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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ARC REVIEW ~Rescued by Priscilla West~

Title: Rescued
Author: Priscilla West
Series: Arrowhart College #2
Release Date: February 24, 2014

My Rating: 3 Stars

"There would be no happy ending for us. He was too damaged. I was too broken.”

The conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Priscilla West’s New Adult Novel Wrecked.

Wrecked should be read before this book.

Lorrie’s semester started off hopeful but ended in disaster. Now, she’s even more lost and confused than she was at the beginning of the year. As Lorrie flees to the only family she has left, she has to come to terms with how things ended with Hunter.

Hunter has fought for so long to keep the truth from Lorrie in an effort to protect her, but that has only caused more heartache and pain.

Realizing his mistake, Hunter has made a vow to get Lorrie back, but is it too late?

Will Hunter be able to overcome his own demons and help Lorrie through her pain, or are they destined to keep hurting each other?

Rescued is a book that warrants my special "Likes, Dislikes, and Overall" format. So here we go.

Likes

This book flowed much better for me than the first. It picks up with Lorrie back at her aunt and uncle's house and not too long after Hunter is at her doorstep and they are dealing with the misunderstandings that left me brokenhearted in Wrecked. I think, after the first book they both needed time to heal and grow up a little. The very terrifying reality they are now facing helped with that. I saw so much growth in them. Yet, there was still the all consuming lust and love they have for one another as well. They both try to be so self-sacrificing until they realize that compromise is the best option. I won't spoil it if you haven't read the first book, but what Hunter and Lorrie continue to deal with Rescued is just as heartbreaking. But the author handles it in a very real yet, tasteful way. I also loved that Lorrie and Hunter were pulled out of their original element. I think being in the supportive home of her family helped settle them as well. Rescued is one of those books that gives hope for happy endings in the real world. Hunter and Lorrie haven't had the easiest lives, yet they learned to mend and move on together. 

Dislikes

There are only a few of these but, one of them is kind of a biggie. That being, the dialogue. there was a good chunk of the time that the dialogue from all of the characters was very stilted, and awkward. The narrative aspects were great. I could see the scenes unfolding in my mind but, when anyone opened their mouth I cringed because it's not how we actually talk. the easiest way to explain it is that it had a bit of a cheesiness to it. Granted, it wasn't an all the time problem but, it was very apparent, to me at least. My other issues with this book are minor in the grand scheme of things. One being, the whole ordeal with Lorrie's stepfather was handles rather abruptly. While it was a shock factor, I also felt like the characters would have had more closure and developed more if it had been handled differently. However, at the other end of the scope, it played into the not everything being wrapped up in a shiny bow aspect. So, it's more a personal preference than an actual mark against the book. And lastly, the kittens. I love those little guys and for the middle part of the book the just vanished! Like I said, not an actual mark against the book. But they add pizzazz to the scenes and I missed them! :)

Overall

In the end, I still enjoyed this book. The heart of the story is not one that I have ever read before so it was definitely a new experience. Given the circumstances, I was extremely content with the ending. Lorrie and Hunter prove their worth not only to themselves, but to each other as well. Ms. West has a very strong knack for creating captivating stories. Lorrie and Hunter's story was a refreshing, and creative. And most important of all, I got that "heart melt-y" sensation. I was invested in these characters and their story and that is proof positive to be that this was a good story!

Happy Reading!

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

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ARC REVIEW ~Bare Essentials by Jill Shalvis and Leslie Kelly~

Title: Bare Essentials
Author: Jill Shalvis and Leslie Kelly
Release Date: January 28, 2014

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Naughty But Nice
by New York Times Bestselling Author Jill Shalvis

Lingerie model Cassie Tremaine Montgomery intends to have her revenge on the citizens of her hometown—starting with seducing the sheriff, Sean "Tag" Taggart. Tag, however, isn't cooperating. He's more than willing to set the sheets on fire with her, but he's asking for more than just sizzling sex…. He knows Cassie's not as tough as she pretends. And he knows she cares about him—even if she won't admit it. So he'll just turn up the heat until she concedes there's more between them than this red-hot passion.

Naturally Naughty
by New York Times Bestselling Author Leslie Kelly

Kate Jones, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, is home. And she's got an agenda. To get revenge on the man who humiliated her mother, Kate's going to seduce that man's son—the town's golden boy, John Winfield Jr.—and then leave him drooling in a puddle of lust. However, when she finds herself seduced by a sexy stranger named Jack, little does she guess that the tables have just been turned….

