Friday, June 30, 2017

*Best of the Bunch* June 2017


This was another great reading month for me!  I read 10 books this month and they were all pretty amazing, but one sticks out in my mind above the rest. Out of everything that I read this month, my favorite goes to Edge of Regret by Molly E Lee.



From Goodreads:
Leading man on the new E.D.G.E. series reality show? Check.

Stunt-double for the star in the latest, multi-million-dollar funded military movie? Check.

Work with a sexy female military expert? Holy hell, check.

When I signed on to do stunts for Hollywood’s eagerly awaited war-thriller, I thought it would be like every other gig—go in, try not to get killed, and leave with a fat check and an adrenaline rush. This time? Not so much.

Mackenzie Patterson is the on-set expert. She knows topographical layouts, government lingo, speaks four languages, and is one of the best explosive disposal leaders the Air Force has ever seen, so she’s more than qualified.

She’s also the woman who turned my teenage heart to ash.

I can’t ignore the darkness that has appeared in her eyes, or the urge I have to take it away.

Quitting isn’t an option, but the more I see her, the more I want to make her mine. And that can never happen because our past is twisted with heartbreak, hate, and regret.

Every second I spend with her is a battle between holding on to the anger in my heart—and giving in to the love that never left.


My Review:
5 out of 5 stars
★★★★★

I fell in love with the funny and sexy stuntman Wade when we met him in Edge of Brotherhood. His humor and charm just draw you in and it's impossible not to fall for him, so I was so excited that he would be getting his own story.

My heart broke for Wade as he struggled with the pain and guilt from the loss he suffered years earlier. My heart also broke for Mackenzie as she wrestled with her own pain and guilt as well as severe PTSD. I found myself trying to will Mackenzie to let Wade in so that he could help her. Wade was just absolute perfection. He knew exactly what Mackenzie needed and did everything in his power to help her.

This book made me cry, laugh (I'll never get enough of Wade's jokes), and swoon. Each of the books in the EDGE series is such a different experience from the last one, and this one followed right along with that. I love that you never know what to expect with Molly's books. Although one thing is certain with this series...you'll be taken on the adventure of a lifetime.


Book Links:
Amazon
Goodreads
Amazon

Author Links:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Can you read a series in a month? - WRAP UP!



So, as you all know, I signed up to participate in the Can You Read a Series in a Month? Challenge hosted by Michelle @ Because Reading and Berls @ Fantasy is More Fun.  

I decided to read the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.  My husband and my son have read this series and they both have really loved it, so I decided to give it a try.  This is not a genre that I read or even really enjoy, but wow!  The first book drew me in and then I flew through the rest of the series. I'm glad I decided to read this series for the challenge.  Once I'm finished with some upcoming ARCs, I'm going to move on to the Heroes of Olympus series.  I'm excited!  


I'm assuming the Sword of Hades (4.5) is a short story, but I didn't count it towards my challenge.  



*Book Tour + Review* Rise of the Sea Witch by Stacey Rourke

Title: Rise of the Sea Witch
Author: Stacey Rourke
Genre: YA Fantasy/ Fairy Tale and Folklore
Cover Designer: Najla Qamber Designs
Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb:  Details of the sea witch’s banishment have been exaggerated. The body count that preempted it was not. Once an illustrious princess, her hands and tentacles were stained with the blood of thousands. No one could comprehend how the hooks of madness dragged her down from her life of privilege.  
Born Princess Vanessa of Atlantica, the ambitious young royal was one of two children born to the great King Poseidon. She and her brother, Triton, were groomed from birth to rule. Yet only one would ascend that coveted throne. While carefree Triton flits through his training with a cavalier demeanor and beguiling charm, Vanessa’s hunger for her father’s acceptance drives her to push herself to the limits of magic, and combat to become a leader worthy of her people.   
When war against the humans ravages their once regal kingdom, political sides are chosen. Factions from the seven seas challenge the existing leadership, pitting Vanessa against her brother in a vicious battle for the crown. Traitors are exposed, dark family secrets revealed, and a once strong sibling bond is strained to its breaking point.
Only when the ink black waters from the ultimate betrayal rescind, will the truth be known of how the villainous sea witch rose with one name on her vengeful lips--Triton.


