Lauren's Review of Sinful (Sinful Surrender Quartet #1) by Katherine Hawthorne

I do not usually give out 5 star reviews but this one deserves it! It took me Labor Day weekend to bang out this book and I had to even hide during some of the barbecues to see what happens next. Books like this is what keeps me going in life.  I loved every second of this book and I did not want to put it down. The writing is phenomenal, and the love triangle had me pulled in every direction.  Not sure who I wanted more; Sin, the bad boy, smoking hot cop or Xander, the epitome of elegance, charm and sophistication??? I see why she gave in to both!

I am usually very hesitant when it comes to trios and ménage romances. Sometimes they come off too corny or way too unrealistic. Hawthorne does an amazing job keeping the plot suspenseful and the characters appealing and believable.  I am very curious to see how this is going to play out because that scene with all three was intense!  Put me to bed now!

I am glad I read some of the reviews before…HOLY CLIFFHANGER! Luckily, we do not have to wait too long! Book #2 looks like it is going to be out by October 2! That’s going to be one long ass month!  #TEAMSIN

Check it out on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41134349-sinful?from_search=true

Purchase here on Amazon (Kindle ONLY $0.99!!): https://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Surrender-Quartet-Book-ebook/dp/B07G4958R5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536067837&sr=8-1&keywords=Sinful+Hawthorne

Lauren's Review of Consumed (Firefighter #1) by J.R. Ward

Firefighters. Yum! Seriously though...I was getting tired about reading books about secretaries seducing their rich, hot, playboy bosses. This story is refreshing and basically amaze"fire"balls. I was immediately hooked with the beginning scene with Anne and the fire. It was hard to not put this story down because every chapter had me hooked. What stood out to me the most about this book was that it had so many avenues of storytelling. This wasn't just about the romance between Anne and Danny but also about her investigation, her relationship with her family, adapting to new role in life and the life/stress of being a firefighter.

I thought the whole story contained great character development and I was intrigued to learn more about each individual and where their stories intertwined with Anne's and Danny's. I felt the ending was unexpected and I was surprised to learn who was involved but I did feel like the book ended a bit to abrupt for me. I know there are going to be more books in this series but I wanted just a tad bit more of Anne and Danny before I have to wait to read on. Come on Book TWO!!

Add it to your Goodreads TO READ LIST: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38622279-consumed?from_search=true

Purchase on October 2, 2018:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501194909/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0

Laura’s Review of Wrecked by JB Salsbury

Synopsis

When you can’t trust yourself, how can you ask anyone else to?

It’s been months since Aden Colt left the Army, and still the memories haunt him. When he moved into a boat off the California coast, he thought he’d found the perfect place to escape life.

Then Sawyer shows up, and turns his simple life upside down.

Beautiful and sophisticated, she seems out of place in this laidback beach town. Something is pushing her to experience everything she can—including Aden. But as much as he wants her, starting a relationship with Sawyer puts them both at risk.

For Aden, the past doesn’t stay there; it shows up unexpectedly, uncontrollably, and doesn’t care whose life it wrecks.

What I Loved

        Wow, well where do I start? I loved the way the prologue gripped my heart and broke it all at the same time.  It made me instantly love Aden and feel for his struggle more than if it was explained later on through the plot or in flashbacks.  Every time Aden struggled with his feelings or was having a flashback it was easier to grasp what was going on around him because as a reader you lived that with him. 

        At the same time, you meet Sawyer who has detached herself from life in a way while trying to honor her dying sister’s last wish by pretending to be her out in California.  These are two damaged souls who in a weird way have found a haven in each other and I loved watching them discover that. Their emotions were so heightened and mine right along with them, they’re two complex characters that had me addicted from the beginning.

Not So Much

        This isn’t a slight against the book, but for the first time I wasn’t completely in love with the heroine in story for quite some time.  I think her uptightness was hard to relate to and her attitude towards people almost irritated me in a way, but I did eventually learn to love Sawyer.  I don’t like knocking books for their plot and I’m not doing this here, all I’m saying is that it was a new experience for me to not like one of the main characters for that long. 

