4 STARS | Behind My Mask by Holland Kohl

Title: Behind My Mask
Series: Blood and Envy #1
Author: Holland Kohl
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, MC
Publisher: Holland Kohl
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B01AZG02HO
Published: January 22nd, 2016
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Events: Review Request
Rating: ★★★★

Envy
Haunted by her past, Envy Harris lives each day under the facade of an assumed life. She is Anna Wharton, the dutiful wife of a star professor, arm-candy, and hostess. To outsiders, she has it all. But when the parties end and the guests leave, Envy is left alone with nothing but memories of her Father’s death and the demons that are still searching for her. Envy has nowhere to go and nobody she can trust, but that all changes the moment she meets Lorne.

Lorne
Lorne Beringer wants nothing more than to start over and leave his criminal ties behind him along with the Hell’s Demons MC. He worked his ass off to get accepted into a prestigious program at an Ivy League school and won’t jeopardize it for anything, that is until he meets Envy. She’s everything he could want in a woman. Only she’s not the woman he thinks she is.

The past has a way of catching up to you. It will either drag you down into the murky depths of despair or be a catalyst for revenge. Entangled in more ways than they know, Lorne and Envy need to face their pasts before they can have a future.

Please note: This book contains profanity and deals with serious themes including violence and murder.

Both Envy and Lorne have had their lives destroyed by the Hell's Demons MC. As children, Envy was the daughter of the MC's President and loved by all, whereas Lorne the son of one of the club brothers, who lived with his mother most of the time, was disliked by many. Except Envy. But when two separate events that changed their lives forever, Envy leaves the MC she loves and becomes Anna and Lorne joins the MC he hates and becomes Blood. Years later, they meet again, but don't remember each other. They fall fast and hard for each other, but there are circumstances on both sides that could destroy what they have forever.

I really liked Behind My Mask. The circumstances that change Envy and Lorne's lives are so tragic. The first past remembrance scene that we read from Envy's POV is so heartbreaking. Then we learn what happened to Lorne and it just makes you really feel for these two. As children, they both had wanted to make something more of themselves than what the MC could offer, but with two tragic events, their lives were completely derailed.

Their lives are so entwined with the MC that it looks impossible, no matter how hard they try, to get free of it. I wanted so desperately for them to be able to just get away and have the life they always wanted, together if that were possible. Envy and Lorne are like two sides of the same coin. And I think that even after what happened at the end of this book, that there isn't going to be a way for them to separate from each other. No matter how much Envy may want that now.

I was so angry with Lorne at the end of this book and the cliffhanger makes me want the next book right now, so that I can see if he kept his promise and is able to fix what he did. For such a short book, it took me on a huge emotional roller coaster. I just really need to know what happens next.

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Holland lives in New York City. For fun, she likes to explore beautiful Brownstone Brooklyn and frequent vegan eateries.

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5 STARS | Until November by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Title: Until November
Series: Until #1
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Suspense
Publisher: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00FAYSNAK
Published: December 26th, 2013
Source: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★

November is looking forward to getting to know her father and the safety of a small town. After leaving the big apple and her bad memories for Tennessee, November starts working for her dad at his strip club doing the books. The one time she’s allowed there during club hours she runs into Asher Mayson. He’s perfect until he opens his mouth and makes assumptions. November wants nothing to do with Asher but too bad for November fate has other plans. Asher Mayson has never had a problem getting a woman that is until November. Now all he can think about is making November his and keeping her safe.

THE STORY:

UNTIL NOVEMBER revolves around a young woman named November trying to make a new life for herself and forget the hurts of her past. The source of her pain is her abusive mother and cheating ex-fiance. She finally feels free once she moves to Tennessee to live with her dad. Meeting her estranged paternal family and the frustrating Asher Mayson, help her begin a new, happier life. But that happiness is disrupted when her past invades her present, and it's not only November in danger this time.

It's really hard to talk about the story without giving something away, so there might be some tiny spoilers here. November was attacked in an alley in New York, and when she starts receiving threatening "presents" from some creepy stalker, she feels that the two events are connected in some way.

