Review: Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Title: Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2)

Author: Kresley Cole

Release Date: October 1, 2013

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 320

Source: Bought from Chapters Indigo

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Synopsis: 

In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, #1 New York Timesbestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.

Shocking secrets 
Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who've been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It's kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected allies 
With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

Gut-wrenching treachery 
When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she's drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can't remember--but Death can't forget...

My Thoughts:

I loved, loved, LOVED this book. It was an electrifying read. Endless Knight picks up where Poison Princess leaves off; Evie has made her first kill by turning into the Red Witch. Evie and her friends are continuously on the run from bagmen, militia and cannibals. It is very interesting how the flash changed the world and fascinating why there aren’t many women left. I definitely liked this installment better that I did Poison Princess.

In Poison Princess, we see flashes of Death and how evil he was from what Evie can remember or told by Matthew. But in Endless Knight we learn a lot more about Death and his hardships (and of course his first name) and I must say I fell head over heels for him.  I am officially on Team Death! Don’t get me wrong, I still like the Cajun but there is something about Death that made me fall for him; he is complicated and misunderstood among many things. I loved the chemistry between Death and Evie. It is heart pounding and electric, like you never know what is going to happen next in their relationship. One thing I must say is that both Death and Jack are 100% devoted to Evie so it will interesting to see what happens in the love triangle.

We also learn more about the Arcana and the Tarot Cards in Endless Knight. To me, this aspect of story makes the book so unique. This installment was fast paced, and consuming and I just wanted more. I was so impatient sometimes with the pace of my reading that I would peak and try to see what would happen next (I know very bad of me). But I just needed to know what was going to happen. As time passes, we see Evie slowly getting stronger and it shocks me still the things she can do with her powers. If I were one of the Tarot Cards, I definitely would want her to be one of my allies.

The third book, Dead Winter, is already out and I am afraid to read it because I know there will be a cliffhanger at the end of it. I’m not sure I can wait another year to read the fourth book. Kresley Cole (please if possible) write faster. This is such an awesome series!

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel 

xoxo

Mini Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3)

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: February 4, 2014

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 416

Source: Purchased from Amazon

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Synopsis:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

My Thoughts:

Ignite Me was just perfect. It had the perfect ending and actually, I wanted more. I am so sad to see all of the characters go. I fell in love with each and every one of them. Each character had an important part to play. I loved each and every minute of it.

We finally see Juliette coming into her powers. She is finally accepting who she is and embracing it. I must say, her powers are so cool; when she realizes what she can do with it, she is basically indestructible. She is a major asset to the war to come.

The front cover is the true depiction of the novel. Juliette is flourishing, reveling in her new powers. She embraces it and everything that goes with it.

It is so hard to write a review without any spoilers. Everything is beautifully written, which is a given if you have read the first 2 books in the series. Tahereh Mafi is such a stunning writer. Every sentence, every word, has a specific purpose. There are no extra words in her writing. I want to thank Tahereh Mafi for writing this amazing series.

My Rating:

5++ out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2)

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 461

Source: Purchased from Amazon

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Synopsis:

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book. It was over a year ago that I read Shatter Me and I almost forgot how beautiful the author’s writing is. Unravel Me was beautiful, breathtaking and completely addictive. 

Unravel Me starts off right after the events of Shatter Me. Juliette, Adam, Kenji and James has left the Reestablishment and made their way to Omega Point. They are settling in, trying to find their place in the underground city. Juliette is not used to being around people. She has to adjust; has to learn how to have conversations to get to know people around her. She has to think of others and not only herself and how she is feeling. She needs to come out of her head. 

Some of the revelations we find out in this book were shocking. Even now, I still am shocked. And that ending…WOWZERS. 

I loved the world building and the setting. We are reading about a future world where people have powers and the government (The Reestablishment) is trying to control everything. Tahereh Mafi did such an amazing job with all of the descriptions of places; it felt like I was experiencing everything with Juliette. After reading, Destroy Me (which I loved by the way), I liked both Adam and Warner. I couldn’t make up by mind. Even through the first half of Unravel Me, I couldn’t decide. By the end of Unravel Me, I was firmly on one team. Team Warner all the way! I love reading characters with a disturbed past. It makes the person all the more interesting and, boy, did Warner have one. I find him fascinating and I really can’t get enough of him.

