Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Review: Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark

Finding Mr. Brightside
Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark
March 24, 2015
224 pages
Genre: YA Contemporary
Contains: a few curse words, mild sexual references
Source: eARC for Honest review

Abram and Juliette know each other. They’ve lived down the street from each other their whole lives. But they don’t really know each other—at least, not until Juliette’s mom and Abram’s dad have a torrid affair that culminates in a deadly car crash. Sharing the same subdivision is uncomfortable, to say the least. They don’t speak.

Fast-forward to the neighborhood pharmacy, a few months later. Abram decides to say hello. Then he decides to invite her to Taco Bell. To her surprise as well as his, she agrees. And the real love story begins.

I'm writing this review after just finishing Finding Mr. Brightside, feeling happy, content, entertained, and loved. This is one of those weird, quirky books that for me took a little adjustment period in the beginning with the writing style, but it is also that odd writing style, along with the unique main characters that kept me glued to the pages. My conclusive feeling: I loved it!

This book tackles the heavy topics of parental affairs, death, and over-medication in a manner that didn't skip over the seriousness, but also didn't create a huge dramafest. Instead it used heart, humor, compassion, understanding, and optimism in all the right places to heal. I really appreciated how the author was able to address Abram and Juliette's situation and circumstances so thoughtfully.

Abram and Juliette were fascinating characters that I fell in love with. Each had their own issues and voice, and the combination of the two made them such a fun couple to read about. As weird as their situation was, I couldn't help but root for them wholeheartedly. These two completely won me over, especially Abram. Seriously, he's a fantastic character. The story alternates between their POVs and it made the story that much better for it.

Overall, I loved Finding Mr. Brightside. It's quirky and thoughtful and sweet. Now those quirks may not be for everyone, but if you're looking for something a little different but a lot great, I'd recommend checking it out.

AMAZON  ~  GOODREADS


Release Blitz & Giveaway: After Dark by M. Pierce


After Dark by M. Pierce
(Night Owl Trilogy Book #3)
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance 18+

In the final novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce, can a passion that has withstood many ordeals become a love strong enough to last a lifetime?

Matt Sky is trying to return to normal, having faked his death and come back to life. He and Hannah move back in together, and Matt attempts to put his demons to rest as they strive to grow their relationship into something durable and honest. But as the two become more and more entangled, and the heat between them intensifies in all the best possible ways, Matt's desire for Hannah ignites cravings he has kept at bay for a long, long time…

Hannah finally has the life she's always wanted: she's pursuing her career as a literary agent at Granite Wing Agency, she is writing her first novel, and she is living with her hot, passionate lover. But as Matt and Hannah explore a new intimacy, Hannah finds that there are parts of Matt--dark, wild, uncontrollable parts--that he has yet to show her…that he has yet to show anyone…Under the surface of Matt and Hannah's domestic bliss, deeply buried secrets burn, and all of a sudden, the least foreseen obstacle threatens to shatter everything they've worked so hard for.





Other Books in the Trilogy:
Title:   Night Owl (Night Owl Trilogy Book #1)
Author:   M. Pierce
Genre:   Contemporary Erotic Romance

Synopsis:
"Tautly written, complex, and vibrating with a dark sensuality that will have you at once blushing and anxious. You'll think you have this book pegged . . . but you'll be wrong."—Christina Lauren, New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors of The Beautiful Bastard series

From bestselling ebook author M. Pierce comes the first novel in a provocative erotic trilogy where an anonymous online writing partnership turns into an uncontrollable, passionate obsession

At twenty-eight, Matt Sky has the perfect life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, a massive inheritance, and four national bestsellers -- all penned under his airtight alias, M. Pierce.

At twenty-seven, Hannah Catalano is a train wreck. Her boyfriend is a deadbeat and her job is abysmal.

Matt and Hannah meet online as writing partners. Their relationship is safe, anonymous, and innocent...

Until Matt sees a picture of Hannah. Hannah's picture sparks an attraction Matt is powerless to ignore. When circumstance brings Matt and Hannah together, the strangers begin a love story that's passionate, poignant, unforgettable, and unstoppable.


Title:   Last Light  (Night Owl Trilogy Book #2)
Author:   M. Pierce
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Genre:   Contemporary Erotic Romance

Synopsis:
Tensions rise, secrets grow bigger, and passions run deeper—and hotter—in Last Light, the second novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce.

