{Book Review} 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee

50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee
Published May 5th 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
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Mellie has a plan…
Mellie Smithson is trapped in the country with no suitors and no prospects on the horizon except, perhaps, the exasperating—although admittedly handsome—guest of her father. She's looking for any excuse to go to London to meet more eligible men.
Trevor has a problem…
Trevor Anaedsley's grandfather has cut off his funds until such time as he gets engaged. Trevor escapes to the country—ostensibly to visit his old tutor, Mr. Smithson, but actually to duck his creditors—where he meets Smithson's lovely daughter, Mellie. The obvious solution is suddenly before him—but the lady has ideas of her own, and Trevor's going to have to measure up…

Adult, Romance, Sex
Such a fun read! I laughed, I teared up, I swooned, I rolled my eyes. These characters were so enjoyable to get to know. Not only were the lead characters great but so were the secondary.

I rooted for Mellie and Trevor both; as characters that I wanted to see become successful in their scientific endeavors as well as their romantic relationship. I was so happy to be reading a strong female lead that wasn't full of the usual cliches. Don't get me wrong, I love a good cliche romance novel but 50 Ways was such a refreshing take on the genre.

One thing I can tell you, dear Reader, if you love a strong female romance character that is into more than just finding a husband, is smart and witty, Mellie is for you.

Trevor wasn't the 'usual' hero either. Both he and Mellie were straight forward about their intentions. Their determination to help one another was one of my favorite parts, as was the chemistry and friendship between Mellie and Trevor. Our handsome hero only a nice looking face himself. I loved that he discovered just how brilliant Mellie was and did not treat her like we so often see men treating women in that era.

As much as this story was about Mellie and Trevor's love story, it was also largely about Mellie spreading her wings. I believe that is part of the reason I connected so well with her. I enjoyed this read so much I didn't want to reach the end. Ms. Lee wraps it all up nicely, for all involved.

I can't wait to see this series continue. *gobble gobble*

I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review. 

{Book Review} REAL by Katy Evans

REAL by Katy Evans
Published April 8th 2013 by Smashwords Edition
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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?

It's no secret that I really love when the male lead in a book is hard and tough and hard headed and just...frustrating beyond belief. I don't know what it is about that but I love it.

Remington is definitely that personality type. I never knew what he was going to do next and I couldn't really get into his head, even when he began to open up to Brooke. This is in no way a complaint. Though Remington could be frustrating I enjoyed slowly learning about him.

Brooke is such a juxtaposition when you consider Remington. She's classy and lady like. Not the kind of girl you'd think would be interested in a boxer. Then again, I don't know that I would have thought he'd be interested in her either. But I always enjoy it when the male and female lead are entirely opposite but somehow still 'work'.

There's good chemistry between the two, which is always a plus when reading a romance heavy book. I liked that it wasn't solely about the romance though. There's back story on both Remington and Brooke, which made them more well rounded characters and the book a lot more 'real' (no pun intended).

REAL is a good book and I enjoyed Katy Evans style. I'm curious to see how the rest of this series goes.

{Book Review} Frenched (Frenched #1) by Melanie Harlow

Frenched (Frenched #1) Melanie Harlow

Published March 16th 2014

When Tucker Branch, playboy heir to Branch Bolt and Screw, screws and bolts a week before their wedding, Mia Devine wants nothing more than to crawl under her newly monogrammed sheets and plan a funeral for her dignity. But her friends convince her that bitter tastes better when it’s drowned in Bordeaux, so Mia grits her teeth and packs her bags, determined to make the best of her luxurious Paris honeymoon—alone.

She never planned on meeting Lucas Fournier. The easygoing bartender’s scruffy good looks and less-than-sympathetic ear annoy her at first, but when she takes him up on his offer to show her around the city, she discovers that the romance of Paris isn’t just a myth. The last thing Mia needs is another doomed love affair, but since she only has a week, she figures she might as well enjoy la vie en O with Lucas while she can. But each day—and night—with Lucas is better than the last, and suddenly her heart is telling her this is more than a rebound fling. Is it just the seduction of Paris…or could this be the real thing?