He says some of the most beautiful things: 

“I want to be the friend you fall hopelessly in love with. The one you take into your arms and into your bed and into the private world you keep trapped in your head. I want to be that kind of friend. The one who will memorize the things you say as well as the shape of your lips when you say them. I want to know every curve, every freckle, every shiver of your body.

I want to know where to touch you, I want to know how to touch you. I want to know convince you to design a smile just for me. Yes, I do want to be your friend. I want to be your best friend in the entire world.” 

*SWOONS* My heart can't take it. Just reading this passage again gives me chills all over again.

Kenji was an unexpected delight in this book. He easily became one of my favourite characters. He provided comic relief when everything was so serious. There are some great character developments in this book. It showed you different sides of the characters which made them easier to like.

I love, love, love the front cover. It encompasses the true meaning of the book. After Juliette reaches Omega Point, it is almost like she is frozen. She still doesn’t know anything about herself. It is almost like she is stuck. She goes through everyday life, following everyone else’s lead. She has not recognized her true potential as yet. By the end, Juliette starts to come in her own. She decides not to be scared anymore and take action.

Unravel Me was an awesome sequel to Shatter Me. It gets you ready for the conclusion of the series. 

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Awaken (Spiral of Bliss #3) by Nina Lane

Title: Awaken (Spiral of Bliss #3)

Author: Nina Lane

Release Date: January 7, 2014

Publisher: Self-Published

Pages: 426

Source: Purchased from Amazon

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Synopsis:

“I love that you love me, professor.”

“I love loving you, beauty.”

Since their intense, passionate beginning, Professor Dean West and his wife Olivia have fought dark secrets and betrayal in order to save their marriage. Now reeling in the aftermath of a personal tragedy, Liv and Dean are driven further apart by a vindictive threat to Dean’s career.

Struggling to stand on her own for the first time in years, Liv is determined to defend her husband and prove herself. Then an unexpected letter dredges up old insecurities and endangers Liv’s newfound independence. As Dean fights for his professional life, he is forced to confront his worst fear when he discovers that he can’t protect his beloved wife from her own painful past.

My Thoughts:

I am so happy I finally got a chance to read this book. I read the first 2 books late last year, and they were phenomenal so I had high hopes. Well, this book did not disappoint.

Awaken starts off a few days after the events of Allure.  Dean is away in Italy, involved in a dig and trying to stay away from the University and Maggie Hamilton. Liv is still dealing with the miscarriage and trying to stand on her own feet without the help of her husband. She has depended on him for too long and needs her independence.

I first decided to read this series because the main characters were a married couple going through their ups and downs. I have never read that before so I was intrigued when I started the first book. What I got after reading was much, much more. The love between Dean and Liv, they are really no words. It is absolutely breathtaking, captivating and addictive. These words don’t even describe their love correctly. It leaves you breathless. It makes me hope that I will find my Dean. Their story is one of the most amazing and passionate love stories I have ever read. Even now, thinking about it, I want more. The challenges they faced and the way they overcame them by believing in each other and trusting each other, no matter what; it is an epic story I will never forget. Even though I’m sad to see them go, I’m glad they got an HEA.

I loved that the author wrote the story in both Dean and Liv’s POV. It showed what they were each thinking at any given time but more importantly you get a glimpse and see the love they have for one another. Being able to read Dean’s POV made me fall for him harder than I already did.

I loved Nina Lane’s dedication at the beginning of the book:

“This book is for all the readers who love Liv and Dean West as much as I do. This is for those of you who know the courage it takes to trust your instincts and find your way. This is for the women who love being someone’s girl, and for the men who are your heroes. And this is for everyone who believes in the good things—books, a cup of tea, sexy professors, interesting travels that lead you back home, warm quilts, and perfectly imperfect love.”