My Review:
4 out of 5 stars
★★★★★

This is my first experience reading a retelling, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but wow. This book took me on one heck of a ride. 

While reading this book, I was faced with surprise after surprise and continued on with a pit in my stomach, while Princess Vanessa turned into Ursela the sea witch. Her journey to that point was sad, difficult, and full of betrayal. I don't blame her at all for turning out like she did and was rooting for her all along. 

There were a few characters in this book that I couldn't stand. It was nice to see some of them get what they deserved. I really loved Flotteson and Jetteson and of course, Alastor. I was left with some questions at the end of the book, and since this is labeled Book 1, I hope there will be another book out later to hopefully answer those questions. 

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it.



RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013 
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Adapted for Film. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. 
Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com
or on Twitter or instagram at Rourkewrites.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1OJcVNO
Buy Link:  Amazon: http://amzn.to/2th8hTW




Thursday, June 29, 2017

*Review* The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

4556058


Synopsis:
All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. 

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.


My Review:
5 out of 5 stars

Wow!  That's really all I can say right now.  This book had action flowing from the pages from the very beginning of the book all the way until the last page.  There were so many things going on and a lot of things that turned out differently than I thought they would.  This book brought a lot of emotions out of me.  There were a couple parts that made me cry, which is pretty hard to do.  I laughed, cried, and angered my way through the book.  I just couldn't flip the pages fast enough.  My heart was literally pounding, anticipating what was going to happen next.  

I didn't think I'd like this series at all when I first started, but I am so glad I decided to take a chance on it and am looking forward to reading the Heroes of Olympus series now.  

*Review + Author Interview* A Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie Alexander

A Crime of Passion Fruit
by Ellie Alexander


A Crime of Passion Fruit (A Bakeshop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
St. Martin’s Paperbacks (June 27, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1250088079
E-Book ASIN: B01MRU56AS
Torte―everybody’s favorite small-town family bakeshop―is headed for the high seas, where murder is about to make a splash. . .
Jules Capshaw is trying to keep her cool as Torte gets set to make its transformation from quaint, local confectionary café to royal pastry palace. Meanwhile, Jules’s estranged husband Carlos is making a desperate plea for her to come aboard his cruise ship and dazzle everyone with her signature sweets. She may be skeptical about returning to her former nautical life with Carlos but Jules can’t resist an all-expense-paid trip, either. If only she knew that a dead body would find its way onto the itinerary . .
“A warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly and likable main characters, and a nasty murder mystery to solve!” ―Fresh Fiction
Now, instead of enjoying tropical drinks on deck between whipping up batches of sea-salted chocolates and flambéing fresh pineapple slices in the kitchen, Jules is plunged into dangerous waters. Her investigation leaves her with more questions than answers: Why can’t anyone on board identify the young woman? And how can she help Carlos keep passengers at ease with a killer in their midst? Jules feels like she’s ready to jump ship. Can she solve this case without getting in too deep?
“A perfect mix for fans of Jenn McKinlay, Leslie Budewitz, or Jessica Beck.”
―Library Journal
My Review:
3 out of 5 stars

This is another new-to-me author and I'm glad to say that I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous books in this series. 

I enjoyed the characters and the setting was great. I liked that the majority of it took place on a cruise ship. That always makes for an interesting read. The mystery kept my attention and I was stumped about who the killer was. 

Things moved a little too slowly for my taste at times but I still enjoyed the book and will check out the others in this series sometime.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Interview with Ellie Alexander
1.  Tell us a little about yourself.  
I’m Ellie Alexander, author of mysteries set in the Pacific Northwest. I happen to live in the Pacific Northwest and love getting to fictionalize real places here in this little corner of the globe.

2.  How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing professionally for ten years. Before taking the plunge into writing fiction I wrote for a variety of regional, national, and international magazines and newspapers. One of my favorite things about freelance writing was getting to listen to peoples’ stories. Writing mysteries isn’t all that different, minus the murder of course. Since I’m not a trained chef, when I’m working on a new book I’ll go to a coffee shop or bakery and spend an afternoon watching and observing how things are done. I log a ton of research and interview hours to make sure that I get the details right.
 
