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.

Perfect Collision by Lina Andersson Review

4 stars out of 5
I really loved this book, and enjoyed it much more than I thought I was going to.

Synopsis:
"There wasn't much Violet Warren considered easy in life. Even just talking to people was a challenge. On the other hand, she didn't like all that many people. Her dad was one of few people she loved, simply because he understood her. Or at least tried to understand her, as opposed to her mom. 
Then there was Mac... She couldn't really say she knew Mac, but he'd been around her entire life, since he was the son of the club’s President. She liked him. He was the one who suggested she could become a tattoo artist, an idea she loved, since drawing was one of few things she considered herself good at. Her dad helped her to get a spot as an apprentice at Wicked Ink. She wasn't sure how to thank him properly until he asked her to do a tattoo on him. It sort of went downhill from there.

Marcus 'Mac' Baxter couldn't really say he knew Vi. She was just the tiny, shy girl who'd always had a sketchbook in her lap. He knew she'd been crushing on him when she was a kid, but he'd never thought much about it. When he decided to become a Marauder, he left Greenville, Arizona, to join the Emporia, Kansas charter instead. He wanted to make a name for himself and not just be 'Brick's son.' A few years later he transferred back, and realized Vi had grown up while he was away.
But you didn’t take advantage of a girl who’d been crushing on you for years, a girl who was the daughter of a fellow member. You just didn’t.
And you definitely didn’t kiss her. That was insane… But that’s what he did. "

**Can we talk about how gorgeous that cover is???**

I honestly don't know what to say other than I enjoyed the fuck out of this book, and love to reread it. 
It is by no means a flawless book, but I really didn't care about that I just got sucked into the story and had a smile on my face and was rooting for Violet and Mac the whole time. I loved the biker aspect of the book, and I really liked the fact that these great and caring people in Violet's life were criminals. It didn't make them any less caring or loving but just added another complex layer to their characters. I absolutely loved the scene where Violet was just coming to realize this aspect of her family and boyfriend.

I also really liked the age gap, which was about six years, between Vi and Mac. I was obsessed with the fact that he refused to rush her with anything sexual. I loved that he had respect for her and actually cared about her as a person. And I loved that he struggled with wanting her to explore but at the same time not wanting to push her; the fact that he struggled and questioned showed what an amazing and caring person and boyfriend he was.

I did not care for the second class treatment that a lot of the male characters in the story gave the women. I understand that that is a cliche in biker life and stories, but it doesn't mean that I like or appreciate it. I do not like being referenced to as "pussy" or a "piece of ass", I felt like that cliche could have been not used. But whatever you can't have everything.

I really, really loved the fact that Vi was a tattoo artist, and that we got to see her training and maturation in that world throughout the novel. I have such a love for tattoo artist stories, not only in books but also documentaries.  I have a few tattoos and I have such an appreciation for tattoo artists and the love that they have for their craft.

The middle section of the book felt like it drug on a bit, but it wasn't that huge of a problem the story was still very enjoyable. I could have done without the overly caricature-ized "evil" mother. I really loved the relationship that Violet had with her dad Bear. I thought it was really sweet how close they were and had always been. 

I was also a really big fan of the time lapses that the story was told under. I thought that they added a cool dimension to it. I really like the idea of seeing the past and seeing how the characters interacted and evolved from there. It was cool how it would go from Violet's ages for example fourteen years old, 16, to 18.

Final thoughts:

I definitely recommend this, it was such a fun and enjoyable read. The sex was super hot and it never felt excessive or repetitive.
Oh you can totally read this as a standalone, I did because I really wasn't interested in the first one of the series and I wasn't lost whatsoever. 

The Last Concubine by Catt Ford Review

4 stars out of 5
This was just so fucking good. I just really loved reading it, and I really can't wait to read it again.

Synopsis:
"When Princess Lan'xiu's brother delivers her under duress into General Hui Wei's harem as a political offering, her only question is how soon her secret will be discovered. She is under no illusions: when the general discovers she is actually a he, death is his only future-though he doesn't plan to make it easy. Lan'xiu has dressed as a woman all his life, but he is no damsel in distress. He can swing a sword with the best of them.