Isn’t this the most unique and greatest dedication you’ve ever read? It is for me because it sets the tone of the book."

The author’s writing was beautiful and kept me wanting more. I loved the cover. The flowers are absolutely beautiful and in bloom and I love how the keys are pointing at different directions but always intersect. It is a great symbol of how Dean and Liv’s love will change but bloom; they will always be with each other through thick and thin. 

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Blog Tour: Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell

Title: Traitor's Blade

Author: Sebastien De Castell

Release Date: March 4th, 2014

Publisher: Penguin Canada

Pages: 384

Source: Received for review for blog tour

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Synopsis:

The King is dead, the Greatcoats have been disbanded, and Falcio Val Mond and his fellow magistrates Kest and Brasti have been reduced to working as bodyguards for a nobleman who refuses to pay them. Things could be worse, of course. Their employer could be lying dead on the floor while they are forced to watch the killer plant evidence framing them for the murder. Oh wait, that’s exactly what’s happening…

Now a royal conspiracy is about to unfold in the most corrupt city in the world. A carefully orchestrated series of murders that began with the overthrow of an idealistic young king will end with the death of an orphaned girl and the ruin of everything that Falcio, Kest, and Brasti have fought for. But if the trio want to foil the conspiracy, save the girl, and reunite the Greatcoats, they’ll have to do it with nothing but the tattered coats on their backs and the swords in their hands, because these days every noble is a tyrant, every knight is a thug, and the only thing you can really trust is a traitor’s blade.

My Thoughts:

Traitor’s Blade was so much more than I expected it to be. I don’t usually read fantasy but when I got the opportunity to work with such a well known publisher like Penguin Canada, I had to do it. I can’t even tell you how happy I am that I did. I was completely entertained throughout the whole book and that is rare especially if it does not center on romance. I really enjoyed it!

Falcio is the first Cantor of the Greatcoats. The Greatcoats were admired and considered to be heroes until their King fell and the Dukes took over. Now, they are known as Trattari, which is the worst thing an honourable Greatcoat can be called, it is also a very loose term for a traitor (actually it is meant something worse). Falcio and his team, Brasti and Kest are trying to fulfill one last mission their King requested before he died.

This book was engaging and I honestly could not get enough. I found myself staying up late every night because I wanted to finish it; I needed to know what was going to happen. Traitor’s Blade is a fantasy novel but it is a light one, it almost reads like a medieval novel. I absolutely loved it. There were twists and turns I did not see coming. And what I can say about the fight scenes other than they were phenomenal. I am just happy the Greatcoats are able to fight as well as they can because I have no idea how they got out of some of the situations they were thrust into.

What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Falcio, Brasti and Kest. I found myself laughing out loud at their banter. It’s priceless! I loved Falcio as a character. There is something so genuine and likeable about him. He is still an honorable man even if everyone thinks Greatcoats steal, have no honour, branded traitors. He will always follow the law of the Greatcoats, no matter what.

I loved the author’s writing. It was so easy to get lost in the world. I was addicted 100%. The ease in which the author can tell a story, in such an enjoyable way, anyone and everyone will love it. This is an excellent start to a great new series and I am so excited to see where it is going to go. 

My Rating: 

5 out of 5 stars

Review: The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley

Title: The Golden Dynasty

Author: Kristen Ashley

Release Date: August 22, 2011

Publisher: Self-Published

Pages: 421

Source: Purchased from Amazon

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Synopsis:

Circe Quinn goes to sleep at home and wakes up in a corral filled with women wearing sacrificial virgin attire - and she is one of them. She soon finds out that she’s not having a wild dream, she’s living a frightening nightmare where she’s been transported to a barren land populated by a primitive people and in short order, she’s installed very unwillingly on her white throne of horns as their Queen.

Dax Lahn is the king of Suh Tunak, The Horde of the nation of Korwahk and with one look at Circe, he knows she will be his bride and together they will start The Golden Dynasty of legend.

Circe and Lahn are separated by language, culture and the small fact she’s from a parallel universe and has no idea how she got there or how to get home. But facing challenge after challenge, Circe finds her footing as Queen of the brutal Korwahk Horde and wife to its King, then she makes friends then she finds herself falling in love with this primitive land, its people and especially their savage leader.

