Book Review: Toxic by Kim Karr

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Toxic
Author: Kim Karr
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: July 7th 2015
Review Source: NAL Trade

New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr turns up the heat in a smoking hot, emotionally compelling romance that takes you into the world of Manhattan’s elite.

Meet Jeremy McQueen, a sexy, intense, brooding entrepreneur who goes after what he wants, and Phoebe St. Claire, a socialite-turned-CEO who’s been drifting through life searching for something she thought she'd never find again—the right man to share her future.

Phoebe St. Claire has devoted herself to saving her family’s hotel empire—but her best efforts have not been good enough. With her whole world in turmoil, the tenacious go-getter turns to the once love of her life. Far from innocent, Jeremy McQueen was a guy from the wrong side of the tracks and her parents would never have approved. Their years apart have only made the sexy bad boy more irresistible than ever—and their reunion is explosive.

When she asks Jeremy to help her salvage her family business, he agrees immediately, with only one condition—he wants her in his bed.

But soon surprising circumstances leave Phoebe reeling. Was this fairy tale romance just too good to be true? Will Jeremy’s secrets pull them apart all over again?

When I read the synopsis I knew I had to pick Toxic up. I mean that tag line along had peaked my interest. I was loving getting to know Phoebe and Jeremy’s pass and see how it all intertwine to come full circle in the end. Karr does a fantastic job of bringing their story to life.

Jeremy McQueen and Phoebe St. Claire have history. Love fairy tales don’t always end with happily ever after. Theirs sure didn’t. Can a second chance bring them back together? Or will the past not be so easily forgotten?

It’s kind of hard to say where exactly I stand with Toxic. I enjoyed the story, but it left me frustrated a number of times. I am surely in the minority when it comes to this book because I know quite a few people loved it. I guess it was the fact that I really couldn’t connect with the characters. The unvarying bickering and mistrust was giving me way too much whiplash. It’s not to say that other won’t enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me.

I feel like the story was missing Jeremy’s POV. I think I would’ve been delighted to get inside he’s head at certain points of the story. I’ve never been one of those girls that is insanely jealous maybe that’s why I couldn’t really click with the actual characters. The title does the book justice because what Jeremy and Phoebe have is a toxic relationship of sorts.  The constant push and pull can only go on for so long before I pull my hair out, but if you love angst and need to go on a roller coaster of emotions Toxic is the book for you.

Book Review: Two of Hearts by Christina Lee

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Two of Hearts
Author: Christina Lee
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: May 5th 2015
Review Source:NAL Trade

A gripping standalone adult contemporary romance about finding yourself while taking a second chance at your first love…

Dakota Nakos was always the resilient, strong-willed achiever. But when her father dies and she’s entrusted with the family’s casino, she feels vulnerable, scared, and more than a little emotional —not exactly the best time to see an old lover she’s never really gotten over.

Dakota once meant the world to Shane Garrity. Then suddenly he left town to train as a U.S. Marshal, and their love for each other crashed into a memory. Now he’s come home for her father’s funeral, and one look at the girl he left behind stirs up both memories and regrets, and reignites a fire he feared he’d lost forever.

Dakota may be the same driven girl she always was, but she’s also changed in ways neither could have anticipated. She’s not just a young woman searching for own identity in the Native American community in which she was raised, but one questioning her new life outside her father’s shadow. Above all she wonders if Shane can push past her weakened defenses to rekindle what they once had, or whether the intense blaze between them will ultimately reduce her heart to ashes.

Let's talk about how much I love Christina Lee. The moment I saw her title available to review, I said "YES! Another Christina Lee's novel." And once again, she delivers. Seriously, this woman has become an auto-buy for me. Within few pages of the books, I was in tears.... So if you haven't read any of her books, make sure you start today! You really do not want to miss out on her stories.

As sexy as her stories are, it is also a very inspiring, like this story. So many happy tears with Two of Hearts. We have two amazing characters, Dakota and Shane, with some serious history. Yet, no matter how powerful their love is for one another, they can be stubborn. Which lead them to a not so good terms ending years ago. Now, with a terrible tragedy, Shane is back into Dakota's life. Trying to rekindle her friendship, Shane wants to reach out to her but as he realizes she is in trouble, Shane decides it is time that he stays... for good. Stubborn as always, Dakota doesn't see this and tries to keep away from Shane. But her feelings toward him takes over and boy, do these two share some intimate moments.

I loved this story, most of all I loved Dakota. She is one heck of a strong woman. As smart and lovable, she is most of all loyal to her family. She did not let anyone step on her. She did not let anyone tell her who she is and isn't. This girl stayed firmed and fought for her rights. Such an inspiring story. Let's not even start the chemistry she shared with Shane. You just have to read it! So make sure to pick it up today!

