good, so cathartic. It’s like coming home, like waking up from the worst kind of nightmare.
I know this is just a Band-Aid over the bullet hole she put in my chest, but I need it.
I need her.’

The ending flowed really well…I appreciated that it wasn’t rushed and there wasn’t a band aid slapped on the end just to get Adam and Evie an HEA…it felt appropriate for what they had been through and even though I would have liked to see more of them happy in the present, I was still thrilled to bits with how everything came together. Especially the epilogue…good gravy was it amazing. Evie and Adam had an epic, once in a lifetime love and I absolutely couldn’t get enough of it…When I Was Yours was a perfect standalone…but I won’t lie and say that I wouldn’t love a spin off for Max (Adam’s Bestie – he’s a man whore too, and a really awesome and loveable guy…) but if it doesn’t happen, it’s not then end of the world because I totally love the way Adam and Evie’s story ended.

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Samantha Towle’s WHEN I WAS YOURS Release Day and Blog Tour Giveaway

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Callie Mills never intended to return to New Orleans and the life she left behind more than a decade ago. There was no need to open old wounds when she had the life she’d worked hard for in Denver. But when she’s fired from her awesome job in Colorado and her father dies, she has no choice but to return home to run the derelict bar left to her in the heart of the French Quarter. Callie must not only face bad memories but turn The Odyssey into something she can be proud of.

 

And who better to help bring in crowds of people than Declan Boudreaux?

 

Declan is a sought-after musician who knows he’s good at what he does and loves doing it. Known to pack the house, he also loves women and doesn’t expect to be knocked back a step by the beautiful new owner of The Odyssey. Callie is sharp, gorgeous and funny, and makes him yearn for something he never has before… Commitment.

 

But when Callie’s able to turn the business around with renovations, making it one of the hottest bars in the Quarter, will she sell out and leave her past behind once and for all, or will Declan be able to convince her that’s she’s where she needed to be all along…in his arms.

Kristen did it again!  I am so in love with Callie and Declan it’s ridiculous.  The Boudreaux Series is absolutely addictive and I am HOOKED! Check out my review for Easy Love, the first book in the series.

Title:Easy Love (The Boudreaux Series, Book #1)

Author: Kristen Proby

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Eli Boudreaux’s family has built ships and boats in Louisiana for generations. He comes from a hardworking, wealthy family and his empire is growing by leaps and bounds. At thirty, he is the youngest CEO to ever head Bayou Enterprises, co-chairing with his eldest brother. His head for business and his no-nonsense work ethic is also quickly making him the best the company has seen in generations. His staff admires him, women adore him and Eli’s family is solid. But he’s recently discovered that someone on the inside of his business is stealing from him and he’s determined to find out who.

Kate O’Shaughnessy is hired by companies all over the world to slip inside and investigate every member of the organization from the CEO down to the custodial staff to find the person or persons responsible for embezzling. She’s excellent at blending, becoming part of the team, and finding the weakest link. She’s smart, quick-witted, and she’s now been hired by Bayou Enterprises, specifically Eli Boudreaux. The attraction is immediate and the chemistry is off the charts, but Kate has heard all about Eli’s playboy past and she has a job to do. Sleeping with the boss isn’t a part of that job, even if just the sound of her name rolling off that Cajun tongue and the way he fills out a designer suit does make her sweat.

Eli’s southern charms surprise Kate. The man whose reputation labels him as a ruthless, callous womanizer is not the man she’s coming to know intimately. He’s generous, protective and makes her smile. Cracking through Kate’s cool, reserved demeanor and discovering her love of sexy, expensive lingerie is a challenge Eli can’t resist, but her sweet nature, love of family and sense of humor pull at him in ways no one else ever has.

But when the person responsible for trying to single-handedly dismantle Eli’s empire comes to light, and it’s time for Kate to move on, to what lengths will Eli go to keep the woman he’s fallen in love with by his side?

The Boudreaux goodness continues with Gabby and Rhys in Easy Charm – check out my review here!

Title: Easy Charm (The Boudreaux Series, Book #2)

Author: Kristen Proby

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

I was so excited to be able to sit down with Callie and Declan and get to know more about them!

Lisa:  Callie, I love that you and Adam have a special friendship – how did ya’ll meet and become best friends?

Callie:  We met in high school. Our parents were friends, and Adam and I just always seemed to click.

Lisa: Summarize Declan in one sentence.

Callie:  Declan is the perfect balance of sexy, romantic and playful.

Lisa:   I think your flipping houses hobby is unique and so awesome – is there a particular house that was your favorite to flip? Is there any part of the process that you love more, a certain room that you always have fun fixing up?

Callie:  I really love the whole process, but demolition is my favorite. It’s a great way to get out some aggression!

Lisa:  So Declan, what’s your favorite and least favorite thing about growing up in a large family?

Declan:  Well, there is always a lot of people around. I guess that’s both my favorite and least favorite.

Lisa:  I love your passion for music – I know you play a lot of instruments, do you have a favorite? What’s your favorite song you’ve ever written? And has Callie inspired any songs yet? 🙂

Declan:  Callie’s inspired quite a few songs. She’s heard them. 🙂 My favorite song is always the one I’m currently writing. My favorite instrument is the piano.

Lisa:  Summarize Callie in one sentence.

Declan:  Perfection.

Lisa:  Aww…how sweet!  What are your favorite five things about each other? (physical, non-physical, whatever!) Callie: His arms, his laugh, his generosity, his voice and the way he hugs me.

Declan:   There isn’t anything about her that isn’t my favorite.

Lisa:  Favorite and least favorite thing about living in New Orleans?

Callie:  My most favorite is just the energy of the city. Least favorite would be Mardi Gras.

Declan:  I also hate Mardi Gras.

Lisa:  Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

Callie:  Together.

Declan:  Absolutely

Lisa:  Alright, let’s have a little fun with some Either/Or – Soda or Tea?

Callie:  Coffee

Lisa:  Sweet or Sour?

Declan:  Sweet

Lisa:  Loud or Quiet?

Callie: It seems our lives are always full of loud, so I prefer the quiet.

Lisa:  Chocolate or Vanilla?

Declan:  Vanilla

Lisa:  Hard or soft?

Callie: *grinning* Next question.

Lisa:  Cheeky girl!  Books or movies?

Declan:  Books

Lisa:  Fast or slow?

Callie: Both

Lisa:  Alright, almost done – let’s end with some rapid fire – give me the first thing that comes to mind…Music?

Declan:  Soul

Lisa:  Family?

Callie: Complicated

Lisa:  New Orleans?

Declan:  Home

Lisa:  Shoes?

Callie: Happiness

Lisa:  Declan?

Callie: Love

Lisa:  Callie?

Declan:  My heart.

Lisa:  Love?

Callie: Unexpected

Easy Melody by Kristen Proby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “bossy” “little things” “I’ve adjusted my sails” Kisses

It’s official – I’m moving to New Orleans! I cannot stand being separated from the Boudreaux family any longer. With each and every book in the Boudreaux Series I fall more and more in love with these characters…Eli made me drool in Easy Love…Rhys made me swoon in Easy Charm and Declan just rocked my face off. Each book is based off of a different set of couples, so they can technically be read as standalones, but the story lines continue to build off of each other the further we go into the series (which is part of the wonderful magic that I love about series in the first place!), so of course I recommend reading all of them. Plus…if you love romance in any way shape or form…then you absolutely cannot go wrong with these books!

Calliope Marie Mills…this girl is hell in heels and I loved her to pieces! I really connected a lot with Callie…we actually have a lot in common…both 5’9” (yay tall girls!)…both only children (we’re a special breed…what can I say)…both blondes…she’s very independent, very strong minded and very determined, which I like to think I am as well, she just pulls it off better than I do! After basically raising herself in New Orleans, she got out the first chance she had and never really looked back…until she had to. Coming back home brings up a lot of ghosts for her…mostly the emotional kind. My heart hurt for her…she is so strong in so many ways, but emotionally she is very closed off and for good reason too. I like that once she put her mind to something, she went at it full force…she gave everything her best effort and I appreciated that about her. Her attitude and personality is what really pulled me to her…she’s kind of a bad-ass-take-the-bull-by-the-horns kind of girl and she doesn’t show her vulnerable side…like ever. But one dreamy musician got her to break down her walls.

“I want to talk with you, learn you, lose myself in you. All of those things. And I don’t have any experience in that shit, but damn it, I want it with you. Because those little things, Callie? The talking as I walk you to your car, or laughing with you as we demo my house? Eating pizza on the porch? They aren’t little things to me. I’ve never done that with any other woman that I’m not related to by blood. I never wanted to.
“Until you, and it’s confused the hell out of me. All I want is a chance to start this over with you. We did it all backwards, and that’s on me. I get it. But damn it, let me try it again, because if you don’t, it’ll be the biggest regret of my life.”

Declan Francis Boudreaux…the Boudreaux boys, they’re just made out of something special. Charmers…the lot of them! Dec is the baby boy of the family, second youngest sibling and he’s a little different from Eli and Beau – they are all business and Declan is the creative type, but that was one of the things I loved best about him. Then again I love a lot of things about Declan…he’s got the southern accent combined with the fact that he can speak French perfectly (don’t ask me why that does things to me…lots of amazingly wonderful things). He’s also a giant, just like his brothers – well, 6’4”, but still…that’s enough for me. Just yum! And the yumminess doesn’t stop there…clearly he’s got the TDH (tall, dark and handsome) thing down and the signature Boudreaux golden eyes that I could stare into all day. He’s charming and smooth, he’s funny and has so much charisma it should be illegal…but he’s also very chill and laid back. But above all things his talent and passion for music was probably the thing that made him most attractive…there is just something about a guy who can play an instrument (I’m not picky!) and sing…that’s just instant 1 million swoon factor points.