My Thoughts:

I don’t even know how to describe how much I loved this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, a lot. I was happy and devastated, and sad as well. Not many books have the ability to bring out all those emotions in me.

We start off with Circe about to be picked by a Korwahk warrior to be his bride. She has no idea how she got there. All she remembers is going to sleep in her bed in Seattle and the next thing she knows she is running for her life in a different universe. She is wearing different clothes; she doesn’t know the language and the culture. She thinks it is a dream and wishes strongly to wake up in her own bed back in Seattle. Through The Wife Hunt, Circe is picked by Dax Lahn, the king of Suh Tunak to be his bride, the queen of his people. It is a hard adjustment for her at first but through challenges she begins to accept the culture of the Korwahk, and little by little she begins to find her footing.

I first decided to read this book because in one of the reviews I read, someone compared it to Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones. They were my favourite couple and their story did not have a happy ending. As soon as I started reading this book, I found it was similar in ways but also very different. I LOVED it! I am so happy I read it.

This book is so magical, I still can’t stop thinking about it. I stayed up almost a whole day because I wanted to finish the story. After that, I read my favourite parts again and again. There is something captivating about how Circe and Lahn overcome their language barriers; Circe overcoming The Wife Hunt , the brutal way she was became Lahn’s wife and of course the culture which is nothing what she is used to. I have to say she did a great job adjusting, not many people would be able to and not as quickly.

I loved learning about the customs, the ways and the traditions of the Korwahk as much as sometimes it frustrated me. Some of their ways were just barbaric and brutal and downright cruel. For example, a warrior can do anything he likes, ANYTHING, with his bride. Some things were hard to stomach but it worked in the storyline and made the story all that more believable.

This is definitely one of my favourite books by Kristen Ashley. This will definitely be one my all time favourites. I know this story will be one of the books I go back to because I want to relive every feeling I had when I first read it. Kristen Ashley has this way of weaving a story and molding it to be unforgettable. Bravo, Kristen Ashley, Bravo!

Favourite Quotes:

“I could not dream a better you.” 

Oh my God. 
Oh… my… God. 
Did he just say that? 
I stared into his warm eyes. 
He just said that. 
And that was so sweet, so unexpected but so welcome, my breath arrested and all I could do was continue staring at him. 
He wasn’t done. “A better wife, a better queen. Not even in a dream could I create better than you.” 

"I gave up a world for you." 

“Then I whispered, “I love you, my Lahn,” and heard the swift hiss of his intake of breath. Then he buried his face in my neck and whispered back, “Loot kay hansahnalay na, my Circe.” And I love you, my Circe.” 

My Rating:

5+++stars out of 5

Raquel

xoxo

Mini Review: Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy #2) by Wendy Higgins

Title: Sweet Peril

Author: Wendy Higgins

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 371

Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

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Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

My Thoughts:

An unexpected lost message from the angels appears and Anna is sent all over the world to gain support of fellow Nephilum. A fight between the Dukes and Neph is imminent if the Neph want their freedom and Anna is the key.

I loved Sweet Peril. It was just as good as Sweet Evil. Actually, I think I liked this book even more. One thing I have to say is that Kaiden is SWOONWORTHY in this book. So is Kope. I loved how Kaiden and Anna try to have a relationship even though it is forbidden. They are risking their lives to be together. They are so cute! Their chemistry is still AMAZING. I also loved that Anna is more confident in this book.

The secondary characters were great as well. For me, they really helped make the story. Anna’s father was hilarious; he was just as funny as he was in Sweet Evil. I also really liked Blake.

The cover truly reflects the book in every way; with some light and dark both on Kaiden and Anna. I am really looking forward to the final battle. I am incredibly excited for the last book and how everything will play out.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Title: Born Wicked

Author: Jessica Spotswood

Release Date: February 7, 2012

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Pages: 330

Source: Bought from Chapters Indigo

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Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

A gorgeous, witchy, romantic fantasy by a debut author! Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and the Beautiful Creatures series!