I don't know why but I really this type of plot. Girl jilted, finds love with someone else. Of course that someone else is ten times hotter than her ex and the chemistry is off the charts. Frenched was a pretty quick read for me because of that very story line.

Mia is a character I could see myself being friend with. Lucas is that guy that makes you stutter and swoon because he's so smooth and sexy. I laughed a lot and the hotness was pretty far up the charts.

{Review} Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Publication Date: Feb 12, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

An ambitious intern.
A perfectionist executive.
And a whole lot of name calling.
Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.
Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.
As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other.
Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release. (SOURCE)

Back in the day (hehe) I'd just read this book series about vampires and werewolves but it left me wanting more. I decided to find some fanfiction to make up for the things I didn't get *cough* mostly smutty deliciousness. Everyone was all in a tizzy about a few different stories, The Office, being one of them. When I started reading it, I understood why that was.

Much to my enjoyment and glee, that fanfic became a published book. When I heard the news I flailed all over myself and had to get my hands on it as soon as it was released. There are some stories that I hold near and dear to my heart and this is one of them. To be able to have it in print and on my bookcase was a dream come true for this fangirl.

Granted, there is a lot of changes between the fanfiction and the published book, I still love it so very much. Chloe is sassy and head strong. No wilting flower, which we do often get in romantic based books. She gives as good as she gets from Bennett. And she definitely gets a lot of attitude from him. Her frustration with him pretty much jumps off the pages. I like that Chloe is a smart, successful, business woman too.

Bennett ... he's a difficult man to work for. At times he seems to be unwilling to bend. It was his way or the highway. That is, until I was really able to get into his mind. With BB alternating POVs through the book it was nice to see where his head is. He definitely has conflicting emotions when it came to Chloe. As I got to know him a little better I could understand why that is. I loved his personality, really. He's a hard working, brilliant, and protective guy. Plus, he's always in a suit and tie. You can't go wrong with that. Ever.

Beautiful Bastard is incredibly sexy and admittedly, smut filled within the first few pages. But, it's so much more than that too. There is an intense relationship between Chloe and Bennett and for this reader, it was very believable and obvious.

I love UST and this is full of that too, because even though they have multiple flings together, neither of them wants it to happen again. It's kind of funny actually. One second they are both swearing it won't happen again, then two seconds later, they're *ahem* on a desk. I spent a lot of time fanning my face, I'll just admit that right now. So if you're looking for a yummy, turned romance read, this one could be for you.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to stalk my mailbox for Beautiful Stranger!

I actually received a galley copy via netgalley but pre-ordered and read my own copy. Soooooo. This is sorta a Galley but that definitely didn't effect my review. Obviously. Since I fangirled all over it.

{Review} {Giveaway} Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Publication Date: Mar 26, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Digital
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Summary: Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....
Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.
Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one. (SOURCE)

Black Dagger Brotherhood is one of my favorite series' ... ever. I have my favorite couples that I ship, just like most other fans. Zsadist is my favorite of the brothers. Followed by JM, Rehv and Blay and Qhuinn, in no particular order. I have been anticipating this book for longer than I can remember. From the first time Blay and Qhuinn were introduced, I shipped them. As the series went on I continued to read just for little snippets of those two together.

I've always been a sucker for angst and heart break stories, and those two have always had both of those in spades. The kicker is, I always need an HEA so I have been holding my breath, hoping these two guys would get one.

When I first heard that the next full length novel in the series was actually going to be B/Q's book, I was nervous and excited. In the past, we'd been told there would only be a novella for them and that bummed me out. There was so much potential, good and 'bad'. Slowly, bits of info regarding the plot were revealed by Ward and I wasn't sure how I'd react to some of the things.

Layla was fantastic. I was afraid I would hate her for being a big interference between Qhuinn and Blay. Happily, she was not what I assumed she'd be. Such a passionate, caring, sweet character she turned out to be. I found her desire to help Qhuinn find happiness to be endearing. She was strong too, not weak willed, as I had noticed of the Chosen in the past. Good for her for going after what she wanted most! I found myself wanting to ship her with Xcor.

And Xcor, damn, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't hate him! The same was the case with Assail. Who'd have thought I would find myself absolutely loving the bad guys? Both of who have done terrible things to the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood... they made me love them all even more, and I don't know how that's even possible because my adoration for them was super sized already. They are amazing males - warriors, hellrens, fathers,  full of compassion and love. Sigh.

