Review: Beautiful Player

Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pages: 402
Rating: 4.5 Stars




Synopsis: When Hanna Bergstrom receives a lecture from her overprotective brother about neglecting her social life and burying herself into grad school, she's determined to tackle his implied assignment: get out, make friends, start dating. And who better to turn her into the sultry siren every man wants than her brother's gorgeous best friend, Will Sumner, venture capitalist and unapologetic playboy?

 Will takes risks for a living, but he's skeptical about this challenge of Hanna's...until the wild night his innocently seductive pupil tempts him into bed--and teaches him a thing or two about being with a woman he can't forget. Now that Hanna's discovered the power of her own sex appeal, it's up to Will to prove he's the only man she'll ever need. 

Review: Lately I’ve been on a huge Beautiful series reading spree. I’ve just gotten so sucked into the world and drawn into the characters that I just had to find out what was going to happen next. With each book that I move onto, I always start with the thought “will I enjoy this book as much as the previous?” The answer is most definitely yes! I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel with having the same book series, with each new book focusing on a different main couple, but I really enjoy that aspect about this series.

            With all of that said, I think that it’s safe to say that Beautiful Player is so far my favourite book in the series. This book is Will Sumner and Hanna Bergstrom’s story. It really is no secret that Will is a fairly well known player, who schedules his meetings with women to satisfy his needs, that is, until he meets Hanna. Hanna is unlike Sara and Chloe and there is just something about her that manages to change Will’s mind about women and makes him rethink everything he has ever thought about women before.

            When Hanna first comes on the scene, I really wasn’t too sure what to think about her. It was a little early on, but she just felt so much different from Sara and Chloe. Hanna is a 24 year old nerd, who spends the greatest amount of time in a lab, and that’s where she is most comfortable. That is, until her parents begin to worry about her. I was mostly unsure about Hanna in the beginning because of being super nerdy, but as it turns out, it was just one of the reasons that I loved her. I admired her so much because she just really did not care at all what anyone thought, and said whatever thought just crossed her mind, regardless of who was listening to her. She is so comfortable in her skin, and I sometimes wish that I could be that way. Even when she is speaking to Will, she is open about everything. If I was crushing on a hot guy for that long, I don’t think I would ever have been able to be that way.  One other thing that I loved so much about Hanna is just how she just rambled on, about almost everything, and she had an answer for just about everything too.

            When I read Beautiful Bastard, I thought Bennett was hot. Then I read Beautiful Stranger and I was like okay, Bennett is hot but Max, he has the whole British thing going on, which made him hot in a completely different way. Then, there was Will, and he was just it for me. Will is a complete player, but in a nice way. He is open about what he wants and the women that he has been with, all the expectations of what was to be were laid out, and those did not include commitment.  Given his background with women, something which Hanna knows all too well, she decides that this would be benefit for her to have a teacher, to teach her everything that she needs to know. I’ll just say right now, that I wish Will was my teacher. It was so much more than though, once things began to get much more serious, the way that the he thought about her, and spoke about her, it was enough to make anyone swoon.

            As with the other two books, I really enjoyed the writing style, and it flowed perfectly. The other books were enjoyable and funny, but there were some parts in this book that just had me laughing out loud. This story was just so perfect and it had the perfect mix of heat, humour, and romance.  The only thing that I wasn’t too fond of, was there was one part near the end, that I kind of felt was a little bit predictable, but it kind of worked, and it really wasn’t too much of an issue, that took away from enjoying the book.

            If you haven’t checked out this series yet, then I highly recommend that you do. I had my hesitations about reading these books, just based on what I’ve heard,  but it really did not affect it for me at all. If you’ve not checked out Beautiful Player, then I definitely suggest that you do. It was a great read, that will you laughing, and swooning, and will not leave you bored.

Review: Beautiful Stranger

Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pages: 342
Rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis: Escaping a cheating ex, finance whiz Sara Dillon’s moved to New York City and is looking for excitement and passion without a lot of strings attached. So meeting the irresistible, sexy Brit at a dance club should have meant nothing more than a night’s fun. But the manner—and speed—with which he melts her inhibitions turns him from a one-time hook-up and into her Beautiful Stranger.
The whole city knows that Max Stella loves women, not that he’s ever found one he particularly wants to keep around. Despite pulling in plenty with his Wall Street bad boy charm, it’s not until Sara—and the wild photos she lets him take of her—that he starts wondering if there’s someone for him outside of the bedroom.

Hooking up in places where anybody could catch them, the only thing scarier for Sara than getting caught in public is having Max get too close in private.

