Book Review: Even Odds by Elia Winters

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Even Odds
Slices of Pi #1
Author: Elia Winters
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: July 4, 2016
Review Source: Pocket Star | Netgalley

Geeky meets kinky in this first deliciously sexy novel in the Slices of Pi series by RITA-nominated author Elia Winters, which follows the romantic rendezvous of the employees at PI Games, a gaming company based out of sultry Florida.

As a design manager at PI Games, Isabel Suarez is no stranger to the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. But when her team attends a gaming convention on the other side of the country, she figures there’s no harm in putting aside her professional demeanor for one weekend to participate in a risqué scavenger hunt. Why shouldn’t she let loose and have a little fun?

A careless romp soon turns into more, however, when Isabel ends up having a fling with Caleb Portland, an artist and animator, without knowing he has just been hired to partner with her at her company—and Caleb can’t bring himself to tell her. When they end up coworkers a few weeks later, they need to find a way to work together and keep things strictly professional. Caleb doesn’t want to take on a relationship and risk failure. Isabel doesn’t want to risk ruining the professional reputation she’s worked so hard to develop. But when faced with the undeniable sizzling chemistry between them, will either of them be able to resist temptation?

A sexy and witty tale of romance and modern workplace politics, Even Odds is the latest winning entry in Elia Winters’ unique and well-loved erotic novels

The story:  Even odds is the first book I've read from Elia Winters and the first book in her "Slices of Pi" series.  Even odds is a nerdy yet sexy book wrapped together in one. The story starts out with Isabel Suarez working on a brand new game. She goes with some coworkers from her company to promote this new game at a large, well known gaming convention.  She tries to be "asexual" to keep her focus on her work and be taken seriously and that's working at her current job for now.  Then Caleb Portland comes along.  She wanted a weekend to let loose and let her hair down but she never expected her weekend fun to follow her to her job as the new hire!

The likes:  I was happy with this book from the start. Right at about the time when Isabel packs her hitachi. At that point I knew I would love the book and that Elia was a girl after my own heart!  I love that Isabel is a bad ass female in a male dominated profession. I love that this story line is fresh and original.  The "geeky meets kinky" theme worked well for me and I was definitely entertained!  I like that the book was written in dual point of views.  It gave me a chance to get to know both characters better and their back stories.

The dislikes:  My main issue is that there was a bit of predictability to the story line.  I felt like after the first few pages, the story was already mapped out in my head how it was going to go.  While there were many HOT scenes, some of the interactions and chemistry between Isabel and Caleb felt forced.

The rating:  I give this story 3.5 stars because I enjoyed the book and thought it was funny, smart and unique.  I'm interested to see where the rest of the series goes.

Book Review: The Do-Over by L.E Bross

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The Do-Over
Author: L.E Bross
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: March 28th 2016
Review Source: Pocket Star

L. E. Bross’s contemporary romance debut is a fun and sexy tale of unlikely lovers struggling to leave the past where it belongs—behind them—and embrace a bright future.

Melanie McAllister’s brand new copy of Home Improvement for Dummies doesn’t even begin to cover the DIY advice she really needs: how to put the pieces of her life back together. Her cheating ex-husband’s insider trading scandal destroyed her family’s multi-million dollar company and left Mel with nothing but the run-down oceanfront cottage she inherited from her parents. Biscay Beach, Maine, seems as good a place to start over as any.

Hot-as-hell carpenter Eli Stuart understands new beginnings. Once a rising star in the art world, the former sculptor has been secretly carving out a new existence in the small coastal town ever since the sheen on his old life turned to rust. He’s willing to bet the feisty brunette in need of major home repairs has never lifted a tool heavier than a nail file—until Mel is racing the clock to make her ramshackle home fit for winter and, facing a near-empty bank account, decides she can do it all herself.

So Eli offers Mel a deal: if she helps him with the renovations, he’ll cut the bill in half. Soon Mel and her damned home improvement book are driving Eli mad with an explosive urge to return to his studio and fire up his torch once more. His new work is crude and raw, and before long, he can’t keep his hands off Mel, either. But a muse from his past could ruin it all for the second time—if Eli and Mel can’t let go of who they used to be and trust their hearts with a do-over.

This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

The Do-Over is the first book I've read by L.E Bross.

The story begins with Melanie McAllister trying to get control of her life. Her ex husband not only cheats on her, but also turns her entire career and financial world upside down by being arrested for insider trading. She's forced to the only home and family she has left in a small town in Maine.  Mel tends to be a type A, uptight, snob, so small town life is not for her.  Her plan is to fix up her cottage, sell it, get a new job, and move back to New York City as soon as possible.