3.  Tell us about your books. 
I write the Bakeshop Mysteries set in Ashland, Oregon and featuring a romantic pastry chef, Juliet Montague Capshaw, who has returned to her hometown to heal her broken heart and help run the family bakeshop, Torte. Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival which draws tourists from around the world to catch a production of Shakespeare under the stars. The town is themed like an old English Tudor village with eclectic shops and restaurants that pay homage to the Bard. Juliet (please call her Jules) loves the slower pace of being home in Ashland and getting to share her love of baking with locals and visitors. Just as she begins to find her rhythm in the kitchen she stumbles upon murder. Each book in the series includes original recipes from my home kitchen.

In the latest book, A Crime of Passion Fruit, Jules is returning to the ship for a temporary gig. The ship’s pastry chef has left in huff and Carlos, Jules’s estranged husband, calls and begs her to come help out until they can hire a permanent replacement. I really enjoyed getting a chance to show Jules in a very different setting. She honed her culinary talent on the cruise ship and got to explore flavor combinations at each port of call. However being back on the seas is a reminder of how much she has come to love her quiet life in Ashland.

4.  Do you have a certain writing process or routine?
I sketch detailed outlines before I begin writing. I usually start with the actual murder and then work my way backwards. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out motives for each suspect which helps naturally embed suspicions and red herrings into the plot. After I have a working outline I write really fast first drafts. Typically I write about 2,000 words every day. I don’t do any editing as I go. Instead I keep a stack of notebooks next to my desk and jot down things I want to fix as I go. Once I have a very rough draft I set it aside and don’t touch it for a couple of months. Then I come back to it with fresh eyes and begin the process of editing and layering in all the good stuff—like pastry!

5.  Who has been your favorite character to write so far?  Least favorite?  
I love getting to write Lance, the artistic director and Jules’s sometimes friend, sometimes frenemy. His voice is so distinct and perfectly Ashland. The beauty about having touches of the theater in the books is that I can play up the drama and still have it feel authentic. That might not work in another setting. In terms of my least favorite character it would have to be the first villain in Meet Your Baker, Nancy Hudson. She was based on a woman I saw berating a barista when I was doing research for the first book. My advice? Be nice to people. You never know who might be watching and you might get killed off in a book.

6.  Did you always know that you wanted to be an author?
Yes, but it took me a long time to realize that dream. I wrote my first mystery in second grade and from that time on was hooked to the process and creative energy around writing. I wrote stacks and stacks of terrible first drafts that will never see the light of day, and spent decades trying to figure out what I wanted to write about. My career right out college was in speech therapy and then I started a business, and worked in communications for the Alzheimer’s Association. Every job that I had has helped inform my writing and it wasn’t until I had more life experience that I was able to realize that old adage—write what you know.

7.  Do you have another job or do you write full time? 
Fortunately writing is my full time job these days. I have another series debuting this fall set in Leavenworth, WA, which is a charming Bavarian village in the North Cascade Mountains.

8.  Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?  
Read! Read! And then read some more. Read books in all genres, even genres you don’t typically read. Study the craft of writing. Take workshops and classes. Meet other writers and aspiring writers. Immerse yourself in the world of books and writing.

9.  What genre do you like to read? 
I read pretty much anything. I love narrative non-fiction. Bill Bryson is a favorite. I’m huge fan of historical fiction. I like literary fiction and sci-fi. You will almost always find me with a book in my hands.

10.  What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read. Shocker, huh? I love to bake, cook, hike, swim, garden, anything outside.

11.  Are you working on anything right now?
I’m working on the next book in the Bakeshop Mysteries, Another One Bites the Crust which comes out in January. It’s going to involve a murder at the theater and lots of crusty pastries.


About The Author
Displaying ELLIE ALEXANDER.jpg
Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research.
Purchase LinksAmazon  B&N IndieBound
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
June 27 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

June 27 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 28 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW

June 28 – Books, Dreams, Life  – SPOTLIGHT

June 28 – Books Direct – GUEST POST

June 29 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

June 29 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

June 30 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW

June 30 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW

June 30 – Mystery Playground – Drinks and Reads

July 1 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW

July 1 – A Cozy Girl Reads and Writes – REVIEW

July 1 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

July 2 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

July 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 3 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 3 – My Reading Journeys – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 3 – Celebrating Authors – INTERVIEW

July 4 – OFF

July 5 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT

July 6 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW

July 6 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 7 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST  

July 7 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

July 8 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

July 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

July 9 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 11 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW

July 11 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

*Review* The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

2120932


Synopsis:
Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears at his potential new school, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.
In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth - a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn.


