How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



"It sounds silly, I know. But for me, the power of music rests in its ability to reach inside and touch the places where the deepest cuts lie.”


That quote can dually explain how I feel about music AND how I feel about this book. It has been days since I finished this book and still don’t have the words to properly pay homage to this story with a review.

How to Kill a Rock Star was suggested to me by a friend. A buddy read was set up and off I went. I knew the book would be good but I didn’t realize it would be gorgeous.

The author uses words like poetry; they wrap around you like a warm blanket on a cold day and seep into your soul where they will live forever.


"His arms dangled like a puppet and he seemed to skim the ground when he walked, as if suspended over the edge of the world by a hundred invisible strings.”


That folks is how you use words. Words are supposed to conjure up an image in your head so you see what the author wants you to see. Words are not filler to make a book longer; they are there to guide the reader. When you read those words you don’t imagine a physical marionette on strings; you visualize the way this man would stand there across the tracks in the subway.

This book is amazing, absolutely stunning. I broke my highlighting record while reading it. There is such emotion throughout the book; the writing is dramatic, poetic, comedic and romantic.

It is one of those books that you want to rush through to find out what happens yet take your time so it doesn't end.

I don’t want to write too much and give anything away. JUST READ IT! This is a must read if there ever was one.


"What I love, what it’s about for me, and what it’s always been about, is the music. Everything else I can use to wipe my ass. I’ve got my girl and my guitar, and for me that’s enough. The rest is yesterday’s news."




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Moving on up...

I have migrated over to Wordpress and changed my name. if anyone was wondering about the crickets lately. Anyone, anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Nothing like a good kick in the ass...

So I have been reading a lot, like a lot, a lot and today something really great has come out of it. Not that my experiences of reading, getting to know new people, making friends and writing reviews aren't a great experience but now I have been invited to to a blog tour with an author of an ARC I recently read and reviewed. A few weeks ago I got my first ARC, Risking it All by Jennifer Schmidt and I fell in love with the characters and the story. Memphis and Kennedy have such chemistry, history and flat out passion that their story sucked me in immediately.

So now I have the chance to participate in this Virtual Blog Tour of Risking it All, I can do an author interview, a character interview or have Jennifer do a guest blog. I SO want to interview Memphis...oh this is exciting for me!

I totally feel like this today...



So I guess stay tuned for me actually blogging since I got this sweet kick in the ass and stay tuned for my participation in the Virtual Blog Tour of Risking it All by Jennifer Schmidt!

Book Review - Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz

Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars




"So you, are a librarian. What does that make me then? A seven-day loan?"


What a great short read!

I am glad I read this after reading The Siren. It holds so much more to know where Nora is now and where Eleanor was during this time. I loved that she would not give him a name as she was so mad at him he did not deserve one.

I absolutely loved Daniel and his being a hermit. The poor sweet Dom that he is was so lost without his wife. The fact that now Eleanor is there for seven days with Daniel, seven days that could change everything if they let it.


"I've grieved in this jailhouse every day for three years and he thinks I'll be in love with you in a week?"


To see Nora/Eleanor this way was insightful. She was still, sassy, snakry
"He warned me you were smart. He neglected to mention you were a smart-ass as well."
and just plain herself but there was a softer side we got to see with Daniel. The want of the days, the mornings and the time.


"She forgot her name, forgot where she was...and most dangerously forgot momentarily who she belonged to."


I recommend this to read after reading The Siren. It nicely falls in place with the prequels on the authors website.

*I received this via Netgalley and Harlequin UK.



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Book Review - Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



"Touching Echo felt like home…"


"Noah makes me feel safe."


Another YA book sucks me in and I absolutely love it.


"We’d read about sirens in English this fall; Greek mythology bullshit about women so beautiful, their voices so enchanting, that men did anything for them. Turned out that mythology crap was real because every time I saw her, I lost my mind."


Noah Hutchins is the bad boy; the stoner who loves to question authority and show that he can handle himself. But Noah is a foster kid who has been through numerous homes and whose life has changed since the death of his parents and the separation from his brothers.


"My insides had melted when Noah produced his wicked grin and gazed at me like I was naked. Luke used to give me butterflies. Noah spawned mutant pterodactyls."


Echo Emerson was the popular girl; she had the boyfriend, was on the dance team and had all the right friends until something happened to her to change it all and turn her world upside down. The sad part of this; she can’t remember what that something is yet has the physical proof and pain of it daily.

I LOVED this story. I find myself stumbling across some really good YA books that leave me speechless. As a hopeless romantic Pushing the Limits fed that part of me completely. What surprised me most was the depth and character development in this story. It did not read like a YA novel to me, it was more than I could have hoped for.

Echo and Noah are wonderful characters. They both have pasts that have led them to where they are and have to be dealt with. Only knowing one another from opposite sides of the cafeteria and rumors, they are thrown together by their shared school counselor. They need understanding and find it in each other where they least expect it.
Echo becomes Noah’s tutor with encouragement and a paycheck. These two opposites begin to attract and the magnetism is strong and undeniable. The suggestion to “just do normal” was a great way to get them to be together on a level they could handle but like all good romances; a level that gets blurred.


"Echo, I can’t tell you what’s going to happen because I don’t know. But I swear…on my brothers that you’ll never be a joke to me and you’ll be much more than a girl in the backseat of my car."


This is an emotional read for sure. It sucks you in from the start wanting to know the secrets and just wanting everyone to be okay. You will have strong feelings towards Echo’s dad and step mom, some of her friends and Noah’s but it is those feelings that add so much to this story.