“What?” she asks with a grin.
“I love the way you shrug into your badass,” I reply before kissing her forehead. “And I love that I’m the only one who gets to see you when you take it off.”

Oh…Callie and Dec are just…fun! Fun seems like a very simple word to really describe them…but it’s the most concise description of what their relationship was and what they made me feel. There are no pretenses when it comes to Callie and Declan…they are genuine, real and down to earth…granted they have two different personalities but in this case, opposites attract very well. Their passion was insane…I mean they practically combusted and I loved how in lust they were with each other…it was addictive. I also loved the simple things…the way he walked her to her car and made her feel safe, how much she enjoyed helping him renovate his house, how they were perfectly comfortable doing anything and nothing…just as long as they were together…that’s really all that mattered. Everything with Callie and Dec just felt more…more intense, more unique, just more – and maybe it was because neither of them had really felt this kind of connection before, so it was more for them in every sense of the word. I also l-o-v-e-d more than words when there was a surprise connection to the With Me In Seattle Series…I didn’t expect it or even see it coming but it was so flippin’ awesome.

“Tonight wouldn’t have been half as special without you. And not just because of all of this, which I love, but because when I’m with you—”
He kisses my hand and squeezes it three times. “When you’re with me?”
“I just feel better. I feel more.” His eyes widen and then darken. “Emotions are brighter, and that’s the only way I can describe it.”
“I think that’s a beautiful way to describe it,” he whispers before he pulls me in and kisses the hell out of me. “You are more, Callie. We’re more.”
I nod and brush my fingertips down his cheek, his neck. “I like it.”
A slow smile spreads over his sexy face. “I like it too.”

Kristen Proby packs a deadly force…the sex and the swoon. She feeds my inner dirty book whore lover just right…every time – I don’t know how she does it but it’s fantastically sensual and never, ever gets old! And just when she lulls me into my sexy happy place, she hits me with all the right things to melt my heart – it’s the perfect combination and I simply cannot stop myself from loving it. The angst was minimal, but I don’t read Kristen for angst…I read her for pure, unadulterated, amazing romance. The relationships that she develops with her couples is one of my favorite feels of all time…it’s a very unique and indescribable experience, but my heart just feels like it’s going to burst from being so blissfully happy. The other thing she writes beautifully that I love almost as much as the romantic relationship…the family dynamic. It doesn’t matter who is involved or what they were doing…the way the Boudreaux’s interact is just one of a kind. The siblings have this wonderful and unique bond that I absolutely cannot get enough of and their mother is just as amazing as her children. Even their father…while he is not physically present in this book, his memory always serves a purpose and it just makes me adore them that much more.

“What do you need?”
He sighs and rubs his fingers over his mouth.
“I need you to talk to me too,” he replies softly. “I need your brutal honesty, always. I need your body against me every day, and I need to be inside you more than I need my next breath.”
“That sounds good to me,” I whisper.
“I need music, Callie. It’s my soul. It’s been my only constant, until you.”
“You’re damn good at it,” I reply echoing his words. “What else?”
“I need your friendship. Your patience. I need my family, even if they are a pain in my ass most of the time.” He smiles. “I need to protect you, keep you safe. And I know this is going to piss you off a little, but I need to take care of you.”
“I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I mean, I like taking care of myself because that’s all I’ve ever known, but I’m adjusting my sails, and getting used to you taking care of me.”
“Good.” He sighs, the tension finally leaving his tall, lean body. “I just need you, baby.”

The ending was magical…I mean it never really took a whole lot to take me to my happy place with these two but I was giddy over everything that happened. It was exactly what I wanted for them and I don’t think I could love it more if I tried. I never really like finishing a book I enjoy, but I can’t lie…part of the fun of getting to the end of Kristen’s books is finding out which sibling is going to be next…and it’s not who I expected but I’m still super excited. It’s Charly’s turn! And her guy is British – be still my beating heart! I’m ready to count down the days until Easy Kisses comes out in March!

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

India Harris didn’t have the best start in life. Abandoned as a baby, she and her twin brother, Kit, spent their lives in foster care, only having each other to rely on. Then, at a young age, a relationship with the wrong man left India pregnant. Wanting to give her son the life she never had, she put herself through school and graduated with honors.

Now, at the age of thirty, she’s a highly respected therapist.

 

At the top of his game as a Formula One driver, Leandro Silva had everything—until an accident on the track left him staring death in the face. After enduring twelve months of physical therapy, Leandro is now physically able to race, but his mind is keeping him from the track. Frustrated and angry, Leandro’s days and nights are filled with limitless alcohol and faceless women.

 

Entering the last year of his contract, he knows he has to race again, or he’ll lose everything he spent his life working for. Forced into therapy to get his life back, Leandro finds himself in the office of Dr. India Harris.

 

Falling for his uptight therapist is not part of Leandro’s plan.

 

Having unethical feelings for her patient, the angry Brazilian race car driver, is not part of India’s plan.

 

But what if the wrong person is the only person who is right?

Have you read Revved?  Check out my review!  I adored Andi and Carrick – they’re totally angsty and extremely sexy!

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Race car mechanic Andressa “Andi” Amaro has one rule—no dating drivers. With a good reason behind the rule, she has no plans on breaking it.

 

Carrick Ryan is the bad boy of Formula One. With a face and body that melts panties on sight, and an Irish lilt that leaves women on their knees, begging for more. He races hard and parties harder. The youngest driver to ever sign with F1, he’s still at the top of his game five years later, breaking hearts on and off the tracks.

 

When Andi is offered her dream job working in the glamorous world of F1, she leaves her home in Brazil, positive she can handle working for Carrick. But she’s not prepared for the off-the-chart sparks that fly the moment they meet.

 

Now, Andi has a crush on the one man she can’t have, and her resolve is about to be put to the test, because Carrick has decided he wants Andi, and he plans on testing her to the very limit…

Revived by Samantha Towle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

3 “Being second is to be the first of the ones who lost.” “unethical”

I can’t help but get excited about Samantha Towle’s books – I love her characters, the humor, the sex…the result is a combination that just works for me. Plus after meeting Leandro in Revved, I was very ready to see what this Brazilian stud had to offer. While I did enjoy Revived overall, I was slightly frustrated that it didn’t meet the expectations that I was hoping for.

Dr. India Harris…kind, sweet and strong, Indy is magnificent in so many ways. After reading the Prologue I was left thinking and feeling so much. When the synopsis says she didn’t have the best start in life, there is no playing around with that. I truly don’t know where she found the strength and courage to become a mother at such a young age, let alone being an orphan and really only having her twin brother, Kit, to rely on – but she did it. And she’s absolutely more amazing because of it. To me, it felt like Indy had been spending her whole life proving people wrong…that she’s not going to be another statistic, that she’s not a victim of circumstance and that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Which is why she’s a successful therapist with a thriving practice and has an amazing son to show for all her hard work. But all it takes it one patient to truly rock her world and show her what she is missing.

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m happy as I am.”
“You’re safe and comfortable.”
“And what’s wrong with safe and comfortable?” I frown.
“It’s boring.”
“Yeah, well, look what happened to me the last time I chased excitement.”

Leandro Silva…he is a delicious combination of fierce, passionate, driven, strong willed and sexy as fuck. It’s not like we get to see him a lot in Revved, but what I did see…I liked. He has this very cocky personality…he knows he is good and he’s not going to let anyone forget it – but it never gets to the point of arrogance (or annoyance!). After the accident that almost killed him, Leandro is struggling…something no man will ever admit to. Not only is it just not in his being to admit weakness, but in his career…it could possibly destroy his reputation and image. He is battling demons that are stronger than him and the only option he has left, besides giving up, is going to professional for help. Fortunately for him, his doctor saves him in more ways than one.

‘I should have died. I would have died a legend.
Not the man I am now.
A washed-up has-been.
I can’t be him anymore. This weak fucking version of myself.
I have to race again.
I have to get back in a car.
I have to do this.
I can do this.’

Indy and Leandro have one thing down pat…they are insanely, deliciously, fantastically HAWT. Good gravy…the sexual chemistry coming off of these two could power a third world country. They have the spark, they have the attraction, they have the lust and when they come together…just wow. I said it in my Revved review – Samantha’s characters are absolutely fantastic, so I knew I was going to like Leandro and India… and the set up for these two was perfect. Individually they are compelling, I loved their back stories, they are endearing, real and likeable in so many ways…and together they are hot, electric, passionate. I got more than I could have ever dreamed from their sexual connection…which don’t get me wrong, was awesome in its own right…but unfortunately, I was missing something.

‘From the moment he met me, I’ve seen Leandro look at me in a sexual way, but I know that’s because he uses sex as a defense mechanism.
He looked at me the way he would any other woman he deemed attractive – as a temporary means of escapism.
But, lately, the way he’s been looking at me is different.
I don’t know how to explain it, but he’s no longer looking at me like I’m just another object for him to screw.
He’s looking at me like he actually wants me.
And it scares the crap out of me.
Because I want him, too.’

At the beginning…I was feeling them, I loved India and Leandro’s connection, it was very passionate and while a little simple and predictable, it still worked for me. I was obviously still hoping for more, but I assumed that was to come. Then we have the pinnacle…where everything comes to a head and I’m holding my breath…I turn the page and get punched in the gut with 7 months later. Holy wow…I was reeling – in a good way. It squeezed my little heart to bits and I was so excited for the angst…only to feel extremely let down. The resounding pay off was…too fast…too quick…too easy. Did they have a connection? Yes…absolutely – granted it was mainly based off of a reciprocal attraction and the interaction in their therapy sessions, but there was no real basis outside of that. They saw each other two other times, outside of therapy…I needed more than that. I understood the reason why they couldn’t be seen outside of therapy, and I’m not trying to discount that…but a relationship is based on more than just the desire to fuck someone and after everything came together, that was kind of all I got. There’s nothing wrong with a superficial relationship, but if you’re going to pull the love card, it’s not going to cut it for me. I’m not asking for a lot here, but I cannot force emotions that I don’t feel and I didn’t feel the love. It seemed like every time there was an opportunity to show them creating a real bond, having a conversation, opening up – anything – it was veto’d for sex. Don’t get me wrong, a I’m a dirty book whore lover…but I missed that connection. I felt the lust…I felt the attraction….I felt the possibility of love…but I also didn’t see the need for the rush.