Review:  After finishing Beautiful Bastard, and enjoying it, I knew that I was going to have to read this book. One of the things that I was no aware of at first was that these books all take place in the same world, but they do not each follow the same couple. I was a bit hesitant at first, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to end up liking that, but it was one of the reasons that I think I enjoyed the book. While the authors have introduced us to a new couple, Bennet and Chloe are present in this book as well, and it is nice to be able to see and get to know the other characters from Beautiful Bastard on the outside rather than from inside their heads.
Beautiful Stranger is Sara and Max’s story. After things go horribly wrong with her ex, Sara needs out of Chicago and is looking for change. With Chloe as a best friend, Sara decides on New York City. Sara has lived her life in the shadows, being unwilling and unsure, that is, until she meets Max Stella. Max’s reputation precedes him, he is a multi-millionaire playboy. When Sara and Max meet, they have no information regarding the other, not even a name. The chemistry between these two is there right from the beginning. As the events from the story begin to unfold, Sara and Max really try and fight to keep things casual between them, but as the story goes on, this proves to be much more difficult than expected.

Women don't always want to be treated like we're delicate, or rare, or somehow more precious. We want to be wanted. We want sex to be just as raw as you do.

Beautiful Stranger is a book that is fully of very highly, likeable characters. Thinking back, there really wasn’t anyone that I didn’t like, and there wasn’t anyone that I found myself getting really annoyed with. There were a few things that Sara did that frustrated me, but then, I thought, look at what she has moved away from. I actually really did like Sara’s character, it almost seemed as though she were a friend I could very easily go and sit to have coffee with. She was a character I wish that I was able to know more about.

Because the whole British thing you have going on makes me want to do very wicked things to your mouth.

Max Stella on the other hand…hello, you had me at British. There was just almost everything right about Max. He is a good-looking, tall, British, successful business hottie. Just thinking about that accent as he was saying some of the things that he said to Sara, is enough to make anyone swoon. Though given his reputation as a “bad boy, womanizer,” he is anything but. Sara frustrated me because Max is just almost TOO nice. I could go on, but I leave it at that.

The way you seem nervous makes me think you don’t know that I’m in love with you.

As well, I found that this story moved with a really great pace. The writing was funny, witty, and enjoyable. It was a very light-hearted, enjoyable read, with just the right amount of heat, heart, and sexiness. If you haven’t read this book and are looking for a quick, fun read, then I highly recommend picking up Beautiful Stranger, you’ll be glad that you did.
 

Review: Inconceivable!

Author: Tegan Wren
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Synopsis: When Ozarks native Hatty goes "whole hog" during karaoke, she catches the eye of Prince John. He isn't what she expects the heir to a small European nation to be: he's affable, witty, and isn't put off by her tell-it-like-it-is demeanor. Their flirtation should be short lived, but a force strong than fate--Hatty's newspaper editor--assigns her to cover the royals. After spending time together, she and John soon begin dating, and Hatty finds herself making headlines inside of writing them.

But challenges loom that are even more complication than figuring out how to mesh Hatty's journalism career with life at Belvoir Palace. Hatty and John soon find themselves embroiled in an unusual sex scandal: they can't produce and heir. Tabloids dub Hatty a "Barren-ess," and the royals become irate. Hatty politely tells them to shove it. But beneath her confident exterior, she struggles to cope with heartbreak that invades most of her intimate moments with John. Pressure to choose between invasive medical procedures and abandoning John's claim to the throne, the couple feels trapped until a trip to Ethiopia shows them happy endings sometimes arrive long after saying "I do."


I would like to begin this review by stating that I have received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: When I read the synopsis for this book, I knew that it was going to be a book that I was going to enjoy, and I was right. I completely flew through this book, and a part of me wishes that I would have taken my time just to enjoy the story longer.
This is the story of Hatty, a college student who goes abroad to Europe to complete an internship. One of the great things about Hatty, and I think it was one of the reasons that I really enjoyed her character so much is that she said what was on her mind. Just like everyone, she does have moments where you can see her confidence take a small hit, but overall, she is just a really fun, great, and well-rounded character.
Enter Prince John. One of the things that I really enjoy about romance novels, are the early stages of the romance that takes place between the main character and the love interest. Inconceivable has that in spades. In the early part of their relationship, Hatty and John have some really witty, and enjoyable, fast-paced banter, of course all of this happens before she even knows who he is.
Of course, along with all of this, is Hatty’s profession and how that comes into play. Having a reporter being intimately involved with a member of a royal family is something that Prince John’s family really has to deal with, but it also allows the reader to gain more insight to all of the characters and being able to witness the story from Hatty’s perspective.
While the beginning half of the novel is a lot of fun, the second half takes on a much more somber, and personal touch. Teagn Wren did deal with infertility issues, and you can tell just from how raw, and emotional this book does get that the personal insight is there, you can feel it as you’re reading. While this theme is much more serious, it really coincides well with the light-hearted, and fun feeling the emanates from the book.
Overall, I really thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Tegan Wren has done a fantastic job with writing, the story flows well, and the characters and most of the situations that they do find themselves in are very real, and can be relatable. I’m definitely going to be re-reading this one in the future and I’m looking forward to seeing what else Wren will be putting out next!

