Romance Readers Retreat

Wrath (Wrong #2) by LP Lovell & Stevie J. Cole

*****5 Stars*****

HO-LY CRAP! Emotional overload!
So, I saw the warnings that this book should come with a free round of therapy sessions. "Pah!" I thought, "I can handle it." Well, I should have heeded those warnings!
There's some tough scenes to get through in this book, if you're easily offended by the gritty and the violent then you may find parts of this book difficult.
This book picks up right where book one left off, I'm not going to give away any spoilers but for those of you who have not read book one, Wrong, then you need to! Especially if you are considering reading this. Wrong definitely needs to be read first. If you have read book one then yes, you do get answers and this book is even better than the first, but it WILL wreck you!
Tor...what Tor went through in this book is unfathomable, terrible and just plain tragic. I think the authors did an amazing job with writing how certain things affected Tor and displaying her emotions. They made her character incredibly real and by this second instalment in the story I felt like I knew her, and I wanted to cry for her.
This two book series is an emotional rollercoaster, you may come out the other side emotionally drained, mind f*cked and rocking in the corner trying to figure out how you're going to get over this story, but you will be glad you took this journey with these characters.
I applaud these two authors for a job well done, fantastic writing and a brilliant story, I can't wait to check out their other books.

Reviewed by Steph Lewis

Synopsis

Tor
Jude Pearson could just as well kill me as kiss me most days. He was my captor, my living hell, and yet, he became my saviour, my heart. Stupid. He's heartless, conditioned to feel nothing, and so I ran... straight into the clutches of his enemy. Joe Campbell wants Jude to suffer, and I just became a pawn in a very dangerous game.

Joe has broken me in every way, everything that I once was stripped away, and in its place is festering hatred and a rage so cold I feel nothing else. I have one purpose. Revenge.

Jude
Love makes you weak; it makes you irrational. She was collateral, completely innocent when she was unwillingly dragged into my corrupt world. With the damage I'd already caused her, I couldn't let her love me, so I let her go, and now...he has her.

No matter where she is, she will always be mine. This man has taken every-fucking-thing from me, and he has the last thing that matters to me. I will kill him. Slowly. Joe Campbell better run because the devil is fucking coming for him.

Sometimes two wrongs can make a right.

Rage.

Hate.

Revenge.

Our Wrath binds us, but it may also break us.

Buy Links:

Stevie J. Cole - Facebook

Connect with the Authors:

LP Lovell - Facebook

LP Lovell - Goodreads

Stevie J. Cole - Goodreads

Review: His Crime (Moroad Motorcycle Club #3) by Debra Kayn

****3.5 Stars****

This is book 3 is the Moroad MC series and books 1&2 have been great. I was really looking forward to delving into this instalment, despite being left with a sour taste in my mouth, a definite loathing for Cam's behaviour and a hitch in my breath.

We pick up right where we left of and Christina is worried, for both the men in her life and she now harbours a deep hatred for someone too. This hatred is such a foreign feeling for the sweet natured woman who has been thrust into such an alien environment.

I'm sorry to say that this instalment dragged for me. The story just felt so much slower and I felt like I was waiting around, waiting for something to happen, much like the characters are. I guess that's probably a testament to the quality of the writing, that you're immersed so much that you feel time slipping by so slowly but it was frustrating at the same time.
The story does pick up with some revealing information but not until at least two thirds in.

Most excitedly, book #4 is set to tell Merk's story, who is certainly an intriguing character and love him or hate him, it's bound to be captivating.

Even though I found this story a bit slower that the first two, I would still recommend them and I'll be eagerly waiting to get my hands on book #4.

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

Synopsis

Cam's obsessive hold on Christina erupts in a mind-blowing conclusion...
One breath leaves him weak. Love hurts.

President of Moroad Motorcycle club and career criminal, Cam Farrell gets a second chance at life. He promises to keep Christina at his side and bring his son home alive. But, when new secrets come out and club business sparks a war, Cam must learn that family comes first or risk losing control of his club, his MC brothers in prison, his woman.

Nothing is black or white. Sometimes bad people win.

