ARC: Doll Parts – Cara Dee Book Review (The Game #4) + Excerpt

Synopsis:

Get ready for a funhouse experience that doesn’t belong in an amusement park. But clowns and balloons don’t turn this scorching hot BDSM romance into a wild ride. That’s all Noa, Cam, Lucian, and KC.

I have the best boyfriend in the whole world, but there’s one thing I won’t tell him. It’s that I don’t believe in absolute happiness anymore. Not with the cards we’ve been dealt. I mean, come on! Why do we fall for people who don’t want us back? While he’s been pining after Lucian, one of the Masters in his kink community, I’m the lovesick monster-puppy Little who can’t forget my former stepdad KC. Or the kinky porn I once found on his computer…but that’s beside the point!

It’s complicated, to be honest. I try not to think about it. I have Cameron, and I love him so damn much. Why can’t we try to make it on our own? Why does he want us to find a Top that’s just ours? It won’t work. Our stupid hearts refuse to move on.

What’s even stupider is that Cameron insists we seek out a Dom for our relationship in the very kink community where we can find both KC and Lucian.

Ohhh crap. I think he’s got a plan.

The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, two things are certain. This is not a perfect world, and life never turns out the way you planned.

The Game Series | Book 4 | Standalone | D/s | Daddy/lb | Fear play | Objectification

Available in Kindle Unlimited: https://readerlinks.com/l/2311033

Catch up with the series here: https://readerlinks.com/l/1581265/55

Review:

I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series so far so I was excited to hear about the release of Doll Parts!

I’m fairly familiar with Cara Dee’s books and I know they tend to be unique, sexy and also very cute. While I have really enjoyed the other stories in this series, I have to say that Doll Parts wasn’t as big of a hit for me as the others were. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable and I’m certainly interested in reading more in this series!

Doll Parts was hot as hell but I wanted more from the romance!

First of all, I liked the storyline. It seemed like it would make for an exciting story with that bit of a taboo element tossed in and some second chance romance and it definitely was exciting but it fell short in the development. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any connection with the characters or feel a genuine connection between them.

Out of the four characters, Noa was only slightly more developed than all the others in my opinion but that left me wanting to know more about Cam, Lucian and KC. When you’re writing a book where the relationship has several people, you want to really take the time to flesh each and every one of them out so that the reader can get a sense of who they are and build a connection with them but that part seemed to be glossed over because I felt like I missed out on a lot. It was kind of taken for granted that the history between KC & Noa and Lucian & Cam would speak for themselves and tell us everything we needed to know about the guys and their relationship but that didn’t work for me. As a result, I never was able to full connect with them.

I also felt like the romance was a little hard to buy into. I could understand the attraction between them and affection/friendship but love felt like a bit of a stretch. Things moved really quickly and I just never felt like they took the time to fall for one another, rather it seemed like everyone already loved each other in an insta-love kind of way and nothing actually evolved besides them officially getting together. I don’t know how else to explain it, not enough happened. It all just kind of blended together for me.

My other thing is with the relationship between the four of them. I never quite felt like it was an MMMM romance, it felt more like a bunch of couples. I don’t think enough time was spent developing the relationship between KC & Cam, KC & Lucian and Lucian & Noa. As a whole, I was just a little disappointed with the characters and their romance.

I did however like the lightheartedness of the story and the steam which was really well done of course. It wasn’t a bad book by any means, it just wasn’t as interesting as I was expecting it to be. Honestly, at this point I’m noticing that the books in this series are kind of blending into one another so that might be my problem. They all just seem too similar and follow a similar pattern.

Steamy and sweet Doll Parts is a fun and quick read but it just didn’t quite meet my expectations.

Overall, I had a nice time reading this book and it was fun to read the cute and sassy banter but I was little disappointed that I didn’t love it. In the end, it ended up being an OK read but not much more than that. It needed a lot more character and relationship development for me to have fallen head over heals with the story but I do think it’ll be a hit for many readers. I am giving Doll Parts 3.75 stars would recommend it to fans of MMMM romance with BDSM elements.

