Beautifully Damaged by L.A. Fiore

(Re Releases 3/25/14)

 

Synopsis

This edition of Beautifully Damaged has been extensively revised and includes new scenes.

 Ember Walsh is a trusting soul with the quiet beauty of her late mother, who perished in a mysterious car crash when Ember was three. A little tomboyish from being raised by her father, Ember packs a punch when a stranger gets pushy with her in a bar, catching the steely blue eyes of a tall, gorgeous tattooed man—Trace Montgomery. Still damaged from her last disastrous relationship and warned off the bad boy by friends, Ember fights the smoldering heat that Trace sparks in her when he begins shadowing her like a dark angel.
Burdened by a lifetime of horror and heartbreak, amateur fighter Trace doesn’t want to want Ember. His deep self-loathing keeps him from having any meaningful relationships, but Ember is an itch he can’t scratch. The two push and pull, slowly crumbling their walls, seemingly brought together by fate, because the turmoil that haunts their pasts is interlinked in undeniable ways. But can these two fighters finally lay down their arms?
In Beautifully Damaged, L.A. Fiore delves into deep scars and lets love and forgiveness uncover redemption.

This book is wonderfully written and also heartbreaking.  Trace is a bad boy fighter who thinks that he is broken and that he is not good enough for Ember, and at times, I wanted to punch him!  Ember was an awesome strong female character and I really liked and admired her.  She really tried to break through Trace's walls to get close and let him know that he was worth loving. 
  


This book has lots of twists and turns that I did not see coming, which made the story all that more interesting.  

This book has been previously released, but it this version has extra scenes and has been completely re edited.  I really enjoyed it, this is definitely a 4.5 star read!! This was re released today, and there is also a pre order for the next book in the series!

Beautifully Damaged (Book 1) 

Pre Order for Beautifully Forgotten  

 

Beautifully Forgotten is scheduled to be released in September, and is about different characters.  Beautifully Damaged is not a CLIFFHANGER!

 

Unforeseen Heartbeat by Maureen Meyer

(Second Chances novel Book 2)

***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis

Used... Broken... Confused...
It only took one drunken mistake four years ago for Maddie Harrington to learn that when you fully give yourself over to a man, you should never expect anything in return. Since that night, her views on love have become distorted, believing men would only want her for the pleasure her body could bring them. She in turn finds herself hooking up with random guys, but never keeps them around long enough to see if there could possibly be something more.
That is...until Hunter Bryant enters the picture.
When the handsome pre-med student shows up in the right place at the right time, captivating her with his stormy gaze, she immediately pushes him away, thinking he's no different than any other guy. The deeper Hunter delves into her life, trying to break through her iron-clad walls, the more she begins to question whether she is truly capable of opening her heart up to another man.
Maddie soon finds herself forced to make a difficult decision, one that will forever change both of their lives. Will she shut Hunter out of her life for good or will she finally open up her heart and allow herself the life she ever dreamed she deserved? 

This book is the second in the series and technically can be read as a stand alone, but it is highly recommended that you read the first book, Relinquishing Liberty   

I really enjoyed this book.  It was heartbreaking, and beautifully written.  I was not a huge fan of Maddie in the beginning.  She made horrible decisions and she was honestly a bit of a whiner.  But she sucked me in.  It didn't take long to see that she was trying to protect herself, and hold everyone at arms length.  And Hunter was definitely swoon worthy from the start.  Maddie tried to hold him off because she felt like she didn't deserve him.  

 

Parts of this story made me cry and hate Hunter, but he came around too.  I think you all should read this book and, NO CLIFFHANGER!  This book is on sale this week for $.99!  So go buy it now!! 
Unforeseen Heartbeat Purchase Link

Two Worlds Colliding (Scorpio Stinger MC) Book

by Jani Kay

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

This is a biker book, but it definitely has a different twist.  Ryder and Jade are from completely different worlds, he is in an MC and she is the daughter of a lawyer and sister of a cop, and also a lawyer herself.  We first meet Ryder and Jade in the Prequel Ryder, which I definitely recommend you should read before this one.  (Ryder Purchase Link )  You get some insight into who Ryder and Jade are, and how they got to where they are when this book starts. 

I loved that the female in this book was a strong female character.  I feel like in a lot of biker books, the girl either is weak and has no where to go, or grew up in the MC.  Jade is definitely not that girl.  She is totally against the MC in the beginning, and has no trouble telling Ryder that.

Ryder was a dirty talking sexy biker from the beginning, and I loved that.  I also loved that we got to see the other sides of him.  There were several times that I was not sure how they could make this relationship work.  So many things are against them on both sides.  Jade's family is against it, and the MC is against it because of Jade's brother.  
Check out this hot teaser!!!  Love this!

I really liked this story!  I love how Ryder and Jade are with one another, he gets her to loosen up, and she gets him to open up.  There are a few 
heartbreaking parts as well.  This is the first in the series, so more are coming.  It is not a cliffhanger, but at the end we still have a lot of unanswered questions.
Here is the purchase link!!!
http://amzn.to/1nC6vaA

Off The Record Release Blitz

by K.A. Linde

 

I have been very excited about this release!!! Check out the synopsis

 

Synopsis:

Liz Dougherty has no idea that a single question is about to change her life.

Her first big reporting assignment for her North Carolina college newspaper has her covering a state senator’s impromptu press conference. Brady Maxwell may have everything it takes to be a politician—a winning pedigree, devastating good looks, a body made to wear suits—but his politics rub Liz the wrong way. When Liz’s hard-hitting question catches the upstart senator off-guard, it impresses Hayden Lane, Liz’s editor who feels she’s headed for a promising career as a reporter.

But Liz is also headed into a secret romance with Brady that could destroy both their ambitions. Though he’s a bachelor, potential voters might frown on Brady cozying up to a reporter. And Liz isn’t sure sneaking around is enough for her—especially when things between her and Hayden might be less platonic than she thought.

K.A. Linde’s Record series begins with a sleek, sexy, and smart venture into a high-stakes political campaign and an even higher-stakes affair that, in the end, will leave you wanting more with one of Linde’s gripping cliffhangers.

Also check out this hot teaser!!

Before she had a chance to retort, Brady slammed her backward into the doorframe, her body colliding with the hard wooden door. She heard a dull thud echo around the room and wondered if the sound was as loud on the outside. Would people know what they were doing in the dark hotel room? Did she care?

She stared from under thick, black lashes at the man before her, seized with her growing desire. His hands came down hard and fast on either side of her head, rapping against the wood. She felt the vibrations ring in her ears, and her heart sped up double time. She stared up at him, trapped in his deep chocolaty eyes, lost to the world she lived in. His eyes consumed her, devoured her, absorbed her—and she was fully clothed.

Fuck! She wanted him. She wanted him badly enough that she all but begged him to continue. She could feel the heat radiating off of their bodies, the electrifying atmosphere, and the ever-present tension from the minimal space between them. He was so close, so damn close. His lips were hovering only inches above her, tempting her, teasing her. She swallowed hard, her chest heaving with the exertion it took to not throw herself at him.

“Brady,” she groaned as his hand moved from the doorframe to trail gingerly across her cheek, flutter down the curve of her neck, brush against her exposed collarbone, and continue to her breast and waist. She thought she might combust.

“No talking,” he growled, circling his arm around her waist and pulling her hips away from the wall. Her feet slid forward against the carpeted floor as he pushed himself against her, his lower half covering her body. Her breath caught at the feel of him through his suit pants. Damn!

Liz tried to hold her focus, but she was having trouble thinking about anything but what he was pressing up against her. She was burning with desire and any thought of stopping had flown out the window when she had been thrown up against the door. Not that she had ever given any real thought to it to begin with.

Brady leaned forward, pressing against her harder, and kissed the same trail he had made with his hand. She whimpered trying to keep from squirming at his slow progression. His grip on her waist tightened as he kissed across her breast and down her stomach. She could hardly keep her eyes open, but she had to watch him as he knelt before her.

She would never forget the day she brought a Senator to his knees.

 

Super excited about this one!! 

Off The Record Purchase Link

 

Full Exposure by Tracy Wolff

 

**ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

 

Desperate to leave a traumatic past behind, photographer Serena Macafee prefers sex with no strings attached—no commitment, just pure pleasure. Her new subject, sculptor Kevin Riley, seems like the perfect man to fulfill her hottest fantasies. And where better than the torrid wetlands of Baton Rouge, where Kevin works—and plays? But as their sessions heat up, so do Serena’s feelings for Kevin.

As she opens herself up to emotions she never wanted, Serena leaves herself vulnerable to everything she thought she’d escaped. As her guard breaks down, her fears are aroused. Something has followed her to the sweltering southern bayou, exposing her to the twisted fantasies of someone in the shadows—and to dangers beyond her wildest dreams.

 

I have read a few of Tracy Wolff's books and I have really enjoyed them.  This one started out pretty steamy, and I really thought that it was going to be a light read.  But it took a darker turn.  It took a long time to figure out what was going on, it kept me guessing almost all the way to the end.  It was a very sexy, steamy read.

My only issue with the book was the end.  I felt like it was anti climactic, and left quite a bit unanswered.  And, as far as I can tell, that was the only book.  I had to go back and read the ending a few times, and I still was left a little confused!!  I would give this book a 3.5 rating, it was a good, sexy read, I just felt like the end left a little to be desired.

 

Full Exposure Purchase Link 

Can't Go Without by Angelisa Stone

“What’s the one thing you can’t go without?”

Tristan O'Donnell has money, women, and all the luxuries that cold hard cash can buy. Tristan's been sucking sunshine right from the monogrammed silver spoon his life was served up on since the day he was born. And quite frankly, he wouldn't want it any other way. He's his mother's pride and joy, his father's right-hand-man, and the envy of every guy around. All Tristan has to do is flash his million dollar smile, give his trademark wink, and he gets what he wants, when he wants, anytime he wants.