Review: Beautiful Bastard

Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pages: 305
Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chole Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.
Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

REVIEW



I’m going to start off this review by saying that I have heard many mixed things about this book, and I think that’s why it is has taken me so long to pick it  up and give it a chance. I’m really glad that I did. My initial thought when I picked up this book and the read the first few chapters was that it was going to move really slow, but it didn’t. The quick banter, comments, and action pretty much start right off the bat, and the pace keeps up for the duration of the book.

I suppose the best way to get into talking about this book, is to give it a quick overview. This is the story of Chloe Mills, a hardworking, driven, and very smart MBA student, and her escapades working under her overbearing, hard-ass boss, Bennett Ryan at his family’s multi-million dollar media company. The moment that we meet Chloe it is clear right away that she is very smart, drive, and she can give as good as she gets. She wants this MBA, and there is absolutely nothing that is going to stand in the way of her getting it.

Until we meet Bennet Ryan. Apart from the whole, “he’s a jerk” I fell for Bennett almost instantly. Yeah, he’s a jerk and are the things that he says harsh? You betcha. Just listening to him talk and the comments he makes, it almost made me want to begin bantering and fighting with him, because it seems to be quite enjoyable. I’;m not sure that arrogant is the right word to call him, he definitely knows his stuff, and for being so young, he’s accomplished quite a bit. He is man who knows what he wants, when he wants it.

“womanizing, arrogant, pigheaded asshat who assumed everyone around him was an idiot.”

Chloe and Ryan together just make the story work. Of course, it is their story after all, but just being a witness to everything that’s taking place is just really, really entertaining. It is so obvious that they’re perfect together and they just fit. Despite the whole “hating each other” thing, there was always that attraction there.  The way that these two characters interact with one another is a large part of why I think the book is able to keep up the pace that it has. The type of dialogue and how quickly things happen also play a large part.

While I did really enjoy this book, there were a couple of things that I really didn’t enjoy. The first being that I wish there would have been a bit more interaction with secondary characters. They’re in the story and make appearances, but they also seemed to just be kind of stuck in there story.
This leading into my second issue: loose ends. There was one in particular that happened and that was it. As a reader, I was kind of just left wondering at how it could have been resolved.
Finally, my last issue was how rushed the ending was. The ending made perfect sense, and it fit, but it was just a little too rush and things happened far too quickly. There was plenty that could have been done with it, instead of mashing everything up together.

Overall though, I did really enjoy this book, and I’m sorry that it has taken me so long to getting around to reading it. I’m definitely looking forward to getting into the next books in this series. If you are looking for a quick, hot, highly entertaining read, I suggesting picking this one up!

Review: Confessions of a Fat Girl

Author: Holly Dae
Pages: 247
Rating: 3 Stars


Synopsis: Smart and ambitious Season Minett was homeschooled, got accepted into college at 16, graduated with a B.A. in English at 20, got a job at a prestigious magazine at 21, and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. Twenty-two-year-old Season has it made and everyone knows it. Except Season herself.
People can gush over her all day long, but Season knows they’re just being nice. In reality, she’s accomplished nothing. She doesn’t work hard enough, can’t get her book published, and worst of all at 5’6, 180 pounds with a thirty-two inch waist, a forty-four inch hip, and arms too big for her body, she’s fat and ugly. She's such a disappointment that after her mother divorced Season's dad, she went to live with her new, younger boyfriend and left Season to mother the rest of her siblings. So Season is quite bewildered when the guy she sees every weekend at the bookstore shows serious interest in her. And she ends up liking him. A lot.
Season's not naive enough to think love will solve all her problems though. In fact, love seems to be making everything worse because her food obsession is growing more and more out of her control. But that's impossible. There's nothing wrong with counting calories and wanting to be thin. There's nothing wrong with trying to be as perfect as everyone thinks she is. A fat girl can't develop an eating disorder, let alone have one. Right?


Review: I had received this book in exchange for an honest review. When I had read the title of this book, I was completely interested in reading it, as it had captured by attention. This is Season’s story, and we are told the story looking at her life through her own thoughts and actions. Season really does not feel as though there is anything special about her, and she tries her hardest to keep locked away from everyone. Until she meets Victor. Try as she might to push him away, he is not scared off from her.
Season, as we learn very early on has an undiagnosed eating disorder. She is constantly counting her calories and really taking into consideration about what it is that she is putting into her body. About mid-way through the book, some things start to go down, and Season finds herself spiralling out of control and we witness just how self-destructive Season can be.
This is one of the first books that I have read that has to deal with eating disorders. One of the things that I was really not a huge fun of, was Season herself. I found it very, very difficult to like her, and maybe that was the point of her character, but I just found her to be very difficult to warm up to. As well, I know it was her nature, but I found her to be rather harsh and abrasive at times. She just kind of rubbed me the wrong way. On the otherhand, some of the thoughts that Season was having about herself are thoughts that I’ve had, and I’m sure that women will be able to relate to.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I was really glad that I was given the opportunity to read it. Eating disorders are a thing that is becoming more and more apparent in our world, and it is important that we aware of what they are and just how damaging they can be. For as strong a woman and Season is, even she has her battles, and some things are harder to overcome than others.

Review: Thoughtful

Author: S.C Stephens
Publisher: Forever
Pages: 560
Rating: 5 Stars 


Synopsis: The only place Kellan Kyle has ever felt at home is onstage. Gripping his guitar in a darkened bar, he can forget his painful past. These days his life revolves around three things: music, his bandmates, and hot hookups. Until one woman changes everything…
Kiera is the kind of girl Kellan has no business wanting—smart, sweet and dating h is best friend. Certain he would never be worthy of her love, he hides his growing attracting…until Kiera’s own tormented heart hints that his feelings might not be one-sided. Now, no matter the consequences, Kellan is sure of thing—he won’t let Kiera go without a fight.

Review: Despite having finished this book a few days ago, I’m still thinking about this story, and the characters, I cannot seem to get them out of my head. The same thing happened to me after I had finished reading Thoughtless. I wish I knew where to start with this review. When I found out that Kellan was going to get the chance to be able to tell his story, I was SO SO excited! I should also admit that I kind of forgot how angsty and heart-breaking the whole Kiera-Kellan-Denny this was. Despite knowing the story having read Thoughtless first, it completely changes it having it come from a different character’s point-of-view. I was fully aware of what I was getting myself into when I started this book, and I’m not sorry at all.
This book will definitely take a lot out of you. The way that S.C Stephens has written this book, everything feels so real, and it is so much more painful reading it from Kellan’s point-of view. He really does make your heart ache for him, and it is something that is extremely difficult to get over. Being given the opportunity to see this story unfold through Kellan’s eyes, you completely fall in love with him all over again.
Characters:
Kellan: *swoon*
If I were to only be able to choose one book boyfriend, it would hands-down  be Kellan. I thought I had loved him after I finished Thoughtless, but I was SO wrong. If you fell in love with him in Thoughtless, just wait until you pick Thoughtful up. Being inside Kellan’s head, you just gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation for him, and you feel for him so much more. Your heart will begin to ache for him. The way that he feels about himself, and how he thinks that he is undeserving of love, made me feel so sad for him. It is his thoughts about himself, that make his actions, such as the meaningless sex with whoever catches his attention, seem to make more sense.
It is also safe to say that this books is HOT. Every emotion that Kellan feels, he makes you feel right along with him. The way that he feels about Keira, it is so hard not to feel anything at all. Everything in this book is so raw, and real.
Kiera: I’m going to begin by saying that I was not her biggest fan in Thoughtless, and you if you weren’t either, this book will make you like her even less. This girl is just down-right aggrivating! The fact that she is so indecisive about everything just really begins to get irritating. Being able to witness her from someone else’s eyes, she’s a really cold-hearted bitch. I understand though that she could not have been in an easy situation, but I think that she probably could have handled herself so much better. Denny, it was so nice to be able to see him through Kellan’s eyes, and you really do understand just want Denny means to Kellan, and what Denny had done for him.
D-Bags: Really, what can I say about these guys? They are just as fantastic in this novel as they were in Thoughtless. I felt reading this book that I was much more a part of the band, and I got to know Griffin, Evan and Matt on a completely different level.
It is safe to say that this book can be read as a standalone and really nothing will be ruined, but I would suggest reading Thoughtless first, I think it will making reading Thoughtful so much more enjoyable.
At the end of it all, I am SO in love with the world that S.C Stephens has created in this series. As much as I complain about Kiera, all of the characters are so wonderful and they really make the story come alive. It is not an easy story to read, and it will toy with your emotions in ways that you may not have thought possible, but it is enjoyable. If you’re finding yourself looking for something to read, I suggest you give the Thoughtless series a chance, you will not be disappointed!

