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Book Review - Bridge Over the Atlantic by Lisa Hobman

Book Review – Bridge Over the Atlantic by Lisa J Hobman

**Note:  I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review**

This is the first time I have ever read a book without knowing what it was about – never read the synopsis until I was about 75% through.  I just dove right in, at the end of Chapter One, I was already in love…..with Sam and Mallory.  I found myself smiling through their conversations and their date and first sexual encounter.  I LOVED that I was finally reading a book around real everyday people.  Mallory is a curvy girl and from the sounds of it, Sam is not a GQ model either.  Curvy girls unite!!!!  (Curvy can be sexy – just means our men need to be strong enough not to drop us, should they decide to take us up against a wall J )

Then the book took a turn…..an unexpected twist leading in a totally different direction, causing your mind and your emotions to totally flip-flop around.   There I was, bawling like baby.....THAT was unexpected.  I was crying because of what happened, but even more so over imagining, no, KNOWING what Mallory was feeling….almost like I stepped in and became her…..I was crying when she couldn’t.  OMG – what will she do???  OK – I cried all the way through a complete chapter….it was a hard, ugly cry.  My eyes were swollen and my nose stuffy and I went through at least ½ box of Kleenex….it really was quite pitiful.  Thank goodness for e-readers and being about to adjust the font.....I had to adjust to large print so I could see through the tears.   Now, don’t let tears keep you from reading this book!!!!  Soldier on, you will be so glad you did.

The  story continues….paths are crossed, journeys of personal growth and healing are made, hearts are broken, fate is tested…..and through it all, I fell in love all over again.

Synopsis:

Mallory Westerman is a full-figured, successful, young business woman living in Yorkshire, England. Though very career minded, she is extremely self-conscious about her ample curves and so her love life tends to pay the price.

Concentrating solely on her business, she has almost given up on finding someone to love. That is until she literally trips into the arms of a stranger who becomes her Knight in shining armour.

The immediate sexual and romantic spark that blossoms into love and the events that follow, irrevocably change Mallory’s life-path and self-image forever, but only go to prove that the road to true love is never smooth and that things don’t always turn out how you expect…

Great debut, Lisa Hobman!  I look forward to future publications.

Book Review - Girl with Guitar (Kylie Ryans) by Caisey Quinn - 4+ Stars

Book Review – Girl with Guitar (Kylie Ryans) by Caisey Quinn  - FOUR+ STARS

Y’all meet Caisey Quinn….new Indie Author who just broke out her Debut Album, I mean Novel….Girl with Guitar.  In my opinion, she really knocked it off the charts with this one!!!  I immediately fell in love with Kylie and Trace and their journey.

I can’t really put my finger on the one thing that pulled me in….whether is it my love of Country Music, my love of bad boys, my love of angsty romance, etc.  Did I connect with Kylie because we both lost our fathers far too young? I don’t know what is was….I am just glad I dove in and got to live through their story. Seems there are two things Kylie loved most in this world…her dad and her music…..and then she met Trace…..  Seems there are two things Trace tries to avoid…turning into his father and commitment……and then he meets Kylie

Synopsis: 

*This is a New Adult Romance and contains MA 17+ Content.

After Kylie’s dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy stepmother, Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out and she loses her job all in the same day, she hops a bus to Nashville determined to make her late father’s dreams come true.

Waitressing and saving her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she’s asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once platinum album-selling country music superstar Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he’s pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can’t pull Trace out of his rut, he’ll pull her and her dreams down with him.

This is sure to be a Number One hit…..definitely not a one hit wonder!  I loved their angsty relationship….I loved that Kylie is a strong character….quick on her feet and very witty.  I love that Trace is a bad boy in the public eye and a softy in the comforts of home.  I can’t wait to see how their journey continues.  Will their tour buses take the straight and narrow, or will they travel roads unknown?   I am sure we will find speed bumps and detours….and even fork in the road.  One could lead to Happily-Ever-After and one could lead to a total dead end!  I can’t wait to find out!

Some recent treasures that found their way to my Kindle

So – It’s been a little while since my last post.  I haven’t meant to stay away but my eyes have been glued to my Kindle.  I recently came across a few treasures….some great reads that unfortunately, I did not review – not because I did not want to, but because I let too much time pass, and too many other pages read, between the time I finished them and the time I sat down at the computer.  I am finding I must review right away, if I intend to, and that proves difficult sometimes when I am wrapping up a book at 2:00-3:00 in the morning….then I start a new book the next day and I am lost again.  So - here is what I recently found:

The Crash Series - by Nicole Williams.  The trilogy consists of Crash, Clash and Crush.  I read them all in a matter of 4 or 5 days and loved the series.  Here is the synopsis of book #1:

Jude Ryder and Lucy Larson are this generation's Romeo and Juliet: Explosive. Sizzling. Tragic.