Leah Franchetti grinds her fingers to the bone; sculpting, painting, recreating treasures from trash—the very sentiment that defines her life. Her inventive, vindictive, lucrative, and seemingly unforgivable plan allowed her to shortcut her way into the life she always imagined, owning an art gallery, surrounding herself in the comfort of her passion and dreams.

When circumstances force Leah and Tristan to come face-to-face with the past and with Leah’s devious manipulation, truths come flooding forth, destroying those in the present and possibly jeopardizing both of their highly anticipated futures.

Can Tristan overcome Leah’s slander and deception—despite how dangerously close he comes to losing the one thing he can’t go without—money? Will Leah be forced to come clean, knowing she’ll have to live her life with the one thing she can’t go without—her dignity?

Can't Go Without is the second book in the Oasis series.  I loved the first one and I couldn't wait to get the second.  This story is about Tristan and Leah, who we meet briefly in the first book.  I highly recommend the first book, but it is not necessary to understand Can't Go Without.  

I went into this book with my doubts, because Tristan was a huge douche in the first book!  When we first meet Tristan in this book he is still an asshole, I really can't think of a better word to describe him! 

"Alright Tristan, let's party," she says smiling faintly.  "By the way I'm Aly..."  
"Doesn't matter what your name is," I reply, motioning the bartender for the check.  "I'm just gonna call you Thursday anyway."  Giggling nervously, she says "but today's Wednesday."  
"It'll be Thursday when I'm done with you."
See what I mean, DOUCHE! 
 
And I felt sorry for Leah.  I don't want to give too many spoilers, but, yes she lied, but in truth, I felt like it was justified.  He hurt her, and he treated women terribly.  But I didn't look at how it affected Tristan, and this book makes you see that.  He starts as an asshole, and about half way through, I wanted to hug him!  (And maybe do other things to him, but that's besides the point)  Tristan feels like he has lost his brother and sister, and his parents have basically been awful.  His father has no trouble telling him how much of a mistake he was.

"Tristan O'Donnell's life was created, but it was not created out of love and tenderness, it was created with regret and remorse."

The author of this series has the ability to really make you think!  In this book, both characters have to decide what the most important thing is.  It is beautifully written and heart wrenching.  I cannot recommend both books in this series enough, and I loved Dre, from the first book, but I think Tristan just beat him!!  Love him, and he's smoking hot.  This book is fantastic, and I cannot say enough good things!! 

 Can't Go Without Purchase Link


Here is the link to the first book in the series, which is also very good!!!  
http://www.amazon.com/Cant-Go-Home-Oasis-Waterfall-ebook/dp/B00FFS2U1E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1394078601&sr=1-1&keywords=can%27t+go+home+angelisa 

New Releases 3/4/14

So many new releases this week!!  Lots of good ones I have been waiting for.

Can't Go Without by Angelisa Stone

This book was released on 3/1/14 and I had to opportunity to read and ARC and it is amazing!  I will post my review later this week, but let me just say I loved it.  It is the second in the Oasis Waterfall series, but can be read a standalone.  I highly recommend the first book though, Can't Go Home.
Can't Go Without Purchase Link
 

Crashed by K Bromberg

I have been waiting for this one since last year.  This is the conclusion to the Driven trilogy, which is definitely one of my favorite series.  The second book had a cliffhanger ending that almost killed me, but I just finished and Holy Cow!! Absolutely loved it.  Rylee Thomas is probably my favorite female character, she is strong, amazing and I love her!  Becks was fantastic in this book, I liked him before, but I love him now, I am really hoping that he gets his own book!!  Colton Donavan is still a hot alpha race car driver, but we do see glimpses of what's underneath all that and I loved it, and him!  The ending of this series was perfect.  I am so sad this series is over, but it could not have ended any better.
Crashed Purchase Link
 

Deceiving lies by Molly McAdams
This is the followup book to Forgiving Lies, which of course, was a cliffhanger!!  I really enjoyed and I can't wait to get the conclusion of Rachel and Kash's story
Deceiving Lies Purchase Link 

Toxic by Rachel Van Dyken
This is Gabe's story from Ruin.  It is a standalone, so you do not have to read Ruin to read Toxic, but, Ruin is fantastic and I absolutely recommend it.  We meet Gabe in Ruin, but so much is unknown so I am excited to delve deeper into his story.
Toxic Purchase Link

Four Years Later by Monica Murphy
Four Years Later is the fourth book in the One Week Girlfriend series. I really enjoyed this series, and this is Owens story, Fable's little brother.  My understanding is that this can be read as a standalone also. 
Four Years Later Purchase Link  

Sweet Little Thing by Renee Carlino
This is a novella, and I am usually not a fan of those, but this is the followup to Sweet Thing, and it was one of my favorite reads of 2013.  All the reviews have been great and it should be a perfect conclusion to the story.  I am very excited to read it
Sweet Little Thing Purchase Link