But Blay and Qhuinn, y'all. Every scene between the two of them jumped off the page. Their chemistry and the UST was off the charts, as usual. I spent a lot of time blushing and fanning myself. I also wanted to hug both guys. And then shove them together for lots of kisses. There was so much misunderstanding between the two that I almost wanted to throw my kindle. I spent most of the book yelling at them "omg tell each other the truth!!!" These guys had more relationship drama than a male/female couple!

Mercy, did I love them both so much though. I went through the gamut of emotions through all eighty-two chapters and an epilogue. Sometimes I got frustrated when a chapter would end and the next one would switch to another story. In the end though, I was glad to get a mix of other characters. I'm not a huge fan of the lesser society stuff but obviously it needs to be there, otherwise, what would the Brothers be fighting? There wouldn't be a real point in having the Brotherhood if the lessers and Band of Bastards too weren't around.

Lover At Last was the first male/male full length book for me, though I've read short stories and fanfiction in the past. I loved seeing a different type of relationship though. When it's all said and done, love is love. 

And since I loved LaL so much, I'm giving away a copy!!!




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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} Release Me by J. Kenner

Release Me by J. Kenner

Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
Publisher: Bantam
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.
 
Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever. (SOURCE)

There are so many BDSM style books coming out of the wood work lately, for obvious reasons. The nitty gritty on this one is-- it did have moments that reminded me of the Shades books. Sometimes it distracted me, but not so much that it was annoying.

As I got deeper into the story there were clear differences between most of the other fetish books I've read more recently. This was more about Nikki stepping out of her comfort zone by allowing people to get closer to her. She had a rocky past to overcome. Damien knows this but he's not aware of the extent of what happened to her.

Damien is that rich guy that always gets his way. The one we've seen in too many books to count. That one that meddles in a girls life without her knowing or approving. He wants Nikki -- to work for him, to join him in his bed, and it's almost impossible for her to say no. She agrees to 'work' for Damien for a ridiculous sum of money, which she will earn in only a week. I don't want to spoil what it is she agrees to but it's definitely a different twist.

In doing so, Nikki must reveal parts of herself she never wanted anyone to see. But Damien is compassionate and caring. I really enjoyed that about his character. While it's obvious he is dominant, he never actually says so. It's in his actions. He is commanding, knowledgeable,  passionate and compassionate. He guides Nikki into a submissive role but never actually tells her what kind of relationship he's developing. I couldn't decide if that bothered me or not. 

On one hand, I figured surely she was aware of D/s, I can't imagine someone not being. Then on the other hand, just because I know what BDSM and Dom/sub is, it doesn't mean everyone does. It's possible she doesn't know the term for their budding romance; just that she enjoys the thing he does to her. I wish there had been some explanation of that somewhere in the book.

I did enjoy Release Me but it didn't stick out in my mind the way I'd hoped it would. It felt more like a novella because of the speed in which everything happened. The entire book was probably the span of a whole week. I like a bit more pacing sometimes.

While I did enjoy the characters, I felt like it had a bit more potential. There were things I'd have liked to have seen fleshed out more, to help me really connect.


I rreceived an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} The Prince (Original Sinners #3) by Tiffany Reisz

The Prince by Tiffany Reisz

Publication Date: Nov 20, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads
My Rating: 

Synopsis: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer... preferably in bed. That's always been Kingsley Edge's strategy with his associate, the notorious New York dominatrix Nora Sutherlin. But with Nora away in Kentucky, now it's Kingsley's chance to take her place at the feet of the only man he's ever wanted -- Søren, Nora's on-again, off-again lover -- until a new threat from an old enemy forces him to confront his past.

Wes Railey is still the object of Nora's tamest yet most maddening fantasies, and the one man she can't forget. He's young. He's wonderful. He's also thoroughbred royalty and she's in "his" world now. But Nora is no simpering Southern belle, and her dream of fitting into Wesley's world is perpetually at odds with her dear Søren's relentlessly seductive pull.

Two worlds of wealth and passion call to her and whichever one Nora chooses, it will be the hardest decision she will ever have to make... unless someone makes it for her....

