Spice by Lilah Suzanne Review

4.5 stars
I wish I could have given this more, but the writing style was just not for me. 

Synopsis:
"As writer of the popular “Ask Eros” advice column, Simon Beck has an answer to every relationship question his readers can throw at him. When it comes to his own life, the answers are a little more elusive—until computer troubles introduce him to the newest and cutest member of his company’s IT support team. Simon may be charmed by Benji’s sweet and unassuming manner, but will he find the answer to the one relationship question he has never been able to solve: how to know when he’s met Mr. Right?"

Like I stated above I kept getting distracted by how awkward it was and would have to reread what I had just read; and this didn't happen just once, but multiple times. 

But other than that I absolutely adored this book! It was a great mix of sweet and sexy. Simon and Benji's immediate connection was so believable and real; it never felt like "insta" anything. Even when the were in that period of being only friends because Simon was a dumb fuck at one point. But he quickly redeemed himself. It all felt sincere and I think that's what I loved most about this book. 

The fact that these guys felt real and had insecurities and had real relationship worries and arguments, just like everybody else. There were no "perfect" characters that annoyed the shit out of you. There was no over the top plot line, nor was there any random action scene shoot out thrown in. 
It was just a real couple having a real relationship, and I loved being able to see the after of the happily ever after. And seeing that the after was not chapters of them living a perfect life with no fighting and constant orgasms was really a huge plus for me. 

It was an honest relationship that had so much love. They were thinking and talking about buying cat food, scrubbing grout, and other real life things after sex or in the shower together, and even when try were trying to sext (so hilarious!) It was just a really honest representation of living your life with the person you love. 

I loved that the chapters opened with parts of the advice column I thought that was a really fun idea. I was obsessed with the text messages! Oh god they were things of beauty and made me laugh so hard.

Final Thought:
It was just a really fun and sweet book that will definitely be a reread for me. 

Some Kind of Magic by R. Cooper Review

3.5 stars
I really liked it, but I wanted more. 

Synopsis:

"Being a police detective is hard. Add the complication of being a werewolf subject to human prejudice, and you might say Ray Branigan has his work cut out for him. He’s hot on the trail of a killer when he realizes he needs help.

Enter Cal Parker, the beautiful half-fairy Ray’s secretly been in love with for years—secretly, because while werewolves mate for life, fairies...don’t. Ray needs Cal’s expertise, but it isn’t easy to concentrate with his mate walking around half-naked trying to publicly seduce him. By the time Ray identifies the killer—and sorts out a few prejudices of his own—it may be too late for Cal."

I don't know it just feels like there was something missing from the story, and it kept me from enjoying it as much as I could have. 

Plus, as much as I liked both Ray and Cal I was annoyed by how long it took them to get together. And the reason(or Ray's reasons) why they "couldn't" be together.

I was absolutely enamored by Cal (Callalily how adorable is that name?!). He was just one of those characters that you fall in love with. I loved his obsession with sweets and how he would basically grab them from thin air. His whole personality was just so lovable and endearing; I really want to see more of him in the future.

Final Thoughts:
I liked this, but I like I stated earlier I think this could have been more. I'm not too sure if I'm going to read anymore of the series; I've read the other book synopses and they just didn't sound as interesting as this one did. 

How to Catch a Cheetah by Liza Kay Review

4 stars
I actually really really enjoyed this one! 

Synopsis:
Dear Author,
The ostrich is a shifter; the cheetah can be as well, if you desire. And this scene should appear in the story at some point. Have fun with it! I want to laugh.
Anything else you want to do with it is fine by me.
Photo Description: 
In the picture we see a cheetah in full run, chasing an ostrich through a steppe-like landscape. The ostrich’s wings are spread, his feathers ruffled, as he tries to escape the faster, but physically weaker, cat. Above those two, we see the line SHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHIT.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story. 

At first I was a little thrown off by Dji's attitude and hurtful actions, but once they reunited and got together(which was almost immediate) it started to really work for me. 
I absolutely loved that Kei didn't take any shit from Dji, and that he didn't give in and immediately accept an apology. Kei not only made Dji apologize but he also voiced how hurt he was and what those hurtful actions caused; I love it when a couple fully communicates in books because to me it's just like in life, how can you and your partner grow or change if the reason you are being stunted is never addressed or resolved? 
So that was a really fabulous point for the author to put in. 

What really annoyed me was that Dji didn't go to Kei first not only about the pregnancy, but also about the fact that he could get pregnant. That just rang as immature and irresponsible to me, but I can almost forgive/forget it because of the anxiety and true fear that you could feel when Dji thought Kei wouldn't want to be with him any more because of his ability to get pregnant or because of the fact that he was pregnant. I sort of liked this vulnerable side to the confident and self assured ostrich.

A sequel any sequel or companion novel needs to come out because I am dying to see where the author takes these characters, especially Thony and Alan.