My Review:
5 out of 5 stars
★★★★★

The action in this book starts in the first chapter and doesn't stop until the very end of the book.  There are so many things that happened in this book, but it's hard to talk about most of them without giving spoilers from the previous books.  

I'll just say that this book had my attention from the very beginning and didn't disappoint at all.  There were some twists in the storyline that I didn't see coming.  I'm ready to jump into the next book to see how everything turns out and to see how things go leading up to the big final battle that's coming.  


*Top 10 Tuesday* Best Books I've Read So Far in 2017

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish

This week I will be showing you 10 books that I've loved so far in 2017.
These are listed in the order that I read them.


Trucker by Jamie Schlosser
ANGEL 
I know what you're whispering in the car as you pass me by. 
Hitchhiker. 
When you see me walking along the side of the road with my thumb out, you'll probably keep driving without giving me a second glance. You probably think I'm foolish. Naïve. 
You might assume I've made some bad decisions. 
You might think I'm too young to be on my own. 
You might be right.

TRAVIS 
I love my job, but driving an eighteen-wheeler comes with a certain stereotype. When you hear I’m a trucker, a specific image might come to mind. Uneducated. Dirty. Perverted. Rough around the edges and a little bit dangerous. 
But the truth is, I’m not any of those things. In fact, I’m pretty far from it. 
You’d be surprised to find out I’m one of the good guys.

My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It
Jamie Schlosser is a new author for me and I am SO glad I decided to read this book. I finished it in less than a day! That's how good it was. I'm not even sure I can express in words how much I loved this book. It's been a really long time since I was so engrossed in a book that I didn't even realize my kindle needed to be charged until the 'powering down' screen popped up. The characters were amazing (well, except a couple douchey ones, haha) and the story flowed perfectly. I loved Angel's character. I'd love to have a friend like her! She was sassy, quirky, funny, blunt, kind, awkward, and made no apologizes for who she was. Next up is Travis. That man is made up of all things SWOON! Oh, my heart. I just met my new #1 book boyfriend. Travis was charming, funny, sexy as hell, and just....swoon. I really enjoyed the chemistry and comfortable banter between Angel and Travis. They fell hard and fast but that worked for them. <3 I already have Dancer (The Good Guys #2) downloaded on my kindle and can't wait to dive into Colton's story.


Switch by Adriana Locke
Mallory Sims is late for her first day of work.

After spilling her tea, she discovers she has no gas in her car. Add that her arm keeps sticking to her dress from syrup left on the console of her car, flustered feels like an understatement.

Then she sees her new boss.

Graham Landry is the epitome of NSFW in his custom-fit suit, black-rimmed glasses, and a look so stern her libido doesn’t stand a chance. Being flustered is just the start of her problems.

Her punctuality is only the start of his. With a pink slip in hand, he’s been waiting on his new secretary to show up only to let her go. Then she rushes in with her doe eyes and rambling excuses, smelling like bacon and lavender. The termination paper falls to the side as she falls in his arms. 

This is a disaster in the making. Not because of his pinpoint exactness or her free spirit, but because when they’re together, the sparks that fly threaten to burn the whole place down.

My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It
I've come to love the Landry family series a little bit more with each new book. Mallory and Graham are such an interesting pair. She is the mess to his organization, the sass to his serious, but they compliment each other perfectly despite their differences. They are exactly what the other one needs. My heart broke for Graham for the hurt he was put through in his past. The same goes for Mallory. I also loved getting updates and glimpses into the other Landry siblings and what is to come for them. I'm super excited for Ford's book to come out.

Death in Advertising by Laura Bradford
When Tobi Tobias decided to open her own ad agency, having to moonlight in a pet shop wasn’t part of her vision . . . of course, neither was murder.

Sometimes when opportunity knocks, the door you open leads to a closet. That’s certainly the case for Tobi, whose weekends spent cleaning cages in her best friend’s pet shop may soon be over. She’s just landed her first big break—Zander Closet Company needs a catchy campaign slogan ASAP, and Tobi thinks she’s got the right hook to knock ’em dead: “When we’re done, even your skeletons will have a place.”

