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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BLOG TOUR + GIVEAWAY ~Once In A Lifetime by Jill Shalvis~

Title: Once In A Lifetime
Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor #9
Release Date: February 18, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT
After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

This book has me so conflicted! Obviously, I loved it. No surprise there, Ms. Shalvis can do no wrong. She continues to build on her Lucky Harbor world with a fresh, hilarious, and steamy new story each time. It's really quite fascinating when you take a step back and see what an amazing repertoire she's built with this series. Once In A Lifetime is certainly no disappointment. The heroine, Aubrey, she is probably my favorite Jill Shalvis heroine to date. She has every reason to be the terror she used to be when she was younger but, she has decided to make a amends for her errant ways and flourish in her life... if only the once lovely inhabitants of Lucky Harbor would let her. I'm telling you, besides our beloved past couples, the Lucky Harbor townsfolk are on my shitlist. Big time. I was a huge fan of them and their quirky small town ways. But their treatment of Aubrey throughout this book was not up to par. That being said there are some exclusions to the rule. Truly, I think it was just a few scenes that really popped out at me but, it all worked with the theme and where the book was headed. 

As I said Aubrey is on a mission to atone for her wrongdoings. She has even proclaimed she was a bitch in her younger years and is trying to move past that. Starting with re-opening her Aunt's bookshop. She's got a grand idea to help a small bookstore survive in the modern tech age but, she needs some help. Enter Ben. A Lucky Harbor native, back from serving his country and healing from the loss of his wife 5 years ago. Ben, Aubrey, and his late wife Hannah all went to school together, so they are no strangers. What they are strangers to, is the magnetic chemistry they're experiencing while spending so much time together. They fight it. Aubrey has learned she can't depend on anyone else, and Ben is just not ready to move on. Their stubborn ways eventually give way to steamy nights, and comfortable time spent re-learning each other. Times have changed, and these two certainly have as well. But when Aubrey tries to atone for what she sees as her biggest mistake, Ben isn't ready for the ghosts and hurt it brings back to life. And before they can even begin to move on together, Ben may sabotage their chance out of sheer stupidity. 

Yes, Ben pulled the ignorant, dumb male move and I can't even be mad at him for it. Do I side with him? Hell no. Team Aubrey, FTW! But, he did fall in the typical pit of male stupidity. So, let's put that aside. Aubrey, now she is a character. I had many a fist pump, "Yeah, girl!" moments when reading her. But I also wanted to get out there and tell a couple people off for her. I mean how many times does the poor girl have to try to make amends and this town just turns their back on her? Totally not Lucky Harbor-esque at all. However, if you look at it from Ben's view it is Lucky Harbor. It all depends on how you look at. In my opinion, Aubrey was a victim of the circumstances of her childhood and couldn't gain her footing even for a minute until she finally had a Lucky Harbor hellion turned golden child (Ben) backing her. 

Despite the grouchy townsfolk, this book was everything I love about this series and more. I laughed until my ribs ached... I'm sorry but, that being banned from Facebook scene... I literally spit out my drink. Only because I follow Jill on Facebook and it was so hilarious that she worked it into her book, however maybe there should be a disclaimer? :) The scenes with Aubrey, Leah and Ali are just downright comical. And the scenes with Ben, Luke and Jack will have you shaking your head and cackling like a hyena. I seriously never tire of Ms. Shalvis' voice in her books. Once In A Lifetime had me glued to its pages. The attraction between Aubrey and Ben was simply explosive and their time together was both sweet and intriguing. I dare you to read this book and not laugh and get a little heated. It's an impossible task. Overall, a marvelous addition to an already mind-blowing series!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by author/published through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Top 5 Reasons to Date the Handyman:

1. The tool belt.

2. The honey-do list is always handled.

3. The tool belt.

4. When the pipes freeze, you don’t have to break out the hair dryer.

5. The tool belt.

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Meet Jill:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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REVIEW ~Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters~

Title: Tears of Tess
Author: Pepper Winters
Series: Monsters in the Dark #2
Release Date: August 28, 2013

My Rating: 5 Stars

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and non-consensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

Tears of Tess is a hauntingly and seductively dark novel. It is utterly unapologetic in its portrayal of human trafficking and sadomasochism. Yet, as deep and uncomfortable as the book went I couldn't help but be entranced. Pepper Winters took matters that are commonly shied away from and unearthed them in all their horrid glory. This book has zero fluff, and 100% real problems wrapped in an erotic and captivating tale of two people fighting their basic needs and clumsily feeling their way through a new and terrifying relationship. 

"I finally found a place where my twistedness belonged."

~Tess

When Tess Snow is kidnapped and sold through a human trafficking ring in Mexico, her world is shattered. What she wasn't expecting was for her new master to awaken the dark erotic urges she has always yearned for. Q Mercer is unforgiving, and quite frankly, a bastard. Or that's at least how Tess sees him. She is led to believe that she is just one of many and even though her body is saying yes, her head is still screaming no. She can't make the two see eye to eye where Q is concerned. All she can believe is what she sees, but her heart knows better. She has found a lost soul, much like hers. Q demands Tess' complete obedience, and power over her body, mind and soul. And just as Tess is fighting to make sense of her needs, so is Q. Before she can accept her new future, an opportunity to escape arises and her flight instinct kicks in causing her to jeopardize everyone and everything she will come to love and need. 

"Q took everything from me, but he didn't so much as steal it, as I gave it willingly. By allowing him to rule, he gave me something tangible. He allowed me to be me. To be real."

~Tess

I may be looking back at this book with rose-colored glasses, so let me set one thing straight. This is not your common BDSM romance novel. Tears of Tess delves into very distressing and grievous content. There is rape, debasement, reluctance, and physical abuse. Yet there is also, not so much redemption but, revelation of secrets and truths, and a connection that is hard to deny that will have you falling in love with these characters. But yes, it is unconformable to read in several parts. So, why did I read it? Because it is brilliantly written and in short a beautiful, yet terrifying book. It was outside my norm of books that I read but, I couldn't be happier that I made that step. Truthfully, this is not for the faint of heart but, also you have to have an extremely open mind while reading this book. It's not a world that most of us are used to, or the type of relationship most of us have been exposed to. You have to understand that while you may not agree with the characters' actions, it is their life and they never asked for nor needed your approval. We are all made differently, with different wants and needs. Tess and Q are two individuals who find their better halves in one another. They can understand and need not explain nor apologize for who they are. That is the true beauty of this book. 

"Did I create her, or was she always this twisted?"

~Q

Even putting aside the subject matter and you still have an author who is a master of words and storytelling. Yes, there were times I had to set aside the book and take a breather. It's just too intense in parts not to. And even though my heart was breaking for Tess throughout most of the book, she fought. I think that's why I was able to keep reading. If Tess had broken, I don't think I could have kept on. But her perseverance and Q's struggle and explanation of the monster inside him lured me into a sense of comfort that these two had found their perfect matches. I simply, cannot wait to delve into Quintessentially Q and will definitely be making room for Ms. Winters on my auto-buy list. If you're a reader with an open mind, and a love for the underdog couple this series will blow you away. And if you're not, that's okay too but, I would suggest you give it a try, you might surprise yourself :)

Happy Reading!

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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REVIEW ~Two to Tango by Mimi Strong~

Title: Two to Tango
Author: Mimi Strong
Release Date: January 10, 2014

My Rating: 3 Stars

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Peaches Monroe series and Borrowed Billionaire, comes a hilarious new story of unstoppable passion.

Skye Evans is a former stripper, trying to live a "good" life teaching dance to kids. She also hates rich people. Really hates them.

Charlie Ward is rich. He's twenty-nine, and caught between partying and growing up enough to have a relationship with someone besides his best friend.

When Charlie finds Skye crashing a party at the exclusive country club he owns, he's captivated by her long, beautiful dancer's legs. He takes her on a private tour of the pool, where they discover perfect chemistry.

Unfortunately for these two lonely lovers, Skye still hates rich people, and Charlie's still rich.

Charlie and Skye fit together so well when they're naked, but they must find creative ways to get over their differences and let themselves love.

Two to Tango was a first for me. It was the first time I read a romance book where I was more interested in the story and I was able to get passed my inability to connect or believe the romance between the main characters. The story was good. It was an enjoyable and quick read for me. And the sex between Charlie and Skye was incredibly hot. However, I found myself not believing the connection between Skye and Charlie on a romantic level. I got their physical chemistry but, to me they just seemed better suited as friends, or maybe their story just needed to be developed a bit more. I'm not sure, but I can't say that I was displeased with the book because I did find myself invested in the story and its characters. 

Two to Tango follows a down on her luck ex-stripper, Skye, who has never once caught a break and fate isn't about to start being nice now. She meets Charlie while scoping out the country club that is threatening to steal her dance students. It's definitely lust at first sight for the pair. I think Charlie senses Skye's need for help and is attracted to that part of her and of course he has a major fascination with her dancer legs. It's over a couple of months until the pair actually meet again and strike up a fast paced relationship. Charlie is a fixer, and somewhat of a bleeding heart. So when he finds Skye hurt and obviously spiraling down the drain he has no choice but to help. Skye being the tough bird, that her circumstances forced her to be, tries to refuse his help, to no avail. This is where the story gets a little murky. Through a string of poorly misplaced blame and misunderstandings Skye and Charlie are once again separated. In which time Skye falls back on her true and tried methods of surviving until Charlie comes to her rescue once again. 

