~V~ Whirlwindbooks

WTF?!? Review soon...I have more books to read in order to find out what happens. Dammit!




Review—

“If Saturday night proved anything, it was that once I was with him, under his spell, he could demand anything of me and I’d comply. He could push me to the edge, to unbelievable placed I’d never thought I would go.” –Rebecca

Sara McMillan can’t seem to stop thinking about those journals. Journals belonging to Rebecca; a woman who led two very different lives…and went missing. Sara’s neighbor, Ella, purchased a storage unit at auction and upon rummaging through the contents, stumbled across Rebecca’s most private, erotic thoughts written in four journals. Sara, being ever curious, reads one and immediately makes it her mission to find this woman she is sure is in danger. Finding out she worked for a well-known gallery in the city, Sara starts there.

“The art does not always mimic the artist. You never know the real person until you slide beneath their surface.”

Impressing the owner of the gallery with her knowledge of art and helping to make a sale during a charity event, Sara is offered a job doing exactly what she loves…what Rebecca did too. Mark, the arrogant, domineering and gorgeous owner sees a familiar spark in Sara and can’t help but want her. He’s not the only one…Chris Merit, Sara’s favorite local artist also takes notice and is quite smitten. He is a direct contrast to Mark; except he too oozes control and power. But unlike Mark, Chris has a warmth to him that makes Sara hyper aware and comfortable in his presence.

“Je parle espagnol, francais, italien, et j’aimerait beaucomp dess inezvous a nouveau. Modele por moi, Sara…” “I said that I speak Spanish, French, and Italian.” He leans closer, and his eyes find mine. “And then I said that I would very much like to paint you. Pose for me, Sara.”

Not wanting to see this for more than it is, Sara doesn’t agree right away; but she does agree to a no-strings-attached, live in the moment kind of thing, which seems to work for Chris too…for now. What neither of them realize is that they both want control. Chris never loses it and Sara never gives it up. Despite his warnings to keep Sara away from him (and his dark secrets), he just can’t get enough and therefore cannot leave her alone. Not that Sara wants that, as a matter-of-fact, she’s never wanted someone so much. But Sara has a few secrets of her own and she’s just as afraid of Chris walking away from her as he is…and taking her fragile, guarded heart with him.

“He was right. He’s dangerous. Or maybe he didn’t say dangerous. I’m not sure why he’s warned me away so much, but I’ll say it for him. He’s dangerous and I’ve never wanted to live on the edge more in my life.”

“And how do I make you feel?” “Alive,” I whisper without hesitation. “You make me feel alive.”

In the midst of searching for answers regarding the journals and Rebecca, Sara falls unexpectedly for the sexy artist/bad boy with deep rooted control issues. Finally deciding to open up to him and go all or nothing with a man who thrills her in ways she never thought possible, Sara shares her past. Chris reacts much better but she’s still not completely sure of their relationship…he’s not quite ready and may never be ready to share his deepest and darkest…Sara just might have to learn those things on her own.

“It’s not about making you feel better. It’s about the truth Sara, baby,” he strokes my cheek, “this ‘crazy’ thing you’re making me feel is the best crazy I’ve felt in a long time. I’m not ready to let go of you. I don’t know what you’re doing to me, Sara, but please…don’t stop.”

But there is always more…Sara still has the journals and a mission to find Rebecca. Revealing this to Chris is her ace-in-the-hole, sure to send Chris running in the other direction. Again, he surprises her with his reaction and the flame of their passion is ignited further. He wants her to fully understand the life Rebecca led and she wants him to show her. What’s more is the genuine concern Chris has, not just for Sara but for Rebecca too. She seems lost in the pages of those journals and Sara is determined to find answers…now she has Chris’ help; but with help from a man like Chris has its price.

“Get in the car, Sara, or I swear to you I’ll pick you up and put you there myself. You are going to see for yourself who and what HE is, and stop pretending you don’t know already.” “And since you’ve proclaimed yourself as worse…I suppose now is when I get to see your deep, dark secrets too?”

Ok, totally not what Sara expected and she’s completely taken aback by what is revealed to her. Choosing to leave, Sara goes back to her own apartment and does everything she can to move forward…but she loves Chris and that makes leaving so difficult, no matter what his secrets are.

Determined to find answers to the ever-growing list of questions Sara as about Rebecca, she decided to go back to the storage unit in search of something that will bring her closer to finding out what happened. It’s late and dark, everyone is gone and the storage facility is just a little eerie. Steeling her resolve, Sara goes in and gain starts to search for clues when the lights go out…

Um, wow. I cannot even describe how I feel right now. This book was amazing, I could not put it down. My emotions were all over the place and my mind on overload with unanswered questions about so MANY different scenarios, people, places…in short, I loved it! Lisa Renee Jones is a fantastic writer and this book is the start of one amazing rollercoaster ride of a story. Brilliant, I cannot wait to read more!

**5 Art-Loving Stars**

*happy tears

Review coming soon!





Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review:

“Why does it feel like I never see you?”

Married life hasn’t changed much for Ryan and Julia. He’s completed school but works hellish hours for his residency while Julia’s job has become more demanding leaving them with little time together. Even with the difficulties of their professions, they make the effort to always show their love to one another.