There are two main story lines in UNTIL NOVEMBER. There is the search and capture of November's stalker, and the love story between her and Asher. So on one hand you have suspense and on the other you have romance. Aurora Rose Reynolds wove these two aspects perfectly. Add in a cast of characters that I couldn't help but love (except the baddies), and UNTIL NOVEMBER quickly won my heart.

I loved how November termed all the women that the Mayson brother were involved with as their "harem." And it's no exaggeration, either. There are so many women flocking to them and that they've been involved with that they really could create their own harem. And if you think about it, whether they realize it or not, they did. This "harem" creates some interesting interactions between various characters.

The family aspect and the "Mayson Curse" are parts of the story that I really liked. The Mayson family is really close, and I liked how they all took care of each other, and opened their arms wide to November. It's really close-knit family and that's something that really drew me into the story too.

THE CAST:

The Guy: Asher Mayson is the oldest of the Mayson boys, and although he seems like what you would think of a playboy as, he's had his fair share of pain in his life. A lot of women just like the status of having been with a Mayson, and would go to deceptive means to make that happen. Asher has had run-ins with false pregnancy claims, entrapment, and women cheating on him with one of his brothers. He knows that when he meets the right woman, he needs to make her stay. I really liked Asher. He is Alpha in all it's definition. He's possessive, assertive, and easily jealous. But he's also really sweet, sincere, and devoted. And I think that he's the kind of man that November really needed in her life after what happened with her ex-fiance.

The Girl: November has had a tough life. Her mother was mentally and emotionally abusive to her as she was growing up. Constantly making her feel less than what she is. But I really liked that even though her mother was a terrible parent, that November still became a strong woman. She doesn't take crap from no one. She's also been unlucky in love. Her ex-fiance cheated on her with her mother. I mean, who does that? Only a sick and depraved man would cheat on his fiance with her mother. But then she meets Asher once she moves to Tennessee, and though she has some insecurity in their relationship, she knows that Asher is not like her ex-fiance and that she can trust him. November surprises Asher and his brothers. She's not like any of the other women they've been with. She's not prissy, and has no problem getting muddy or rolling around with her dog, Beast. I think that is one of her traits that really drew Asher in.

THE VILLAIN:

This is definitely the section I can't say too much about without giving away who the baddie is. All I'll say about who it is, is that it's someone from November's past. The baddie does your classic stalker terrorizing things. Her place in broken into, she's left creepy poetry, and flowers. Once she feels like she's free of this baddie, something else shows up. So November is definitely always on edge, and that's one of the goals of such terrorizing activity. I honestly don't know how she would handle it all without her family and Asher helping her.

THE ROMANCE:

This is where the "Mayson Curse" comes into play. Apparently one they first lay eyes on The One, it's like, BOOM, instant love. And for Asher, that is November. And he does everything in his power to make her his.

Their first meeting was one of my favorite scenes in UNTIL NOVEMBER. November had gone to her father's strip club to get the lay of the back office, since she'd be working for him doing the books, and Asher saw her there with her father, "hanging all over him and calling him 'Daddy!'" as he put it. When he finds out that November really is Big Mikes daughter his reaction is priceless and November enjoys the moment immensely since he was being so rude to her. I was cracking up just imagining Asher reaction. The moment was just to hilarious and ridiculous. Asher allowed his anger and jealousy to cloud his senses.

November and Asher both have past relationships that ended because of deception and mistrust, so they both have trouble at first really trusting each other. Asher is bossy and pushy, but November has none of that, although she does seems to be manipulated into doing what he wants in the end.

I loved how November didn't allow the women in the "Mayson harem" to get to her. Asher has women throwing themselves at him all the time, and it does annoy November, but it doesn't really make her jealous. She even tells one particular women where to shove it, when she attacks November's father and his business.

I just really loved the dynamic between November and Asher. They compliment each other and I really do believe that they were meant to be together as the "Mayson Curse" dictated.

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Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat whose husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She's married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires its beauty.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books; and originally posted in 2014 to my book blog, Booksniffer Book Reviews.

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5 STARS | What Endures by Katie Lee

Title: What Endures
Author: Katie Lee
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports
Publisher: Katie Lee
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00E7JO69G
Published: July 28th, 2013
Source: YA Bound Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★

Jason Kincaid is young, hot and successful.

