REVIEW ~You Make Me by Erin McCarthy~

Title: You Make Me

Author: Erin McCarthy

Series: Blurred Lines #1

Release Date: April 17, 2014

My Rating: 3.75 Stars

The guy she wants…
Growing up on the coast of Maine with a revolving door of foster siblings, Caitlyn Michaud spent one intense and passionate year falling in love with her foster brother, Heath. Then he left without a word. The betrayal devastated Caitlyn and made her vow to forget the compelling bad boy. But forgetting his sensual touch and their deep all-consuming friendship is easier said than done.

Isn’t the guy she needs…
Determined to move on, in college Caitlyn has risen above her small town impoverished roots and has joined a sorority, reinvented her appearance, and landed the right boyfriend. Pre-law major and frat president, Ethan, is thoughtful and always laughing, and he makes her feel happy, calm. He also gives her the social acceptance she craves.

But the perfect world she tried so hard to attain is ripped apart when Heath appears one night out of nowhere. Caitlyn remembers all the reasons why she loves him, even if they don’t make sense to anyone but her. Out of the military, Heath is as brooding and intense as ever, and he is determined not only to win her back, but to exact revenge on everyone who kept him from her…

And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?

**SPOILERS as to who she ends up with, just couldn't do my review justice without proof**

You Make Me is one of those conundrum books for me. There was a TON of things I loved about it, and just one major things I could have dealt without. So here's a good, bad, and overall review-

GOOD

I love the premise of this book. Misunderstood reason for leaving. All consuming love. Can't fight the attraction even after four years. I ate it up. Heath and Cat are as magnetic as any couple I have ever read. They are clearly two parts of one whole and nothing and no one can stand in their way of a second chance. Heath in all his brooding army man attitude is such a turn-on. He's alpha, and sweet. In bed and out of bed. Got to love a versatile hero. He also has his standards, and expects people to reach them. He's done being the kid that gets thrown into foster home after foster home. He's taking the lead in his life and will leave ANYONE behind who can't support and love him like he deserves. The sex. I mean, hello? Can you say steamy and yummy? It's blistering when Heath and Cat get together. The dynamic is never the same. There's such a wide range of sexual encounters- rough, loving, hasty, consuming, etc. The author made me feel like it was their first time every single time. It always had that captivating aspect to it. Which is rare. Let me be honest for a second, I love romance and erotica as much as the next book junkie. However, sometimes I skip the sex because it's so mundane and repetitive. You Make Me had the good, steamy scenes that accented the storyline perfectly. 

NOT SO GOOD

My biggest complaint for this book is Cat. Sometimes I loved her and she had good reasonings. However, there was a good portion of the book I just wanted to throttle her. She would overreact, and truthfully she treated Ethan like crap and he deserved better. If she had crossed that moral line, I would have set the book aside. However, the author played her cards very strategically and never made that rush to the dark side for Cat. Which I wholeheartedly appreciate. However, there is still the matter of her treating others the way that she wants to be treated. the major part of my annoyance comes in the last third. IT mostly stems from her overreaction. It just seemed a little out of character form the rest of the book. Almost like she was teetering on a wire in the beginning and then fell off during the last third. Of course she needed to react, but it was a little drastic for my comfort.

OVERALL

In the end- love the book and will be looking forward to returning for more. I'm not sure who I want to see a HEA more for. I'm thinking Ethan deserves on in a major way. Aubrey I'm still a little iffy on. I think she's misunderstood, and could benefit from learning her story. Then there's Tiffany she definitely needs a wild man to get her to realize she needs more out of life. I don't know, but who ever is next you can bet they're on my TBR list. I can't wait to see where this great New Adult series takes me. Side note- perfect for a beach read!

Happy Reading!

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

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REVIEW ~Night After Night by Lauren Blakely~

Title: Night After Night

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: Seductive Nights #1

Release Date: April 16, 2014

My Rating: 5+ Stars!!

**Warning: Spare panties are needed for reading this book...you're welcome.***

"You are being rewarded for turning me on. But we're doing it my way. You teased the hell out of me, and now I want to watch you squirm. Crawl up on my bed and get on your hands and knees."

Their world was sex, love, and lies.
He intoxicated her. Commanded. Consumed.
With a dirty mind and a mouth to match, Clay Nichols is everything Julia never knew she wanted and exactly what she cannot have. He walked into her life one night and unlocked pleasure in her that she never knew was possible. Possessing her body, captivating her every thought. Which makes him way too dangerous for Julia to risk her heart, given that she has a price tag on her head. She ran after one mind-blowing week with him, but now he's back, and determined to make her his own.
No matter the cost.
She was a sexy drug to him. Fiery, unforgettable, and never enough, Julia is an enigma, and Clay isn't willing to let her go without a fight. But she's got dark secrets of her own that threaten to destroy any chance of happiness. She's a wanted woman - the stakes are high, her every move is watched, and yet the lure between them can't be denied. Can two people burned by love trust again when desire and passion are met by danger at every turn?