A weekend away seems like the perfect excuse to have some much needed time alone; even with the celebration of Aaron and Jenna’s wedding being in the foreground. This celebration can be fun on so many levels!

“Julia, do we have to meet up with the others tonight? I’d rather not. Not tonight.” “We don’t have to stay long…we can get some wine. It will help you relax…” “I just want to get you a long and wrap myself around you all night…I feel like I haven’t touched you in forever…I want to make love to you. I need to lose myself inside you.”

Bliss, that’s the only word to describe how they feel when they are finally together. Life couldn’t be better, even if time is preciously sparse, it’s theirs and they revel in it.

One night, Ryan is faced with an incident that could leave his life in the balance. His nurse, Jane is with him when they are assaulted with a knife and when Ryan is attacked, Jane jumps in to save his life. He is spared with minor injuries but Jane is detrimentally injured, her life hanging in the balance as she loses massive amounts of blood. Ryan saves her life, even if she is scarred and changed for life, she still has her life. Little did everyone know that lives are about to change…especially Ryan and Julia’s.

Riddled with guilt over the attack, Ryan makes an effort to be friends with Jane but she has other plans. Sabotage is the only word that comes to mind when Jane worms her way into Ryan and Julia’s life together. Unexpected visits, guilt-trips, snide comments…Jane does everything she can to drive a wedge between Ryan and Julia.

“Don’t forget what Julia went through when you were on lockdown in the hospital that night. She thought you might have been killed. She’s the one who loves you, and has the most to lose if something happened to you. So wise the fuck up, Ryan. Julia went through it too. Just in a different way. She needs you. Jane may have saved you, but Julia almost lost you, and she’s probably afraid she’s losing you all over again.”

Determined to make things work with this new challenge facing them, Ryan continues to reassure Julia of his love for her and that there would be never anything between him and Jane except friendship. Julia believes him and trust what they have but she also knows in her heart that Jane wants Ryan. The true test is yet to come and they are both faced with some very difficult decisions. Jane manages to ruin their holidays and is so bold to approach Julia on New Year’s Eve (at her own event no less!) about her feelings for Ryan and how she is the better fit…boy, I wanted to slap her! Julia makes a hard and fast decision…but can she truly live without the love of her life?

“Half a world separates us, and I’d just severed my only connection to the one person I never thought I could live without. I’d walked away from the love of my life, in the desperate hope that my best friend would find his way back to me.”

A month goes by with no word from Ryan and Julia starts to lose hope in their love surviving her decision to leave…just for work, but none the less, she left. Ryan is trying to give her what she wants. He has finally opened his eyes to what was happening and is now grasping at threads that Julia will come back to him…or at least tell him where she is. Doing what he can to find his way back to his wife, Ryan sees the article that Julia printed in her French publication and flies to Paris hoping to salvage their marriage. Ryan finds that Julia hasn’t strayed far from their regular habits; what he does see though is that she is in the arms of Mike (just her friend, but she’s been gone a month—how is Ryan to know he’s just a friend). Got to love a classic misunderstanding and his surprise when she enfolds herself back into his arms, explaining everything. Ryan is elated that Julia’s feelings haven’t changed and he also knows she has a little secret…guessing before Julia has the chance to share the news of their mad, mad love.

“Have I told you have absolutely thankful I am for psych 101?”

The third and final book in The Remembrance Trilogy is nothing short of brilliant! This was the perfect ending to an epic love story, I truly loved Ryan and Julia’s story and will definitely be back to visit them often. Thank you Kahlen Aymes for this lovely story of friendship, growth, and love…and showing that a girl (or guy) can have their happily ever after; one complete with mad, mad love.

**5 Epic Finale Stars**

“What was she doing here? I pulled her engagement ring off of my finger and rolled it around in my hand with the bracelet. Please, God. I’ll do anything. Anything!”

Ryan is crawling out of his skin in anguish over Julia. She came to see him but not the way either of them expected. What started as a wonderful surprise turned tragic when Julia suffers severe injury from an accident in route to the hospital. Not knowing whether she’ll live or die, Ryan is powerless and completely grief-stricken. When given news of Julia’s condition, Ryan is both elated and heartbroken…she’s alive…but something is not right. Julia has no memory of Ryan or their life together.

“What if she never remembers me? I don’t know what I’ll do if…” “She will honey. You’re unforgettable.” “Oh, yeah? Who told you that?” I asked softly, trying to blink back the tears that suddenly burned my eyes. “Julia.”

What’s a man to do when the love of his life doesn’t remember him or their life together? He starts over. Ryan is determined to help Julia remember the journey they started together; first as friends and then as lovers with plans of marriage. Julia gets to experience falling in love with Ryan all over again. As bits and pieces of their former life come back to her, Julia learns to not just to remember the feelings she’s had, but feel them.

“Ryan, I want you to touch me. You make me…” She stopped, and squeezed my thigh, bringing her head up to meet my eyes. “I want…I mean, when I’m near you I’m just…” Her lids dropped halfway down and her mouth parted. I could see the same desire in her face that I’d seen a thousand times. I knew exactly what she was trying to say even though she was struggling with the words. “I’m just…” “Fucking vibrating?” I asked with a groan. “Yes.”

