Wild Man (Dream Man #2) by Kristen Ashley

 

Published October 4 2011

While filling her display case in her bakery, the bell over the door sounds and Tessa O’Hara looks up and sees the man of her dreams. Within thirty seconds he asks her out for a beer. Thirty seconds later, she says yes. But after four months of falling in love, she discovers he’s an undercover DEA Agent investigating the possibility she’s involved in her ex-husband’s drug business

Obviously Tess decides this means it’s over.

But DEA Agent Brock Lucas disagrees. A man on a mission who’s really committed to his job, he’s spent years in the underbelly of Denver with the dregs of society. And spending four months with Tess who’s as sweet as her cupcakes, he seriously enjoyed his job. But during Tess’s interrogation, Brock learns the devastating secret Tess is carrying and he’s determined to be the man who helps her heal as well as take her back as she walks on the wild side.

As wild and sweet mix, they face challenge after challenge of family struggling with history and terminal illness. Not to mention, Tess’s ex-husband, the drug lord and Brock’s ex-wife, who has a very big playbook are scheming to tear them apart.

But Brock Lucas has wild in him and once in his past on the trail of vengeance he let that wild loose, making a mistake that he would have no idea years later will put his sweet Tess in the position to pay his penance.(Goodreads)

Review: 3.8 Stars

Let me just begin with saying I LOVE Kristen Ashley!  The Dream Man Series is one of my favorites!

Although the main character, Brock Lucas is yummy in a detective/bad boy/scruffy kind of way, he is my least favorite "Dream Man".

I do like how KA writes about real people.  They are not 20 somethings in college.  They are in their 30s and 40s with crazy ex-wives and children.  It is easy to relate to all of her stories.

Tess and Brock have a very realistic relationship full of passion.  I liked how they were straight forward with each other.  

My reason for not bumping this review up to 4 stars: Brock just did not hold my attention like Hawk from Mystery Man.  Even so, this book is enjoyable!!

She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen

Published 2011

Ariel Baxter has just moved into the neighborhood of her dreams. The chaos of domestic life and the loneliness of motherhood, however, moved with her. Then she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine ushers Ariel into a world of clutter-free houses, fresh-baked bread, homemade crafts, neighborhood playdates, and organization techniques designed to make marriage better and parenting manageable.

Soon Ariel realizes there is hope for peace, friendship, and clean kitchen counters. But when rumors start to circulate about Justine’s real home life, Ariel must choose whether to believe the best about the friend she admires or consider the possibility that “perfection” isn’t always what it seems to be.

A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman’s life and said, “I want what she has,” She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship. (Goodreads)

Review:  4 Stars

Loved this book from the moment I picked it up. I found myself in Ariel. A woman stuck in a routine. She loves her family, but is always looking for more. When she moved into the house of her dreams in the neighborhood of her dreams, Ariel was overwhelmed with keeping up with the Jones'.

When Ariel met Justine, she soon found herself wrapped up in their new friendship and role-model.

Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you can't be stunning" - Justine Miller

I found myself saying, I can do what Justine does. I can be the super wife, super mom and super hostess. As the novel progressed, I realized....her life is so much more complicated and that status was not worth the turmoil.

Remember a happy home is not always what it seems. 

Wrong Bed, Right Guy (Come Undone #1) by Katee Robert

 

Published July 20 2012

Seducing Mr. Wrong has never felt so right...

Prim and proper art gallery coordinator Elle Walser is no good at seducing men. Heck, she’s been throwing hints at her boss for months, but he’s completely clueless. Desperate to escape her mother’s matchmaking efforts, she comes up with a plan—buy some lingerie and climb into her boss’s bed. The plan goes brilliantly…until she accidentally seduces a sexy stranger instead.