But when a real dead body topples out of a showcase closet, she’s about to discover there is such a thing as bad publicity. To save her fledgling business and not get killed by the competition, Tobi takes on a new pet project: solving the murder. But with a stressed-out parrot as the only witness to the crime, Tobi will really have to wing it to put the cagey killer behind bars.

My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It
Death in Advertising was my first book by Laura Bradford but I am certain it will NOT be my last. I'm definitely going to be reading her other books. I absolutely loved this book! This is a very promising and wonderful start to this series. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters that I'm hoping will continue to make appearances in later books in the series. I really enjoyed Tobi's character. I found myself laughing out loud at a lot of her inner dialogue. She is such a fun person and is very easy to relate to. I picture Tobi as someone that I could definitely be friends with. She has a wonderful support system in her friends and grandfather. I really liked seeing her relationships with those people. Andy is another character that I liked a lot and am hoping (fingers crossed) things go well and we'll see him in future books. The mystery surrounding the murder really drew me in. You definitely learn while reading this book that things aren't always as they appear to be and you shouldn't make assumptions. There were a few different suspects to choose from and the killer ended up being someone that I wouldn't have suspected at all. Everything was explained in a way that made sense and the background storylines were wrapped up as well. I'm so glad I decided to read this book. I've found a new go-to author for mysteries.


Edge of Brotherhood by Molly E. Lee
What do Dash Lexington, Easton Wells, and Connell Murphey have in common? 

They put their lives on the line each day they clock into work. That and their fierce love for the women who match them step for step. 

When the studio head who produces both Dash and Easton’s shows announces auditions for a special series to highlight the E.D.G.E men’s skills, Connell and an extreme stunt man named Wade Roberts are the first stars chosen. 

Their objective? Accompany Easton deep in the Amazon where he’s recently discovered the lost city of Paititi. With half the structure submerged in dangerous waters, a slew of unpredictable rainforest storms, and a nearly inaccessible location, each man will have to put aside his alpha tendencies and utilize his skills in order to survive the perils of the City of Gold.

But when an enemy from Easton’s past threatens the love of his life, she is met with the wrath of the newly formed E.D.G.E. clan, who will stop at nothing to protect the women they love.

My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It:
Absolute perfection is how I would describe this story. Molly is a genius, plain and simple. I've loved all of the books in the Love on the Edge series. Each guy is unique and has their own skill set along with an awesome woman by their side. Now, to bring them all together on this adventure is just... wow. The setting is described in such great detail that you feel like you are right there with the characters as everything is happening. Molly has an incredible talent with words and painting the picture for the reader. It's really amazing how she's able to do that. I finished the book a little while ago and my mind is still reeling from everything that happened. You've got sassy and strong females, alpha males who will do anything for their women and each other, danger, excitement, suspense, mystery, and the twist that you will never see coming. Absolutely amazing. This will without a doubt go down as one of my top reads for this year, maybe even ever. Wade is going to the top of my list of favorite book boyfriends. He's funny, sarcastic, and has a skill set a mile long! I really enjoyed his addition to the E.D.G.E men and what they have to offer.


Dropout by Jamie Schlosser

JIMMY
Over the past year, I’ve been called a lot of things. Slacker. Troublemaker. Party animal.
I thought I was on top of the world. Turns out, I was pretty close to rock bottom.
Now I have a new title: college dropout.
Talk about a reality check.
But I’ve got a chance to redeem myself. One summer to turn things around. Two months to prove I’m not a complete f*ck-up.
It’s time to change.
I want to get back to being one of the good guys.


MACKENNA
I have everything I need to live out my dream of being a reclusive songwriter—my guitar, my notebook, and blissful silence.
At least, I did until Jimmy moved in next door.
With tattoos, piercings, and mischievous green eyes, he’s got bad news written all over him. And last time I got with a bad boy, it ended horribly.
Jimmy makes me feel things I shouldn’t feel. Want things I shouldn’t want. He’s a hazard to my carefully laid plans.
But he’s only here for two months.
I can resist him...right?