Excerpt

I couldn’t go up there, could I?
I squinted for the sun and peered up at the pale-green–painted trendy restaurant, all three stories of it, including the rooftop terrace. It was one of those restaurants that used to be an apartment building, so you had a bunch of smaller dining areas inside.
I chewed on the inside of my cheek and wondered how the hell I hadn’t connected the dots sooner.
Fuck, it was hot. I ran a hand through my hair and looked around me. The restaurant was right on the corner of a busy intersection, and the sleepy locals on their way to brunch were sharing the sidewalk with tourists.
Maybe I should text him and call it off…
“Excuse me, are you going to the munch?”
I cocked my head to the guy to my left. He was about my age, I estimated. “What if I didn’t know what a munch was?”
He grinned, and it was hot. Hot and cute. “I would’ve said never mind and hightailed it out of here,” he replied. “But I’ve been around long enough to spot someone too nervous to join an event.”
Oh. I wasn’t nervous to join an event. My very first munch, I’d been the first to arrive.
I scratched my head. “I’m stalling because I’m pretty sure I’m barging into someone else’s territory,” I admitted. “My mom’s ex-husband is kinky too.”
The guy made a yikes-face, and I felt the need to elaborate.
“I check his Instagram sometimes, and if he posts four pictures every month, one is from this place,” I explained. “Usually with a caption like ‘Luke is teaching me to post foodporn, whatever that is’ and ‘Macklin’s eggs Benedict are a bit of a religious experience.’”
I could tell I’d mentioned names the guy recognized. I was right. This was the munch of KC’s kink community. Motherfucker. I’d seen eight pictures from this place on KC’s dusty Instagram—or parts of the place. Mostly from the rooftop terrace. Maybe that was where they hosted the munch.
“You know them, don’t you?” I pressed.
The guy smiled uncertainly and shrugged slightly. “We take integrity seriously, but…”
Yeah.
“Who’s your mother’s ex-husband?”
“KC Hayles.”
He nodded once. He’d heard that name too. Then he eyed someone else, or two someones, coming up the sidewalk. They were twins. Hot-as-shit set of twins in their forties.
One of them smirked upon seeing the guy I’d been talking to. “You hidin’, Cameron?”
I observed the guy’s reaction. Cameron. A crooked grin full of mischief lit up his face. He was really fucking cute, and I didn’t usually feel attraction toward men my age. He was a bit taller than me but not much. Blue eyes.
“Does that sound like something I would do, Sir?” Cameron countered.
Definitely a submissive.
One of the twins chuckled and ruffled Cameron’s shaggy, dirty-blond hair. “See you upstairs, boy.” He spared me the quickest of glances, lifted his brow a little, maybe in curiosity, before he and his brother took the steps up to the restaurant.
Cameron turned back to me. “It’s possible you’ve stumbled upon your stepdad’s community.”
I figured. “I’ll just reschedule with the guy I was gonna meet. Thanks for letting me know.”
It wasn’t too important I met him today anyway. It was only a bite to eat to see if I was compatible to play with him and his boyfriend.
Cameron cleared his throat. “Hey, wait. If you know KC… Does that mean you know Lucian too?”
That would be a stretch. “I’ve met him a few times, sure. I wouldn’t say I know him, though.” I’d had my suspicions about Lucian—that he was kinky too. It wasn’t a surprise whatsoever to have it confirmed. He was big-time Master material. “Why? Are you together or something?”
Cameron snorted. “I wish. No, he’s with some dude who’s manipulating him like fucking whoa, and Lucian won’t see it.”
I frowned. That didn’t compute with my impression of Lucian.
“Anyway,” Cameron went on. “Here’s a crazy idea. You wanna get out of here and grab a burger or something? Your plan fell through, and I can think of better things to do than watch Lucian and his little troll.”
I stood straighter instantly. This guy wanted to hang out? Fuck yes! I could use a new friend.
“Absolutely,” I said, sticking out my hand. “I’m Noa.”
Cameron smiled, visibly relieved. “Cameron.”

About Cara

I’m often awkwardly silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there’s so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex.
There’s a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly.
Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve.
I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I’m a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, cooking, baking, and geeking. There’s time for hockey and family, too. But mostly, I just love to write.

Find Cara on social media here: https://www.caradeewrites.com/cdwlandingpage

Here are my reviews of the previous books in this series!

Top Priority

Their Boy

Breathless

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ARC: Marriage For One – Ella Maise Book Review

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Blurb:

Jack and I, we did everything backward. The day he lured me into his office-which was also the first day we met-he proposed. You’d think a guy who looked like him-a bit cold maybe, but still striking and very unattainable-would only ask the love of his life to marry him, right? You’d think he must be madly in love.

Nope. It was me he asked. A complete stranger who had never even heard of him. A stranger who had been dumped by her fiancé only weeks before. You’d think I’d laugh in his face, call him insane-and a few other names-then walk away as quickly as possible. Well…I did all those things except the walking away part.

It took him only minutes to talk me into a business deal…erm, I mean marriage, and only days for us to officially tie the knot. Happiest day of my life. Magical. Pop the champagne… Not. It was the worst day. Jack Hawthorne was nothing like what I’d imagined for myself.
I blamed him for my lapse in judgment. I blamed his eyes, the ocean blue eyes that looked straight into mine unapologetically, and that frown on his face I had no idea I would become so fascinated with in time.

It wasn’t long after he said I was the biggest mistake of his life that things started to change. No, he still didn’t talk much, but anyone can string a few words together. His actions spoke the loudest to me. And day after day my heart started to get a mind of its own.

One second he was no one. The next he became everything.
One second he was unattainable. The next he seemed to be completely mine.
One second I thought we were in love. The next it was still nothing but a lie.

After all, I was Rose and he was Jack. We were doomed from the very beginning with those names. Did you expect anything else?

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39673950-marriage-for-one

Marriage for One Full Wrap

 

Review:

Marriage For One is swoony slow-burn at its very best!

Ella Maise is a new-to-me author but I’ve had my eye on her books for some time now. Marriage For One was the perfect opportunity for me to dive right into her writing and honestly it was amazing! This story was absolutely brilliant in all its beauty, passion and intricacy. I adored everything about from the simple way it was flawlessly delivered by the author to the awesome characters and their wonderful romance!

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Marriage For One was phenomenal, a definite must-read!

I typically stay away from Slow Burns just because sometimes I find my attention or interest wandering if things don’t move forward quick enough. In any case, even before the synopsis and cover came out for this book, I knew I needed it in my life just from title and tagline alone! Suffice to say, it is my favorite slow burn romance to date and I absolutely loved it!

Rose has found herself in a precarious position about to lose everything she’s worked for and there is nothing she can do about. That is until the cold and uncommunicative Jack makes a business proposal she can’t pass up. Marry him and all her dreams come true. Forget marrying the man you love, marrying for convenience seems to be the answer!

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Rose was an amazing character. She was feisty, strong, kind of hilarious and super outgoing. She talked enough for both of them and was such a fun character. I loved how she got up in Jack’s face and bantered with him even when he didn’t want to be talking to her. She cracked his armor and boy did she crack it good!

