The Fall (The Reluctant Romantics #1) by Kate Stewart [REVIEW]

Dallas

He was the beginning of my heart . . . and the end of it.
I was only fifteen years old when he claimed it and twenty when he took it with him.
They say what is meant to be will find a way. But when you have changed to the point of no return, how can anything ever be the same?
Seven years later, Dean Martin waltzed back into my life in hopes of resuming what I had fought so hard to forget, but he was in for a wake-up call.
I was no longer the naïve woman he had left . . . and I was no longer his.
I met the love of my life and my soul mate when I was fifteen. I knew that; he knew that. He wanted that girl back. I wanted to forget she ever existed.

My Biggest Mistake by Leddy Harper [REVIEW]

Edie had spent her whole life planning her future, imagining her husband, her kids, and even which minivan she’d drive. Lucky for her, she didn’t have to wait long, marrying her high school sweetheart right after graduation.

All of Edie’s dreams had come true, until they were no longer her dreams. Unable to deal with the lingering depression caused by having children, she left her whole life behind, walking away from the one thing she'd always wanted.

Donovan Leery loved his wife with everything he had and could never imagine life without her. Until he came home from work one day and found a letter from Edie, explaining she needed a break. Not only leaving him to live his life without her, but alone to raise their three small children.

Separation by Stylo Fantome (The Kane Trilogy, #2)

 

 

Can the Devil be Forgiven?
Everything is fun and games until someone gets hurt, and what Jameson Kane did to Tatum O'Shea goes so far beyond hurt, he is well into the realm of unforgivable. Tate says she wants him gone for good, and he quickly learns that the old saying, “you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone”, is most definitely true.

But Jameson has never been very good at following instructions, and when Satan decides to seek redemption, he'll go to great lengths to get it. He proposes one last game – one to end them all, if she agrees to play. He is very confident that he can win, but Tate warns him that it's not possible; she will not lose again. Little does she know, Jameson is prepared to do whatever it takes. Prepared to lay the entire world at her feet. Prepared to bear his soul.

What he didn't count on, though, was handing the damn thing over.

Now Jameson can only pray that his evil ways haven't rubbed off on Tate too much. Sometimes, it's very difficult to tell who the Devil really is …

4 I-hate-you-but-love-you Stars

When I read the title “Separation” I cringed. I don’t like it when the main characters are apart in book two of any series, but do not fret! It’s not like that.

I loved book one, so I went into Separation with a lot of caution.

Separation picks up where Degradation left off. Tate almost died, she went kind of crazy and now she’s working on getting over HIM and moving on with her life. I loved the way Degradation ended. I wanted a crazy cliffy and boy did I get it.

So Tate is really wounded because she allowed herself to care for Kane, but he goes and brings his ex-girlfriend back home with him. Who does that? I guess a jealous Kane does. Tate doesn’t want anything to do with Kane.

Kane messed up big time and he’s trying to make amends. He realizes what he did was very wrong and he will do anything to get Tate back. I love it when the Hero chases after the Heroine after a big fight. I got a lot of angst and sexual tension.

What I love about the writing is that there is no flowery writing or “I Love You’s”. I feel like Kane and Tate are their own unique characters and both own up to it.

I like how determined Tate is. She becomes closer to baseball player Nick and of course Ang is still her best friend she leans on. I like how ruthless and mean Kane is. Of course he has to change a bit to chase down Tate, but he still stays true to his character.

Tate mentions Kane having sex with his ex-girlfriend, not saying he does or doesn’t, just that she mentions it all the time! It was driving me bonkers. I guess that’s my mild annoyance, is that some of the issues were repeatedly mentioned several times.

Separation overall was a good read. I did get a little frustrated towards the ending, because I feel like there’s only so many times Tate can push away before I get kind of angry and want to throw my tablet against the wall.

The ending left me a little unsettled and I may take a mini-break before I finish out the series. I’m not a big fan of angst, but I do appreciate it and can only handle it in mild doses.

 

REVIEW | AMAZON$1.99

 

 

AMAZON $1.99

 

Crazy woman living in an undisclosed location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ..., forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.

I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.

Yeah. I think that about sums me up.

 

https://www.goodreads.com/stylofantome

https://www.facebook.com/stylofantomeauthor

@StyloFantome



 

Saving Quinton (Nova, #2) by Jessica Sorensen

Saving Quinton by Jessica Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 What??!! ending Stars

I'm in complete shock.