To Sum It All Up!

       Overall this was another amazingly written book by JB Salsbury.  She has such a great ability to write complex characters with a developed plot that hooks you immediately and Wrecked was no different.  Aden’s struggles and experiences captivated me and Sawyer trying to carry out her sister’s last wishes was heartbreaking.  I loved their romance and watching them fall in love with one another.  Every time they were together they couldn’t get enough of each other and I couldn’t get enough of them! Their chemistry sizzled and even with all the drama between them there were some light-hearted moments that I really enjoyed as well.  I loved all the detail added into the story because it made me feel like I was right along with them for the ride and the character development for both was amazing.  You got to know both characters separately as well as together and watch them grow as people as well as a couple.  I truly loved Wrecked and I cannot wait to see what JB Salsbury comes out with next! 

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Laura’s Review of Ruckus (Sinners of Saint, #2) by L.J. Shen

Synopsis

Rosie 

They say that life is a beautiful lie and death a painful truth. They're right.
No one has ever made me feel more alive than the guy who serves as a constant reminder that my clock is ticking.
He is my forbidden, shiny apple.
The striking fallacy to my blunt, raw, truth.
He is also my sister's ex-boyfriend.
One thing you should know before you judge me;
I saw him first. I craved him first. I loved him first.
Eleven years later, he waltzed into my life, demanding a second chance.
Dean Cole wants to be my bronze horseman. My white knight has finally arrived. Hopefully, he isn’t too late.

Dean 

They say the brightest stars burn out the fastest. They’re right.
She sets my mind on fire.
All smart mouth, snarky attitude and a huge heart.
In a world where everything is dull, she shines like fucking Sirius.
Eleven years ago, fate tore us apart.
This time, I dare it to try.
Getting to her is a battlefield, but man, that’s why they call me Ruckus.
Rosie LeBlanc is about to find out how hard I can fight.
And conquering her will be the sweetest victory. 

What I Loved

        I literally couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next story in this series.  From word one I have been enamored with the Sinner of Saint series and each character has managed to not only suck me in but captivate me every single minute.  Worse, I can’t stop thinking about them when it’s all over and I just want more!  Of course, I had the same experience while reading Ruckus, I couldn’t wait to dive into Dean and Rosie’s story and all the drama and heartache again. 

        I loved how even though we knew Rosie and Dean before Ruckus, this story turned their character perceptions on their heads.  What I thought I knew about Dean was completely wrong, he always came off as the fun-loving guy from high school, who never had a care in the world but there was so much more to him.  Rosie was this sick girl who needed to be taken care of by her parents or her sister because of her disease, never seen as her own person but they both shatter those views in this book.  I loved the depths and the mystery behind both of them because it keeps you addicted as the reader and makes you fall in love with them and the plot.

Not So Much

        I’m keeping this short and sweet because I have no complaints about this book I loved it way too much.

To Sum It All Up!

        This was yet another amazing story written by L.J. Shen that I couldn’t get enough of.  The plot was thick with drama that had me smiling, crying, laughing, heated and totally in love.  I loved the complexity with not only the plot but with all of the characters and as you peeled back each layer you fell in love more and more with them.  The details were right on point, it was easy to imagine each scene and feelings running through each character because everything was written so beautifully.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Dean in this book, because he grew up to be quite the playboy and an asshole. It didn’t bother me that he dated in Rosie’s sister in high school because they both were past that point in their lives.  But he wasn’t the nicest person at times in Vicious so I wasn’t sure if he was the man that could step up and be the right person for Rosie, but he totally proved me wrong and I fell head over heels in love with him.

There are very few stories that make me feel as many emotions as Ruckus did, and there are no words to describe how amazing this story truly was.  I can’t recommend this book enough to people, it’s heavy with drama and determination and of course love! If you’re looking for something alluring with a little bit of mystery and a ton of drama than this is totally the book for you. 