“You really miss it.” It’s not a question. I already know he does.
He turns his head to me, resting his cheek on his arm. “How can I miss something with a physical ache and be absolutely terrified of it at the same time?”
“Usually, the things we love most are the things that terrify us.”

There were a few instances of redundancy…which is a huge pet peeve of mine, and I guess when I started to really miss the deeper connection between Leandro and Indy is when I started to pick up on that stuff more. It wasn’t to the point of annoyance or anything, but enough to catch my eye. I don’t want it to come across like the book was poorly written – it wasn’t, or else I would have stopped reading completely. The story line was different and honestly did surprise me (like the 7 month moment!) and I was not expecting the twist towards the very end. In the back of my mind, I knew it was a possibility but the way Samantha executed it was…pretty amazing. I really liked it – really got me all tied up in knots…and then, I was a little let down again. At that point, it’s almost at the 90% mark so I was wondering how things were going to finally end…and once again, it just seemed too easy. If the rest of the book had been more angsty or had more conflict, I probably would have been ready for a little reprieve, but I think that was another missed opportunity to inject some life into the story. I didn’t necessarily need it to create unnecessary conflict between Indy and Leandro but…I needed more.

“I have never been in love before, India, so believe me, I am not taking our relationship lightly.”
“You’ve never been in love?” I eye him skeptically. “Ever?”
“No.”
“How is that possible?”
I know I’ve never been in love before him, but Leandro has been around a lot more women than I have men. I just can’t believe he’s never fallen in love with one of them before.
He shrugs. “I waited for it to happen. It never did. Now, I know why.”
My mouth dries. Licking my lips, I ask, “Why?”
His eyes darken with emotions. He traces his index finger over my cheek, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Because I was waiting for you.”

The epilogue wrapped everything up nicely and I did love the end…it was a lot of info to process, but it was all beautiful and made me so happy for India and Leandro. There had been a couple of hints dropped about Kit (India’s twin brother) and Petra (Andi’s friend) and from what was said in the epilogue, I have a feeling Kit’s book might come up later…which would be awesome. Kit’s a manwhore (*ahem*…just like Carrick and Leandro…be still my heart) and with his past and what he went through with Indy, I think it could make for an awesome story.

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Samantha Towle REVIVED Release Week Giveaway

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn’t stopped writing since.

She has written contemporary romances, THE MIGHTY STORM, WETHERING THE STORM, TAMING THE STORM and TROUBLE.

She has also written paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.

A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.

Insider by Olivia Cunning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “lamb” “justfriend” “Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.” Kisses

I love Rock Stars.  A lot. Part of the reason for that love is because of Olivia Cunning. Her Sinners on Tour series changed me completely and started my obsession with both her writing and the rock gods she creates within the pages. To say I was excited about the spin off series for Exodus End would be…the fucking understatement of the century. I’ve basically been waiting for this book since 2012…patiently…desperately…excitedly waiting…and after Insider, I can already tell this is going to be another amazing series.

Antonia ‘Toni’ Nichols…oh Toni Toni Toni…*sigh* – I challenge anyone to not love this girl. She’s so naïve – but it’s not in an annoying way, like…at all. It’s in an incredibly adorable, totally endearing way. And I think that’s because the naïvety comes from being unexposed to things ‘most’ people are exposed to while growing up. When her father passed away unexpectedly when she was 15 years old, it thrust her into the role of caregiver/substitute mother for her special needs sister…a role she took to like a champ but it kind of stole her adolescent years and forced her to grow up and be more mature. She’s an amazing big sister…like off the charts, you couldn’t dream of a better sibling and her love for Birdie makes her even more amazing in my eyes. But there are a lot of amazing things about Toni…her heart in general, could not get any bigger if she tried. She’s insanely companionate and loving, she internalizes other peoples emotions and just taps in so purely to whatever they are feeling and it’s like nothing I’ve ever read in a character. It made her so special and so unique, I really loved that about her. She’s quirky and weird and goofy…all things that made me love her more. As she is exploring what life is like outside of her comfort zone, she’s learning a lot, but I think going out into the big bad scary world and experiencing new things is exactly what Toni needs.

‘Laughing, probably about her wearing pajamas, the guys headed up the bus steps in single file. Except Logan. He lifted a hand touched her cheek with his fingertips. His thumb brushed her trembling lips. “A sweet lamb left to fend for herself in a den of wolves. Whatever will we do with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll see you inside.”’

Logan Schmidt…playful, fun loving, wild child bassist of Exodus End. I wasn’t expecting his story to be first, but he was definitely a pleasant surprise. His personality is truly one of a kind…he’s totally the class clown, the type that you’re never really sure when he is being serious because he’s that good at pulling off a joke with a straight face. He’s a total manwhore…huge…so of course, I had a soft spot for him right away. He’s an extreme dare devil…motor cross, sky diving, bungee jumping…if it’s an adrenaline rush and there is a risk of getting hurt – he’s totally there, balls to the wall and with a huge smile on his face. He’s kind of a lose cannon…which is both a good thing and a bad thing because the only time he really flies off the handle is if/when he’s truly passionate about something…because Logan really doesn’t do anything half ass. But Logan is damaged in his own way…he didn’t grow up knowing true love…his family life was rough and he holds a lot in – expressing and experiencing emotions is not something that he’s really comfortable with. Which is part of the reason why his hard and fast lifestyle has worked so well for him. But Toni changes everything…

‘“Next time it will be all for your pleasure. I won’t let myself get so carried away.”
As if she was going to argue with that.
“And then the next time, you’ll teach me to suck your cock, right?” she said.
He groaned and wrapped both arms around her to give her an enthusiastic hug. “Woman, you’re going to get me hard again if you aren’t careful.”
Was that supposed to be some kind of warning? She took it as more of a challenge.’

There is so much about these two that I could not get enough of. First of all, they seriously could not be more polar opposite in just about every way, which works out perfectly for their chemistry. She’s the innocent little lamb…and he’s the big bad scary wolf…it’s almost comical how well that fits them in every way…but put the two of them together and things just ignite. Sweet little innocent Toni never expected Logan, in any way shape or form…but at the same time, I know Logan may have had his expectations about what he wanted with Toni, the feelings that came along with it were completely out of the blue. They’re both facing uncharted waters and while it got messy at times, it really fit well with who they were as individuals. Logan and Toni aren’t your average guy and girl…and neither is their relationship, but that’s what I liked most about them. He’s playful and brings that out in her and she unleashes a protective and caring side of him that he’s never experienced. He’s giving her sex lessons (which, for the record, are the best thing in life) and she’s basically…for lack of a better way to call it….giving him an emotional education. All of it came together for an truly special connection between these two that I thrived off of…was completely sucked into…it was magical and just sheer bliss.

“I’m good at paying attention.”
He scowled. “I’m not. The only thing I’m good at is being a fuck-up.”
She rubbed his worried brow with her fingertips until his flesh relaxed beneath her touch. “You’re not a fuck-up, Logan. You’re . . .” Wonderful. She sighed internally, not wanting him to know how infatuated she was with him already. Or maybe her jumping into his bunk with him was a dead giveaway.
“Prove it. Name one thing I’ve done in the past twenty-four hours that wasn’t impulsively stupid.”
“Impulsive, yes, stupid, no. You’re a creature of instinct.”
“So now I’m a creature?”
“A man,” she corrected. “A sexy one who I can’t stop thinking about, even though I know I should be paying attention to my work.”
“I have the same annoying problem when it comes to you.”
“You don’t have to say things like that to get into my panties,” she said with a grin.
“But I do to make you smile.” He kissed her, and she melted against him. His lips moved to her jaw. “Besides,” he whispered, “it’s true.”

I hate talking about what I didn’t love but as many Olivia Cunning books as I have read, I have a certain expectation and the fact that it felt short for me at all is like poison on my tongue. But I’m honest to a fault…and there were a few things that didn’t work, so I guess it’s time to rip off the band aide. I’m a complete sucker for insta-love…give me the right emotions with the right couple and I’m totally there and on board…no questions asked. Toni and Logan are insta-love…kinda – on her side, 100% – but it felt natural for her. I mean, she is the ‘cliché virgin’ but I didn’t mind that and she’s got her own uniqueness that made her stand out and be different in my mind but when she was in love after 48 hours I was a little…disappointed. I had feelings…lots of good, wonderful, positive, amazing feelings…but I didn’t feel the love yet. I think a few more days establishing them with conversations, stretching out their interactions slightly, things like that, and I would have been sold. Then, with Logan’s yo-yo act, I started to get a little frustrated…once he explained where he was coming from, I got it and I was on board…but I never really felt like he had that ah-ha moment where everything clicked and I felt that change of heart in him…and I think for me to really feel their love, that was what I needed. Like the moment when he finally said ‘I love you’ and he really meant it – the setting and everything was awesome…but the way it was presented I was like, what? Wait…did that just happen? And I almost didn’t want to believe it…because of his inner thoughts and everything. When it came down to it, I truly got their connection…it was there and it was amazing and I loved most of it.