I was debating if I wanted to start Saving Quinton so soon after finishing Breaking Nova, but I really wanted to see how Nova saves Quinton, I mean, based on the title, it should be about Nova saving Quinton right?

Let me sum up what happens….

The beginning is a little intro to what Nova and Quinton have been up to. Nova is going to school and Quinton is still taking drugs, now meth.

Nova goes to see Quinton and try to “save” him
Quinton acts like a drugged up junkie and pushes Nova away

Nova visits Quinton again to “save” him
Quinton acts like a drugged up junkie and pushes Nova away

Nova visits Quinton again to “save” him
Quinton acts like a drugged up junkie and pushes Nova away

And on and on and on…, you will want to pull your hair out, but in a very good way... sometimes you need this kind of angst

Then you get to the climatic ending…. Where Quinton basically falls off the deep end and you can just imagine what I think of the Hero.

And all of this time I am thinking to myself, why didn’t she just try to get help from adults and push Quinton to go to rehab? I was also a little frustrated with the flashbacks. I wasn't fond of the Lexi and Landon flash backs. I got the relationships in Breaking Nova, now I want to focus on the current on, Nova and Quinton.

Overall, I enjoyed the way it was written (the flow) and even though I wanted to throw my tablet across the room several times and I wanted to punch Quinton in the face, Saving Quinton was an intense, but enjoyable read… and the ending will leave you surprised, shocked and gasping.

I forget Jessica is known for her cliffys, but I didn’t think I would be so shaken up by the ending. The climatic ending was VERY DRAMATIC, it was a little intense. I get Nova likes Quinton and she wants to save him because she couldn’t save Landon, but sometimes a Hero can push you too far. I haven't given up on Quinton yet, but he's boarder line close.

Overall, if you are a fan of the series, you love the up and down roller coaster and you are okay losing a few hairs because you have been pulling them out, then this is for you.

I'm going to continue with the series, because I can't help to find out what happens.

Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON

Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward

Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 YES YES OH PLEASE YES STARS

I picked up Stepbrother Dearest for two reasons, one, it’s by Ward and two, hello, storyline! Stepbrother and stepsister, oh you know it’s going to be good.

AND IT IS GOOD

If you are looking for an emotional, intense, roller coaster read, then this one is for you. If you are looking for a jerk of a Hero you want to hate and love, then Elec is for you.

Summary

To sum it up, Elec moves in with Greta to live with her and the family for a year. Elec is mean, says off handed comments to Greta and wants nothing to do with his new family. Greta is the sweet sister that tries to see past Elec’s harsh demeanor.

Greta and Elec





What worked so well for me is simply the two main characters. Ward creates these characters that have so much depth and so much angst and so many issues, you just can’t stop reading!

And I didn’t. I read this sucker in one sitting and I could have read more.

Greta is a sweet heart. She’s the girl you want to be friends with and talk to on the phone. She tries really hard to form some friendship with Elec, but Elec makes it very different.

Ward is known to create really really really mean heroes. I’m use to this and I love it. Some of the things Elec does and says I’m just grinning from ear to ear, because it’s so mean, but it makes for such a great read.

He calls her pretty plain, he says she is pathetic and he continues to make snide remarks. It’s pretty fantastic.

Overall

I would describe the first half of the book just filled with youthful tension and banter. I love the relationship Greta and Elec have and you are just rooting for them to kiss. The second half would be more angsty and a little darker. The emotions of the two are heightening. I enjoyed both aspects of the book and couldn’t see it any other way. I felt like it really rounded the story.

The only part I couldn’t take was Elec’s POV you will get for a bit. I felt like it was a tad redundant and I understood what Ward was trying to do, but still I didn’t feel like reread again. I kind of skimmed that part.

Other that than, if you are a Ward fan and like her style of writing as I do, then you will not be disappointed.

AMAZON

What If by Rebecca Donovan

What If by Rebecca Donovan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Frustrating Stars

What If was a very difficult read for me. I’m still reeling on how I feel. There’s plenty of ups and downs and all arounds. All I can say is that if you want a bumping ride, intense book, frustrating, pull-your-hair-out, just scream book, then THIS.ONE.IS.FOR.YOU

Introduction

You know that movie, Sweet November? Where the girl meets a guy and changes his life upside down by just being fun and free spirited? What If is kind of like that and no, she doesn’t get cancer and die.

Cal had a really loving childhood. He had a group of friends who he loved, but once they all reached high school, everything changed and Nicole, his closest friend, stopped talking to him.

Nyelle walks into his life during college and she looks exactly like Nicole, but it can’t be her because she acts NOTHING like Nicole. Cal is instantly drawn to her and needs to find out if Nyelle is Nicole.