Bad boy nightclub mogul Gabe Schultz just had the best almost-sex of his life. Too bad the smoking hot blonde thought he was his brother and bolted before he could finish what they started. Though her holier-than-thou attitude puts a serious damper on his mood, Gabe’s never been one to give up on something he wants. And he wants Elle. But does a man who lives on the dark side really have a chance with a proper lady?(Goodreads)

Review: 4 Stars

This book was cute and sexy.  

Elle makes a mistake.  She crawls in bed with the wrong guy, naked.  Whoops!  Happens to everyone...right?

Gabe is an owner of nightclubs and a tattoo shop.  He is a bad boy who is HOT!  Elle is conservative, a little prissy and a painter.  They cold not be more opposite.  Gabe cannot get enough of his naked visitor so he tries everything to win her over.  

I loved how Gabe is a little insecure and unsure of himself.  That just made him more adorable!

"This woman made him feel like he was back in high school, a bumbling fool who couldn't do anything right."

I did get a little tired of Elle and her snobby ways.  She did have some amusing moments though.

"She turned her face into his chest and tried to pretend that she wasn't totally sniffing his skin.  Not creepy at all. Right."

The ending was a little rushed for me but overall this was a good book.  There is a 2nd in the works.  I'm hoping it focuses on Gabe's brother, Nathan.  I will be reading that one!!

Accidentally on Purpose by L.D. Davis

 

Emmy thinks her boss Kyle Sterling of Sterling Corporations is a jerk.

So, she sleeps with him.

Emmy tries to put the mistake behind her, but then finds herself snowed in with Kyle. As the snow builds, so does the heat in the house between the two. The problem is that Kyle has a steady girlfriend that he is unwilling to break up with. Emmy cuts Kyle off and starts dating Luke. Even as their relationship takes off, Emmy is finding Kyle hard to shake. He is blatant in his feelings and desires for Emmy, putting her in an awkward situation. She tries hard to resist Kyle, but deep down inside Emmy's motives are shady. When Emmy succumbs to her hidden feelings for Kyle without setting Luke free, devastating consequences ensue.

In addition to her two men, Emmy daydreams about doing violent things to her loud mouthed, opinionated mother.

With some humor and sarcasm, and of course, some tequila, Emmy's world will flip upside down as she deals with the results of "accidentally on purpose" falling for two men at once. (Goodreads)

REVIEW: 3.8 Stars

Accidentally on Purpose is a story of a highly dysfunctional love triangle.   Not that there are any 'functional' love triangles.  Emmy hates her boss Kyle.  She hates him so much that she sleeps with him.  In the process of starting up an affair with Kyle Sterling (he is already in a commited relationship), Emmy falls for another coworker Luke.  She finds herself pulled in all different directions while trying to hold on to the two men she can't bring herself to let go of.

"Getting rid of Kyle was like going to detox.  Letting go of Luke was like kicking a puppy.  Maybe drowning a puppy."

Kyle is like a drug.  Luke is safe.  I get why she's confused but I had some issues with the book.

• I did not find Emmy very likable.  She did not have much of a personality.
• Just pick one already!! Ugggghhh!
• Emmy and Kyle are addicted to each other but why???  The emotional side of their relationship wasn't explained thoroughly enough for me.
• I felt Kyle's 'problem' came out of nowhere.

All of that being said, I did enjoy the last half of the book more than the first half.  Even though the negatives warranted the 3.8 stars, I still recommend reading this one.

"my heart accidentally started loving two men, but I purposely (and stupidly) acted on it instead of walking away from them."

Love Unrehearsed by Tina Reber

We are excited about the release of Love Unrehearsed by Tina Reber!  August 31st!!

Ryan is in LA to promote his latest film, Reparation, which is premiering Friday night. It’s time to introduce Taryn to “his world.”

