{Book Review} Season of Second Chances by Brighton Walsh

Season of Second Chances by Brighton Walsh

Publication Date: Dec 5, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press Author Twitter - Author Goodreads

When a storm strands Claire Hanlin in Chicago on Christmas Eve, the last person she expects to come to her rescue is Logan Dawes, the man she almost married two years ago. The chemistry between them is dangerously potent, but with nowhere else to go, Claire accepts Logan's offer to stay with him for the night. Back in the home they shared, surrounded by reminders of Logan and his young daughter, Claire begins to realize how much she misses the family she almost had. After a few cups of Christmas cheer, she falls right back into her ex's arms-even though she knows it means setting herself up for heartbreak all over again. The magic of the season has thrown him together with the woman he's never stopped loving, and Logan's not about to pass up this gift. He's not the workaholic he was two years ago-his family comes first. Now all he has to do is prove it to Claire, before the snow stops and she flies out of his life for good. (SOURCE)

Contemporary, Romance, Holiday

Adult content

Where to start? Can I just...leave a lot of swoony words and nonsense? A whole lot of *flails* *spins* *twirls* *sighs*? Y'all will understand that, right? Especially if I throw in a little "alksjga;skl alkjsd;igufwalkj," right? No? Ok ok. I'll give it a go then.

Season of Second Chances is a holiday novella and there is not much I love more. Yeah, I'm one of those "omg I have to watch every Hallmark Holiday Movie" people. In general, I love novellas and holiday stories but combine them and I'm in h-e-a-v-e-n. Holiday themed stories are always so full of joy, hope and love and sweetness. Novellas give me just what I want, when I want it, a quick story that grabs me from the start  and gets right to the falling in love. This little story did not disappoint when it came to that. I mean, two former loves coming back together at the holidays? *grabby hands*

Claire is stuck in the airport, of all places, on Christmas Eve. Not only is that terrible for most people, but the city she's in is the last place she wants to be. When your ex fiancee lives in said city, it's pretty much the last place you want to be stuck in during the holidays. Especially when you were on your way to see your family. Ugh and omg 'what might have been's and unrequited-ish loves and reconnection always always always get to me. They are my favorite ever.

The last thing Claire expects is to come face to face with her ex. And for him to offer her a place to crash, seriously no. Dude. It's like she's thrown back two years, before things ended between them. The glimpse of the two of them together, the what could have been, is so touching. Logan is a great guy and it's easy to see that he wishes things could have been different. I just wanted to shove him and Claire together and scream OPEN YOUR EYES.

They spend Christmas together, including Logan's young daughter, who Claire had been close with previously. Their time together filled me with squishy love and joy. It gave Logan and Claire hope. Heck, it gave ME hope. Then Logan disappoints Claire when she goes out on a limb for him. There's a lot of miscommuniation between the pair, from their past, to their present. That causes a lot of frustration on both sides of the fence. I wanted to climb inside the book and tell them to talk to one another for goodness sake!! siiiiiigh

SO. I won't spoil it for you but Logan breaks down and goes after Claire (AS HE SHOULD HAVE DONE BEFORE ahem) and I cheered. A lot. It was the ultimate gesture. As if I didn't have reason to like Logan before, this was icing on the cake when it came to him. Claire is one of those characters you feel like you can be besties with so for her to get her happy ending is the best.

I can't say how much I enjoyed Season of Second Chances Brighton is my favorite! Such a joyful and sexy story. I suggest you give it a try.

{Book Review} Down for the Count (Dare Me #1) by Christine Bell

Down for the Count (Dare Me #1) by Christine Bell
Publication Date: Oct 1, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Truth or dare…
When Lacey Garrity finds her groom in flagrante delicto in the reception hall closet with her bridesmaid, she's saved by her best friend’s older brother—childhood tormentor, crush, and boxing bad boy Galen Thomas. Galen’s solution is both exciting and dangerous. What better way to forget the mess of her life than go on her honeymoon with a hot guy who can’t promise anything beyond today?
…or TKO?
Galen had been counting on Lacey's wedding to put her out of reach—and out of his mind—once and for all, but their steamy Puerto Rican escape is testing all his boundaries. Now that Lacey’s embracing her inner bad girl, Galen is tempted to throw in the towel and claim her for himself. But with the biggest fight of his career on the line and an important business merger threatening to derail Lacey’s resolve, their romance might be down for the count before it even begins. (SOURCE)

I absolutely adored this book! It was short and sweet and I didn't want to put it down. I also didn't want it to end.

I'm such a lover of the "I'm in love with my best friend/brothers best friend/best friends brother" kind of story. I can't even tell you how much it makes me swoon! It's always been one of my favorite tropes.

The reader is dropped right into Lacey's wedding and her finding her new husband with someone else. Oh he's such a jerk! Cheating on her the day of their wedding and making her feel like it's all her fault. Lacey's families company is depending on her marriage to this man working but it's the last thing she wants now that she knows who he really is.

Lacey is devastated and Galen comes to her rescue without hesitation. There's has been a relationship full of childhood teasing and unrequited feelings. She'd always had a crush on Galen but had done everything she could to hide it. She knew he wasn't interested in her; not like that. He barely tolerated her for years. Seeing her as his little sisters annoying friend.

But when Galen whisks Lacey away from the wedding venue, helping her avoid friends and family, she sees a different side of him. He's always been sexy, a little cocky too, but this new sweetness she's seeing in him is huge.

They spend a drunken night talking and getting to know one another better. Galen seeing another part of Lacey, the girl he'd always tried to keep out of his mind. When he makes a joke about them going on Lacey's honeymoon, she jumps at the chance. They wake up the next morning in Puerto Rico with massive hangovers.

Galen begins to help Lacey to see that she's not the woman she thought she was. The one that her husband cheated on because he wasn't satisfied with her. The boxer woos her and makes her realize that she's sexy and desirable. This adventure is making Galen crazy though because he wants so much more from her.

With Lacey trying to dodge calls from her mother and Galen worrying about where his career will go, the two do their best to take advantage of the honeymoon resort. But things go awry [of course!!!] and words get twisted, causing our lovers to part rather painfully. Galen was hard headed, Lacey was stubborn...and I was flailing and just wanting to step into the book and make them kiss.

Sexy, sandy moments on the beach, in a pool, and in their bungalow make a girl fan herself. The heat between them is off the charts. Down for the Count is fluffy, funny, and flat out fantastic. I can't say enough how much I swooned over this adorable story.



This review is based on a book I purchased with my own money. The flails and squees are my real thoughts. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson

A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson
Publication Date: Jul 30, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Third in the Merry Widows series

From the moment Daphne, Lady Pomeroy, meets the mysterious Marquess of Hartwell at a masquerade ball, she’s determined to seduce him. The handsome, charming man cannot possibly be the cold, calculating lord who Society calls “Black Hart.” Risking everything, the lonely widow invites the elusive Hartwell to her dinner party . . . for two.

Hartwell’s arrogant reputation is built on a lie. For he has a shameful secret that keeps him in the shadows: a stutter—his downfall since childhood. He’d rather keep his mouth shut than look the fool. But he’s shocked to discover that in Daphne’s company—and in her bed—his stutter vanishes.

After one wanton evening together, Daphne is hurt when the lord lives up to his Black Hart name. Yet his reasons for leaving surprise even him. Now he must confess everything or risk losing Daphne forever… (SOURCE)

A Scandalous Affair was a bit of a novella. Occasionally it's hard to get into a shorter book but Affair pulled me right in from the start. It's rare to read such a strong female lead in a period piece, which was part of the reason why I loved this story.

Daphne doesn't hesitate to go after what she wants, even when it's possible the man she's after doesn't want her in return.

Hartwell is said to be arrogant and cold. Treating women like they are nothing once he's done with them.

But when Daphne and Hartwell dance at a masquerade ball, she realizes there may be more to this man. She's determined to find out if she's correct; whether it means taking some risks with her own reputation or not.

Hartwell is uncertain, afraid really, of what Daphne's reaction will be when she discovers his "affliction". It's something he's struggled with all of his life, the emotional scars from his childhood still haunting him. But she isn't shallow enough to let that stop her. She sets out to prove to him that he's been wrong to hide from everyone. That he shouldn't hide from her.

The chemistry between the two is off the charts, both behind their masks and when they are removed. When they sneak around and are more out in the open, it's delicious. Daphne sees to it that she shows Hartwell what it's like to be loved by someone unconditionally.