Please note: This book is intended for 18+ due to dirty talk, light bondage, and lots of sexy scenes. This ebook edition also includes the prequel novella First Night, which precedes Night After Night.

I don't think I've ever read a more endearing, filthy mouthed, sexual and charismatic hero before. Clay Nichols is my favorite type of leading man. He is successful, domineering, and sweet. So when he gets wrapped up with the secretive, headstrong, vixen, Julia things are bound to heat up and run amuck. 

Julia and Clay meet through mutual acquaintances. They never expected their passion and attraction to overrule their common sense. Their relationship may have started out purely physical, but deeper feelings soon develop on both sides of the equation leaving them both feeling very vulnerable. Julia has a secret to hide, a bar to keep afloat and a yearning for Clay. Clay has clients to fight for, an equal obsession for Julia and zero tolerance for secrets. You can see where this might get a little dicey. As they begin to learn more about one another, emotions begin to delve even deeper, until Julia's secret threatens her livelihood and Clay. There are somethings she just can't risk. Her heart is one of them but, Clay's well-being is more important than her love for him. It comes down to the wire. Clay and Julie are forced to make some of the hardest decisions of their life and they may have to sacrifice more than they are willing to.

I still can't get over this book. I've always stood by my claim that Ms. Blakely writes unusual yet, alluring characters. This time she threw in the towel and added a boat load more chemistry and sex. If anything could have made her books better it was this. No, I'm not just a book sl-t wanting more sex. Well... maybe. BUT Ms. Blakely's portrayal of the consuming lust, and evolving love between Julia and Clay is utterly captivating. I tend to see either great sex, or a great relationship/story in books. This book had both, in spades. I may love Ms. Blakely's books, but this one takes the cake. However, I will admit to being a little bit peeved with that ending... I mean come on! I know then second book is just around the corner but, I NEED more Clay and Julia... preferably now, please! Suffice it to say, this book is a keeper. From beginning to end, I fell in love with these characters and can't wait to see more of their story!

Happy Reading!

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Meet Lauren:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

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REVIEW ~When We Met by Susan Mallery~

Title: When We Met

Author: Susan Mallery

Series: Fool's Gold #13

Release Date: April 29, 2014

My Rating: 4 Stars

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool's Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed…

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can't be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool's Gold, California, he's cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he's not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe to toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

It never ceases to amaze me that we are now 13 deep into the Fool's Gold series and I'm still devouring every book. Over the last half of this series Ms. Mallery has been expanding this quaint small town, while keeping intact its charm and endearing qualities. Let me just say, I have thoroughly enjoyed the fresh meat that has come along with the growth of this town. Football players, yes please! Back on track, When We Met follows in line with the free spirited nature of the previous books. The hero and heroine, Angel and Taryn, have very unique communications skills. I found them both to be quippy, and easily incite laughter throughout the pages. The two of them had a very comfortable relationship, that you can tell stems from basic friendliness. Even if they weren't romantically involved I could still see them hanging out and confiding in one another. Their relationship was one of those that came out of left field and left them both a little stunned.

This book jumps right into the deep end with Taryn and Angel. When we see them for the first time Angel is warning her, that under no uncertain terms their chemistry and relationship is going to come to a crossroads soon. They both intrigue each other, almost to a fault. They also drive each other crazy. I feel that their personalities may be different, which is why they get along so well. However, they both have suffered in the past. That connects them on an even deeper level. For their own reasons they try to keep people at arms length, and it takes a little twist of fate and the smothering love of this small town to knock down their walls. I will say one thing, this book made it clear that their is a difference between scarred and broken. These two may have scars that run deep but, they are clearly not broken and refuse to be. They try to make the best of the life they are living but, I think it took their connection to really make it all click. 

When an author can pull together hilarity, a little bit of steam and tragedy and make it into a captivating story, you know you've got a winner. I've just fallen completely in love with this town and Ms. Mallery's ability to have my heart aching for a character one minute then laughing out loud the next. She is surely one of my go-to authors for a light-hearted, entertaining read. When We Met was a blissful break from my angsty, emotional books.  I can't wait to see who gets a hold of those aforementioned football players in the upcoming books!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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ARC REVIEW ~Searching for Perfect by Jennifer Probst~

Title: Searching for Perfect

Author: Jennifer Probst

Series: Searching For #2

Release Date: April 29, 2014

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client.

Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself . . .

Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

I will be honest, this book started a little slow for me. However, once it got started, it got hot, hilarious, and touching. When Kennedy and Nate finally stopped fighting their instincts, their chemistry sparked off the page. With his social awkwardness, their collective intelligence and her battered heart, they made a perfect couple. Their commonalities helped them build more than just physical relationship. I was thoroughly surprised by Nate's 180 turnaround. He went from geek to filthy mouthed man in the span of a few chapters. Total turn-on. Kennedy was my window into the emotions of the book. She has had a rough go, that makes it hard for her to accept anyone's genuine interest and love in her. Her raw emotions and hurt bled off the pages and I truly felt for her. 

This was a fantastic book. Everything that I have come to expect from a Jennifer Probst novel and more. Ms. Probst can weave a tale of humor, love, and heat like no other. In her Searching world, that is loosely linked to her previous Marriage to a Billionaire series, we are introduced to three spunky, love woed women. Kate, Arilyn and Kennedy run Kinnections, a matchmaking service. Searching for Perfect follows Kennedy's story. She meets Nate Bunkle at a speed dating session. He is just too sad, and too socially awkward for her to not take on as a project. Kennedy delves into helping Nate remake himself and bring out the man beneath the geek. Soon enough the lines blur and Nate and Kennedy are treading a fine line between friends and lovers. They can't help but succumb to their passion. But when Kennedy runs scared, Nate may finally have to throw in the towel and make the decision to give up on a lost cause.

While the couple may have had a typical ending scenario, I was more thrilled for them to find their HEA than I am most couples. Kennedy and Nate dug into my heart, and I wanted to see it work out so much that I was waiting with bated breath for most of the book. The character development in this book is astounding. The couple both make huge strides in their relationship, as well as their personal lives. In true Jennifer Probst fashion this book will tug on your heart strings and get you hot and bothered. For me, this is a must-read! I cannot wait for Arilyn's story and I HAVE to know what's going on with Gen! I'm so excited for this series to continue :)

Happy Reading!

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

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BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY ~Until You're Mine by K. Langston~

Title: Until You're Mine

Author: K. Langston

Series: Mine #2

Release Date: April 7, 2014

My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Taking big risks had always been Archer Brook’s way of life. It’s what has to be done in order to get what you want, and he knew that better than anyone. Archer may have been born into a life of wealth and privilege, but he’d proven time and time again that his success was a result of his own true grit and determination. The savvy businessman was an experienced player in the game of life, always knowing when to ante up or when to cash out.

It was time to do both.

Burned out on the bright lights of Vegas, once the successful night club owner found the best of both worlds tucked away in a quiet Mississippi town, he never looked back.

That was until she walked into his bar.

Life has never been easy for Katy Vaughn. The preacher’s daughter turned small town rebel has seen her fair share of heartbreak, and she’s tired. Katy is done with men who have no idea what they want or how to treat a woman. She wants a real man. One who can give her everything she’s ever dreamed of. One who will give her everything she needs. Lovers of the past may have broken her heart, but they could never break her spirit.

There was only one man capable of that.


You never know when love will come along and change…everything.

My mouth feasted from the soft skin of her neck.

“Archer,” she breathed.

“Fuck,” I grinded my hard cock into her stomach.

With one arm wrapped around her waist, I hugged her close while my other hand held her neck in place. I could fuck her right here and now if I wanted to, but her consent would make it so much sweeter. “You know what I want. Just fuckin’ say yes so we can move past all this petty shit,”

“No.”

“I hate that word. Have I ever told you that? It should not be part of your vocabulary.” I dragged my finger across her swollen lips before I demanded them once more. Her cherry flavored mouth made it damn near impossible to pull away. I looked into her eyes.

“Tell me what you want. What will it take?”

“I want you to be mine.” Her eyes were so wide and sure. She knew exactly what she wanted, giving me one more thing to adore about this woman.

“Not possible.” I said shaking my head.

“Why do you deny this?” Katherine pulled my hand from her face, guiding it to rest just above her breast. 

Her heart pounded wildly beneath my palm as she breathed in and out with shallow breaths. “Feel that? This is what you do to me.”

Jerking my hand from her chest, I immediately released her and took a step back. I was pretty sure if she put her hand on my chest right now, she could feel my entire body vibrating with need, just like hers. I knew exactly what she was feeling because I felt the very same way. I wanted her just as badly, but I was scared to fucking death. Deep inside the darkest corner of my heart lived a beast, a wild animal that had been caged for so very long, afraid to be set free, afraid to love.

This impossible woman continuously taunted him, and that irritated the piss out of me. “Why the fuck are you playin’ so hard to get? You know you want this too.”

She lifted her chin, holding my gaze. “I don’t do one night stands and I don’t have meaningless sex. I’m not that girl. ”

I took a step forward. “I can give you anything you want…except my heart.”

“What are you so afraid of?” Katherine took in a step.

“Why do you have to be so goddamn perfect?” I asked, looking down into her consoling eyes. “Why can’t you just be the bad girl I want you to be?”

“I can be that girl. I can be whatever the hell you want as long as you accept all of me. The good and the bad.” Taking another step forward, our bodies collided. She placed her tiny hand over my thundering heart. Once again, the pull was powerful, unyielding.

Fucking terrifying.

“Let me in. That’s all I’m asking. I want all of you, Archer, not bits and pieces.”

Snaking my arm around her waist, I tucked one lone piece of hair behind her ear. “Why can’t you just let go of your self-righteous morals for once. Give in to what you feel instead of what you believe.”

This tug of war had been going on between us for months. Neither of us wanted to give in or concede, and each battle was fought with more intensity than the last. It was a wonder we both hadn’t forfeited. I’d come pretty damn close. The feelings that came along with pursuing her were so damn strong, yet I had to have her.

“Then what would that make me?”

“Mine.”

Shaking her head, she laughed. “I need to get back to work.” Standing on her tip toes, she cupped both of my cheeks. “To be continued.” She kissed me once on the lips, then again on the cheek before she turned and walked out, leaving me with a raging hard on and a feeling in my chest I never ever wanted to acknowledge.

This book was a blind test for me. I jumped in head first without knowing a thing. Wouldn't you know that I freaking LOVED this book! Holy heck! This book is the angst, the sex, the smoking hot chemistry. All of it! Katy and Archer have such a dynamic relationship. It's actually quite peculiar. She takes absolutely no shit from him, and vice versa. And Archer? Hello, alpha guys? Archer's here now, you're no longer needed. This book plays up both their friendship and their sexual relationship. Both of which are very endearing and were a joy to read. Katy is quite the firecracker. Yet, she also has this more vulnerable side to her that only Archer can bring out. To an extent I think Archer is the same way. It's funny because sometimes I think they're polar opposites and other times I think they're made from the same mold. They've both been hurt before, although this book is more focused on Archer's healing than Katy's. But Katy does some healing of her own as well. In the end, I was left content in their ending but, also secretly wishing they would get a sequel in the future :)

Until You're Mine starts out a little odd. Archer and Katy already know each other, and their attraction has already been solidified. Through a series of flashbacks the reader will learn more about their first kiss, and a few other key elements of their past, but not necessarily their joint past. Archer is one of my favorite kind of heroes. An alpha who thinks he can no longer love, yet will end up falling and loving the hardest. Katy on the other hand uses the element of full-disclosure to her benefit. It leaves Archer shocked more than once, giving Katy enough time to manipulate a situation to get what she wants.... Archer. Unbeknownst to Katy, Archer has been horribly betrayed by someone he once loved. When his secret comes to light there is a lot of push and pull in their relationship. The both fight tooth and nail to get what they want. Katy thinks she can help Archer overcome his heartache and sense of betrayal, while also knowing full well that Archer may shatter her heart. Archer on the other hand is fighting to be alone and unloved yet, his need and want for Katy is wreaking havoc with his plan. Together or apart these two have a very long road ahead of them. When they come face to face with the past that is in between them they may not survive it together. 

The journey Katy and Archer take is erotic, confusing, hurtful, loving, and magnificent. I loved every minute of it. The story line presented could not have been handled better. My only two minor complaints were 1) I wished that the author hadn't voiced the characters with so much slang, it detracted somewhat from the story and flow at times and 2) there were a couple of scenes that were glossed over or later alluded to that I would have loved to see expanded. Again, minor but, personally having those little tweaks would have made this book an all out 5 star book. All in all this book is fantastic. Big thumbs up and an A+! K. Langston certainly earned herself a spot on my auto-buy list. I can't wait to see more from her in the future!!

Happy Reading!

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

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Meet K. Langston:

K has worked in property management for the last decade.

She enjoys writing, reading and music.

Writing has given K. the release she's been craving all of these years. An outlet to fully express herself the way she wants to, the way she needs to.

Her life was forever changed the moment she wrote that first line.

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