Everybody thinks Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave. Then Cate finds her mother's diary, and uncovers a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. But if what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe--not even from each other.

My Thoughts:

Born Wicked is a great story of what one person will sacrifice to protect herself and her family. I read this story slowly because I wanted to savor and enjoy it. I believe this is the first book about witches I have read since the Harry Potter books and I am so happy I did because it was awesome.

Born Wicked starts off with Cate and her sisters, Maura and Tess, who are powerful witches. After their Mother died, Cate is left in charge of protecting her sisters from The Brotherhood. She thought she was doing a good job until a mysterious letter arrive that changes Cate’s world and she starts to question everything.

I absolutely loved Cate. She is smart, outspoken, selfless, and extremely protective of her sisters. She knows (kind of) when to fight for what’s right and when to let things go. Cate is also a worry-wart.  She worries about everything and she has every right to. She has to choose if she is going to marry or join the sisterhood, and also about her sisters doing magic and getting caught, she has A LOT on her plate.

Another thing I loved about this book is the boys. In the beginning of the novel, I really liked Paul. But then he said some things that made me changed my feelings about him a little. Also, I fell hard for Finn. He became the object of my affection. It’s like he could see into Cate’s soul. He is sweet, caring, and fiercely protective of the ones he loves. Who couldn’t love a guy like that? I just could not get enough of him in this book.

I really didn’t like the ending. I was shocked at how everything played out and it took me a couple of days to get over it. I hated the fact that Cate had to give up everything, all her hopes, her dreams and I was really sad about that. But I am extremely excited for the second book. Cate and her sisters live in an extremely dangerous time to be a witch. I know Star Cursed, book 2, will be awesome as well. 

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Tangled by Emma Chase

Title: Tangled (Tangled #1)
Author: Emma Chase
Release Date: May 20, 2013
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Pages: 240
Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

Goodreads

Synopsis:
Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without.

My Thoughts:

I was hooked from the very first page of reading this book. This was the first time I read a book from a male’s POV and it was absolutely hilarious. I was laughing so much that people on the bus probably thought I was crazy. I don’t know where this guy comes up with the stuff he says but it is priceless.

Drew Evans is a handsome and extremely confident guy. He gets women by just looking at them and of course his handsome smile. When Drew meets Katherine or Kate Brooks at his work, he first recognizes her by her butt (which is so wrong on so many levels, lol); he realizes that he might not be able to abide by his rule of keeping his workplace professional. Drew and Kate are extremely competitive, always trying to beat the other in work projects. After awhile, their attraction to one another grew undeniable.

I really like the heroine of this story, Kate. She is smart, sassy, and extremely determined. She does not take crap from anyone especially Drew and puts him in his place if need be. She is in a man’s world when it comes to her job and is very successful doing it.

This book was a delight to read. It is the kind of book where you can’t really read to many reviews, you just have to dive in. It is a feel good book. I honestly could not stop thinking about the book days after I finished. Even now, I want to read it again. The author did an excellent job portraying a man in her writing. I was so excited to learn that there will be 2 more books coming out in the series. Twisted, which is the second book coming out in March 2014 and Tamed, out May 2014.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Blog Tour: Fixed On You by Laurelin Paige

Title: Fixed on You

Author: Laurelin Paige

Release date: June 2013

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Book Description:

Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Pierce’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out – move up at the nightclub she works at and marry the manager, David. He’s perfect for her because, although he’s attractive, he doesn’t get her all turned inside out and upside down like some other men have. It’s a safe plan, one that assures she’ll remain in control of her obsessive love disorder.

But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous – the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of his plans to seduce her. Avoiding him becomes impossible after he offers a business proposition Alayna can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull.

Soon Alayna’s charmed by Hudson in every way possible and the control over her old behaviors slip. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.


About the Author

Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author social media links:

Website: www.laurelinpaige.com,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurelinpaige,
Twitter: @laurelinpaige,
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/laurelinpaige

My Thoughts:

The first thing I need to say, I LOVE this book! It is definitely one of my favorites the year! This book made me laugh, tear up a little bit and not to mention it was very hot. All elements I love in an adult romance novel.