Book Review: The 27 Club by Kim Karr

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The 27 Club
Author: Kim Karr
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: March 3rd 2015
Review Source: NAL Trade

You don’t know when…
You don’t get to choose if…
When it’s time to join…you’ll know.

You might think you want to be a member—but trust me this is one club you don’t want to join. It’s not a place where people go to live out their deepest, darkest sexual desires—there are no handcuffs or blindfolds.

The 27 Club only admits those who die young and tragically. My brother was recently bestowed membership and joined many of our ancestors before him. I know I’m next. This is my destiny, and I was ready to yield.

But then I met Nate. He awakened a sensuality in me that had never been explored, never satisfied. I knew then I could no longer accept my destiny. Nate’s presence controls me. I’m overwhelmed by his touch, his words; my every thought is consumed by desire. I believe he was brought into my life for a reason.

Nate doesn’t believe in destiny.

But I do.

And if there’s a way to cheat it—I must.

The 27 Club was a delightful surprise to read. I am not sure why, since I've read the Connection series by Kim and quite frankly enjoyed them. I do have to be honest, this book did take me longer than usual. It moves at a slower pace than what I am used to.

All starts the night Zach Flower dies. Within weeks of his death,  Zoey Flowers moves to Miami. There she meets Nate, Zach's best friend. From the moment she meets Nate, Zoey begins to learns secrets her brother kept from her. Lies he told her. Which doesn't really help her since she is already superstitious. She believes death will come knocking soon and also will die at young age. I don't blame her, since her mom, grandfather and other members of her family, also died at the age of 27.

I was not expecting the story to turn out the way it did. There are many things that Zoey uncovers. But most of all, she finds a man that is willing to fight for her. Sure he wasn't all gentle, but he sure was sexy.

All in all this was a great read. I was happy to read the epilogue and loved how it all tied down.

Blog Tour: Dark Debt by Chloe Neill + Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on Dark Debt tour for Chloe Neill. This tour is hosted by Chloe Neill.

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Dark Debt
Chicagoland Vampires #11
Author: Chloe Neill
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Released: March 3rd 2015
Review Source: NAL Trade

  

A vampire never gets old. But neither do his enemies. When a figure from Ethan's dark past makes a splashy debut in Chicago, Merit and her Master don't know whether he's friend or foe. But they'll have to figure out soon, because trouble is brewing in the Windy City.

At an exclusive society soiree attended by the upper echelons of the human and supernatural worlds, Merit and Ethan barely stop the assassination of a guest. When the target turns out to be a shady businessman with a criminal edge, Merit suspects a human vendetta. But the assassins have fangs....

The connections to Chicago's Houses go deeper than Merit knows, and even one wrong move could be her last....

I love this series so much that I could have confidently rated this book a 5 before reading. And yes, after reading I gave it five trees. There’s just something about Chloe Neill. Her writing just really works for me. It excites me. When I open a new Chicagoland Vampires book I get happy. I get excited whilst reading. I smile when I see all the characters I’ve come to know and love. She turns me into a complete fangirl.

To summarize what happens: Dark Debt was as awesome as this series goes. Morgan actually mans up (no, I'm not joking) and Joshua, Merit’s father, isn’t a complete jerk (it surprised me too) and the Mallory & Catcher thing....wait. No. I can't mention that. That would be a huge spoiler. But trust me, you’re going to love it.

I finished this book a few days ago and it has put me in a complete book hangover. I'm itching for more Merit and Ethan, for more of all the other characters--even the not-so-great ones. I just need more. I sound needy, but Chloe Neill did this to me. Blame her.

The drama continues in Dark Debt. Neither Ethan or Merit can seem to catch a break these days. Then again, deep down they both knew it was only a matter of time before the next problem came along considering the bad follows them around like an unwanted rash. This time it was Ethan's maker, Balthasar. All these years Ethan thought he was dead, but now here he is, flaunting himself in the public eye. But he's not here for a friendly visit, he's here because he wants to destroy everything Ethan has built and take his House and Master status away from him.

As always, the drama was exciting. Merit's humour was on point. And it was a fabulous read. In this book we don't any scenes with the wolves. Gabe, his family, Nick and the rest of his family aren't present in Dark Debt and I kind of missed them. But trust me, the book is so awesome that you won't notice the people we don't see, because Dark Debt has a bigger plot than Balthasar. It sets us up for book #12 and from what I've picked up, it's going to be exciting.

Dark Debt made my heart pound. I was close to shedding a tear or two, and the feels we're just so perfect. And you know, I found this review really hard to write. There were so many things that I just wanted to blurt out and fangirl over but I couldn't, not without revealing spoilers. There are so many things I want to talk about and mention, and avoiding it was hard, let me tell you. I think you'll all really like this one.

