Title:Manhandled

Author :Cari Quinn, Taryn Elliott

Series:Hammered #2

Release date:April 8th 2016

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb :

My name is Faith Keystone, but my friends call me Keys.

I’m the piano player for Hammered.

Did I mention I’m the only female in my band?

That means I technically have five older brothers.

Can’t forget my manager and security team, too.

Alone time is nonexistent.

I escaped an overbearing family to join this happy circus, and most of the time it’s awesome.

Except now, because of one teensy little incident at a show.

Now I have this hulking bodyguard shadowing me like a freaking puppy.

Only this puppy is more like a Doberman with an attitude problem.

And he only knows one word—NO.

I hate that word.

And I hate Quinn Alexander.

The one thing I do like is giving him the slip.

Is it wrong that I kinda like when he growls at me after he finds me?

Because he always finds me.

Worst of all?

I want him so bad that I keep forgetting I hate him.

After reading some emotional very draining books I felt it was a perfect time to start with Manhandled (Hammered #2) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott. It was my first book by those two authors and I was surprised how much I liked it.

So far I had only read one book by Cari Quinn and that was a 1 Star read – If you follow my reviews, you know that I do not give them that often. It is the second book in that series but works perfectly fine as a standalone. It is well written and the characters were fully developed.

In the beginning of the book I was a little confused because there is a lot of information about the band members raining down on the reader which felt a little to much for me. I felt that could have been handled a little more subtle during the storytelling. But once the story started flowing it went really well and at a good pace.

I liked the banter between the two leads Faith/Keys and Quinn/Warden… there was a quite the chemistry flowing and their witty dialogues had me laughing at times. But their developing relationship lacked on the emotional side for me. I read that they were developing feelings for each other – but I could not follow that development.

That maybe so (as I said) because I read two very emotionally draining books before this one, but I do not think so honestly. Their chemistry was there, that is for sure, it was just that for me the final spark to ignite it was not there which became obvious when I noticed how long their relationship took to develop and then how fast it went of in the end.

But that is only my very personal feeling and should not stop anyone from reading this really great story. To me it proved that even if I totally did not like one book – I can still love another by the same author and isn’t that what makes reading interesting ?

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Title:Dick

Author :R.C. Stephens

Series:A Bad Boys Novel

Release date:April 25th 2016

Rating : 4 Stars

My name is Dixon Crawford—my friends call me Dick. I’m rich, divorced and I have two small kids. When it comes to women, I like to play the field. I don’t want to ever be tied down again. I met Eden at a Presidential gala and, yes, I was intrigued. When school started in September I was shocked to learn Eden was my son’s kindergarten teacher…I’d slept around with the lonely rich mothers at the school and had earned a reputation.A reputation Eden knew about…Eden was on the untouchable list—the band on her finger screamed, “I’m taken.” But when she got into trouble with her husband she asked me for help and I obliged.I soon discovered that innocent Eden had secrets of her own. I also discovered she was beyond tempting. Giving her a little friendly help turns into something bigger than I ever imagined….My name is Dick. I’m told I’m an asshole, but you will need to read my story and decide for yourself!

The Price for my toughest judgment on a book so far this week goes to “Dick: A Bad Boys Novel” by R.C. Stephens.

First of all this is my first book by this author and I liked the writing style. It was fluent, flawless and the characters were well developed.

When I choose the book I knew that there might be a deal breaker inside as the blurb announced a marriage. But I knew that depending on the handling that might be OK and actually it was. Edens husband was … lets say it this way – Dixon had a fitting name for him.

I liked Eden – she was interesting developed and the chapters told from her PoV were well written – I could understand her and follow her line of thinking.

And with some nice side characters like “Ma” there was enough Background story to create a dialogue between the characters that felt real and not staged

I liked also the reasoning behind the “Dixon/Dick” naming … even though – Dixon’s own thoughts on that came a little late into the story. And it was also Dixons PoV that makes my decision on the rating difficult.

I liked him he was nicely developed and a great guy but his “inner dialogue” that showed his PoV to the reader felt strange at times. I am a woman – but I felt it hard to believe that a man would think stuff like that – well I guess we would have to ask a man on that and hope for an honest opinion.

At a certain point I came to terms with his way of describing things and I can live with it as the story paced nice and the storyline itself was good, but still his side of things felt staged and forced at times.

