(Adult) Review Tour & Giveaway: Break The Sky by Nina Lane

Break the Sky by Nina Lane

July 29, 2014

Snow Queen Publishing

400 pages

Genre: Adult Romance (Erotica) 18+

(Contains: explicit sex, mature language)

Source: eARC from publisher for Honest review

Book Synopsis:

“Do you ever let go, storm girl?” he asked. “Ever lose control? Ever surrender?”
“Never,” I whispered. “I never surrender.”
A smile of both promise and warning curved his beautiful mouth.
“You will.”

Atmospheric scientist Kelsey March is under siege. Her tornado research project is on the skids and she’s fighting conflict in her university department. So when irresistible bad boy Archer West suggests a hot, wild fling while he’s in town, Kelsey is unable to resist his sexy offer.

Kelsey and Archer embark on a intense, exhilarating affair. But soon their differences and private battles encroach on their desire, and Kelsey discovers that Archer is a storm she can’t control.

My Review:

I absolutely loved Break the Sky. I fell I love with Nina Lane's writing with the Spiral of Bliss trilogy following Dean and Liv West. Here we get the spin-off story of Dean's brother Archer and Dean's best friend Kelsey. This takes place not long after the epilogue of Awaken, the last book of the Spiral of Bliss trilogy. But this can definitely be read as a standalone. While Dean and Liv are involved in the story at different points, their history and love story is not revealed. If this is your first read of Nina Lane's, then I highly recommend you follow it with the Spiral of Bliss trilogy (Arouse, Allure, and Awaken). And if you liked or loved the trilogy, then Break the Sky is a highly recommended must-read for you.

Since our brief introduction to Archer West in Allure, I've wanted to know more about him and his story. Right from the prologue, we are quickly immersed into Archer's past, his pain, his history. I loved getting to know all the complexities that are Archer West. He's cute and hot, he's funny and corny, he's sensitive and understanding, he's dominant and sexy. He's just the alpha hero I was hoping for.

Then there's Kelsey March, whom we've know from the other series, yet we never really knew her. She was always a mystery. So learning about her here, her past, her struggles, her heartbreak, her motivation and her drive. There is so much more to Kelsey than meets the eye. Then add in all the aspects that Archer brings out of her, and we get our blue-streaked heroine. And the first glimpse of Kelsey's attraction to Archer - fantastic.

I was completely immersed in Archer and Kelsey's story. We got it all with them - the crackling chemistry, the scorching sex, but also their ability to see the truth in the other, the truth even they hide from themselves. I fell in love with Archer and Kelsey big time. Then all the depths, the good and bad, the tragedy and triumph, the love and loss, all that they face together or apart, was everything I'd hoped this book would be and more.

The additional storyline between Archer and Dean - two brothers at a loss on how to repair their broken relationship - was particularly moving and beautifully done. My eyes got glossy and they almost brought me to tears, and I'm not much of a crier. Then those scenes with Nicholas just made me swoon. I loved that this story went beyond just a love story.

Beside the beautiful story and characters, it's Nina Lane's writing that I love. Her writing is so poetic, so moving, so engaging. I didn't want it to end. Lane also has this gorgeous way of interweaving themes into her books. If you pay attention, you'll catch the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland references brilliantly intertwined. I love this so much, because it was so well done, feeling completely organic, and adding that special something to an already beautiful book. What more can I say? I absolutely loved this book. I already want to re-read it. Bravo, Nina Lane!

5+ STARS

 

Book Links:

AMAZON  *  B&N  *  iTUNES

GOODREADS

 

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances and spicy erotica. Originally from California, she loves traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Nina also spent many years in graduate school studying art history and library sciences.

Although she would go back for another degree if she could because she's that much of a bookworm, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer. Nina's novel The Erotic Dark hit #1 on Amazon's Erotica Bestseller list.  Spice Box box set which included Arouse was #6 on the New York Times Bestseller list and #13 in USA Today.