Falling in love the second time posed some challenges but Ryan never gave up on the primal connection he shares with Julia; even if he had to fight dirty to win her over. Julia belongs with Ryan and he does everything in his power to remind her, except tell her about her; that’s something she has to do all on her own. Frustrations run high because it feels like they are holding back when they have come so far before the accident, but Ryan won’t risk losing her memory of them forever; so he follows the rules. Julia sees things differently…

“Ryan…can you please try to see things differently, just for a second? I got two first times with you…to fall in love with you twice, and experience it all over again with you, so please don’t be sad. I’m happy.”

And happy they are. Julia finds her way back to Ryan in every sense, moving forward with their plans of forever.

“Forever will never be long enough to love you…never long enough for this.”

The continuation of Ryan & Julia’s story pulls on my heartstrings. It is a beautiful tale of two people working to find their way back to what they know. I loved this book just as much as the first and look forward to what is in store for them in book three! Don’t Forget to Remember Me will stay with me forever.

**5 Falling Twice as Hard Stars**

WTF?!? That's HOW this ends!!



GIFSoup



Review:

“I wanted her, but I wanted to make love to her, not just screw in some weak moment. I needed her body. As my friend, she was the most important person in my world, and I wasn’t about to screw that up.”

Ryan Matthews and Julia Abbott have been best friends since freshman year in college. The share everything…except how they feel for each other. When their lives start to drift in different directions; Ryan to Harvard Medical School in Boston and Julia to work for a publisher in Los Angeles, it becomes all too clear that they really need to discuss the topic of one four letter word…love. Neither wants to admit their true feelings in fear that they won’t be reciprocated or that they will lose the dynamic of their friendship.

“I’m completely…and utterly in love with you.” My eyes widened and my heart raced so fast I felt like I would die. “Night and day, you’re all I think about. I miss my best friend, but I want so much more with you. From the moment we met, you’ve had me…captivated. It feels amazing to finally be able to say the words…” “I love you too, Ryan. So much. For what feels like forever.”

So here begins Ryan and Julia’s journey of life, love, and self-discovery…it’s not easy, but so worth it. The long distance relationship they pursue has its challenges but the love Ryan and Julia share is nothing short of epic. Moving closer to one another sounds good in theory but even with Julia relocating across the country to be closer to Ryan, she’s still two hundred miles away in New York. Its better, but not the best, but they make it work and despite the distance, grow closer and closer.

An unexpected surprise causes Julia to take pause in her own dreams (dreams change, and hers took an extreme left turn). In hopes of being with Ryan to share her change of heart in person, Julia hops a train to Boston, but she never gets to share anything at all…

“You deserve whatever I decide to give you and I wasn’t to give you everything. Just don’t forget to remember me, and we’ll be okay. Don’t forget how much I love you…”

What a way to start a series! Kahlen had me hanging on her every word…and Ryan, wow. That man is the epitome of the perfect boyfriend. I fell in love with not just him but Julia as well. Reading this book was like watching a movie, it played out so well and left me crying at the end, as all great books/movies do. I was so upset, and luckily didn’t have to be kept in suspense long because I picked up the next book right away. This is one trilogy that will stay with me…and it all started with The Future of Our Past.

**5 Don’t Forget Me Stars**

“I don’t know if purely romantic love can last through anything (it is so based on feelings and attraction, both of which are pretty fickle at times), but I think friendship can, and when the romantic love and friendship get blurred together into one, it makes ‘relationship cement’ I think.” –Kate

Orona, the beautiful being of time long lost. Two thousand years is a long time to be “stuck.” Cursed to walk the earth and solidify the bonds of true love when she herself can feel nothing. Numb to the emotions of mortals and pulled by the very threads of their soulful connections, Orona continues to bury her long forgotten feelings; feelings of love and hate, passion of both good and evil intent, but mostly her harbored disdain for the very demon that cursed her to experience emotions through that of others and never having it for herself, the man who she swore she would love till the end of her existence, Seid.

Each time she completes a task, Orona basks in the feelings she absorbs from her charges before catching a new thread to her next mission; she never in a thousand years could fathom seeing the face of man she loved and hated with equal fervor again…

This book both confused and enlightened me. I loved the way Orona passed through time and how despite her curse she came to know love again. When she was brought to save the spider-thin thread of Lissa (the beautiful but empty showgirl) and Cain (her long-lost lover’s dopple-ganger), Orona struggles with new found feelings for a man that she could never be with. Cain knew something was different about this exotic woman with golden hair and rainbow colored eyes…and he felt incredibly connected to her.

“It’s like I’ve been asleep all my life,” he whispered,” but when I saw you, I woke up.”

Throughout the story, Orona becomes more mortal than she has been in over a millennia with her feelings and even though her newfound jealousy wants Cain to be with her, she knows there is only one man that she can ever be with; the one who both loved and cursed her. It’s been over 1000 years since she’s felt his presence; and after her task is completed she goes back to where everything started…but can she ever know true love for herself again, or at least a little peace?

“Love is ever changing, just like us. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not so good but in the end if you have each other to lean on you can keep the love growing and not just love them but keep being in love with them.” – Beth

Keeping love alive in any relationship can be difficult when faced with the challenges these people do during the story. I love the way the author made a tangible, visible thread for me to envision and grab hold of. Orona is amazing both as an ethereal being and a woman, I instantly fell in love with her strength and unselfishness. She has a genuine curiosity about modern life and such passion about the love lives she saves. And Cain…yum. Just yum. He is everything a man should be: strong, sensitive, handsome, hard-working, and just an all-around good guy. The way their story along with the rest of it unfolds has a wonderful message conveyed and beautifully delivered. This book is unlike anything I have read. It was an intriguing tale of love, loss and lessons in both.

**4 Curse Breaking Stars**

“I hope one day I can go back. I pray that one day I am strong enough to move past the painful events in my life. I hope one day that I can wake up with the urge to live. I know that is what he would want.”

Mia wants away from her small Georgia town and every painful memory it holds. Miami seems like as good a place as any to start over. Hundreds of miles away from her past, Mia works three jobs to survive. She doesn’t mind though, especially the physical labor; it keeps her from thinking too much. Problem is, she’s exhausted and the temp agency just found her yet another job. This one is different though. It’s a live-in, permanent position, that is if she can survive the interview with Sebastian Price; one of the most wealthy (and sexy) businessmen in Miami.

“When I finished signing the final page I handed it over to him. Our hands touched…”You felt that too. I know you did.”…I took a deep breath before responding, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

As Mia moves into her new position at the Price estate, she notices that she is not like the other employees; not leggy, or blonde, or bombshell-underwear model looking. So, why did she get the job if she clearly doesn’t fit Sebastian’s obvious type of woman, or employee? She can’t deny the connection they have, but getting close to him is terrifying. He brings something out in her that she didn’t think she’d ever feel…lust.

“I wasn’t going to be one of those girls. I had more respect for myself than that. I must look like a total slut. I met him this morning and by dinner I was ready to have sex with him on the dining room table. Classy Mia.”

Sebastian sees something she doesn’t and will do whatever it takes to have her. Mia is the itch that he needs to scratch. She is different alright, and one botched late-night run-in has him willing to change his entire lifestyle just to get closer to her. Knowing her secrets is par for the course but Sebastian wants her to trust him enough to share everything; be open to him in more than just a sexual way…even if it means no sex, just friendship. He would earn the rest.

“I knew then that I might actually have a chance with you…and I wanted a chance with you…so badly. So I told you we could be friends and over the next several weeks I got to get to know you and I loved everything about you.”

She’s scarred and he’s just the balm she needs in order to heal. Her painful past is becoming easier to bear every day they are together but life is messy and theirs is no exception. When new challenges arise, she runs…

WHAT?!?! She gets the guy, he changes his life for her and she leaves? Talk about your cliffhanger ending…I hope the next book comes out soon, the suspense of what Price does next is killing me! The Road to Price looks to be long and windy one…strap on your seatbelt for one intriguing ride.

**4 More than Money Stars**

“I stare at her, my mouth impersonating a fish. Words crowd my mind, then riot down to my throat. Tears, ones that I haven’t allowed to fall in months, gather. Finally, I blurt, “I dropped my basket, Nana.”

Violet Rae Givens is about to fall apart. Escaping to the small town in the Deep South, where her nana lives is the only thing she can think of doing; a place to hide. Running just seems easier than facing all of the horrible truths of her recent past; if she can keep it together, no one will ever have to know how deep her pain runs. But Violet “Rae” can only be silent for so long, sooner or later her life has to resume…contracts to fulfill, a new member of the family, her career to save. Trouble is, she just wants to be done, be ordinary and have privacy, a normal life. So, what’s up with the cocky gentleman at the grocery store with his kid sister at the crack of dawn, acting like a jerk one second and a sweetheart the next? And why can’t she shake the thoughts of him in her mind?

“Go out with me,” I blurt, like a first-rate asshole. What am I, fourteen? “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she says and my heart sinks. “But I might be back here, at this very spot tomorrow at eleven.” I grin, keeping the excitement all tampered down. If I don’t watch it, I’ll be doing jumpy claps while shouting ermigawd.”

Oh Cole, sweet, sexy and completely cocky Cole. I love him. He’s the town screw-off with a brother and sister to support because his druggie mother can’t seem to stay sober long enough to care for herself, much less anyone else; plus she hates him, no matter how hard he tries to help her. Cole runs the family bar and is always itching for a fight; a way to gain release from all the stress he’s under. The only other way to de-stress is sex…and he has a lot of that too. Then he meets the pixie-cut blonde with a diamond stud in her nose…

“You’re amazing.” I mean it. Nothing about my words are meant to seduce, meant to tantalize and tease. Yes I want inside her, but even more I want inside her head. I need to know this girl. What makes her tick; what she likes and dislikes. I need to know all of this, despite knowing how long she’ll stay here.”

So it begins. Rae and Cole start as friends, for totally different reasons. Her reasons: bad break-up history, she’s worried he will find out who she really is (famous of course) and what she’s done, therefore would want nothing more to do with her. That reason alone has her weary, he’s captivated her and that’s scary. Cole on the other hand will take whatever she’s willing to give to him…hoping someday it will be more than just friendship. He knows it’s a long shot and she will leave, but he still has to try.