The Prince is the third book in The Original Sinners series (The Siren #1, The Angel #2). I am actually having trouble putting my thoughts together enough to review it. This seems to have happened with the other two books as well. This is not a bad thing, don't get me wrong. It's just that Tiffany Reisz's books leave your mind a little boggled.

One of the things that sticks out in mind is that the point of views alternate with each chapter. I really loved that, actually. In some books that can make things confusing but in The Prince, it added to the experience. There's a lot of back story between Soren and Kingsley, which I really enjoyed. It made me see both of those characters in a different light. I haven't always been Soren's biggest fan, I won't deny that, but seeing another side of him was great. It made him and Kingsley both a lot more 3D. They are incredibly complex characters. And, really, heart stuttering sexy too.

I've always been a fan of Wesley and at the end of The Siren I was flailing over him. Such a curious young man. I needed more of him. Of course I was thrilled to have a large chunk of the book with him and Nora spending time together. There's a little bit of mystery intertwined in their story. It made me really curious about the horse racing world. Wes and Nora are sweet and hot together too. They are a great combination but I feel like the other shoe hasn't quite dropped yet when it comes to them. I'm a little nervous!

In most great books, there's a twist. The twist. Oh, the twist. Still has my mind whirling! And the whole damn book ended on a CLIFF. HANGER. to beat all cliffhangers. When I read the very last line I said, rather loudly, "Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?!" As I recall, the previous two books ended on cliffies too. I should have known this one would as well. It has left me salivating and chomping at the bit [see what I did there?] for more. Why must we have to wait so long?!

If you haven't given these books a read, please do. They are full of great and fascinating characters, delicious sex scenes and interesting plot!


I received an e-copy of this novel via NetGalley. My review is honest and my own. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} The Angel (Original Sinners #2) by Tiffany Reisz

The Angel (Original Sinners #2) by Tiffany Reisz
Publication Date: Sept 25, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads
My Rating:

Summary: Infamous erotica author and accomplished dominatrix Nora Sutherlin is doing something utterly out of character: hiding. While her longtime lover, Søren—whose fetishes, if exposed, would be his ruin—is under scrutiny pending a major promotion, Nora's lying low and away from temptation in the lap of luxury.

Her host, the wealthy and uninhibited Griffin Fiske, is thrilled to have Nora stay at his country estate, especially once he meets her traveling companion. Young, inexperienced and angelically beautiful, Michael has become Nora's protégé, and this summer with Griffin is going to be his training, where the hazing never ends.

But while her flesh is willing, Nora's mind is wandering. To thoughts of Søren, her master, under investigation by a journalist with an ax to grind. And to another man from Nora's past, whose hold on her is less bruising, but whose secrets are no less painful. It's a summer that will prove the old adage: love hurts. (SOURCE)

OK. I really am not sure I have enough words in me to explain how much I enjoyed The Angel. I honestly wasn't sure when or if I would get around to reading it. After seeing the comments of someone I follow on GoodReads and Twitter she had me intrigued. I had to know what happened with the characters I'd read about in The Siren(Original Sinners #1).

In The Angel we learn a lot more about the Soren. I admit, I wasn't a huge fan of his in The Siren, but he definitely showed a different side of himself in this second book. It was good to get a glimpse into his past. To be able to see why his life went the way it did. With every new twist or reveal I found myself liking him more. I was really happy about that.

Nora's part of the plot was great as well. I liked seeing another side of her. Honestly I was not expecting her to still be thinking about Wesley. The fact that she was really made me feel for her. I was (and still am) actually a little torn about whether I wanted her to leave Soren and go find Wesley.*sigh* I can understand how Nora would be conflicted.

Also, I did a lot of swooning through out the book. And not because of Soren. I adored both Griffin and Michael. I was excited to see them both since we'd had glimpses in The Siren. They are such great characters. I found myself almost wanting to speed through the other parts of the book just to get back to them. Love love love.

I would actually like to know more about the reporter that investigated Soren. I feel like there was so much with her. She and Soren had great chemistry too. I was almost disappointed nothing happened there
I really did love this second book and am curious to see what the next book has in store. I highly recommend The Angel.