And because his PoV is 50% of the book it does make a difference – so I think this is where I really need the 0.5 Star option – because it is not really 4 stars therefore it left me to irritated at times … especially if I consider his “hugest” obstacle and the way it was “solved” (I refuse spoilers) .

But 3 Stars would also be an insult – so what should I do ?!?

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Title:Push Girl

Author :Chelsie Hill, Jessica Love

Series:N/A

Release date:June 3rd 2014

Rating : 4 Stars

An inspiring, real, and fresh young adult novel about how life can change in an instant by Chelsie Hill, one of the stars Sundance Channel’s unscripted series Push Girls, based on her own lifeKara is a high school junior who’s loving life. She’s popular, has a great group of friends and an amazing boyfriend, and she’s a shoe-in for homecoming queen. Even though her parents can’t stop fighting and her ex-boyfriend can’t seem to leave her alone, Kara won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect year. It’s Friday night, and Kara arrives at a party, upset after hearing her parents having another one of their awful fights, and sees another girl with her hands all over her boyfriend. Furious, Kara leaves to take a drive, and, as she’s crossing an intersection, a car comes out of nowhere and slams into the driver’s side of Kara’s car. When Kara wakes up, she has no memory of the night before. Where is she? Why are her parents crying? And, most importantly — why can’t she feel her legs? As Kara is forced to adjust to her new life, where her friends aren’t who they seemed to be and her once-adoring boyfriend is mysteriously absent, she starts to realize that what matters in life isn’t what happens to you — it’s the choices you make and the people you love.

Co-written by “Push Girls” star Chelsie Hill, whose real life closely mirrors Kara’s experience, this novel will open the eyes of readers everywhere who have never met someone who lives with paralysis.

Review :

Sweet and inspiring story.

A very recommendable read if you are interested in that genre

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Title:Scarred

Author : C.M. Steele

Series:N/A

Release date:10 Apr 2016

Rating : 2 Stars

When life leaves you scarred…

Dexter Price hadn’t been the same since the day he lost his family and became scarred. Living with physical and emotional scars made him the angry loner that he was. Never thinking of a future with a family, he worked his life away…until one of his morning…

Elena Collins had her own scars that left her distant and all alone. A run in the park changed everything. After being knocked down by a careless bicyclist, she received a helping hand up from a man who she only knew from afar, but who had an important part to play in her past.

Their scars kept them from others, but brought them together. Can how they got them tear them apart?

I learned a long time ago that even when you thought you read about everything that there is to read – there will always be something that will AGAIN surprise you.

Sometimes unfortunately not in a good way.

Really liking the Blurb – I chose to read “Scarred” by C.M. Steele – and like I thought the plot was well developed and the characters were interesting.

But that is also the only point I can give as credit to this book. I am aware that short novels will almost never be able to give the reader the full intensity and feelings some of us desire and I am willing to work with this.

This book however brought the word SHORT to a whole new level and I would actually rename it from “Short” Story to “Fast-Forward” Story. The whole time during reading I felt that I would really come to like the characters if at least one single time the author would allow me to breathe and think about it.

Unfortunately however it was like I was watching a movie with the fast forward button pressed and no way of changing it to play. I could see the whole story running away in front of me and it made me angry.

There was something good here but it does not work out the way it is told.

In my very personal Opinion there are parts that need to be cut out to lessen the food of details that is overwhelming the reader OR this book has to be filled up to become a normal length novel with more “breathing room” for the reader.

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Title:Remembering You

Author : Audra North

Series:N/A

Release date:12 Apr 2016

Rating : 3 Stars

He’s in hot pursuit…and she’s determined not to become a casualty of love.A Pushing the Boundaries PrequelSWAT officer Ben Crewes has never forgotten the mystery woman whose voicecomforted him in the night after he was shot in the line of duty. A voice he never managed to connect with a face.Years later, a chance encounter with reporter Nina Lang feels strangely familiar, andalthough he regards bloodsucking newshounds with the same contempt as perps, he feels something he hasn’t felt since that sexy voice soothed him in the darkness.Long ago, Nina learned the risks involved with men in dangerous professions. Butby the time she realizes he belongs to the voice from that long-ago night, the connection sizzling between them is too hot to stamp out without leaving a mark on her soul.The smart move would be to walk away. Before she gives in to the kind of heat thatforges futures—the kind that could simply end in another painful memory.Warning: An officer who’s cool under pressure, a woman who blows that cool all to hell, and a fender bender that leads to an exchange of more than just insurance cards.