Matt Sky is missing. After a solo ascent of Longs Peak that left only a large blood stain, tatters of climbing clothing, and the tracks of an animal in the snow, he is presumed dead.

Hannah Catalano is guarding a secret: she knows Matt is alive. After Matt's memorial service, she lingers on the East Coast with his family, but it soon becomes clear that his brothers' motives are less than gracious. Nate Sky is bent on tracking down the author of Night Owl, a book that charts the last days of Matt's life with uncanny and scandalous accuracy, and which appeared only after his death. Seth Sky is bent on getting Hannah into his bed.

Hidden away in the woods, Matt and Hannah strive desperately to maintain their ruse and their relationship—but their web of lies only tightens as Matt struggles with the consequences of his decision, and Hannah tries to escape Nate's libel suit and fend off Seth's advances...until Hannah is put in danger, and Matt must make a life or death choice.


We made out for a full quarter-hour before I noticed the tent in the living room.
            “Matt!” I snickered. He’d moved the coffee table and couch to accommodate the tent. It was new, or new to me—a tall gray and orange dome.
            “Aha, she finally sees it.” He stalked over to the tent. Yes, it was definitely new. Matt wore his distinct “Do you like my new toy?” expression, and he circled the tent and folded his arms and studied it, signaling that I should also take a moment to admire it. I did.
            “Wow . . . it’s nice.” I touched one of the poles. “So big. So . . .” In our living room.
            “Mm. I got it at REI. Had to throw it together, make sure nothing was missing.” He frowned at the mesh-and-polyester palace. “I thought we might take it for a spin this evening, but not in this weather.”
            On cue, thunder crackled and boomed outside.
            “Oh, babe.” I rubbed his back. “Lemme get into dry clothes and we’ll ‘take it for a spin’ right here, okay?” I kissed his cheek. “Happy Fourth.”
            His eyes lit up like a child’s.
            “Perfect,” he said, already halfway into the tent.
            I peeled off my wet clothes and changed into my Shell Belle Couture chemise, an expensive little gift from Matt. I never bought such nice things for myself. The champagne silk complemented my pale skin and felt luxurious. The lace cups, well . . . I resisted the urge to grab a robe as I felt my nipples hardening. Matt liked the lace cups best of all.
            In the bathroom, I untangled my hair with Moroccan oil and washed my face. On my skin, I left the scent of rainwater.
            I returned to a living room devoid of pillows.
The tent flap was shut.
            “Knock knock?” I said.
            With a swift zinging sound, Matt unzipped the door from inside.
            “Why, come in.” He was laughing. The tent was tall, but taller Matt stood stooped beneath the dome. All our pillows lay around his feet.
            “Don’t mind if I do.” I took his hand and stepped inside.
            He stared openly at my chest.
            “Oh,” he said.
            His expression grew somber. I wanted to burst out laughing.
God, his cuteness . . .
            “Very swanky in here.” I sat cross-legged on a pillow and looked around. The tent was cozy, the inner flaps a vibrant orange, and adorable Matt had stocked a wall pouch with snacks and drinks: two cans of Coke and a bag of goldfish. In another flap, two books and a flashlight.
            “I was just testing those pouches,” he mumbled, gesturing to the snacks. “Hi.” He shucked off his shirt—yum—and crawled to me. “Hi . . .”
            “Hi,” I said, giggling. “Hello. Did I ruin storytime with lingerie?” I slid my fingers up his arms. Whisper of skin on skin. My hands curled over his shoulders.
            “No.” He closed in on me, his body pressing mine back and down. He went for my neck with his teeth, like an animal. Bit the column of my throat. Licked away the hurt.
            “Ah,” I gasped, arching under him. I pawed at his abs and pulled at the band of his lounge pants.
            An electrical pop sounded in the condo and the room went dark.
            Matt and I froze.
We laughed in unison, sitting up and holding one another.
            Pure darkness. I clung to his torso.
            “Well, this is a first,” I said. “Our first power outage.”
            “Always be prepared.” Matt groped around until he found the flashlight. He turned it on and hung it from the top of the tent. A cone of light shone over us.
            His erection tented the front of his pants. I reached for it, my hand drawn to it. I gripped his head through the fabric. God, I loved seeing him turned on.
            “I’m glad that happened.” He flexed into my hand. “Slowed me down.”
            “Baby, you don’t have to slow down.”
            “I know. I want to.” He caressed the undersides of my breasts and my nipples. The intricate lace of the cups scratched gently at my skin. I twitched and moaned.
            He reached up and turned off the flashlight.