I received a copy of The Angel via NetGalley. This did not have any influence on my review.

{Review} The Siren (Original Sinners #1) by Tiffany Reisz

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz
Publication Date: July 24, 2012
Publisher: Mira
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads
My Rating:

Summary: Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book...if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.

Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him...or returning to his bed?
Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple. (SOURCE)

When I first read the summary to The Siren I was intrigued and excited to get my hands on it. Once other readers I follow started giving it rave reviews I knew I had to bump it to the top of my "to be read" list. Now here I am a week after finishing it and I'm still not sure how I feel about the story. I liked it, but I didn't love it. There was something missing for me.

I was interested in seeing what Nora's life was like. Very interested in getting to know Zachary. But I found myself unable to really connect the two of them. I didn't feel their chemistry jump off the page like I'd hoped. I did like their characters individually though. 

Probably my absolute favorite character was Nora's assistant/intern. I couldn't help but want to cuddle him up. I'd love to learn more about him, actually. Especially as the book progressed. I felt a real connection with him as a character.  My heart went out to him as the story moved forward.

Nora's business associates were quite the characters. I did love how little bits of information about them were leaked along the way. To continuously learn more about them as I read. It kept me reading, for sure.

Another thing I did like is that the foundation of the story might have had BDSM but it was much more than that. There wasn't a sex scene in every chapter. There was real plot and substance that made me want to know more about the characters. I saw their struggles. It made them real people.

That said, I didn't really get into it until I hit the 50% mark on my kindle. There's a big reveal that knocked my socks off and turned the world upside down. It made me sit up and go "HUH. WOW." I actually think I said "Whaaaaaaaaaaat?" out loud when I made it to that point. I flew through the rest of the book after that. I couldn't put it down. I was happy that finally I was able to get into it the way I'd wanted to. 

In the end I gave it 3.5 stars because I wasn't able to connect at first. That was probably all me, because I've been so busy and not able to really focus on reading lately. (As I'm sure you can tell by my lack of reviews recently.) I do think it was a good book and I'll definitely be wanting to read the next one in the series, The Angel.

 I received this book from Net Galley but actually bought it on kindle myself before starting the read. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Backstage Pass (Sinners of Tour #1) by Olivia Cunning

Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour #1) by Olivia Cunning

Published Date: Oct 2, 2008

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Synopsis: Five stunning guys, one hot woman, and a feverish romance...
"For him, life is all music and no play..."
When Brian Sinclair, lead songwriter and guitarist of the hottest metal band on the scene, loses his creative spark, it will take nights of downright sinful passion to release his pent-up genius...

"She's the one to call the tune..." When sexy psychologist Myrna Evans goes on tour with the Sinners, every boy in the band tries to seduce her. But Brian is the only one she wants to get her hands on...

Then the two lovers' wildly shocking behavior sparks the whole band to new heights of glory...and sin...(SOURCE)

I'm just going to go ahead and say it. Backstage Pass was Hot (yes, capital "H"). Like, "I need a shower or a boyfriend rtfn" hot. Or "Dear Lord, why have I not become  a sexy professor so I could meet sexy band members" hot. And yes indeed, one Myrna Evans is a psychologist and college professor (knew I should have gone to college!). While attending a conference she spots the rock band Sinners in the hotel lounge. Professor Evans is not the least bit shy and she approaches them. The guys of Sinners immediately fawn over her. Myrna is not the type of professor we usually envision. She is beautiful and confident. Sexy.

No matter how much the band members try to seduce her, Myrna only really has eyes for Brian Sinclair, who has recently had his heart broken. But she's determined to fix him right up.

After hours of steamy time together Brian doesn't want to just let Myrna walk away. Can't say I blame him for that! They have electricity that is off the charts. Brian even manages to write music because their romps are so inspiring. Who doesn't want a guy to say having sex with her inspired songs for a wildly popular rock band?

When Myrna gets the idea to study the actions of the bands groupies she goes on the road with them. She's not looking for a lasting relationship though. I have no idea how she thought she could manage to keep Brian at arms length though. He is sweet, caring, sexy and a great guy. Not the 'typical' rock god, that's for sure. He will totally make you love and root for him. This is definitely a case of me desperately wanting the guy to get the girl. He's had his heart broken too many times not to. Brian, is a romantic. A romantic that plays guitar, wears guyliner on stage and is a great (and sweet) lover.