For more Love is an Open Road stories:
click here

Spotless by Camilla Monk Review

2.5 - 3 stars
I have such mixed feelings with this read.

Synopsis:
Island Chaptal—nerdy IT engineer by day, romance novel junkie by night—just walked into her messy New York apartment to find Mr. Right waiting for her. No, wait…Mr. Clean.

A gentleman professional killer with a bad case of OCD and zero tolerance for unsorted laundry, March isn’t there to kill her…yet. He wants the diamond her late mother stole for a sinister criminal organization. Island agrees to help him find it, facing the kind of adversaries who dismember first and ask questions later. Good thing she’s got March to show her the ropes. And the guns. And the knives.

The buttoned-up Island is soon having a blast racing from Paris to Tokyo following the clues in her mother’s will, and for the first time, she’s ready to get close to someone. But falling for a hit man may be the very definition of loving dangerously.…

Spotless marks the beginning of Island and March’s ongoing adventures.

On one hand I really enjoyed the mystery and action, but on the other I was slightly uncomfortable/unmoved by the "romance" portion.

I just couldn't see this as a romance early on, maybe in the later chapters I could see and almost understand it; but in the early chapters when she was thinking and making up scenarios about him and her I could not even begin to believe it. All of the early romantic thoughts just turned me off to them as an eventual couple.

But I will say that I was in love with all of the action-y killing scenes, that was the strong point of the entire story. 

I will most likely read the rest of the series, mainly for the mystery aspect, but I genuinely hope that the author sells me on the romance. That cliffhanger has me pretty pumped for the next one in the series.

Final thoughts:
So I think that people who are interested in something different you should definitely check this one out.

Cronin's Key II by N.R. Walker Review

4.5 stars
First things first, I want more. There is no way this world, or the characters in it, can be over. I feel like there are so many side characters that I am so eager to learn about; like Lars the pyro(how cool is that?!), the flirty and vicious Kennard, and the warrior historian Jacques.
**I have my fingers crossed** 

Synopsis:
"History isn’t always what it seems.

With the battle of Egypt behind them, Alec and Cronin are enjoying the thrill of new love. Though fate doesn’t wait long before throwing them back into the world of weird.

They know Alec’s blood is special, though its true purpose still eludes them. And given Alec’s inability to be changed into a vampire, Cronin is free to drink from him at will. But the ramifications of drinking such powerful blood starts a ripple effect.

With the help of Jorge, a disturbing vampire-child with the gift of foresight, Alec and Cronin face a new kind of war. This time their investigations lead them to the borders of China and Mongolia—but it’s not what lies in the pits beneath that worries Alec.

It’s the creator behind it all.

In the underground depths of China, amidst a war with the Terracotta Army, they will find out just what the Key is, and what Alec means to the vampire world."

Obviously the chemistry between Alec and Cronin is off the charts hot, but what we got in this book, that I felt was lacking in the other, was the HOT sex that equaled the chemistry they share in other aspects of their relationship.


Something that I wasn't a big fan of was the rushed portion dealing with **SPOILER**Genghis Khan and with Rilind**END OF SPOILER**. The lead up to the action was good, the fight with the Terracotta Soldiers was enjoyable, but the actual climax with the bad guy was so lackluster. But I will say the things **SPOILER**Alec's transformation**END OF SPOILER** after the "fight" with the bad guy was really good! So stressful but entirely worth it!

I'm the first one to say that I'm not the biggest fan of children in books, BUT I was in love with Jorge. To me he stole every scene that he was in, and I would love to read more about him and his back story. His creepiness and innocent "evilness" is what really drew me in. 

I also really enjoyed the epilogue(like swooning butterflies in my stomach enjoyment). It was one of the most loving and heartwarming wedding/wedding vows scenes that I have read in a very longtime. It was such a great ending to such a great couple of books. 

 Definitely recommend reading this series. 
The history, research, stress, and action is so engaging, that it feels like you are there rushing against the clock with them. But you are still getting the romance, affection, and love; I don't feel like one aspect of the book hinders the other, or eclipses the other. I feel like they all work together to make a perfect blend of romance, action, and history. 

Troubleshooters: Force of Nature by Suzanne Brockmann Review

4 stars
I'm not going to lie I legit skimmed the m/f couple and focused all my attention on the breath taking love story of Jules and Robin. 

Synopsis:
"Florida private investigator and ex-cop Ric Alvarado's life is spiraling out of control. His beautiful new girl Friday, Annie Dugan, is far more interested in fieldwork than filing, and despite Ric's best efforts to ignore the attraction, sparks are flying between them. Then one of Ric's clients turns femme fatale and tries to gun down an innocent man. Thanks to quick thinking and even quicker reflexes, Ric comes to the rescue, only to learn he's done a very good deed for some very bad people. Suddenly Ric finds himself deep undercover with Annie, working for notorious crime boss Gordon Burns. One mistake from Ric's painfully inexperienced partner and they're both dead. 