Pushing the Limits is a stellar debut from Katie McGarry. This is a story that takes risks, that deal with painful subjects and does not disappoint the reader. Full of passion, loss, love, angst, betrayal, hope and the belief that one person out there can change you for the better, this is a must read.

*I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and Harlequin Teen.



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Book Review - Seducing Cinderella by Gina Maxwell

Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was just a fun read. Thanks to the girls from my Smut Monday group for reading it with me even though I jumped the gun on it. It was that good!

Reid is an MMA champion who needs to get back into shape to take back his title. Lucie just happens to be a kick butt Physical Therapist who he is sent to and is his best friends little sister. You can tell where this will go right? When Reid and Lucie realize they are in a interesting position; him needing to get better fast and Lucie wanting to land the doctor of and for her dreams Reid gives an offer she can't refuse.


"I'll teach you how to get your doctor if you do this for me."


The sparks fly immediately with these two and it just put a smile on my face. The teasing was adorable and sexy at the same time, a perfect combination. The way Reid speaks was just perfect, it was perfect for his character, completely believable. He was protective of Lucie from the beginning and it just got deeper for him as their story progressed.


"Reid wanted to choke every person who'd ever made this woman feel less than the incredible creature she was. Everything about her -humor, awkwardness, klutziness, compassion, dedication-all of it, made her far superior to any woman he'd known.



I loved that the majority of the steamy scenes were from Reid's POV, a nice change for this reader. You get some hot lines from him, one of my favorites: (view spoiler)[
Goddamn it, Luce," he said gruffly. "I love that you're always so wet for me. I've never felt anything so tight and hot. I want to live inside you and never leave."

(hide spoiler)] There are so many great sexy and smutty lines that come from Reid, the man is pretty vocal in this book.

Was the plot predictable, pretty much but it follows the standard lay out of a romance. Did that make this any less fun to read, heck no. It is always wonderful to watch the big strong macho man with the heart of gold fall for the slip of a girl in a way that knocks him off his feet. I love the opposites attract vibe and the makeover business with Lucie.

I recommend this to anyone who likes their romance steamy, funny, adorable and last but not least including a hot tattooed bad boy with a romantic heart.




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Book Review - The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



"God said let there be light and there was light…God created the world with words, Eleanor. Words are the thread in the fabric of the universe."


The Siren has me lost in a world of vivid visualization even a full 24hrs after reading it. I will honestly say that going into this book I had a prejudgment that soon had me on my ass after the first chapter.


"It’s not pornography. It’s erotica. Very good erotica."


I could not agree with that quote any more had I wrote it myself. Tiffany Reisz has created a world that sucks you in quickly, deeply and violently. Nora writes erotica, Nora lives what she writes and Nora is so much more than that. To think you have any of the characters or story line pegged in this book would be a great disservice to both you and the author.

Zachary Easton is known as the London Fog of editing, it is what he does but again, it’s not who he is. His secrets are deeply hidden and it will take nothing short of beating to rid himself of the guilt, but who beats whom is the question.


"Zach paused in his reading as he felt a shadow of something old and familiar whisper across his shoulder. He brushed the sensation off and read the line again. Then the next one and the next one.. "


I don’t think I could do this book justice with a review but I feel the need to write one to exorcise myself of the story to be able to move on. It affected me that much. To have a book make me cry, scream, yell and forget to breathe is worthy of more than the 5 stars I am given to rate it. My emotions were all over the place and it was amazing.

The cast of characters are so complex and layered. Usually in a book when you have so many people in it you can get lost your Mistress cracks the whip and keeps you focused that you have nowhere to go, no place to be but reading her words on the page. I just want to hug Wesley and tuck him in to bed and okay I will admit, crawl in there with him. What can I say about Griffin other than seeing this handsome man in certain positions was a mind blowing experience. Søren is a polarizing character; one you want to hate but I found myself having a soft spot for him. Nora I am sure would agree with that. Another man I will say I have developed a collar fetish for…

The Siren is more than a story about an erotica writer trying to get published or the underground world she lives in. The Siren is a story of love, loss, sacrifice, lust, hurt, harm and power.


"What is the purpose?” “For salvation, of course. For love."





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Book Review - Guilty Pleaures by Kitty Thomas

Guilty Pleasures by Kitty Thomas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I am a fan girl when it comes to Kitty Thomas.

Guilty Pleasures is aptly named; it was a pure pleasure to read and my guilt comes from not reading it sooner.

Vivian is a bored wife, unable to have a satisfying relationship inside or outside of the bedroom with her husband Michael.


"She wasn’t even sure it was this fault anymore. She wasn’t sure it was anyone’s fault."


Vivian is sent on a journey of discovery not one of self discovery from the start because it was not her choice but ultimately the choice is made.

From the first meeting with Dr. Smith you realize that Vivian is missing something, a something she isn’t aware of or even knows she wants. It’s a good thing she goes to therapy then right?


“Mrs. Delany?”
“Yes?”
"You’re going to lose all your inhibitions.”


When Vivian walks in to Dome she gets introduced to her deepest desires and her deepest fears mixed together in the form of one man, Anton. The world that he shows her is one she doesn’t want but one she cannot stay away from.

Guilty Pleasures is not a book I can review without giving away its secrets and they must stay a secret for the reader’s enjoyment. Being inside Vivian's head you are with her every step of the way, every submission and every fear or want conquered though it may seem unreal.