In comes Eli Stuart, a very sexy contractor hired to fix up Mel's cottage. He has a similar past as Mel and knows betrayal well and he is able to empathize with Mel because of their shared scars.  Eli was really sweet and more laid back, basically the complete opposite of Mel.

I really fell in love with the setting of this book.  The way Biscay Beach is described makes me want to pack my things and move there forever.  I also love the idea of her sisters cafe. Having local artist sell their work in a cafe setting, sounds like such a cool place. I also felt the character development was really good. I got to know and understand the characters' personalities and what makes them all tick.

The character I connected to the most was Mel's sister.  I absolutely adored her sister, as did the rest of the town. I found her character to be refreshing, cute, and really funny!

The only negative things I felt in this story were that the climax and ending felt a little too rushed.  I feel like it should have flowed a little better with tying all the knots and working out the issues.  It also felt a bit predictable at times.

I was able to read this story in just a coruple sittings, so it is a quick and overall cute read.

Book Review: True Divide by Liora Blake

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True Divide
True #3
Author: Liora Blake
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: October 19 2015
Review Source: Pocket Star

Spitfire Lacey Mosely feels stuck in a life she didn’t necessarily want. But will she find a happy ending with the man who broke her heart? Liora Blake concludes her witty and poignant True series with this spirited romance.

What do you do when the one boy you were never quite able to forget lands on your doorstep?

Lacey Mosely feels stuck: in her rural town of Crowell, Montana, at her job as manager of The Beauty Barn, and in her lackluster love life. Enter Jake Holt, one-time misfit and Lacey’s secret high school love. Ten years later, Jake is a private pilot whose travels take him all over the world, and once he shows up in Lacey’s life again—at the most unexpected time—he can’t seem to stay away. Now it’s up to Lacey to decide if she’s ready to let go of the past…and take a leap of faith for love.

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.

Lacey has been in Crowell her whole life. She's lived, loved, lost and rebuilt her life there. With hopes of leaving she realized early in her life that she might never leave. But when Jake comes back into her life she realizes that he can't stay in one spot for very long, especially if that spot is Crowell. A lost love rekindled Lacey is afraid of truly committing because he has left her once before without even a goodbye. Will it happen again? Will she ever leave Crowell?

This was a cute book. I honestly loved seeing where Kate and Trevor were with their relationship. They're one of my favorite book couples and so seeing them still going strong was nice. And then in comes Jake who is all around beautiful. Lacey and Jake have the kind of relationship that most people dream about. It seems to perfect to be real - and in some cases that's because they don't talk with each other about their plans for the future. But other than that they're perfect...maybe....

This was a quick read for me, I picked it up and a day later was finished. It's easy when you love the characters and are excited to see where the story is going to take place. And for me that's what this book was. I was excited, I saw more of Kate and Trevor than I expected - which I LOVED. Lacey had so much going for her, and I felt like she and I were basically the same person. We have a lot of characteristics that are the same at least. And Jake is the beautiful man that every girl wants with an adventurous heart!

If you want a quick and adorable read I would say to pick this one up!

Book Review: Right Where You are by L.E. Bross

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Right Where You Are
Second Chances #1
Author: L.E. Bross
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: November 3rd 2015
Review Source: Pocket Star

Avery Melrose is used to having it all. So when her boyfriend cheats on her, she reacts like any spoiled rich girl-she freaks out and vandalizes his new truck, Carrie Underwood style. Now she's stuck with 300 hours of community service doing road-side garbage duty.

Seth Hunter just got out of prison, and after a few hundred hours picking up litter on the side of the highway, he can finally put his mistakes behind him. If he can string together some kind of existence, maybe it'll be enough to get his sister away from their stepfather, the man who sent Seth to prison in the first place.

A romance between these two is doomed from the start. Girls like Avery want castles and white horses, and Seth is no prince charming.

But sometimes, being around Avery makes Seth think he could make something of himself. Maybe even be worthy of a girl like her. It's just too bad real life gets in the way first, tearing these two apart before they have any chance of getting to Happily Ever After.

Carrie Underwood is one of my idols! I love her voice, her songs, her charisma and everything that has to do with her. The moment I read the synopsis for Right Where You Are, I went to Netgally and got me a copy. Who wouldn’t want to read a story to get ideas on how to get revenge on your ex? Seriously, be honest. We all would. There I was getting, a copy and ready to get my head full of ideas!

Avery Melrose has it all. She comes from a wealthy family with high standards and she is flying these with no issues. She has a stunning boyfriend that one day will run for senator, she’s doing great in college and her roommate is a fun one. With her life full of perfection, little did she know she will find her boyfriend cheating on her. With rage, she lets out all frustration on his car and ended up serving community service. Yet this is not the worst part. The night her roommate tells her to forget her problems and do one of their traditions (something really cool and I really want to try this) she meets a guy she's really attracted only to be let down. And the next day, on her first day for community service, that one guy is there. Her life is officially upside down.

I loved Avery and Seth. They live in completely different worlds and together they will bring the best of each other. *Swoon* They will push each other limits and will make sure each of their own dreams would come true. This is something that will make them stronger of the madness they experience.

Right Where You are was a fast and cute read filled with moments that will have you swooning. It’s a story that we can learn one or two things about morality and true love. I hope to read more of L.E. Bross work.

Book Review: True North by Liora Blake

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True North
True #1
Author: Liora Blake
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: April 6 2015
Review Source: Pocket Star

What happens when a bad-boy celebrity rocker meets a small-town bestselling novelist? Find out in this first book in the sizzling new True series by Liora Blake!

While most novelists would consider jetting off to Hollywood for a TV interview rather exciting, small-town Montana writer Kate Mosely finds it all a bit exhausting. After losing her husband in a car accident where she was behind the wheel, Kate has finally found her bearings in the world again, rebuilding a simple but stable life. And even if that means a lot of lonely nights watching old movies and quiet days writing obituaries for her hometown newspaper, Kate’s not sure she’s ready for her life to change—again.

Until she shares the stage—and a whole heap of carnal gazes—with rock star Trevor “Trax” Jenkins. Despite his intimidating on-stage bravado, underneath it Kate discovers a man with a Rilke poem tattooed on his arm, an appreciation for cronuts, and a snarky wit that matches her own.

As she and Trevor explore their heated chemistry, the scarred parts of Kate’s heart begin to heal, making room for a love so passionate it makes her want long-forgotten things equal parts naughty, heart-swelling, and joyful. But when a searing exposé in a trashy gossip magazine sends Kate running, will it threaten their chances at forever?

Kate has been living what she thought was a good life since her husband died three years ago. She didn't think she needed another man in her life. Until she met Trax - as everyone else knows him - or to Kate he's Trevor. A chance meeting with a rock star during publicity for her book turns her world upside down. She doesn't believe that she could fall for him so hard, but what if she could? Would she be able to handle it, or would her past come back to haunt her?

I really enjoyed this book...it might be because it gave me a little hope for my own version of this kind of fantasy happening to me and a certain singer...... 

It could happen, if it could happen to small town girl Kate Mosely then it could happen to me...hopefully.

Anyways! Enough about my hopes! Trevor is a bad boy who wants to be a good boy. Trax was the image he created when he was young, as he grew up so did his morals. But having a fan base that is use to the bad boy he has to keep that persona alive as well. For Kate it's clear she likes Trevor, she can handle Trax too, but for her Trevor is the one she loves. I liked how their relationship started. It took a natural path, most romance novels I read the relationship takes on too quickly. One minute we don't know the man and the next she is completely in love. Blake does a good job at easing them into their relationship - Kate isn't sure how this is actually going to work, if it will work. So she keeps a distance which in actuality makes their relationship  seem natural. They talk on the phone, they text, they date here and there - and then they jump into the full on relationship! 

I do have to say that I feel the end was rushed. The whole road trip between Kate and her sister Lacey seems a big quick. I would've been okay if it took a few chapters for us to get to the part where Kate realizes what she really wants. 


All in all it's a great book. And I will be getting the next one because, well, I cannot wait to be once again immersed in the world that is the True series!

Series Highlight: The Aspen Valley Series By Colette Auclair + Derb-E Treat Giveaway

  

The Kentucky Derby is just one week away and we are giving away promo codes for the eBooks Thrown, Jumped, and Branded in Colette Auclair’s award-winning Aspen Valley series!

THROWN (December 2013; $5.99) is the first book in The Aspen Valley Series.  Professional horse trainer Amanda Vogel dreams of riding jumpers in the Olympics, but after seeing her best friend die in a riding accident, she’s so traumatized she can’t compete. Broke and desperate, she takes a summer job in Aspen teaching some big-shot widowed movie star’s spoiled daughters to ride—and braces herself for three miserable months. But the movie star is funny, down-to-earth, and gorgeous—and his spoiled daughters are just desperate for a mother figure. By Labor Day, she has to choose between capturing a gold medal…and the man who has captured her heart.