Nyelle

Nyelle is fun, she’s loose, she’s carefree and very adorable. You would want to be her friend. She doesn’t care what people think of her and she has a heart of gold. The girl volunteers at homeless shelters, visits sick kids and eats a lot of sugar. I will admit Nyelle is a unique Heroine, I’ve never read anyone so different. It’s obvious she is compensating for something, but we just don’t know what.

Cal

I’m on the fence with Cal. I liked him, but he frustrated me at times. There are plenty of times he could have straight out asked if Nyelle was Nicole, but he never did because he didn’t want to push the issue, but to me, it felt like the author was just trying to stretch the storyline. He’s a sweet guy and kind of acts like a puppy in the way he accepts whatever bread crumbs Nyelle throws at him.

Overall

I have mixed feelings towards What If because first, I don’t like the flash backs. It’s a pet peeve and a personal choice of mine. Not only do I not like flash backs, but I don’t like it when flash backs are not in order and they are from different POV’s. It’s confusing sometimes and frustrating, but it did show me glimpses of the childhood.

Second, I don’t like a book based on a secret, well this one has two. Is Nyelle Nicole and why does Nyelle act the way she acts? I think my issue with books with secrets is that it drives me nuts while I read it, but it did get me to read it in two sittings, because I had to find out. So hence my mix feelings.

The whole book is frustrating, because you are ripped between flash backs to present tense, then Nyelle acts so mysterious and Cal doesn’t confront Nyelle. You are screaming for someone to just talk it out. However, with all that said, What If is written well and you are jumping page to page. It’s crazy I know.

Sometimes you want those crazy books, sometimes those crazy books that make you scream, rip your hair out and fuss are really good ones that leave you breathless and like me, reeling.

So take it for what it’s worth, that is my opinion.

AN ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

AMAZON

Harder (Caroline & West, #2) by Robin York

Harder by Robin York
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Angsty Stars

Harder was a bit hard for me to read. I’m not a huge fan of angsty reads, but I did find myself glued to the pages and wanting to pull my hair out.

West went back home to take care of his family and Caroline is dealing with a heart break.

What I do love about Harder was that Caroline and West weren’t separated! I really hate it when I read book 2 of series and the main characters aren’t together anyhow. I know Caroline and West aren’t together persay, but a few months later, we pick up where the rocky relationship left off.

West’s father dies and Caroline travels to comfort and be with West.

West

I have a lot of opinions of West. He’s the definition of damaged, tortured, messed-up Hero. He has to take care of his mother, his sister and deal with his terrible dead father. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for Caroline and he does EVERYTHING he can to push her away.

Caroline

I would describe Caroline as a lost puppy. If you ever loved a beaten down Heroine, then she’s perfect for you. Caroline does everything she can to be there for West. She stays where he wants her to, does what he wants her to do and constantly texts him and even gives him a no string-attached sex. I know, I shake my head too.

Overall

For the first half of the book, it’s very hard for me to like West. As much as I love a jerk of a Hero, West does some terrible things (and in my opinion) is unforgivable. I understand why he does what he does, but does he have to be so mean to Caroline?

Caroline stays with Frankie and West stays with Bo. For days, West doesn’t see Caroline and Caroline just wants to comfort and be there to West. Caroline wants West to leave his hometown and go back to school.

West smokes, is mean and basically ignores Caroline. There are a few moments where they have conversation, but it’s really short and your heart breaks for Caroline.

What got me really hooked is just all the tension! You want to punch West in the face and just scream at Caroline to slap West silly. There’s a lot of drama and you feel for both parties (as much as West bothered me, I did feel for him).

It’s not a perfect relationship, but it’s a very intense story. If you want drama, angst and love the series to begin with, then you will be happy with this one.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON

Giveaway! The Temptation of Lila and Ethan by Jessica Sorensen

Summary

THE TEMPTATION OF LILA AND ETHAN by Jessica Sorensen (May 6, 2014; Forever Trade Paperback; $12.00)

On the surface, Lila Summers is flawless: good looks, expensive clothes, and a big, beautiful smile. But a dark past and even darker secrets are threatening to bubble over her perfect façade. She'll do anything to keep the emptiness inside hidden—which leads her into situations that always end badly. Whenever she hits bottom, there's only one person who's there to pull her out: Ethan Gregory.

Ethan set the rules a long time ago: he and Lila are just friends. He doesn't do relationships. Although his tattooed, bad boy exterior is a far cry from Lila's pretty princess image, Ethan can't deny they have a deeper connection than he's used to. If he's not careful, he could be in serious danger of becoming attached-and he's learned the hard way that attachment only leads to heartbreak.

When Lila falls farther than she ever has before, can Ethan continue to help as a friend? Or is he also getting close to falling . . . for her?

Review

4 filling in the pieces stars

Damaged Heroine? - > CHECK

Damaged Hero? - > CHECK

Depressing storyline? - > CHECK

MAJOR sexual tension? - > CHECK

What do you get?! - > A Jessica Sorensen novel!!!!

The non-paranormal Jessica Sorensen reads kind of all sound the same after some time, but I was surprised on how much I enjoyed The Temptation of Lila and Ethan. I think I enjoyed it because it had new characters and slightly new issues. Also, I didn’t want to slap anyone in the face.

Lila is the pretty rich girl who isn’t loved by her parents. Her mom is verbally abusive and Lila has no support system, because of this, she ends up getting hurt at fourteen, which leads her to depend on drugs and sex. Ethan isn’t going anywhere in life, but loves his girlfriend London. London isn’t good for Ethan because she does drugs and loves it. After an accident, Ethan life changes and he decides to move away and start over.

I don’t think there are good guys and bad guys anymore. I don’t even know what I am

Lila and Ethan cross paths in the previous two books from the Micha and Ella series. I’ve always been curious about Lila because her character is so different from Ella. I thought there would be a lot of Micha and Ella interaction in this book, but there isn’t and I’m so okay with that.

I simply wanted a Lila and Ethan novel and I got it. As much as I complain that Jessica’s books are kind of similar there is something about her writing which kind of draws you in. You feel the character’s emotions and pain.

Lila is the crazy one in the book. She’s a big mess and is going downhill fast. Ethan on occasion does help Lila out, like when she wakes up the next morning from a hook up and needs a ride home. Lila and Ethan’s banter is very cute and I enjoy the dialogue. If I could describe their relationship is that they are one ball of SEXUAL TENSION!

The sexual tension was crazy in this book. You will be just reading and reading and reading waiting for the good stuff. I couldn’t put the book down and finished in on sitting and it’s a long book in my opinion.

Ethan has his issues as well and he’s very closed off. I was wondering if there would be a cliffy and I am happy to say NO! Thank my goodness!

Overall, The Temptation of Lila and Ethan was a great read and a great break between the Micha and Ella storyline.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON

 About the Author

Jessica Sorensen is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives with her husband and three kids in Idaho. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

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Excerpt 

“Why do you think it’s so hard to be alone?” Lila asks, struggling to keep her eyes open as she gazes out at the night sky through the cab window.

I’m turned sideways in the seat, with my knee up, so I’m facing her, even though she won’t look at me. I lost count of how many shots we had hours ago and I can barely comprehend how we got to a cab—stumbling, laughing, as she rubbed her hand up the front of my jeans. No, that can’t be right, can it?

“I think being alone is fan-fucking-tastic. . . well, maybe . . .sometimes . . .” I mumble, draping my arm on the back of the seat. I stare at her for a moment, taking in her bare skin in the moonlight. I want to touch it. Lick it. Even bite it.

I’m bursting with sexual energy and I channel it to my foot on the floor, bouncing my knee. There’s something different about tonight, something out of the ordinary, this strange need

to keep getting closer to Lila. It could be the alcohol. Or it could be something else, but there’s no way my tequila-soaked mind is going to reach any sort of answer.

Lila turns her head toward me, her pupils wide and shiny. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

I keep tapping my foot on the floor, trying to think of a better answer than the first one that pops into my head, but I can’t find one. “Because I’m thinking about you.”

She glances at the cab driver, a thirtyish guy wearing a baseball cap, and then her gaze lands back on me. She sucks her lip into her teeth and I have to bounce my knee faster or I swear I’m going to fucking lose it. “Thinking what about me?” she asks, looking wary, interested, and exhausted.

Don’t say it . . . “I was thinking about what it would be like to lick you . . . or bite you . . . either one really.” It seems like I should regret it as soon as I say it, but regret is nowhere in my

reach at the moment.

Her breathing quickens and her voice comes out shockingly unsteady for someone who has sex so much. “Then do it.”

I blink, wondering if I heard her right through the massive amount of alcohol consuming my thoughts. “What?”

She holds my gaze steadily, even though she seems really nervous, her voice trembling. “Then bite me. Or lick me…whatever you want.”

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