Both Alayna and Hudson have issues: Alayna becomes crazy obsessive with boyfriends to a point where she becomes a stalker. Hudson uses women, he makes them fall in love with him and dump them all for the fun of it. He has been known to be a sociopath. While entering a relationship (whether it is working relationship or personal one), both Alayna and Hudson have to work hard to continue to not follow their impulses and become better people. Alayna and Hudson understand each other more than anyone else could understand them and know what the other has to go through to stay healthy and sane. They make a great couple.

Alayna is a great character. She is smart, personable, caring, and knows how to handle herself when the time comes. 
Below is one of my favorite quotes of Alayna defending Hudson to his own mother:

“I spun to face her. “ No, because of how he seems to love you.” I spit the words like venom. “When there’s no reason he should. When you’ve alienated him and betrayed him and destroyed him and made him the confused man he is by your lack of affection and support and faith. If he can continue to care about a piece of shit like you, after all you’ve done to him, then I have no doubt of his capability of love.”

This paragraph I read over and over again because it is so powerful and you can see how much Alayna understands him.

What can I say about Hudson? First of all, he has a very hot name but more importantly he is protective, possessive, the ultimate alpha male. He also knows how to have fun and let loose once in a while. Hudson’s mother is definitely a character I love to hate. She is a piece of work! She really doesn’t like Alayna and will do anything she can to get rid of her.

Days after I finished this book I could not stop thinking about it. It was always on my mind one way or another. I would definitely like to meet my own Hudson Pierce, definitely my kind of guyJ. I am dying to find out what happens next in the story. October 2013 really can’t come fast enough, that is when the second book, Found in You will be released. Fans of the Crossfire series will love this book.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

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Blog Tour Review, Playlist and Giveaway: Fading by E.K. Blair

Book Description:

Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered.

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens.

At what point do secrets become lies?

(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.

Author social media links:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I don’t even know what to say about this book other than, it is AMAZING. Fading is an intense, emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful piece of art that left me wanting more even after reading it. This book had me in blubbering tears multiple times.

We start off with Candace, a dance major, who grew up in a household where she was thought that image is everything. Her parents don’t agree with her choices but she decides to pursue her dreams and become a ballerina anyway. Candace needs things to be a certain way and organized, she needs to have order and control. About to graduate, Candace decides to relax a little and have some fun. After going out a few times with a guy (her parents choice for her), Candace is brutally attacked.

I have never read a book like this before. It is utter perfection. After reading the prologue, I knew the attack was coming but it didn’t take away anything from when it actually happened. I was still left feeling devastated. When Candace is in the hospital and the nurse tells Jase what happened, I was a blubbering mess because I felt all of that pain.

The author, E.K. Blair did an excellent job portraying different emotions throughout her writing. She has this way of making you feel every torment or emotion Candace went through. Ms. Blair did a great job writing about such a taboo subject without compromising the ugliness of the situation. Sometimes I would think, if I were in the same situation, would I shutdown emotionally? Would I blame myself? Would I be scared of doing everything and anything? I found my answer to be yes on all three questions. This is one way I know the author did an amazing job.

I really like the character growth, little by little, in Candace throughout the book. It shows how strong she is. I absolutely loved the other characters: Ryan, Jase and Mark. They were an AMAZING support system. Ryan is by far my favourite character in the book. He pushed himself to the top of my favourite book boys list. He is patient, kind, understanding, supportive, loving, protective and possessive; everything I love in a book boy. The thing that stood out for me about him was the small things he would do to help Candace overcome her fears and grow stronger. He made her come out of her comfort zone like going out in big crowds and surfing.