M. has a great giveaway going on for the release – twelve total prizes including:
Two SIGNED Paperback Sets (Night Owl, Last Light, After Dark)
6 Sets of Signed Bookmarks (3 bookmarks per set – one from each book)
Alex and Ani Ode to the Owl Charm Bangle (Silver or Gold Finish – winners choice – picture attached)
Owl Campfire Tshirt (Color and size – winners choice - picture attached)
Two $15 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway


M. Pierce is the bestselling author of Night Owl, book one in the erotic Night Owl Trilogy. The author lives in Colorado and owns a rabbit named Laurence.


Monday, March 23, 2015

(Adult) Review: CODA by CD Reiss

CODA by CD Reiss
(Songs of Submission #9)
March 18, 2015
220 pages
Genre: Adult Erotica 18+
Contains: explicit sex, BDSM elements, strong language
(Not a standalone.)

Did you want a pat little ending about Jonathan and I riding off into the sunset? Did you want flowers and stars? Man, I wish it was all soft filters and violins. I wish we could fight about who cleaned the bathroom or who was cooking dinner. But I knew I was never destined for simple contentment.

I almost committed murder for him. I almost tore us apart to save him. How do you get back on the horse after that? Because, I promise you, nothing is the same. Nothing.

I’ve earned our happily ever after. Now I have to survive it.

First of all, CODA is not a standalone, so if you have not experienced Jonathan and Monica's story yet, don't start here. Start with BEG (which is free) and decide if this is a couple you want to follow. But I warn you, they are addicting characters with an addicting story, so be prepared to buckle up and enjoy the ride. If you've gotten through the series and are ready for CODA, wanting more of Jonathan and Monica, ready to see where life has led them since SING, then I definitely recommend CODA.

Now I must mention CD Reiss's writing. Jonathan and Monica's story would not be the same without CD's talent as a writer. Because this is more than just an erotica to me. If it were all about sex and only sex, I'd probably pass on this series. But the way the series, and CODA in particular, is written fully engaged me and immersed me in not only this world created around Jonathan and Monica, but in their hearts and minds as well.

Examples:
* "The June sunset left the sky palette-knifed in orange and navy, and the temperature hung between inoffensively cold and completely generic." Being from Los Angeles myself, I loved how she captured something as simple as the weather so perfectly.
* "She was long and beautiful, with hair like a turbulent ocean. She was my songbird, my goddess, my slice of control in a world of chaos." She captures the beauty of what Jonathan sees in Monica.
* "She was painted in angry bruises there too. I'd stopped feeling guilty about inflicting damage; I knew the difference between hurt and harm." And of course, she captures the uniqueness of their relationship, yet even the brutality is poetic.

Jonathan and Monica have captivated me from the start of this series. I wasn't sure what to expect from CODA, but CD did not disappoint. The resentful carefulness in which Jonathan (and Monica) recover from his heart transplant was so well done. My anxiety grew right along with them, not knowing the extent of Jonathan's future. I loved getting such a mix of emotions from each of them. But just when you're feeling lulled into marital boredom, BOOM, the dominant strikes again. Do I want Jonathan and Monica's lifestyle? No. My husband is doing just fine. But J&M are fully consensual and absolutely in love with each other and the roles they play. They don't hold back, and I think CD wrote them brilliantly.

This story meanders through so many different aspects of J&M's lives, and I was so impressed by how much was touched on, delved into, cleared up, refined, created, and also left open for the future. The last few chapters were just what I needed to feel good about the fact that this is their last book. I have loved reading about Jonathan and Monica and will miss them dearly. CODA was a beautiful ending, brutality, blessings and all. But I really hope that they make appearances in any and all of the Drazen sisters' books, because it just wouldn't be the same without them.


♥ Links for CODA ♥
Amazon ~ iBooks ~ Nook


♥READ THE COMPLETE SONGS OF SUBMISSION SERIES♥

Have you started this series yet? Find my review of the previous books and links here. Then grab CODA for the highly-anticipated conclusion. CODA is not a standalone.

Reading Order & Links:
Book 1: Beg (free)
Book 2: Tease
Book 3: Submit
Books 1-3 Sequence: Bundle 1
Book 3.5: Jessica & Sharon
Book 4: Control
Book 5: Burn
Book 5.5: Rachel
Book 6: Resist
Book 4-6 Sequence: Bundle 2
Book 7: Sing
Book 7.5: Monica
Book 8: Dominance (Books 3.5, 5.5, 7.5)
Book 1-8: Complete Submission

CD Reiss is a USA Today and Amazon bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn’t pick up, she’s at the well, hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master’s degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere, but it did embed TV story structure in her head well enough for her to take a big risk on a TV series structured erotic series called Songs of Submission. It’s about a kinky billionaire hung up on his ex-wife, an ingenue singer with a wisecracking mouth; art, music and sin in the city of Los Angeles.

Critics have dubbed the books “poetic,” “literary,” and “hauntingly atmospheric,” which is flattering enough for her to put it in a bio, but embarrassing enough for her not to tell her husband, or he might think she’s some sort of braggart who’s too good to give the toilets a once-over every couple of weeks or chop a cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (39)

2a
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:
  
Hard To Come By by Laura Kaye
Heat by Penny Reid
CODA by CD Reiss
     
My Reviews Last Week:
  
Confess by Colleen Hoover (my 5 star review)
Starter Wife by Moriah Densley (my 4 star review)
The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa (my 5 star review)
     
What I'm Currently Reading:

Cruel Summer by KR Conway

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Stacking The Shelves (101)

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!
  

For My Kindle:
  
CODA by CD Reiss
Capturing Peace by Molly McAdams
Hard As You Can by Laura Kaye


eARC Goodness:
 
Heat by Penny Reid
Cruel Summer by KR Conway


Used Book Finds:
 
The Vault by Emily McKay
Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

Friday, March 20, 2015

Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

The Forever Song (Blood of Eden, #3)
The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa
(Blood of Eden #3)
April 15, 2014
393 pages
Genre: YA Paranormal, Vampires
Contains: Strong language, violence, some sexual references
Source: eARC and Personal Purchase

Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

Monster.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

THE FINAL HUNT IS ON.


The Forever Song is the epic conclusion to Julie Kagawa's captivating Blood of Eden trilogy. I had put off reading this for a while because I was equally nervous of how things would end, and sad that this storyline would end. Where things left off in The Eternity Cure, I was completely heart-broken for Allie, but I also knew there was going to be a lot more in store for her where Sarren's games and torture were concerned. And I was right. But being right doesn't make the read any easier. See, Allie does a lot of soul-searching here. Now, many would say as a vampire she has no soul. But she does. As long as she works for it, fights for it, and doesn't forget who she wants to be. Not the monster people assume she is. Watching her struggles was hard, watching her stumble was hard, but watching her overcome her obstacles and find herself was worth it. And this struggle in turn allowed her to be ready for the pain she would face, but also be the strength that someone near and dear to her would need in a big way.

Kanin and Jackal are also along the ride, forming Allie's odd family unit. I enjoyed their interactions and how Kagawa used such differing characters in such cohesive ways. Even in their agree-to-disagree moments, I could feel the odd love/like/tolerate relationship between them beyond just the bond of blood. Then throw in Sarren's surprise, and this unit really knows how to pull together. They are tested in a myriad of ways. And I completely loved them all and how Kagawa developed their characters, their relationships, and their vision of the future.

As for the Sarren storyline, evil incarnate that he is, I figured there would be an epic showdown of some sort at some point. But the road to Sarren was bloody, stomach-turning, and seriously disturbing at times. Whatever made this dude so evil should never happen again, because Sarren is one seriously messed up guy. But what I found truly fascinating in this story is that the battle between good and evil came down to characters that most would have deemed all evil. In this world, all vampires were supposed to be evil and soulless. Yet humanity's future rested on the consciences of vampires, and "good" vampires choosing to do the right thing, even if in the end some would still not recognize them for it. 

Overall, Blood of Eden is a gritty, bloody, violent series, but also a story of fighting for what's right, overcoming prejudice, not giving up on hope, being your best self (even if that self is a vampire), failing and triumphing, becoming family, and finding true love. And The Forever Song was the amazing conclusion I was hoping for. Another incredible series from Julie Kagawa. 



Blood of Eden series: