REVIEW ~The Charlotte Chronicles by Jen Frederick~

Title: The Charlotte Chronicles

Author: Jen Frederick

Series: The Jackson Boys #1

Release Date: December 8, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Charlotte and Nathan were supposed to be forever. They grew up together. Their families were intertwined. Charlotte was Nathan's first love. Nathan was Charlotte's first everything.

Until they weren't.

How do you hold on to the person you know in your heart you are supposed to be with when everything and everyone in the universe is telling you it's over?

How many times does a heart break?
When is enough…..enough?
How long is forever?

Look no further for a book that will absolutely tear to you into pieces and put you back one heartbreaking moment at a time. I can't quite explain how much I love this book. It it one of the most emotional and gut-wrenching books I've ever read, yet there was a whole other part of it that gave me an infinite amount of hope and love for the characters of this book. I will say this, I wish I had read The Woodlands series before I read The Charlotte Chronicles. The couple in this book, Charlotte and Nathan are the children of two of the couples from that series. So after reading this book and getting glimpses into the past of these couples I wish I had started from the beginning to come full circle. Although, it surely didn't make this book any less enjoyable, but I still can't wait to go back and read the other books! 

To put it mildly, this book is an utter rollercoaster and hurricane of emotions. It's starts out with complete heartbreak. The author throws you into turmoil, where two tight-knit families are facing the unthinkable. Yet, in the face of that danger and fear Nathan and Charlotte finally cross the boundary from friends to lovers, and quite truthfully soul mates, that they've been toeing for years. Yet, all to soon, even with happy news comes more heartbreak. You follow Charlotte as she writes to Nathan when distance separates them, and experience every ounce of anger and every blow to her heart. The truth is, they faced too much, too soon. They needed to become their own persons before they could fully become a couple. And to a teenage heart the time and space needed is unfathomable, but in the end it gave them even more strength that they would soon need. 

When Nathan and Charlotte come together once more, it's absolute joy. I couldn't tell you how happy I was that these two found there way back to one another. And this time when my heart skipped a beat when more unbelievable news was delivered, I didn't fear for their relationship. It was made painfully clear throughout the story that they had each built up enough strength to fight anything, and when they were brought back together that strength was increased ten-fold. Charlotte and Nathan are two people who are set to achieve great things independently, but even greater things together. 

I'll admit, this book had me in tears several times. It was a hard read for me. It struck too close to home personally, but it also showed me an otherworldly type love that I wish everyone got to experience. My only hope for the future of Nathan and Charlotte is that we get a glimpse of them in the next book. There was one open-ended question left, a biggie, and for my own peace of mind, I need to read the resolution. This book is clearly in need of sitting on my re-read shelf. It will be one of those books that I will distinctly remember among the hundreds of books I read. A definite must-read! But I do warn you have the tissues handy, and be ready to take a couple of breather breaks, because this one is a doozie!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

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RELEASE DAY + REVIEW ~Game for Tonight by Karen Erickson~

Title: Game for Tonight

Author: Karen Erickson

Series: Game For It #3

Release Date: November 17, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars!

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

She'll teach him the art of seduction one play at a time...

Publicist Aubrey Cooper never should have crossed the line. After all, pro football player Flynn Foley is her client. But something about this mouth-wateringly-hot, clean-cut athlete makes Aubrey imagine all kinds of X-rated fantasies. And it only takes one game-changing play―and one night―to turn the tables from strictly business to very, very personal…

Flynn has maintained a no-sexy-distractions policy for his entire pro career. Aubrey is exactly the kind of distraction he was trying to avoid, and she's the one he can't resist. When the media catches wind of their naughty little liaison, however, Aubrey's boss steps in to make them an official couple. What Flynn doesn't know is that Aubrey is forced to fake the relationship―or lose her job. Now Aubrey must hide the truth…even as she begins to fall for Flynn.

Aubrey cracked open her eyes, studying him like he’d lost his mind. Which he sort of had—over her. He kissed her again before she could say a word, losing himself in her sweet lips, the soft little moans sounding low in her throat.