“I have nothing to offer anyone, especially someone like Rae. Every woman past, present and future, is better off without me and my baggage. Hell, I doubt any woman wouldn’t want to handle the truth of my life, much less hear about it. But as I gaze at Rae, something sparks inside of me. “Always.”

A journey of rediscovery and trust as well as learning to let go of the past to focus on the future; leaving the guilt and pain of things that cannot be changed behind. Cole and Violet Rae each give the other something that was missing before—hope. The way their relationship developed felt very real and made me fall in love with not only them, but the author. Her pain is very real as is his. I love how they are both dealing with forms of rejection and heartbreak while forging a relationship based on honesty (mostly) with each other. This is a series I can see reading over and over again…looking forward to more!

**4 Country-Loving Stars**

Oh. My. Gosh. I am completely wrecked...UGH! Review to come, I need to grieve the loss of Chase...again.
Excuse me while I go bawl my eyes out...




“I wasn’t used to insignificant girls not wanting me. And she had no idea how bad that was for her. It just made the challenge that much better. I would get her. And I would enjoy breaking her heart.”

Chase Grayson, resident bad-boy. He hooks-up, sleeps around, but doesn’t settle down. Why would he when girls throw themselves at him? Partying, drinking, sex with a different girl (sometimes two) every night sounds like the way to go…until the stormy-eyed redhead walks into his house. Her blatant disgust for him becomes a challenge; one he’s going to enjoy. But who is she anyway and why can’t he just leave her alone? She’s his sister’s new roommate, Harper. Game on!

“Challenge or not, she was already getting under my damn skin too much for me to think clearly…I didn’t know where the protectiveness for her came from, but somehow I knew I’d do anything for this innocent girl, and I’d kill anyone who tried to take that innocence from her.”

I can’t even think of how to start. This book wrecked me in a big way…and I ALREADY knew what was going to happen! I sobbed like a blubbering fool; in the school car-pool line no less (talk about embarrassing) but I just HAD to read it.

“Harper, I will love you for the rest of my life.” She sucked in a quick breath but didn’t turn to look at me, and before she hopped out of my truck and away from me, she whispered softly, “You will always be in my heart, Chase Grayson.”

I loved seeing this unfold from Chase’s POV and it only made me love him more…I can’t say the same for Harper but I guess when communication isn’t forged honestly, things get messy. Even with knowing the outcome of the story and trying not to read to the end, I did and it was more awful than I thought it would be…I mean, ripped my heart out, awful, but well worth reading and so good at the same time. Thank you Molly McAdams for breaking my heart twice (and a third time as I write this), it was truly the sweetest, most beautiful pain.

“Her eyes were red, her cheeks splotchy, and she looked like someone had ripped out her heart. Me. I did that. I’m the one who put that look on her face.”

**5 Soul-Shattered Stars**

“I didn’t realize: sometimes fate is the hardest choice of all…It’s an act of faith. A miracle…But you have to decide: give yourself up and surrender to a force far greater than you will ever understand, or turn and walk away…”

Juliet wants to get away, so much so that she has applied and gotten into college clear across the country. All she has to do is get through the summer with her family; then it’s a fresh start. Easier said than done. Juliet’s family vacation isn’t a happy one. With a drunk for a father, a snob for a sister and a mom who just wants attention and affection, the trip to their vacation home in Cedar Cove is just one more hoop to jump through on her path to freedom. How was she to know a blown tire would land her face-to-face with the one person who could change her entire life direction?

Emerson is the local bad boy. Life hasn’t dealt him the fairest of hands; his mom is an addict, he’s never met his father, and he works three jobs to support her, himself, and his two younger siblings. Struggling daily to keep track of his mother; angry is not a strong enough word. Emerson has lost all hope for his life ever amounting to something more than it is. When he nearly crashes into the summer girl with the bad attitude and raven hair, something flairs deep within him…and it all starts with her.

“She’s standing right in front of me, those beautiful lips parted with anger, her fists clenched by her sides. Even if she hadn’t just told me all of that, I would know the truth from the look of dark bitterness in her eyes. She knows. She’s been here. She’s damaged, just like me.”

This novella/prequel grabbed me from the very first page. Emerson and Juliet each need something the other has to offer, they need each other. He needs hope and she needs purpose. They start a fast-paced, love-at-first-sight, summer romance; from that very first encounter, they were connected. She saw him, the real, deep-down-hiding-from-everyone him, and she didn’t run. He showed her that despite the odds, one can be good and they have fallen—hard. I really loved them, their chemistry is absolutely hot. The unknown of the future is still hanging in the balance…I will be reading Unbroken to find out what happens next!

**4 Aching Stars**

“I’m not one of those girls that just go around sleeping with any guy, with no care to anyone’s feelings. I have three rules: never sleep with someone that a friend has feelings for, never sleep with someone who is in a known relationship (when this isn’t disclosed to me, it is not my fault), and finally, never sleep with someone more than three times.”

Emerson Moore is by far one of my favorite heroines. She is confident, sexy and comfortable in her own skin. She has no issues with anyone…except herself. With her “rules” in place, Em has closed off the one part of herself that is vulnerable, her heart. Does she sleep around? Yes. Does she have a reputation because of it? Of course. Does she really care? Nope…until the morning she met “motorcycle boy” as she was coming out of the frat house. He changes something and Em fights it with everything she is; but is it enough?