My tiny complaint is that though we know Hartwell has a stutter, we don't really 'see' it in the story since the stutter doesn't manifest when he is with Daphne. I think it would have made my heart soften even more toward him if I got that somewhere during Hartwell's journey in this book. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed it and sped through it rather quickly.

I've actually not read the first two books in this series since I received this from Netgalley. I'm incredibly curious about these books and want to pick up more.

{Review} Plus One by Brighton Walsh

Plus One by Brighton Walsh
Publication Date: May 6, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Olivia hates the singles scene, so when her best guy friend, Ian, offers to be her plus one to a series of weddings she has to attend, she agrees. Although she doesn't want to complicate their lifelong friendship, she can't pass up the chance to have a steady date without the dating drama. What she doesn't expect is to now find Ian so incredibly sexy.
When Ian sees his old friend Olivia dolled up for wedding #1, the boyhood crush he once nurtured transforms into smoldering attraction. It doesn't take long for their no-strings arrangement to turn physical. But as Olivia's desire to stay "just friends" becomes clear, Ian's feelings are deepening. In the time they have together, how will Ian convince Olivia that one plus one can make for a lifelong pair? (SOURCE)

It's no secret that I'm always a sucker for books where the hero and heroine are friends first. Unrequited love that has a happy ending is one of my favorites. Plus One hit the spot with that theme. Olivia has had terrible luck in the men department. From creeps to flat out weirdos. She has come to the conclusion that she's never going to find someone worth her time. For me, this was one of those stories I could relate to when it came to that. I've dealt with some crazy guys in the past myself.
When Olivia's friend Ian steps up and offers to be her 'plus one' in a slew of weddings she must attend, she agrees. What could be better than spending the evening with someone that knows you well. No more awkward dates are needed! It makes perfect sense. Except, Ian always had a crush on Olivia and she was totally oblivious.
One of the things I liked most about Plus One is that in this type of story it's usually the female lead that has a crush on the guy and he doesn't realize. The switch up is a fun twist! I really enjoyed that.
Also, the sexual tension between the two of them was smokin' hot.  It's obvious there is a serious connection, physical and emotional, but both of them do their best to fight against it in different ways. Ian is afraid of getting hurt, Olivia is just confused about these feelings she's having. Neither of them wants to ruin their friendship.
These two characters are the type that you just want to smush together and MAKE them kiss. Just so they'll see what they are missing out on. Luckily, I didn't have to do that and they got their HEA. Yay!!! Brighton Walsh tells such a great story. Plus One is sweet, and sexy. My only tiny complaint is I didn't want it to end! 

I received a copy of this book for review, via NetGalley. These are my own thoughts and feelings regarding the novella.

{Review} conTEXTual roMANce by Killian McRae

conTEXTual roMANce by Killian McRae

Publication Date: July 1, 2012
Publisher: --
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Summary: Following a bad marriage and an even worse divorce, Katherine Beck was positive that she was through with love, but it's not over tilda it's over. As notes from a secret admirer move from email to text messages, Katherine finds herself falling head-over-bytes for the enigmatic ShyTextMan one character at a time. (SOURCE)

I actually read this as fanfiction originally but I'm always curious to see the differences of a former fanfic. Sometimes they are drastic, other times not. This is one of the 'not' times.

It's a really cute, short story but it did have some spots that needed editing for typos and such. But really, I'm all about some typos myself so it didn't distract me too much but if you're a stickler about that, it might get under your skin.

As someone that texts a lot, in particular, a significant other, you'll probably smile while reading CR. There's a lot of flirting, a smidgen of 'mystery' in the form of the secret admirer, though I'm sure you'll figure out who he is quickly.

Overall, conTEXTual was a sweet story I enjoyed re-visiting.

These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Magic at Macy's by Liv Morris

Magic at Macy's by Liv Morris
Publication Date: Nov 19, 2012
Publisher: N/A
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Yale University freshman Ally Brown is spending her first Thanksgiving away from home. Feeling alone and restless in a deserted dormitory, she sets off on an adventure to tour the amazing holiday window displays along New York City's Fifth Avenue.
But her plans get sidetracked as she switches from tourist to stalker after spotting her crush, Jack Prescott, who is taking the same train into the city. He's the handsome Editor in Chief of the Yale Daily News and the man of her dreams—if only she could work up the courage to speak to him.
Certain that it would take a miracle for Jack to notice her, Ally experiences her own "Miracle on 34th Street" when things take an surprisingly romantic turn, thanks to a little Magic at Macy's. (SOURCE)

I came across this short story because of a few tweets on the twitter and decided to give it a read. I love short stories, and reading a Christmas themed one is always fun. Unknown to me, this was formerly a Twilight fanfic *shrug* that doesn’t bother me a bit, obviously.

Magic at Macy’s was extremely sweet and fluffy. In short, it was right up my alley. Jack is Ally's best friends older brother. I’m especially a sucker for the “I’m in love with my best friends sibling” kinda thing. I tend to read a lot of those... I sometimes look for this type of story when I’m looking for new things to read.

Ally is an adorable character and very relatable  in my opinion. She’s hesitant to express her feelings for her best friends brother because she doesn't think he 'sees' her. It's easily believable. How often do people crush on someone they assume doesn't feel the same way toward them? I know I've definitely been in that position a time or two in my life. That unrequited thing make me swoon.

Little does Ally know, Jack has a bit of a crush on her too. Except he thinks she's indifferent because when they are around one another, she's super shy. Ally doesn't talk to Jack much, even barely meeting his eyes. He thinks she doesn't like him at all. When he realizes she's following him he decides to take matters into his own hands, surprising her in a few ways. He is a fantastic guy and it's easy to see why Ally has feelings for him.

One of the other things I enjoyed when reading this is that it is written in two parts. First part is Ally's POV, second is Jack's. I love love love getting both perspectives, because once I read the girls thoughts, I find myself dying to know what the boy is thinking too. It's funny to see everything through a different pair of eyes, especially when both characters think the other isn't interested in them.

Magic at Macy's was a fun, quick read. A very sweet story.




These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} No Dress Required by Cari Quinn

No Dress Required by Cary Quinn

Publication Date: Dec 25, 2011
Publisher: Entangled
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads 
My Rating:
 
 

Synopsis: After years of ho-hum dating, Noelle Gregory is tired of fooling around. There’s only ever been one guy for her—Jake Conroy, her best friend’s older brother. Now that Jake’s back in town, she’s headed to his sister’s New Year’s Eve party to make her move. Purse full of condoms? Check. Sparkly dress guaranteed to show Jake the sexy woman she’s become? Check. Carjacker that makes off with both two hours before the party? Check.  When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road—looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it—he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party. His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted…and if he’ll be able to walk away when it’s over. (SOURCE)

This was my first Cari Quinn book and while it was short, it was cute and delicious. The "I'm in love with my best friends older brother" story always reels me in. Always.

Noelle has it all planned out. She's bought a sexy dress, and a strapless bra to make the girls perky. She's going to make Jake want her -- to finally see her as more than just his kid sisters friend. Until she gets stranded on the side of the road, at least. She's stuck without her purse, and more importantly, her dress for the New Years Eve party.

Then Jake shows up to help her out. Little did Noelle know, but he was on his way to see her. The two stand in the road and argue. That is one of my favorite scenes because you can just feel the energy between them and just know that whatever happens, it's gonna be scorching hot.

The pair end up spending the evening together, watching the ball drop on tv. Their exploration of one another is incredibly delicious. So much so that I really wanted this to be a full length book. I'd have loved to have been able to see how things progressed for them.

I gave No Dress Required three and a half stars only because it was short and I would have liked to had more fleshing out of some things. But, since it was meant to be short, the lack of details was understandable.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find another Cari Quinn to read.



These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} A Gift of Trust by Jeanette Grey

A Gift of Trust by Jeanette Grey
Published Date: Dec 7, 2011
Publisher: Silver Publishing
My Rating:

 

Synopsis: Back in school, Matt was Lib's best friend--and also her secret crush. When she runs into him again while home for the holidays, sparks fly. But this time, Matt won't win her heart unless he first earns her trust.

When Matt was forced to move away, suddenly and without warning, the day after taking her to the Christmas Ball, he broke Lib's heart and shattered her ability to trust in love.

Three years later, he's the last person she expected to run into on a bus heading home for the holidays.

As the two of them reconnect, Lib finds herself just as drawn to him as ever, but her wariness compels her to keep her distance. Devastated by his failure to keep in touch over the years, she's determined to protect her heart--almost as determined as he is to make up for lost time. Matt seems intent on winning her love. But this time, he'll first have to earn her trust. (SOURCE)

I love short stories and/or novella's. They are usually the perfect little package when you want to read something short and sweet. Or short and naughty. Whichever the case may be. I'm also a huge fan of the "we used to be friends, a long time ago, but we lost touch" kind of thing too. Unrequited or unclaimed love, and all of that. It makes me swoon and my heart swell.

A Gift of Trust hit the spot when I went looking for something along those lines. Young Lib was in love with Matt and when he escorted her to the winter dance, it looked like things were finally falling into place for her. They go to a sweet little romantic spot, the fountain, in town. It was, in my mind, their spot. The place for a budding young relationship.

Then, the next day, Matt was gone. He'd up and moved away and crushed her heart. Even though he didn't have any choice, Lib still blamed him. When he shows up again, she is determined not to let herself fall for him. But Matt has other ideas.

As a female it was so easy to relate to Lib and her mixed emotions. Jeanette gives her just the right amount of emotions. Lib is a real character - so much so that it feels like you're reading the story of a friend. Or yourself.

And Matt. Oh how he can make a girl swoon with his sweetness and sexyness. I definitely found myself rooting for them. You can't help but want them to work things out - especially when all is revealed and Matt gets his chance to tell her what happened the day he left.

A Gift of Trust is a story full of sweetness and light. It will make your heart happy. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Jeanette!

These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} All's Fair in Love & Seduction by Beverley Kendall

All's Fair in Love & Seduction (The Elusive Lords #2.5) by Beverley Kendall

Published Date: June 25, 2011

Publisher: Season Publishing 

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My rating:

Synopsis:

With her seduction she hopes to gain his affections

For Miss Elizabeth Smith, sharing her first kiss with the charming Lord Derek Creswell is nothing short of a dream come true...that is, until she is spotted by one of the most influential gossips of the ton. With scandal nipping at her heels, to avoid total social ruin, Elizabeth must present a fiancé by the end of the Season. But when the viscount proves reluctant, Elizabeth is forced to employ a seduction of a different sort...

With his seduction he is determined to ruin her

Viscount Derek Creswell believes Elizabeth set out to trap him into marriage. After all, her sister attempted the very same thing with his brother six years before. Now the delectable Miss Smith expects a betrothal and a ring, while Derek finds her ruination infinitely more appealing...

But as Derek sets out to seduce only her body, Elizabeth is intent on claiming his jaded heart. (SOURCE)

 Who knew a kiss could cause so much trouble?

I am a fan of Beverley Kendall's Elusive Lords books and have been looking forward to the next one. Until the next full length book comes out, she's given us a novella.

Elizabeth Smith meets Derek Creswell in a rather informal way. Although she knew him six years ago, he has no idea who she is and that there is a tie between their families. Elizabeth keeps that link to herself once she realizes he has no idea who she is. As time goes on, she intends to tell him but can't bring herself to do it. The longer she waits, the more it weighs on her.

When Derek finds out the truth he doesn't tell her that he knows who she is. But he does string her along, trying to see if she'll trip up and reveal her true intentions. It's hard for a Lord to believe so much innocence can be wrapped inside one person. Surely she is trying to trap him. Or so he thinks.

I am such a sucker for this type of story. Unrequited love (Elizabeth) given to the gentleman that suspects every lady is out to get him. She's no gold-digger but he definitely thinks she is. I loved that you get both sides of the perspective in this novella. I don't know whose I enjoyed more; Derek or Elizabeth.

My heart did ache for her and I found myself doing a lot of talking to her. "Oh no, don't hide that secret, it's going to be bad when he finds out." Because they always find out!!

When Derek realizes the connection they had in the past is something that hurt his own family, he sets out to ruin her. He is charming and dashing and she begins to wonder if maybe she can give him her heart. But then after her virginity is taken he accuses her of things that she would never dream of doing to him or anyone else. Of course he doesn't believe her.

With her family telling him to stay away from her, Derek is still drawn to Elizabeth. He is torn; wanting to marry her but not just to protect her reputation, as he'd thought in the beginning. Although he doesn't say it, I think toward the middle of the story he desperately wanted her to love him and to prove his suspicions wrong. They have so much in common, which surprised him. I believe he was expecting her to be another girl trying to climb the ranks. Not a sweet and engaging friend as well as lover. Probably he expected she was thinking about how she had hit the jackpot in him. That seems to be a common theme with the historical romance genre. I'm a sucker for that part too.

They parted ways and I honestly wanted to shake Derek. Or perhaps give him a light slap in the face for being so stubborn. He does eventually find out that everything he thought had happened six years ago was a lie. Proving that Elizabeth and her family were innocent.

With that proven, guilt does weigh him down. I did a little "neener neener neener" cheer for Elizabeth. I love when a character that assumes something, is proven wrong in a big way. I also love for them to feel guilty and it to hurt them, knowing they treated someone so horribly. Yes, I love the heartache before a big "I love you" moment.

Derek avoids her for a while and Elizabeth is so distraught that I wanted to just climb into my Kindle and hug her. But since this is a novella, that doesn't last long. Derek comes to her so sweetly, and in a unique way, shares his love with her. It made me swoony sigh.

Happy endings and a story line conclusion tied up in a little bow makes me warm inside. And I can happily say that All's Fair in Love & Seduction hit the mark.

I know I'm rambling but I don't want to give too much away, especially the history between the two families. It's definitely worth a read, this one. But I do recommend reading the first two books first. It's more fun that way, getting to know the characters from the start.

Even more exciting is the three chapter preview of the third Elusive Lords book, An Heir of Deception. I can't wait!! These are fun books, with sassy characters and story lines. I find them enjoyable and engaging. I'll be keeping my eye out for more of the Lords!

{Review} Hearts In Darkness by Laura Kaye

Hearts In Darkness by Laura Kaye

Published Date: Apr 21, 2011

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My rating:

Synopsis: Makenna James thinks her day can't get any worse, until she finds herself stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call and juggling too much stuff, the pin-striped accountant caught only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights went out.

Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he's terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he's trapped in his own worst nightmare.

To fight fear, they must both reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on? (SOURCE) 

I really enjoyed Hearts in Darkness. I'd been wanting to read something of Laura Kaye's for a while and I figured this was a good place to start!

How many of us have had a horrible and long work day? You drop your cell phone and bust it, you get a run in your hose, you spill your lunch on your shirt right before an important meeting. Sometimes we just have one of "those days".

Makenna happened to be having one of those days when she stepped onto an elevator that promptly lost power. She finds herself trapped with a stranger that she can't even see. Her plans for the evening (a bottle of wine and her couch) are shot.

If you were to see Caden out and about you might assume he's a rough and tough, motorcycle riding, blade wielding guy with his tattoos and piercings. He is a little shy, a whole lot caring and has a little vulnerability thrown in the mix as well. He was a mix of my favorite male traits.

While trapped the pair share intimate conversations that force them to get to know one another quickly. The sexual tension is palpable and really well written. I was able to really believe in the characterizations of these two. It was all very believable.

Although short, Hearts in Darkness was delicious and a fun read. It definitely left me wanting 'more' - which is not a bad thing. I wouldn't mind seeing where these two ended up after they were finally freed.

I anticipate reading other books by Laura Kaye! I loved her style and the humor.

{Review} The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Twilight #3.5) by Stephenie Meyer

Published Date: June 5, 2010 

Publisher: Little, Brown Company 

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads 

My rating:

Synopsis: Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire. 

All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out. 

Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as "her". As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth? (SOURCE)

I've had the book for a while but hadn't had the chance to read it yet. I wanted to read something short so I decided to finally go for this.

It was interesting to see things from Bree's perspective- to see the things we didn't know about while reading Eclipse or seeing the movie. I felt like it was a great tie-in to the movie too and gave a new look at the Riley scenes.

I enjoyed the interaction with the Cullen's as well. Seeing Bree "stand up" for herself, even though she knew she was doomed. The way she went about "telling" Edward what she knew and had discovered.

I did feel bad for her (and Diego), knowing that everything that happened to her was out of her hands. Being turned without her consent; having to stay somewhere she didn't feel safe because she believed the lies Riley told the Newborns.

Loved that Bree gave Jane "the finger" so to speak without Jane even realizing what she was doing.

Reading this makes me want to go back and read Eclipse again, to see if I pick up on things I hadn't noticed before. I'm sure I'll look at everyone in a whole new light.

I'd like to know where Fred is now too. Hmm.

Overall, I enjoyed Bree Turner and I'm happy that I had the chance to finally read it.