“Remembering You” was my first book by Audra North, so I am in no position to judge if it is her usual writing style.

But as far as the plot of this book is concerned I felt there was missing something and I am still not totally sure what it was.

The plot was interesting so I felt lucky to be able to receive an ARC for review and the beginning was promising.

But I struggled with the developing relationship between the leading characters. The story would have needed a deeper impact a deeper development of their character. But to me they appeared too superficial.

I would have needed more to be able to relate to the characters, so even if the plotline was interesting the characters themselves were not able to draw me into the story.

But this might be only me and the next reader could be fully enjoying this story so do not let my feelings stop you from reading this book.

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Title:It Had to Be Fate

Author : Tamra Baumann

Series:It had to Be, #3

Release date:12 Apr 2016

Rating : 4 Stars

Falling for a bad-boy rock star is the last thing single mother Casey Anderson-Bovier should do. Embroiled in a custody battle with her ex, Casey is fighting to raise her boys in their quaint Colorado hometown—a secret haven for celebrities. But when it comes to her hotel’s newest guest, Casey can’t connect the dots. Is Zane Steele the out-of-control rocker plastered all over the media, or the captivating man with a killer smile who’s charming her and her two boys?Zane has a good reason for letting the world believe the worst of him—and that’s a secret he’s sure he can never share…until he meets Casey. After years of having fans fall at his feet, he’s found the one woman who brings him to his knees. Casey is beautiful and intriguing—and thoroughly justified in not trusting him one bit, especially with her family at stake. But the only way to be together is to convince her to take a chance on him, on fate, and on their crazy, unexpected love.

“It Had to Be Fate” was my first book by Author Tamra Baumann. It is the third book in the “it had to be” series – but if you do not mind small references to the first 2 books – it can be easily read as a standalone.

In fact – even though I know now obviously how the first two books will work out – I still marked them as “to be read” because I really enjoyed the writing style of this author.

Lately most books I came across have complicated and twisted plots that really let the reader suffer.

OR they plotlines are so sweet that you feel the need to have a shower (sorry but its true).

This book is different. It is written more like a classical romance novel but the choice of plotline makes it modern and easy to read.

I liked that there was a twist but not a too psychological one. This is solid romance writing with good developed and very likable characters.

The reader can easy find access to the leads and get lost in their world.

Overall this book has everything I would expect from a good book.

I think I will keep the first two books for my holiday reading list – because I am pretty sure I will enjoy them

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Title:Fighting Lust: A Deadly Sins Novel

Author : Jennifer Miller

Series:Deadly Sins

Release date:April 12th 2016

Rating : 4 Stars

Ryder “Playboy” King is what everyone calls me, in and out of the octagon. I’m fine with being known as a Playboy. I’ve turned it into an art form. A big smile, charm, and a little flattery – and my needs are easily met. Besides, giving a shit can get a man hurt – I’d rather get in and out in one piece. Enter Tessa Jameson. One fiery lust filled moment with her, is not enough. If anything, it leaves me wanting more, but she’s not interested. Me? I know I’ve met my match – I want more. She thinks men only want sex. I’m determined to prove her wrong. But it isn’t easy. The closer I get, the more I want. Lust, is the act of taking. Love, is the act of giving. Can I continue to give and not take? Can two bruised people long committed to a lust filled life be willing to change – to love? Will lust just be another beatable opponent? I think so. Until I’m knocked to my knees with a blow I never see coming. *This book is a stand alone novel in the Deadly Sins Series – but reading them together does add more to the story.

* WARNING: This novel touches on themes of abuse and suicide that may be deemed triggers to some readers. Intended for readers 18 and over

Receiving this ARC on a rather short notice I did my best to put aside another book and dived directly into “Fighting Lust” by Jennifer Miller.

Already thinking the Blurb sounded interesting I was not disappointed by the content.

It was my first book by this author and I assure you it will not be my last.

Fair warning at this point. I did not notice when picking the book that it is at least the third book in a series. But other than spoilering the endings of the previous books (which is why I knew there had to be other books) – nothing will happen – because this book stands perfectly on its own.