FBI agent Jules Cassidy's life isn't in much better shape. For years the FBI has been trying to prove Gordon Burns's ties to terrorist activity. Now, thanks to Ric and Annie, Jules has found a way into the lion's den. But in the course of his investigation he comes face-to-face with Robin Chadwick, the charismatic but self-destructive and closeted movie star for whom Jules feels a powerful attraction. Robin's in town promoting his latest film and Gordon Burns is a star-struck movie buff. With Robin and Jules's help, Ric and Annie are soon entrenched in Burns' organization, surrounded by killers who may already have executed an FBI infiltrator. Before long the couple realizes that many more lives besides their own will be at stake if they make a false move. As the heat between them reaches dangerous levels, so do the risks they're willing to take-in the line of duty, for the sake of loyalty, and in the name of something that runs even deeper."

Dude. This put my heart through a fucking meat grinder, but the end was definitely worth it. This book is definitely a journey of self discovery, self awareness, and love. These two guys really took their damn time getting their (Robin's) shit together. But can I just say again how worth it it was. I'm not kidding for the last few pages I had a perma grin/swoony face. 

I loved how clear it was to the readers how much Jules and Robin loved each other. I really like that just because they loved each so much didn't mean that life and real life problems were ignored and the HEA was a clear shot. Far from it. I think what was my favorite part, was the absolute realness of real life problems complicating real loving feelings. It showed that love is not just some easy fix that makes it all better. This couple was honest and portrayed honest circumstances. Life is fucking hard and complicated and really shitty at times; this book didn't shy away from all the lovely things life rains down on you but at the same time it also didn't ignore happy endings.

The one thing, well main thing, that I had a problem with was all of the odd(sort of random) homophobic stereotypes that kept getting brought up by Ric and Marrtell? Marelle? I don't know that guy's name at all. I know that the "epiphanies" that the stereotypes were fake were used to show how dumb it is to judge people based on what sex organ gets them going. But honestly it felt like too much and it all really annoyed me. Like it was just stupid shit like, "wow dick to a gay man must be like vag for a straight man. How odd." And this kind of shit popped up so many times.

Final thoughts:
Read this book. Jules and Robin are so worth it and I guess if you want to read the parts with the annoying twosome(Ric & Annie...okay they're not that bad) have at it.

Ruthless People by J.J. McAvoy Review

4.5 stars out of 5
Ahhhh! This was so fucking good and such a dark read. The whole time I would cheer on this couple killing and torturing innocent people....

Synopsis: 
"To the outside world, they look like American Royalty, giving to charities, feeding the homeless, rebuilding the city. But behind closed doors is a constant battle for dominance between two Bosses, cultures, and hearts.

Ruthless People is a romantic crime fiction set in modern day Chicago, following the life and marriage of Melody Nicci Giovanni and Liam Callahan—rivals by blood and leaders through fear. Their marriage was arranged by their fathers in hopes to end years of bloodshed between the Irish and the Italians.

Liam, next in line to lead the Irish, believes he’s getting a simple-minded wife, one he can control, one who bends to his every need . . . the complete opposite of Melody. Bred to be a Boss, a world-class marksman, master of disguise, with no mercy and no fear. Twenty-four years later, she has achieved more than any man could even dream of, killing anyone who steps in her way. She knows exactly what type of man Liam is, and she would rather die than give up the power she has spent her whole life building. But with no other family left, she must not only learn to work with Liam, but the whole Callahan clan.

The Mafia of the past is evolving, and with rival bosses gunning for them, Melody and Liam will have to figure out how to work as one to take down those who stand in their way, all while keeping up appearances.
Power, Family, and Respect are everything."

I can confidently state that this book was unlike any other book I have ever read.

I read this months ago and I still am not sure I can fully express how I felt about it. 

Like wow, just picture The Sopranos mixed with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It was dark, twisted, and really fucked up but I loved every second of it. I mean that first sex scene...Fucked up but also really hot.

I ended up finding myself rooting for the "bad" guys and by the end of the book the lines were completely blurred to me as to who was good and who was bad. I genuinely enjoyed the carnage that this couple created. There were obviously some things that I didn't like but they was far and few between.
I was so torn with my rating; I really wanted to give this a 5 star but there were just a couple things that just made me not able.

What I didn't like:
-Mel's catatonic like state. I won't go into what made her go into this state because that is spoiler territory. I just felt that it lasted waaay too fucking long. Like I understood why but damn it got sort of annoying and felt like it went on forever.