My husband was perfect. With all his arrogance and prickliness, Jack Hawthorne was perfect for me.

 

Jack is cold, detached and seemingly emotionless. He’s a lawyer who fits the stony businessman profile to a tee but Rose does something to him that renders him completely powerless. She lights his life up with just her smile and has made him open up in ways he never has and never dreamed of before. He’s well and truly under her spell.

“You’re the only woman I want to go to sleep holding on to and wake up next to, Rose Hawthorne. I will never leave you. I will never forget you.”

 

Jack and Rose together were amazing! Their chemistry was slow building but it was definitely intense. There was some slight animosity or friction between the two of them in the beginning given their unlikely arrangement but after a while, they really started to warm up to each other. Jack cared for Rose so affectionately and showed his feelings for through small but meaningful actions. He wasn’t great a communicating or showing his emotions but his love for Rose was clear in everything he did for her and said. Rose wasn’t all that into Jack’s broodiness in the beginning but she quickly grew to love the frown that seemed to be a permanent feature on his face. Over time, she fell for him so completely and craved his presence. He became her person, her family. The passion, bond, and love these two shared was something special. It was intense, beautiful and completely their own. Their unconventional start was rocky, filled with ups and downs but their happily ever after was heartwarming in all its perfection. Not only was their story super adorable it was also sexy. The angst that eventually developed between Jack and Rose was epic and they were fiery together! Really, it was just fantastic to see them slowly fall for each other as the lines of real and pretend blurred. It was a love story for the ages!

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Beautiful, passionate and sweet, Marriage For One is a slow burn romance with amazing characters and a heartwarming romance!

Overall, I completely fell head over heels in love with Rose and Jack and their swoony slow burn romance. They were brilliant characters whom each had their own unique quirks but I loved getting to watch them fall wholeheartedly in love with one another. I am giving Marriage For One 5 stars and would recommend this amazing book to fans of slow burn romance!

“Your heart always has a home with me, Rose. No matter what, never forget that.”

“And yours will always have a home with me. Certain people are meant for each other and you were meant for me, Jack. And I was meant for you.”

 

PURCHASE LINKS – $3.99 for a VERY limited time!!

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Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

AUTHOR BIO

Writing has become my world and I can’t imagine myself doing anything other than Processed with VSCO with hb1 presetgiving life to new characters and new stories. You know how some things simply makes your heart burst with happiness? A really good book, a puppy, hugging someone you’ve been missing like crazy? That’s what writing does to me. And all the hard work, all the sleepless nights, all the anxiety…everything is worth it at the end. And I’m hoping that reading my books will leave you with that same happy feeling.

AUTHOR LINKS
Website: https://www.ellamaise.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorellamaise
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ellamaise
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorellamaise
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/7XGIf

 

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ARC: Bad Boy Blues – Saffron A. Kent Book Review

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Blurb

Cleopatra Paige hates one thing in this world — just one — and his name is Zachariah Prince.
In grade school, he pulled at her pigtails. In middle school, he spread false rumors about her. And in high school, he ruined her prom.
She hates that his smirks are unfairly sexy. And she definitely loathes that his dark eyes seem to follow her everywhere. Sometimes, even in her dreams.
It doesn’t matter that he’s rich and popular or that he lives in a freaking mansion full of butlers and maids. He’s rude and arrogant, and she wants to stay as far away from him as possible.
But unfortunately for Cleo, she lives in the same freaking mansion as Zach.
Only he’s the prince and she’s the lowly maid who serves him.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42966333-bad-boy-blues

Bad Boy Blues Full Wrap

Review:

I cannot begin to put into words how utterly moved and impacted I am by every single one of Saffron’s books!

I have read three books total from Saffron A. Kent: Medicine Man, The Unrequited and now Bad Boy Blues. In all of those books, I was completely shaken by how thoroughly touched I was by them and how flawlessly they were written. I have a special 10-star rating that I reserve specifically for rare outstanding books and I can honestly say that all three books that I have read from this author have earned that rare rating. That just goes to show how fantastically talented Saffron truly is and I strongly urge you to pick up any single one of her books because the way she reaches her readers through her beautiful words is awe-inspiring!

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Bad Boy Blues was such a profound story that really hits you right in the feels!

Wow, where do I even start? First, I’ll say this: go into this book without knowing too much. Experience the sheer brilliance of it as you move forward and I promise you, it will touch your soul. Saffron A. Kent has an undeniable talent for telling a story authentically. Her books take real-life topics and discuss them in a way that is so genuine. It is so easy to feel connected to her work because you can often times relate to some of what is being mentioned. Bad Boy Blues deals with love/hate feelings, bullying, self-doubt, acceptance and so much more. I was wholeheartedly addicted to this book and literally could not put it down. Her words are prose and they grab you by the heartstrings and don’t let you go!

Another element that is perfection in every single one of her books is her characters. They are always so relatable, real and authentic with all their imperfections. One thing this author doesn’t shy away from is the incorporation of flaws into her character portraits which renders them all the more genuine. This makes them so easy to root for, fall for and connect to. Cleo or Blue as she’s referred to and Zach were amazing characters. They both had their own sets of issues but they were strong and resilient characters whom I admired from the beginning.

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Cleopatra Paige has hated Zachariah Prince for as long as she can remember. His beauty aside, he’s rotten to his core and the only thing she wants in life is to be rid of the stain he’s painted on her life. The thing is, she lives under the same roof as him and as long as that remains true, her feelings are going to be in a perpetual turmoil. Zach shifts something inside of her, something she’s never stopped to examine but once she does, maybe she realizes that the lines between hate and love aren’t so clear cut after all.