A steamy summer encounter with bad boy Jude means trouble for Lucy. Her sights are set on becoming a ballerina, and she won't let anything get in her way . . . except Jude.

He's got a rap sheet, dangerous mood swings, and a name that's been sighed, shouted, and cursed by who knows how many girls.

Jude's a cancer, the kind of guy who's fated to ruin the lives of girls like Lucy—and he tells her so.

But as rumors run rampant and reputations are destroyed, Lucy's not listening to Jude's warning. Is tragedy waiting in the wings? This racy romance is hot, hot, hot!

So – after diving in, I found that the characters were a little younger than I normally read.  But as I have said before, it seems all the good books lately are starring younger and younger characters.  Doesn’t anything hot and steamy happen after the age of 35-40?   Anyway, I wonder if I had known the ages of the characters, if I would have proceeded with reading?  Not sure, but I am so glad I read this book.  I just love falling in love with the bad boys!  If someone asked me what this series compared to, I would suggest the Thoughtless series.    Bad Boy, angsty relationship, second guessing and trust issues, etc.  It was a great series and was my first introduction to Nicole Williams writing.  I will certainly check out other books from her.

Strings (Hard Rock Harlots #1) by Kendall Grey.  This also was my first introduction to this author.  I gotta say this was my most , ummm, interesting read lately.   An author page that I “like” on facebook recommended and had commented on the disclaimer written on the book.  Well, once I took a look and read the disclaimer, there was no way I could not proceed.  This book was unlike anything I had read to date.  Ummm – you are just gonna have to take a look for yourself.  Check out the disclaimer and synopsis below:

WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein are not condoned by anyone with a lick of sense and should certainly not be reproduced without proper training and protection. The potty-mouthed and perpetually horny "heroine" (the term is used loosely) of this book does not resemble a normal, well-adjusted, or remotely believable person in any way, shape, or form. The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it.

* Readers are strongly advised to wear latex gloves whilst reading to minimize contamination risks.

Free-spirited musician Letty Dillinger adheres to a strict, "no strings attached" policy when it comes to men. After a wild night of unabashed sex in a fancy hotel room, she never expects to see the adventurous stud she dubs "Shades" again. When her all-girl rock trio books a tour at the last minute as the opening act for their archenemies, Letty's shocked to discover she knows the competition's new lead singer. Intimately. Shades is no longer a one-night stand. Now he's the guy she has to one-up on stage every night for the sake of her career.

Sharing close quarters on a bus with her sexy nemesis and his bad-boy buddies puts Letty's Golden Rule to the test. On this tour, guitar strings aren't the only things being played. And when heartstrings are pulled too hard, they're bound to snap sooner or later.

OK – so I laughed at the warning disclaimer – but it is no joke.  I started this book and many times thought to myself, I CANNOT read this….there is no way I could continue.  But there was also no way I could really stop either.  It was DIRTY.  I found myself so embarrassed that I was reading such things.  Letty talks worse than sailor.  The things that come out of her mouth and mind just floored me.  I felt like I should be hiding in the corner and peeking over the edge of my ereader to make sure no one was watching me and trying to read my facial expressions.  I am imaging my face was all shades of red….just about every page I felt like I needed to be cleansed……BUT if you can get thru the X-rated smut and vulgar language, the story hidden in the pages was really quite good!  Take that disclaimer VERY VERY serious.   If you think you can handle it – go for it.  You don’t have to tell anyone you read it…….but I bet you will.  Just don’t tell your momma! She would not be proud of your taste in books - but she would be proud for your bargain shopping, as this little trinket is currently 99 cents.

No Attachments by Tiffany King.  Guess it’s a time for new author, because this was my first read from Tiffany King.  I really enjoyed this book and will read more from her.   I feel in love with the characters and their witty banter.

Here is what I shared on Goodreads:  I loved Ashton and Nathan’s story.  I love a book where I can smile and laugh through the dialogue.  I loved their fun and witty banter.  I loved their dates, I loved that I was still surprised, even though I thought I knew where things were going.  I loved that I giggled through their dialogue, swooned through their emotions (the ones they fought within themselves, as well as one another) and I cried through the emotional battles, and sighed with a very full heart.