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Laura’s Review of Two is a Lie (Tangled Lies, #2) By Pam Godwin

Synopsis

Two lies.
Two men who don’t share.

I never stopped loving Cole. Not when he left me. Not when he disappeared for three years. Not when he crashed back into my life in a violent explosion of testosterone and fury.
His sudden reappearance questions everything I thought I knew, including how I came to love another man.

Trace is an intoxicating breeze of seduction over ice. My rock. My second chance at forever.
And he’s committed to annihilating the competition.

The battle that ensues wrenches me back and forth between them.
Fighting and fucking.
Resisting and submitting.

Together, they entangle me in a web of lies, rivalry, and desire that weaves as deeply as their devotion to me.

I love two men, and if I can only have one, I choose none.

The TANGLED LIES series must be read in order.
One is a Promise
Two is a Lie
Three is a War 

What I Loved

        Wow, well where do I begin because there was so much I loved about this book I just want to spit it all out but then this review wouldn’t make any sense lol.  Okay first, Two is a Lie picks up the second One is a Promise ends; Danni coming to grips with the fact that the fiancé she thought was dead isn’t and the fiancé she currently is engaged to not only lied to her but used to be best friends with the once dead fiancé.  Sounds like a soap opera, I know, and much like General Hospital the story has gripped my heart and made me an addict.  It’s been a long time since a story has left me thinking about it weeks later and truly not knowing how all of this will end. 

        With Cole, back in Danni’s life all those feelings Danni thought she left behind come roaring back to life but so do a lot of questions that he’s not willing to answer.  I think because of Cole’s vagueness about his absence and having that feeling he wasn’t being completely honest with Danni it was hard for me to completely love him like I do Trace.  But I loved the sexual tension that crackled around him and Danni every time they laid eyes on each other.  Also, I loved Danni’s willingness to put herself out there as honestly as she could be for both men to at least try to some type of decision.  There were no walls that Danni put up to protect her heart from both men and that fact made the emotions in the book very real and raw.

Not So Much

        I don’t have any huge complaints about the book overall, it was beautifully written and captured my attention from beginning to end.  I will say that I felt like Trace got the raw end of the deal in this one, but I physically hate criticizing plots because how an author chooses a story to go is their prerogative.

To Sum It All Up!

     

   Overall, I was so happy to be sucked back up into this world of seduction, sex, lies and secrets.  The minute Cole shows up on Danni’s driveway, I knew everything would be turned on its head and it was! From there, story went down my different paths and I loved that I really didn’t know what would happen next.  It was humbling to watch Danni go down this road of discovery to try to figure out who her one true love is, or if she even has just one.  I loved watching her form a new relationship with Cole, while trying to salvage her existing one with Trace.  The story definitely takes a turn I didn’t see coming towards the end and then of course there is a huge cliffhanger so get ready people!!! I’m still sitting here reeling from the bombshells that were dropped, and I had tears in my eyes when Danni’s world fell apart.  I am hypnotized by this series and I cannot wait until Three is a War is released.

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Laura's Review of His Turn (Turning, #3) By JA Huss

Synopsis

I look her body up and down as I circle her.
Mine?
I smile a devious, deviant, I’m gonna make you sorry you ever started playing this game with me smile.
And then I take her hand.
I lead her to the elevator.
We go up to my apartment.
I tie her wrists together with rope.
Raise her arms above her head.
And chain her to the ceiling.
It’s my turn.

What I Loved

        Oh my god, finally!!! In the first book in this series I wasn’t quite sure what to make sure of Bric/Elias as a character.  He was the one person that as reader you didn’t get to know the most and at the end of the book you kind of hate him.  But then in Turning Back that all changes, as Bric becomes more of a main character and you kind of begin to love him. Yet, at the same the time I felt like a rescued puppy around him, wanting to trust this new hot man but not sure if I can just yet. But by the end of the second book my heart broke a little for him.  So, I was so happy to finally get to around to Bric’s story and see what this man is really made of!