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Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Devil’s Isle, Chicagoland Vampires, and Dark Elite series. She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When not writing, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys–her favorite landscape photographer/husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.)

Giveaway!

The packet will include: 

- Cadogan House cotton tote bag 

- Cadogan House keychain 

- An autographed international Chicagoland Vampires or Dark Elite novel 

- Swag, including Chicagoland Vampires bookmarks and pens, and Cadogan House lanyards 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fun doesn’t stop here. Want more chances to win? You can also enter the Dark Debt Grand Prize Giveaway, which runs February 23 through March 6 on Chloe’s web site. What is the Grand Prize Giveaway prize? 

- An engraved Cadogan House medal necklace 

- A Kindle Paperwhite 

- Cadogan House cotton tote bag 

- Cadogan House keychian 

- Chicagoland Vampires bookmarks, pens, and lanyard 

Book Review: Bleeding Heart by Liza Gyllenhaal

Bleeding Heart
Author: Liza Gyllenhaal
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fiction
Released: November 4 2014
Review Source: NAL Trade

“A compelling story … Deftly balances comforting descriptions of gardens and small-town life with the suspenseful unraveling of a mystery" — Kirkus Reviews*

“Gyllenhaal nicely weaves environmental politics, financial shenanigans, and murder into Alice’s compelling story. Could get heated for book groups.” —Booklist

“The multilayered plot and deceptive characters makes this a strong crossover chick lit/mystery novel. Great for book club discussion groups.” —Library Journal

"Alice Hyatt is trying to move on with her life after her husband’s disappearance; he took millions of dollars and a female accomplice with him. She finds solace and stability in her landscaping business, Green Acres. When nearby millionaire Graham Mackenzie asks her to design his garden, she can’t say no—not just because he promises to give a generous donation to her best friend’s charity, but because she wants to take on the challenge of creating the most beautiful garden in the Berkshires. Mackenzie doesn’t exactly have a spotless reputation, however—he earned his money in the hydraulic fracturing industry, and many residents aren’t happy about it. Alice’s controversial client soon causes her problems with many locals, including Tom Deaver, the environmental writer on whom she develops a crush. But Mackenzie doesn’t really cause trouble until he drops dead …‘Gardening thriller’ may seem an unlikely genre, but Gyllenhaal pulls it off.”— *Kirkus Reviews Conversation Guide included

Bleeding Heart follows Alice, a woman who has lived through some turmoil and is just getting back on her feet when she's thrown into a similar conflict. Going to work for Mackenzie to create the garden she's most proud of takes her down the rabbit hole when she figures out that Mackenzie might not have as much money as he proclaimed to have.

There is so much more to this story than what meets the eye. When reading the back cover I thought I knew what kind of story I was in for, and as the book progressed the more intriguing it became! This is not my usual genre when reading books, I tend to enjoy fantasies more than any other genre. So for me to enjoy this book was a shock. Of course I wasn't completely gripped until "Part 3" of the book. That was when it became hard for me to put it down.

One thing that I really liked about this book was the fact that it was as close to real life as a fictional story can get. You were never ready to believe that the happy ending was around the corner, and there were always real world problems coming up. It's rare to read a book about people going into debt, and struggling to keep their business from going under. So it was refreshing to be able to read a story that didn't shy away from reality.

Gyllenhaal has a natural ability when it comes to writing. I really enjoyed how she described things, mainly settings that Alice was encountering. I was always able to envision what was going on. She also has a knack for making a story that's captivating. For her to be able to get someone who wouldn't normally read her books (me!) to get hooked is a great talent, I wouldn't say that I will now go in search for stories such as this one. But now if I come across another one of Liza Gyllenhaal's books I might pick it up. 

Book Review: Hero by Samantha Young

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Hero
Author: Samantha Young
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released:February 3rd 2015
Review Source: NAL

The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren’t his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets,. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again…

Hero was WICKED!

Samantha Young keeps getting better and better. Seriously, I cannot get enough of her. She sure knows how to keep us flipping those pages. From the moment I opened Hero, I knew I was in for a crazy-amazing ride. She sure knows how to hit the sweet spot. No wonder her fans, like myself, love her so much. So fans, prepare to be blown away. This is Samantha at her  best... yet.

Hero… Hero is the story of Caine and Alexa. Two unfortunate souls broken by the same man. Along with a history that keeps them apart. Resentments are high. But when attraction meets, these two cannot keep away from each other. As they try hard to keep it cool - they fall for each other faster than a cannonball. Ah, the beauty of love. Only love can defeat such tragedy - any tragedy at that.