So if you feel a tad unsatisfied with some of the open-ended threads from Love Unscripted, we still have Slipknot to film with the enamored Jonathan Follweiler at the helm, then there is the global premier of Seaside II with private jets and foreign countries to visit. Seaside III is scheduled to start production in the fall and Pete and Tammy’s wedding is in there too. And what about that script for The Isletin Solution? What are we going to do about that? Hmm…

More secrets, more lies, more drama, and certainly more media coverage. Stay tuned to read what happens to Ryan and Taryn next!!(Goodreads)

Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec

Published June 11 2012

 

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he’s asleep) toddler a better life.

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time.

With Carter’s undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire’s panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

Warning: includes explicit sex, profanity and enough sarcasm to choke a horse.

Review: 5 Stars

There are so many reasons why you should buy this book RIGHT NOW!!!

• Jesus Christ on a cracker

• Vagina hand

• A 4 year old that cusses like a sailor

• Sex and Chocolate

• A LOT of VODKA

• P.O.R.N

• So I Married an Axe Murderer Quotes

Seduction and Snacks is laugh out loud funny.  I was laughing so hard that I was crying and peeing a little (not hard to do since I have had 2 kids).  Not only is it hilarious, it is also a sweet and sexy love story that every woman will envy.  I could not put it down!

I am also certain that P.O.R.N. should become an Olympic Sport.

I will be making a construction paper chain to count down the days until the 2nd book,  Futures and Frosting comes out.

Perfection (A Neighbor from Hell #2) by R.L. Mathewson

Published August 27 2011

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Zoe is used to taking care of herself and has long ago accepted that if anything bad was going to happen, it was going to happen to her. So when she loses her job over something most bosses would probably be happy with and her life starts going down hill from there she doesn't expect it to get any better. She certainly didn't expect any help from the loud jerk next door, but then again she has nothing to lose so puts her trust in him and hopes for the best. What she didn't expect was the once in a lifetime opportunity that he offers her through an arrangement where they both benefit and no one is supposed to get hurt, but she should have known better because her luck has never been that good.

Like most Bradfords, Trevor has a soft spot for food, but that's about all. He leads a pretty straightforward life and likes to keep things simple and that includes his relationships. He wants the perfect woman and knows exactly what she'll be like. So when he discovers much to his horror that he's thinking about his frumpy little neighbor he decides the best way to get his head straight is by working her out of his system. He'll keep her around, but only until he finds perfection.


Review: 4 Stars

This was another hit for me from R.L. Mathewson.  Can I just say that I am in love with all of the Bradford men!  They make me want to throw an apron on and bake!  

It was refreshing to find a female lead that is not perfect and stick thin.  Trevor is endearing and SEXY!  The chemistry between Trevor and Zoe is spot on!  Mathewson sure knows how to write a steamy love scene! 

Perfection is a fun and sweet read and I will be downloading the 3rd installment of the series as soon as it comes out!

The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher

Published November 14 2011

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Olivia Kaspen has just discovered that her ex-boyfriend, Caleb Drake, has lost his memory. With an already lousy reputation for taking advantage of situations, Olivia must decide how far she is willing to go to get Caleb back. Wrestling to keep her true identity and their sordid past under wraps, Olivia’s greatest obstacle is Caleb’s wicked, new girlfriend; Leah Smith. It is a race to the finish as these two vipers engage in a vicious tug of war to possess a man who no longer remembers them. But, soon enough Olivia must face the consequences of her lies, and in the process discover that sometimes love falls short of redemption.

Review: 5 stars

OMG!

Doubled over, in pain, stomach hurting, heart torn in two, crying (not the pretty cry either, the ugly one).  These are just a few things I am feeling after reading this heartbreaking book.  I put it down...wait...I threw it down and immediately wanted to pick it back up again and re-read it.  

The main character Olivia has done some awful things in her past to get the one she loves.  You can't help but root for her and Caleb, her former college boyfriend.  The ending was not what I wanted and I still am not over it.  The only comfort I have is knowing there are 2 more books to come.  

Please, RUSH out and get this book!!

Favorite Quotes:

"I love you too, Olivia.  More that I could ever love another soul.  There hasn't been a single hour in seven years that I haven't thought of you."

Jesus Christ on a cracker!

I just finished Seduction and Snacks......LOVED IT.  Review to come soon!!

Mystery Man (Dream Man #1) by Kristen Ashley

 Published July 12  2011

Synopsis (Goodreads)

While drinking cosmopolitans, Gwendolyn Kidd meets the man of her dreams. Then she takes him home. Then she wakes up alone. But her fear that she lost her dream man turns into a relationship with a mystery man when, night after night in the dead of night, he comes back for more. Hoping it will blossom into something real, she lets him.

But she doesn’t even know his name.

Gwen’s struggling with the decision to end their crazy non-relationship when her sister-from-hell, Ginger’s best friend pays a visit and warns Gwen that if she and her sister don't get smart, they'll both get d-e-a-d, dead. Gwen has no clue what’s going on but she’s used to Ginger’s antics and decides to lay the problem on her sister’s biker boyfriend's doorstep. Bad choice. She hits the Denver Underground radar with a big, loud ping.

This means Gwen’s Mystery Man, Cabe “Hawk” Delgado has to step in to keep her safe. But when Hawk gets a dose of Gwen in the daylight, he makes the decision that he finally wants real with Gwen. However when Gwen gets a dose of badass, bossy, straight-talker Hawk in the daylight, she decides she’s done.

Thus begins the head-to-head of the Commando vs. Cosmo Girl as Hawk woos Gwen in his own unique way, Gwen survives firebombs, drive-bys, kidnappings, hot pursuits by biker hotties and gorgeous police detectives and discovers the heartbreaking reason why Hawk kept her at arm’s length.

And as all this happens, Gwen finds that her sister’s troubles are serious trouble and she must decide who to keep alive: her sister-from-hell or the man of her dreams.

Review: 5 Stars

Action and sex.  Enough said.  I just love a hot alpha male with a painful past and Hawk was it!!  He can stalk me any day !!!

Gwen was witty and charming and the chemistry between the two was HOT!  It was interesting that Gwen's appearance wasn't described until the end of the book.  It really allowed you to imagine yourself in Hawk's arms and bed.  

The epilogue was a dream to read.  I love how the story was wrapped up.  This was a GREAT read and I can't wait for the rest of the books in the Dream Man Series!

Obsidian (A Lux Novel) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published May 8 2012

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Review: 5 Stars 

I HEART ALIENS!  

Not since Twilight has a young adult book consumed my every waking moment!  I think Jennifer Armentrout is one of my new favorite authors.  This is going to be a great series and I cannot wait for Onyx! 

The male lead, Daemon is "drool-worthy".  Who knew being poked with a pen could be so sexy?   The female lead, Katy, was funny and smart, not to mention a book blogger!   The sexual tension and insults between the two are entertaining.   I was waiting for them to give into their animal passion and finally I got what I wanted...a HOT make out scene.

I want an alien for my very own!!

Playing for Keeps (A Neighbor from Hell #1) by R.L. Mathewson

Published April 29 2011 

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of. The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but that notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.

Review: 4 Stars 

Not many contemporary romances have me laughing out loud.  This one did!  I have a new favorite author in R.L. Mathewson.  This story was fun, sweet and sexy!  Jason's obsession with food was hilarious.  The female lead, Haley was adorable and you couldn't help but fall in love with her.  Overall, this was a heartwarming romance that you can't go wrong with!

Easy by Tammara Webber

Published May 25 2012

Synopsis (Goodreads)

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night--but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

REVIEW: 5 Stars

I loved this book for many reasons.  I felt this was one of the more realistic story lines that I have read in the Young Adult genre. This was an emotional love story that deals with some real and heavy issues such as sexual assault and family tragedy.  

The main character, Jacqueline was very easy to like.  She wasn't dripping with insecurities like some other female leads in young adult novels.  She was smart and witty.  I loved her relationship with her roommate Erin.  Lucas was yummy with his tattoos and painful past.  The romance was sweet and emotional and the kissing was STEAMY!  He can sketch me any day!  This book is similar to Beautiful Disaster only better!  I highly recommend this one!

Thomas and January (Sleepless #2) by Fisher Amelie

Published June 15 2012

Synopsis (Goodreads)

 Thomas Eriksson thinks he has it all figured out.

"People crossed the street when they saw me. I’m not really sure why that was. I mean, okay, I might have looked a bit intimidating if I was being truthful with you. I’d changed since New York. New York represented a life that wasn’t real, not truthfully, anyway. No, New York was the “young, immature, in love, idiot" side of Tom. The “Tie-Dye Tom of New York City” didn’t exist anymore. Tie-Dye Tom was dead."

January Mac Lochlainn thinks she’s her own worst enemy.

"I quit Berkeley. Threw away a full scholarship. Plans, you ask? What plans?"

But they’re both wrong.

Review: 4 Stars 

I loved this book!  I have a soft spot for music and music lovers and this was right up my alley!  Not to mention it takes place in Austin and New York (Austin is my home away form home).  The love/hate relationship between the main characters Thomas and January was delectable! I especially loved the titles of the chapters (song names).  Even if you don't have a love for music like I do, you will still appreciate this book!  It is a sweet love story.  The chemistry was steamy even though it was very clean.  Of course, I would have liked a juicier make-out scene or two.

Thoughtless (Thoughtless #1) by S.C. Stephens

Published June 11, 2010

 

Synopsis (Goodreads)

For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source – a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.

REVIEW:  4 Stars

Thoughtless...perfect title for this book.  Wow!  This is a perfect depiction of a love triangle. One girl, two guys. Kiera and her long time boyfriend, Denny move across the country to start anew.  They move in with Denny's old friend Kellan.  And Kellan is....HOT! Scorching!  Of course Kiera finds herself in a pickle.  

Her indecisiveness annoyed and frustrated me but the passion and sexiness of the book made up for it.  I just wished she was a little more independent.  I got a little tired of her going back and forth.  With that being said, the book kept my interest and I can't wait for the second one!  And it has a rock star in it.  You can't go wrong with that!!

Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding Series) by K.A. Linde

Publication: July 2012

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Jack and Lexi never had a typical relationship. After 2 years without speaking, she receives a phone call that changes everything. He unexpectedly asks her to convince the new girl, Bekah, that he's ready to commit. Jack is calling now after everything they had been through because there is another woman. She can't believe it. Follow Lexi in this heart wrenching drama as she relives her past relationship, or lack thereof, with Jack, and not just in her own mind, but to his fiance-to-be. Throw in Bekah's hot brother who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, a past with more secrets to unravel than you can even imagine, and you get a recipe for disaster. Find out what happens to Lexi as she travels to Atlanta to get the closure she so desperately desires from Jack, and how the bumps of life seem to keep getting in the way.



Review:  4 Stars

Ok, wow! Avoiding Commitment...very appropriate title.  This story was gut wrenching, sad but had sweet moments too.  I don't know if I want to vomit, cry or punch something.  
Can you imagine having one person you were absolutely meant for but for some reason, things never work out the way you want them to.  It was frustrating at times to read but I couldn't put it down.  I dove in and was wrapped up in Jack and Lexi and their story.  Lies, betrayal, love, passion.  This book has it all. You will be throwing the book across the room when you are done!! 
Knowing that there is a 2nd in the works makes the ending bearable, somewhat.  This is a fabulous read.  I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars just for the frustration of it all.  

Virgin...

Thanks for checking out my blog!  I have a confession... I am a blogging virgin!  This is a new adventure for me.  I love books and I love sharing them!!  I just had to do something about my book obsession so I thought hey, what better way than to tell everyone...on a blog!