My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It:
I've loved all the books in this series and I loved this one as well. The characters and the town are described in such a way you really feel like you know these people, like they're your friends, too. I love that about these books. Jimmy and Mackenna are absolute perfection. They had chemistry right from the start and you can't help but root for these two. I really admire the fact that Jimmy owned up to the mistakes that he made while at college and was willing to do whatever was needed to make things right. My heart broke for Mackenna and what she went through in the past with her ex. She was incredibly strong though and I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the book. I also loved that we got to catch up with the characters from the previous books in the series. I hope there will be more books to come in the future! I just can't get enough of these characters and the town they live in.


30181874
Out of the Ashes by RC Boldt 
Phoenix /fēniks/: (in classical mythology) a unique bird inhabiting the Arabian Desert that burned itself on a funeral pyre before rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.


This isn’t mythology, it’s war, and Hendy is left in the hands of Hell’s cruelest gatekeepers. 

His team is killed before his very eyes, and despite his efforts to save them, he’s captured and subjected to merciless torture—losing virtually every piece of his identity but his pulse.

After his rescue, he returns home from Afghanistan, saddled with facing the daunting task of healing his physical scars as well as the invisible ones—his emotional demons. 

Dr. Presley Cole isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Embarking on a new journey, she makes it her mission to prove to Hendy that his life isn’t over; that he’s worthy of love.

Because sometimes even a phoenix needs help to rise…

Out of the Ashes. 


My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It
I'll tell you what, I love this author more and more with each book she releases. She knows how to tell a story and has created a wonderful cast of characters that feel like they're your friends, like you really know them. I really don't know what I'm going to do when all of their stories have been told. My heart broke for Hendy so many times. He was a broken man and not just physically, but emotionally as well. It killed me that he felt like he wasn't deserving of love and that no one would be able to love him because of his appearance. Presley is an amazing character. I love how she was able to show Hendy that he *was* deserving of love. Hendy's journey to healing wasn't an easy one at all but it was necessary for him to be able to move on.

There is an element of suspense in this book that keeps the pages turning quickly so you can find out what is going on.

I love that we got to see some other characters from previous books as well, like Kane (my personal favorite ;)), Foster, and Noelle. Let me tell you something. These friends may pick with each other and give each other a hard time sometimes, but it is all done in love and when one of their friends is down, they rally together to show them the love and the support that they need. The friendship that these characters share is really special and heartwarming.

33543120
Swear by Adriana Locke
Ellie Pagan has a list of reasons to stay away from Ford Landry.

It’s a mile long and was so much easier to stick to when he was a world away. Now that he’s standing in front of her—body hard and chiseled from a stint in the military, suit cut to perfection, and a smirk she could never resist—remembering all the reasons why just got a whole lot harder. 
Ford gets Ellie isn’t his biggest fan. He just doesn’t care.
Standing in front of him, giving him hell, she’s even prettier than he remembered. All he can think about is how she felt in his arms, the taste of her kiss, the sound of her giggle in the middle of the night. He may not know how to win her back, but he does know this: he may have let her go once, but that’s one mistake he won’t make again.


My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It:
I love second chance romances so much. There's just something about having that lost love back in the picture that has you rooting for the couple to reconnect. This book made me laugh, cry, and swoon. 


I love, love, love Ford and Ellie. Their chemistry is off the charts and you can just tell they are made for each other. Ford is so sweet and caring. I think he is my new favorite Landry brother. I loved Ellie's character as well. 


I don't think I'll ever get enough of the Landry family. I love the scenes with the siblings and when the whole family is together. There is so much love and loyalty in that family. I'm so excited and can't wait for Camilla and Sienna's stories.

35293458
Edge of Regret by Molly E Lee
Leading man on the new E.D.G.E. series reality show? Check.

Stunt-double for the star in the latest, multi-million-dollar funded military movie? Check.
Work with a sexy female military expert? Holy hell, check.
When I signed on to do stunts for Hollywood’s eagerly awaited war-thriller, I thought it would be like every other gig—go in, try not to get killed, and leave with a fat check and an adrenaline rush. This time? Not so much.



Mackenzie Patterson is the on-set expert. She knows topographical layouts, government lingo, speaks four languages, and is one of the best explosive disposal leaders the Air Force has ever seen, so she’s more than qualified.
She’s also the woman who turned my teenage heart to ash.
I can’t ignore the darkness that has appeared in her eyes, or the urge I have to take it away.
Quitting isn’t an option, but the more I see her, the more I want to make her mine. And that can never happen because our past is twisted with heartbreak, hate, and regret.
Every second I spend with her is a battle between holding on to the anger in my heart—and giving in to the love that never left.