-Mel's attitude of being "The Boss". Don't get me wrong I absolutely loved that she was ruthless and vicious, but the constant "I'm The Boss" got to be a very bit grating. I loved how she would never back down and demanded to be treated as an equal,but there were occasions where that shifted to "I'm The Boss I can do whatever I want"; it got to be childish sounding rather than sounding like she was demanding respect.

-A small thing that annoyed me but didn't make me dislike the novel as a whole was the other wives in the family. They were annoying as fuck but didn't the story for me.

I'm really trying to think of more things and none are coming to me. I haven't read it in awhile so I'm sort of blanking on what I wasn't a fan of. So moving along to..

What I enjoyed:
-The likability of the couple. Both Mel and Liam were just so easy to read and enjoy. They were both a couple that I loved watching their growth not only as a couple but also as individuals. Separate they are insane, ruthless, and just all around vicious, but together they are frightening and unstoppable.

-The darkness. I am really intrigued about morbid people and couples; and I especially love reading about it in books. This book was just really awesome. Like I can't formulate my words into anything better than "awesome", but seriously this book was just awesome. The violence is violent and Mel and Liam are extremely vicious; there is no putting a label of "redeemable bad guy", no these two and their associates are apologetically criminal and murderous. And I am in love with that.

-Liam and Mel having each other's back. They are very in the mentality of them against the world, and I really dig it man. Having a person you can trust to support you and have your back in a world of murder and mayhem is extremely hard and I think it's amazing that they found it in each other (especially in the "arranged-type" marriage situation).

-Mel. I loved that she was just a straight up bad ass. Like she did her and gave no fucks about what anyone else thought. I absolutely loved that she handled her own shit and didn't have other people do her dirty work for her.

-The opener introducing Mel to Liam. Dude that shit was amazing!

-That spoiler at the end damnnn. I mean I guess I should have expected it to be possible but wow it totally caught me off guard.

Final thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book and I really can't wait to read the rest of the series :)
Remaining books of the series:
The Untouchables (book 2)
American Savages (book 3)

Sweet Seduction Sacrifice by Nicola Claire Review

DNF/1 star out of 5
I usually, as a rule, never rate a book unless I have finished the whole thing, but this bullshit is on a whole other level.

Synopsis:
"With a loser ex-boyfriend threatening her dream business, Sweet Seduction, Genevieve Cain is forced to go to a lawyer to finalise things once and for all. Gen knows she's only good for one dream in her lifetime, so when she meets senior partner, Dominic Anscombe, in the foyer of the law firm's building, she dismisses any delusional ideas her mind creates involving his very fine body. But Dominic is intrigued by Gen's run-away mouth and if there's one thing to say about Dominic Anscombe, he knows what he wants and when he finds it, he sets out to take it, claim it and possess it - completely.

Kidnappings, shootings, dream-shattering moments, hot investigators and just as hot lawyers, everything comes to a head when Genevieve sacrifices something so precious for something even more so. And it wasn't the sacrifice she thought she'd make. The sweetest of sacrifices, the most worthy offering. But can she believe Dominic has fallen as hard for her as she has for him in such a short time? And can she allow herself a second dream in her life, by letting him in?

Love at first sight has never been so dangerous and so very delicious at the same time."

This book is normalizing non consensual behavior and that is unforgivable and inexcusable. 


When a woman or man is reading this, or any book, and sees that someone(who we are supposed to find hot and wonderful) is ignoring his love interest's comfort we are internalizing that his behavior is okay. 
And if we are in the same situation we will think that it is "okay" to behave like him or justify those who behave like him. I am horrified that so many reviews are glorifying this behavior and book. 

The "hero" is supposed to be seen as alpha and territorial but in reality it is creepy and inappropriate. The fact that she is saying "no", multiple times mind you, and he does not give a fuck is WRONG. 

She is not giving consent to be touched, grabbed, or held and because he is good looking she and the reader are supposed to be fine with it and even find it sexy. I do not find ignoring people's "No" sexy; I find it dangerous and disgusting.

"We're two consenting adults"

How did he get this when all she had been telling him was "no" and "you need to let me go"???? (I think that quote was on page 50 in my kindle.)

A person has a human right to consent; they are allowed to give and/or take away that consent at WHATEVER stage of intimacy.
I do not recommend this book to anyone.

Rise & Fall by Charlie Cochet Review

3.5- 4 stars out of 5
I don't know how to rate this. On one hand I love this series and the characters but on the other the plot sort of fell flat for me

Synopsis:
"After an attack by the Coalition leaves THIRDS Team Leader Sloane Brodie critically injured, agent Dexter J. Daley swears to make Beck Hogan pay for what he’s done. But Dex’s plans for retribution are short-lived. With Ash still on leave with his own injuries, Sloane in the hospital, and Destructive Delta in the Coalition’s crosshairs, Lieutenant Sparks isn’t taking any chances. Dex’s team is pulled from the case, with the investigation handed to Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs. Dex refuses to stand by while another team goes after Hogan, and decides to put his old HPF detective skills to work to find Hogan before Theta Destructive, no matter the cost. 

