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Monday, January 30, 2017

Review: Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti
(The Scorpius Syndrome #3)
January 31, 2017
400 pages
Genre: Dystopian, Romantic Suspense 18+
Contains: language, explicit sex

Before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Tace Justice was a good ole Texas cowboy who served his country and loved his mama. After Scorpius, the world became dark, dangerous, and deadly... and so did he. The Vanguard medic is stronger, faster, and smarter than before, but he's lost the line between right and wrong. His passion is absolute, and when he focuses it on one woman, there's no turning back for either of them.

Sami Steel has been fighting to survive right alongside Tace, convincing the Vanguard soldiers she's one of them. In truth, Sami is a former hacker turned government agent who worked at The Bunker, where scientists stored both contaminants and cures. Only she knows the location, and she's not telling. Yet when sexual fire explodes between her and Tace, she'll face even that hell again to save him.

I absolutely love this series. This is the third book in the Scorpius Syndrome series. While you could read this on its own, there is a lot of build-up and continuation of plot between each book, so you'll be missing pieces. I definitely recommend the entire series.

In this book, we get the new romantic relationship between Tace and Sami, while continuing on with the overall plot to find a cure for the syndrome and fight off the bad guys. I love the ongoing plot advancment. There are a plethora of things going on. But that's what makes this series so exciting. Not only is it full of twists and turns, but it has great characters.

Tace and Sami have been fighting alongside as colleagues. But not long since Tace contracted the syndrome, he's started to notice Sami in more ways. But the syndrome has changed who he used to be, so now he must face his new self and decide if he's good enough for a relationship with Sami. This is a risk for Sami as well. Risking a colleague. Risking her heart.

But as Tace and Sami's attraction and bond grew, as their hearts yearned for each other more and more, I fell for them as a couple more and more. There was something really special about them. And as the action and suspense built throughout the book, the intensity of Tace and Sami increased (and yes, this includes their super sexy times). The situations they were caught in, the risks they took, and the life or death situations - I loved Tace and Sami so much.

Outside of Tace's recent activities post-syndrome, I was completely onboard with this story. Now, Tace's activities prior to Sami were handled well. The author more than covered her bases to make sure everyone was feeling pretty great. But I wouldn't have minded skipping those shenanigans altogether.

Overall, I loved this series, and Tace and Sami's story was an excellent addition. I can't wait to see what comes next!


Sunday, January 29, 2017

Sunday Post: Weekly Wrap-Up (01.29)

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, share upcoming news, etc. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme 

What I Read Last Week:
Staying For Good by Catherine Bybee
Cross My Heart by LH Cosway

My Reviews Last Week:

Doing It Over by Catherine Bybee (my 4 star review)
Staying For Good by Catherine Bybee (my 4.5 star review)
Long Way Home by Katie McGarry (my 5 star review)
Shopping for an Heir by Julia Kent (my 4.5 star review)

What I'm Currently Reading:
Hungry Ghosts by Stephen Blackmoore

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Stacking The Shelves (196)

STSmall_thumb[2][2]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!

eARC Awesomeness:
Cross My Heart by LH Cosway
The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles
Shopping for a Billionaire's Honeymoon by Julia Kent

Friday, January 27, 2017

Review: Shopping for an Heir by Julia Kent

Shopping for an Heir by Julia Kent
(Shopping for a Billionaire #10)
September 20, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+
Contains: sex, language

Gerald Wright works for billionaires. He never imagined he’d become one.

The former Navy Seal is a chauffeur by day, artist by night, so when hotter-than-ever ex-fiancĂ©e Suzanne Dayton interrupts his nude model sculpting class to serve him with inheritance paperwork from a man he’s never heard of, he assumes it’s a joke.

Turns out the joke’s on him. There’s just one catch. A big one.

And it might be Suzanne — in more ways than he ever dreamed.

While this story is included in the 'Shopping for a Billionaire' series, it really is its own story. While artist Gerald has been working for the McCormick family as a chauffer, he has his own dark past from his days as a Navy Seal. In fact, his past was so dark, he left the love of his life. Now, ten years later, he is reunited with Suzanne, and the sparks immediately fly, but old hurts well up as well. Fortunately, Gerald's new inheritance forces the artist and the lawyer together to work on more than just paperwork.

I absolutely loved Gerald and Suzanne. They have this rich, deep history with one another, complete with love and heartache. Yet, even after 10 years apart, their unending love for one another leapt off the page. There were secrets that needed to be unveiled, forgiveness that needed to be had, trust that needed to be built. But the love was visceral and undeniable. Along with this reunion is this mystery of Gerald's inheritance and the uncovering of the secrets he's been carrying around. Lots of exciting stuff here. And let's not forget some very special and important appearances from other characters from the series, especially Declan.