An All-Star outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, he finally had everything he ever wanted, including a second chance with his high school sweetheart, Megan Williams.

But their hopes for a ‘happily-ever-after’ are dashed by tragedy.

A horrific car accident wipes out most of Jason's memories. Unable to recall anything from the last fifteen years of his life, Jason is suddenly adrift, his once charmed life now in ruins.

Megan finds herself in the untenable position of having to deal with the fact that the man she’s helping to rebuild his life may look, and even act, like her beloved fiancé, but in reality, isn’t any longer.

Trying to protect herself, as well as Jason, Megan fights the attraction between them. . .to no avail. As their potent connection inevitably draws them closer, Megan wonders,

With the memories of their relationship gone, can love endure?

Stories like What Endures are always kind of heartbreaking, but in What Endures there is a ray of hope that Jason will be able to remember Megan. Emotionally charged stories have always been my favorite, especially when I'm drawn into the story and am able to really feel the emotions of the characters. And What Endures does exactly that. I really enjoyed this book very much!

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Katie Lee has had a lifelong love affair with books. She fell in love with her first book in the second grade and hasn’t looked back since. She first took up writing as a hobby, wanting to craft her own magical adventures, and through the love and encouragement of family and friends, decided to get serious about writing and share her stories with the world.

She currently resides in Maryland in the United States. She works for the government during the day, and her spare time is devoted to writing. She gains inspiration from all sorts of things, but mostly from the fun and adventurous trips she takes when she can.

She loves hearing from her readers so drop her a note! She can be found in the following places (when not writing or curled up in bed with a good book!)


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Belonging by Karen Ann Hopkins

Title: Belonging
Series: Temptation #2
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00B0A5XTC
Published: April 30th, 2013
Source: NetGalley
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★
Series Reviews: Temptation

He's Amish. I'm not. Will love be enough?

I left everything I knew behind.
But it was worth it. He was worth it.

No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.

If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be NOAH & ROSE

together forever.

But not everybody believes this is where I belong.

Rose has begun her life as an Amish woman and is succeeding, much to her family's dislike. But it hasn't been an easy experience: the work is hard and the rules are constricting, and Rose's love for Noah is sometimes the only thing pulling her through the hard times. Rose is accepted by Noah's Amish community and they are officially allowed to court each other, and they are happy. But Rose's and Noah's happiness is suddenly brought to a screeching halt. Rose made it three months in the Amish community, but then her father had had enough and used lies and deceit to get her back. Trying to move past the pain of their forced separation, they both move on with their lives and move on to new people. The truth is brought to light by Rose's older brother Sam before either of them can move on in a permanent way, and Noah rushes to Rose's side and they find happiness again. But it's not only those close to them that threaten their happily ever after. A former peer with a sick obsession is out for revenge. And Rose's life is in danger.

Rose shows a great deal of strength, determination, and stubbornness during her three months with the Amish. Her love for Noah keeps her going when it feels like everything is closing in on her. Rose doesn't mention it, but her family's obvious dislike for the Amish lifestyle and their unsupportiveness takes its toll on her. It's during these moments that Noah fears that Rose has second thoughts about being Amish. While he is proud that Rose was able to succeed in becoming a member of his community and is overjoyed that their relationship is now official, Noah can't help but doubt Rose's resolve when she refuses to discuss their future. They both show how much their experience has taken its toll on them both when Rose is forced to leave and there is now a separation between them. That space eventually tears them apart and its takes Sam and Summer to bridge the gap.

The first thing I noticed in Belonging is that it seemed like Rose was the only one sacrificing anything for their relationship. Rose showed how much she truly loves Noah by not hesitating to become Amish when she finally made the decision, but Noah didn't seem willing to sacrifice anything at all if she had refused. And this was very frustrating for me while I was reading. I also couldn't stand Rose's family's happiness at making her unhappy. It's like, Really? You're happy that yourr daughter/sister is miserable? Now, Hunter impressed me greatly in this book. He doesn't get any kind of joy out of Rose being unhappy and does what he can to change that. I felt kind of bad for him, because he genuinely cares deeply for Rose but she can't show that same kind of commitment with Noah still in her heart. I absolutely loved Summer and how she has Sam wrapped around her finger. And she is a very good friend to Rose, loyal and not to a fault either. Rose desperately needed someone there for her and her alone.