Determined to make sure Cam stays alive and Jeremy comes home, Christina Nickelson stands up against Cam, the club, and society. At her lowest, she's willing to fight dirty to make sure her unconventional family stays together. Even at the risk of losing Cam's love.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Goodreads

Friday, 28 August 2015

Review: Nobody's Fool (Willow Park #2) by Sarah Hegger

****4 Stars****

This book features Josh Hunter, Dr Richard Hunters brother who featured in book 1, and Holly Partridge. There is a history between the two, but I would hardly describe it as a romantic one. And because of an event that happened several years, Holly has a grudge to bare, but also needs Josh to help find her sister who has gone missing.

Just like the first book, we have a story that is completely endearing. It has a warm and fuzzy quality to it and the characters all leap out at you and for me, that is a credit to the author. This book does focus on the fact that Holly's sister is bipolar.

Personally I did find Holly very frustrating at times, with a very large chip on her shoulder when it came to Josh. It is clear she is trying to take on the world and care for her bipolar sister. Now whilst I don't know a great deal about the condition, it does appear to be beliveably written with the author either having first hand knowledge of the mental illness or has done a great amount of research.

What can I say about Josh? I loved him from the brief appearances in book 1, but I really did fall in love with him in this book. If I could describe my perfect guy, Josh would be it. He had the patience of a saint and from what was described, the body of a god.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Holly and her three sisters. Definitely your typical sibling camaraderie. But what I found was that each sister had their own personality, which again is a credit to the authors writing. I did find that the story was more focused on Holly and her sisters rather than her and Josh, but by no means did that affect my overall enjoyment.

My only criticism was that occasionally names would be mentioned and at first it was unclear as to who they were, which often led me to thinking I'd actually missed something, but eventually all became clear.

I believe Thomas', the other Hunter brother's book, is next and I for one cannot wait.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

Synopsis

In Sarah Hegger's latest Willow Park Romance, long-held crushes and past frenemies reunite--and wonder if there's ever a second chance to make a good first impression. . .

Holly Partridge had no plans to return to Willow Park, Illinois, until her troubled younger sister Portia fled her home and aimed herself straight at Holly's high school nemesis--too-gorgeous-to-be-true Josh Hunter. Riding a manic bipolar high, Portia's only a danger to herself, but Holly needs to find her before she crashes. That means asking Josh for help.

The ultimate love 'em and leave 'em lothario, Josh was never good for anything but a broken heart. But now he's lending a hand when Holly needs it most--and revealing surprising generosity and compassion. Has Josh shed his bad boy ways? Or is Holly suddenly grown up enough to acknowledge her own mistakes? Trusting Josh could be a disaster--or the first step in banishing the past to make way for a future happier than Holly ever imagined. . .

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Goodreads

Review: All Wound Up (Play-by-Play #10) by Jaci Burton

****4 Stars****

Having begun this series quite early in my devotion to reading, i was looking forward to picking back up and finding out what was happening in the Play-By-Play world.

This book is another one featuring a member of the Cassidy family, that person being Tucker. Now whilst I love Tucker with his Clark Kent-esque looks, I have to say I much preferred the Riley's, for the simple reason that each one of them could be distinguished from the next. The Riley's family dynamics were much more interesting to me. I just feel the Cassidy's don't stand apart from each other.

Having said that, the chemistry between Tucker and Aubry was pretty electric, but at the same time the sex scenes were fairly similar.

I have to admit to not being hugely knowledgeable about the sports featured in this series, but surprisingly that doesn't matter. In fact I have to say that my complete lack of knowledge has resulted in me probably being able to watch an American Football, Baseball, Ice Hockey match and not be totally clueless.

I wouldn't say this book blew me away, because I would have loved a little more substance and more obstacles for Tucker and Aubry, but it was far from bad to and really did have some great moments.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

Synopsis

In the latest Play-by-Play novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Quarterback Draw, a sexy baseball player is done striking out...

Tucker Cassidy is going through a slump—but not on the field. It’s his dating life that’s suffering. After having a painful altercation involving his ex-girlfriend’s knee, Tucker is convinced it couldn’t get worse…until a gorgeous doctor comes to the rescue at his most embarrassing moment.

As the daughter of the owner of the St. Louis Rivers, Dr. Aubry Ross has been around jocks all her life. She knows the ins and outs of all their games, and she isn’t interested in playing.

When Tucker repeatedly lands in the hospital where she’s working, Aubry starts to think he’s getting injured just to see her. Tucker is both funny and sexy, and Aubry is pleasantly surprised to discover he actually respects her job.