‘She smiled softly and shook her head. “You don’t have to lie to save my feelings, Logan. I’m a big girl.”
“I’m not lying.” He lifted her hand from her lap and kissed her wrist. “I wish I could fast-forward time a couple of hours so the show would be over and I could teach you more about making love,” he said. And you can teach me how to love someone.
She wrapped her arms around his head and hugged him to her abdomen. “Why are you so nice to me?”
His chuckle was muffled against her belly. “I have ulterior motives.”
“Such as?”
“Making you mine.” Shit. Why had he said that? He was showing his cards much too soon.
She slapped his shoulder. “Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.” He wished he could say he didn’t mean it. He didn’t particularly want to be so far gone. Ah, what the fuck—he liked her. A lot. She was just going to have to learn to live with it. If he could admit it, surely she could accept it.
“I mean it, Toni.” He untangled his head from her grasp so he could look up at her. “I really do like you. And it isn’t just lust.” For once in his dick-led life. “I can’t stop thinking about you. Even when you’re not in my bed, you’re in my head. It’s driving me crazy. I’m not sure how to handle it.”
She smiled, and he saw her feelings displayed clearly in her eyes. “You’re going to break my heart someday.” She released a sigh and stared over his head as she spoke. “I really like you too, Logan. But maybe it’s best if we pretend the only thing between us is lust. If I fall for you . . .” She shook her head and closed her eyes.
“You don’t trust me with your heart.”
“Should I?”
He wanted to say she should, wanted to say that he’d never hurt her, but he, more than anyone, was aware of his track record with women.
“That’s something you’ll have to decide on your own.”’

Don’t get me wrong, even with the minor issues I had, I still completely enjoyed this book – I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face…and when I wasn’t smiling, I was drooling over the boys, or the sexiness between Toni and Logan…there really wasn’t a point when I didn’t enjoy what I was reading. All of that can be attributed to one main factor…Olivia’s writing. Her combination of endearing and loveable characters, engaging storylines, flat out perfect dialogue and sinfully delicious sex is something I’ve never seen. It gets me every time and I never want the spell to be broken. The depth and detail that she puts into her characters, whether it’s the main couple or not, is absolute perfection. I feel like I know every single one of them…and it’s something that can’t be replicated, it’s just a feeling that I get when I read…either it happens or it doesn’t and it’s so powerful with her characters. I also have to say…her sex scenes are some of the hottest I have ever read. Unique, carefully tailored to fit the couple perfectly, never over the top or tasteless…just pure, amazing, red-hot sex.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a bother. I just got a little worked up when you kissed me.”
Logan chuckled. “A bother? You’re kidding, right?”
He wrapped a lock of her hair around one finger and tugged. “You are no bother,” he said. “What you are, Miss Nichols, is a distraction.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
He shook his head. “I wouldn’t want to be around a bother. I can’t stop thinking about or wanting to be near a distraction. Does that sound like the same thing to you?”

There is so much packed into this book…that’s part of what I love about the first book in a new series…we get to fall in love with a new couple and then see all the building blocks for what is to come. We get to meet all of the other band members, get the feel of the group overall and how they all interact and gel together…and I’m getting all excited and squirmy because the chemistry and connection between the guys is just as crucial as it is between the couple. So Exodus End is comprised of five people:

• Dare Mills – Lead Guitarist (original band member)
• Steve Aimes – Drummer (original band member)
• Maximillian Richardson – Lead Singer (original band member)
• Logan Schmidt – Bassist (original band member)
• Reagan Elliot – Rhythm Guitarist (substitute for Max)

Every single one of them is so incredibly beyond words perfect that I almost don’t know what to do with myself. The Bro-mances are off the chart…and I l-o-v-e-d every single aspect of it. Plus…Exodus End is an older band (these guys are in their 30’s – and Oh-Em-Gee…that totally made them hotter!) so there is mountains of history –some good, some bad and some ugly…and we barely scratch the surface. Every detail I got made me hungry for more and I’m so excited to see what Olivia does with the rest of the Exodus boys. And the fact that Exodus End Series connects into The Sinners on Tour Series…just…I can’t even tell you. Happiness feels EXPLOSION for me. The Sinners aren’t a major part of the book…but they make their appearances here and there, and with Trey (Sinners rhythm guitarist) being the younger brother of Dare and the boyfriend of Reagan…the bands aren’t going to be cutting ties anytime soon – which is perfectly fine by me!

“You’re lying.” She hoped.
“Why do you say that?”
“You can’t even look at me, Logan.” She touched his hand, surprised when instead of drawing away, he turned his hand over to clutch hers in an iron grip. “At least look at me while you break my heart.”
“I don’t want to break your heart, Toni.” He lifted her hand and pressed it into the center of his chest. His heart thudded against the back of her hand. “Not when seeing you upset breaks mine.”

The ending was…a little quicker than I expected. After the shit hit the fan, my heart was worried about how everything was going to affect Toni and Logan, but luckily, like everything else, it fit so well with the characters, so there wasn’t drama for the sake of drama and things weren’t drug out unnecessarily – and I really appreciated that. I got my HEA…it’s not ‘final’ but then again, it never is with these books because we’ll see more of Toni and Logan as the series continues, but I was really happy with where things were left off. So…in case it wasn’t obvious…I am so ready for Outsider. With the events that happen in Insider, the buildup is perfect and I am already too excited to see what will happen with Reagan, Trey and Ethan. Because of Double Time…I already know the characters…this is just a continuation of their story, so I feel like my excitedness is multiplied by a million. Either way, I know Olivia will blow their story out of the water.

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Title:   Easy Love (The Boudreaux Series, Book #1)

Author:   Kristen Proby

Genre:   Contemporary Erotic Romance

Eli Boudreaux’s family has built ships and boats in Louisiana for generations. He comes from a hardworking, wealthy family and his empire is growing by leaps and bounds. At thirty, he is the youngest CEO to ever head Bayou Enterprises, co-chairing with his eldest brother. His head for business and his no-nonsense work ethic is also quickly making him the best the company has seen in generations. His staff admires him, women adore him and Eli’s family is solid. But he’s recently discovered that someone on the inside of his business is stealing from him and he’s determined to find out who.

Kate O’Shaughnessy is hired by companies all over the world to slip inside and investigate every member of the organization from the CEO down to the custodial staff to find the person or persons responsible for embezzling. She’s excellent at blending, becoming part of the team, and finding the weakest link. She’s smart, quick-witted, and she’s now been hired by Bayou Enterprises, specifically Eli Boudreaux. The attraction is immediate and the chemistry is off the charts, but Kate has heard all about Eli’s playboy past and she has a job to do. Sleeping with the boss isn’t a part of that job, even if just the sound of her name rolling off that Cajun tongue and the way he fills out a designer suit does make her sweat.

Eli’s southern charms surprise Kate. The man whose reputation labels him as a ruthless, callous womanizer is not the man she’s coming to know intimately. He’s generous, protective and makes her smile. Cracking through Kate’s cool, reserved demeanor and discovering her love of sexy, expensive lingerie is a challenge Eli can’t resist, but her sweet nature, love of family and sense of humor pull at him in ways no one else ever has.

But when the person responsible for trying to single-handedly dismantle Eli’s empire comes to light, and it’s time for Kate to move on, to what lengths will Eli go to keep the woman he’s fallen in love with by his side?

Are you ready for the second book in The Boudreaux Series?!?  I’m currently reading it and I’m falling HARD for Rhys…

Title:   Easy Charm (The Boudreaux Series, Book #2)

Author:   Kristen Proby

Release Date:   July 7, 2015

Genre:   Contemporary Erotic Romance

Gabrielle Boudreaux, the youngest of the Boudreaux clan, is a single mother of her young son, Sam.  Running a Bed and Breakfast at the family plantation house at the edge of the Mississippi River, Gabby loves her inn, her boy and her family. She meets new people every day, and takes pride in the house and land that has been in her family for more than five generations. Blessed beyond measure, she’s also lonely, although she would never admit that to anyone. Until Rhys O’Shaughnessy walks through her door, brooding and wounded and the sexiest thing she’s ever laid eyes on.

 

Rhys has been at the top of his game as a major league pitcher for the Boston Red Sox for more than ten years. Baseball is in his blood. But when he tears his rotator cuff and has to sit a season out, he retreats to Inn Boudreaux at the recommendation of his cousin, Kate, to heal and work toward building his shoulder back to perfect shape with only one goal in mind: to return to the game he loves. But he didn’t plan on being utterly charmed by a devastatingly beautiful woman and her baseball-loving son.

 

When Rhys’ shoulder has healed and he’s given the chance to return to his team, will he leave the family he’s come to love behind, or will he stay with Gabby and Sam?

Want a taste of Eli?!?  Oh trust me…you do! 😉

Easy Love by Kristen Proby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “Bad idea” “words” “I’ve adjusted my sails.” Kisses

I absolutely adore Kristen Proby‘s books with an unending passion. Everything about her novels is why I love romance so much…I cannot explain the hypnotic powers they have over me…and when I heard she was coming out with a new series…I totally did a happy dance. Easy Love is just another notch in Kristen’s belt for books that completely sucked me in…I devoured this baby…read it in 24 hours because I could not get enough of Eli and Kate and how amazing they were. I never wanted it to end. If this is just the beginning of the Boudreaux series…good lord ladies, we’re in for one hell of a ride!

Eli Boudreaux..O-M-G! I know for a fact that Kristen can write some amazing BBF’s (hello, have you met the men in her With Me in Seattle Series?!?)…so I was prepared to swoon, but oh holy heaven…I was not prepared for Eli. I think he deserves a list:

1.) He’s 6’4”…excuse me while I drool. A lot.
2.) He has an amazing, incredibly sexy accent
3.) I love my good ole’ Southern boys
4.) Gorgeous Whiskey colored eyes that I could gaze into for days
5.) He’s a manwhore – my weakness!
6.) The man was born to wear a suit…just yum
7.) His deliciously fucking filthy mouth and all of the sinful things that come out of it…and his beautiful smile…and how good he can kiss…pretty much anything to do with his mouth is amazing.
8.) He’s a charmer 😉
9.) Incredible brother and son
10.) Oh and he has a nice ass! 😉

If only this scratched the surface of how blissfully fantastic this man is…but it doesn’t. He’s kind…generous…sweet…intelligent…charismatic…thoughtful…I could literally go on for days, Eli blew me away. Something I couldn’t get enough of was the love he has for his siblings and his mother. They are a very close family and it’s apparent with every interaction we see. Even through the tough, business-as-usual exterior, Eli has a huge heart and his capacity to love…and it took a beautiful redhead to show him that he was capable of loving.