Zach Prince is bitter, angry and altogether unhappy with his life. He spent years humiliating and bullying the blue haired girl he’s always been infatuated with and for what? To make himself feel better? To forget about his own problems? Well, the time has come to face her once again and what he finds in her is something he craves, freedom. Zach has always been burdened by his upbringing and holds secrets tightly to his chest. But he’s suffocating in them and the only way out is to let Blue in. Too bad that goes against all his rules and instincts.

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Cleo was great, she was so kind-hearted, fierce, determined and gave as good as she got. Her strength in the face of cruelty was admirable and she deserved the best the world had to offer. Zach was an ass but he also had a completely contrasting side that was caring, gentle and even playful. His personal story was tough but his genuine affection for Blue was clear. He was a brave man in his own right and he too deserved happiness.

Blue and Zach had such a complex relationship. Of course, they had a tough history as bully and bullied. From the very beginning of the book, their connection is strong and glaring. You can practically feel the tension between them as though it were a living, breathing thing. What stuck out to me was that they got each other in a bone-deep kind of way that makes the fact that they are “enemies” so hard to grasp. Zach and Cleo were compliments of each other, a missing link in a chain. They completed one another but their past held them back. As time went on, I loved getting to see the changes in both characters, the natural progression, and growth they went through. The passion that developed between the two of them was intense, sexy and downright addictive. It was hot as hell and I couldn’t resist the urge to root for them. They were perfect for each other if only they would let themselves see it. And the angst that this brought on was out of this world. Zach and Cleo had some amazing chemistry and the way they circled each other was so damn sexy. I’m not typically the biggest fan of enemies-to-lovers romance but I am a massive fan of Saffron A. Kent and I will blindly read anything she writes. She truly made me fall head over heels in love with this one and it was such a beautiful and profound read.

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Sexy, intense and deeply moving, Bad Boy Blues was a profound read with amazing characters and such a beautiful storyline.

Overall, this book really hit me right in the feels. It took themes that are real and important and brought them to light in such a wonderful way. I adored Zach and Blue and their unique romance and I’ll miss them. Saffron A. Kent once again proved why she is one of my all-time favorite authors with this masterpiece and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m giving Bad Boy Blues 10 stars and would recommend it to fans of enemies-to-lovers romance!

“He is to me what sharp objects are to fragile things. What a flame is to a moth.”

 

Read the first 2 chapters: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/p4bqnhk15j

 

PURCHASE LINKS

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Bad Boy Blues Available Now

PLAYLIST

 

AUTHOR BIO

Saffron A. Kent is a Top 100 Amazon Bestselling author of Contemporary and New Adult romance. More often than not, her love stories are edgy, forbidden and passionate. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, New York Daily News and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. She lives in New York City with her nerdy and supportive husband, and a million and one books.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSaffronKent
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Website: http://www.saffronkent.com
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Uncharted – Julie Johnson Book Review (Uncharted #1)

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Blurb: 

“When we crash-landed on the island, I thought my story was over. Turns out, it was about to begin.”

He was an asshole from the first moment we met.

I took one look at the stranger in the airport terminal and knew he was exactly the kind of man my mother spent seventeen years warning me against. Gruff, grumpy, and far too good-looking to stare at without experiencing heart palpitations.

Thankfully, I’d never see him again.

Or so I thought.

I couldn’t have known our plane would crash.
I couldn’t have predicted we’d be the only survivors.
I couldn’t have ever, in my wildest dreams, anticipated that the asshole from the airport would become my only source of solace in the darkness.

It’s so wrong to want him, for so many reasons. But as the months slip by and our hopes of rescue grow dimmer… the spark between us kindles into something impossible to ignore.

Sometimes, survival requires swimming in uncharted waters.
But if salvation doesn’t come soon…

I might just drown in him.

 

Review:

Survival romances are my absolute favorite and Uncharted was definitely one for the records!

When I first read the synopsis for Uncharted I was giddy with excitement. I may love survival romance, but they are hard to come by, especially the good ones. Uncharted was a fantastic read! It was so well written and was such a unique story. I fell in love with the characters right off the bat and their relationship, however slow building, was amazing and I was rooting for them so hard! There is a forbidden aspect to it and I think that was actually one of my favorite things about Violet and Beck’s romance. All around, Uncharted was a great read and I cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series!

So many things about Uncharted were absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to continue this story in the next boon.

I’m not quite sure what it is, but survival stories always have a special something that makes them so much more moving. When I started reading Uncharted I was immediately drawn to the story that was beginning to unravel. The more I got to know the characters through Violet’s POV, the more I could relate to them. I could identify with Violet on so many levels and I felt a deep connection to her. Beck was understandably an ass at many times throughout this book but he was a considerate and caring ass. He was honorable and took care of them while they were stranded on that island. I really loved his character from the moment he and Violet first ran into each other and my love for him only grew after that. Both characters stole pieces of my heart the whole way through this novel and by the end, I was just so invested in their love and survival. They had epic chemistry and an unbreakable bond which made their story very easy to get lost in. Like I mentioned previously, Violet and Becks relationship was slow burning. In all honesty, they didn’t really get involved in anything remotely intimate until well after the 60% mark. Where I would’ve thought that might’ve irked me, as slow burns are not my absolute favorites, it actually fit really well into the storyline. The slow burn of their romance made it so much more powerful when they finally gave in to their love for each other. There was a forbidden aspect of their love story that I won’t give away but it was great. I thought, A, that it brought a nice level of depth to the story and B made their romance so unique and meaningful. I also need to talk about the writing. I hadn’t ever read anything by Julie Johnson before Uncharted so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Her writing was some of the best I’ve ever read. It was so eloquent and elegant. It flowed flawlessly and was a pleasure to read. I was so captivated by the story and found myself unable to put the book down. As for the execution of this book, it was impeccable. It is very difficult to deliver a book that is so realistic and so accurate when you are writing about something so serious that is a situation very few people can identify with on a personal level. This was one of, if not, the best survival stories I’ve ever read for exactly those reasons. While reading Uncharted, I felt like I was experiencing everything Violet and Beck were. Their emotions and the tension was palpable. I could feel everything right alongside them despite having never experienced that level of fear for my survival in real life. Suffice to say, this book was spectacular in so many ways. I floved it!