If this series is to continue, I definitely want to see more Gerald and Suzanne. Loved them!


Thursday, January 26, 2017

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Long Way Home by Katie McGarry

The highly anticipated third book in Katie McGarry’s Thunder Road Series is being released on January 31st! LONG WAY HOME is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance being published by Harlequin Teen! Pre-order your copy of the next book in this emotionally charged series, and don’t miss Violet and Chevy’s story! Check out all of the stops on this awesome tour and be sure to pre-order your copy for the amazing bonus scenes!
    LongWayHome-cover
Long Way Home by Katie McGarry
(Thunder Road #3)
January 31, 2017
Genre: Mature YA Contemporary
Contains: language, sexual references

Amazon | Kobo | BAM | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | IndieBound

   
"An intoxicating and unforgettable story that kept me glued to the page."
Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Walk the Edge

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

Seventeen-year-old Violet has always been expected to sit back and let the boys do all the saving.

It’s the code her father, a member of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, raised her to live by. Yet when her dad is killed carrying out Terror business, Violet knows it’s up to her to do the saving. To protect herself, and her vulnerable younger brother, she needs to cut all ties with the club—including Chevy, the boy she’s known and loved her whole life.

But when a rival club comes after Violet, exposing old secrets and making new threats, she’s forced to question what she thought she knew about her father, the Reign of Terror, and what she thinks she wants. Which means re-evaluating everything: love, family, friends . . . and forgiveness.

Caught in the crosshairs between loyalty and freedom, Violet must decide whether old friends can be trusted—and if she’s strong enough to be the one person to save them all.

Loved!
Love, love, loved!
I loved Chevy and Violet. I loved Oz and Razor. I loved the intense situations. I loved the crazy stuff to work out. I loved the beautiful resolutions. I loved the weird rugged family. I loved the special guest appearances. I love this book.

First, I loved Chevy and Violet. From the previous books, we know they have a past, and I have been majorly looking forward to their story. Well, their story did not disappoint! They have this sweet history, this tragic break, and then this intense reunion. This story started with a bang. And I was hooked.

There were so many twists and turns to this story. My heart really hurt for these kids, not just for the bumps in their relationship, but especially for all the heartache that's been involved in the Reign of Terror. There are layers of secrecy that have slowly been uncovered over this series, and there were some major ones that came about in this book. I mean, MAJOR. And I ate it all up.

But with all the crazy, Chevy and Violet just got better and better. I absolutely loved them. There was this beauty that grew in their relationship, this tenderness, that was so much stronger than it had been prior to their break-up. Their interactions, their chemistry, their love - I loved it all.

Lastly, I love this group of friends. Chevy, Violet, Oz, and Razor are like their own special family. They've got each other's backs. Even when Violet pulled away from everyone, they never let her down or let her forget how awesome they were. And let's not forget the amazing cameo!! If anything, I wanted to see this person's interactions even more (next book, please!). I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next book and who the next couple will be. I have my suspicions ;)

VIOLET
“You can do this.” I take Brandon’s hand in mine and give a reassuring squeeze. “I know you can.”

Brandon swallows hard, but nods. A combination of nervous energy and pride rushes through my veins as he grasps my hand in return and fists the cash in his other hand. He’s going to face his fears. The lift of my lips is genuine now. My brother believes in himself, and I believe in him and maybe we’re both going to be okay.

Right as Brandon takes a courageous step forward, two black leather vests slip in front of us and staring back at me is a half skull with fire blazing out of its eye sockets.

The world surrounding me turns red, and my blood begins to boil. “There’s a line and you just cut.”

Eli, one of my father’s once best friends, glances over his shoulder and winks at us as he pulls out his wallet. Like always, he has dark hair cut close to his head, plugs in his ears and a huge grin like we should be glad to see him. “I got you covered.”

Fabulous. Here comes the Reign of Terror Motorcycle Club riding in on their black Harleys determined to save the day of people who really need to learn how to save themselves.

“No really, we got this,” I insist.

I try to muscle my way past to pay, but Eli’s right hand man, Pigpen, plants himself in front of me like the towering sack of testosterone and annoyance that he is. Then he’s on the move and I somehow find myself away from the ticket booth.

“Surprised to see you here, Violet.” Pigpen is in his late twenties and thinks he’s all handsome with his blond hair and big muscles. Because he was a Navy SEAL or Army Ranger or something outrageous like that, he also thinks he’s awesome, but he doesn’t impress me. “Surprised you’re here, but happy to see you. You haven’t been at a game all year.”

“I’ve been busy,” I say.