"The more she explored, the more she felt like Alice down the rabbit hole. A stoned caterpillar wouldn’t have shocked her at this point, and she would have gladly requested some of whatever he was smoking."


The end of this book was absolutely perfect and one I was hoping for. The epilogue ties up everything nicely and gives you the closure you need. Kitty Thomas has a way with words and I just love how she uses them to end a story. The evoke the emotion from all that you just read and echo in your head after you are through.


"The moment the blindfold came off, things got complicated, as he’d known they would. But either way, he would always have that moment. Where it was real. It made the entire fucked-up thing doing all over again."






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Book Review - Need by Sherri Hayes

Need by Sherri Hayes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book to review from Netgalley and Smith Publicity --
The Writer's Coffee Shop. Thank you for the opportunity.


"I could be Anna again."


Need begins where Slave left off. Confused Brianna is told my Stephan that yes, he bought her but she is not his slave. That if she wants to leave she can...

We get deeper into the story between Stephan and Brianna and their relationship begins to grow and flourish under the new roles. Brianna is still unsure who she is but is changing day by day. Stephen is beyond saintly with his patience with her and her issues but he is a man in love and as a hopeless romantic I would expect nothing less.

I liked the introduction of Cal Ross into the story. He gives a few more layers to Brianna and who she was before; Anna. Seeing him at the banquet was a shock and I worried that it would be counter productive for Anna but Stephen of course was able to handle it.

Having Brianna able to talk to both Lily and Logan was wonderful. Knowing that Logan was not a part of the lifestyle but changed for Lily was comforting to me as the reader knowing it should and would help Brianna knowing why he did it.

Stephen and his punishment this book had me a bit miffed but knowing what else he could have done I settled down and accepted that he knows better than I what will work with Brianna. I will say the way he shows her things that Ian did that were cruel can be pleasurable if done the right way was beautiful. The cane, the leash and most of sex was handled so well. The lifestyle he lives as a dominant is not one of harm, pain yes but for pleasure.

The book ends on a HUGE cliffhanger and I cannot believe the next book isn't out until next year! Yikes! I will be waiting anxiously for the story to continue and get some answers about Ian!



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Book Review - Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I started this minutes after finishing Slammed and not even reading the synopsis, I just wanted more of their story. I needed someone to pinch me when I realized it was from Will's POV! Oh yeah!

Point of Retreat is the perfect follow up to Slammed. It evokes the same emotions, the same heart wrenching decisions, the same smiles and the same Butterflyingly awesome Slam poetry!

I usually mark my favorite quotes/sections of books to add in my review to make a point but there is no need with this book. Colleen Hoover writes this story with such beauty and elegance I didn't have time to stop and mark anything. Plus, I feel I couldn't do the book justice by including them here. You just have to read the books.

Once again Colleen Hoover handles difficult topics with finesse and doesn't gloss over them or beat you over the head with them. They are there for a reason, an important reason and the delivery is flawless. You just get it.

I said it before in my Slammed review; when a book in a genre outside my comfort zone draws me in this quick and this complete I will get on a soap box, do a jig and even be the sacrifice if I have to.

Thank you Ms. Hoover for writing a story that knocked my butterflying socks off.



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Book Review - Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I had to take a few days to write a review of this wonderful book. I still can’t put my thoughts together as eloquently as I believe this book deserves but I will just go on my gut feelings that I wrote as I was reading it.

I have to say I am not a big YA fan, pretty much stay away if I can but I have given the genre more attempts than I thought possible. So when I read YA and I am so lost that I read through work, dinner that I made for the boys but I did not eat myself and then stayed up to read half of the sequel. It's a fan-freaking-tastic book!

It is still hard for me to put it into words and that is something. The writing is flawless. Colleen Hoover really draws you and makes you feel every emotion but not so detailed to where you kind of get bugged by it. It is just enough. It is perfect.

The slam poetry...it gave me chills! I have seen it live before so I could read along how it would have been performed but even if you don't, the words are so intense.

The author deals with so much sadness but handles it unbelievably well. You would think with so much it would weigh you down but there is always something more for you to grasp for. You know that even though there are rough times it will be okay, it just has to be.

I can say that I hope my sons grow up to be half a man Will Cooper is. Yeah, I want my kids to grow up to have the morals, ethics and sense of responsibility as a fictional character. Lake showed me just how strong someone can be even when they don’t think they have it in them. Finding your way is never easy but being true to yourself is the best reward.

For me, the key point to something being truly amazing is it makes you go beyond the book. To learn something more and Slammed did that for me. Since I finished it I have gone and researched more Slam competitions and found some truly talented young folks out there with the ability to give me even more chills.

Oh and last thing, The author mentions Eddie Izzard, if I didn't like it before that...I was sold then!




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Book Review - Slave by Sherri Hayes

Slave by Sherri Hayes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book to review from Netgalley and Smith Publicity --
The Writer's Coffee Shop. Thank you for the opportunity.

Going into this I had a preconceived idea of what the book would be about and I was completely wrong.

Slave is not a book filed with sex and BDSM playrooms. Slave is a story about a girl who has been forced into something she doesn't completely understand and someone who has the capability to save her.

I was pleasantly surprised that there would be two POV's in this book; both Brianna's and Stephan's. It helped tremendously with the story telling to really know what was going on between the two.

This book had me glued to the page and I couldn't stop turning. I felt for Brianna and her confusion on who she now was, what she could now do and how to navigate the day to day life that has changed so much in her young 18 years. At first I was thrown by her age, but I put that aside realizing that it fit the story, actually most girls forced into sexual slavery are much younger. How broken this young girl had become was heart wrenching for me. She questioned everything around her, everything being done to her but these questions weren't allowed a voice for so long, she lived in a prison in her head.