Uncharted was a deeply emotional and powerful story of survival and how it irrevocably changes a person’s life. I was captivated by Violet and Beck’s breathtaking survival story from the beginning due to the incredible talent that is Julie Johnson’s writing!

Overall, I was enraptured and moved by this phenomenal book. It was not only an amazing story of survival and it’s impact on a person, but of love as well. It was a beautiful slow burn romance and I’m so excited to see where it goes in book 2. Julie Johnson’s writing really hit me right in the feels with how remarkable it was, I only regret not having read from her sooner! After reading and loving Uncharted wholeheartedly, I think it’s safe to say she may just be one of my newest favorite authors. I literally can’t wait until book 2, it’s gonna be a tough wait! I’m giving Uncharted a massive 5 stars and would recommend it fans of survival romance!

 

“They say the average human heart beats 2.5 billion times over the course of a lifetime.
2.5 billion heartbeats.
And every one of mine belongs to him.”

 

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ARC: The Kiss Thief – L.J. Shen Book Review

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Synopsis:

They say your first kiss should be earned.

Mine was stolen by a devil in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky.

They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred.

Mine were broken before we left church.

They say your heart only beats for one man.

Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end.

I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit.

Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage.

They say that all great love stories have a happy ending.

I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter.

One kiss.
Two men.
Three lives.
Entwined together.

And somewhere between these two men, I had to find my forever.

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41450662-tk

The Kiss Thief Full Jacket

Review:

In a nutshell, The Kiss Thief truly was nothing short of a phenomenal masterpiece!

In very rare instances, a novel I am reading will incite such powerful feelings within myself that it simply hits me on another level. In those instances, I give my elusive 10-star rating which not many books ever get. L.J. Shen has beaten some sort of record here because this is the first time I’ve ever given more than one standalone novel by an author 10 stars. First, Midnight Blue now The Kiss Thief, Leigh kills me with her work and brings me back to life completely changed!

I give this warning every time I write a 10-star review but I’ll say it again much digression and ranting/rambling may be present in this review…sorry but I just floved TKT so damn much! 😉

Guys, The Kiss Thief is everything ever! It exceeded all of my expectations and quite literally blew them out of the water. L.J. Shen is the kind of author who makes you step back and take a second to think of how one could be so talented. Her writing is beautiful, flawless and captivating and her stories are complex, intricate and addictive but The Kiss Thief truly is in a league of its own. The way everything is woven together to create this gorgeous story blows my mind and I am utterly speechless! The story behind the Kiss Thief is heart-rending, beautiful and strongly character driven. Immediately after picking up this book, I knew it was something special. It had the instant ability to hook me right in and have me completely engrossed in the story. I couldn’t put it down no matter the time of day and honestly, many a sleepless night were had while reading TKT.

“Always remember, Francesca— you’re worth more than the sums of your mistakes.”

Along with the phenomenal execution of this book were perfect characters. Wolfe Keaton is the alpha-hole extraordinaire if there ever was one. He was such an ass but an ass with a heart who meant well. Wolfe came off as a cold uncaring block of ice but a fire brewed inside him. He was filled with hate and an undying need for vengeance but the same things that fueled his anger created a vulnerability within himself. Meeting Francesca Rossi sparks something in him that sets off a chain of events that forever change him to his core. And in doing so, feelings that he never thought could intersect hit him head-on. Passion, revenge, possession and lust fight in a battle in his soul but his values never waver. I loved Wolfe for all his intensity and humanity. He faced so much and though his need for revenge was taken to a whole other level, he still had qualities that made him so admirable and at his very core, he was a good man and that bled through when it came to the way he took care of Francesca and remained by her side always. I think Wolfe will be a hard character to beat because of his complexity. Damn, did I ever adore that man!

“You cannot take her. I will unleash hell if you do.”

Francesca Rossi is the embodiment of unshakeable strength and resilience. She faced everything head on and despite her oppressive upbringing never let anyone get the best of her. She had a strong personality, a kind heart, and infinite patience. Coming face to face with the formidable Wolfe Keaton is anything if not daunting. This man is beyond any man she’s ever met and despite having had less than stellar examples of men in her life, she knows that he is something special, powerful and unlike any other. His aura calls to her a way she doesn’t quite understand but Francesca made the most of her circumstances when it came to being by Wolfe’s side. There was something regal about her and I very much enjoyed how she took control of her own life when all signs pointed to her being made to be under others control. She was no one’s delicate pawn and she definitely gave as good as she got. Francesca was truly an admirable and inspiring heroine. Also, her ability to care for Wolfe despite everything was something that really stuck out to me. If there was anyone that could tame the beast, it was her!

“Love him. He will be defenseless against your love.”