He liked sex. And he liked the woman in his arms plenty. So much, that he’d kept her at arm’s length for months for fear of falling hard for her and ruining his concentration. Besides, he wasn’t much of a rule breaker, damn it. If it was against company policy to date a fellow employee, then he wasn’t going to do it.

But screw it. He felt as if everything was uncertain right now, up in the air, unconfirmed. Walsh wasn’t talking—at least he wasn’t talking enough. The conversation they’d had before Aubrey had interrupted them had been full of nothing but a bunch of crap. Coach had acted downright evasive.

The vibe he was getting from his coach? He didn’t like it. At all.

He was tired of worrying about things that were out of his control. What was the big deal if he kissed Aubrey anyway? Maybe he could work her out of his system. Maybe kissing her wouldn’t be all that special and he could walk away from this.

Ha. Tell that to his overheated, turned-inside-out body. Flynn broke away from Aubrey’s lips to catch some air, though really, he wanted to look at her, memorize this moment when he’d first kissed Aubrey. Even in the dim light, he could see her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed. She opened her eyes, the dazed look in them sending an arrow of arousal shooting straight through him, making his cock twitch. Pride suffused him. He put that look on her face.

“Flynn.” She pursed her lips, exhaling softly, the sound shaky. “What in the world was that?”

He smiled. She was a bundle of nerves, his publicist. Always running around, a little manic, a lot frantic, riding his ass to do this, do that. She’d been harder on Hamilton, but that crazy guy needed someone to rein him in most of the time.

“I thought it was a kiss? Unless I’m doing it wrong…” A chuckle escaped him, and he hoped she was in on the joke.

“No. You were definitely not doing it wrong.” She blew out a trembling breath, her gaze cautious. “I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.” Leaning in, he nuzzled her cheek with his, kissing a soft path along her fragrant skin until his mouth was on hers once more. “A shame you didn’t recognize it.”

She smiled against his lips, her fingers tightening in his hair. “I just thought…”

“Thinking gets you nowhere,” he whispered just before he took the kiss deeper, his tongue thrusting, his mouth devouring. She was a thinker, which meant she set her brain to smoking more often than not. And he wanted her feeling, not thinking or worrying.

He gripped her hips with both hands and pulled her in, wanting her as close as he could get her. This…thing between them had been brewing for a while, torturing him. She’d been by his side almost constantly the past few months, guiding his career, carefully preserving his image.

Every time he was with her, the scent of her hair drove him wild. The way he caught her looking at him, her gaze hungry, her lips damp, echoed an answering call deep within him.

Ohhh this is a FANTASTIC one! I sincerely do NOT want this series to end. It combines two of my all time favorite things - hot men and football. But Game for Tonight offered so much more. Flynn is a good guy. He just is. He has the perfect makings of a guy you would want to be with. He has his pride, but can share his feelings too. And let's not forget he can have a dirty mouth when the situation warrants it. Aubrey, she's his equal. A perfect compliment to his good guy image, is a good girl. One with loyalties, and ethics. And who also has no trouble burning up those sheets with her aforementioned good guy. These two are polished and demure on the outside, but when they close the doors they can get down and dirty in a hurry (unintentional rhyme).

Flynn and Aubrey together made this a gripping read. I just love them. I can't even pinpoint one specific thing, but they mix the ultimate perfect blend of sexy and sweet. When their hands are forced into keeping up the appearances of their one-night stand and turning it into a relationship a lot more is on the line than Flynn realizes. Although, let's be real here - Aubrey may  feel guilty, but I swear from the very beginning the feelings were there to justify a relationship on both of their ends. So while she should have told him the truth, I don't think it demeans their relationship at all throughout the book.

I will be completely honest, I thought I wasn't going to like the one aspect of Flynn's love life that was brought to attention before their first encounter. I won't ruin it for you, but it had the potential to be a no-go for me. Only for the fact that things could get real awkward. HOWEVER, my dear, genius, Karen Erickson handled it beautifully, and I think realistically.Making this book a no holds bar a must read for me. I loved every bit of it. I got to see my favorite couples from the past two books. Mix that in with Flynn and Aubrey being a sickeningly adorable couple. I just couldn't handle my joy while reading this book. As much as I don't want this series to end, Flynn and Aubrey were they way to end it. They gave me the utmost warm and fuzzies when "The End" came.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

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THE GAME FOR IT SERIES

Game For Marriage 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Game For Trouble 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Meet Karen:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's also known as NYT and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.