I connected with Brianna and her love of books; living inside your own head you need a little company from words on a page. I cried when she received her first punishment, I felt it right along with her.

Stephan is something else. He reluctance to buy a human being is understandable as well as is his decision to go through with the sell. He sees that Brianna is not in a good position and that he can help her. The methods he uses may not be traditional but what kind of help could he get for her that would not damage her more. I think he did what was best being in that lifestyle. Stephan has the patience of a saint and I fell in love with him for that. He just wanted to take care of her and protect her; show her that not everyone is evil, not every man wants the same thing from her and show her that she is in control even when she doubts that. She only knows who/what she has been the last 10 months, is it possible for him to change that?

I keep hearing the Lily's words that are repeated in Brianna's head
"No I was never his salve. And neither are you."


The time that Stephan devotes to Brianna is amazing. The people that he brings into her life to help her was perfect. Lily and Logan understand the lifestyle and can be there for support for Stephan and Brianna even though she doesn't realize it yet.

The end was not what I expected and I cannot wait to read Need to find out what happens next.






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Book Review: Risking it All by Jennifer Schmidt

Risking It All by Jennifer Schmidt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received Risking it All as an ARC from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

I could not be more pleased with this book at this moment. I stayed up until 1am to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. I could not go to sleep and not know what happened!

Kennedy Monroe meets the handsome, charming and womanizing Memphis Adams in college. Firmly stating that she would NOT sleep with him the two become friends, best friends and a friendship that lasts 12 years. Through their relationship they have always been there for one another, supporting and encouraging each others paths in life. Though Kennedy has a boyfriend (Brooks) Memphis is there for her when she needs it the most, and is there for her when Brooks is not.

Memphis a travel photographer and gets an assignment in Alaska which just happens to be the one place Kennedy has been dreaming of going. He invites her to go with him and what we find between these two long time friends is the decision to Risk it All or not.

Memphis and Kennedy have great chemistry, both as friends and more. The way they both know each other so well makes this such an interesting read. I found myself falling in love with Memphis from the beginning and just wanting him to have everything he deserves. Kennedy was really confused with her decision she needed to make and I felt for her, it wasn’t simple though it really seemed that way.

One of my favorite scenes was in the cabin when Kennedy tells Memphis their first kiss wasn’t about Brooks…that scene was so intense it rivaled the speech Holden (Ben Affleck) gives Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) in the car in the movie Chasing Amy! There was so much emotion just spilling from her mouth and then when he responds “Are you done?” Holy Hot Sex Scene! Can I get a high five for sex on the wall/door! Goodness that scene was steamy. Ms. Schmidt really has these scenes down; I could not get enough of them. The scenes are not just about sex; they portray the emotion, sensuality, playfulness and down right levels of erotica that had me blushing. I can say that I have never thought of a handicap bathroom being as sexy as I did in this book. I need a fan and a glass of cold water please.

Memphis Adams ranks high on my list of hot, romantic men in books. He is up there with Brian Ross from Rock Me and Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless/Effortless.

Risking it All takes you on a journey of emotions; the ones you wear on your sleeve and the ones you keep deep inside because of fear. Friendship, lust, love, angst, anger, happiness, fear, frustration and more…it is all in this book! The story doesn’t make you feel like a voyeur but draws you in that you become one with the characters. I felt Kennedy’s struggle as well as Memphis trying to do what was right regardless of what he felt. I even felt something for Brooks though it wasn’t kind at all. I cannot get my favorite scenes out of my head and that always leads me to how I will rate the book. I am giving this book 5 stars; I cannot stop thinking about the story and I have taken way too long writing the review because I kept getting lost going over my favorite scenes.



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Book Review - Dark Mercy by Zoe Winters

Dark Mercy by Zoe Winters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark Mercy marks the first Vampire book I have read in over 15 years. Being a fan of Anne Rice I have not found another author who could write a sophisticated Vampire who drew me in enough to read a chapter, let alone a a full book.

The words Dichotomy and Etymology come to mind instantly with this story; Angeline whose name manes Angel and Father Hadrian whose name means dark one is just one example. The relationship between these two is amazing. Told from the POV of both Angeline and Father Hadrian you get the entire story and I appreciate that.

"God didn't want her anymore. Well fine, fuck him anyway. She'd carried this anger for a long time now, and yet, she stubbornly kept the rosary, carrying it around with her like a tarnished ticket to heaven."

"He'd seen human nature in all it's intriguing, delightful, and disappointing forms, but this woman was study in contrasts he couldn't quite unravel."

Dark Mercy is a wonderful, dark introduction to Angeline and Father Hadrians story. It does not lead you down the obvious path; there are a few twists and turns that I did not expect and that does not include the ending.

I could not have picked a better story to reintroduce myself into the world of Vampires. Zoe Winters has the skill to weave a story and keep you glued to the page. She also has the great ability to give this reader a total crush on Father Hadrian and a new type of collar fetish.

I cannot wait to read their full book!





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Book Review - Tender Mercies by Kitty Thomas

Tender Mercies by Kitty Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Take the risk or stay where you are. Make a choice now Grace."

Those words haunt me. Grace was looking for something that she couldn't get in her every day life, something that a secluded island with special rules and lack of boundaries could give her. The choice she makes seals her fate.

"He'd broken her of the habit of seeing herself as a person in the first two weeks."