        I was immediately sucked back into this dark world of erotic and forbidden sex and happy to be there!! Also, introduced to a new feisty character that was going to give Bric a run for his money.  I liked that Jordan became more of a vocal character in the series as well, and by the end I absolutely loved his character development. 

Nadia was someone that had to grow on me though, she came across as arrogant at certain points and I couldn’t wait for Bric to put her in her place! Saying that, I loved the chemistry between them and I loved how Nadia challenged Bric at every turn because that’s someone he needed to keep his attention.  Although Nadia did come off as cocky at points when it wasn’t needed, I loved her bravado and the depth to her.  By the end I fell as much in love with her as I did with Bric.

Not So Much

       

        My only huge complaint was the details in the story.  I know that this is a series but there was a lot of detail on how Nadia looked and a lot of detail of some of the settings, like their new house but that’s where it stopped.  I would’ve liked more reinforcement in what Bric looked like and Jordan as well, I get that these are characters from previous novels but there should’ve been more description when it came to them.  The same can be said about Turning Point. I kind of remember what the club looked like from previous books but to add more description to remind the reader would’ve been nice. 

To Sum It All Up!

        Overall, I was so happy with the way the story went and that I finally got to crack the hard nut that is Elias Bricman.  I thought I loved him after book two, but I had no clue what made this man who was until His Turn. I loved watching Nadia and Bric fight with each other constantly and I loved to see Nadia push all his buttons and vice versa.  Even though this was all under the guise of a “game” they both grabbed my heart and when it all came crashing down around them I had literal tears in my eyes. 

        I loved how this series isn’t just about hot sex and threesomes, there’s always a little bit of a mystery added in which sucks you in even more as a reader and adds incredible amount of depth to the plot.  This story was no exception to that rule and I couldn’t put this book, needing to find out all the mysteries these characters were hiding.  I truly love this series because it’s hot and sexy but shows tremendous amount of character development and depth in every storyline.  You fall in love with each of these characters and as the series progresses you get to see their lives progress too, which imbeds each of their stories into your heart.  I am true fan of JA Huss now and forever.

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Laura’s Review of One is a Promise (Tangled Lies, #1) By Pam Godwin

Synopsis

One promise.
One forever.

One look and I knew Cole was mine. My dark rebel in leather. My powerhouse of passion, devastating smiles, and impulsiveness.

When his job sends him overseas, he promises to return to me.
A promise that’s destroyed in the most irrevocable way.

Two years later, an arrogant suit invades my heartbroken loneliness.

Clean-cut and stern, Trace is everything Cole wasn’t.
At first, he’s a job that will rescue my dance company. But as he intrudes on my life, our hostile relationship evolves.
He knows I’m still in love with Cole, but his dedication is my undoing.

Then a catastrophic moment changes everything.

Promises resurface.
Lies entangle.
And an impossible choice shatters my world.

I love two men, and I can only have one.

What I Loved

It’s rare that I find a story that takes my breath away the way One is a Promise did.  They’re truly are no words to describe how enchanting this story was from the very first page.  The book opens with Danni trying to get back into the dating game, and from that moment it’s easy to see just how broken this woman is.  As the story continues you learn not only has her heart been broken, but in the process her life blown to pieces as well. 

Danni’s free spirit personality will reel you in and make you love her more then you ever thought possible to love a book character.  She lives her life by her own terms and says whatever is on her mind.  Danni is my spirit my animal is every way shape or form, I envy her bravery and spunky attitude, there are so many times she put a smile on my face while I was reading.  When music plays she feels it in every fiber of her being and that passion pours through on stage for all to see.  I loved when she first meets the mysterious Trace Savoy she doesn’t put up with his self-righteous shit and domineering attitude. 