When it came to their romance, boy was it ever intense. There were moments when I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest when the most powerful gut-wrenching feelings shook me and I could not do anything but read on. It was fiery passion, angst-filled lust, but if it was anything it was intensely emotional. Never for a second did I doubt the feelings Francesca and Wolfe had for one another. Their relationship might’ve been unconventional, to begin with, but their chemistry and connection were real. Things moved slow between them bur fast at the same time. It was natural and they fell in love without even consciously realizing. Slow and then all at once. I loved how they gave in to their attraction but fought their feelings for each other until they could no longer deny it. Experiencing their journey was heartwrenching, emotional, powerful, intense and ultimately heartwarming. Truly a beautiful albeit unconventional love story but a love story all the same.

“Then a smile hung on his beautiful face, like the moon, and I knew— with a good portion of melancholy—that I was in love with this cruel beast of a husband.”

Filled with passion, intensity and highly emotional, The Kiss Thief is a beautifully written, complex story that showcases Shen’s talent at it’s very best!

Overall, I was moved by the sheer brilliance that was The Kiss Thief. I had been waiting for it for so long and now that I’ve read it, it’s bittersweet to let go. I will say I was worried about the whole love triangle thing because I’m not the biggest dan of that trope but there really was no competition here. These two were the perfect match and were it for each other so don’t be put off by that. Everything about this book was perfection and I could not praise it enough to do it justice. After finishing this book if there was one word to describe how I felt, it would be raw. This book will stay with me forever. I’m giving the Kiss Thief 10 stars and would recommend it to fans of contemporary romance with some notes of mafia and unconventional romance.

“It is you whom I want. It is you whom makes living a spectacular thing I want to experience, rather than participate in reluctantly , every day.”

Buy Links:

About the Author

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New
Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is
really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the
globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends,
reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to
five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

Connect with L.J. Shen

Website: http://www.authorljshen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorljshen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lj_shen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorljshen/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorljshen/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-j-shen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13531492.L_J_Shen

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KSFkad

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Try – Ella Frank Book Review (Temptation #1)

 

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For as long as he can remember, Logan Mitchell has been content with sleeping around and never attaching himself to anyone. Men and women alike fall at his feet but never has he felt anything other than lust for them. That is until Logan meets Tate Morisson. Tate is just coming out a four-year marriage and isn’t all that interested in starting a new relationship let alone with a man. As Logan continues to make advances and Tate tries his hardest to resist him, these two men find themselves falling into something neither of them expected. Will Tate manage to rid himself of Logan’s persistent flirting or will he succumb to his greatest hidden desires? After all, when Logan wants something, he gets it and right now he wants Tate.

“I don’t care if I have to be here every fucking night. I’m going to have him.”

Holy hell, I can just tell this series is going to completely blow my mind!

The moment I saw Try on my GoodReads feed, I was immediately drawn to it. I had never read M/M romance but after seeing a couple of bloggers talk about this series and other M/M series, I knew it was time for me to hop on the bandwagon and see what all the fuss was about. After I read The New Camelot Trilogy by Sierra Simone which had some M/M action, I knew it was something I was interested in reading more of, so I told myself that at the beginning of 2018, I’d binge the Temptation series and alas that is what I’m doing! I wholeheartedly loved every single freaking second of Try! It was fun, witty, soooooo sexy, well written and absolutely addictive. Ella Frank’s writing is some of my favorite and I can’t wait to read the rest of this awesome series and more from her soon!

“You make me want things that I’d forgotten I wanted.”

Praise, praise and more praise!!!

Instead of separating my review into con’s and pro’s sections, I figured I’d just write one chunk of pro’s since that’s all I seem to have for this book. When I started reading Try, the first thing that drew me in was Ella Frank’s writing style. There was so much personality infused into her writing and it was just so fun to read and get lost in. Her story flowed nicely and completely captured my attention to the point where I found myself reading for hours on end. I had never read anything by this author so imagine my surprise when I found that her writing was quickly becoming some of my favorite I’ve ever read.

“You’ve changed me, and you don’t even realize it. Just being with you, near you? It makes me want to be a better person. You make me want to take a risk.”

Then came the characters who completely stole my heart. Logan and Tate are literally some of the hottest characters I’ve ever read about. Logan was so confident and such a smart-ass, his remarks were so inappropriate that they were completely hilarious! He seemed like such a joy to be around and could steal everyone’s attention when he walked into a room! Tate was fun and outgoing, a little sarcastic and a lot hot-tempered. He had this winning personality that came out every once in a while and that really caught my attention. He was sweet but so fucking sexy and I loved how much he and Logan bantered and butt heads. Logan and Tate individually were amazing but together, they were a force to be reckoned with. They completely changed each other’s ways of thinking and how they perceived certain things. It was so lovely to see Logan change his opinion on relationships and Tate change his opinion on being in a romantic relationship with a man. Every second they spent in each others presence was like a firestorm of sexual tension and sizzling chemistry. It was palpable, it was strong, it was passionate and oh boy was it ever sexy! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book that was this hot! I mean phew, there were moments when I had to put the book down and try to cool my blushing cheeks. I was melting over how fiery they were and I loved how instant their connection was. It was by no means insta-lovey but they did immediately have a connection that grew into something so amazing chock full of potential. Also, there was an underlying care and sweetness between the guys that I really liked getting to see every so often. I’m hoping that side of their relationship gets developed more in book two because not only do I love the physical side of their romance, I’m also super excited to see the romantic, emotional side. As for the pacing, it was nice and fit the story perfectly. It never felt like it was moving too slow or too fast, it was natural and I felt like Tate and Logan’s relationship progressed in a normal way that you’d expect in real life.