In fact I placed the other two books I found also on my TBRPile. (you know – the one that contains more books than I could ever read in my lifetime – and yes I am one of those readers still adding to it. But honestly it is a mood thing and as a reading addict you sometimes need to change genres so you can NEVER have to many books on your reading list)

“Fighting Lust” is well written and has deeply developed characters, just the way I like them. There were a few minor typos but I assume that they will be gone by the time this book will be released as I only read the ARC.

The storyline took my by surprise – having read as many books as I did you often think you can guess the turn of events and yeah often it really turns out to are right when guessing. But well just as the Blurb to this book said – “THIS … I did not see coming” and even if I was not on my knees like the blurb suggested – I was still sitting there with my mouth agape.

Besides those twists and turns in the events I have to say Ryder and Tessa were sort of pot meets kettle. I cannot get into details without giving away spoilers which I refuse – just be warned that even while it is not a “dark” romance – this story is not an easy one do digest as the author choose to stay near to reality when it came to those heavier subjects.

In can fully recommend this book to you if you love cocky fighters with a big heart

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Title:Brotherhood of Misfits: Paul

Author :Khai L. Bayne

Series:BoM #2

Release date:April 16th 2016

Rating : 4 Stars

Not all things that glitter are made of gold.My name is Paul Kian McKinnon. I grew up with upper class, wealthy parents who had successful jobs, the best education money could buy, friends in all the most popular circles, and of course ideal grades. My good fortune spilled over into my adult life. To most people my life is what you would call privileged. At first glance you would think I have everything together, healthy bank account, beautiful house, good job, and great friends. Everything is perfect, until… The door to the outside world closes.At home everything falls apart.

In this place, I am my most vulnerable. Every night I try silence my inner demons in a sea of sleeping pills and alcohol, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Sometimes it gets to be too much and I need to do more than simply just dull the anxiety, pain, and the all-encompassing numbness. Yes, I know it’s not healthy, but it’s all I have… Well that and my brothers, the Misfits as we are called.

We were all brought together thanks to the kindness of Jethro-Elijah Shepard. Through his compassionate heart and stern beliefs, we’ve grown up together into strong, loyal, friends. We’ve celebrated each other’s wins, as well as comforting each other in our loses. Those men have been more of a family to me than my own flesh and blood, and yet I still can’t bring myself to share the darkest parts of me. They won’t understand because they see me just as the rest of the world does… Perfect.

What would happen if I dropped the mask and let it splinter like the pieces of my broken soul?

Would they save me?

The better question is… Do I want to save myself, or do I just want to fade away into the abyss of pain and suffering?

Am I ready to peel away the beautiful covering and let them look at the ugliness underneath?In order to find out you’ll have to read my story, and trust me when I say… it won’t be for the faint of heart.

(This is the Second book in the Brotherhood of Misfits series. It can be a stand alone BUT to full get to know the characters it is best to read Book One.)

When I came across the “Brotherhood of Misfits” series by Khai L. Bayne, I was originally only requested to read Book 2 “Paul” – but I had somehow the feeling that would not be a good Idea so I requested to read also the first book “Roc” – which was the right decision. My review here is equally valid for both books.

You might be able to read them as standalones but the story is very complex and the relationships between the characters are not easy to handle. So I felt that you will need the full knowledge on everything to keep up with this fast paced novel. The leading characters are dark and gritty at their best times and mysterious bordering (looking for the right word) crazy? at their worst. But somehow this intense plotline works out.

Sometimes during reading you were wondering where the story is heading as there are several threads woven into a complex construct. And I must admit at times I lost focus on the main character of the book as the story equally enfolds for several characters. And while one seems to be the lead for the book, the others still have a lot to contribute.

You can already feel the next stories coming up with big question marks. Usually that happens on the sidelines of the original story but not so with this plot – here the sidelines happen in-between the story focus. There were a lot of “firsts” for me within the storyline of these books and I would have to spoiler too much to explain my mixed up feelings.

For example the fact alone, that it was a GUY that was in the position that Paul was in – was a first for me. Parts of the story are not pretty or for the faint of heart. So be warned there are no unicorns or Hearts drawn around the Book Cover for a reason.

I am not sure if I could say this would be a favorite book of mine – The jury is still out on that vote as this complex story is not at its end. Roc and Paul may have told their parts so far but this is neither a HEA in the conventional way nor a cliffhanger by all means.

And I feel this is a series you need to read all the books of to come to a vote. But I can say for sure that it has been a long time since I read such an confusing and complex plot.

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