I enjoyed Backstage Pass enough to want to read more about these Sinners guys (love the band name, btw!). There were some scenes I felt were just gratuitous sex and not necessary to the story. But seriously, delicious 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} Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E. L. James
Published Date: Jan 19, 2012
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads
My Rating:

Synopsis: When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy. (SOURCE)

In general I am a huge fan of angst, but with my angst, I require a Happily Ever After too. What can I say? I am picky like that. I want my tears to be worth it. I was so very nervous to start reading Fifty Shades Freed. Excited, but definitely nervous. With everything Christian and Ana had gone through in books 1 and 2, I didn't know if they would survive much more. Plus, they really just deserved to be HAPPY.

I'm writing this review under the assumption (yeah, I know, never assume) that you have either read books 1 and 2 or won't mind a few spoilery moments. Be sure to check out my reviews of the first two books, where I swoony sigh all over the place. Also note, this trilogy has BDSM, if that's not your thing, well... sucks for you, because Fifty is HOT.

In Fifty Shades Darker our beloved Christian foils death but we don't know who the asshole that tried to kill him is. I'd really hoped that it was a female character that went a little wacko. Especially once she is out of the picture. Easy peasy, Fifty is safe. Or not.

Freed begins where Darker left off, Ana and Christian are married (everybody say woohoo!)  and on a delightful honeymoon. Fifty being, well, Fifty is a paranoid jerk that won't let Ana out of his sight. Of course, it's not a bad position to be in when you are married to a man that sizzling hot. But he's keeping his real concerns to himself, trying to protect his new wife. Only thing is, Anastasia isn't the type of woman that really feels she needs protecting, especially since she doesn't know what Christian's deal is.

Body guards, security detail, a driver, and no privacy, even when they are back home and Ana returns to work. The tension between them is a slow burn. Probably not even slow. More like, moderate. Bless his heart, Christian is adorable and I wanted to hug him for being protective of his family but man, is he frustrating.

Ana and Christian are plunged into uncertainty. Neither of them really talking about what's going on. Mostly because Christian, though he's grown since Fifty Shades of Grey, is still the same Christian. He refuses to tell his wife anything. If I were her I would have been ready to knock some sense into him. She's certainly stood up to him in the past, which is one thing I love about her. She's not weak. With the fear for his families safety running rampant in his head, Christian goes into overdrive. Every little thing sets him off and in turn, that sets Ana off because he won't talk to her.

During those stressful times, Christian decides to take Ana on a little trip with friends. Those days were so sweet and hot but under the surface, there was something (someone) laying in wait. I really wanted Christian just to learn that you can't run away from your problems (or buy your way out of them either). That's just his way though, it's the only way he knows to be. Though it's kind of twisted, it's one of the things I love about him.

Unknowingly, Ana misses an important appointment and when she realizes what has happened, there is a huge blow up between her and Christian. Hurtful, angry words are thrown around and my heart just clenched. All I could think was that was the end of them. They'd already been through so much already, how could they make it through something else? Especially something that would change both their lives forever. There are so many misunderstandings between them, I just wanted to shake them both. Then shove them in a closet and tell them "TALK"! But since I'm always a glutton for punishment, those angsty, heart breaking times were among my favorites.

Ana and Christian drift, not speaking, not looking at one another -- ugh. When she makes a move to help a family member he is torn to pieces, believing the worst of her. But she is once again, in danger, and Christian once again, is her knight in shining armor. Knight in handcuffs? Knight with bondage rope? I don't know. Whatever. Either way, he was there for her. And Ana, even though she didn't know how things were going to end up for them, she still did everything she could to protect him.

I guess that's another thing I love about those two, they are both trying to protect one another without the other really knowing. Ana is the perfect match for Christian; and he is the perfect match for her, even with his insecurities about being a good husband. I'd like to sit down with him and make him see that he's worthy of Ana's love, as well as that of his family.

Oh! I just can't say how much I loved Freed. The epilogue itself gave me a glowy happy heart. I felt it was the perfect way to end the trilogy.

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} 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.