Review: Grey

Author: EL James
Publisher: Vintage Books
Pages: 568
Rating: 2.5 Stars

Synopsis: 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 compulsions to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?

Review: Beginning this book, I knew exactly what I was getting into. Part of the reason that I wanted to read this book was to know what it would be like to be inside Christian's head (it was kind of interesting experience) and to see the world of the novel through his eyes.

I am going to admit that it was quite entertaining to be inside Christian's head, as there really is a lot that is going on in there. Some things were a little bit surprising, but having read Fifty Shades of Grey first, it kind of makes a little more sense. I must admit that while I was reading this book, I half expected there to be an "Inner Goddess", and I was partially right. Christian really does seem to favour a certain part of his male anatomy, and it is very clear through some of his inner dialogue.

Another positive that this book had was that it allowed reads to perceive Ana in a very different way. Through her eyes she was showing reads a very self-deprecating character who really didn't think too highly over herself. Seeing here through Christian's eye's though, it completely changes and it is very obvious to see how much he does care for her. As well, I was also looking forward to seeing where he went some nights, or what he was thinking himself, rather than having Ana gauge his reactions, and a lot of times, it seemed as though she was off and made him sound so much harsher than he actually was.

With that being said, there are a few things that I did have issues with. One thing that I noticed was there EL James really likes to repeat a lot of phrases, and metaphors. Christian, while talking about Ana, seems to repeat a lot of very similar feelings to himself, over and over. Mid-way through the book I was slowly starting to get a bit peeved at it, and I just wanted him to tell her what he was thinking. It was a bit lack-luster in that sense. Even the writing in some places seemed very generic, and almost rushed. After putting out FSOG, while still keeping through to the story.

Overall, it wasn't my favourite read, nor would it be placed in a top 10, but it wasn't terrible. If she does put out the other two novels from Christian's POV, I will read them, because I'm  hooked enough in the story, that I want to know what he is thinking about certain events unfold for him. If you were a fan of the FSOG series, then I would definitely recommend picking this up and giving it a read.   

Review: A Taylor Made Love

Author: Kary Rader
Publisher: eBook
Pages: 282
Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: When fate spares your life, your destiny is always love 

Twenty-year-old widow and cancer survivor Taylor Smith-Taylor is running her late husband’s billion-dollar gaming business because she’s made a vow to keep TME—and Gavin’s memory—alive. But she’s falling hard for her sexy attorney Brad Richards, and it’s not just their professional connection that has her tied in knots. 

When Taylor’s new idea takes off, she relies on Brad to help. Using company funds to back the innovative project, they begin a tumultuous affair and a multi-million dollar negotiation that could dominate the market or put the company in jeopardy. 

As the corporate dealings escalate, their volatile relationship leaves their priorities more tangled than their bed sheets, and a fatal accounting error divides them. Brad pushes Taylor to embrace her idea, and him, by selling TME—a decision that, for her, goes deeper than money. When she refuses, it seems easier for both to walk away, and only a perspective from the grave can help her realize her future comes down to one choice: the love she’ll lose or the love she’ll make.

Review: I had received a copy for this book for review.

I knew that going into this book my emotions were going to go through a trip and they did. This is the story of seventeen year old story of Taylor and the ways in which cancer has affected her and her life. She is doing the absolute most that she possibly can in order to keep her vow and ensure that the legacy of her late husband is not forgotten.

Reading this story, it is very difficult not to feel some respect and admiration for Taylor. In her 20 short years she has been through so much, and yet she manages still to be a strong young woman. It is almost hard to be believe that at only twenty years she has had to deal with everything hand she has be dealt, but she does it. Despite there being quite a noticeable age gap between Taylor and Brad, it was written in a wonderful, and believable way.

I have not read the first book in the series, but it is not needed to understand the events that are taking place in this one. I can say will complete honesty that after I had finished this book, I became completely invested in these characters, that I will be diving into the first book again, and giving this one a read.

This was an emotional story, but one that ended up being worth it. Ms. Rader has done a wonderful writing job with this novel that I am very much looking forward to reading a Taylor Mad Life. 