JUMPED (August 2014; $5.99), the second book in The Aspen Valley Series, is Colette Auclair’s steamy sequel to her “page-turning debut” (Library Journal), Thrown. A young woman in the equestrian fashion business finds herself head over heels for her ex-husband.  Thoroughly enjoying herself at her best friend Amanda’s wedding, Beth is shocked when she is seated next to her ex-husband, Finn, at the reception. Determined to not let this fluster her, Beth strikes up a conversation only to learn Finn isn’t the same man she walked away from. 

Relieved the reception is over, Beth is looking forward to a relaxing weekend against the beautiful backdrop of sunny Aspen at Amanda and Grady’s estate.  Little does she know Finn will be partaking in the weekend activities.  But just as Beth decides to keep as much distance between her and Finn as possible, Finn has a terrible accident and Beth is stuck being his bedside nurse.  Over the course of the weekend, Beth and Finn discover that the wounds of their failed marriage are not all that’s left. There are sparks…and hope. But just as they decide to give it another try, Finn confesses a huge secret that could destroy everything he’s fought to get back—Beth, their relationship, and another chance at love.  Will Beth turn away, or will she take a leap of faith and say “I do” once (again) and for all? 

BRANDED (December 2014; $5.99), the third book in The Aspen Valley Series, will take readers on a wild and dreamy ride through the beautiful valleys and mountains of Colorado.  Professional, polite, and pearl-wearing, dressage rider and resort consultant Cordy Sims is the last person anyone would expect to initiate a weekend of debauchery. And yet, that’s exactly what she does after meeting a handsome stranger at an Aspen resort. Agreeing that they’ll leave personal details at the door, they indulge in a memorable weekend of carnal recreation. On Sunday night, Cordy doesn’t want to leave this charming, seductive man, but she must play by her own rules.

On Monday, Cordy sits in a meeting at the ad agency that’s hired her as a freelancer, and her professional and personal worlds collide. Turns out agency owner Jack Cormier looks just as good in the boardroom as he did in the bedroom. Forced to work together, Cordy and Jack can’t ignore the chemistry that crackles between them, or the deeper feelings that have developed. But secrets and scars from their pasts may prove too formidable, even for a love that’s as powerful as it is unexpected.  

Praise for The Aspen Valley Series:

“The story portrays two convincingly flawed but likeable characters who find each other’s aults both provocative and exciting, as they try to decide whether a second chance at marriage is worth the risk.”

—Publishers Weekly on Jumped

“There is enough tension among all the forces at play to keep the pages turning. Debut novelist Auclair is a 2012 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, winner of the 2011 Winter Rose Contest, and a finalist in the 2011 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest.  Recommended for most romance fans.”

—Library Journal on Thrown

Colette Auclair has been a copywriter for more than twenty years.  She’s ridden and shown horses since she was ten and owns a lovely twenty-year-old Thoroughbred mare.  Thrown, her first novel, was a 2012 Golden Heart finalist in the single-title contemporary romance category.  It also won the 2011 Winter Rose Contest (Yellow Rose Romance Writers) and finaled in the 2011 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest (NE Ohio Romance Writers Assoc.)  Jumped is second and Branded is third in the Aspen Valley series.  Please visit coletteauclair.com.

 

A Pocket Star EBook Kentucky Derb-E Treat! The Aspen Valley Series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Beautiful Beloved by Christina Lauren

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Beautiful Beloved
Beautiful Bastard #7 (#3.6)
Author: Christina Lauren
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: February 2nd 2015
Review Source: Pocket Stars | Gallery Books

The seventh work in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling series that started with the Beautiful Bastard, Beautiful Stranger, and Beautiful Player novels. Featuring all the Beautiful characters...plus one tiny new addition to the group.

In Beautiful Stranger , finance whiz Sara Dillon met the irresistibly sexy Brit, Max Stella, at a New York City club. Through the series we’ve watched them learn to balance commitment with their less than private brand of playfulness. In Beautiful Beloved, Max and Sara take it to the next step. But the question is: Will they be able to find a balance between the wild sexcapades they aren’t ready to retire, and the demands of parenthood that come along with their new Beautiful bundle of joy? Parenthood: it’s not for the weak of heart.