“Is that what you call avoiding anyone from the Terror? Busy?”

“Works for me.”

“Hi, Pigpen!” Brandon is lit up like a firefly who was convinced the rest of his species was extinct. Eli, of course, enjoying the role of savior, has his arm around Brandon’s shoulder as they join us.

“Hey, Stone.” Pigpen calls my brother by the stupid nickname the club created for him. “How’s it going?”

“Good. They bought our tickets, Vi!”

“Yep, they sure did, because little ol’ me couldn’t’ handle the big ol’ ticket booth on my own.” Heavy on the sarcasm and then a hard glare at Eli. “Brandon was going to buy his own ticket.”

Eli rolls his neck like he’s the one who owns the right to be annoyed. “Most people say thank you.”

“You’re missing the point.”

Eli pats my brother’s back. “Why don’t you head in with Pigpen? I’d like to catch up with Violet.”

Brandon bounces like a damn puppy dog given a treat and then rushes off into the stadium, leaving me with Thing Two. And to think my brother called me Vi. The little traitor.

“Pigpen,” I call out. “Don’t leave him.”

I forced my brother to tattle today and while the football game will make him smile, I’m also taking a calculated risk that the people he told on won’t be here. If they are here, I’m betting they won’t mess with Brandon as long as I’m around.

“You worry too much,” Pigpen answers without glancing back.

When it comes to my brother, they don’t worry enough about the right problems.

Eli watches as Brandon and Pigpen go into the stadium. Instead of taking a left for the bleachers, they go right for the concession stand, and I’m contemplating how to stab Pigpen in the jugular. Concession food brings my brother into a near state of euphoria, and because of the crappy day my brother and I had, I wanted to be the one that made him happy with a hot dog, nachos and a slushy.

Motorcycle men around the world, as far as I’m concerned, can just plain suck it.

   

Don’t Miss the First Two Titles in the Thunder Road Series! Grab your copies today!

NOWHERE BUT HERE

WALK THE EDGE

   

Pre-order LONG WAY HOME by Katie McGarry, and fill out THIS FORM, to receive three previously unreleased bonus scenes featuring important “firsts” in the lives of your favorite characters from the world of Katie McGarry! Complete the form to register your pre-order at https://wyng.com/campaign/820152. Offer Ends 1/31/17 at 11:59pm EST.


   

   
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Katie McGarry - author pic
Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan. Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON,  BREAKING THE RULES, NOWHERE BUT HERE and WALK THE EDGE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine’s 2012 Reviewer’s Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.  

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Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Review: Staying For Good by Catherine Bybee

Staying For Good by Catherine Bybee
(Most Likely To #2)
January 24, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction 18+
Contains: language, sex

Zoe Brown may have been voted Most Likely to Never Leave River Bend, but the paper-thin walls and suffocating air of her family’s double-wide trailer were not what she wanted for her life. Other than BFFs Melanie and Jo, the only thing that kept Zoe sane during high school was her boyfriend, Luke.

She didn’t just leave, she escaped—turning her back on the shame of her black-sheep siblings and imprisoned dad. Now a celebrity chef in Dallas, she can afford all the things she never could have growing up. But when she returns to rustic, ruggedly beautiful River Bend, Zoe has to face all that she abandoned—including Luke.

While Luke was a refuge for Zoe in the past, he knows they inhabit totally different worlds now. Anchored by his parents and his job as a mechanic in his father’s shop, Luke never felt the urge to leave River Bend—until Zoe’s return.

But when the two rekindle their old flame, Zoe is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: remain in River Bend and confront her past before it destroys her, or say good-bye to everyone she’s ever loved…again, this time for good.

This is book two in the 'Most Likely To' series. Not only do we get a great romance in each book, but we are also following the interweaving lives of best friends Zoe, Melanie, and Jo, and the goings-ons in small town River Bend.

I'm loving being enveloped in life in River Bend. Not only is there so much going on with Zoe, Melanie, and Jo, but there is a cast of characters and circumstances that add so much to the continuity of this series. I took special enjoyment from Miss Gina and Zane's involvement in this story.

I also love the relationship between Zoe, Melanie, and Jo. These gals are so different, yet their bond has only grown stronger. I also love that each of their stories is important in each book. It makes me that much more attached and invested in this series.

But let's not forget the romance. A second chance romance. Now, I'm not always a fan of second chance romances, especially when they revolve around stupid misunderstandings and wasted years. But this one was completely understandable. Zoe left 10 years ago, and Luke stayed. But as we learn in this story, Zoe really had to leave. And Luke and Zoe talked before she left. There was no misunderstanding. But there was lost love, because as much as they loved each other, Zoe simply could not continue in River Bend. But life has given them a second chance, and now it's up to them if they are going to take it and handle the many obstacles in their way to get it.