“Your voice is a little like cocaine. You could bottle that stuff up and sell it. You could make a killing…Can I pay you just to talk to me all day?”

Sexy Jaxon Riley…um, yeah. Hot body, dark hair, piercing blue eyes, voice like velvet caressing your skin when he speaks…oh, he plays football AND rides a motorcycle. *faints* Transferring to school for his junior year, reunited with his twin brother, Jace (YES! he has a twin), and best friend, Cole; Jax is the male counterpart to Em. No attachments, no responsibilities, no clue his world is about to be rocked by the sexy D-cups limping out of the frat house doing the walk of shame with so much confidence, he can’t move. This is going to be fun…she and her sister, Quinn, live next door!

So, when does a casual friendship turn into something more? After classes together, long conversations, study dates, frat parties, movie nights and football games, they somehow become closer than Emerson has ever thought possible; Jaxon is her best friend. Can they still be friends if she breaks her rules? Em doesn’t do relationships, but Jax is different and she’s terrified.

“It’s not so easy when you care about them is it?” Quinn squeezed my hand back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said avoiding her eyes. “Whatever, your heart knows what I’m talking about, and one day your brain will catch up.”

Relationships between two damaged people can be tricky, and at times, downright impossible. The emotion between Jaxon and Emerson was uncanny. With her past constantly reminding her that relationships fail her, my heart broke. Being young and so hardened to the possibilities of a great love is a tough pill to swallow. Jaxon has to be strong enough and patient enough with her if they ever stand a chance.

“This is exactly why I never wanted to go down this road in the first place, why I made rules…” “You’re driving me f**king insane. The only reason I can stand coming to every single one of these parties is because some crazy-ass masochistic side of me needs to know when you come out of those bedrooms that you’re still okay. But every time I watch you walk up those stairs with some new douche bag, I beg Cole to stop me from going up there, pounding that guy into the ground and throwing you over my shoulder because I know you would be pissed at me…Emerson, tell me what you want…tell me that you want me,” he whispered. “I want you.” Always. “Only me?” “Only you.” Has there ever been anyone else?”

Without meaning to, Em falls in love…and it destroys her. My heart stopped, but I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know if it all worked out in the end. Emerson finally breaks her rules; and Jaxon…

“It’s impossible. I can’t be your friend. It hurts too much. If I’m ruining you, then you’ve destroyed me. I finally trusted someone enough to love and you proved that all along it wasn’t worth it.”
This book wrecked me in such a good way. Emerson and Jaxon’s story is one I will forever remember and read over and over again…

“You’re my heart. You don’t walk away from your heart.”

That’s where I’ve placed them, my heart.

**So Many More than 5 Broken Stars**

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


“I’d let someone in. The hard shell around my heart had been compromised, and very thoroughly too. Ethan had done it. He’d worked on me, and pushed me and demanded my attention. He never gave up on me and loved me in spite of my cavern of emotional issues. Ethan did all that for me. And now I could revel in the fact that I was loved by a man whom I loved in return.”

Brynne Bennett and Ethan Blackstone didn’t meet on the best of terms. She was being threatened and he was hired to protect her. Never in any lifetime did either of them think they would form a relationship further than professional…that they would need each other so completely and all-consumingly so.

Whisking Brynne away to the country for a small break from all of the stresses surrounding their lives at home seems like the most perfect way to share his plans about the future; a future Ethan hopes Brynne is on board for. An unexpected “bump” in the road changes everything. She’s scared and ready to run; he thinks he’s just found a way to hold onto her forever. How could he ever let her go now?

“I wish I could make love to you right now. Now. Before we know what it says…because it will change nothing that I feel in here…for you.” He picked up my right hand and laid it flat over his heart. “Yes, please,” I managed before falling into a place somewhere so far into love with him it laid me bare. This thing with him and me was truly irreversible.”

I loved this book as much, if not more than the first two. Ethan and Brynne are forever etched in my heart as a truly amazing and triumphant couple. Despite every challenge they are faced with, their connection is unwavering. I was cursing and crying and sighing and swooning with every turn of the page. I love the raw emotion; how I could feel EVERYTHING they felt: guilt, fear, hope, worry, passion, joy, sorrow, panic, and most of all, love. Epic…that’s the best word I can think of.

Brynne was young, scared and closed-off because of her fears…Ethan, a domineering, confident and equally closed-off man who saw a forever with a woman so silently strong. Both never quite understood love until they collided…forcing their eyes wide open.

“I like this one where you’re looking over your shoulder…”I studied the photograph some more. “Your eyes are open…and you are looking at me…”Brynne was my greatest gift. She was the first person to really see inside me. Only her eyes seemed even capable of doing it. Only my Brynne’s eyes.”

**5 look-at-me stars**

ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review:

“If you love someone, put their name in a circle; because hearts can be broken, but circles never end.” -Anonymous

Maryah and Michael had the perfect family; a mom and dad who were madly in love, both with them and each other. Everything is as it should be until one night, tragedy strikes and Maryah not only lives through it, but thanks to her gift of memory, she remembers it all…especially him.