This was my second book my Kitty Thomas and I fell in love with it. So different from Comfort Food as this is a story and you get that feeling from the start. Oh the start! Can I say I opened this to just get a peek and was in tears from the prologue. I fell in love with Asher Collins right then and there. He does not disappoint. He is not a romantic hero by any means yet he does have his own morals.

"The entire point of owning a slave, as opposed to a piece of furniture, was that they were a human being with thoughts and feelings and wants and needs. At least in his way of thinking."

This book pushes boundaries but I have come to expect that in only two reads from the author. She drags you to the edge, pushes you off then right before you smack into the pavement yanks you back up. The challenge to see things from a different perspective is always there; you may not agree but to "not understand what it meant or why it was okay for a man to treat a woman that way when the whole world said otherwise," is just one reason this story drew me in. This world seems full of violence and hate yet this quote repeats in my head when I think that way; "You could never truly own something that hated you."

Tender Mercies is not a romance novel. It is a book about sexual slavery. Though the slavery is consensual to a point, it is not romantic, pretty or something that is easy to handle. That being said it is again a beautifully written dark tale on a very taboo subject.

Once again, this book comes with a DISCLAIMER and it is there to serve a purpose. Read it and be self aware of the contents.

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Book Review - Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas

Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Monsters aren't supposed to be beautiful. It's the rule."

Yeah, I am giving this 5 stars, I don't think I could give it any less. I am still in a state of shock and awe having just finished this book. I think the world that Kitty Thomas has dragged me in was dark, twisted, ultimately fucked up (no better way to say it) but at the same dare I say "magical" and beautiful for lack of a better word. I think I may have a tinge of Stockholm Syndrome for the story.

Comfort Food comes with a disclaimer, I suggest you read it and take it seriously.

I don't know if saying I liked this book makes me just as twisted as the story itself. It wasn't an easy read at all for the subject matter but it wasn't a book I could put down either. Once again my intellect, morals and ethics are challenged and I am made to question just what is normal and acceptable.

”Today I found something beautiful and decided to break it. I wanted to see it shatter in my hand and crumble at my feet. Her name is Emily Vargas. She’s bright and educated and stunning. Articulate. She’ll want someone to talk to her.”

Emily let her guard down, forgot what she was supposed to do and what not to do and gets kidnapped. She wakes up in darkness, blindfolded, bound to a chair and meets her captor who will not speak to her though she craves the connection. I unintentionally went method reading with this book and read it in silence. Her captor does not speak but Emily learns the language of communication she needs for survival. Is this what most of us would do? How would you know?

"Could this weak, helpless creature really be me? I'd spent the past five years giving speeches on empowerment and self-improvement and here I was, reduced to this and so quickly."

"To distract myself, to move myself out of this plane of existence and into another, one where I was free. The cell was a perfect stage, plenty of room to piroutte and tour jete across it."

The ballet dancing was almost the most disturbing part of this book for me. It had the feel of a Twilight Zone episode and made me feel as if Emily was in a music box; a figurine on a post twirling around and around as long as it was wound and the music played.

The transition from the first person to the third during anything physical was interesting. It is as if weren't happening to her and later the therapist echoes the same thoughts. I had the feeling that we were in fact reading Emily's journal that she kept mixed with the censored one for the therapist as the actual story. There were times where I had to put the book down and remind myself this was not an actual reenactment but a work of fiction. I must give kudos to the author for delivering that mind trip.

There was so much to this book that it is hard to verbalize or review without giving it all away. I walked on the dark side and thank goodness the light was there when I was done.

While the story was twisted from the beginning, the end had my jaw on the floor.

"I know you'll never be able to understand me making this choice. I know you'll all believe it was a sick mind that led me to it, that no person in their right mind would do what I've done. Maybe that's the truth of it. Or maybe I'm just stronger than you."

Comfort Food is not an easy read, nor is it a romance. The disclaimer is a true warning. If you read it and feel a sense of dread and uneasiness, do not read it. If you like the challenge and the depth of the psyche that can make a person do what Master and Emily both do, read it.



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Book Review - The Redhead Revealed by Alice Clayton

The Redhead Revealed by Alice Clayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alice Clayton has done it again! The Redhead Revealed begins where The Unidentified Redhead left off; Jack in Los Angeles getting ready for the opening night of Time and Grace in New York doing rehearsals for her big stage debut.

I worried about George and Gracie and being apart. They just found one another and admitted they were crazy in love so how could this work. “Long-distance relationships typically work best (if at all) when the couple has been together a lot longer than we had. We went from a vacuum of sweet and sex and love, to zero face-to-face contact-and it was proving more difficult than either of us had thought it would be” Our laugh out loud couple does their best to stay connected; long chats, steamy texts and A LOT of phone sex. Let’s talk about the sex for a minute. Ms. Clayton has these steamy, smutty, sexy scenes down to a science! Holy Hell can she write a sex scene. There is a lot of it in this book and while others may seem overwhelming or just plain filer I look forward to them every time without hesitation.

Even on different coasts our couple still has that spark yet their careers are attempting to pull them apart. Grace and her relationship with the one that got away, her current career boosting friend Michael only had eyes for our redhead and a past flame Marcia is showing up all over TMZ with the lovely Jack with tabloids suggestively putting them together again. Grace has her issues and they show up full force in this sequel, she crazy after all.

The few times they get to see each other are wonderful and so sweet. Grace always trying to be with Jack yet respectful of his up and coming super stardom is admirable and at times sad to me. I cannot imagine being in that position. But of course in true “redhead” hilarity she finds away to make it all work out.