I really enjoyed taking this journey with Zoe and Luke. They were really made for each other, they just had to discover themselves and find their way back to each other. Now getting to the end had a lot of crazy from Zoe's parents. I have to say, her father is despicable and her mother frustrated me to no end. With all that drama, I loved Zoe and Luke and knew things had to work out for them.

Now give me Jo's book. We've been getting bits and pieces about her, and I cannot wait to see how her story turns out.


Doing It Over #1
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ My Review 

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Review: Doing It Over by Catherine Bybee

Doing It Over by Catherine Bybee
(Most Likely To #1)
April 19, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women"s Fiction 18+
Contains: language, sex

Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo and Zoe, by her side, and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might have turned the corner on a new life.

Wyatt Gibson never liked the big city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?

What I loved about this book was that it isn't just a romance, it is also a story of friendship. First, we are introduced to three best friends graduating from high school and what their "most likely to's" are. Fast forward to ten years later, we catch up to where life has taken them, and whether or not they lived up to their high school reputations. And let me tell you, I instantly liked this trio of gals. And with this series, we will get each of the girls' love stories, which is awesome.

But this story isn't just an isolated romance for Melanie. We get bits and pieces of each of the girls sprinkled throughout. They are reunited into their own special unit, their own version of family. And in this case, they are reunited through their high school reunion, with Melanie's return to River Bend. And with that reunion, we get to grow close to them, seeing a vision of their friendship and their lives and how intertwined they become. This is also exciting, because this intertwining will continue throughout this series.

But never fear, this story is packed with a beautiful romance. Melanie and Wyatt were a terrific couple. There was a tenderness and sweetness to how their relationship came together, overcoming trust issues, and embracing new challenges. I loved how Melanie was stepping into a new life and Wyatt was incredibly supportive. And when major challenges and trauma struck (and struck big, but no spoilers), these two really stepped it up as a couple. I loved Wyatt and Melanie.

'Doing It Over' was a wonderful combination of romance and friendship. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series, following along with Melanie, Jo, and Zoe, the loves of their lives, and their unbending friendship.


Monday, January 23, 2017

Exclusive: Don't Speak by Katy Regnery Trailer Reveal

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Check out the trailer for DON'T SPEAK by Katy Regnery and enter the PREORDER GIVEAWAY!

ENTER THE PREORDER CONTEST: https://goo.gl/forms/6nrbCWY27HJwoCGy2
Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/G-dQC9j_Zas

From New York Times bestseller Katy Regnery comes a new twist on a beloved fairytale.

A fisherman's daughter. The governor's son. Two very different worlds.

In this modern retelling of The Little Mermaid, a fisherman's daughter from an Outer Banks island untouched by time, meets the son of North Carolina's governor at a fancy party where she's working. Laire, who wants so much more from life than her little island can offer, is swept away by wealthy, sophisticated Erik, who is, in turn, entranced by her naivetĂ© and charm. The two spend a whirlwind summer together that ends on the knife-point of heartbreak and forces them to go their separate ways. 

Years later, when fate leads them back to one another, they will discover the terrifying depth of the secrets they kept from each other, and learn that shattered hearts can only be healed by a love that willfully refuses to die.

All novels Katy Regnery's ~a modern fairytale~ collection are written as fundraisers. 10% of the e-book sales for in March and April 2017 will be donated to P.E.O. International, a non-profit organization that celebrates the advancement of women, awards scholarships and grants, and provides motivation for women to make their dreams come true.

**Contemporary Romance. Due to profanity, adult themes and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Don't Speak is part of the ~a modern fairytale~ collection, which includes six standalone, completely unrelated novels inspired by beloved fairy tales:
 The Vixen and the Vet (Beauty & the Beast) - available now
 Never Let You Go (Hansel & Gretel) - available now
 Ginger's Heart (Little Red Riding Hood) - available now
 Dark Sexy Knight (Camelot) - available now
 Don't Speak (The Little Mermaid) - available soon
 Swan Song (The Ugly Duckling) - available late-2017

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 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013. Twenty-five books later, Katy claims authorship of the multi-titled, New York Times and USA Today Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~ series; and several other standalone novels and novellas. Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015 Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1-4, became a New York Times E-book bestseller. In 2016, Katy signed a print-only agreement with Spencerhill Press. As a result, her Blueberry Lane paperback books will now be distributed to brick and mortar bookstores all over the United States. Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Author Links:
 Website/Newsletter Signup: http://katyregnery.com/
 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211470.Katy_Regnery
 Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dqySsy
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyRegnery
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatyRegnery
 Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/katharineregner/