Even though Caine made Alexa’s life miserable, the way she presents herself... you will love Alexa. She fought back to keep calm. She sure is one of a kind. Caine and Alexa were meant to be. And damn, these two sure do know how to bump heads. Which was the ONE *winks* of the most entertaining things about this book. You will laughed with them. These two will keep you amused. But if you’re looking for a hot-steamy book to read, then Hero is the one to read.

There - I said it with no spoilers. You have to read Hero. A must. It’s so good that is great. So stay away from spoilers and trust me with this one. Go in blindly. Hero is funny, sweet and sexy, yup, all in one book. The perfect book for lovers of romance.

Cover Reveal: The Shadows by J. R. Ward + Updates!

Today we are excited to share the latest book cover for one of our all-time favorite paranormal romance book series written by one of the top authors around plus some of her latest updates. 

The Shadows by J. R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood #13

 

Two brothers bound by more than blood discover a conspiracy that will change their destiny in the astonishing all-new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the "frighteningly addictive" (Publishers Weekly) series by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.

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We are beyond thrilled and patiently waiting for this installment to release. Here are some updates that the WARDen herself has shared lately regarding The Shadows.

Post by J.R. Ward.

Post by J.R. Ward.

And if you missed the news on The Bourbon Kings, just click here to read all about it.

Book Review: When We Met by A.L. Jackson, Molly Adams, Tiffany King, and Christina Lee

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When We Met
Author: A.L. Jackson, Molly McAdams, Tiffany King,  Christina Lee
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: November 4, 2014
Review Source: NAL Trade

Today’s premiere New Adult authors combine their talents to tell four original stories from inside one house.

When four girls decide to live off campus together as juniors at a college in Michigan, they expect it to be their best year yet. Little do they know, it’s a year that will change the rest of their lives.

BEHIND HER EYES by A.L. Jackson
Unable to live down her ex-boyfriend’s deception, Misha is determined to avoid betrayal. When, the new guy next door, Darryn starts to get under her skin, her defenses start to crumble. But trusting Darryn seems impossible, especially if he’s not sure he can trust himself.

SAVING ME by Molly McAdams 

On the outside, Indy is always ready for a party—but inside she’s breaking. Kier makes a weekly routine of saving the girl next door from herself on Saturday nights… but when will she be ready to remember him on Sunday morning?

FOULING OUT by Tiffany King 

Working at a sports bar, Courtney has become a pro at sidestepping propositions from arrogant jocks—which makes her a more elusive catch for campus basketball star Dalton than he expected. But when he falls for the saucy waitress, Dalton will have to rethink his game plan to prove he’s not the jerk Courtney expects.

BENEATH YOUR LAYERS by Christina Lee 

In order to ace her fashion internship, Chloe must team up with local college dropout and set builder, Blake—much to her chagrin. But after some "hands-on" experience, Chloe will have to ask herself if Blake factors into her carefully laid plans…

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I've been a Young Adult kick for a few months now, so when I saw this book was coming out, I thought I'd give it a try...and I'm glad I did! From page one I fell in love with all of the characters and genuinely cared about them. There were times where I was reading this book in a public area and blushed during several scenes, but I felt that it was written tastefully.

Misha is the first character we are introduced to and I immediately felt a connection with her. I've been wronged by guys in college before and there where times where I just wanted to pack up and go home. I think her situation was relatable and the relationship she forms with Darryn was believable. I was left wanting more of Misha's story, and that's always a good thing.

At first I thought, "there's no way I will like any of the characters after Misha's story"...but I was wrong! I fell in love with Indy just as fast. She's the party girl who drinks to forget her boy problems, which is something I've seen a lot of college girls do on a weekly basis. She was quirky and funny, but also sad and troubled. I think that she was perfectly matched with Kier, a quiet but also troubled boy. They needed each other to help them move on and grow. Again, I was wanting more at the end of her story!

Courtney was next and I was really curious about her because you don't really see her character in the other stories that much because she's always working. I knew shortly into her story, that we were the most alike. I grew up having the biggest crush on this guy who ended up being the captain of the football team and then we went to college together as well! I wanted to die when I saw him freshman year! I felt those same emotions again while reading Courtney's story and Dalton was the perfect fit for this story. Her part wasn't long enough either!

Chloe reminded my of Sex in the City mixed with The Devil Wears Prada. The other girls in the story were not as girly as Chloe, so it was nice surprise to see her into fashion. Finally I get the bad boy I was looking for. Don't get me wrong, the other boys were all delicious, but I was hoping for someone with a little more edge...and in comes Blake. I loved watching the relationship between Chloe and Blake change and grow.

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book and I know that I will be buying other books from these authors. Their writing was on point and they all fit so smoothly together.