Review: White Hot Kiss

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 400
Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: One kiss could be the last

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Review: I had been on quite a Jennifer L. Armentrout kick for some time. When I decided to pick up this book I didn’t think that I was going to be sorry, and I was right! This book was unlike anything that I was expecting it to be, and I absolutely loved it.

This story follows the life of seventeen-year-old Layla. Her world is dark, and mysterious, and when I started reading I was hooked from the very first page. In this world there is good and evil, demons and wardens. The obvious choice of what side to be on isn’t always the most obvious, and with this book you really do question which side is truly good and which side is truly evil. This book is completely different from any book that I have ever read before.

Ms. Armentrout has such a wonderful way with creating wonderful and relatable characters. This is Layla’s story, she is half-demon and half-warden, and throughout most of the story we see her struggling with some of her insecurities in trying to find out who she really is and which side is more prominent for her. I also have to add that she is quite a badass and is willing to go all in with everything that she decides to do. 

Next would have to be Zayne, the sort of boy next door who Layla has wanted to be with all of her life. While I found Zayne to be a likable character, there was just something about him that I wasn’t too sure about; it almost felt as though I couldn’t trust him. Apart from this, he really only does want what is the absolute best for Layla, and you definitely do pick up on how close these two are.
Then of course we have Roth, the final piece to this love triangle. As soon as Layla meets Roth, I loved him. He’s the complete opposite of Zayne. Where Zayne is the good, golden boy, Roth is the brooding, dark, and mysterious type. Kind of ironically, he has a “god-complex” in thinking that he is always right. He has his sweet and kind moments, and he is never afraid to be truthful with Layla.

It took me a little while to finish getting through this book, as things kept standing in the way of reading. This book has a fantastic plot and the pace is great. There really is no time for a dull moment in this book, especially with everything that is going down. When I did get around to the end, I was blown away by some of the surprises that came up and I did not see some of this coming. As I’m sitting here writing this, I am still thinking about the ending of this book and how it has taken me completely by surprise.

Once again Jennifer L. Armentrout has written a fantastic paranormal story. There are so many twists, and turns, and at the end of it is a completely mind-blowing conclusion that will leave you reaching for the next book! 

Review: Obsidian

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Publisher: Entangled, Teen
Pages: 294
Rating: 5 Stars


Synopsis: Starting over sucks. 
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring...until I spotted by hot neighbour, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth. 

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me. 

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking lose to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is. 

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Review: I'll start this of with complete honesty, I really did not think that I was going to enjoy a book about aliens. I had purchased this book a little while back and it was just sitting on my bookshelf. I had heard so many good things about this book which is why I had picked it up, and after reading it, turns out that aliens are definitely my thing. Especially when they're named Daemon.

There is absolutely something about Daemon's arrogance, and the fact that knows he's good looking, that just make him that much more attractive. There were times when I found myself really wanting to switch places with Katy. I would not have minded bickering with Daemon at all! Katy is actually a really likable main character. I really enjoyed being able to discover the world from her point-of-view, and it was very enjoyable and entertaining to see through Katy's eyes.

And Daemon...it is hard trying to find the right words to say to describe him. The moment that you meet him, you know that there is going to be that level of arrogance and sarcasm, but it is one of the reasons that I really enjoyed his character. It was really refreshing as well to witness his interactions with Katy and to see just exactly how  much her cares for her and how strongly he feels about her.

With this being said, all of the characters is this book were awesome, and they were really well developed. As a reader you become completely immersed in these characters lives and you never want to leave! I absolutely loved setting of this book, that at times, it really felt as though I was right there in the story right along side the characters. This story completely captivated me and I had this book finished in almost no time at all! There was just the right amount of drama, suspense and action. This book absolutely has it all!

If you are a bit hesitant about reading a book about aliens, don't be. This book was nothing that I was imaging it to be. It was so much better and so completely captivating. If you have not read this book, then you absolutely must check it out!