Fading is a beautiful story that shows you even through complete darkness, love is extremely powerful. I am so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book for review. Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby because you will definitely need it.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Playlist for Fading:

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Review: Real by Katy Evans

Title: Real (Real, Raw & Ripped #1)
Author: Katy Evans
Release Date: April 8th, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 266
Source: Bought from Amazon.com

Synopsis:
A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

Mature New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up

My Thoughts:

Remington “Riptide” Tate is an underground fighter. His fans love him and everyone around him loves him. And I LOVED this book. I found it to be refreshing; I think I was in the beginning of a reading slump but this book brought me out of it. If I could have read it all day I would have (but that would mean neglecting my family I went to Texas to visit). I wanted to know what was going to happen. It was that good, I was always thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading.

I thought this book was great from the very start. The chemistry between Remington and Brooke, whew, it was HOTTTTT…Yes it needed the extra T’s. It was so strong; I could literally feel the attraction between them. I think the author did a really good job at making you feel what Brooke was feeling.

And about Remington…all I can say is WOW. He is the ultimate alpha male. From the first time he laid eyes on Brooke, he considered her to be his. He reminded me of the men in the Black Dagger Brotherhood marking their mate so other males would know they were taken.

My favourite part of the book was the last chapter which was in Remy’s POV. That was unexpected and surprising but I was so happy to get a little slice of his take on things. I think “Remy” which is his POV of the event of Real will be awesome.

The only thing that bugged me was Brooke’s constant guessing if Remy did actually want her in the beginning of the book; it was clearly obvious that he was. This was the small thing that annoyed me.

Real is highly addictive and entertaining. I am looking forward to reading the next part of the story, Mine, coming out June 2013.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Review: Reckless #3 by S. C. Stephens

Title: Reckless (Thoughless #3)

Author: S.C. Stephens

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 544

Source: Bought from Amazon

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 survive the constant pressures 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 turbulent waters of the band's exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success, a declining pop star 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 remain together. Fame comes with a price-but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everything? 

My Thoughts:

Reckless is the third and final novel in the Thoughtless series by S.C. Stephens. In Reckless, we start off with The D-Bags about to go on tour to be major rock stars. The record label lets them stay at the house in L.A and this is where they meet a major star, Sienna Sexton. The label wants them to collaborate on a song because Sienna’s career is hitting a snag but this is where the trouble begins. Kellan and Kiera’s relationship is tested time and time again to prove that their love will last. Reckless did not disappoint; even after a few days of finishing the book, I can’t stop thinking about it because it has affected me so much on a personal level.

This series is very different from anything I have ever read. Usually the books I read are about people who have been cheated on but this is a much different perspective. We see Kiera feeling really guilty about hurting Denny even after 2 years of being with Kellan. Kellan and Kiera go through a lot of issues and have to learn to trust each other 100% in order for their relationship to work. Trust and communication becomes 2 of the major identifying factors that keep their relationship going.

I absolutely love Kiera and Kellan. They have grown a lot since Thoughtless. They have both learned a lot from their previous mistakes and are stronger together than they are apart. I love how Kiera has matured in Reckless. When Kiera told Joey to do whatever she wanted with the tape, I had more respect for Kiera than I ever did before. She supports Kellan because she wants him to be happy and successful even though it has the potential to hurt her. I think this is what I love most about Kiera in this book and also because she is not as jealous about Kellan flirting with fans any longer. It shows that she has more confidence in herself and in her relationship.

The other characters like Griffin and Anna have grown a lot and I found myself liking Griffin, where I didn’t really care for him before. After their baby is born, Griffin becomes more responsible (yeah I said it) and I really like how the baby changed him.

I must say I kind of have a new found respect for stars and their private lives after reading this book. The events that occurred are prime examples of how you can’t believe everything you hear on the news (about major stars) because it could be made up. My heart broke for Kiera when she was ridiculed and assaulted by the public because they thought she was the other woman in Kellan’s life. I must say one of my favourite parts is when Kellan confessed the truth at the radio station about his relationship. I read that part over and over again.

This book had me in tears in 3 separate times; not just in tears but a blubbering mess. I felt for Kiera and everything she went through. I am so happy I decided to read the series because every time I read a series by S. C Stephens, she blows my mind. Her other series, the Conversion series, is great as well. I am a huge fan of the author and I am so happy to read whatever she writes next.

5 out of 5 stars