With a lengthy and painful recovery ahead of him, the last thing Sloane needs is his partner out scouring the city, especially when the lies—however well intentioned—begin to spiral out of control. Sloane is all too familiar with the desire to retaliate, but some things are more important, like the man who’s pledged to stand beside him. As Dex starts down a dark path, it’s up to Sloane to show him what’s at stake, and finally put a name to what’s in his heart." 

I truly love this series and all of its characters, but this installment just did nothing for me plot wise; I loved parts of it that felt like little extras but plot wise not so much. I think that the other books had so much more and this one felt very one note. But this book was still very funny, sexy, and entertaining but only in certain parts. I just felt like the revenge plot was so drawn out. I mean how many chapters can we read about Dex being a dumbass and ignoring his boyfriend? 

So let's jump in with what I didn't like:
-Dex and his revenge. This to me was probably what brought the book down. It went on for sooo long, and it was just more annoying than gripping. I mean his boyfriend needed him and he decided to ignore him, after Dex told Sloane to stay with him and let him take care of him. I mean I was just so over it by the middle of the book and skimmed his scheming portions of the book.

-Dex and Sloane ignoring the problem. Jesus Christ this annoyed the fuck out of me! It was so frustrating having two grown adults pretend that something isn't wrong when it clearly is. When Sloane finally confronted Dex I was so relieved. 

This was honestly it. This was the only thing that I didn't like, and I didn't like it so much that it really made me not love the book.

What I liked:
-Dex and Sloane's relationship(when Dex wasn't being stupid). I love how close and loving they are together it is really awesome to read. Oh my god when Sloane **SPOILER** marked Dex **END OF SPOILER** I was on cloud nine no joke, full on smile and hand to my chest swooning. I loved that by the end of the book they feel like they are finally on solid ground. 

-Everything that is Tony. I have mad love for Tony and any scene he is in or anytime he is mentioned i want more!! I don't know if I want to see him get a book because I am fucking creepy and I feel that Tony is mine. The way the book ended with him I was dying!! I cannot wait for the next book to pickup where this one left off :) It was a cliff hanger but a hilarious one.

-Cobbs. Seriously that scene was fucking hot and well worth the wait.

-Ash's relationship with Sloane...and everyone. Ash was just such an awesome character and I love the more we get to see of him interacting and not being a total dickhead.

-Finally knowing what happened to break up Hudson and Seb. It was tragic and sad, and I have know idea how Charlie is going to fix that; but I have faith in her.

-The little snippets we got to see of Bradley and Lou. I am beyond excited to see their story in total.

Final thoughts:
Honestly there were a lot of little things that I really enjoyed, and that's why I think my rating will lean more towards a 4 star.

Definitely recommend if you have read the series. But if you feel like this one isn't for you skip it, I don't think you will be missing too much that you wouldn't be ale to pick up in the next book.
I am so excited to be in the povs of Ash and Cael :) Can't wait!

Cranberry Inn Series by Beth Ehemann Review

**I am reviewing books one and two in the series and I thought it would be much easier to do both in one post since I really hated both enough that I don't want this series to have more than one post, and because it would save me some time :)
Room for You (book one)
1 star out of 5
I despised this book and the main character. I have no idea how it conjured up the hype that it did.

Synopsis:
"Four years ago, my dreams were shattered in an instant.
I tried to pick up the pieces and glue them back together the best I knew how, but something was always missing.
A father for my two girls.
But then, Brody Murphy landed on my doorstep, literally. He was a carefree, playful hockey player who barged into my life and messed with my head. He left me more confused than I had ever been.

What if the one thing I thought I needed was the only thing holding me back?"

This book(and series) was nothing but a pity party for Kacie and all the sad shit that happened in her past. 

She was so judgmental of Brody and his life(that she knew nothing about), he did nothing but show and say how much he liked her and her kids. He did nothing to deserve her judgment and mistrust. Kacie listened to women she knew were mean untrustworthy people, and still chose to believe them over the man who had done nothing but tell her the truth and showed her repeatedly how much she could trust him. Poor Brody was always chasing after her, trying to love her after she messed things up and tried to ignore him. She kept pulling away from him(no seriously the whole book up until the end) because she's so "messed up" I wished he would have been like fine go be a lonely miserable person while I get a drama free life. 

I get that her heart was battered by her ex and dad, but what I didn't understand was how Kacie could lead a pity party life when she has daughters that should know what happiness is. Kacie didn't need a man to make her complete, but she needed to realize that shit happens to everyone and that living a sad life would not help her daughters in the long run. I liked that Brody sort of called her on this, and told her that her negativity and loneliness doesn't show her kids what a good life is.