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REVIEW ~Alex by Sawyer Bennett~

Title: Alex

Author: Sawyer Bennett

Series: Cold Fury Hockey #1

Release Date: October 14, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars!

USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett scores big-time with the first novel in a sexy new series hot enough to melt the ice.

Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn’t afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn’t so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy . . . not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people—like Alex, who’s been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team’s effort to clean up his image. What she doesn’t expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn’t one to cross professional boundaries—and besides, Alex doesn’t do relationships . . . or does he? The more she sees behind Alex’s bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

Sawyer Bennett keeps winning my heart with her books, and Alex is no exception. I'll be upfront, up until this book I had taken a hiatus from sports related books, for the most part. I thought I had read them all. Boy was I wrong. Only because this book is SO much more than that. This book holds humor, love, and a story line that will captivate you from beginning to end. 

Alex is a world class jerk. He knows it, his fans know it, his teammates know it. Everyone. Yet, even from page 1 there was something about his character that drew me to him. I didn't think he was a total loss. Certain characteristics I learned from being in his head eluded to there being much more of this hunky hockey star than to be believed. Enter Sutton Price. I'm convinced she has magic powers. When her and Alex are teamed up on a drug abuse awareness program all bets are off. She is literally what heroines aspire to be. A tough, no holds barred badass, with a heart made of gold. She may have come from a tough background, and still deals with her problematic father, but she holds herself and others to standards that we all should. Thus, why Alex gets away with nothing in her presence. He's finally gifted with someone who just wants him, not the star hockey player, and who can accept him faults and all without trying to change him. That in and of itself allows Alex to let down the guard he holds so tightly. And while they both bring something to each other's world, along with the hot sex, they find themselves falling deeper than they ever intended. 

This book is simply fabulous. Alex revealed his true self to everyone, made peace with the past. And while it seems that Sutton did all the teaching, Alex actually had a few moments of his own, bringing Sutton out of her shell, and into the limelight. I really couldn't handle the two of them together. It was so incredibly adorable I just wanted to girly scream. The perfect blend of sweet, sexy, and seduction. Sutton and Alex are one of those couples that's a true forever match. It was probably within the first few chapters that they just clicked. And while my heart may have been shattered at one point during this book, I picked it back up and enjoyed every single page. I will say that along with the humor and romance, this book also brings home a very strong subject matter. Flawlessly the author has woven in a depth most books don't reach. End of story - this is an absolute must read for me!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

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REVIEW ~Ignited by J. Kenner~

Title: Ignited

Author: J. Kenner

Series: Most Wanted #3

Release Date: September 9, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.
He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.

My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.

Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.

I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?

Ignited is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Oh my heavens! Things just got a LOT more steamy in the Most Wanted series. I really hate to say this since Evan Black still had a hold of my heart when I started this book, but I think Cole might have stole it. With his dirty talking ways and his tortured soul he about did me in. Then there's Kat, an utterly terrific heroine. She could not have been more perfect for Cole. She pushed when he needed it, and submitted when he demanded. Together they were a perfectly in sync. 

Kat's on her way to making an honest woman of herself. She's leaving the past where it should be a moving forward. Two things stand in her way - her father is in need of help, and her burning passion for a man that still lives flirt with the law. Yet, Cole is the only one she can turn to help her with her father. She wants in his bed, and his help. But he's only willing to give one, until she worms her way into his arms without permission. And trust me, she gets her punishment for that, and it's so delicious, and achingly seductive that she's now addicted. Addicted to Cole's way of life, his passion, his love. She wants it all. But Cole thinks he'll ruin her. He may be the dominant in the bedroom, but who'll control where they go from here? And when their perfect plan is ruined and threats are lodged will Kat keep her hold on Cole or will he run to keep her safe?