My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It:
I fell in love with the funny and sexy stuntman Wade when we met him in Edge of Brotherhood. His humor and charm just draw you in and it's impossible not to fall for him, so I was so excited that he would be getting his own story.

My heart broke for Wade as he struggled with the pain and guilt from the loss he suffered years earlier. My heart also broke for Mackenzie as she wrestled with her own pain and guilt as well as severe PTSD. I found myself trying to will Mackenzie to let Wade in so that he could help her. Wade was just absolute perfection. He knew exactly what Mackenzie needed and did everything in his power to help her.

This book made me cry, laugh (I'll never get enough of Wade's jokes), and swoon. Each of the books in the EDGE series is such a different experience from the last one, and this one followed right along with that. I love that you never know what to expect with Molly's books. Although one thing is certain with this series...you'll be taken on the adventure of a lifetime.

26698038
#Heart by Cambria Hebert
Lovers Gonna Love…

Family isn’t always defined by blood.
Sometimes family is born of love…
Loyalty…
And choice.
Sometimes the bond that comes from someone having your back through the shittiest of times is stronger than anything you get from genetics. 
And sometimes you find that piece of your soul you didn’t even know was missing.
I’m a lucky guy like that.
I found a love that will never fade. I found a group of people who aren’t just my friends. 
They’ve become my family.
There’s only one place to go from here. 
I’m gonna bind myself to Rimmel in every possible way. 
I’m gonna bring our family even closer together. 
The past has taught me it won’t be easy. 
Especially when faced with repercussions from a night that ended in death.
But that’s okay.
Family doesn’t quit each other. 
Love like ours never dies. 
Happily ever after isn’t just for storybooks. 


My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It:
Right now I honestly feel like there aren't any words that I could possibly use to describe what this book (and this series) means to me and to describe how amazing it really is. Cambria has completely brought these characters to life for me. I feel like these are really people that I know in real life, that I could call friends. Each character has their own special unique qualities but the thing they all share in common is their love and loyalty to their family. It knows no bounds and is an absolutely amazing thing to read about. 


This book made me feel so many different things. It broke my heart and then put it back together again in the most wonderful way possible. I couldn't have asked for a better ending. I'm already ready to jump into the next book. 



30968750
#BAE by Cambria Hebert
Happily-ever-after.

That’s what happens when you get married.
Right?
Turns out sparkly rings, cake and a fantastic wedding do not automatically grant you that, not even when it’s all you truly want.
I’m even starting to doubt the bottomless, unconditional love I share with the man I married will be enough.
I can’t have happily ever after, know why?
Because I can’t give Romeo what he truly wants. I’ve tried. So hard. I won’t be happy unless he is and something is missing. Someone.
Paparazzi are in my face. The flashing cameras and prying eyes are everywhere. My secret is getting harder to hide, and I know the second the scoop is dished the grip I have on the fraying rope of that happily ever after will snap right in my face.
In our face.
I can’t let that happen. No matter what. 
Because with or without a happy ending, Romeo comes Before Anyone Else.


My Review (5 out of 5 stars)/Why I Loved It:
I'm sitting here right now with tears streaming down my face. Not because the story had a sad ending or anything, but because I've come to love these characters so much, watched everything they've had to go through (both good and bad), and am sad to see it come to an end. This will without a doubt go down as one of my top favorite series EVER. Cambria has brought these characters to life in such an amazing way. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending for Romeo and Rimmel. This was absolutely perfect!

One thing that was interesting to me about this book is that it gives you a small idea about what celebrities go through all the time in dealing with the paparazzi. It's really disgusting what some people will do to make some money and to get the story they want to put out there, whether it's the truth or not. I'll admit I fist pumped the air when an example was made out of certain people and they got what was coming to them.

I cried a few times while reading this book, but there was also so many moments of great love, support, friendship, family, and loyalty that was so heartwarming. I really couldn't have asked for anything better.

Now? I'll be making my way through the GearShark series because Trent and Drew have really grown on me and I'm super excited to jump into their story.

*****************************************************
Have you read any of these books?  What books have you loved this year?
 
Blog Design by Imagination Designs
Graphic by Giftseasonstore