When her father disapproves of their relationship, Aubry knows she’d rather lose Tucker than have him lose his job. But Tucker isn’t about to let threats of a trade get in the way of a game-changing love…

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Review: End of Day (Jack & Jill #1) by Jewel E. Ann

*****5 Stars*****

Jewel E. Ann is fast becoming a favourite author of mine, she has a really unique way in telling a story and I've come to expect the unexpected and End Of Day certainly delivers on that. I really don't know where to begin in explaining this story and how I feel about it, it has everything humour, suspense, mystery and sexy characters but I haven't a clue what is going on as the background to the story and that is exactly what the author wants, I think and hope.

The story starts with a funeral being witnessed by Jessica & Jude Day, two of the four people being buried it seems and so the questions begin. After six months in hiding with some intense training the Knight twins are born, as Jillian and Jackson begin their new lives. New lives in Peaceful Woods, which is pretty much a gated retirement village where these two quirky 30 something year old's are supposed to quietly blend in and start over. And so the fun begins because Jillian is quite simply as nutty as a fruitcake, she saunters about in next to nothing collecting her post in her underwear and bright red rain boots and of course the male neighbours are quick to pick up on this little ritual. Though the ladies are equally entertained by the gorgeous Jackson.

It becomes apparent that there is more to Jack & Jill and you are left wondering what happened to bring about the death of their parents and the change in their lives but you are left pondering. Jill & Jack are both highly trained in unarmed combat but by who and why is just one of the questions I am left asking. It is also apparent that Jillian's odd behaviour is not just as a result of these events and even though they are not supposed to talk about their buried past Jill feels the need to unburden by confiding in the deaf neighbour she is hired to look after and so we learn of her past. The story then runs parallel with Jill's memories of Luke the love she has had to leave behind that she is greatly pining for and new life in Peaceful Woods where she starts a somewhat tumultuous non relationship with her grumpy neighbour AJ. Jillian it seems had a rather dark experience as a teen that has left her deeply scarred and shaped the adult she has become, this served to had a dark edge to this humorous quirky book.

As her carefully constructed new life begins to uncoil so does Jillian and things suddenly take unexpected turns leading up to a killer of a cliff hanger and a million unanswered questions which really has me looking forward to book 2 already. A truly unconventional read and love story but brilliantly executed.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

Synopsis

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.

Four caskets. Two bodies.

Jessica and Jude Day witness their funeral and that of their parents a few yards away from mourning family and friends. Stripped of the only life they’ve ever known, the Days say goodbye to San Francisco forever.

Six months later, two thirty-year-old misfits with elite self-defense skills and penchants for alcohol, sex, and trouble arrive like an earthquake to Peaceful Woods, a retirement community in Omaha, Nebraska, that thrives on rules and gossip. Welcome home, Jackson and Jillian Knight.

Jackson celebrates his new beginning by embracing his job and wiping his cavalier past clean with a temporary oath of celibacy. But Jillian’s past is branded into her soul—the deaths, the insanity, Dr. Luke Jones, and the need to make her lovers bleed. Her chance for redemption comes in the form of a next door neighbor, one Senior Master Sergeant Monaghan. He’s sexy, dangerously alluring, and riddled with emotional issues from years of service. He’s also … So. Damn. Grumpy.

Their mission is simple: Let go, start over, don't kill anyone, and pray that nobody wakes the dead.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Review: Heart of Stone (Stone Brothers #2) by Tess Oliver & Anna Hart

****4 Stars****

I'm really enjoying this series and after meeting Amy and Hunter in the first book I was really looking forward to getting their story.

Amy and Hunter have grown up as neighbours, both coming from the troublesome families of the block which has inevitably helped form a bond between them growing up. As adults Amy and Hunter have been happy to be best friends with a casual hook up now and then but Amy's feelings have changed and she is ready for more but Hunter isn't. Hunter is fitting to the title of this book and feels he is not worthy or capable of love and so he cruises through life living on the edge.

Things have begun to change after seeing Jade and Colt settle down and Hunter begins to recognise his life has to change too but he is too pig headed to acknowledge that thought process. As Amy pulls away to try and find her own way in life Hunter begins to recognise what he wants is Amy after all but is it too late?

Poor Amy just can't get a break in life, between having unrequited feelings for Hunter and looking after her increasingly unstable mother she is pulled to breaking point. Once she pulls away from Hunter and starts to date things look like they may start to improve but she soon discovers that things are never that easy.