Connect with the Author:

Remember to sign up for Nina’s Newsletter so you never miss a exclusive news.

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Giveaway

Signed books and Break the Sky inspired item

Entry-Form

 

 

 

Review: Falling for Fitz by Katy Regnery

Falling for Fitz by Katy Regnery

(The English Brothers #2)

July 29, 2014

Genre: Short Contemporary Romance 18+

(Contains: sex)

Source: eARC for Honest review

Book Synopsis:

"Falling for Fitz" is the second of five books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are absolutely not on the look-out for love.

(Except Barrett, who fell in love when he was eight-years-old. And Fitz, who met the girl of his dreams at nineteen. And maybe even Weston, who just doesn't know it yet.)

Fitz English and Daisy Edwards fell in love during one magical summer when they were teenagers. When something tragic happens at the end of the summer, Daisy tells Fitz she never wants to see him again. Despite his feelings for her, he respects her wishes and for almost a decade Fitz and Daisy go their separate ways.

Almost ten years later, when Daisy moves home to Philadelphia, they meet again, and both are shocked to discover that the feelings they had that summer are just as deep and real today. There's a little snag, however. It seems that Daisy is engaged to someone else, and she's come home to get married.

Can Fitz get Daisy to fall for him all over again before it's too late? Only if Daisy can learn to trust the man who shattered her heart once upon a time.

My Review:

What can I say? I love Katy Regnery's writing. I love her books. I've yet to read a bad one, and Falling for Fitz is no exception. Katy is actually on my list of authors I will read without reading the synopsis. I enjoy the thrill of reading a book without any clue of what to expect, and I trust Katy, so I jumped into Fitz's story blind.

I'll admit I was cringing during the prologue. I felt the impending dun dun dun... doom coming. I was scared where things were going. But once again, as the story progressed, I sighed with relief because I knew this would once again be a great story. Fitz and Daisy are terrific characters. I loved getting to know them. I loved their chemistry, their honesty, their humor, their sweetness, their heartbreak, their healing, and the potential of their future. I loved the little twists. Plus, we get more glimpses of Barrett and Emily, as well as the rest of the extended family, so the story felt full and complete.

The English Brothers is a great series for the romance reader. The stories are just the right length to get the complete picture, fall in love with the couple, enjoy the side characters, and not have to trudge through endless superfluous yada-yada. I love that these brothers are all so different. (I have three sons, and they are all drastically different as well, so I can relate.) I've loved Barrett and Fitz, and look forward to Stratton and Weston. I'm the most nervous about Alex's story. But you know I'll be reading them all!

4-1/2 STARS

 

BOOK LINKS:

Book 1: Breaking Up With Barrett

Amazon  *  Goodreads

 

Book 2: Falling For Fitz

Amazon  *  Goodreads

 

It's Monday! What are you reading? (8)

 It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

What I Read Last Week:

  

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater
His Reverie by Monica Murphy (DNF'd)
Falling for Fitz by Katy Regnery

What I'm Listening To: 

Shattered by Kevin Hearne

 

My Reviews Last Week:

  

 Breaking Up With Barrett by Katy Regnery (5 Star review)
Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige (5 Star review)
Found in You by Laurelin Paige (4 Star review)

 What I'm Reading Next:

  

 Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Stacking the Shelves (69)

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Books Purchased:

 

Goddess by Josephine Angelini

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

Book Win:

Never Been Kissed by Molly O'Keefe

 

eARCs for Review:

 

His Reverie by Monica Murphy

Falling for Fitz by Katy Regnery

For My Kindle:

Beautiful Broken Promises by Kimberly Lauren

Used Book Finds:
  
 
 
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The Treatment by Suzanne Young
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

(Adult) Review: Found in You by Laurelin Paige

Found in You by Laurelin Paige
(Fixed #2)
September 30, 2013
232 pages
Genre: Adult Romance Erotica 18+
(Contains: mature language, explicit sex)
Source: Personal purchase

Book Synopsis:

Alayna Withers has only had one kind of relationship: the kind that makes her obsessive and stalker-crazy. Now that Hudson Pierce has let her into his heart, she’s determined to break down the remaining walls between them so they can build a foundation that’s based on more than just amazing sex. Except Hudson’s not the only one with secrets.