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths

Author: K.A Tucker
Publisher: Atria Books  Pages: 289  Synopsis: Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them. 
Four years ago Kacey Cleary's life imploded when her care was hit by a drunk driver, killing her parents, boyfriend, and best friend. Still haunted by memories of being trapped inside, holding her boyfriend's lifeless hand and listening to her mother take her last breath, Kacey wants to leave her past behind. Armed with two bus tickets, twenty-year old Kacey and her fifteen-year-old sister, Livie, escape Grand Rapids, Michigan to start over in Miami. Struggling to make ends meet, Kacey needs to figure out how to get by. But Kacey's not worried. She can handle anything--anything but her mysterious neighbour in apartment 1D.  Trent Emerson has smoldering blue eyes, deep dimples, and he perfectly skates that irresistible line between nice guy and bad boy. Hardened by her tragic past, Kacey is determined to keep everyone at a distance, but their mutual attraction is undeniable and Trent is determined to find a way into Kacey's guarded heart--even if it means that an explosive secret could shatter both their worlds. 
Review: I had heard so many great things about this book, and when I finally picked it up and got around to reading it, I was not disappointed!  Kacey and her younger sister Livie have lost both of their parents in a tragic car accident. For Kacey, not only was she a victim of the accident, losing both of her parents, but she lost her boyfriend and best friend as well. Since this awful night Kacey is left to struggle with the emotions and thoughts of what has happened to her. When I first started to read the book, I really was not too much of a fan of Kacey's because it was so hard to like her character. She is a very determined and stubborn character and she knows exactly what it is that she wants. She definitely has a knack for keeping everyone at bay, including the readers. Given that everything Kacey has been through, this is definitely understandable.  With that being said, Kacey is a very strong young woman. After dealing with alcohol, drugs, and sex, Kacey is trying to turn her life around, and doing that absolute best she can to protect and provide for her younger sister.  Enter Trent. I absolutely adored his character. He is a such a sweetheart and he is extremely patient with Kacey given everything that she has been through. Along with Trent, K.A Tucker has included a whole cast of wonderful characters. Once you meet Storm and her daughter Mia, the novel really takes off. Storm is fantastic, and a great neighbour and friend to Kacey. She is persistent and even when Kacey is trying her best to push people away, Storm finds a way in.  This book deals with some really heavy issues and some very raw emotions. At the end, this is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful story. K.A Tucker has done amazing job writing characters who are real, funny, sexy, and understanding. There really is not a dull moment in this book and it picks up almost right from the beginning and it will keep you hooked and reading right until the last sentence.  This truly is a great New Adult read for fans of the genre. If you are looking for something to read, your next pick should be Ten Tiny Breaths. 

Review: Reckless

Author: SC Stephens 

Publisher: Galley Books 

Pages:546 

Rating: 5+ Stars

Synopsis:  Can love survive when life gets reckless?

When the band hits it big, Kiera and Kellan must ask themselves: Can their love for each other withstand the constant pressure of superstardom? The friendships they've formed, the new family they've found, and the history they've forged will all play a part in helping them navigate the turblent waters of the band's exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success. a declining popstar looking for an edge, and a media circus that twists lies into truths are just some of the obstacles the lovers will have to overcome if they are going to remind together. Fame comes with a price--but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everygthing? 

Review:WOW! Very much like the first two books, I have absolutely NO idea where to even begin with discussing this book.I am absolutely in love with this series! Its been a couple of days since I've finished reading Reckless and I cannot seem to get the characters or the story out of my head! 

This book did not come up short in anyway. True to SC Stephen's writing style, this book is filled with so much emotion. As with the first two books, this book made my heart race, it frustrated me, it gave me a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it made my heart sink. With this being such an intense, gut-wrenching roller coaster ride, I don't think that I'll ever be able to say how much I've loved this series! 

This book begins right where Effortless leaves off, and the beginning is so wonderful. After seeing Kiera and Kellan go through so much, its nice to see them get to have a nice moment, although it doesn't last. As with the first two books, there are more challenges and obstacles that keep popping up for these two. The main thing with this book is that it really makes you question the price of life in the limelight and all of the baggage that comes along with it. 

I absolutely loved all --well most of--the characters in this series. There were a few in this book that I really didn't care for, for some obvious reasons. 

Starting with Kiera, in Thoughtless, I really didn't like her at all. By the time that I reached Reckless, I loved her! She has truly come a long way, and has matured so much.She is so much stronger than I have ever given her credit for, and there are good reasons behind all of her actions. I finally feel like I do understand her. 

Kellan, is just Kellan. I don't know how much more I can say that I love him! Its just way too easy to fall in love with him. While he almost always breaks my heart, he makes me swoon after him moments later.*Sighs*

One thing that I really enjoyed with Reckless is how much SC Stephens has expanded on the backstory of some of the other characters. For being as crude and highly inappropriate as he is, I actually like Griffin, and he's really grown on me. I especially like him with Anna, and I always had a smile on my face when I was reading parts that concerned the two of them. They're so perfect for each other. 

I also really love Jenny and Evan together. I think that was absolutely perfect matching,  its impossible not to like either one of them. I'm so happy with where they've ended up. 