I almost forgot how hot Max and Sara were together, almost. I love getting these novellas, where we get just a glimpse at how our beloved characters are doing, and what they’ve been up to. Max and Sara are back shortly after Sara has given birth to their Beloved, Annabel. They’re figuring out life with new roles, wife/mother, husband/father, and getting back on track and getting use to all the new changes.

It was so good to have these characters back; I love The Beautiful series, and will continue to love any ounce Christina Lauren gives to us. I was also extremely pleased to see my Will again; I have missed that sexy man. One thing is for sure, Max and Sara Stella are the HOTTEST couple, and Christina Lauren knows how to turn the heat on and UP. I love the relationship between the two outside of the bedroom as well; Max lets Sara be the woman she wants to be, doesn’t hold her back, and encourages her to succeed in any aspect of life. May it be a mother, a friend, or a successful career driven woman. They’re always there for each other, encouraging strength and success and absolutely maddening love for one another.

Daddy Max is not one to miss! If you are at all familiar with this series you have to read it, and if you’re not, what’s going on?! Get on the Christina Lauren bus!

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Tomorrow you'll want to come back and visit the site. We will share an exclusive play list created by Christina Lauren just for Beautiful Beloved. Plus thanks to Gallery Books a giveaway to go along with the fantastic play list. See you tomorrow!!!

Book Review: The Stranger by Kyra Davis

The Stranger
Just One Night Part 1
Author: Kyra Davis
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Erotica Romance
Released: January 21st 2013
Review Source: Purchased
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) In this New York Times bestselling erotic enovella trilogy, a buttoned-up businesswoman takes her friend’s advice and has a fling with a stranger on a trip to Vegas—only to find herself under his mysterious, sexy power both in the boardroom and the bedroom.

Kasie Fitzgerald knows who she’s supposed to be. She’s a rising-star-workaholic at a global consulting firm. She’s the fiancée of a well-connected man who’s won the approval of her parents. People know that she’s reliable, serious, proper, cautious, pragmatic, and yes, a little predictable. She’s who Dave and her family want her to be.

But as her thirtieth birthday looms, buried feelings begin to resurrect. Her friend takes her to Vegas for one last wild and crazy night. In a dress much shorter and sexier than anything she has ever dared to wear before, she hits the blackjack tables. And meets him. Under the tailored clothes it’s clear that this is a man who is intense, powerful, and maybe even a little dangerous. With a touch of trepidation she accepts his invitation to get a drink, and before long, she’s in his hotel room.

She never gets his full name. Perhaps his anonymity is one of the reasons she’s able to give herself over to him and to the moment so completely.Perhaps it’s why she’s just had the most exquisite and passionate sex of her life. Shaken by her own behavior, Kasie tries to chalk it up to one crazy night. But when the mysterious gentleman she’s just had a fling with shows up in her office—as the CEO of a firm her company does a billion dollars of business with a year, demanding that she handle his account, and so much more—things will never be the same again. And there’s no telling where this will go…

Kasie Fitzgerald is an everyday average woman, trying to work her way up the corporate ladder. She has her dream job, that her fiancé helped her land. She and her best friend Simone work for a top notch global consulting firm. This is the life she loves, the life she knows.

Simone wants to take Kasie on a night out on the town. Vegas to be precise! She wants her to live, wants her to experience what a young person is supposed to be like. Kasie has after all, been with the same average boring man, Dave for the last 6 years.

Kasie walks into the casino in a too tight, too short dress and sits down at the Blackjack table. Almost instantly, a very attractive man, nicely built with salt and pepper hair sits down. His name is Robert Dade and asks Kasie to make a wager. If he wins, they go for a drink. If she wins, they stay at the table for a drink and play on. Fair enough!

In Dave's eyes, Kassie is perfection. She can do no wrong, she is his white rose. It's in the way she dresses, the way she speaks, the way she kisses him, down to the way they make love. It's simple, easy and perfection to Dave. This is Kassie, his Kassie. A facade who smiles sweetly and pretends to be delicate, bland and weak.

However, Kasie soon finds that Robert makes her see her dirty girl on the inside. He's her temptation, her inspiration. How long can she resist temptation? Does she resist his charm, good looks, power, money and sexiness? Is this the REAL Kassie? Is this who she truly is and wants to be? He wants to tear away that facade and make her face her true self.

Kassie is caught in between good and "naughty". Which path will she choose? Will it all come to a crumbling end before her eyes? Read on and find out!!