“This. Us. This isn’t going to work out” Ugh. “You’re crazy, you know that? How in the world can you even think of ending things with me? You know we are perfect together.” I did not want this to happen though it was clear where they were headed. Grace returns to New York and Michael and Jack becomes a young Hollywood actor on the scene. I was worried that this could mirror another book I had just read with a love triangle but to the credit of the author she shot that down rather quickly and I was thankful. It just wouldn’t work with these two. Yes, we get the separation that I was afraid of but Jack calls BS on Grace and they are back where they belong. Once again the handsome Brit is seen across a room with a dashing sexy smile watching his sweet girl sing. The lunch scene was perfect and honest. Angst has no place in their story, they deserve their happily ever after without the constant ridiculous hurdles.

The fun is always constant in this sequel; I laughed until I cried with the whole shirt turban during sex. Anytime there is laughter during sex in a good way I am all for it. Do not mess with Grace and her candy obsession, and do not offer her Milk Duds when she is in a stunning dress, the poor girl. Jack is charming as ever and such a match in every way for Grace. They learn to handle the crazy along with their rocketing careers, what could be better?

I loved the last page with the tabloid article, what a great way to set up book three.

Again I identified with Grace on so many levels. I normally disconnect with the protagonist but this is the second series I have read where I just get her. Her insecurities about her body, the over analyzing of absolutely everything, the way she second guesses her decisions and her overwhelming need to do what she feels is the best for someone even though it tears her apart. She is a wonderful character for me to read.

If you read The Unidentified Redhead you must read the sequel for one reason only… schmaltz!



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Book Review - Effortless by S.C. Stephens

Effortless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am giving this 5 stars just like I did Thoughtless. I only give 5 stars to books that I go back and read my favorite scenes over and over again and cannot get the characters out of my head.


Effortless picked up right where Thoughtless left off. Kiera and Kellan together. Kiera becoming more mature in herself and her relationship until something once again makes this couple have to struggle.

I wasn't sure how it would pan out with Kellan going on tour but I was so proud of Kiera from putting on her big girl panties and not repeating her mistake with Denny. Even though she knew it would be awful to be apart she would not be selfish and stand in the way of the man she loves and his dreams.

The way Kellan made their separation easier for her with the notes was so romantic and special. He showed how much he really knew her. I was excited with Kiera when she found each note. The last one made me breathless, it was perfect.

The roller coaster of emotion was ever present in Effortless as it was in Thoughtless but the difference is Kiera and Kellan have learned from mistakes, are still learning and not running from them. They decide to stay and fight for what they want.

Bringing Denny back in to the pictures, literally, and having Kellan face his past was a wonderful edition to the story. Making it well rounded.

Never short for wonderful scenes, the author delivers once again. I just learned there is a third book and now I can't wait.

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Book Reveiw - The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher

The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The sky is red-means trouble"

The Opportunist was an intense read, did I say intense actually this book is a Mind Fuck in the best way possible.

When I read a book I don't just want to get lost in the text, I want to be challenged mentally. I want to get inside these characters and find out what are they thinking and did they really just do that? Ms. Fisher delivers on all levels. ***The blank pages over the four years had my jaw on the floor. What a witty touch to add to a book instead of just saying "four years later". The emptiness of the pages echoed the emotions thoroughly.**8 From the beginning you may think you have it figured out and who the opportunist actually is but you will get flipped over, slapped across the face and punched in the gut when you figure it out. I finished this over an hour ago and I feel as if I am still inside, struggling with Olivia to let go of her fears. Fighting with Caleb to not do what is right and just do what he wants. Feeling hate and compassion for Leah at the same time, who does that?

The Opportunist is not a light read, it is as I said before intense and will consume you.

I am giving this 5 stars. 5 stars for me are for the books that stay with me, the ones I go back and re-read sections for one reason or another.



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Book Review: Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts

Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Each story wanted, no-needed-to reveal a human fragility, a human bondage which tied people to the things they did and to be the person they held in their heads. Those stories were something true and sometimes horrific but people were people and the parts didn't just tell the whole story."

I added Captive in the Dark to be TBR list but was worried about reading it; thinking it might take me too deep into the darkness and I would need a support group to make it through. I decided to peek at it and skim a few pages but after reading the first few lines this book had me hooked and lost. Falling in to the story chills crawled up my spine and goose bumps covered my skin as I got deeper and darker into this twisted tale.

Caleb is not what I was expecting at all. He frightened me for what he was capable of doing, what he had done and what he will do but I was so conflicted by his behavior. I am not sure if I wanted to see the softer side even thought it added an extra layer to him. He was easier to categorize without it. I wanted a monster in this story and I got one but there were more monsters hidden where we couldn’t see them.

Olivia is a strong willed yet naive girl. Her stubborn actions earn her punishment along with admiration from her Master; the one who wants to break her but the one she wants comfort from. Her being captive in the dark, not knowing what was going to happen, yet as the reader you know, reminded me of classic Hitchcock films. The viewer always knew the score while they players were unaware.

I will not give a repeat synopsis of this book, if you are willing to take a chance and open your mind I suggest you read it. If you are looking for a fairy tale or a light BDSM book I suggest you look elsewhere.

Captive in the Dark is a mind trip; an intense and gripping read that will challenge you and have you question what is right and wrong. What is acceptable behavior and what can be tolerated? It will have you asking yourself if there is such a thing as redemption for the truly wicked regardless of what led them to evil.

Captive in the Dark does not shock or disturb you for the sheer value of doing so because it can. The author weaves and intelligent story that will make you think while you are reading and long after. I am more than anxious to read the sequel, Seduced in the Dark, to continue on this dark adventure and finally know the conclusion of this twisted story.


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Book Review: Thoughtles by S.C. Stephens

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I waited and waited to read this book. I had read so many different reviews about it and there seemed to be this "I Hate Kiera" club that really turned me off. Upon the constant bullying and nagging of dear friend I finally conceded and started to read.

From the beginning I had a few gripes; why didn't this college girl in the 21st Century have a cell phone and needed to call her parents collect? Really? But after that my gripes ended.

I may be among the small population that actually liked Kiera, I never felt any bad feelings towards her. I felt more empathy for the character. She was young, sheltered and confused. I don't normally connect with the females in books but this time I did and it shocked me. I could see things from the narrative, the very descriptive narrative that really got you inside her head.

The relationship with Denny was sweet, safe and what was known. But I feel like Denny was also at fault for what happened. He seemed to always choose work over Kiera. Kellan was comfort when she needed it; excitement and just plain new. He was also something that consumed her, it's hard to think clear under consumption. The first night with Kellan was understandable to me. I do not commend cheating but when you are dealing with emotions and matters of the heart all rationale goes right out the window. I too, like Kiera fell in love with both men in this book and was torn. Kellan was pretty upfront with what he wanted but he was just as guilty as Kiera in this relationship, no matter how hot he was, and he was HOT!, he was still wrong as well.

Thoughtless was a roller coaster of emotions; sweet, happy, sexy, smoldering, exhilarating, heart breaking, sad, intense and overwhelming. My favorite scenes were the espresso cart, the club scene, the rain, the confrontation in the back room, the space needle and Kiera in her lounge pants staring up at a damaged Kellan singing her song.

I am still reeling from all the emotions from this book. The author does a great job of pulling you in and letting you get lost. I am grateful I finally picked it up and read it, this story will stay with me a good long time.

Oh and D-bags ROCK!!!!

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Book Review: The Unidentified Redhead by Alice Clayton

The Unidentified Redhead by Alice Clayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book from Omnific Publishing and I could not be happier to be reviewing it.

I had this in the mammoth pile that is my To Be Read list. I first noticed the title and was intrigued being a redhead myself but upon reading the synopsis I quickly added it so I would not forget it as if I could. I am a hopeless romantic after all.

From the first page of this book I was laughing, with lines like “Is this ‘I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly’ situation” it was just the beginning of the constant smile that would remain on my face while I devoured this book in a day. Grace Sheridan is my kind of girl, literally! She is funny, smart, witty and gets herself into the most insane situations that are so humbling and funny I actually snorted through a few of them. The relationship between Grace and Holly is right in tune with how I joke with my girlfriends, just a bunch of friendly, loving insults!

When Grace meets Super Sexy Scientist Guy, aka Super Sexy Jack Hamilton. Grace and Jack have an instant witty banter that just had me laughing. The teasing they toss back and forth is exactly what I was looking for. It was so refreshing to have Jack be so laid back, British, that accent I could just hear it in my head and fun. After reading so many books with Alpha Men who borderline on Caveman personalities I loved the wit on this hot man in Doc Martens.

Grace with all her baggage is plain lovely as she comes to realize how much she cares for Jack and how he cares for her. So many little things about her really hit home for me, she was so outrageous and yet so down to earth and normal. The setting of Los Angeles was also fun as I am a So Cal native and could see where they were going having been there.

Jack is a complete doll, a hot sexy tall drink of water type of doll. A doll you just want to keep on your shelf so you can stare at him all day, play with those curls when you want, dress and undress him…uh yeah. Jack is fantastic! The way he handles his blossoming fame and his relationship with an older woman is swoon worthy. The scene where he tells Rebecca he has no real clue how old she is but tries to figure it out based on her love of Corey Haim, (who by the way is my choice for the hotter Corey may he Rest in Peace. )

Alice Clayton has written as fun, sexy, smart and oh so romantic story. I am still laughing about rolling around and kissing on the beach, Holly and Nick eating popcorn on the stairs and Grace putting her foot in her mouth more than once but loving it when she did it and then smacks right into Lane! I am still smiling over the nicknames they gave each other, the playfulness in their relationship and just how funny they are with one another. I still feel butterflies and take a deep breath at open mic night and that smile across the room, the way Jack washes her hair (and holds on while Grace washes his) and the last scene of them together.

If you are in the mood for a great read that leaves you happy after reading it and wanting more like I do then definitely read The Unidentified Redhead.




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Book Review: Backstage Pass, Sinners on Tour #1

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I wish we had partial star ratings, I actually would give this between a 3.5 and a 3.75 not a full 4 star rating.

I was looking for my hot tattooed tough on the outside man with a soft romantic heart and I found him once again with a familiar name of Brian. Brian Sinclair is the lead guitarist for the rock band Sinners; a sexually charged group of men who are not lacking for groupies wanting to jump into bed with them no matter the cost. Enter Myrna Evans, Professor of Human Sexuality who is a fan girl of Sinners and more importantly one of Brian "Master" Sinclair. Brian and Myrna meet at hotel where she is attending a conference and the "boys" are blowing off steam before their next gig. Upon Myrna's suggestion that she has something to help with Brian condition...the smut, I mean sparks start to fly.

The beginning of this book if filled with sex, sex, sex and more sex that at times was a bit uncomfortable for me but soon starts to blossom with real emotion, background stories and romantic gestures from Brian that you cannot help but fall head over heels for him. Myrna was tough to take at times, I did not connect with her for some reason. She had great moments that made me laugh, Eric and the hat, but I really just wanted to shake her at times.

It takes about 100 pages for the book to start getting good and the real story to take place. I started to get lost in the book, really loving the story and the character development and then BAM a twist was thrown in there that I was expecting ***The threesome with Brian/Myrna/Trey and Trey kissing Brian/being in love with him*** that made me cringe and then question why it was even thrown in there. It seemed out of place for the characters, really out of place for Brian and then when it was over it wasn't  mentioned again almost like it never happened. I wasn't sure how the rest of the book would turn out and if the HEA was going to be tainted from that scene.

In the end, Backstage Pass was a good read that I finished in 24 hours. If you are looking for a sweet romance, this isn't for you but if you like your sweet romance mixed in with some erotic, smutty scenes...get your Backstage Pass!View all my reviews

Book Review: Weekend Agreement by Barbara Wallace

Weekend Agreement by Barbara  Wallace

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a delightful read! I downloaded this last night after dinner and finished it before I fell asleep. Granted I did stay up to finish it. For such a short book I was amazed by the character development and depth of each of them. I instantly fell in love with Daniel and Charlotte and couldn't wait for their weekend. Their story was beautifully told with the right amount of romance that made my hand go to my heart many times while holding my breath waiting for the next sentence. The ending was so sweet and honest that though it left me wanting more of these two I was also satisfied with it.



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Book Review: Scandalous by H.M. Ward

Scandalous by H.M. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I am writing this on 3hrs of sleep because I stayed up to finish this delightful book. It is a quick read that intrigues you from the cover to the last page. I loved the art that was portrayed, and in my opinion the cover is a wonderful rendition of "The Scandal". Abby and Jack are wonderfully flawed characters who would sacrifice anything and everything for the one they love. I am amazed at the depth and growth of the leads in such a short time but it was not unbelievable. Having a history it makes sense that things would progress much faster had they been strangers. I can say that even though it will be a tough day at work with little sleep I still have a smile on my face, a flutter in my stomach and have to take deep breaths remembering certain scenes like the patron walk in the gallery. Bravo Ella Steele! I base my rating on readability of a book, the unwillingness to put it down and the way the story/characters stay with you.



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Book Review: The Principal's Office (DeKnight, #3) by Jasmine Haynes

The Principal's Office by Jasmine Haynes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book. I had read Past Midnight as it was the first book in this series but it is not necessary to enjoy The Principal's Office. Neither is the second book which I passed on.

Rachel is a divorced mom of two boys. She lives with the stereotype that mothers should not be sexy, not want sex and God forbid actually LIKE sex! One morning Rachel meets a handsome stranger at the grocery store who will rescue her orange juice from the top shelf and later rescue Rachel in more ways than one. From the first meeting, Synchronicity takes over...

The dynamic between Rachel and Rand (Principal Torvick) is nothing short of steamy. The conversation where Rachel sets the rules is wonderful but once Rand reveals his rules the heat gets turned up more than one notch!

I really liked the involvement of Rachel's sons in the story. Ms. Haynes is a wonderful story teller who blends the everyday with a fantasy. There is no billionaire there to buy you Audi's, no strong but silent man who falls into money and can solve every problem you may have whether you like it or not. She places Rachel and Rand in real life situations and lets them lean on one another to fight their battles. It is not only an erotic novel but you see the intimacy of a couple develop outside of the bedroom where true intimacy lives.





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Book Review: Past Midnight (DeKnight, #1) by Jasmine Haynes

Past Midnight by Jasmine Haynes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I found this from downloading The Principal's office and not realizing it was the last book in a series so I went back to this, the first in the series.


I really liked this story. I think what I liked most about it is that Dominic and Erin are married, have been married for 15 years. They go through an unimaginable loss and the only connection they have is what happens Past Midnight. There were a couple scenes I had to back away from and look at without my personal belief lenses on. I was uncomfortable but I knew it was necessary for the growth of the characters. ***Shane and the hot tub scene was difficult to read but okay, but I had to step outside myself when they meet Craig in the train car.*** To have the leads in a romance be married was a welcomed change; to not have the leads meet, become infatuated and then go from Lust to Love quickly was a breath of fresh air. To see the leads suffer a loss and try to figure out just who they are now and how they still fit together was a wonderful journey. To finally know what Erin was doing alone in her office when she wasn't reaching out to her husband in the middle of the night was heartbreaking. As a wife and a mother I cold identify with her on many levels.

The themes of loss, forgiveness, transformation and redemption are well layered and laid out for the reader.

This is my first book from Ms. Haynes and I look forward to reading the next, actually the next in this series.  <

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Book Review: Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy by Tammara Webber

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Honestly, 5 stars is not even close to enough to rate this book!

As a die hard anti YA reader I was reluctant to try Easy, but on the recommendation of a friend (Thank You Emily!) I went out on a limb and tried it. I was not disappointed. To classify this book as YA, even YA-M to me is cheating the author. The characters are mature, make adult decisions and Ms. Webbers writing is beautifully flawless.

Having finished this in less than 24hrs I highly recommend it to anyone who loves their romance with a lot of emotion;  I was constantly blushing at the intensity of the scenes and putting my hand over my heart many times and gasping at the depth of portrayed between the characters in text.

I will not give any spoilers; you need to read this book!

Do not pass this book up, get it now! You will not regret it.



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