Every mistake she made was because of her "pity me" past and I could not stand it. She never went after Brody and apologized or owned that she messed up, never! I can't remember a time that I couldn't stand a character as much as I can't stand Kacie.

She had so much that (ignorant) people could have judged her for but Brody didn't, not once. Yet she can sit there on her high horse and repeatedly judge him. I just have no idea how the book has all the hype that it does.



Room for More (book two)
1 star out of 5
Wow I guess I am a masochist because I willingly read this after hating the first book. I really hoped it would have been as great as others said...hint: it wasn't

Synopsis:
"Four years ago, my dreams were shattered in an instant.
Three months ago, I found something I haven’t had in years. 
Hope. 
That hope came in the form of a sexy, carefree hockey player named Brody Murphy. He swooped in and won me over with his big heart and the way he cared for me…and my girls. When they look at him, they see the father they’ve never had.
Now, my past and present are colliding and the outcome might just be too much for me to bear. Can I make the right decision when I’ve spent my whole life making the wrong ones?"


Fuck you Kacie. And a big fuck you to Zach. My love for Brody has increased 10 fold; I don't know how he deals with that lying and clueless woman. 

I honestly have nothing more to say about this book, other than I shouldn't have continued after not liking the first book. Yeah it was just so frustrating and upsetting. The one time that Brody needs Kacie's support he walks in on a disturbing sight, and finds out she's been lying to him.

Brody needs her for the first time after being there for her all the time, and she can't even do that. Kacie is so self absorbed and everything that happens in her little world is never her fault.

The Devil's Ride by K.A. Merikan Review

4.5 stars out of 5
Wow this was such a (pardon the pun) ride. I really just had a great time reading this story, and there were very few things that I didn't like.

Synopsis:
"You don’t fuck with the club president's son. 
Tooth. Vice President of the Coffin Nails Motorcycle Club. On a never ending quest for vengeance. The last thing he needs is becoming a permanent babysitter for a male hooker.

Lucifer. Fallen. Lost. Alone.
After a childhood filled with neglect and abuse, followed by his mother’s suicide, Lucifer set out into the world alone. There was nothing for him out there other than taking it one day at a time. As the bastard son of the Coffin Nails club president, Lucifer never got much fatherly love. So when the Nails show up at the strip joint Lucifer works in, the last thing he expects is to be put in the custody of Tooth, the Nails Vice President famous for his gruesome interrogation techniques. The man proves to be the sexiest beast Lucifer has ever met. He’s also older, straight, and an itch Luci can’t ever scratch.

Tooth’s life came to a halt twelve years ago. His lover got brutally murdered, police never found the perpetrators, and all leads were dead ends. To find peace and his own justice, Tooth joined the Coffin Nails, but years on, he’s gotten nowhere with the case, yet still lives on with the burning fire for revenge.

Babysitting a deeply scarred teenager with a talent for disappearing is the last thing on his bucket list. He promised himself to never get attached to someone like him again. To make sure the openly gay boy is safe in the clubhouse, Tooth is stuck keeping an eye on him. The big, blue, attention seeking gaze is drawing Tooth in, but fucking the president’s son is a complete no-go, even when both their feelings go beyond lust.
What Tooth doesn’t know is that Lucifer might hold the key to the closure Tooth so desperately needs."

This was a pretty gritty read, but it wasn't to the point where I felt uncomfortable or unable to read. I just really loved all of the complex aspects of every character, not just Tooth or Luci but also the other club members. This book felt so thought out and organized.

The book was a story about growing, strength, love, and valuing your worth. It also touched on allowing people to help you and being able to rely on their strength and love, without letting them become your sole source of strength.

I really loved Luci. He was such a great character and watching him grow into a person who valued and recognized his worth was so awesome. I loved how he was growing on his own, but also had Tooth there to help support him. They had such a great relationship even before it turned into a physical one; their friendship was something that I loved reading, and I felt myself smiling a lot throughout the story.

There were obviously some parts of the story that made me, not uncomfortable but wary. For example, the first time that Tooth *SPOILER*spanked Luci*END SPOILER* I didn't understand how a person could do that without knowing the other person. don't get me wrong I love reading about spanking, but it just felt odd that Tooth would do this the first time he had ever met Luci. I understand that that is how Tooth is, that he doesn't give a fuck and does what he feels is best. And I also was not too keen on how caricature-ized Priest's, the president of the club and Luci's father, wife was like she just felt really fake and the drama she caused felt so unreal and annoying. I was shocked that Priest never did anything to her after her last stunt that she pulled, and considering how gritty this club was and how "bad ass" Priest was.

I loved that Luci was written as androgynous and beautiful, but wasn't written as the cliched (and really offensive) stereotype of a "weak" gay man who acted flamboyantly. Yes he was gay and had a submissive streak, but he was never seen as anything but a man. I also enjoyed the fact that Luci wanted to be a barber. That is a profession I am not too familiar with and one that I never see written about. 