General Hui Wei has everything a man could want: power, wealth, success on the battlefield, and a harem of concubines. At first, he regards Lan'xiu with suspicion, but he finds himself strangely drawn to her. When he discovers the beautiful young woman is actually a man, his first reaction is to draw his sword. Rather than waste such beauty, he decides to enjoy the spirited Lan'xiu's submission-and ignites a passion and desire deeper than anything he's felt with other wives. But court intrigue, political ambitions, and the general's doubts may be too much for their love to overcome."

**I don't want to misgender so I will be using he and she interchangeably like the author did in the book. I am extremely sorry if that offends anybody**

There were a few parts that annoyed me and I could do without, but honestly those were far and few between. I loved the love that they shared for each other, and I know that a few people din't care for the epilogue type ending of the "legend" but I loved it. 
 I just absolutely enthralled with hearing about how strong and devoted their love was, and how Lan's love affected everyone in his life. This was such a different and unexpectedly great read, and I am so glad that I listened to recommendations and read it :)

What I really liked:
-The battle scene. And I loved that Lan was referred to as a warrior princess, I thought that that was fabulous and now I really want that to be a term of endearment for everyone in books and life.

-All the fucked up shit we learned about the second wife after **SPOILER**she died. Dude the baby skeletons in the attic and the hidden secret child? What the fuck** END OF SPOILER**

-How fierce Lan was. I loved that he wasn't some victim who didn't fight back or defend himself. And at the same time was able to say that she missed her "husband" when feeling sad or lonely. He was such a complex character and I loved reading every scene that he was in.

-Bai. That's all I need to say, she was bat shit crazy in the best way possible.

I could go on and on about all of the things that I loved, but I don't want to spoil the whole book for you!

A few things that I could have done without:
-The crazy second wife. Yes she added immensely to the plot, but she felt so forced and like such a caricature most of the time that when she was in the scene I would roll my eyes and hurry past her crazy speeches. I did like the fact that she was insane and just kept trying to kill the sister-wives. I have no idea why I found that hilarious but I did; I think it was just the casual way everyone went about it that was so funny.

-The way Hüi went about letting the crazy wife stay in the kingdom? palace yards? I have no idea what the living quarters was called, but I thought it was really fucking stupid that he just let her live there with all the wives...that she has been trying to kill.

Final thoughts:
If anyone is worried about the multiple concubines do not fear there is never any cheating! Hüi has not been with any of the wives for quite sometime even before Lan showed up.

Just read it and give this book a chance. I went into it thinking that I wasn't going to be too impressed with it and up adoring it, hopefully you will too. 

North PoleCity Tales series by Charlie Cochet

**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 both are not only short stories but also short reviews, and because it would save me some time :)

Mending Noel (book 1)
2.5 stars out of 5
This was a sweet story and I liked the mystery portion a lot. 

Synopsis:
"All is not sparkly snowflakes and sweet candy canes in North Pole City. Office workers Tim and Noel do nothing all day but antagonize each other—petty fighting that might be based on hatred… or a heated mutual attraction. It’s up to Jack Frost and his elf-friend Rudy to broach the hostilities and introduce some Christmas kisses, but is the Frost Prince up to the challenge of launching a new romance when someone’s trying to break his holiday spirit?"

Which was surprising to me because with such a short story the mystery portion of the plot felt really fleshed out, and I am one of those readers who feels that if there is a suspense or mystery element it has to be fully done or else I am not going to like it. I also really loved Jack and Rudy♥ 
I can't wait to see where their story leads to. I'm really hoping for some flashbacks to the early days of their relationship or finding out how they got together.

I just can not get over how nasty and just mean Noel was. It wasn't a sweet grumpy or anything it was really mean and hurtful, and there was really no super heartfelt apology that would make me feel mildly better.



The Heart of Frost (book 2)
3.5 stars out of 5

I did like this one a lot more than the first book of the series, but it was not what I expected. 

Synopsis: 
"At the North Pole, no one is more powerful and feared than the Prince of Frost. As general of the toy soldier army, Jack Frost has been working extra hard to put away the villainous Mouse King once and for all. If that isn’t taxing enough, Jack has to deal with the scandal and gossip brought on by news of his relationship with Rudy Rein Dear, captain of the Rein Dear Squadron, which hit headlines last holiday season. Lucky for Jack, his reputation has managed to deter any foolish attempts to stir up trouble. At least until now.

When someone sabotages Rudy’s plane during a test run a few weeks before Christmas, Jack is determined to find the culprit by any means necessary. The closer he gets to finding answers, the more difficulty he has not falling back to his icy ways. Has the Mouse King stepped up his game in order to throw Jack off his, or is someone a little closer to home behind the attempt on Rudy’s life? Either way, Jack has every intention of delivering a Christmas they won’t soon forget, even if it means losing the newfound warmth in his heart."

I loved that we were able to see the love that they have for each other but I'm disappointed that we only witnessed this in memories and the first part of the book. They were separated a little too long for my tastes, it sort of felt like the whole middle part they weren't together and that annoyed me.

I also wasn't a huge fan of lying to a partner in order to "save" them heartache. To me that is bullshit and it isn't your right to decide what your partner can handle and what they can't. Jack should have been told what a conniving little fuck *SPOILER* his cousin Hollis*END OF SPOILER* was, because he should have the right to know and choose who he wants to surround himself with. I felt like Rudy crossed crossed the line by keeping that secret and making others keep it as well, especially since it was literally right after he and Jack promised no more secrets like that.

But other than those small annoyances I really enjoyed this book, and I love the affection and love that they share with each other it is incredibly sweet and heartwarming( I swear I did not realize the pun until after reading what I wrote!! Oh god I'm laughing so hard).


**I don't think I'm going to read the next book in the series. I really am interested in Vale and would love to read his story, but Vixen just does not interest me in the slightest.

Talk Sweetly to Me by Courtney Milan Review

4.5 stars out of 5

This was so unexpectedly amazing. Yes there were flaws(like any book), but I did not give a single fuck. That's how deep I was in while reading this story. 

Synopsis:
"Nobody knows who Miss Rose Sweetly is, and she prefers it that way. She’s a shy, mathematically-minded shopkeeper’s daughter who dreams of the stars. Women like her only ever come to attention through scandal. She’ll take obscurity, thank you very much.

All of England knows who Stephen Shaughnessy is. He’s an infamous advice columnist and a known rake. When he moves into the house next door to Rose, she discovers that he’s also wickedly funny, devilishly flirtatious, and heart-stoppingly handsome. But when he takes an interest in her mathematical work, she realizes that Mr. Shaughnessy isn’t just a scandal waiting to happen. He’s waiting to happen to her…and if she’s not careful, she’ll give in to certain ruination."

I was smiling, and swooning, and tearing up, I just loved every second reading about two amazing (fictional) people. I want to get lost in their story again and again. 
I loved how relatable it was no matter the time difference or intellectual difference I had with the characters. I felt so connected to them that when it was over I was shocked by how fast the ending came all while having a stupid smile on my face. I could relate to both characters so much that I agreed with both of them at a time when they were having conflicting feelings with one another. With Rose I can totally relate to struggling with a partner who is white, in a world that doesn't like mixed race relationships. 

Story time: I briefly had a (white) boyfriend once who did not realize that racism was still a "thing" and was appalled every time someone commented on our relationship. He couldn't understand how I dealt with people saying ignorant things to me on a daily basis, nor did he ever have to deal with his friends and family commenting on a relationship of his or asking inappropriate questions about a girlfriend before. It really opened up his eyes to the fact that our relationship would be hard work not just regular couple stuff between us, but also between us and those who had a problem with our different races.

So I could see why Rose (at first) just believed Stephen was trying to seduce her, not to mention he had a reputation for sexing up the ladies. Which I really couldn't picture because his character was so far from the "rake" character that that description of him felt odd. 

I could definitely understand how frustrating it was for Rose to have Stephen not fully realizing the hardships that would be in store for them...for life
But I could also understand Stephen's point that he really loved her and it didn't matter how hard situations would be, that it would only make him want to stand by her side even more. 
I just loved that their main sources of worry not really "frustration" was focused on how much they didn't want the other one to struggle or hurt. 

So all in all I fucking loved this story and would definitely recommend it to anyone. 

My only real complaint is how short it was.

**I haven't read the rest of the series, just this one, so it can definitely be read as a standalone if that's what you wanted to do.