With their pasts pulling them into a web of unfounded mistrust, Alayna turns to the one person who knows Hudson the best—Celia, the woman he almost married. Hoping for insight from someone who understands all sides of the story, Alayna forms a bond with Celia that goes too far—revealing things about Hudson that could end their love for good.

This is the first relationship where Alayna hasn’t spiraled out of control. And she might lose Hudson anyway...

My Review:

I loved Fixed on You (see my review), and upon finishing it, immediately started Found in You. I wanted to see where Hudson and Alayna went next, because a girl with stalker tendencies and a guy with multiple unknowns adds up to a whole bunch of mystery to unfold. The path to Hudson and Alayna's couplehood is not easy or light. They both have personal issues as well as messed up pasts. Celia, one predominant factor in this book, is just as mysterious as Hudson, and makes for quite the interesting read, trying to figure out what is real or not.

I worried more about Alayna this time around with her side of crazy. The choices she was making... well, you knew they were going to blow up in her face at some point. But I still completely love Alayna's "voice", the crazy thoughts and all. I find her completely fascinating. And even when she was doing things I didn't agree with, I loved seeing every side of her, messy or not. Hudson remains ever the illusive, yet appealing, mystery.

 I also worried that they were all physical, and were missing the other factors that make relationships last. But reading this brings out more depths to them together, more depths to their attraction beyond the physical. And despite the brevity of their relationship, I find the two of them really connecting in exciting ways beyond sex (because they've got that base more than covered). I like that they are both a little messed up but somehow find a kindred spirit in the other. I'm looking forward to the continuation of their story.

 

4 STARS

Book Links:

Book 1: Fixed On You

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

 

Book 2: Found In You

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

 

Book 3: Forever With You

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

 

Bundle: The Fixed Trilogy (Best Deal)

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

Review: Breaking Up With Barrett by Katy Regnery

Breaking Up With Barrett by Katy Regnery

(The English Brothers #1)

July 22, 2014

200 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

(Contains: sex)

Source: eARC from publisher for Honest review

Book Synopsis:

Breaking Up with Barrett is the first of five books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are all on the look-out for love.

(Except Alex. He's a womanizing manwhore. And maybe Stratton, because he's wicked hot, but super awkward around girls.)

Barrett English, aka "the Shark," is the fair-haired, first-born of the English brothers, and the CEO of the oldest, most prestigious investment banking firm in Philadelphia. He rules the boardroom with an iron fist, refusing to take no for an answer and always getting his way.

Emily Edwards, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, grew up in the gatehouse on the outskirts of Barrett's childhood estate. The daughter of his family's gardener and housekeeper, she was always looking through the window of privilege, but forced to remember her place at the very periphery of the kingdom.

When business partners suggest that a fiancée might soften Barrett's image over business dinners, he approaches Emily for the "job" of fiancée. And while love wasn't necessarily on Barrett's radar, he begins to realize that Emily always has been. But will his take-no-prisoners boardroom tactics work on the heart of the woman he loves?

My Review:

Breaking Up with Barrett is the first in series of books revolving around the five English brothers. Each can be read as a standalone. But from even the little glimpses I got about each of the other brothers in this one, I look forward to reading about all of them. I particularly look forward to this entire series because I love Katy Regnery's writing style. I love the characters she creates and the depths in which she explores them. And I love the sweet romances she writes and the connection I feel with each love story.

As for Barrett and Emily's story - it was absolutely wonderful. They were a bit unconventional and started a bit awkwardly, and I loved that about them. When someone is constantly referred to as "the Shark," you wonder how such a tough businessman is going relate or lighten up around a girl who is so sweet and genuine. But that is the beauty of this story. That two people, who on paper would never match up, somehow understand each other better than even they expected. It may have taken them some time and work to get there, but ultimately they brought out the best in each other, whether in public or private, and were at their best when they were being their true selves, and I loved that about them.

In addition to the appeal of their differences, I loved that they had such a rich history with each other. From the blurb, we know that Emily's parents work for Barrett's parents on their estate. But there is so much more to their past that I cannot give away, but let me just say it is so sweet! There's this scene on the balcony when Barrett is telling Emily some things, and... well, I can't say what, but seriously, I loved that scene! I completely fell in love with Barrett and Emily's story big time. I liked them individually; I loved them together. They have some major sighing and swooning moments. Barrett "the Shark" could be quite the angelfish, and Emily was just the honest gal to bring it out of him.

If you love a sweet romance with just the right amount of struggle and sexiness, Breaking Up with Barrett is just the read for you. Barrett and Emily's story is complete with a tender past, touching present, tantalizing chemistry, and triumphant love. I had a mini book hangover after finishing this story, I enjoyed it so much. I hope these two make appearances in the other books, because I completely loved them.

 

5 STARS

 

Book Links:

AMAZON  *  GOODREADS

(Adult) Review: Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige



Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige

(Fixed #1)

June 22, 2013

Mandevilla Press

231 pages

Genre: Adult Romance Erotica 18+

(Contains: mature language, explicit sex)

Source: Personal purchase

Book Synopsis:

Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Wither’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out—move up at the nightclub she works at and stay away from any guy who might trigger her obsessive love disorder. A perfect plan.

But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous—the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of it.

Avoiding him isn’t an option after he offers a business proposition she can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.

My Review:

Fixed on You sucked me right in from the beginning and kept my attention until the end. There is great pacing, never a boring moment. I didn't want to put it down. Fixed on You was written with a great mix of introspection, drama, humor, tenderness, passion, trepidation, and hope.

One thing in particular that really made this book a unique experience for me was the heroine, Alayna. I loved her. She's got such a fascinating past, as a recovering stalker, and I loved being in her head. All her mixed feelings, her struggles with her obsessive tendencies, her triumphs and set-backs. She is so likeable despite her crazy.

Hudson, however, was complete mystery. The whole set-up to the story and how they got together leaves questions popping up all over the place. I didn't know what to think of Hudson, but I loved getting to know him, watching him slowly transform, yet even by the end retain his mystery. I can't wait to find out more about him.

Along with the fascinating story progression, there is also lots of steamy sex, but the scenes were not overly drawn out, so I never felt like skimming even though it was frequent. The heat and chemistry between Hudson and Alayna was palpable.

The family and friend issues beyond just Hudson and Alayna's relationship were such a mixed bag, and contributed greatly to the story. While I liked some characters more than others, I'm hoping we learn more about all of them as the series progresses. But ultimately they all added a deeper layer that was essential to the story.

Overall, I loved Fixed on You, and started Found in You immediately upon finishing. I can't wait to find out what happens next in Hudson and Alayna's relationship.

 

5 STARS

 

Book Links:

Book 1: Fixed On You

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

 

Book 2: Found In You

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

 

Book 3: Forever With You

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

 

Bundle: The Fixed Trilogy (Best Deal)

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

It's Monday! What are you reading? (7)

 It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

What I Read Last Week:

 
 
 Break the Sky by Nina Lane (cover coming soon)
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Forever With You by Laurelin Paige
Breaking Up With Barrett by Katy Regnery

What I'm Listening To: 

Shattered by Kevin Hearne

 

My Reviews Last Week:

   
 Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn (5 Star Review)
Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne (3-1/2 Star Review)
Endre by S.T. Bende (4 Star Review)
 

What I'm Currently Reading:

  

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater