Sunday 28 June 2015

Review: Dark Alley Stranger (Dark Alley #1) by D.S. Wrights

*****5 Stars*****
 
 
This is the first of a series by D.S. Wrights. It's a rather short novella, but it holds a lot of promise of things to come.
Imagine a secret club where you can have safe anonymous sex with complete strangers in a dark alley. Would you join such a club? Well, Alice has just received a mysterious invitation to the Dark Alley club.
Alice is recently single, and a bit jaded about men. She has decided that she does not need a regular relationship, but she still has normal urges, and her BOB is not really doing the trick anymore.
Taking a chance she decides to see what this mysterious club is all about. She does not end up regretting it, but is she getting in too deep with something she may not fully understand? I guess we'll have to wait for the next installment to find out.
This is a quick easy read, but well worth it if you are looking for an erotic fantasy story, but not if you are looking for a romance. Although there is a tease that something more may happen later on.
I was intrigued by the premise and see a lot of potential in it. I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes the story. I liked Alice and want her to be happy, and so far she seems quite happy.
I would encourage you to kick off your shoes and just lean back and enjoy the ride as you travel down the rabbit hole with Alice. Who knows what you may find along the way?
 
Blurb
 
Newly single and self-confident Alice has recently decided that she doesn't need a man to feel complete, if it wasn't for the one activity where a man can come quite handy.
On a girl's night out that was bound to be embarrassing and boring, since every girl of her clique is a mommy or about to become one, Alice makes a lot of interesting acquaintances and thanks to one of them she receives a mysterious invite to the "Dark Alley".
Too curious to heed her best friend's warnings, Alice heads out to end up having, hot, sizzling sex with a faceless stranger.
 
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Review: Relinquish by M.N. Forgy

*****5 Stars*****
 
 
Wow! Where do I start?!
This book takes the reader that on one hell of a journey.
We meet Charlie. She's had a tough life, but she's survived - almost - by blocking a lot of her childhood out.
Just when she thinks she's able to be free at last, in jumps Jayden. They barely know each other but Charlie's kind heart wants to help, so the girls decide to stick together.
But sticking together is one thing, surviving together is a whole different ball game.
Of course, a man is always involved and this time, the man is hotter than hot! Charlie literally runs into Landon, who evokes feelings in her that she just can't comprehend. He makes her feel safe and not lonely for the first time in her life....but is he all he seems?
This is an absolutely thrilling book! It's got just about everything you could ask for...emotion, a touch of darkness, the dirty game, lies, deception and an endless struggle.
It's beautifully written and I absolutely devoured it! A highly recommended 5 stars from me.... Enjoy!
 
Blurb
 
In my world, there is no such thing as love. It is just a lie we whisper into our client’s ear. Love is foreign and hazardous. What I did not expect was to bare my soul to a man who is as egotistical as he is dangerous.

His name is Landon. Despite his blackened soul, he tried to save me, but what he didn't expect was my torturous fate to catch up with me.
To your father, I'm the escort.
To your mother, I'm the whore.
To the legal system, I'm the prostitute.
In the end, I'm just the other woman.
I have no idea if I will continue to survive, if I will ever find my path aside from the gritty streets I know so well. There is a good chance I will wind up in the ditch like most women in my position. Surrendering to my fate is the only choice I have. I must relinquish it all.
  
 
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Saturday 27 June 2015

Review: Falling In: Vol 4 (Taking the Fall #4) by Alexa Riley

****3.5 Stars****
 
 
Jeanette has had a rough past and this is the reason she is so closed off, but she removed herself from this and starts afresh this in turn makes her the strong woman she us but also makes her guarded.
All we knew about Saint in the previous three books is that he is Carter's best friend and he took care of business, so to see Saint submissive, patient and fully devoted to making Jeanette happy was nice to see.
The chemistry that these two characters had was smoking hot, Layla and Carter was hot so I really didn't think Jeanette and Saint would top that but they sure did, I was happy with the way to book ended but if you haven't already read the previous three installments make sure you do as this us not a standalone.
The final installment fell slightly short for me which I was disappointed in as I had previously enjoyed the other installments, I think this is mainly due to needing to explore them more and have a better insight into their pasts.
Over all the full series is really good!!!
 