That cliffhanger at the end was a real killer! I've been agonizing over not being about to read the final book in this series, Forever, until January 2014. That is just too far away to learn about what happens after the big reveal at the end of Belonging. I'm just so looking forward to the next book that I'm ready to burst.

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A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

Title: Temptation
Series: Temptation #1
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B007UNC27E
Published: June 26th, 2012
Source: NetGalley
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★

What is forbidden cannot be forgotten...

Your heart misleads you.
That's what my friends and family say.

But I love Noah.
And he loves me.

We met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview, while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those moments in each other's arms.

It should be

ROSE & NOAH

forever, easy.

But it won't be.

Because he's Amish.
And I'm not.

Temptation is the story of Rose and Noah. Rose's family moved to the small town of Meadowview, Ohio, which had a large Amish community, and that was where she met Noah. They are star-crossed lovers in the sense that Noah is Amish and Rose is what they refer to as English. No one was okay with their relationship: their parents were vehemently against Noah and Rose being together, their siblings didn't understand what they saw in each other, and their friends were doubtful that they could make it work. But none of that mattered to Rose and Noah. Their connection was strong from the beginning, their feelings for each other intense, and their determination to be together pushed them to do things that had serious consequences. The future for Noah and Rose is very uncertain, sacrifices are made, and their bond is tested.

Rose is a very spirited person, and Noah even refers to everything about Rose as being like fire. She loves with her entire heart, but because of that she's easily hurt. Rose is a very good friend. She's loyal, protective, and always has her friend's back. But her stubbornness can be a blessing or a curse depending on who you ask. The things she enjoys the most about her English world are dancing, music, horseback riding, and the conveniences her world has to offer.

Noah, on the other hand, lives in a world of hard work, discipline, and rules. And he's fine with that. In fact, he loves it and doesn't want or need anything from Rose's world of convenience. Except her. Noah is a very handsome (and surprisingly passionate) young man in his Amish community, and a much sought-after marriage match. His world is turned upside down when he meets Rose. Their secret relationship, when brought to light, causes and uproar in both their worlds, and everything comes crashing down around them. But neither of them is willing to give up on their relationship, no matter the consequences.

The differences in their backgrounds and the people around them bring conflict to their lives and relationship. It's obvious how their differences in upbringing would cause ripples, but it's the people in their lives that cause the waves to come crashing against them and test the strength of their bond. First there are the rivals for Rose's and Noah's attentions, respectively. Ella Weaver had expected Noah to court her, but when Rose snatched his attention away, Ella became a potentially dangerous enemy. Then there is Levi Zook, who has a very unhealthy obsession with Rose. He's a creeper through and through, and very dangerous. Both Ella and Levi are a part of Noah's Amish community, and if these two were to ever team up against Rose and Noah, it could be disastrous. Finally, there is Hunter Braxton, a new friend and teammate of Rose's older brother Sam. He didn't leave a good impression on Rose after a drunken incident at a party, but he seems to have genuine feelings for her.

But the biggest obstacle to their happily ever after is their parents. Noah's parents were very unhappy to learn that their son was in love with an English girl, but when they saw how serious he was about Rose, the relented. But there's a catch: Rose must become Amish. Rose's father wouldn't allow his daughter to have anything to do with their "cult." However, his girlfriend suggested allowing rose to experience the Amish life and come running back on her own. But they're all in for a big surprise, because Rose refuses to give up so easily.

I'll be honest, I was skeptical about this series. Why would I want to read a book with Amish characters? But once I started reading I was instantly hooked. This was the first book I ever read with an Amish atmosphere, so it was definitely a new experience for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked how this story showed that the Amish are not perfect, like a lot of us "English" would believe. They are human and they make mistakes just like everyone else.

And I'm a totally sucker for star-crossed lovers stories. Noah and Rose are just amazing. Their story seemed very real to me and I just couldn't help but love them and desperately hope that they could make it work. I also liked how there are characters, the people in their lives, who don't make it easy for them. There are those who want either Rose or Noah for themselves, there are those who just want to protect them, and then there are those who want to hurt them. It's a very...intense story and atmosphere. It always feels like there is danger just around the corner.