Naughty But Nice
The first story in the Bare Essentials duo begins with Cassie who is running back to her hometown to escape a stalker. Hilarious, because ten short years ago she was running from said hometown because of the stigma that the Tremaine women carry. So, she's back with big chip on her shoulder and hell bent on wreaking havoc among the townsfolk that had once made her life hell. Of course, the only one who can steady her speeding, and music blaring is Sheriff Taggart. A different Taggart than the one who inflicted emotional damage on the night of Cassie's prom but, his son none the less. Everywhere Cassie turns Tag is there. Trying to be helpful but, also hoping to explore the connection they have made. But Cassie is gun-shy in this town and can't justify letting her guard down until Tag gives her no other choice. And since she is staying in town to open up a upscale sex shop, Cassie will be having to deal with Tag on a regular basis.

Naughty But Nice is the same quirky, light-hearted, fun read you usually expect from Ms. Shalvis. The chemistry is steaming and the dialogue is quippy. Cassie is a hell-raising, stubborn heroine trying to prove her worth. And Tag is teaching Cassie a thing or two about preconceived notions. They have a lot to prove but, more to each other than to anyone else. I think my favorite parts were the scenes in the store. It was hilarious to see Tag confronted with abnormally large dildos and the like. But of course that also lead to the hottest sex in the book. These two did have a complicated journey to explore but, in the end it was a good story with equal parts hilarity, sweetness and heat. Meanwhile...

Naturally Naughty
The second part of this duo happens simultaneously. Kate Jones is a Tremaine woman by blood. Which means she was held to the same low standards as her cousin, Cassie. Kate has her own revenge to seek in her hometown. After the townspeople ran out her mother for having an affair with the married mayor for several year, which only came to light at his death, Kate has nothing but contempt for this town. Imagine her surprise when her first day back she falls into a stranger's arms and they steal a quick tryst before parting ways. So... why can't I find a hot guy like this? Totally, not fair. Anyhow, Kate returns back to Chicago not expecting to hear from Jack (yes, she did get his name!), even though he said he would call. Not the least bit surprised when he doesn't Kate doesn't dwell on it, until she returns to help her cousin open another branch of Bare Essentials. And this is where she gets the biggest surprise. She and Jack have just started their rough road, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel so far.

The story is much like the first. The female lead is hell bent on exacting some type of revenge on the town that mistreated her so much, although Cassie and Kate seem to be just fine with showing off their success and then leaving the town behind. If one it were that easy. For Kate, their new store and her budding relationship with Jack entice her to stay a little while. These two have some of the hottest escapades... let me just say one thing: Public orgasm with no touching. Yes, you're rushing to one click this right now. It was the best scene of Kate's book.

Overall
These are both full length books. So you definitely get a fully developed story with each. They are both funny, and light romances. Perfect for quick reading and enjoyment. These are the books that fall under the category enjoyable but, not captivating. While they held my attention and I loved reading them, I probably won't keep them on my re-read shelf. And they won't make my beat reads list either. But in between those angsty, emotionally draining books that I love so much, Bare Essentials is perfect! It's a great duo that just helped me escape for a little while, without totally getting lost in my head. So, I do recommend Bare Essentials if you're in the mood for a fun, steamy romance with a lot of humor thrown in. It definitely does the trick of making you laugh and swoon.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the publisher/author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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REVIEW ~Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy~

Title: Three Broken Promises
Author: Monica Murphy
Series: Drew + Fable #3
Release Date: December 31, 2013

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Breakout New Adult sensation Monica Murphy returns with a hot new contemporary romance—a heartfelt story of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.

Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life.

I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me

Three Broken Promises was one of my most anticipated books of 2013, and I loved it! Yes, I'm aware of my rating, I'll get to that in a second. From our glimpses of Jen and Colin in One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend, I knew their story was going to be a rough, emotional one. And I was right. They both have very traumatic pasts, that they haven't shared with anyone entirely. So, Three Broken Promises is the story of them dealing with their pasts and accepting that they do deserve a happy ending. 