‘“Say fuck, Kate, it’s okay.”
“I don’t swear,” she whispers. “I have enough Catholic guilt as it is.”
“Just this once. I won’t tell.” My lips are tickling hers as I talk, and I feel the shiver run through her. She licks her lips and swallows thickly, and I’ve never been so hard in my damn life. “Say it.”
“Fuck,” she whisper, and I crush my mouth to hers, kissing her with all the pent up frustration and need that I have inside me.’

Mary Katherine O’Shaughnessy…oh Kate didn’t know what she was getting herself into when she decided to come to New Orleans. As much as I love Kristen’s ability to create endlessly delicious BBF’s…I think I equally adore her heroines…and Kate’s a superb addition to that group. There is so much to love about Kate it’s ridic…the fact that she doesn’t cuss – it sounds silly, but trust me, it’s the cutest/funniest/most adorable thing on the planet. Her friendship with Savannah and Declan (Eli’s twin siblings)…she had a distinct and unique relationship with each twin and I loved both of them to bits. Her strength…her tenacity…her sass…her humor…I flat out could not get enough of her – she was greatness. The more I learned about her, the more I wanted to make her my bestie…she’s so down to earth and sweet…it’s blatantly obvious why Eli never stood a chance against her charms.

‘He laughs and cages me between his hands. “I don’t want to fuck this up before we really get started, Kate.”
“And then you say things like that that make me swoon and my panties all wet.”
“Are your panties wet, Kate?”
“My panties have been wet for a week, Eli.”
“Good.” He kisses me softly, ending it on a growl. “Please tell me you can get yourself to bed.”
“I can’t get myself to bed.” I grin and bat my eyelashes. “You might have to help me.”’

Oh the amazingness that is Eli and Kate…the bliss…the joy…I challenge anyone to not completely fall into all that makes them spectacular. I loved their connection from the start…the build…the sexual tension and electric chemistry…and good lord in heaven the passion. Eli and Kate are so hot…and I couldn’t help but enjoy every second. I don’t think Eli has an un-sexy bone in his body and both myself and Kate benefitted from this immensely. It’s primal and sensual and good-god-yes-more-please-thank-you! 🙂 But it wasn’t all about the sex…I promise! (that was just the icing on the cake!) I loved that he tried to get her to cuss and that she can’t get enough of his ass (I’m telling you…it’s a great ass!)…I loved all the little ways he showed her that he cared or was thinking about her…I loved their banter and playfulness…I loved how much he loved feeding her (trust me…it sounds strange but it’s amazing!). It’s interesting because they have this cute, fun friendship/friends with benefits thing…that is more relationship-y than either of them care to admit to but it works for them and what they have. Eli and Kate are just flat out easy…effortless…and I say that as the highest form of compliment…there’s no muss, no fuss just all goodness and all the feels that make me swoon.

“What are you thinking so hard about?” he asks quietly, his accent thicker, perfect for this lazy, easy moment.
“Nothing.”
“Now, that’s a lie,” he replies with a soft smile. “I can hear your wheels turning.”
“I was thinking about you.” I squeeze his hand a little tighter, and then bring it up to nuzzle it with my cheek. “And that I’ll miss you when I leave.”
He grows quiet for a moment, not responding at all, and then he surprises me.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment with you, Mary Katherine O’Shaughnessy,” he says, making me smile at the way he says my last name with his accent. “You are a special woman.”

So not only am I falling in love with Kate and Eli throughout Easy Love…I’m also falling in love with the rest of the Boudreaux clan…and seriously, I am so excited for each of these characters to get their own book…I pretty much need them right now. #NotKidding All the little details and hints that were dropped about each character…kind of giving clues as to the possibilities that lie within were like little gems that I wanted to cherish forever (hence my excitedness about the rest of the books in the series!)…but I’m getting ahead of myself…let’s talk about Eli’s brothers and sisters. There’s Beau, the eldest Boudreaux (Eli is the second oldest), the twins – Savannah and Declan, Charlotte (Charly) and Gabby. Each of the siblings have their own unique relationships and seeing them unfold…it’s an indescribable feeling of happiness. Maybe it’s because I’m an only child…maybe it’s because Kristen creates magic between these characters…maybe it’s because it feels so natural and fluid…for whatever reason I cannot help but adore watching this family interact. Seeing them support each other…pick on one another…go through the good, the bad and the ugly…it makes it all the more authentic and genuine.

“What are you saying?” I ask breathlessly.
“I’m saying,” he says and swallows hard, “that you mean the world to me. I’ve been looking for you my whole damn life. I’m uninterested in a life without you.”

The entire book is told from Kate and Eli’s POV…until the Epilogue. *dum dum dummmmm* The lovely surprise is that the Epilogue is told from Rhys O’Shaughnessy’s POV, Kate’s cousin – who is basically like her brother because they were raised together. And guess what that means?!?! His book is next!!! Rhys is not a huge part of Easy Love but he has some very major contributions and given that he’s headed to New Orleans, I’m excited to see what experiencing the Boudreaux’s does to his life. 😉

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

This is not your typical love story. 
It’s not so black and white. Lines are crossed.
Walls are smashed. Good becomes bad.
Bad becomes very, very good.

Shayda Hijazi—the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect daughter. For thirty-three years, she has played by the rules, swallowing secrets, burying dreams and doing whatever it takes to anchor her family. Shayda Hijazi is about to come face to face with the one thing that can rip it all apart, the one thing her heart has always been denied: Love.

Troy Heathgate—untamed, exhilarating, dangerous—a man who does exactly as he pleases. Life bends to his will. Until he comes across the one thing he would give it all up for, but can never have.

Born on the same day in opposite corners of the world, their lives collide. And nothing is ever the same again.

Spanning three decades, 53 Letters for My Lover is a fiercely sensual, emotional ride to the heart of an epic, forbidden love that defies it all—an intimate exploration of love, loyalty, passion, betrayal, and the human journey for hope, happiness and redemption.

“Sexy, intense fiction isn’t afraid to step out of the box.” 

Contemporary women’s fiction: Ages 18+ 

I L-O-V-E-D 53 Letters for My Lover – it was one of my favorite books of 2014!  Troy and Shayda captured my heart, stole my breath and took me on a complete journey.  Did you see Troy’s Love Note from Valentine’s Day?!?!  Totally ah-mazing – just like him!  And make sure you check out From His Lips – a companion short story from Troy’s POV!

Title:  From His Lips   (53 Letters for My Lover Book #1.5)

Author:   Leylah Attar

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

 ***This short story (86 pages) contains SPOILERS*** It is meant to be read after the full length novel, 53 Letters For My Lover. For readers who want more from the hero’s point of view.

Troy Heathgate has it all – brains, brawn and the kind of smile that just begs a ribbon. Everything but the woman he loves. But now he’s back and determined to possess her. There’s just one catch – she’s married to another man.

From His Lips (53 Letters #1.5) expands on some of the crucial scenes, and includes a few new ones. As such, it does not offer a fully formed beginning and ending, and may not appeal to those looking for a full read.

The doorbell rings. Repeatedly. Followed by loud thumping on the door.

“Coming, coming! Now what did you what forget?” I swing the door open.

My heart screeches to a slamming halt. “Troy.” I turn pale. “You…you shouldn’t be here.”

“No?” He storms past me into the house. “Where should I be, Shayda? Waiting by the phone? Staking out your office? Checking my email? Where the fuck, Shayda?” His fist slams into the console table, so ‘fuck’ is an obscure, jarring thud, like some censored song on the radio.

“I changed my mind.”

“You changed your mind. Just like that?” He starts pacing the hallway. “And when were you were planning to tell me exactly? When, Shayda?”

“I made a mistake.” My voice quivers. “I got caught up in the moment. We were alone, we were away. It was…it was all an illusion.”

“An illusion?” He pulls me hard against him. Our bodies collide, knocking the breath out of me. “Is this an illusion?”

His lips assault mine.

“And this?” His hand slides under my dress, claiming my thigh.

“What about this, Shayda?” He pushes my panties aside and slides two fingers inside.

“Tell me, Shayda. Tell me this is all in my head.” He shoves me against the door and deepens his strokes. “Tell me this is nothing.” He rubs his fingers on my neck, leaving the unmistakable trail of my reaction.

“This is you, Shayda.” His finger slips inside my mouth. “Your taste, your smell, your skin, your touch.” He grabs me by the hair and pulls my head back. “Tell me you’re not real, Shayda. Tell me!”

I feel the gathump gathump of his heart. Our breath comes in short, shallow gasps. His eyes darken, black holes pushing sky blue irises to the edges of raw emotion. Hunger. Anger. Love. Pain.

 

 

 

53 Letters for My Lover by Leylah Attar

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

5 “Beetroot” “Scary Cherry” “Butterfly” “Fly, dammit, fly!” Kisses

Holy cow Leylah Attar…what did you just do to me??? I shouldn’t be surprised…but I really just can’t handle how much I loved this book. You don’t even know! Just…wow. 53 Letters for My Lover just blew me away…it was amazing perfection that had me from start to finish. The angst was phenomenal…my heart was in my throat…Shayda and Troy were breathtaking…I’m a goner for this book.