“Does every word that comes out of your mouth have to do with sex?”

Logan smirked against Tate’s mouth. “Usually, eighty/twenty, but with you, it seems more ninety-eight/two.”

I never had a hard time staying interested in this book because it was unique and so easy to get through. The romance was obviously amazing and I did love how sexy it was but if you are the kind of person who doesn’t like a relationship that is very physical then maybe this book isn’t for you because most of it is caters to that sexual connection in a new romance with a seed of something more. I won’t say anything else regarding specifics or certain moments because I really don’t want to spoil anything. This book is best read blind and I think you’ll appreciate it more that way. Just know, it is M/M, it’s hella sexy, it’s super fun and has the most amazing characters!

“Everything I want, and everything I crave, is you.”

Try was an amazing first installment in what I have a feeling is going to be a phenomenal series. It was fun, witty, sarcastic and full of heat. Tate and Logan have successfully stolen my heart!

As I said, I loved this book in its entirety and can’t wait to move further into the series. I adored Ella Frank’s flawless writing and how entertaining it was. It was easy to read with the perfect pacing and kept me hooked the whole way through. I also really loved the characters because let’s be real, Tate and Logan are very dreamy. Not only that but they are, like, real goals! Their personalities were so fun and sarcastic but also so stubborn…a couple of smartasses all the way! I absolutely adored their romance and though I loved their sexiness, I’m hoping for more in the emotional department of their relationship in the next book. For my first full-on M/M romance, this was a definite success and my only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner! I’m giving Try a giant 5 stars and would recommend it to fans of M/M romance, very very sexy romance or just a good contemporary romance guaranteed to keep you entertained!

“I’ve never wanted something more. But with you, I can’t seem to stop myself. I want to look at you and know that you’re mine, and that terrifies me.” Tate’s fingers wrapped around his own as he brought their arms in close to his sides, and then Tate asked again, “Why?” Logan found Tate’s eyes and finally acknowledged, “Because I think I could love someone like you.”

 

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ARC: Depravity – Natalie Bennett Book Review + Giveaway

Depravity Release Banner

Title: Depravity

Author: Natalie Bennett

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance

Release: November 27, 2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41021212-depravity

 

Blurb:

I was born an ordinary girl with a tiny seed of sickness.

As I got older it grew bigger, manifesting into something sinister.

Mama told me to lock it away and let it wither.

I didn’t know how.

So I hid it.

Solitude became my closest companion.

Solo, single, lonely.

Until Declan.

Until Ethan.

They were drawn to my sickness like moths to a flame.

With them, I was nurtured into something special.

With them, I flourished in depths of decay and darkness.

(mm/mmf/ mfm.) Standalone.  

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Review:

Holy hell was this book ever crazy!

I don’t know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn’t this. I am a fan of dark romance and hadn’t read any in a while so I was definitely in the mood, but Depravity was unlike anything I’ve ever read! The title says it all, it is wicked and sick but there is just something so addictive and intriguing about it! I actually really enjoyed it and will absolutely read more from Natalie Bennett!

This was the kind of book you know you should have reservations about but you just can’t help loving it!

Wow, I don’t think I was expecting to like this book as much as I did but I’m really glad I had the opportunity to review an ARC because it was great. This was the first book I’d ever read from Natalie Bennett and her writing really left an impression. It was super addictive and had me flying through the book and ultimately finishing it in one day! Her writing flows really well and is crazy captivating. The plot was super interesting and very unique and I don’t think I’ve read anything at all like this before so that’s obviously a huge plus! As for the characters, well I liked them a whole lot! Declan was more the serious, takes-no-shit guy out of the three of them but I really liked how he was so kind and caring with those he held close to his heart. Then there was Ethan who was equally as intense as Declan but had a more humoristic streak to his personality. He as well had a soft spot for his lovers and I liked him very much. Helena was a character I would’ve never seen coming and never thought I would’ve grown to like. She’s odd and depraved in a very sick way but she went through some tough things that made her the way she is. Despite this, she had a genuine, innocent quality to her that made you kind of like her even when she was doing crazy shit! Obviously, all three characters are fucked up but their whole story and dynamic is just so darn addictive, you can’t help but want to read more and more. I did enjoy their romance because of how passionate, intense and sexy it was. And I mean, really steamy! They truly cared for one another and that shone through which I really appreciated. It helped balance the dark in this story.

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While I was very much into everything this book had to offer, a little something held me back from giving it a full 5 stars.

Ultimately, I couldn’t give it a full rating because there were times in the story where things got slightly repetitive and a bit predictable. It wasn’t a huge issue but I was just hoping for more to happen in the characters relationship. I think Depravity could’ve done with a dose more of development and I think the one thing that could’ve helped was to make the book a little longer. The ending felt cut off too soon but it also seemed like an open ending so maybe there is more to come in the world of Declan, Ethan, and Helena. I definitely hope so because I’m already ready for more!

Intense, sexy and depraved (pun intended) 😉, Depravity was an entertaining and addictive read with some of the sickest characters and plotline I’ve ever read!

Overall, while I thought this book had predictable and repetitive moments and maybe could’ve been stretched out a little longer, it was super enjoyable! I was addicted to this book and could not put it down which is why I flew through it so quickly. This is one dark romance I’ve never experienced before and I really loved the characters and their unique story! Natalie Bennett’s writing was really great in this book and I’m definitely interested in reading more from her soon! I’m really hoping these characters get another book but for now, I’m giving Depravity 4.25 stars and would recommend it to fans of MMF and dark romance!

“Helena Gardener. Beautiful girl. Rotten to the core. But to me, she had a heart of gold, and my balls secured in the palm of her hand.”

 

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2AhJgfX

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2SayRK6

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2znTvQf

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2OXbNwF

 

Author Bio:

Natalie Bennett is the creator of erotic stories that always come with a warning label. She writes about depraved alpha a**holes and women that love to hate them. Her books don’t follow any specific tropes, have no set word counts, and tend to deviate from traditional HEA’s. When she isn’t in front of her computer she’s spending time with her husband and their three little boys. Natalie is an avid fan of caramel frappes, horror movies, Shameless, and of course, reading. You can find Natalie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Social Media Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7447968.Natalie_Bennett

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nataliebennettwriter

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AuthorNbennett

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/authornataliebennett/

Website: https://www.nataliebennett.net

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01G8Z4IF8

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cAAY4v

 

Giveaway $25.00 Amazon Gift Card:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa78941954

 

 

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ARC: Rewrite the Stars – Charleigh Rose Book Review

Rewrite the Stars Banner

Title: Rewrite the Stars

Author: Charleigh Rose

Genre: NA Romance

Release: October 25, 2018

Cover designer: Letitia Hasser @ RBA Designs

Cover model: Lucas Facchini

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40712648-rewrite-the-stars

 

Blurb:

Evangeline Thorne is privileged.

Beautiful and popular, if not a little jaded.

A chance encounter with a green-eyed stuntman sets off a chain of events that turns her perfect, little world upside down.

Short on options and desperate for adventure, she joins the traveling carnival for the summer.

Thrust into a world full of drama, deception, and secrecy, Evangeline tries to find herself and protect her heart in the process.

Sebastian McAllister is cursed.

He knows better than to think otherwise.

He’s content to live out the rest of his life traveling the country as one of the four Sons of Eastlake, seeking thrills the only way he knows how.

The one thing he doesn’t see coming is the spoiled blond with stars in her eyes.

The only problem is, the more time he spends with her, the more hope starts to stir in his dormant heart.

Too bad hope is a dangerous thing when you’re a McAllister.

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Review:

I am a huge fan of Charleigh Rose and every chance I get to receive and ARC is an opportunity I will not pass on!

Way back when the premise of this book was first mentioned, I was immediately interested. It’s a unique concept and honestly, I would love for there to be more books like this! I really enjoyed the writing obviously, I thought the cast of characters were really cool and the romance was quite sexy! It wasn’t my favorite book from this author for reasons I’ll get to but I was hooked from start to finish so I consider it a hit in my opinion! 🙂

“We rewrote the stars. We made our own fate.”

 

I flew through Rewrite the Stars so fast I didn’t even realize how far in I was until I reached the last chapter!😳

To start off, I’ve all of Charleigh Rose’s books and one thing that never fails is the fluidity and addictivness of her writing. Her stories are so easy to get into and it really was no different woth this one. Immediately after starting, I found myself hooked and invested in the outcome and literally could not put it down. There’s this sarcastic, snarky and sexy tone to her writing that always gets me laughing, smiling and swooning. When it comes to the characters, they were really great. I liked Evan for her strong, brave and sassy personnality but also for her vulnerability. She was really sweet and I loved how she was able to get to Sebastian in a way no one ever gad before. Sebastian was my kind of guy! His broody, bad-boy has no fucks to give attitude was kinda, sorta, totally hot ;). His ability to take care of those he cared for despite his rough background was really admirable and I loved how unfiltered he was when it came to him and Evan. As for the romance, I really enjoyed the chsmistry they shared and the palpable sexual tension. Boy was it every steamy, it was perfect! Their attraction to each other was very much alive and kicking and the angst that was brewing for awhile there was awesome! Also, that ending really was well done and finished off their story in a really amazing way!

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While there was so much I adored in this book, two small things did stick out to me. First, although I definitely felt the physical connection between Sebastian and Evan, I didn’t quite feel the love side of their relationship. I felt like it could’ve been developed a tad more because it happened really quickly after they gave into the physical attraction and I just couldn’t auite buy into the emotional side right away. As time went on though, it got better so that’s good. Finally, I felt like certain elements like the whodunnit mystery were really quite predictable. I mean, I knew from thw moment it was mentioned at the start of the book who it was and I’m not sure if that was inentional or not. There were also instances where some scenes or comments were predictbale but I was able to overlook that for the most part. Aside from that, I would’ve loved for there to have been more stunts in the guys’ show but maybe that’s just me being greedy! 😋

 

Sexy, addictive and unique, Rewrite the Stars truly was unlike anything I’ve ever read!

Overall, while I did have slight issues with the book, I really did love it anyways! Charleigh Rose is one of ky favorite authors for a reason and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to review Rewrite the Stars. It was so gripping, it was scorching hot and the storyline was really cool and intriguing. I’m really excited to see if the other guys get there own stories cause I’ll definitely be picking those up. I’m giving Rewrite the Stars 4.5 stars and would recommend it to fans of contemporary romance!

“I don’t know what I did to deserve Evan, but I’ll fight until death to keep her.”

 

Buy Links: Kindle Unlimited

Amazon →  https://amzn.to/2JnUWly

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Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/2Jjp7Kx

Amazon AU → https://amzn.to/2Jmibwa

Author Social Media:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/charleighroseprose/

Facebook group: https://goo.gl/p9cE03

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleighrose/

Amazon: https://goo.gl/HlqF8s

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15569269.Charleigh_Rose

 

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