And I definitely like how this book ended. The conclusion was very clean and while there was no huge cliffhanger, it leaves you wanting to know what happens anyway. It's the beginning of Rose's life as an Amish woman. Will she be able to handle all the hard work and rules? Will she go running back home like her family believes she will? Or will she tough it out and finally have her happy ending with Noah? I'm just so hooked on this story and feel so connected to these characters, that I don't think I'd be able to leave this series even if I wanted to. Which I resolutely do not.

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A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Everybody Falls by J.A. Hornbuckle + Excerpt

Title: Everybody Falls
Series: Wynter's Vicious #1
Author: J.A. Hornbuckle
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Music, Erotica
Publisher: J.A. Hornbuckle
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00DELS7HU
Published: June 13th, 2013
Source: Reading Addiction Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★

At 25, Jax Wynter lost his life.
As the youngest member of America's number one rock band, Wynter's Vicious, Jax lived a life with no rules or responsibilities. At least until his older brother, founding member and vocalist, died in a fiery car crash. Jobless, clueless and deemed unfit to handle his own affairs, Jax must sober up, man up and adjust to living as a 'normal person' in the 'real world'.

At 24, Lacey Emerson found hers.
Shuffled between her bi-polar mom and her former hippie grandmother, Lacey had no choice but to become responsible at a young age. Her chaotic childhood, though, gave her the skills and determination to succeed when she inherited her grandmother's bakery. Her life was finally normal, real but very, very boring.

All it took was a five-point face plant to turn both their lives upside down.

From the author of Pole Dance, Human Hieroglyphix I & II and Tap Dance, comes the new novel, "Everybody Falls", Book One of Wynter's Vicious Series. Set in the beautiful town of Auburn, California and filled with a cast of quirky characters, it’s a story about learning to live, learning to love and learning to hold on when your brand of 'normal' comes undone.

Sometimes you have to fall from grace before you can fall in love.

I absolutely LOVED Everybody Falls. I've really been getting into the who rocker thing in books, and I fell for Jax right away. There's just something about Jax that you can't help but love, as Lacey finds out firsthand. There are some really heartbreaking moments that just broke my heart. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.

He'd become such a fixture of the morning scenery, the sounds of his feet on the asphalt keeping time to whatever was in his head. I had taken to putting on music that had a beat to match his cadence. Today, my MP3 in the store was playing Soundgarden's 'Black Days'.

The low volume of such a rock anthem was probably illegal in more than a few states.

In fact, the hard-driving rock anthems seemed to be my music of choice when I waited for him. There was something about the set of his shoulders, the tattoos that fully covered his arms spoke to me of deep pain when I watched him run, but I couldn't have told you why.

Normally, he'd run right by me with only a quick wave, which was more than alright by me.

Today, he'd stopped.

But, not by his own volition.

He tripped, wind-milling his way past me on the porch steps. Taking giant, wobbly steps trying to find his balance before failing, before falling.

Before doing a skidding face plant on the asphalt not ten feet away from me. Just there on the other side of the road, yet still on the asphalt. That cold, hard surface, sprinkled with the various pinecones from the beautiful tall, tall trees on the other side.

"Arrg," he shouted as his face had hit the ground.

I placed my new bright blue mug on the worn piece wooden step and made my way slowly to his still figure sprawled on the blacktop. I could see his back rising and falling with his breaths, so I figured he was, at least, alive after his dive. That would've been a horrible epitaph, 'Death by Pavement'.

Either that or a great name for a band.

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Even as a young girl, J.A. couldn't wait to read. In fact, her first real temper tantrum was at the end of first grade when she realized that unless the book or magazine included the words, "Dick", "Jane" or "Spot", she was still at a loss.

The thirst for the written word has never left her.

But after reading three crap books in a row on her Kindle (or Ken-doll, as she calls it) in July 2012, she decided she could do better. Armed with a few notes, she blithely wrote out the first draft of her first novel and found her first book was worse crap than the stories that had started the whole cycle. Taking the advice of another author, she studied and learned, re-wrote and re-edited. As of June 2013, she's published five books with another in progress.