Shayda Hijazi…oh Beetroot Butterfly…what am I going to say about Shayda. I felt for her. I may not have understood everything she was going through…but I got her. I got her mindset…I understood her logic and reasoning…and my heart still broke with her. This woman is tested consistently throughout the book and yet she still managed to hold her head up high and do what she needed to do…sometimes whether she liked it or not. Her inner strength is boundless…I really don’t know how she did it sometimes. To live the life you need to live…not the one you want to live is a very difficult task, but she made the most out of it. I don’t want it to come off like Shayda was absolutely miserable all the time…but she made a lot of sacrifices…including her happiness. I both loved and hated Shayda’s sense of obligation…it was a very admirable quality but it cost her dearly in some ways. She was the good, dutiful woman she needed to be and there is a lot to be said for that kind of person. Aside from her children…the only time I ever felt Shayda was truly happy was when a certain blue eyed man was present.

‘It doesn’t matter.
It doesn’t matter what anyone is doing or saying. I wish Troy Heathgate would stop looking at me like that. Time has intensified his gaze into a laser beam that zaps hazy memories of him into a cloud of smoky grey. Poof. Gone. Dissolved. Disintegrated. What chance do black and white rainbows have against full, blazing technicolor?’

Troy Heathgate…I have so many things to say about Troy. Troy…defies explanation. He’s magnificence personified. He is a playboy…he’s brilliant…he’s sexy and confident and can talk his way into or out of anything…every girl wants him and every guy wants to be him…he’s illusive and magnetic and just flat out amazing. And he only has eyes for one exotic Butterfly. I was wary of Troy at first…I was honestly afraid he was going to break Shayda’s heart and that woman didn’t need to be broken anymore…but the second I realized he was more invested than Shayda was, that was the second I knew there was no coming back from Troy. The compassionate and caring nature he showed with Shayda…all that he does for her, the lengths that he goes to know and understand her…better than anyone else ever has…it simply stole my heart.

‘Every hour we spend together intensifies my awareness of him. The scent of his skin, the shape of his nails, the subtle inflections in his voice – the savvy businessman, the charming bad boy, the sensual lover. Watching him eat, talk, smile, tease, it’s easy to see why women come undone around him. That insatiable appetite for life, the intrinsic confidence, the dark, dangerous allure wrapped in layers of genuine playfulness.’

Troy and Shayda have an epic love…like…spanning decades. They have this long-lasting kind of connection that absolutely nothing can break and it totally captivated me. More than captivated me…it’s captured my mind, my heart, my soul! I can’t even pinpoint that exact moment it happened because they do not have it easy…and call me crazy, even through their struggles and the angst…I still loved and appreciated what they had. That’s part of what added to them…made them more complex and more real to me – they had so many layers and dimensions to what made them who they were…both as individuals and as a couple. They had so many different interactions that may seem minor to anyone else…but were treasured and special for the two of them. Troy and Shayda in all honesty, couldn’t be more different…in just about every aspect…and yet, they compliment each other perfectly…they just get each other and click in this fantastic way that warmed my heart inside and out. And as if that wasn’t enough…they were scintillatingly hot…I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t expecting the level of eroticism I got but hot-damn did I love every single second of it. Its all part of the Troy-Shayda amazing package…all part of what made me love them so.

‘For a moment, I fought against the disarming tenderness of a stranger, the shame of being caught in a moment of weakness. Then his arms circled my waist, pulling me away from the door, from whatever heartache he had witnessed in my reflection. The fight drained out of me. I turned into the shelter of his embrace, and he, not knowing, not asking, took me in.
Something changed in that instant. For me. For him. Like when the sun and moon align and the day turns into night. They finally see each other’s faces and hang, transfixed, even as their eclipse throws everything else into darkness. For those fleeting moments, everything made sense – the pattern behind the random trajectory of life, the infinite order beneath chaos.’

Alright…so part of what makes Troy and Shayda’s situation so much more difficult is the fact that she is married. Before the pitchforks are brought out and we condemn the cheating couple…I have to say, it’s really not that easy. It’s not easy to say she should have gotten a divorce or they should have ignored their feelings…because Shayda’s marriage wasn’t that easy either. I’m not trying to turn Hafez (her husband) into a villain…by all means, he’s not…but it’s really something you have to read and experience for yourself…to truly be able to judge. There are so many details and extenuating circumstances that come into this that I don’t want to spoil…but I know in my heart…Shayda did not jump into an affair with Troy lightly. But it was the first decision in her life that she made for herself…and I have to applaud her for that.

‘“Tell me.” His eyes pierce mine with a ferocious need.
I moan, squeezing my eyes shut, but he presses his thumb and forefinger into my cheeks, squeezing until my lips purse open.
“Tell me,” he rasps, harder and faster, driving to a harsh staccato drive.
The intensity builds up to a fevered pitch. White hot bolts of lightning shoot through me. I wrap my legs around him as my toes curl in ecstasy. “I’m yours, Troy. Yours.”
“Mine!” He lifts my ankles over his shoulders and slams into me, his body shuddering with a jarring release.
“Mine, Beetroot. All mine,” he says, kissing the corner of my mouth as he spirals down from the heights of passion.
Afterwards, he flips me over so I’m lying on top of him, and brushes the sand off my back. Then he wraps both arms around me like he’s never going to let go.’

Another person I need to applaud….Ms. Attar. Holy shit…the amount of depth and emotion that she put into 396 pages of awesome…I’m in awe. The writing was beautiful…I truly never wanted it to end. And…I know this is going to sound weird…but I felt smarter reading it. The way the storyline unfolds and everything is told is very unique…it’s not all spelled out for you, there are some things that you just kind of have to trust that you will understand as you continue to read…and it totally happens. But I appreciated that Leylah trusted me enough as a reader that I would eventually get it…not that some things weren’t handed to me, but it was nice to kind of fall into the flow of what I was reading and trust in the author to take me everywhere I needed to go. None of the topics that are in this book are even in the realm of easy…aside from the affair there is SO much more…loaded, heavy, deep, hard hitting situations that just one alone is enough to carry a book and the risk with putting them all in there was totally worth it. It wasn’t too much…every issue gutted me in a new way…but the way they were handled and resolved appropriately…which soothed my aching heart.

‘If we base our decisions on all the things we’re afraid of, we would be paralyzed with fear.
I wrench myself away from the cold, deathly grip of despair, from all the worst-case scenarios, from guilt, from shame, from all the heavy chains that have shackled my soul. It’s time, time for me to make the journey of a thousand miles, time for me to take a leap of faith. I stand at the edge of the abyss and hesitate.
Fly, dammit, fly, says Troy.
I smile and spread my wings, gliding, soaring, rising over a golden valley where lemon groves lie cradled in the warmest, softest earth. I feel like I am home again. Because I choose love. I choose faith. And hope. And happiness. And dancing dust motes in the sunlight.’

The ending…oh the epicness of the ending…it was fan-flippin-tastic…amazingness…and all I could have ever dreamed of. It’s like Leylah knew that I couldn’t handle a rushed ending and she let me savor. Every. Word. And I did…oh boy, did I eat up every single second of it! You cannot give characters a 30 year love affair and not give them a complete ending…and the attention that was paid to every detail, leaving no plot holes or issues unresolved…it was just perfection…this might be one of my favorite endings ever. I cannot even tell you how badly I need to read From His Lips, the companion short story to 53 Letters for My Lover…I can tell you right now, 86 pages from Troy’s brain is not enough. 86,000 pages from Troy Heathgate wouldn’t be enough. I promise you, he is that amazing.

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Leylah Attar writes stories about love – shaken, stirred and served with a twist. When she’s not writing, she can be found pursuing her other passions: photography, food, family and travel. Sometimes she disappears into the black hole of the internet, but can usually be enticed out with chocolate.

 

 

Release Date:   May 17, 2015

Genre:   Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Suspense, YA

Silas races against time as more truths unravel, while others twist tighter together. “Where are you, Charlie?” Never Never: Part Two is the continuation of the Never Never series.

Have you read the first book in the Never Never Series?  You absolutely HAVE to!!!  This series must be read in order.  I’m 100% hooked and cannot get enough – check out my review of Never Never Part One!

Title:   Never Never  (Never Never Series Book #1)

Author:   Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

Genre:   Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Suspense, YA

Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen. Complete strangers since this morning. He’ll do anything to remember. She’ll do anything to forget.

 

Never Never: Part Two by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “Never forget” “Jamais Jamais” Kisses

It’s official…I now need to move into both Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher’s brains. I’ll split my time evenly between the two…but I’m almost positive I cannot live without the influence of their brilliance in my world. If I thought I enjoyed Never Never Part One…Never Never Part Two up’d the ante…a lot. I don’t know what kind of witchcraft or jedi mind tricks they have cast upon me…but it’s totally and completely working and I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself after the third book. FYI…in case you weren’t aware…Never Never Part Two is the second book in a series…and this is a series that absolutely must be read in order!

Silas Nash…wow…yeah, I am totally 100% in love with him now…and once again, I still don’t even know that much about him. Maybe it’s because we get more of him in Part Two then we do in Part One…maybe it’s because of everything that’s happening, he’s kind of turning into the accidental hero if you will, but everything he’s saying and doing is just wonderful and I can’t get enough of it. I definitely know it has something to do with Charlie’s reaction to him…especially at the end…that was just all I needed in the world – and in the grand scheme of things it’s relatively minor, but it spoke to me. At this point, all of the stuff I don’t know about him seems inconsequential because I know this Silas…and this Silas is blowing me away more and more.

‘It seems so natural to think thoughts that contain the word I. But each of my thought are hollow and weightless, because the world “I” is attached to no one. No name, no face. I am…nothing.’

Charlize Margaret Wynwood …her personality is totally growing on me. Charlie is a little rough around the edges…she’s not sweet or typical…she’s unique and edgy and sassy and it works for her. I’m finding how much of a perfect counterpart she really is to Silas and the balance they bring to each other is magical. And it’s funny because as much as I loved getting more Silas…I did, in fact, miss Charlie. Her chapters weren’t necessarily long but I found I got more from them then I was expecting…especially her dreams – I kind of want just a chapter of her dreams.

‘I reach up to touch my face, smiling a little. He loved me. He was so…full of life. I lie back down, wondering what happened to him and if he’s the reason I’m here. Why hasn’t he come to find me? Can a person forget that kind of love?’

How is it possible for me to fall in love with two characters that I don’t know that much about? I don’t know their histories…how they grew up…what made them who they are…I know bits and pieces and secondhand information, but all the core information that I usually get from my characters is just…not there with Never Never…and ya know what? It works. How??? I don’t know…and I don’t care. The only thing I can give credit to is the genius talent behind Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher. I bow down to their greatness and applaud them for concocting one of the best plots ever. I am still in awe of the writing…their two different styles blend perfectly and effortlessly together and they’re quickly becoming one of my favorite writing duo’s. I’ve always said that if the writing is strong enough it can make me believe anything…it’s why I’m a fan of insta-love and ass hole hero’s who redeem themselves and all the unthinkable scenarios that “in theory” should not work…but do. Add Never Never to the list…because while I may not know much, I adore everything I do know and regardless of what happens in book 3, this has been one of the most captivating series I’ve ever read.

‘Figure out what you did with the Charlie I fell in love with. And when you find her, I’ll be here. I told you before I’ll never stop loving you. I’ll never forget what we have.
But lately, it seems that you’ve forgotten’

Remember the mind fuck from Part One? Yeah…well it only magnified with Part Two…but trust me it’s getting better and better with each click of my kindle. For every clue or piece I thought I had figured out…twenty more questions popped up in its place. It was both wonderful and made me want to scream…in a good way, I promise. I really don’t know how it’s possible for someone who despises not knowing things to love how much I don’t know with this book…but it’s all part of the fantastic mind-fuck package. The build of this series is fantastic…I couldn’t love it any more if I tried because even with the list of things I don’t know, I’m still feeling the anticipation building naturally and I am quickly becoming addicted to this anticipation. The feelings it is giving me is completely overwhelming my desire to know. Once again the balance of the mystery/suspense with the romance/relationship between Charlie and Silas is perfection! Just one more reason why I can’t get enough.

‘This.
This must have been why I felt an unwavering need to find her. Because until this very second, I didn’t know Charlie wasn’t the only one missing. When she disappeared, part of me must have disappeared right along with her. Because this is the first time I feel like me— like Silas Nash— since the second I woke up yesterday.’

I am so uncontrollably into everything that is going on with this series it’s not even funny. I never want it to stop…I honestly hate the fact that there is only one book left – my stage five clinger tendencies are kicking in full force! Obviously I need answers…duh…but it’s not even about that anymore. The way everything has come together…I don’t know how everything is going to wrap up in one more book…and even once it’s wrapped up…I have a feeling I’m going to want more from Charlie and Silas. They’re absolutely amazing characters and I don’t know if I’ll ever get enough of them.

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Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Maybe Someday, and Finding Cinderella. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Please visit ColleenHoover.com.

I am a real life villain, truly. I drink sick amounts of Starbucks. Most of the time my hair smells like coffee. I was born in South Africa, and lived there for most of my childhood. I moved to Seattle just for the rain. Rome is my favorite place in the world so far, Paris comes in at a close second. I read and write more than I sleep. When I was eleven, I wrote an entire novel about runaway orphans, using only purple ink. I am addicted to Florence and the Machine and will travel to see concerts. I love scary movies and giraffes. I spend way too much time on Facebook. Meet you there?…

Genre:   Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Suspense, YA

Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen.
Complete strangers since this morning.
He’ll do anything to remember. She’ll do anything to forget.

Are you ready for the next part of Silas and Charlie’s story???  I know I am!

Title:   Never Never Part Two  (Never Never Series Book #2)

Author:   Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

Release Date:   May 17, 2015

Genre:   Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Suspense, YA

Silas races against time as more truths unravel, while others twist tighter together. “Where are you, Charlie?” Never Never: Part Two is the continuation of the Never Never series.

 

Did you see Silas’s Love Note from Valentine’s Day?

Keep reading to see the full Love Note!

 

My name is Silas Nash, and this Valentine goes out to the girl I’m trying to find. According to the information I found in her wallet, her name is Charlize. However, the notes I found in my car show that I sometimes refer to her as Charlie. Also–according to my notes–I’m madly in love with her. So Charlie, if you get this message, I miss you. I think. I love you. I think. And WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?

Never Never by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

3.5 “Charlie baby” “Never never” “trees” “pearls” Kisses

I am not going to lie, from the moment I heard about this book I was beyond excited. You cannot tell me that two of my favorite authors ever are writing a book and not expect me to flip out a little. Plus the synopsis? Get out of here. My grabby hands were out of control. But I was nervous…because I didn’t want my expectations to be so high that I hyped it up past a reasonable point. I should know by now that when dealing with Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, I should always anticipate greatness, because they never cease to amaze me.

Charlize Margaret Wynwood…such an elegant name, I like it. Charlie is…unique. For the most part I liked her…but I can’t guarantee I would have liked the old-Charlie. I don’t mean that in a bad way…I don’t have to like everybody, but there are tendencies and traits that the old-Charlie had, that the new-Charlie hasn’t picked up yet and I’m kinda hoping she doesn’t. New-Charlie is…open, inquisitive, guarded to a point but it feels like it’s more out of self-preservation than anything. Between Charlie and Silas…I’d say she’s got a rougher time of piecing herself together…even more so because of the guarded thing, but I did enjoy getting to know her. I feel the times she truly shines and I connect with her the most is when she is around Silas.

‘She’s beautiful, but in a shameful way. One I’m not sure I’m supposed to appreciate. Everything about her is captivating, like the aftermath of a storm. People aren’t supposed to get pleasure out of the destruction Mother Nature is capable of, but we want to stare anyway. Charlie is the devastation left in the wake of a tornado.’

Silas Nash…I’m so close to falling in love with Silas, and I don’t even know that much about him. This boy has an amazing personality that even not knowing as much about him as I would like to cannot stop the fact that he is just flat out wonderful. What I do know…he’s kind, sweet, genuine…determined…thoughtful, he’s not perfect but he clearly tries his best. He’s hilarious…I love his sense of humor…it was really easy to be drawn to Silas, he’s magnetic like that. Silas is…like an open book, he’s really easy to read (that was an unintentional pun, I promise!)…and the one of the few things I know about Silas is how he feels about Charlie.

“Why are you smiling?” she asks, three miles into our drive.
I didn’t realize I was. I shrug. “Just thinking.”
“About what?”
I glance at her and she’s waiting for my answer with an impatient frown. “I was wondering how the old Silas ever broke through your hard exterior.”
She laughs. “What makes you think he did?”
I would smile again, but I don’t think I’ve stopped. “You saw the video, Charlie. You loved him.” I pause for a second, then rephrase. “Me. You loved me.”
“She loved you,” Charlie says, and then smiles. “I’m not even sure if I like you yet.”
I shake my head with a soft laugh. “I don’t know myself very well, but I must have been extremely competitive. Because I just took that as a challenge.”
“Took what as a challenge? You think you can make me like you again?”
I look over at her and give my head the slightest shake. “No. I’m gonna make you fall in love with me again.”

Holy mind fuck batman…I felt like I was on the insane journey with both of them and it was amazing. I love mysteries and puzzles and trying to figure stuff out – it’s not even an intentional thing, it just how my mind works now, so reading Never Never was like discovering something I didn’t even know I wanted. I really liked the balance of mystery to romance…because they’re both so intertwined, I don’t think one could have survived without the other. I also enjoyed the way things were revealed…it’s really easy to get frustrated when you don’t know all the facts and details, so there has to be kind of a give and take with wondering WTF is happening to getting clues and piecing stuff together. The way everything worked out was spot on for me…I was hooked and eating up every detail, falling in love with Charlie and Silas individually and together.

“Let’s get out of here,” he says. “Go do something that doesn’t belong to Charlie and Silas. Something that’s ours.”
“You’re talking about us like we’re body invaders.”
Silas closes his eyes and tilts his head back. “You have no idea how many times a day I think about invading your body.”

I have been intentionally vague on a lot of the details of Never Never because it’s not an easily explainable book without revealing something and there is so much about NN that really needs to be experienced firsthand. I love this plot so much, it’s kind of ridiculous – and this is coming from a girl who hates not knowing things. A small part of me is throwing a huge tantrum wanting to figure it out and know all the answers…but I’m really enjoying the ride and the experience. There is a lot to be said for letting go and just hanging on for dear life…it’s very freeing and for the most part it’s making me appreciate the story and characters so much more. The whole story line is incredibly unique and original…I’ve read my fair share of books and I’ve never read anything like this – it’s captivating, engaging and addictive. Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher separately blow me away every. Single. Time. I read one of their books. Combined…it’s like all the planets have aligned to create this perfect book universe where my brain is in its happy place. Sometimes when two authors join forces it can feel like it…the flow is off, pacing is just not there, it’s just not cohesive. Completely not a problem with these two…everything about Never Never works brilliantly.

‘When we lock eyes, I feel like I’m meeting a brand new side of her. A side of her without resolve. A vulnerable side. A side that’s allowing herself to feel something. I want to grin and ask her how it feels to be in love, but I know teasing her in this moment would piss her off and she’d walk away and I can’t let that happen. Not right now. Not when I finally get to catalog an actual memory with all the numerous fantasies I’ve had about her mouth.’

So…the dreaded cliffy – honestly, did it make me want book 2? Yeah…duh. But…that’s the point! I mean the last 10% I couldn’t read fast enough and getting to those last few sentences when so much is coming together and I was basically holding my breath for what was going to happen next. It was awesome…and I’m so beyond ready for  Never Never Part 2…insanely excited to see what Colleen and Tarryn do with the story next and ready to continue my mind-fuck journey with Charlie and Silas. #BringItOn

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Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Maybe Someday, and Finding Cinderella. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Please visit ColleenHoover.com.

I am a real life villain, truly. I drink sick amounts of Starbucks. Most of the time my hair smells like coffee. I was born in South Africa, and lived there for most of my childhood. I moved to Seattle just for the rain. Rome is my favorite place in the world so far, Paris comes in at a close second. I read and write more than I sleep. When I was eleven, I wrote an entire novel about runaway orphans, using only purple ink. I am addicted to Florence and the Machine and will travel to see concerts. I love scary movies and giraffes. I spend way too much time on Facebook. Meet you there?…

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Race car mechanic Andressa “Andi” Amaro has one rule—no dating drivers. With a good reason behind the rule, she has no plans on breaking it.

 

Carrick Ryan is the bad boy of Formula One. With a face and body that melts panties on sight, and an Irish lilt that leaves women on their knees, begging for more. He races hard and parties harder. The youngest driver to ever sign with F1, he’s still at the top of his game five years later, breaking hearts on and off the tracks.

 

When Andi is offered her dream job working in the glamorous world of F1, she leaves her home in Brazil, positive she can handle working for Carrick. But she’s not prepared for the off-the-chart sparks that fly the moment they meet.

 

Now, Andi has a crush on the one man she can’t have, and her resolve is about to be put to the test, because Carrick has decided he wants Andi, and he plans on testing her to the very limit…

Revved by Samantha Towle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “I don’t get involved with drivers.” “You wanna get out of here?” “Jaguar XK-one twenty” Kisses

Oh-em-gee…I don’t think it’s possible for Samantha Towle to create characters that I don’t love completely and effortlessly. They steal my heart and I don’t ever want it back! Andi and Carrick were absolutely fantastic – I was so sucked into every detail of the story…the angst, the sexiness, the love – it was all perfect for me.

Andressa Amaro Wolfe…Andi, Andi, Andi…my super strong tom boy…I really did love Andi. Through everything…even the decisions that annoyed me…I felt like I understood her and her motives. Regardless of whether I agree with a characters choices…if I know the logic behind it, I can understand and support them. Andi has to be strong…she lost her father in a very tragic way and it’s kind of shaped how she wants to live her life. She is the perfect combination of her parents…her mothers good looks and her fathers drive and passion. Andi’s dedication to her career was awesome – she wanted to make it on her own merits, despite the fact that she didn’t have to and that really showed me what kind of person she was. She’s focused and disciplined and no one is going to knock her off her track…until Carrick Ryan.

‘“So, why Andi instead of Andressa?”
“Because Andressa is a bit of a mouthful, and it’s just what everyone has always called me.” My dad started calling me Andi. It apparently drove my mum mad until she finally gave in.
Carrick raises his eyes, and I can read the sexual innuendo all over his face.
“A mouthful can be a good thing.” He grins sexily. “Andi is a boy’s name, and you’re far from a boy. No, Andressa…that’s a beautiful woman’s name. It’s perfect for you.”
Oh, he’s good.’

Carrick Ryan…oh-my-sweet-Irish-man-whore-lovin-goodness – Carrick is ah-mazing!!! I have a weak spot for man whores…I don’t know what it is about them but watching the transformation is something I always look forward to – I can’t help myself. But he’s more than just a man whore…he is a fantastic formula one racecar driver. Making a name for himself at such a young age in an extremely intense and competitive sport is not an easy task…but Carrick has fought and worked hard for everything he has. He’s definitely the poster boy for work hard, play harder…hence the man whore status but that also has a lot to do with his past and home life. Carrick is…sweet, playful, sexy, and just fun…he warmed my heart, made me smile and turned me on. It’s really hard for me to think badly of him – even though he was no saint. He has his tendencies to fly off the handle but I think that’s due to his very passionate personality…that and Andi had the ability to bring out the best and worst in him.

“So, how are we best friends again exactly?”
“We’re best friends because” – he leans in close, moving into my space, with his lips next to my ear, and his hot breath makes me shiver – “You won’t let me shag you. Now, we’re going to be the next best thing, and that’s the best friends because I don’t do things by halves, Andressa. I’m an all-or-nothing kinda guy.” He sits back in his chair, staring at me.
I feel a wobble deep inside of me. I swallow down. “Um, yeah…I’m kind of getting that impression.”

Andi and Carrick are…like magnets, drawn together…it was so natural between them. Obviously the sexual attraction was there from the start but the thing I loved the most about Andi and Carrick was the friendship that they developed. If anything I would have liked to see more of that, I couldn’t get enough…them just hanging out, watching movies, talking…it was just so casual and normal for them to be hanging out. Their bond was really special and I know it started off playful and Andi was cautious but I never knew it would affect me so deeply. The moment the angst kicked in, I was so hurt for Andi because I saw how much it hurt her…I felt that. But on the other hand…the second they had sex…wow, it was a whole other level of emotional connection. There was one scene towards the end…without spoiling anything, all I will say is it involves a car…and it made me cry. The second I realized what Carrick had done…I knew, no matter what…I was going to get my HEA. It didn’t make going through the pain any less difficult…I still felt the angsty torture that I crave, but that freakin’ car was my sliver of hope and I held on to it with a death grip.

‘His fingers slide over my hand, curling around it, gripping. “Andressa, you’re-“ His voice has changed. It’s deeper, husky.
“The winner?” I cut him off, trying to inject sass into my voice. But it doesn’t work. I just sounded all breathy.
I need to bring us back to where we were, but I don’t know how.
He’s slowly pulling me in closer to him, closer to everything I want but can’t have.
“Like no one I’ve ever met before.”
Wow.
And fuck.
Fuckity fuck, fuck, fuck.’

Andi and Carrick as friends = happy Lisa…Andi and Carrick as lovers = out of this world, deliriously giddy Lisa. Wow! They were so hot…and sensual – they’re already two very passionate people but combined it was this addictive connection that I loved so much. Plus, the way that Carrick behaved…the things he said…it was just so perfect. Take my wildest dreams of what I wanted them to be – add a million – and that’s about where my heart was at. I cannot stress it enough…I was invested before they even kissed…the moment they had sex, there was no going back for me. It just amplified everything I felt about them and despite the tension and hurt that might have happened, that’s what kept me going…knowing how happy they made my heart. Was the angst and strain frustrating at times? Yes…some of it could have been fixed with a little communication or clarification…but in the heat of the moment and with what was going on plus based on Carrick and Andi’s personalities…everything made sense for them.

“I can’t get you out of my head. And do you know what the worst thing is?”
There’s something in his tone, something so solemn that makes me that makes me turn my face to his, finding his expression just as grave. It makes my heart twist.
“It’s that you don’t even want to be in here.” He taps a finger to his head. “The one girl that I want, and she doesn’t want me.”
I feel crushed.
“Carrick, I do want you, I just can’t-“
The rest of my words are swallowed up by his kiss.
“Don’t…” he rumbles against my lips. “I don’t want to hear the can’t right now. I just want to hear the want.” He slides his fingers into my hair, tilting my head back so that I’m looking directly in his eyes. “Just tell me that you want me.”
I do want him.
My body is vibrating with the need I feel for him.
The need I always feel for him.
The need I’m constantly trying to bury.
But I can’t bury it tonight.
Closing my eyes, I let out a breath. “I want you.”

I swear…I think I got to around 40% and I could not put my kindle down. If I couldn’t do whatever I was doing while holding my kindle…and also reading…and not paying attention to anything else – then…sorry, it just wasn’t going to happen. I couldn’t function…had no desire to do anything but live in the world that was Andi and Carrick. I attribute this 100% to Samantha’s magical powers. I was submerged into every feeling that Andi experienced and it’s part of the reason why I couldn’t put this book down. I was completely immersed and right there with Andi – regardless of whether or not it’s what I would have done or whether or not I agreed with what she was doing/liked what she was doing…I was feeling with every ounce what she was going through…and that’s all I needed.

“What are you doing?” My voice trembles.
“Taking what I want…what’s mine.”
He cups my face with his hand, running the tip of his thumb over my lower lip, sending a shiver hurtling through me.
“I can’t do this anymore, Andressa. I thought I could handle just being your friend, but I can’t. I’m tired of pretending, pretending that I don’t feel what I feel for you. I want you, and it’s not going away. And I know how you feel the same. I can see it in your eyes…feel it in your body.” He runs his hand down the curve of my waist. “I’m sick of ignoring the inevitable.”
He presses a gentle kiss to the corner of my lips, and I gasp.
“You’re mine. You’ve been mine from the moment I saw you. And I’m definitely yours. So, I’m here, telling you that I want you today and every day after. I’m so beyond fucking crazy about you that I’m going insane from not being with you. So, whatever it is that’s stopping you from being with me, like we both know you want, then just fight it babe, because I can’t be without you a moment longer.”

Revved was…everything I needed…scratch that, it was more than I needed – it was something I didn’t even know I was looking for. Sometimes I just need to read something sexy…and angsty…with the perfect blend of drama and passion and that’s what this gave me. Two beautiful characters that captivated me and took me on a wild ride, sucking me into this explosive journey and giving me any and every feeling I could have wanted. It was a great standalone…but I won’t lie…there were some secondary characters in this book *cough cough*Petra and Robbie*cough cough*…alright, mainly Petra, I seriously loved her personality, but come on…there was something there – my spidey senses were tingling! Let’s put it this way…if some spin-off’s happened…I would be a very happy book worm. 🙂

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Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn’t stopped writing since. She is the author of THE MIGHTY STORM and the Wall Street Journal Bestseller WETHERING THE STORM.

She has also wrote paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.

A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.