I loved this so much. I loved that Luci took care of Tooth. That was something that I found to be so sweet and intimate, and something that happened even before they said their feelings for each other. Washing his beard and hair, and the scalp massages and hair masks were such sweet things that definitely showed the softer side of Tooth. I loved that they had their own little routine, and didn't care what others thought about their friendship (not that anyone cared).

I was/am obsessed with Tooth; plain and simple. I think that he is such a fabulous character; he had such a sense of right and wrong, and he never let slide discriminatory comments. His understanding and compassion really shone through and I think that he was exactly who Luci needed. His dominance was really a hot spot for me, and his "punishments" for Luci were odd but also hot. The way he handled Milk after doing the awful thing that he did was amazing, especially the way Tooth explained the reasons why what Milk did was wrong. Tooth was just a good man. Yes he was skilled in torturing and other illegal criminal activities, but that didn't change how caring and compassionate he was to those he loved.

Final thoughts:
Yeah man this book was just hitting all of my kinks, and the men were just such great complex and really attractive people. God, this was just so well written and executed. I highly recommend to anyone who loves well written biker stories. There are a few graphic parts, but nothing, in my opinion was overly disturbing.

This can be read as a standalone (that's what I did). This is definitely one of my comfort rereads. I would definitely love to read more about these characters. Even a short story or extended epilogue or something.

Stories Beneath Our Skin by Veronica Sloane Review

5 stars out of 5

Wow... I was not expecting to love this story as much as I do.

I can't even describe just how fantastic this was, everything I could have wanted was there. 

Synopsis:
"Tattooing might have once been Liam’s passion, but he left it all behind along with ugly memories when he went to college. When his uncle’s health fails, Liam must come home at last to say his goodbyes. His days are spent at the hospice, leaving his nights to rake over the past. To fill those empty hours, he takes a job at Great Sin Ink. The close knit friendship of the workers there both intrigues and shakes Liam, who has spent the last four years keeping everyone at arm’s length. Neither Deb, the no-nonsense piercer, nor Goose, a manic tattoo artist, will let Liam get away with his isolationist ways for long.

If it were just those two, Liam might have stood a chance -- but there’s also Ace, the owner of Great Sin. He hires Liam despite a thin resume, and that is a kindness Liam can’t forget. The two start up a tentative friendship, learning about each other as the summer days melt into each other. Slowly, Liam reveals a tender heart underneath the wall of quotes he uses to keep everyone out. Unfortunately, life doesn’t stand still, and both Liam and Ace have hard struggles before them that might break them up before they can even get together."

This was just such an amazing and genuine book. Like I said above I can't even describe how great this was to read. I was not expecting my reaction to this book at all. Just top notch writing and such great emotions. It was all so real, that it was difficult to remember that these were fake people. 

All of the reactions were exactly like how normal real life people reacted, there was no stupid miscommunication bullshit or anything. All of the characters were so honest and straightforward that I feel in love with each and everyone of them.

This was my first book by this author, and it will definitely not be my last. I just am in such awe of the characters, the plot, and the setting. I have such an obsession with anything to do with tattoo artists that I loved being able to get a look into their world. That was a really fun part of the book. I appreciated the love that these characters had for their jobs and customers.

I also really loved that there wasn't any real plot. Now that is usually a bad thing when it comes to novels, but in this case it wasn't at all. There was no annoying plot that got in the way of the characters or the character development. It was all about trying to move on with life after life shits on you. It was a story about every day people, and it felt like a random person was picked to be written about. I loved that Liam was just a regular guy trying to live his life. I loved that there was no hidden secret babies or action plot or any gun shoot out. It was just regular people trying to live.

Liam had some pretty shitty things happen to him in his past and they definitely shaped his present, but I loved his strength and perseverance and how he overcame those obstacles. I love reading about strong characters. I love reading about people who give a shit about themselves and want to fix what they see is a hinderance.

Damn can we just talk about how hot Ace is....wow. I loved that he was much shorter than both an average book "hero" and his love interest Liam. I am attracted to shorter guys being the more dominant pair in the relationship. I find that little details like that make me like a book much more. Plus he is tatted up and has a dreaded mohawk damnnn can I holla??

Final thoughts:
So if you are looking for a book that is very contemporary and low on the drama and unnecessary bullshit this is your book! I love it so much and have reread it an embarrassing amount of times :)

Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Review

4 out of 5 stars

Such a different and wonderful read. I honestly don't think I have read a book like this before.

Synopsis:
Love is a circus
"Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”

The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip. Thora knows she’s out of her element the second she meets Amour’s leading performer. Confident, charming and devilishly captivating, 26-year-old Nikolai Kotova lives up to his nickname as the “God of Russia.”