I can't say how much I love this book. It's truly the cherry on top of the cake for this series. Cole was the epitome of what I was expecting and Kat was his equal. A thrilling, erotic novel with everything you could hope for. Some of the hottest sex scenes I've read in a while. And let's not forget the emotions. That's what I always judge a book on the hardest. Could I feel everything the characters felt? Abso-freaking-lutely! I swear Ms. Kenner caused me to choke up a few times. Whether it was from laughter or tears, I won't say, but this book got to me. There were parts of hilarity, countered my times of distraught. And what you wind up with are two very strong individuals, who for all intents and purposes should be rolled up in a ball wondering why life sucks, yet they simply find solace in each other. Something the Cole craves and needs, is what Kat has been missing. Perfect puzzle pieces. Ignited is one of my highly recommended books for the year! 

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW + GIVEAWAY ~Taking Control by Jen Frederick~

Title: Taking Control

Author: Jen Frederick

Series: Kerr Chronicles #2
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Rating: 5 AMAZING Stars!

I thought I needed only one thing in my life--the money and power to crush one man. But the moment I laid eyes on Victoria Corielli, my thirst for revenge was replaced by my craving for her.

No rule would keep me away; no obstacle too large to overcome. Not her will, not our differing social positions, not my infamous past. When she lost everything, I helped her pick up the pieces. When she trusted me with everything, she sealed her fate.

I've convinced Victoria she can put her heart in my hands. Now I have to protect it--from her shady stepfather and my business rivals, from enemies known and hidden. I'll do anything to keep her. And I might have to prove it, because now Victoria''s risking more than her heart to be with me; she's risking her life.

I LOVE this series. It's the perfect blend of erotica and a thrilling story. When we left Ian and Tiny in Losing Control, there were still questions to be answered. When we pick up in Taking Control, we see that Tiny is having trouble adjusting to life with its recent changes, including living with Ian. Although she may love him to the ends of the earth, she can't get used to his dedication, overwhelming love, and most of all the financial support. Suffice it to say between these two there is a lot of tug-o-war. Yet, at their very core as a couple they are completely in sync, and definitely beloved form a reader's standpoint. I have to say Ian could very well be one of my favorite heroes of all time. He can be sweet, intense, dirty-mouthed, devoted, cunning, and the list goes on and one. This man can melt you, inside and out, in a heartbeat.

What makes this book so worthwhile, in addition to the amazing chemistry between Ian and Tiny, is the story. It develops in so many different avenues without becoming too much. It never occurred to me that it was too busy, and the characters were being pulled in too many different directions. It flowed effortlessly, and with a terrific style that kept me amazed and engaged throughout the book. Ian and Tiny, definitely have their work cut out for them. There are too many evils coming at them at once. It seemed almost inevitable that something terrible was going to happen. But I never knew where it was going to come from. You add in the secondary characters and you also have the makings of some very witty moments that will steal a laugh or several from you.

If it were possible to make a reader sit down and give a book a chance it would probably be this one. It's all encompassing of what I look for in my books. The heat level is off the charts, the depth of the characters, especially Ian, is refreshing, and the book as a whole left my with warm fuzzies. I do highly recommend, the Kerr Chronicles as a duo series. They raise the bar for contemporary erotica/new adult books. I saw a few stepping stones being formed while reading Taking Control and I sincerely hope Jen Frederick decides to pull us into this world with a few of the secondary characters. I'm dying to know if Jake, Steve, and Kaga find their happily ever afters, and with who!!

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Losing Control

Author: Jen Frederick

Series: Kerr Chronicles #1
Release Date: June 16th, 2014

Rating: 5 STARS!

I’d do anything to keep my mother alive.

Anything, including ask Ian Kerr for help. I don’t know much about him, except that he has more money than some small countries. And he’s willing to spend it on me. Just one catch: there’s a string attached, and not just the one I feel pulling me into his arms and his bed. There’s also the plan for revenge he wants my help with.

Every time he says my name, it makes my body shiver and my heart stutter. I know he’s going to wreck me, know there won’t be anything left of me but lust and sensation by the time he’s done with me, but even though I can see the heartbreak coming towards me like a train, ready to crash into me, I can’t get out of the way. I want what he makes me feel. Want what he’s offering.

This may have started out as something to save my mother, but now…now it’s about what he makes me feel. I’m in danger of losing everything that’s important. Worse? Ian's whispered words and hot caresses are making me believe that's okay.

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Meet Jen:
Bestselling author Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She's been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.

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