Trace Savoy on so many times left me needing more, he takes mysterious rich alpha male to the next level and I loved every minute of it.  The second he walks onto the scene I wanted more of him, and every time he lays on Danni you can feel the electricity and it sucks you in as the reader.  The back and forth between them kept me addicted to every single word and my heart was pounding when it all come to a head.  At first, you’re not quite sure what to make of Trace but when you see his devotion to Danni, you’ll fall head over heels for him just as much as Danni does.  I loved the passion he shows towards Danni and the sex scenes are scorching!

Not So Much

        I literally have nothing to complain about! I loved this book in every possible way.

To Sum It All Up!

        I haven’t had such a horrible book hangover in a very long time.  The ending blew me away and I kept thinking about it days later.  I don’t know whether to be heartbroken, elated, upset, mad, happy, or just plain flummoxed, so I think I’ll be all those emotions times five.  If you’re not a fan of cliffhangers then fare warning wait for the other books in this series to come out before you begin this one.

       I really liked that the book switched from past to present, so you could feel Danni’s emotions right along with her and you truly do.  When her world comes crashing down on her, as the reader I was crushed right along with her.  This story devastated me on so many levels and I loved every single second of it.  Danni is such a unique character that you can’t help but love her and be hooked to her story.  She says and does things that you can only dream about in real life and because of that she puts a smile on your face, but when her heart breaks yours as well.  I’m literally counting down the seconds till Two is a Lie comes out.  Pam Godwin has certainly outdone herself on the awesome scale! 

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Laura’s Review of Vicious (Sinners of Saint, #1) by L.J. Shen

Synopsis

Emilia

They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true.
The man who comes to me in my dreams also haunts me in my nightmares.
He is a brilliant lawyer.
A skilled criminal.
A beautiful liar.
A bully and a savior, a monster and a lover.
Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.

Vicious

She is a starving artist.
Pretty and evasive like cherry blossom.
Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down.
She paid the price.
Emilia LeBlanc is completely off-limits, my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate.
That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t.
So she hates me. Big fucking deal.
She better get used to me. 

What I Loved

        It’s been a long time since I was scared and anxious to start reading a book but that’s exactly how I felt about starting Vicious.  I say scared because after reading Defy, Vicious scared the crap out of me, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a character so cruel and cold down to their very core.  Yet at the same time he intrigued me because I knew there was more to this man, he was powerful and mean but I wanted to know what made him tick. 

        Emelia is also introduced in Defy, she intrigued me in a whole different way because she stood up to Vicious when no one else had in High School and because of that I instantly loved her.  From the beginning of this book I fell for this girl all over again.  She’s struggling to make ends meet for her and her sister in New York City, cast out of California she just wants to be able to be happy and live.  Emelia’s a strong-willed woman whose fiercely loyal to her family and is crazy talented as an artist but can’t explore that side of her dreams because of financial reasons. 

        In walks her enemy, Vicious aka Baron Spencer Jr. who sees his old high school prey and pounces once again! Soon it’s easy to feel the attraction between them and the boiling anger and frustration as well.  Vicious might be an adult now but he still plays games and has no problem playing with Emelia, little does he realize how hard he is falling for her at the same time.  The back and forth between them pulls you in and makes you addicted to this story, there were so many times where I was scared for Emelia but happy for her at the same time.  Vicious is truly a scary character but when all those walls melt away you are hypnotized by his aura and personality. 

Not So Much

        I have no complaints about this story at all.  I loved every second of it, and the details for me were right on point.  I’m a fan of when authors can paint a complete picture of each scene and I got that from the beginning to end.

To Sum It All Up!

        Overall this was another amazing book by L.J. Shen, that I was addicted to from the start.  Vicious scared the crap out of me in Defy and I truly scared to see what he would be like in his own story.  I liked that the book went from past to present because it left you wondering what happened between Vicious and Emelia all those years ago and kept you wondering for quite some time. 