I think my biggest problem was Skye. She was a slave to her past and circumstances and I didn't feel like she tried to redeem herself. Charlie is a great guy, who has a bit of a hero complex but, I had no real beef with him. I can definitely see these two as Friends with Benefits but not a real couple. True, it didn't bother me all that much but, I do see where the story could have gone differently. All of that said, the story is very interesting and intriguing. It wasn't predictable and I loved the premise of the storyline. So the bottom line. Would I recommend it? Yes, this was an iffy one for me but, I can see where others would love it! Will I read the author again? Absolutely! Mimi Strong's writing style is unique and refreshing. And I already have more of her books waiting on my TBR shelf :) 

Happy Reading!

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

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ARC REVIEW ~Bared by Stacey Kennedy~

Title: Bared
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Series: Club Sin #2
Release Date: February 10, 2014

My Rating: 4 Stars

In a novel that’s perfect for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Stacey Kennedy returns to Club Sin with another wicked and wild tale of submission, seduction, and love.

At Las Vegas’s exclusive Club Sin, Aidan Knight is the Master, unleashing the erotic yearnings of his submissive lovers. But his dominant façade conceals a devastating loss—something he instantly recognizes in his personally trained submissive Cora Adams. Sworn to unearth her secrets, Aidan uses his seductive skills to ignite her wildest desires until Cora yields to the pleasure she can find only with him.

Cora came to the BDSM club to act out her sub-and-dom fantasies without ever revealing the heartbreak that haunts her. But Aidan’s masterful touch is bringing her closer to the edge . . . and deeper into a world of control and surrender. He refuses to allow her to submit to any other man—nor does she want to. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing. For as they give in to passion, they must lay bare their souls for a love that could heal—and free—them both.

Bared is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Bared is hard to categorize. It's a sweet BDSM novel. Yes, it still has the kink factor. However, the relationship between Aidan and Cora has a strong basis of friendship and deeper emotions than I usually see in these types of books. I have to say though, I LOVED this book. The emotions were so raw and intense. I connected on every level with Cora and felt Aidan's intensity through and through. Their relationship was also a unique one, that I don't think I have read before. Aidan and Cora have been in a non-committed, yet exclusive, D/s relationship for two years when Bared begins. From the first page Ms. Kennedy blows your mind with Cora and Aidan's relationship. I was completely submersed in their lives and I didn't want to get out anytime soon. Again, this isn't your normal BDSM book. There is still the tragic past aspect, BUT it doesn't have any bearing on Cora or Aidan's need to explore the BDSM lifestyle. There was no excuse for their need of bondage, domination or submission. It's just who they are and I loved that. 

Bared starts out a Club Sin in mid-scene for Cora and Aidan. I was a little shell-shocked at the beginning, not because it was an outlandish scene but, because not many books start out in a sex scene. Though, in my honest opinion, there are no sex scenes with Cora and Aidan. It always feels like something more. But the night goes on to be a turning point for the pair. When confronted about her true feelings, Cora bolts and must finally deal with the emotions she has kept locked away. Of course, Aidan, in all his dominant glory, isn't willing to let her get away that easy. Little does he know, the pain in Cora's eyes is directly related to him. Aidan will proceed to push and push until he is also forced to deal with the demons he was never prepared to revisit. The toll their hidden emotions take on these two is almost irreparable. But with the help of their friends and their basic need for each other they will have an opportunity to make a future together. It's not just a future together they need though. They have to be whole in who they are, and they just aren't there yet. Cora is on the verging of shutting down for good and Aidan can't get past his misplaced guilt from his dark past. There were times I wanted to smack both Cora and Aidan upside the head. But I kept reminding myself that, to a third party the solution looks easy. When you're in an emotional trench so deep, like these two are, it's harder to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is a very tedious and trying road back but, the end scene is SO worth the journey.

This is another "all the emotions" book. And while it did get a bit wordy in places at the beginning, it was terrifically written and absorbed my full attention from Chapter 1 to "The End". The struggles Cora and Aidan faced were those that I could sympathize with and made my heart hurt. But their story was fully developed and showed so much growth on everybody's part. I'm officially dubbing this a "sensual BDSM" book. The kink isn't tamer but, the couple's relationship is much more multi-faceted than the norm. I truly loved Cora and Aidan's relationship and the little bits we got from Presley and Dmitri, and Kyler and Kenzie. You can definitely bet I will be visiting Club Sin again with the future books, and frankly I can't wait! 

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by author/published through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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