Finally, I've always had such a soft spot for Denny. He really is a good guy, and again its so hard not to like him. I loved that he was able to maintain his friendship with Kiera and Kellan, amd I'm also really happy to see him happy with Abby. They're perfect. 

SC Stephens ....the plot and the conflict that are present in this book really drove me just about to my breaking-point. There were times when I was just ready to put the book down, and give myself a few minutes before I picked it back up again. There was just so much angst and tension, that I was just about ready to fling my book at the wall. There were instances, when I was literally just laying there looking at my book , with my jaw open. There were things that I could not believe happened , and truth be told, I'm still a little shocked about it. 

As I was starting out with this series, I really wasn't too sure and it took me some time to get into it. Once I was into it, that was it. All of these characters and their stories are so compelling, and the emotions are so real, that you feel you're right there along side them. I have never been so enamoured with a story before. I will never be to say enough good things about these books. 

Review: Effortless

Author: S.C Stephens 

Publisher: Galley Books

Pages:482 

Rating: 5 Huge Stars

Synopsis: After being caught in the middle of a love triangle which led to a devastating betrayal, Kiera pledges to learn from the mistakes she'd made. She was determined to never again inflict that kind of pain on anyone, especially the soulful, talented man who held her heart.But life offers new challenges for every relationship, and when Kiera's love is put to the ultimate test, will it survive? Love is easy...trust is hard.

Review: I wasn't sure if it was possible, but I think I might have liked this book more than Thoughtless! As with Thoughtless, this book was absolutely heart-wrenching. S.C Stephens is such a powerful writer! Every emotion that her characters experience, her readers are left feeling the exact same thing! Writing with that kind of intense emotion, its hard not to like the book! Also, this was the first book that made me cry! 

The main issue in this book is how to learn and deal with trust. Kiera and Kellan are finally a couple, but that means that they both have so much that they have to work on. Kellan leaves for a tour with the band leaving Kiera at home to finish up her schooling. For Kellan, he has to learn to trust Kiera while he's away in terms of how their relationship started. For Kiera, its Kellan's reputation as "man-candy", that she has to trust.In comparison to the first book, I actually really like Kiera so much more. She seems to have matured some, and is not quite as annoying as I once thought. If it is even possible, my love for Kellan has just deeped. How else can I sum him up?

There is just so much that is going on in this book that made me swoon, and get butterflies in my stomach. I'm sure that I read most of this book with a huge grin plastered on my face.

If you haven't checked out this series yet, you NEED to! It is most definitely worth the read and you will not be sorry!  :) 

Review: Beauty From Pain

Author:Georgia Cates 

Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Pages: 366

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Synopsis: They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries. Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia's most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that's why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. 

He arranges relationships likes business deals and they're always the same. No long term relationships. No real names. It's his game and his rules. He's content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy mush change because this play in like none he's ever encountered.  His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she's exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer. 

Review:  I want to start off this review by saying, how gorgeous is that cover?! Its part of the reason why I wanted to read this book! 

When I first started this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to end up liking it as much as I did and I was pleasantly surprised! In some of ways, it kind of had a Fifty Shades kind of feel to it, but on a much lighter, and quite a bit different side. 

This story follows the growing relationship between Laurelyn Prescott who finds herself on a 3 month trip to Australia with her best friend. A relationship is the farthest thing from her mind. Jack , on the other hand, is looking for one, but he has really specific rules about what he wants.Laurelyn, is the perfect girl for his no-strings-attached plans. 

The characters were great! I really enjoyed Laurelyn. She wasn't a typical heroine. She was strong, and was able to stand up to Jack, she wasn't just falling all over him. As for Jack, I was a bit hesitant about him in the beginning, and I wasn't sure that I was going to end up liking him as much as I did. He really put up with no nonsense. As soon as he figured something out, he dealt with it. 

When I first began to read, I wasn't too sure if I was going to like the writing style as wit switches POVs between Laurelyn and Jack, but it was definitely needed and it was so great to know what was going on in each of the characters minds, and what they were feeling. It was necessary to have the alternating viewpoints because it helped with all of the secrecy. I have to admit that it was something to do with the secrecy that kept me hooked. This book was pure escapism for me, and it lived up to it! It was unlike anything I have read, I was completely thrown into Jack and Laurelyn's world, and I was quite happy to be there. 

While the book did take some time to build,it managed to hold my attention. There were some places where I felt the book was rushed, but I'm hoping these loose ends will be tied up in the second book. This was the first book that I have read from Georgia Cates, and I'm very happy to say that it won't be my last.I would highly recommend this book, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!