        I love characters that have many layers to them because it not only adds to depth to the plot it’s a sign of a good author to me.  Vicious in so many way is a complicated character; he is someone so cruel capable of creating major damage but once you make it past his many walls he is caring and capable of love.  I loved how Emelia never put up with his shit, and no matter how loud he yelled she never cowered like so many others.  I loved her unique style and spunk, she always stood out in a crowd and never really cared what people thought of her.  She loved her sister so much she was willing to sacrifice a lot for her and took care of her every single day. 

The chemistry between Vicious and Emelia was unmistakable no matter how much they fought it.  I loved seeing the power Emelia had over Vicious because no one else in his life could influence him the way she could.  The scenes between them always left me wanting more and I couldn’t wait for them to rip each other’s clothes off! This was truly a captivating story and I can’t wait to see what comes next for the HotHoles because it’s guaranteed to be awesome!!

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Laura’s Review of Provocative (White Lies Duet, #1) by Lisa Renee Jones

Synopsis

Book one in the sexy and scintillating new White Lies duet by Lisa Renee Jones! 

There are those moments in life that are provocative in their very existences, that embed in our minds forever, and sometimes our very souls. They change us, mold us, maybe even save us. But some are darker, dangerous. If we allow them to, they control us. Seduce us. Quite possibly even destroy us.

The moment I walked into Sonoma’s Reid Winter Winery and Vineyard and made eye contact with Faith Winter for the first time was one of those moments. Provocative because I know at least one of her secrets, of which, I suspect she has many. Provocative because she believes I was a stranger to her when we met, but I am not. Provocative because I sought her out, with no intention of touching her. But now I have. Now I want her. Now I have to have her. But that changes nothing. It doesn’t change why I came for her.

Book two: Shameless will be out on July 11th!

What I Loved

        Every time I begin a book by Lisa Renee Jones I know I will completely love it but hate it all at the same time, because I will end up having about 1,000 unanswered questions by the end. Which of course happened again when I finished reading this book.  Provocative is a spin-off from the Inside Out series, following Chris Merit’s attorney, Tiger aka Nick Rogers’ story.  Nick is in pursuit of the person who is responsible for his father’s death and in doing so crosses paths with the beautiful Faith Winter. 

        From there the story intertwines between seduction, mystery and suspense, leaving me NEEDING to know more!  I started this book with a little trepidation, wondering if I could really get involved with yet another character from the Inside Out series but the minute I began reading I was hooked.  Nick was an alluring character when he worked for Chris so I knew that I would like him but by the end I absolutely loved him.  He’s this domineering alpha male that always gets what he wants no questions asked and has the balls to back it up!

        I really liked the character of Faith as well, she’s strong willed and capable of running a winery but has this creative side to her as well.  She’s sacrificed her artistic career to run her father’s winery and fulfill his dream after he passed which was is admirable.  I love how she keeps Nick on his toes and leaves him wanting and I absolutely love the attraction between the two of them.

Not So Much

        I really have nothing to complain about, I truly loved the plot.  I will warn anyone who does not like cliffhangers though that this is not the book for you until Shameless comes out.  But fare warning, if you like Lisa Renee Jones then you should be used to cliffhangers so get over it!

To Sum It All Up!

        Overall, this was another amazing story written by Lisa Renee Jones.  I thought I had my mind made up about one of the characters throughout the book, but then at the very last second I was left questioning everything!  I love books that make me so frustrated; I know it’s contradictory, but I want to be kept on my toes and this author always does that.  I cannot wait until Shameless comes out because I really need to find out what’s going to happen next!

        The attraction between Nick and Faith is unquestionable and I loved their scenes together.  It was kind of sweet seeing Nick settle into his feelings for Faith, and to watch Faith fight her feelings for Nick at every turn.  You know there are a lot of secrets between these two and I can’t wait to see them all unravel.  I was addicted to this story from the beginning until the very last page.

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