A tragic event is what it takes for Hunter to finally realise what he almost lost and what an idiot he has been in fighting his feelings but is Amy ready to accept he has finally come around?

I love Tess' books and this series but just felt the ending of this book was a little rushed than I would of liked or maybe I just wanted more from this story. However I am already looking forward to the next book and reading Slade's story.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

Synopsis

A bitter, dark childhood has left Hunter Stone hardened to the world around him. Giving his heart to anyone, even Amy Linton, the woman he cares most about, is impossible. Hunter will do anything for Amy, anything, that is, except commit. At the same time, he can't tolerate any guy getting close to her. But Amy is tired of being his 'go-to' girl and now Hunter faces the prospect of losing her for good.

Amy Linton has loved Hunter Stone since childhood, a childhood that was nearly as grim as the one Hunter and his brothers endured. She can't imagine a life without Hunter but mentally, he remains distant and even cold. She needs more, and if he can't return her love, she is determined to break free of the hold Hunter Stone has on her heart and her life.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Authors:

Tess Oliver - Facebook

Tess Oliver - Goodreads

Anna Hart - Goodreads

Review: Slammer by Tabatha Vargo

*****5 Stars*****

I loved this book, it is dark, twisted and suspenseful, it is brilliantly written and you really do feel the tension of some of the scenes in their maximum security prison setting that make for tough reading. And it also has some heart-breaking moments along with some very hot scenes. This was a one sitting read for me that I was up till 5am reading, only to be left throwing my Kindle and messaging the author with a WTH rant.

The author doesn't hold back in pulling you straight into the gore with the epilogue as we first encounter a young Christopher Jacobs waking to a very real nightmare that is about to cost him his freedom. The next time we meet Christopher it is ten years on and he has become the prison hardened 'X' with a reputation for violence. There was something endearing about Christopher from the start and I think the author was clever in ensuring that was the case to draw you in to loving an hardened criminal that X has become. I was seriously sat pondering after finishing as to why I thought X was hot but then I am a sucker for a dirty talker and X most definitely is.

Lyla Evans is a nurse struggling to make ends meet and has taken the only job out there, at the prison infirmary and as we meet her on her first tough day you can feel how difficult her job is going to be. I really felt for Lyla but loved that she managed to put on a front and push on in her job. She did have a gullible side to her and though X didn't try to manipulate that fact, it certainly was Lyla's flaw.

Lyla is drawn to X and soon sees a side no one else gets to see and once she hears his story she is convinced he is innocent and sets out to prove his innocence. However her prying soon upsets other people, putting her in danger and X does all he can to protect her, even risking ever seeing freedom again. But is all as it seems, is Lyla so taken with X that she doesn't want to think he could be guilty or has X been set up?

I have to mention the character Scoop, I loved Scoop and his part in this story was pretty crucial so I think its only fair to acknowledge him. And that I bug ugly cried for him too.

Oh the end to this story is a complete rug pull for the reader, I was so thrown out by the twist that I will leave for you to discover for yourself. The last chapter and epilogue were complete head spinners and I was in tears as well as shock as I really didn't see it coming. Yes there were a few scenes where you question would that really happen in prison but I always read my books with the words artistic license in mind so bravo to Tabatha for a great story and a killer ending.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

Synopsis

The last place Christopher Jacobs, aka X, thought he’d find himself was behind bars. Ten years later, the boy he used to be is gone. In his place is the shell of a man with murder under his belt. Any emotion he once had was left under the gavel when he was given life in prison. That is until the new nurse in the infirmary joins the block.

Putting your hands on a prison employee will get you the hole, but some things are worth their punishment, and something tells him Lyla will be worth more than he bargained for.

Lyla Evans isn’t sure about her new job at a maximum security prison, but showing uncertainty and weakness isn’t an option. Taking care of murderers and rapists isn’t ideal, but survival is key. She’s warned ahead of time about a prisoner named X, but when she’s attacked, it’s the dangerous X that saves her. Fraternizing with the prisoners is forbidden, but sometimes the most forbidden things are the sweetest.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Review: Labeled Love (Labeled Love #1) by Danielle Rocco

*****5 Stars*****

I am in love with this book, I am in love with Jace James. This is a beautiful coming of age, first love story that follows Shay and Jace from the sweet and innocent tween stage of life through to the complicated early adult stage. And it is an amazing debut book for Danielle Rocco. The story is really well paced to be able to see the development of the characters and their relationship without being too long or wordy.