J.A. has been fortunate to travel throughout the U.S. and overseas, though she's now calling the Phoenix, Arizona area home. Those travels, places and the people she's met help provide fuel for her books which is always why she includes the verbiage, 'Although, if you recognize yourself in any character represented …maybe we need to talk.' She calls it her rider to the disclaimer assuring readers that her characters are not based on any one particular person.

When asked to sum up what she wanted others to know about her, she simply says, "For those that have been with me on this life's journey…Thanks for the memories! And those that are still on their way…Where've you been? My heart's been waiting for you."


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4 STARS | Ablaze by Morgana Black

Title: Ablaze
Series: Fireside #1
Author: Morgana Black
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Erotica, Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: Metamorphosis Books
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00B0JG626
Published: January 12th, 2013
Source: Indie Inker Promotions
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★

Cheyenne is planning the perfect weekend with her partner to be Collin. But when the weather turns ugly she finds herself trapped in a cabin with dangerously attractive Luke, one of her father’s ranch hands. When the power goes out Luke and Cheyenne make the decision to keep each other warm, in more ways than one.

What I liked the most about this short novella was that even for such a short read, the characters had quite a bit of depth to them. Though I wish that Ablaze was just a bit longer with more story development, I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next with Cheyenne and Luke.

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Morgana Black is a hair stylist by day and hottie writer by night. She walks her dogs in high heels and never leaves the house without red lipstick. She firmly believes in the power of Zen, and does Yoga freely in her backyard, in her favorite set of pumps.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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3 STARS | Marcie by Carly M. Duncan

Title: Marcie
Author: Carly M. Duncan
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Contemporary
Publisher: Carly M. Duncan
Format: PDF
ASIN: B00CQ3BPTO
Published: May 9th, 2013
Source: Release Day Diva
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★

When Kate's mother, Marcie, dies mysteriously she is forever tormented by the many questions surrounding her mother's death. In Marcie's absence Kate clings to her mother's husbands, searching for solace.

As family secrets are revealed Kate works to build her own life and family, but the mystery of her mother's death sidetracks her until she finally gets the answer she's always hoped for.

I honestly don't know what to say. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. I really liked how Kate was able to build the life she always wanted as a child for her daughter. She's able to give her daughter the love she never felt from her mother. And she has an amazing husband that loves her deeply. There are only two things that kind of bothered me: 1.) we are never told Kate's daughter's name, and 2.) the ending was kind of anti-climatic. I was kind of like, "Oh, really?" Otherwise, I enjoyed reading this book and I liked how the story would be told from the present but then flashback to the past.

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Carly Duncan is a television producer by day and a writer whenever there is time. She lives with her husband, two daughters and beloved Westie in Brooklyn, New York.








Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4.5 STARS | I Remember You be Scarlett Metal

Title: I Remember You
Series: I Remember You #1
Author: Scarlett Metal
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Music
Publisher: Scarlett Metal
Format: PDF
ASIN: B00CJ17754
Published: April 25th, 2013
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★.5

Lance never got over his teenage love despite years of trying to forget her with with alcohol, music, and other women. He runs into her when he’s back into town for a show with his band. Will he be able to move on or will he finally realize she’s the piece missing from his life?

Samantha dated lots of different guys after Lance, guys most girls would love to have even a chance with. No one can make her happy though; she compares them all to Lance. She sees Lance again after ten years apart. Will he be all she remembered, or will she finally be able to move past that part of her life?

They spend a passionate together but can they be more? Or will the differences that drove them apart when they were young threaten to keep them apart now? And when tragedy strikes, will they put that all aside and find happiness together?

I loved I Remember You! I was kind of heartbroken in the beginning, it was pretty sad what happened between Samantha and Lance. But their "chance" meeting about 10 years later had me hoping that everything would work out for them in the end, that they would have their happily ever after. I was extremely happy with how this book ended. I do wish it were longer, though.

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Scarlett lives in the Midwest with her family. When she's not busy writing steamy stories, she can be found with her nose in a book, camping, or geocaching with her family. She loves Diet Coke, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and 80's hair bands.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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