For quite a while Colin has been the one taking care of Jen, looking out for her, but now she's tired of being coddled and is looking to break out on her own. Well, you can just imagine how that goes over with he-man Colin. While, Colin is trying to figure out how to make Jen stay, Jen is trying to figure out how to make Colin stop resisting to their attraction. I will say that Colin did try to be as noble as possible, but in the end his dirty mouth, and passion for Jen won out. These two enter into a massive tug-o-war. Jen pushing for more, and Colin trying to keep her at arms lengths because he doesn't think he's worthy. It's a push and pull mess that almost drove me a little crazy until they finally gave in. And let me tell you Ms. Murphy drove up the heat index with these two. Colin has a penchant for dirty talk and Jen is right there to encourage him. What they can never admit is that it is their pasts holding them back. They both have pasts they're ashamed of and they can never fully move on until they put it behind them. Only one problem, while Jen is wholly accepting of Colin's past, he may not return the favor. 90% of the time I loved Colin to pieces. That other 10%, I just wanted to throttle him. But that isn't the only trial these two must face. They may have given into their desires but Jen is still planning on breaking free from Colin in the end. Three Broken Promises threw me for a loop a couple times and kept me guessing where it was going. 

So this was a solid 4 stars for me. Until the end. I'm not saying I didn't love it, or that is was a cliffhanger. The only thing I'm going to say is that I was expecting a bit more and the ending was the only part that fell a bit flat to me. It seemed to wrap up too quickly. That being said, the rest of Three Broken Promises was exactly what I was hoping for in Jen and Colin's story. In addition to OWG, and SCB it rounds out this fantastic series so far and I can't wait to read more. Keeping true to this series, Three Broken Promises delivers a captivating story line, hotter than hot chemistry and emotions to boot. If you're a fan of the New Adult genre try it out, I'm positive you'll love it! ALSO, Drew + Fable have a new novella out as of yesterday so make sure to click on the link below for that as well. I've heard nothing but fantastic things so far!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by Goodreads and publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Drew + Fable Forever: http://amzn.to/LaukFs

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Renee Rose: Safe in His Arms

Title: Safe in His Arms
Author: Renee Rose
Release Date: July 23, 2013

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis: 
For as long as she could remember, Becca dreamed of a dominant man to take her in hand, and Zac, the handsome Marine she met at her sister's wedding, filled the role with aplomb… for a weekend. Then the fling came to an end, Zac went off to war and died for his country, and Becca learned she carried a child who would be born without a father.
Seven years later, Becca has done her best to move on and forget about Zac… until the day she walks into her kitchen to find the man she believed she would never see again locked in mortal combat with her son’s nanny, and realizes everything she thought she knew about Zac was a lie.

Like all Black Ops agents, Zac doesn't exist in any government record. His life is a series of deadly missions, and relationships of any kind are unsanctioned. But he keeps one secret. He watches over Becca, the beautiful daughter of a rogue agent, and Parker, the six-year-old boy he fathered that fateful weekend. When he spots a known assassin in their apartment posing as a nanny, he's forced to reveal himself and take them to safety… whether Becca likes it or not.

While Becca may have enjoyed his dominance once, bending her to his will again may not be quite so easy. He is determined to keep her safe, however, and if a long, hard spanking is required, he is more than willing to oblige. Having Becca over his knee rekindles more than his passion, though; even when the immediate danger has passed, he finds it much more difficult to “ghost out” on his family again. Must he resign himself to protecting those he loves from afar, or can he find a way to be the man Becca needs and longs for, the man who is worthy of her
submission and her love?

Publisher’s Note: Safe in His Arms is an erotic romance novel that includes both consensual and non-consensual spankings, anal play, graphic sexual scenes, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

My Review: 
I'm a little perplexed about this book, part of me loves it and part of me wanted it to be a teeny bit more developed. The banter between Zac and Becca was comical, loving, and steamy. The way Zac takes responsibility, once he is able, for Parker melted by heart. Then of course you have Zac struggling with himself and having to decide between his love for his family or his loyalty to his job. Sometimes I felt like every time Zac and Becca began to talk their lust got in the way, and I also felt that Becca should have resisted a bit more in the beginning.

However, one thing I love about authors is they almost never do things the way you would, and really who would want them to? Ms. Rose writes a great story about circumstances getting in the way of true love, and love triumphing it all in the end. I loved that this was not an all out suspense book, it had the erotic steam some of us love, and it had the comedic relief that we sometimes need. Once I got about a quarter of the way through I started to really get into Safe in His Arms. That first quarter just seemed a bit rushed. I will second the publisher's note above, there are some extremely steamy scenes that are not for the faint of heart, and as for the non-consensual spanking part... well I would say in the end it was consensual. It's one of those relationships where the "dominant" thinks/knows what the "submissive" needs, but Zac and Becca's whole relationship is not like that so don't let that scare you away. There is just as much romance as there is steam. If you like a lot of heat in your romance this book is the one to give it you. Safe in His Arms is avail be NOW! So, make sure to check it out!
*Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for a honest review*

Happy Reading!

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