Jace has a tragic life with an alcoholic possibly addict of a mother that is failing her son at every stage of his existence due to her own self loathing and bitterness. Despite his upbringing and surroundings Jace is a lovely kid determined to find a way out of the life he has. He finds solace at a local community centre, along with food, and during a game of football he encounters Shay and his life is given a new path.

Shay has a privileged life and though she wants for nothing her very grounded parents, that have worked hard for all they have, ensure that she and her siblings have an understanding of how fortunate they are. As such Shay accompanies her Mom to volunteer at the community centre in a rough area of L.A., where she meets Jace. I loved Shay's family and her parents were lovely in their support of her and Jace despite his background.

This chance meeting brings these two kids from completely opposite sides of the track together and it is lovely to watch their friendship blossom into a loving relationship as they fight against the differences that could tear them apart. I loved how Jace used real simple ways to show his feelings for Shay, how proud he was despite his background to make his own way without taking from her and how they found their own place to just be as one together. He really developed into quite a gentleman, but Jace has a flaw in his temper and sadly that is to be his downfall. It was so hard to read the self doubt Jace felt when he saw Shay in her own environment.

Just as you think these two are going to make it as they work out a path for them to be together as adults jealousy rears its head tearing the dream apart. All the while reading I kept waiting for something to tear them apart and the author timed this hiccup so well that I really thought I was wrong and we was heading for a HEA. I was heartbroken at the ending dealt to Shay and Jace in this book and I am now anxiously awaiting the next book to see how they fare through such a difficult time.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

Synopsis

I was twelve years old when I met him. I guess you could say opposites attract. We didn’t know it then. Or maybe we did, but we didn’t care. It’s not easy growing up in Los Angeles. Well, for me it was. But, not for him.

I’m a Hollywood girl born and raised in the business.
I have everything I’ve ever needed
and only wanted him.

Is it possible to find your forever love when you’re thirteen? Maybe not for most, but I did.
I’m just a boy raised in the pits of Los Angeles.
I have nothing
and only ever wanted her.

Worlds apart
Miles away

It would only be her
It would only be him

Labels never defined us
But will they tear us apart.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Monday, 24 August 2015

Review: Turn of the Moon (Royal Shifters #1) by L.P. Dover

****4 Stars****

So this is L.P. Dover's first foray into writing paranormal and have to say I am impressed. I love a good sexy shifter tale and oftentimes with me personally they don't even particularly need to have much story to them, I still enjoy them either way as they are my guilty pleasure. Now, obviously if there's a good plot thrown in there too then all the better, and this one certainly delivered on the plot front. There was a well thought out backstory to the characters that is not revealed right away giving the story some depth, there's a bit of mystery involved and a few plot twists too. All of this combined to make you hot under the collar but make this a gripping read from start to finish.
Bailey is our heroine, when she is promised to the cruel and sadistic alpha of the Yukon pack she flees and leaves behind her own pack and her family to escape his clutches. In the middle of the forest, tired and alone, Bailey wanders into the territory of another wolf pack, and is found by none other than their hot, eligible alpha, Ryker.
Ryker is sinfully hot, if you love a protective alpha shifter then you'll adore him. And if for some bizarre reason Ryker doesn't do it for you then there's no shortage of other alpha male hotness in this book.
I really enjoyed this tale and I'm looking forward to te series continuing. I also look forward to checking out this author's non-paranormal books.

Reviewed by Steph Lewis

Synopsis

One girl. Two wolves. Promised to one. Destined for the other.

To escape the cruel, overbearing, Kade, the Yukon Pack alpha she’s been promised to, Bailey Whitehill flees her home in search of a new life, one of freedom where she can make her own choices. However, Kade will stop at nothing to make her his and begins the hunt.

As Bailey starts her new life, everything she’s known to be true, is not. Time is of the essence and choices have to be made or consequences suffered. Not only does Bailey fear Kade, but another danger lurks deep in the recesses of the forest. Unbeknownst to her, that danger is what she’s been searching for all along. At the turn of the moon, her fate hangs in the balance . . . and it’s up to her to make the right choice.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Review: Deadly (Empathy #3) by Ker Dukey

*****5 Stars*****

****If you haven't Empathy, Desolate and Vacant make sure you read these first before reading Deadly****

Wow Wow Wow!!!!!