So what’s it about?  Here is the synopsis:

** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations, language and mature subject matter **

Ashton Garrison walked away from a privileged life in order to hide from the one thing she's not willing to face. She knows she left behind a trail of pain, but in the long run, her betrayal will hurt less than the truth. She now has one goal: Live life to the fullest with no regrets and no attachments. She has high hopes that a move to new surroundings will provide the escape she desires, but what Ashton doesn't count on is how fate always seems to find a way to screw up any good plan. Sometimes, when love comes knocking, the pull is too strong not to answer. Suddenly, what she thought she wanted to escape from is what Ashton now wants more than anything.

Nathan Lockton has one mission: find his target and complete the task he was hired to do—no attachments and no emotion necessary. He's done it over and over again. What he thought was a typical lost-and-found job has turned into a life examining moment as Nathan is forced to deal with something he has always ignored--his feelings. Now faced with a decision, Nathan must choose to either follow his heart or complete the job.

Love can come when you least expect it. The question is: If the odds are stacked against you, how far are you willing to go for the one you love?

Download to your Kindle today – only 99 cents!

Book Review – Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines - FIVE STARS

Book Review – Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines  - FIVE STARS

I fell in love today…….with Woods Kerrington.  Yes, we met him in the Too Far series by Abbi Glines.   She thought he deserved his own story and I could NOT agree more.    What is not to love?  He’s handsome, drives a truck, has a little money in his pocket and is a hands-on, fix-it kind of guy!

Here’s the synopsis:

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected…

Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.

What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came.
The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine…

Again, this book is a spin off from Abbi’s “Too Far” Series, and could be read on its own.  However, I would recommend you read Fallen Too Far and Never Too Far first…..because if you don’t, you are only depriving yourself of NOT falling in love with Rush and Blair’s story.  (Note:  the 3^rd installment of the Too Far series will be released sometime this summer)

Anyway, about Twisted Perfection:   I loved the banter and attraction between Della and Woods during their first encounter.  My first thoughts of Della were “what a floozy!”  but I fell in love with her too…her story, what she is overcoming, getting over her fears, taking life by the reigns....we should all be so carefree at times in our lives.   Woods could easily offend you…..he is very direct in his sexual desires – never hesitating to say what he wants and how badly he wants it.  He was never looking for love.  Hell, he never knew he wanted it.  His family certainly has other plans for him.  Della is scared and a little damaged.  Woods so desperately needs to heal her and I don’t think there is anything that can stop him…..I can’t wait to see where the rest of their story goes.

This author has really captured me.  This is only the 3^rd book I have read from this author.  She pulls me totally in every time…..this one might be my favorite yet. You know you are in deep when you find your body slightly swaying, as Woods holds Della to him, cradling and comforting her through her fight with demons.   You can bet my kindle will be filled with many of her writings.

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Book Review: Collide (Vol 1) by Gail McHugh – FIVE STARS!!!

Book Review:  Collide (Vol 1) by Gail McHugh – FIVE STARS!!!

OMG!!!!  I just finished this book!   I started it yesterday and was up until 3am reading it this morning, when I finally had to force myself to go to sleep because I had to be up at 6.  As soon as I got home from work, I immediately dove it.   My emotions, right now, are all over the place.  I am hoping I can put coherent thoughts together long enough to make a decent review.

Holy Cow – where do I begin….Let’s start with the synopsis:

A missed first encounter…

Colliding with a second chance…

On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York City for a fresh start.

While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man.

Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over.

This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life.

This book (the first of a 2 part series) encompassed it all…..

I empathized with Emily with the loss of a parent, and fear of the unknown.   At briefly appreciated the first signs of possessiveness of her boyfriend, Dillon.  I mean come on, what girl doesn’t want their man to feel a little possessive every now and again.  And how he took care of her….how can you not love him for late?  Later, I wanted to beat the crap out of the guy. 

Emily drove me nuts……how can she believe a guy who lies to her over and over and not believe the one who is honest?    Yet, I felt for her……to feel obligated to one love and so passionate for another.   To stare at temptation…….i remember that feeling and remember how scary it is trying to make the right decision.

I immediately fell in love with Gavin.  I loved his playfulness, his passion, his banter, his will-power and yet the lack of will-power.  My heart broke for him.  I became his #1 cheerleader.  Inside my head, I SCREAMED at him when he made one very stupid decision. 

“Your mind and your body will never forget the things I’m going to do to you tonight.   Every…single…inch of your body if going to feel me”

HAVE MERCY!

And what a cliffhanger ending!!!  I gotta change my ways – waiting for sequels is killing me. I keep saying I am no longer going to read a series until each book has been published.  But I am such a sucker and must enjoy being tortured.  This book ended with my pulse quickened and breathless.   Summer can’t get here soon enough – when Pulse, book 2 of the 2 part series, is released!!!!