Blurb
 
Saint and Jeanette's story.

They met by chance. Or so she thought...

Losing her wasn't something he was willing to do. Sometimes life takes you to the edge, but Jeanette had a Saint to
catch her.

This is the short story of how they met, how they fell in love, and how much Saint loves going down on her.
 
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Latest Releases!


Wasted Lust by J.A. Huss

A GIRL WITH REGRETS...Sasha Cherlin died the night she let Nick Tate walk out on her for a life of crime. Her very essence was destroyed when they broke their promise to one another.
A MAN WITH REMORSE...

Nick Tate made his choice with her future in mind. He loved Sasha enough to know that leaving her behind was the only way to keep her safe.

A PATH TO REVENGE...
Special Agent Jax Barlow understands the bond of love and he plans to use it to get justice. Nick and Sasha will do anything to rewrite their past. He's counting on that to bring them down.

Buy Links:
Amazon UK
Amazon US

Fighting For Forever

Slut. Hooker. Whore.

The taunts never bothered me. They only see what I allow them to see, and a Las Vegas stripper is the perfect cover.

My life had direction. I had a mission—until the man I needed vanished and is presumed dead.

It’s time to move on—give up the dream for revenge—and no one shows me that more than the mop-headed fighter with eyes the color of the ocean.

If anyone can teach me just how sweet life can be, it’s him. But first, I’d have to let go.

Mase. Baywatch. Mayhem.

I’m known by many names, but there’s only one that stirs panic and worry in my gut every time I’m called it.

Brother.

I’ve bailed him out of trouble for years, so when he turns up in Vegas and asks for me, I’m prepared for the worst. And the worst is exactly what I get in the form of a lilac-eyed beauty named Trix.

She’s everything I hate about Vegas: a stripper, loose with her body and her morals. But there’s something about her, a complexity that she buries deep, and I’m determined to uncover it.

The deeper I go, the less I understand. When I finally learn the truth, we engage in a battle where life and death hang in the balance.

Fighting could kill us both, but if we win, forever is the prize.

Buy Links:
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On My Knees by J. Kenner

I never thought I'd lose control, but his desire took me to the edge.

Powerful, ambitious and devastatingly sexy, Jackson Steele was unlike any other man I'd ever known. He went after what he wanted with his whole mind, body and soul - and I was the woman in his sights. One touch and I surrendered, one night together and I was undone. Jackson and I had secrets, dark pieces of our pasts that threatened to swallow us both. I was scared to trust him fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his - that there could be no more holding back and that in our passion lay our salvation...
Buy Links:
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Identity Crisis by Rochelle Paige

A reclusive author...
Delia Sinclair is desperate to hit a looming deadline. With only two weeks to go before her manuscript is due, she heads to a remote cabin in the Smoky Mountains with no internet or cell service.

An ex-military security specialist...
Blaine West is halfway around the world when he gets a frantic message from his childhood sweetheart. She needs to lay low for awhile so he puts her in touch with someone who can help her until he can get back to town.

A dead body...
When Blaine arrives at the hotel where they were supposed to meet, he learns the body of a local author was discovered that morning but there's no sign of his old flame.

And a case of mistaken identity...
Delia returns home completely unaware that the police believe she's been murdered. With Delia alive and his ex still missing, Blaine has the skills and connections to find out exactly what happened and keep Delia safe.
Lead to a passion that burns out of control.

Buy Links:
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One To Chase by Tia Louise

Paris fashion,
Chicago nightlife,
Secrets and lies...
Welcome to the North Side.
Marcus Merritt doesn't chase women. He doesn't have to. But when the spirited and sexy blonde who left him wanting more shows up in his office looking for work, little things like the rules seem ready to be rewritten.

Amy Knight is smart, ambitious, and back home in Chicago to care for her mother. A courtesy meeting with one of the top lawyers in the city should be a boost to her career...

Until the polished green-eyed player turns out to be the same irresistible "random" she hooked up with at a friend's wedding in Wilmington. Bonus: He's the brother of her older brother's new wife. What the hell?!

Who's chasing whom? It all depends on the day. Or the night.

Buy Links:
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Shattered By You by Nashoda Rose

What started out as a deal quickly became a friendship that conquered monsters.

I killed, but I escaped hell.
Emotionless. Disconnected. Cold. A mannequin. It’s what I’d become in order to survive the years held in captivity. I was able to endure the abuse and devastating loss as long as I remained detached.

But he wouldn't let me.
Crisis, the bass guitarist in my brother’s rock band, Tear Asunder. He’s cocky, rude, a total man-whore. But the rock star has far more beneath the surface of his inked skin, and he’s determined to make me laugh again.
He made me a "deal", but really, it was blackmail.
His terms were simple. Until his playful honesty became the building blocks to something unexpected. Something strong enough to pull me from the eye of the storm.

Because even though I escaped years of abuse, it didn’t mean I was free.

Buy Links:
Amazon UK
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Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti

If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!
Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.
Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks…
Buy Links:
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The Girl I Was Before by Ginger Scott

I’m the selfish one. I suppose that’s the nicest thing people say about me. I’ve heard the other things, too. “Paige Owens is a pretty girl with nothing else to offer. She’s just a good time at a party. She’s stupid, heartless, cold and useless. All she cares about is getting a guy to look at her. Why would anyone want to be her friend?”

Some of those things are true. Others were true. They’re all hurtful.

None of it matters.

I’m ready to make the hard choices. I’m ready to face the consequences. I’m ready to be the girl I was before, and I’m done being the one who lost her way.

I’m ready to become the girl Houston Orr sees when he looks at me.

Houston isn’t a star athlete. He doesn’t play in a band. He’s never going to be president, and his life is so far away from simple and easy it isn’t even funny.
He wasn’t part of my plan. But I’m starting to think plans are overrated, and maybe our stories are what we make them. And mine depends entirely on me, and the choices I make…starting now.

Houston is my fairytale. He’s perfectly imperfect. He’s poetry and life. He’s truth and heartbreak, all rolled up in a tall body with dark hair, broad shoulders and green eyes that lull me into submission. He’s nothing I ever thought I wanted, but the very thing I need. He’s the only guy I’ve ever really loved, and he thinks I’m a princess. I fell into him, and now I’m holding on.

But sometimes life takes away our ability to choose. Sometimes…things aren’t in your control. Sometimes, it hurts to be selfless. My only hope is that when it comes time to choose, I get it right.

Welcome to my once upon a time and wish for happily ever after.

Buy Links:
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Sloth: A Sinful Secrets Novel by Ella James

Dear A. –
I am writing to express my gratitude for your gift. There are no sufficient words, but please accept my sincerest thank you.

Yours,
R.


She writes me back.
I didn’t expect that.

She tells me she’s a lover of chicken pizza and video games, a hot sorority girl with the nickname Sloth. She wants to know something about me in return. She says I owe her.

This is how she saves my life. She doesn’t even know it. We’ve never even seen each other. But I need a reason. Just one reason to continue. She becomes mine.

The anonymity is good. She doesn’t need to know me, but I need her kindness. We both live our lives: a letter here, a post card there. For three years, I escape my demons. And then one day I’m pulled back in.

I’ve resigned myself to what I know is coming. Until the girl I’m spanking gives her safe word: Sloth.

And then the lie I’m living starts to unravel.
 

Buy Links:
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Strange Bedfellows by Cardeno C.

Can the billionaire son of a Democratic president build a family with the congressman son of a Republican senator? Forget politics, love makes strange bedfellows.

As the sole offspring of the Democratic United States president and his political operative wife, Trevor Moga was raised in an environment driven by the election cycle. During childhood, he fantasized about living in a made-for-television family, and as an adult, he rejected all things politics and built a highly successful career as far from his parents as possible.

Newly elected congressman Ford Hollingsworth is Republican royalty. The grandson of a revered governor and son of a respected senator, he was bred to value faith, family, and the goal of seeing a Hollingsworth in the White House.

When Trevor and Ford meet, sparks fly and a strong friendship is formed. But can the billionaire son of a Democratic president build a family with the congressman son of a Republican senator? Forget politics, love makes strange bedfellows.

Buy Links:
Amazon UK
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The Right Time by Lane Hayes

Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore. Which makes no sense, because Nate is straight… or so he’s always thought.

Alex Reyes is a retired professional soccer player turned West Hollywood business owner with an insatiable lust for life. He loves his family, friends, and work. But there’s one life challenge left to accomplish: coming out publicly. Respect for traditional Latino values has kept him in the closet, but Alex begins to think he and his new neighbor might help one another combat their fears. As Alex and Nate forge a strong friendship, they soon realize facing their personal demons will take more courage than either man bargained for. The reward is immeasurable… if the timing is right.

Buy Links:
Amazon UK
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Flesh: Part Fifteen by Sky Corgan

Like dominoes they fall, one after the other.


All that Amy can think about is making things right with Lucian. She was horrible to him last time they were together, lashing out at him verbally in a fit of anger. Now regret is piling on, and a new submissive side of her is coming out.

Nothing is what it seems though as her world tilts on its axis. Lucian is playing the dismissive game again. And Amy has far too much on her plate to have time to deal with it between things going wrong at work and Janice being emotionally shattered after ramping up the intensity at Flesh.

Buy Links:
Amazon UK
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BLINK by Caroline Easton

Flynn Sullivan hasn’t had the easiest of lives, with his father absent and following the death of his mother, he is desperate to give his younger brother the life he deserves. Flynn finds himself on the wrong side of the law and he knows he could lose everything in the blink of an eye, as he stands before the court awaiting his fate.
Harper Lawrence was a major contender in the IndyCar circuit from the very first day she got behind the wheel of a car. Her life is turned on its axis after a tragic accident, leaving her locked inside her own body, all but switched off to the outside world.
When Flynn and Harper’s world’s collide the sparks begin to fly, but each one holds a secret they don’t want to share.
Flynn knows he needs to save the girl who’s stolen his heart, the problem is, Harper doesn’t believe she deserves to be saved. She doesn’t believe she’s been punished enough.

Buy Links:
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More Than Water by Renee Ericson

It doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel wrong. It just...feels.

EJ Cunning, an art history major, dates musicians. Foster Blake, a chemical engineering major, can’t sing a tune. They’re not each other’s type. They’re coworkers.

Then, one night leads to sex—sex between friends—which leads to an agreement. It all seems so simple—but nothing ever is.

Many layers build a person’s facade.

Look into the depths for what’s hidden within.

It’s more than water. It’s a story—a living and breathing substance beyond the reflective surface.

Buy Links:
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Stop! by Alison G. Bailey

Every life has a different path full of sharp turns, smooth curves, and steep drop offs.

Hollis Murphy has a plan—college, career, boyfriend, love, marriage, family. A predictable, normal life. She’s on track until an outside force causes her to crash and burn. They call it an accident, because that’s the only word they know to explain what happens to her. It helps everyone move on with their lives, except for Hollis. She holds on to the belief that she’s been targeted for a reason.

Risher Stevenson is intelligent, caring, sweet, and the hottest boy Hollis has ever laid eyes on. He fits perfectly into her original plan for a normal life. Everyone loves him.

Benton Daniels is intelligent, caring, sweet, and the bravest boy Hollis has ever met. He doesn’t fit into her life but gives it purpose and makes it extraordinary. Everyone hates him.

One is bullied. One is tormented. All are judged.

How will it STOP?

Buy Links:
Amazon UK
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Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey

Never start a fire you can't control...
Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor's notorious iron control slips.
Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And... Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the "right" side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed...
Buy Links:
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Thursday 25 June 2015

Review: Insider (Exodus End #1) by Olivia Cunning

*****5 Stars*****
 
 
Insider is Logan and Toni's story, you don't need to read Sinners On Tour or One Night With Sole Refer but I do recommend you read them as they are awesome.
We meet 25 year old Toni, from the age of fifteen she has put her dreams and aspirations on hold to raise her younger sister Birdie, Toni is extremely sheltered and very naive but as you read on the more you understand why.
Toni has been asked by her mother who owns Nichol's Publishing to comply an interactive electronic biography on the band Exodus End, but Susan Toni's boss is convinced she will fail and also very clearly voices this to Toni but she wants the job so stops at nothing to make Toni feel like she will fail.
On arrival to the tour bus no one knows why Toni is there well that's until Max the lead singer suddenly realises that he had forgotten all about it.
As Toni meets each band member Max - lead singer, Logan - Bassist, Steve - drummer, Dare - lead guitarist and Reagan who won her place in the band by entering a competition but only for a few shows as Max has a wrist injury, she finds herself completely starstruck, but one of the band members is intrigued and drawn to the shy girl that is Logan.
As Toni prepares herself for life on the road with the sex hot rockers, Logan is preparing himself to seduce Toni he wants her!!!
As Toni starts to forge friendships she soon discovers secrets and cover ups which may be the bands undoing.
The story between Logan and Toni is as fast as lightning, chemistry is off the chart but it's the emotional tie between the two that is so much more than the sexual one, don't get me wrong the sex was scorching hot like several cold showers hot but you wouldn't expect anything else from Olivia Cunning.
I connected with each and every character by the time you finish the book you feel like you know them it is THAT good!!!
My only gripe was how naive Toni really was for a big percentage of the book but she soon comes out of her shell as the book progresses.
 
Blurb
 
The first book is not about Dare. It's about the band's bassist, Logan, and is entitled Insider. Yes, Dare will get his own book, as will all four members of the band.

She thought she was ready to rock...
Toni Nichols put her aspirations on hold while she raised her little sister, but now she's reaching for the stars and living her dreams as the creator of a revolutionary interactive biography about the rock band Exodus End. Creating the book requires her to go on tour and immerse herself in the band's world as an insider, but can she gain the trust of four veteran superstars who've been burned by the media before? Or will her dreams crumble at her feet?

He's always ready to roll
Logan Schmidt was born an adrenaline junkie. He lives for the rush he gets from playing his bass guitar before thousands of fans. When he's not performing on stage or in the bedroom, he's looking for his next endorphin high in extreme sports. So what is it about the sweet and innocent journalist on their world tour that gets his heart pumping and captures his full attention? Is she the real deal or is she posing at being his perfect woman to get inside secrets on Exodus End?

They're both ready to experiment
Though Toni was innocent the first time she climbed the bus steps, that didn't last long once Logan set his sights on her. He's so much more worldly than she is and she's ready to learn how to please a lover and explore all the ways she can be pleased. Logan can't believe his luck. Toni's a phenomenal woman and she wants him to teach her how to rock and roll in the sack? Not exactly a burdensome task. Until she starts to get too close to his heart and takes her insider look to a place he never anticipated.
 
Pre-Order Links (Releases June 30th):
 
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Review: Shattered by You (Tear Asunder #3) by Nashoda Rose

*****5 Stars*****
 
 
This is Crisis and Haven's story and the 3rd book in the Tear Assunder series. Crisis is the playboy guitarist of the band Tear Assunder and Haven is the long lost sister of Ream, also a member of Tear Assunder. You need to have read the other books in the series first.
Haven was thought to be long dead by her brother, and they both had a horrendous childhood but those horrors didn't stop for Haven when she became an adult. Her free will was stripped from her from a young age and she experienced some truly horrific ordeals. As a result she is very damaged and broken, but can a friendship with Crisis of all people help her find her 'normal'.
I absolutely love this series, the whole group of characters and I find Nashoda Rose's writing style makes for really enjoyable books. If you enjoyed the previous books in this series then this one is a no brainer, you need to find out about Haven's dark past and also see Crisis get knocked on his a$$, both literally and figuratively! If this series is new to you then I can't recommend it enough, this is one of a few series that I tell everyone to read! Just make sure you read the series in order.
 
Blurb
 
What started out as a deal quickly became a friendship that conquered monsters.

I killed, but I escaped hell.
Emotionless. Disconnected. Cold. A mannequin. It’s what I’d become in order to survive the years held in captivity. I was able to endure the abuse and devastating loss as long as I remained detached.

But he wouldn't let me.
Crisis, the bass guitarist in my brother’s rock band, Tear Asunder. He’s cocky, rude, a total man-whore. But the rock star has far more beneath the surface of his inked skin, and he’s determined to make me laugh again.
He made me a "deal", but really, it was blackmail.
His terms were simple. Until his playful honesty became the building blocks to something unexpected. Something strong enough to pull me from the eye of the storm.

Because even though I escaped years of abuse, it didn’t mean I was free.
 
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Review: Grey (Fifty Shades #4) by E.L. James

Since this was such a highly anticipated release we have TWO reviews for you, and in keeping with Grey being told in a male POV, one our reviews is also from our resident male reviewer!
 
 
 
See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.
In Christian's own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.


Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him—past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart. 

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?
 
Reviewed by Louise Dale:
 
 *****5 Stars*****
 
 
Right I'm not even lying when I say this. I NEED ANOTHER BOOK IN CHRISTIANS POINT OF VIEW AND I NEED IT NOW!!!
Luckily when I read the previous three books, they had all been published, so I was able to dive straight into the next and have the story continue. This time round, it is absolute torture. I feel like a submissive being denied an orgasm in The Red Room Of Pain. OK maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but you get the picture.
I'm not going to go into too much about the plot, because let's face it, if you haven't read books 1, 2 & 3, where have you been? What I will say is, I'm not usually a fan of books rewritten and told in another persons point of view. I often find that they are just rehashing the same story and learn nothing new from it. In the case of Grey, I was not only extremely excited, because this series is simply and more than likely will always be one of my favourites, but I was also apprehensive. I was worried I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the others, because if there is one story I know inside out and have reread many times, it's this one.
The first thing I noticed in this book was, Christian is extremely funny. Now whilst I'm happy to say there is no Inner God/Goddess in sight, we are given an insight into his thoughts about certain characters and let's just say he is most definitely not the relatively calm and calculated man I assumed he was, albeit an extremely hot one. I use these terms loosely, because obviously Christian has a past that makes him the way he is, but it is interesting that I felt the man from Fifty Shades of Grey differs, in many ways, to the man in this book. I also found that I actually didn't like him at times and this was quite worrying to begin with, but just like the first book, he well and truly won me over by the end and I'm probably more in love with him now than I was before.
I did find myself comparing this book to the movie at various points and unlike the other books, which I read with a completely fresh perspective, with this one I found myself thinking 'That was in the movie, 'they said that in the movie' and I also found that my imagination changed slightly from the first books. Christian and Ana's apartments I now imagine more like the ones in the film. I certainly didn't feel these distractions mattered in the grand scheme of things.
I felt so many emotions by the end of this book and quite honestly I have so many thoughts about it that I can't share, because even though pretty much everyone reading this book will have read book 1, 2 and 3, there is so much more to be learned from Christians perspective.
So just to recap my main point, I NEED, YES NEED, CHRISTIANS SIDE OF FIFTY SHADES DARKER!!
 
Reviewed by Mike Smith (for the male perspective!)
 
*****5 Stars*****
 
Finally! Erika has given into her fans and provided them with what they've been clamoring for ever since the original Fifty Shades trilogy became a publishing sensation. She let us into the mind of Christian Grey, and what a dark place it is, especially at the beginning.
Grey tells the story of Fifty Shades of Grey from Christian's point of view. If you've read Fifty Shades of Grey, and who hasn't, then you already know the story. I'm not going to go into it here. But as we all know, every relationship has two sides. We've already gotten Anastasia's side, now we get Christian's side of things.
A few things stood out for me. His sense of humor. His self-deprecation. His general unawareness, or at least lack of caring of how others saw him, especially other women. His complete naivete when it came to a "vanilla" relationship. Ana may have been a physical virgin, but Christian was an emotional virgin. He really didn't have a clue about how he was affecting Ana.
In this book we get more flashbacks to his childhood, both with his "crack whore" mother, as well as with the Grey's. I flinched every time his mother called him "maggot". His early relationship with Elliot was enlightening. Elliot was actually afraid of him when they were kids. Christian had a volatile temper, and sometimes directed it to Elliot. But it was Mia that really awakened him. It was Mia that brought him out of his self-imposed shell.
Part of me wished she had delved more into the relationship of Christian and Elena, but another part is glad she didn't. That was a very unhealthy relationship, which is obvious to us, but not at all obvious to Christian. He really views her as his savior, someone who helped him overcome his demons. But at the same time, even he can tell deep down inside that something wasn't right about what she did to him.
Over the course of this novel, we see Christian grow. He starts off as a narcissistic and crude man, but Ana begins to awaken within him a side he'd never faced before. He begins to feel things with her that he does not understand. Things he had never had to face before. And he is unprepared to deal with them.
I have read fanfiction that attempted to tell Christian's point of view, the best of them is probably Meet Fifty Shades by Gillian Griffin. If you have not yet checked it out, I would encourage you to look it up.
But to finally get Christian's perspective directly from the queen herself is a godsend to Fifty Shades fans everywhere. My only question is how long before she gives us his perspective of Fifty Shades Darker? I would love to read his point of view of the whole Leila incident, the lemon martini incident, the Charlie Tango incident, the Jack Hyde incident, etc. There is just so much to know!
But for now we have to content ourselves with this first book. I'm sure it will have us talking for a long time. I, for one, will never look at peeled ginger root the same way again.
 
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Review: Break in Two (Full Hearts #1) by M.J. Summers

****4 Stars****
 
 
I’ve haven’t had the opportunity to read a M.J. Summers book before and I was pleasantly surprised with this book which is the first book in the Full Hearts series. I found it to be well written with angst and light heartedness in good balance. The characters were very compelling both with back stories that make you want to route for them. Claire’s had a pretty bad year….maybe two years and decides to make a fresh start moving to Colorado for a chef position at a ranch. I liked Claire she was sassy, earthy, and yet she had a fragility because of her because of her past experiences that makes her a character with depth. Cole is your typical romance genre alpha cowboy, studly but with a soft sensitive nature. These two have instant chemistry….and I mean H…O…T. The sex scenes in this book are pretty explosives and there are a lot of them, actually I would have preferred a few less but that’s a personal preference. If you like atomic sex scenes and lots of them then this is the book for you. There were some pretty angsty parts that had me tearing up but nothing so angsty that I crossed over into the annoying zone. The author managed to juggle all these elements quite nicely and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
 
Blurb
 
Thirty-one year old Claire Hatley is running from Seattle having just discovered that her live-in boyfriend has traded her in for a twenty-two year old hostess. Devastated and alone Claire must make a fresh start. She answers an ad for a chef at a guest ranch just outside Colorado Springs and finds herself face to face with Cole Mitchell, quite possibly the sexiest man to ever ride a horse. Common sense tells them to stay away from each other, but their attraction is not to be denied. He gives her a glimpse of what love should be, but just as she starts to trust him, the past comes back to tear them apart.

Join Claire and Cole as they embark on the stormy love affair of a lifetime.
 
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Wednesday 24 June 2015

Review: Flawed Heart (House of Obsidian #1) by Bella Jewel

*****5 Stars*****
 
 
Bella Jewel just has the magic formula, her books are, without fail, always brilliant. And this one is no exception!
This is Ana and Max's story who we met in Desolate (Joker's Wrath MC #4), you may remember Ana as being Pippa's roommate. I was eagerly awaiting this book because the snippets of them that were revealed in Desolation were hella intriguing.
This is a dual POV book with most of Max's chapters being set in the past, showing how he met Ana, and the majority of the present tense being written in Ana's POV. I loved the way this was written, I thought it worked really well for telling their story and revealing what went on as the story plays out.
This is a short read and you'll likely get through it in one sitting which is ideal since Bella's books are hard to put down.
I'm really looking forward to Rainer's story which is coming soon, I hope he can find someone and move on from Pippa. Also, after the sadness of saying goodbye to the Joker's Wrath MC you'll be happy to know they do make a few short appearances in this book so if you're missing them as much as me then get on this book!
 
Blurb
 
I met him in college, and I fell in love.
It was a beautiful love, pure and perfect.
Max quickly became everything I could have ever wanted.
He was the jock, the popular guy, and I was just Belle.
But he made me so much more.
He gave me everything I could have ever wanted in life.
But one night, one accident. It changed everything.
The man I loved. The man I thought I knew...disappeared.
I can't tell you the exact moment he fell out of love with me. But he did.
I wish I could tell you there was hope.
That I hung on. That I fought.
I wish I could tell you that we fixed it.
That happily ever after was just out of our grips.
It wasn’t. I ran. In the dead of the night, I packed my things and I left him.

Five years later, I have returned.
He’s still the same man I left behind.
A deadly underground fighter for the House of Obsidian.
He’s still dangerous. He’s still broken. I still love him.
We're both holding a secret, and that secret might just change everything.
Maybe I was wrong.
Maybe I should have never left.
Did I give up too easily?

This is the part where I’m supposed to turn back around and run…but I don’t.
I can't.
 
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