“No, death is a gorgeous movie-star angel man that rides a motorcycle and sat beside you at the hospital.”

Maryah doesn’t know why and honestly thinks she’s gone a little crazy when she moves to Sedona to live with her godmother, Louise, and family. Everyone acts as though they’ve known her forever, claiming her as family; talking about people Maryah has never even met…and Nathanial. Nathanial is Louise’s son and in this lifetime (same as every life before) he’s Maryah’s soul mate, her twin flame. Of course she doesn’t know that. Having not even met him yet, she’s dreamt of him many times. It’s not until a trip to Colorado when she comes face to face with her angel of death; the feelings are so overwhelming she passes out. But remember him, them together, she does not. Maryah has erased; she chose at the end of her last life to forget. She’s a clean slate and Nathanial is devastated.

“That was a soul-shattering issue. I saw nothing inside her. No flicker of the depthless light in her eyes, no trace of the soul I had loved for centuries. She had let go of our eternity, and I couldn’t stop grasping onto the memory of who she used to be.”

So, how do you make someone who has an uncanny ability to remember everything, remember something or someone she has chosen to forget? Despite their efforts and heartbreak, all a girl really needs is her mother…and someone who can relay the message.

“Every soul is a story shelved away in an infinite library in the sky.”

This book started out slow with a lot happening and too many different characters to keep track of. There was terminology that I had to “figure out” because they pertain to the story (not the dictionary) which made it hard to follow. Once I got past all of that, everything seemed to just click. It flowed beautifully (even with a constant change in POV), I truly didn’t want it to end. The tale of soul mates and past lives is absolutely fascinating—lovers who transcend lifetimes and continuously seek one another out is the epitome of romance. I’m a sucker for an epic romance. I love that Nathanial and his family fought so hard for Maryah to come back to them as she had been in previous lives. I liked the element of suspense coming from someone wanting to destroy connections and use these ancient gifts to their evil advantage. I loved how the end comes full circle in a sense…it was magical, mystical, heartbreaking and renewing all in one. I cannot wait for the next book: Taking Back Forever due out this year.

**4 Soul-Saving Stars**

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“My feet couldn’t carry me fast enough. He represented everything I wanted in life. He was freedom, he was fantasy. A dream that played inside of my head since I learned how cruel this world could truly be.”

Cass is a girl born and raised in a small town outside of Savannah. A nobody, living in a trailer park and working at the run-down local diner; she’s a regular ray of sunshine. Ha! Carrying an unyielding chip on her shoulder and constantly putting herself down along with snapping at anyone who so much as pays her a second glance, no one would ever believe she was beautiful by the way she acted. Tucker White saw it though…and he knew from that first encounter that she was meant to be with him; despite her guarded demeanor and snappy tone.

Carrying guilt over her mom’s addiction and her useless, abusive boyfriend, Cass constantly puts herself down; making sure she never forgets what she is, where she comes from and where she will never get to go…it kind of made me crazy. Sometimes, I wanted to scream “ENOUGH ALREADY! Grow a pair and run away, damn you!” If it weren’t for Larry, I might have stopped reading. I love Larry.

Larry is the grumpy cook at Aggie’s Diner where Cass works. He gives her crap every day, but cares for her just the same. Cass does what she can to stay on his good side because she needs the job to pay the bills and hopefully get out of the trailer park. Jax, her boyfriend, doesn’t see things the same way. He’s a horrible excuse for a man and I cannot believe her guilt over wanting to leave him!

Cass is torn; torn by her need to care for those she loves (no matter how they treat her) and being able to leave her sad life behind with a man who truly wants her, not just her support. She sneaks around, playing with fire so to speak because Jackson (Jax) is the type of crazy who will kill her over suspicion.

“You are my greatest memory.”

So, a few things: one, I enjoyed this story. It was short and I felt could have had more to the back-story, but still good. Two, Teresa Mummert is a fantastic writer, and this is the first book I have read by her…it was recommended by a friend, and she has yet to steer me wrong.  I will be reading more from this author. Three, I really liked the sub-characters. I love a good romance, and Tucker & Cass fit that bill; but seeing the way other people were weaved into the story-line is what kept me reading. Larry was my favorite, did I mention that? He reminds me of my grandpa: grumpy and mean but caring and giving all in his own way…yeah, totally off subject. Anyway, despite the heavy tone and lack of length, I was kept guessing and it was surprisingly unexpected with the way everything played out. I look forward to the next one…maybe we can learn a little more about Tucker, and the “rock twins”.

**3 Trashy Stars**

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

“While I may not have dated, I certainly had crushed on plenty of guys, both fictional and living, and they tended to be the underdogs, with soulful eyes and a moodiness driven by insecurity.”

Who says opposites don’t attract? Sometimes the best compliment a person can have is someone who is everything they are not. Rory Macintosh is Pre-Med; super smart, quiet, shy, and doesn’t date (she’s a virgin). It’s not for lack of want to be with someone per-say but with her closed off persona and brutal honesty; people can’t really get close enough.

Tyler Mann is her polar opposite, in pretty much every way. He’s big, tattooed, outgoing and a typical man-whore; but that’s just the surface…he also loves to read. *swoon* When the two first interact you think “oh, he’s just a decent guy sticking up for a girl in need”, well, Rory doesn’t need protecting and Tyler is more than just in the right place at the right time. He really wants to get to know her, he wants more, but how does he get closer…

“Whatever his reasons for saying yes to Jess and Kylie, in a completely insane way, I was grateful. Because I was standing there, and for the first time, really felt like I was of worth, of value, to someone.”

To say this was good…understatement. Erin McCarthy did not disappoint in the least, I am completely smitten with Rory & Tyler…and Jessica, Nathan, Kylie, Jayden (U), Easton, and Riley. I was drawn in from the very beginning with expectations of how things would play out and was continuously surprised at the way the story evolved. I didn’t stop until the very last page and when I read the last sentence, I wanted to start from the beginning and read it all over again—seriously! This book had everything I look for to keep me engaged: back story with flawed but amazing characters (keeps it real), setting has to change (I like to travel all over the place—one of the minds greatest adventures). Dialog that has to be funny, witty and real, I need emotion conveyed through conversation and inner monologue; it needs to evoke some sort of reaction out of me. There has to be a storyline that keeps me guessing. And lastly, a love story (which really should’ve been first—great love, no matter the age is always something to look for and forward to, with or without an HEA). TRUE gave me everything; it was hard and soft, heavy and light, happy and sad, serious and funny. What’s not to love about a girl who falls for a guy and changes his life just by being in it? Rory learns about the true meaning of family and passion while Tyler learns that you don’t have to have much in order to be worthy of love.

“Our movement, our emotions were frantic, urgent, deep and passionate. I knew that no matter what, I had turned a corner and I couldn’t go back. I was deeply, madly, truly in love, so much so that it almost hurt.”

Gosh, I loved this book…If I could’ve given it more than 5 stars, I would have. Brava Ms. McCarthy, my emotions are here on this page…and I am passionately in love with TRUE.

Review—Waiting on Forever by Ashley Wilcox

“’Wait, you’re part of orientation?’ I ask the nerdy girl that has been taking picture after picture…”

Matthew Jacobs is a jock who meets photography major Leah Bennett for the first time at college orientation. He’s cute and she’s trying not to be interested, after all, boys like Matt go for girls who have more air than brains in their heads, not girls like Leah. Except Matt sees different; he sees a beautiful girl who doesn’t take ish from anyone, a girl who is smart and different—a challenge!

“It’s been two months since Matt and I met at orientation and up until this week our relationship has been strictly online friends…this is Matt we’re talking about. Tall, brown hair, hazel eye, muscular, hot, sexy, makes my skin tingle, heart throb, Matt.”

Challenge accepted and conquered!

No matter what Leah tried to tell herself, she knew Matt was different…and he wants her. She never thought it was possible and now she not only has been his friend but now, *gasp* his girlfriend—when did that happen?

“I stand there frozen, watching him dig through his drawers and thinking about all that has changed in such a short period of time. I’m no longer a loner. I’m hopelessly in love and have gone from a total prude to a raging nympho. I’m loving my new life and have no plans of ever turning back.”

To say this was just a story of young love would be wrong. Yes, it’s a love story, a rather awesome one, but there’s more. The way these two people come together is typical of college life but what brought them to that college at the same time is what makes this anything but your typical “boy meets girl” story. I really enjoyed how Matt & Leah’s relationship developed. I also loved how they came to be the individuals they are; each with their respective pasts. Yes, I cried. Yes, I laughed out loud—Leah is hilarious and snarky! At the end I felt good and was completely satisfied. That is this book, a feel-good, satisfying read and I look forward to more from Ms. Wilcox.

Definitely Worth **4** Swoontastic Stars!

Review: Spellbound by Emmie Dark
Advance copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“Magics weave to bring dreams to life.”

Belle is a witch, stemmed from generations of witches before her. She has a good life—she’s attractive, successful, well off financially, all without magic. Why? Well, Bell isn’t a very good witch; she’s quite terrible actually…or at least that’s what she thinks.

“He was more than capable of rendering her speechless with his mere presence.”

Nick, Belle’s gorgeous neighbor, has been the object of her lust since he moved into the building. When he looks at her, she almost thinks he’s interested…but no words ever come out of his mouth to solidify her thoughts. There is something much more powerful than he, keeping them apart…and Nick is about to become much more than just a friendly hello in the elevator lift.

“’Belle, it’s important. Are you a witch? Because I think someone has cast a spell on you.’”

When Belle is feeling confident and good about herself (and where things could go with Nick), or holding the mysterious green stone, Nick can speak freely; can explore her body without the feeling of dread or pain. But when Belle gets down on herself, becomes insecure, unsure or frightened, Nick feels everything tenfold. They are connected…and a spell has been cast to keep them apart. Is it Nick or Belle? Someone is Spellbound…

This story was quirky and cute. The characters were likable and the roles played throughout the story were good. The sub-characters were a great addition and kept me smiling. It was a well-written, fast, easy read with what seemed like one really long love scene (not complaining). But that was pretty much it…I can’t explain it. There was not much of a back-story for either main character so it lacked the depth I am used to. The story is complete and I would recommend it for anyone who wants little sprinkle of fantasy in their beach-read.

3.5 Stars