I love a good dark book and Ker hits that spot every single time!!!!

Ryan and Cereus have been on the run for the past three years and also racking up quite a few fake id's along the way to cover up their crimes, we get to see what they have been up to together and what kind of relationship they have together.

One thing Ryan and Cereus wish had never happened... Georgina!!
Ryan warned Cereus about her, he said she couldn't be trusted!!
Was he right??

I don't want to give anything away at all so get reading, this has been one of my top series i love how Ker completely screws with your mind and gets you to question your own morals.

Every page had me on the edge of my seat, fantastic way to end a brilliant series!!!

Reviewed by Gemma Curran

Synopsis

Normal is not something Ryan and Cereus have ever been, where’s the fun in normal?

When Cereus’s dreams follow her into the waking hours, she has to come to terms with the fact, Ryan is not the only monster in her madness.
That she herself… can be just as deadly.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Review: Discovering Stella by K.M. Golland

*****4.5 Stars*****

Well doesn't every woman need a toad in their life? Especially one has hot and amazing as Lawson Drake. I can honestly say there is nothing about that man that isn't perfect and the line "Right now, Princess, you are a puzzle, and I’m sure as hell going to piece you back together again.” just about sums him up.

Stella was indeed a huge puzzle. I couldn't make out what had made her run and I had many different theories as the book progressed and if I'm honest and I probably sound really harsh here, there were times I felt she needed to suck it up and get on with it. By the end I did understand her a lot more and the reason she was acting that way. What I really loved about Stella was that she could hold her own against certain characters. She was by no means a push over, despite what she was going through.

Another thing that struck me with this book was how there were a lot more Aussie phrases than have appeared in Ms Golland's previous books. Personally that didn't bother me in the slightest, as I'm familiar with many of them, but some readers may find they need to go look up a few definitions. I do however think, when you have authors who appeal to a worldwide audience, there is always going to be some kind of language/phrase issue and for me that can be part of the fun.

Which leads me onto my next point (sort of). Besides learning new words and phrases we also come to expect lots of steamy sex with KM Golland's books, but I do think more emphasis was on the story itself and found it to be a much more contemporary read that drew on emotions rather than the steaminess, but that is not to say there were no sex scenes, because let's face it, we all love a good, hot sex scene as much as the rest.

I found the dialogue in this book to be laugh out loud funny at times, which for me was a great contrast to the emotional parts.

This, as far as I'm aware, is a standalone read and I have no doubt will be another hit for Ms Golland.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

Synopsis

Stella Walker is twenty-six years old and hiding from a past that haunts her on a daily basis. In a desperate attempt to escape the torment of her memories, she tries to rebuild her life and move on.
She seeks the seclusion of a rural town and tracks down a distant relative who Stella knows will give help, but who is unaware of the past she is trying to flee.
What Stella doesn’t anticipate, is meeting Lawson Drake.

Lawson Drake is twenty-nine years old, a mechanic who owns an auto service and smash repairs shop. When he comes across a broken-down car by the side of the road, he is intrigued by its owner — a caramel-eyed brunette who clearly has a score to settle, not only with her defective vehicle, but with anyone who tries to get too close. The thing is, Lawson wants close. He wants more than close. He wants as close as he can possibly get.

Will Lawson discover who the real Stella is? Or will her defences prove to be too strong?

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Goodreads

Review: Tribulation and Truths (Chastity Falls #3) by L.A. Cotton

****4 Stars****

** This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read book one and book two **

This is the 3rd instalment of Chastity Falls series and concluded Jackson and Ana's story.

Jackson was hell bent on seeking revenge on 'Uncle' Marcus and taking him down for killing his dad, but this means he needs to get deeper into the criminal world and pulls him further away from Ana.

This was another brilliant read by L A Cotton, it was brilliantly written and packed with twists and turns all the way through. It was full if suspense and surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I'm loving this series and although I was sad to be at the end of Jackson and Ana's story, I'm looking forward to the series continuing with Braiden's story.

Reviewed by Danielle Meredith

Synopsis

When Ana revealed her suspicions to Jackson about the circumstances surrounding his father’s death, she never expected it to be the catalyst for a series of events that could change everything. It was supposed to save him, not push him away. But now Ana is left watching the person she loves more than anything, lose himself to vengeance.