When Thora unknowingly walks into the crosshairs of Nikolai’s after-show, her audition process begins way too soon. Unprofessional. That’s what Nik calls their “non-existent” relationship. It’s not like Thora can avoid him. For one, they may be partners in the future--acrobaticpartners, that is. But getting closer to Nik means diving deeper into sin city and into his dizzying world. 
Thora wants to perform with him, but when someone like Nikolai attracts the spotlight wherever he goes—Thora fears that she’s destined to be just background to his spellbinding show.
This sexy and exhilarating New Adult Romance can best be described as Cirque du Soleil meets the steamy, athletic romance of Center Stage. 

I really loved the message that that this book sent to readers; that your goals are much more important than a relationship. This was a common theme all throughout the novel, and it is one that I back 100%. 

I will say that this book is so awkward. Like it puts you, the reader, in awkward situations from the first chapter to the last. I loved the story and was cringing most of the time. I'm not sure if I am just an awkward person that I felt this way but it was still so much fun to read despite it being uncomfortable at times.

What I loved:
-Nik and Thora's endearments. I thought they were so different and totally unique to the couple :) Demon and Devil, they don't sound like the sweetest names but with this couple the names totally work.

- Thora's strength and belief in herself, despite other people's opinions. She was such a fierce and strong character that I felt so strongly for her. She knew that she wasn't the best and never let that fact bring her down, she just kept trying harder and training longer. Thora was such an inspiration and I'm not used to seeing this type of character in books often. This is a reason why I read anything I can written by these authors, they always write such strong female characters and it gives me hope that this will become a trend for other authors to follow. Thora is such a realistic character that it was hard to remember that she was fictional.

-Nik. I loved him, no matter how abrasive he could be I loved his strength and love for his family. I loved that he would let loose once a week at the club, he was a parent  to his siblings for so long that having that outlet was something that he needed. I really loved how dedicated he was to his job and art. His love for Thora was so beautiful. Nik wanted her to succeed and did all he could to help her. I also really loved that he refused to hold her back from her dreams, such a stand up character.

-Nik's siblings, the setting, the atmosphere, and the circus :) I am so obsessed with cirque du soleil and the performers in it that it was really cool to have a book be sort of inspired by it.

-The side romance we get :D I loved it!! I was swooning when that couple flirted in their own tense way. So tense and hot, and it was just as good when they got together.

I could honestly go on. I don't want to spoil any romance elements or plot lines, all I have to say is read this book you won't be sorry!

What I could have done without:
-Shane. He was the biggest piece of shit "friend" ever. I just couldn't stand any scene that he was in, and I caught myself skimming when I saw that he was in it or mentioned. He was just a terrible friend who wanted his friend to be as miserable as he was. And then to try out after all of the year long shit fest he gave Thora...what the actual fuck?? I was so annoyed and pissed.

-Thora lying to her family. This is getting close to spoiler territory so I won't go in-depth with it  but I jut think Thora should have been honest.

final thoughts:

This was just such a good book. I really loved it and it is definitely on my reread shelf. I feel like this is definitely worth checking out. I also really hope that the authors decide to make a series out of it, because it is too good to just be a standalone.

Dragon Slayer by Isabella Carter Review

4 stars out of 5
This was a pretty solid read, and I enjoyed it immensely. 

Synopsis:
"Ingram is a coward and weakling—at least according to his father, the king, and the royal court. He cannot use a sword, he faints at the sight of blood, and even his brilliant abilities as a strategist are not enough to overcome his failings. When his father loses a bet to the notorious Lord Mallory over the matter of a dragon slaying, he pays his debt by ordering Ingram to marry him.

Then his father reveals that he is putting Ingram to a greater purpose, giving Ingram one last chance to prove he is not worthless. All it requires is betraying his new husband." 

I can't wait to read the next one, it ended on a slight cliffhanger and I want to know what's going to happen next!

I loved the slow burn relationship between Ingram and Mallory. I actually enjoyed there not being any sex on page. For some reason it made it much more enjoyable and it made sense for the couple. I am usually all for the sexing and seduction, but this was so enjoyable and I feel that anything more than kisses or cuddles would have taken away from the story and the sexual tension. 

I loved watching Ingram grow! He was such a sweet person and watching him become fierce and independent was fabulous. Plus the love and support that Mallory showed him just made it so great. And that was another reason I loved that there was no sex because it could have easily turned into one of those "saved by the magic dick" stories, but no Ingram was the one who saved himself and had the lovely Mallory by his side to support him not save him.

I definitely would recommend this book to fantasy lovers or people who love the forced marriage trope (honestly I feel like anyone could read this book and have a great time). Really enjoyable and had a bit of twists and turns to keep you on your toes.

Final thoughts:

I really loved this book and I really can't wait to get my grubby little hands on the next one! I really hope the author finishes it some time soon.