Jackson has spent most of his life loyal to the man he calls Uncle. But since learning that Marcus Donohue might have been responsible for the death of his father, Jackson is consumed with the need for revenge. Even if it means hurting the people he loves, and going against everything he believes in, to uncover what happened.

Will the truth finally set Jackson free or will it ruin his last chance at happiness with Ana… and a life out from under the shadows of the Donohues?

Tribulations will be overcome, truths will be revealed. Welcome to Chastity Falls.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Review: Love After Pain by Torrie Robles

*****5 Stars*****

This book is a stand alone....
You also may need tissues.
In this book we have David. In one tragic night his entire world is flipped and turned upside down.
He must now find a way to get through his own grief, while trying to step up and by the full time parent his new born son Brody, and seven year old daughter Clare, need him to be.
Along the way he meets Oliva, his sister's best friend, and also child psychologist partner.
Olivia, she's also been struggling and hiding from things in her past, for the last fifteen years.
The characters all had such a heart breaking struggle throughout everyday trying to just keep breathing. I caught my self rooting for them at the smallest accomplishments, just for that tiny bit of happiness.
Can these two help and heal each other? You'll have to read to find out.
I really liked this book and these characters. They pulled me in from the start. There is no instant fix, or no Insta love. These characters are dealing with real life situations, and as we all know in real life, nothing is quick or easy.
This is the first time reading this up and coming author. I can't wait to read the next journey she'll take us on.

Reviewed by Amy Kormanik-Jones

Synopsis

I didn’t want to fall in love. Love wasn’t included in the plan I had laid out for myself. My plan was simple; go to school, graduate and become the most well-known corporate law attorney on the west coast. I had it all right in the palm of my hand until the day I heard her voice, saw her smile, and fell in love with the most gorgeous set of emerald eyes.
Love hits you like a Mac truck and you’re done for. Out of nowhere, you meet the person you can’t see living your life without. Then an actual Mac truck hits you and rips your love away, taking your life right along with it. One moment she was there, the next I was left with my daughter and my newborn son. My daughter will only know her mother by the memories in her young mind and my son? He will never know her. He will never feel what’s it’s like to have the love of his mother because she was dead before he took his first breath.
My love for my wife was replaced by anger. Anger that this was my life, anger that my children will grow up without her, anger that I asked her to join me the first day I met her, when I should have just sent her away. If I had sent her away, if I had kept to my plan, then she'd still be alive. She would be able to watch her own children grow, but I didn’t and now she’s gone.
They say I'll move on. They say there's love after the pain. They say I'll learn to love again, but I can’t. I can’t give my heart to someone else when my wife took it with her.

Buy Links:

Connect with the Author:

Wednesday, 19 August 2015

Review: Cocky Bastard by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

*****5 Stars*****

My initial thoughts about this book and Chance in particular, was that he certainly lived up to the books title. He was cocky in every way, but immediately likeable. An all round cheeky chap. Aubrey was his complete opposite to begin with and it's not that I disliked her at all, but she definitely needed to pull that stick out of her behind and who better to do that than the insanely sexy Chance. The two had so much chemistry I believe there should be a space for Chance and Aubrey on the periodic table and the dialogue between them was often laugh out loud hilarious.

As is so often the case, it was clear from the start that Chance had an underlying issue preventing him and Aubrey from being together, but due to the story switching from Aubrey's point of view to his, part way through, his problem is revealed a lot sooner than I thought it would.

Knowing that this book had been written by two authors I was amazed that I couldn't define between their writing styles making for a seamless well flowing story.

This book had it all, even a goat (Yes you did just read that) and this made for an incredibly funny, emotional, unique, five star read.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

Synopsis

He was someone who belonged in my wildest fantasies instead of a rest stop in the middle of Nebraska.

A sexy, cocky, Australian named Chance was the last person I expected to run into on my cross-country drive.

When my car broke down, we made a deal. Next thing I knew, we were traveling together, spending sexually-tense nights in hotels and taking unplanned detours.

My ordinary road trip turned into the adventure of a lifetime. It was all fun and games until things got intense.

I wanted him, but Chance wouldn’t make a move. I thought he wanted me too, but something was holding him back.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for the cocky bastard, especially when I knew we’d be going our separate ways.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

Buy Links: