Meli Mel's Book Reviews

♥♥♥ 5 Heart Mutilating Stars ♥♥♥

I AM BAWLING AND SHAKING! WHEN WILL IT STOP? *SOBS UGLY TEARS*

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“You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel.”

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I don't think I can even write a review after reading this tragic heart wrenching story. All I know is I will be remembering this book for a long time.



Forbidden is a story of 'forbidden love', a love between brother and sister. After, their father abandons them and their alcoholic selfish mother is too preoccupied living her life than caring for her children, Lochie and Maya Whitely are left to care of their siblings. Lochie is a seventeen year old boy, he is an intelligent and mature but everyone thinks he's a freak. He doesn't talk. The thought of talking to anyone besides those in his family frightens him and makes him ill. The only one that supports and understands him is Maya. She has always felt more than a sister to him, she is his best friend.

Soon they find that being surrogate parents to a rebelious thirteen year old --Kit, an energetic young boy --Tiffin, and an attention seeking baby sister --Willa, is too much for them to handle. They find the support they need in each other to make sure that their family doesn't fall apart. As their mother shows up less and less, and with little money for food, bills and clothing, they must go under the radar because they are at risk of Social Services separating them if they knew. While all of this is happening, Lochie and Maya find comfort in each other and very slowly start to fall in love with each other.



What a story! Even though, I may not agree with it or understand completely the relationship that Lochie and Maya had, I found myself rooting for their love. I started to question what I was brought up to think was right and wrong. I felt so conflicted, I knew what my mind was telling me to think, but my heart was telling me that they should be allowed to love each other. They weren't harming anyone. Everything they did was consensual. The heart wants what it wants, they had no control over it. So, how was it so wrong?

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“How-how can we make it against the whole world?”

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“At the end of the day it's about how much you can bear, how much you can endure. Being together, we harm nobody; being apart, we extinguish ourselves.”

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The characters felt so real to me. I loved Lochie, with his awkardness and sweetness. He did have a temper that sometimes come out of nowhere, but I understood why. He had been putting up a brave face for everyone, keeping his emotions inside, that it was bound to come out the way it did.

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“There are no laws, no boundaries on feelings.We can love each other as much and as deeply as we want.No one, Maya, no one can ever take that away from us.”

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Any hurt they felt, I felt deeply aswell. I came to really care about Lochie and Maya, I wanted them to get over their fears and be successful in the future. I wanted them all to be a happy family. I didn't want to see them all ever be apart. I wanted their love to triumph.



I loathed the, so-called "mother" for not being a part of their lives anymore. I couldn't fathom how she could just leave them, how she couldn't care if they were hurt or had any accomplishments. I hated their father for never checking on them, now that he had a new family. I just don't get how they could be so heartless. I really HATED them both.

I was saddened for the three younger siblings. All they wanted was a family that would love, listen, and understand them. I was at first upset by how Kit would lash out at everyone. But he just didn't know what else to do with all the feelings he had inside. He was still a kid after all.

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“Everyone else is permitted to have what they want, express their love as they please, without fear of harassment, ostracism, persecution or even the law. Even emotionally abusive, adulterous relationships are often tolerated, despite the harm they cause others. In our progressive, permissive society, all these harmful, unhealthy types of 'love' are allowed - but not ours.”

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The ending was absolutely devastating. My heart ached from being shattered and beaten so badly. I couldn't breathe. I kept crying my eyes out. Why did it have to end that way? But the story was just so wonderfully written, it was able provoke such strong emotions and thoughts from me. If you decide to give this a try, my advice would be to be prepared with many boxes of tissues. You're gonna need it.


~Buddy read with Pervy Melissa, Pavlina, and Rosa~

♥♥♥ 5 Heartachingly Beautiful Stars ♥♥♥



~Arc provided by Author in exchange for an honest review~



Take Care, Sara is a story about heartache and loss. It is about overcoming those thoughts and emotions that made you feel so lost, alone, and worthless. By letting go, and finding a reason to stay strong. So you can move on and learn how to live and love again.



It has been a year since Sara's world was turned upside down. You probably wouldn't know it, though, by the way Sara still mourns the loss of her husband Cole like it just happened. She lives in a constant state of depression and doing the most mundane of tasks takes up too much energy for her to accomplish. This is what she has turned into, a sorrowful zombie. When the memories and feelings become too hard to bear, one call has the power to calm her down some. One call from the only person she has left, Lincoln, Cole's brother.

Lincoln can't take it anymore. He refuses to see what Sara is doing to herself. She no longer resembles the warm, kind woman that she use to be. She hasn't died, she is still alive. So now it's up to him to push her limits until she can let go and finally live her life like she is suppose to. But Lincoln has been hiding something from her for a long time and the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for him to not show her how he feels.




This story was so beautiful! I was an emotional wreck for most of the book so I want to warn you in advance, you will need to have a box of tissues at hand! The story was very well written. I was able to connect with Sara and feel every single emotion she had. I had never felt such a loss for a character I've never even met, but I was able to, I was grieving Cole's death. The journey that Sara goes through in order to move forward felt like I was going through that journey along with her. I thought it was perfectly paced, it made it that much more believable to me, including the characters.

"I'd do anything for you, Sara." Lincoln's head lifted. "You have to know that."

She did. Sara closed her eyes, nodding. "I know."

"I'll always be here for you, no matter what . Even when you don't want me to be. Even when you don't think you need me to be, or you don't think you deserve me to be. I'll never leave you."

I loved, loved, loved Lincoln. He was super supportive, selfless and always there for her to make her smile. He never gave up on her, no matter how many times she pushed him away. I seriously don't know what Sara would have done without him. He was going through the same grief she was but he was able to hide it from everyone better than she was. Yet, he still sacrificed himself in order to ensure that she would be okay. Even though it was hurting him to be so close to her without being able to show her how he truly felt for her. He really was a wonderful character. *sigh* All he wanted was to be understood and be seen by her.



Overall, it was an amazing heart wrenching read but it also made you reflect on life and it helped as a reminder to always cherish those loved ones around you. I ugly cried so much, but I also couldn't help but smile during some scenes. The story was told in Sara's POV and I thought the transition from present to past was done so, seamlessly. I loved how much Lincoln and Sara needed and took care of each other. It was so great to see them find happiness and become somewhat healed. The ending was so beautiful and sweet. I loved it and I would definitely recommend it to everyone.

♥♥♥ 4 SENSUAL STARS ♥♥♥

"A favor for a favor."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Pleasure for pleasure. Truth for truth. Injury for injury. Equally given, equally received."

Billie Cort is a reporter for a magazine called Illicit. She is working on an article about expensive male prostitues, and in order to do that she must do some research. She is told to go to Avalon, a high-end private club where she is to interview the best of the best, Adrian. The attraction is immediate once she lays eyes on him, and it seems like Adrian is also feeling it too.


Adrian. *sigh* What can I say about Adrian? He was über swoony, sexy, and charming. I have never shivered so much in my life just from reading what Adrian said and did to Billie. He was one hell of a seducer and I found myself falling under his spell.

"She wasn't the kind of woman who could give away sex without giving away her heart, and he liked that in her, that vulnerability....Maybe, at the very bottom of it, he knew a whore - even a high-priced one - didn't deserve a woman like Billie. She was reality, gritty and truthful and tangible. He... he was a phantom born out of... imagination."

"Looking at Billie, touching her, tasting her, had filled him with a wanting fiercer than any he’d known. For the first time, he was faced with something he couldn’t truly have, because of what he’d become.”

He was intrigued by the innocence that he saw in Billie and at first all he wants is to give her a taste of what he can do. He is so closed off though, that he lets no one know the real him. Billie has the power to make him lower his defences and view his vulnerabilty. Soon, he starts to fall for her because she accepts and sees him as he is, the person, not the escort persona he plays. He starts seeing the things he could have had in his life, but might no longer be able to have. He feels like like he is no longer worthy of anything good, like love, especially from a woman so wonderful as Billie.

In another time, another place, he could have loved this woman. He could have deserved her love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Your eyes are a dead giveaway. You’re starving, Billie. For love. For sex. For attention. Who denied you all these things?”

Billie wants to understand Adrian more. She wants to find out who he is. She is the first woman to ever say no to Adrian. She isn't a one night stand kind of woman but resisting Adrian proves hard for her. When everything he does drives her hormones into chaos. All she wants is for him to accept that he has feelings for her as well. And to also see the wonderful things she sees in him.




I really enjoyed every moment of this book. The teasing, the seduction, all of it had me not wanting to put this book down. Adrian was so sexy and yummy and normal, definitely not your typical severely broken male main character. Still, he was not perfect. Billie, may have been innocent in some ways but she sure knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to voice it and go after it.

“What are you doing to me?” he groaned against her lips, his voice feverish and hoarse. “Whatever it is, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop touching me. Don’t ever stop loving me…”

“I can’t stop,” she replied, her words shaken as she clutched his hair and stared up into his eyes. “I don’t know how.”

I loved seeing these characters help each other learn more of themselves. The whole book was full of a good dose of steam. The only thing I felt lacking in this book was the ending. There was a HEA but it was a bit rushed and it really left me wanting more, so I was disappointed. I would have liked there to have been an epilogue or something. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.

***5 I CAN'T BREATHE, WIPING TEARS, STOMACH CRAMPING STARS***



OMG! I am SO glad I decided to see what all the fuss was about with this book. I FREAKING LOVED IT! Being in Drew's head was absolutely FUN and HILARIOUS! IT IS A MUST READ!

“I’ve never seduced a woman before.
Shocking, I know.
Let me clarify. I’ve never had to seduce a woman before, not in the typical sense. Usually it just takes a look, a wink, a smile. A friendly greeting, maybe a drink or two. After that, the only verbal exchange involves short, one-word phrases like harder, more, lower… You get the point.”

Drew is a wealthy arrogant playboy that is use to getting his way. He doesn't work to get a woman to sleep with him because he is so handsome and charming that women practically beg him to sleep with them. On a weekend out on the town, he sees a woman that he needs to know, Katherine Brooks. He wants her bad and isn't unsettled by the fact that Kate is engaged because her body language is screaming that she is very much interested. Still, Kate turns him down and he finds out the next day that she is his new co-worker and his father has asked him to take her under his wing. Let the hilarious sexiness begin.

“…You and Kate. It’s obvious you have a thing for her.”

“Yeah I do have ‘a thing’ for her. An extreme dislike of her. We can’t stand each other. She’s a pill. I wouldn’t fuck her with a ten foot dildo.”
Okay that’s not true. I’d so fuck her. But I wouldn’t like it.
Yeah you’re right. That’s not true either.

++++++++++++++++++++

“She looks like some mythical imp, some fabled pagan sex deity from a Roman legend. Or a well-acted porno.”

I loved Emma Chase's writing style. I was hooked just from the opening lines. It was all completely in Drew's POV and I could not get enough of reading all of the inner ramblings of Drew's mind. The things that came out of his head... some were borderline offensive but you can't help but think it's so true. You should see how much I highlighted this book! It was quite refreshing to read how honest he was. Obviously the inner workings of a woman's and man's mind differ but I enjoyed and was fascinated being in a man's mind. I didn't want it to end!



Drew was a bit of a jerk and sarcastic, but really sexy and in then end, you really can't say no to him. He was irresistible and swoony. I want to have your babies! haha! I loved how he started to change and was falling for Kate. He was a freaking idiot at one point, though. Still, I LOVE YOU!!! The way he was trying to make her fall in love with him had me sighing and laughing all at once. When he does something, he goes all out. I loved it!

“God, she’s beautiful. I mean, look at her. She’s like a volcano going off—fierce and fiery and breathtaking. If she doesn’t find a way to ugly herself down, I’m going to be spending an awful lot of time pissing her off. Which might not be such a bad thing in the end. Angry sex is awesome.”

+++++++++++++++++

"Edward Cullen can take his stupid heroin and OD on it. Kate is my own personal brand of Viagra."

+++++++++++++++++

“She’s not just perfect – she’s perfect for me.”

I even really liked Kate. She was intelligent, kind, fiesty, and sexy. She was not afraid to be herself or work hard to get what she wants. I loved that she wanted to be independent because of how she grew up. My only complaint would be, HOW COULD YOU NOT SAY YES TO HIM, YOU CRAZY WOMAN?! Other wise, I think she kinda kicked ass.

“If we’re going to work together, Drew, I think we should get a few things straight. I’m not your sweetheart. My name is Kate — Katherine. Use it. And I’m not a kiss-ass. I don’t have to be. My work speaks for itself.”

++++++++++++++++

“It makes me want to kiss her and strangle her at the same time. I’ve never been into S&M, but I’m beginning to see its benefits.”

In fact all the characters were very entertaining in their own way.
Mackenzie - So freaking adorable with her little swear jar and the questions she would ask.

“Uncle Drew?”
“Yes?”
“Is you gonna die alone?”
I smirk. “I don’t plan on dying for a long time, honey.”
“Momma says you gonna die alone. She tol’ Daddy that you gonna die and it be days till a cleanin’ lady find your rottin’ corpse.”

+++++++++++++++++

“I don’t think Uncle Matthew can come, Momma. He been too busy bein’ pussy whipped. Wha’s pussy whipped, Daddy?”

"The Bitch" aka Alexandra, his sister - Was supportive and mean all at once. She kind of reminded me of my relationship with my younger brother. So I thought that was brilliant.

Matthew - He had a few hilarious lines that were really great.

“Delores is a gorgeous name, for a gorgeous girl. Plus it rhymes with clitoris … and I really know my way around them. Big fan.”

Seriously, no character got on my nerve. I also need to mention that the sex scenes in his POV, were also really good! *fans self*



I had so much fun reading this! I laughed, giggled, snorted, rolled my eyes, sighed, swooned and smiled so much my cheeks were hurting by the end of it. If you want a book that will lift up your spirts, this is it! It was so AWESOME!! I can't say enough about how much I LOVED it!! I am hoping that another book like this will be written by Emma Chase and hopefully coming out soon! *fingers crossed*

"Now my life is a mess. In a good way. A giant unpredictable web of screw-ups and make-ups. Frustration and tenderness. Annoyance and affection. Lust and love. But that’s okay. Because as long as Kate Brooks is tangled up in that web with me?
Well, I can’t imagine anything fucking better than that."

I'm not lying... the quotes could go on...

***3 Stars***


~Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review~




Nineteen year old Lisanne Maclaine is at college studying music, which is her passion, and economics, which her parents insisted she take. In her economics class, she will have to partner up with another student to work on a project. When she is told that her partner is Daniel Colton, she can't believe she is going to partners with him. The guy every girl seems to want.

Daniel Colton is known for his bad boy reputation. Rumor has it he sleeps with a different girl every day, get into fights, and deals drugs. Everyone is quick to judge him because of his tattoos and piercings, but not everyone knows the real him or the big secret he hides.



I absolutely loved "The Education of" books from Jane Harvey-Berrick. I love her writing and in Dangerous to Know & Love I thought we still had good quality writing. The reason I didn't love this book was because I felt like I couldn't really connect with Lisanne. It started off pretty good but a bit slow. I was intrigued by Daniel from the start and wanted to know more about him. After finding out about Daniel's secret, I thought things would get more interesting. Which it did, somewhat, but not enough for me to really want to keep reading. I am sad to say that I almost DNF this book.



Daniel was an inked, pierced, harley driving, smoker and I loved him. I couldn't stand all of the judgment he recieved from everyone. Especially from Lisanne's family. It became really annoying. Just because his house is party central pretty much 24/7 and his older brother Zef deals, they assume he does as well. Daniel was angry and defensive most of the time but I really didn't blame him, epecially when you learn about his past and what he's lost, it was really sad. Getting to know more about Daniel was the most enjoyable part of the book for me and seeing him overcome his struggles. I loved that he was mature enough to want to become a better person and his wonderful dirty mouth.



What I ended up not liking at all was Lisanne. I know she was a nineteen year old virgin, but she acted way younger than that. She would overreact and have tantrums. She would also assume things without talking about it first. She was one of those that judged Daniel from the start until she got to know him. The drama was too much for me and this is why I had difficulty continuing. The only thing I did like about her was that there were a few times where she actually stood up for Daniel. I just wished she would have been a more stronger and confident character and less naïve.

This one may not have worked for me, but I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Jane Harvey-Berrick. I suggest you give it a try, you might enjoy it more than I did.

***4 Mind Exploding Stars***


I really don't know what I just read. I have never felt so many emotions from reading one book, but the strongest was definitely hate... Holy Crap did I freaking HATE!! I mean, I REALLY wanted to do bodily harm to Tony... slowly... UGH, I feel crazy!

"Experience: is the most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my god, do you learn." --C. S. Lewis

Okay... deep breath.. here I go. The story starts with Claire Nichols, she's just an average twenty-six year old woman. She use to work as a meteorologist but then was let go with a lot of other people when the Channel was sold. One day working at a bar, she meets an attractive charming man, Anthony Rawlings. His name is familiar to her but she doesn't know from where. He somehow was able to get her to go out on a date with him where he is kind and attentive, very gentlemanly until she wakes up and realizes she has been abducted. At this point, I'm already feeling scared.



Anthony 'Tony' Rawlings sets his rules straight from the start. He beats her, rapes her, and abuses her mentally just as he did to her physically. She is kept in a suite in his mansion for a long period of time until he slowly starts ease up on her confinement. Tony is a manipulative, controlling, mental, sadistic monster, and also a really intelligent man. And I loathed him for it. He was so freaking scary about him requiring to always have control and how she needed to follow his rules or there would be consequences, which were mostly brutal and violent. But he explains to her that not all her actions have negative consequences, some can be very rewarding, if she behaves correctly.

Follow my rules: number one, do as you are told, do not divulge personal information, actions have consequences, appearances are of vital importance, and public failure is not an option.

I was so frustrated with Claire. I wanted her to do so many things that could have given her a chance to escape but she didn't do it. I know that she was scared and that all his torments is what made her compartmentalize everything so that she could survive. I felt so bad for her and I kept rooting for her to find a way to escape. I hated that she stayed and I couldn't stop screaming at her to leave, while she had the chance!

To the rest of the world, Anthony Rawlings is a mega-successful self-made billionaire who donated to charity, is always perfectly presented and never puts a foot wrong. To Claire Nichols, he is her captor. Her abductor. Her tormentor. And also the man she is falling for.

The first part of the book, had me completely hooked. I couldn't put this down, even when the events that took place were terrible. This book wasn't without flaws, however, I felt like somewhere after Claire's accident to about 75%, felt a little drawn out with too much facts on their daily lives that I didn't think was really needed and it wasn't able to hold my interest like the first part. But it all changed once we got to 80%. OMG!! I was a complete 'freaking out' mess!



I seriously could not believe what was happening. I didn't see this coming at all. I had a feeling and ideas that were somewhat accurate of what would happen, but how could I not see this coming? I felt fear, anger, frustration, sadness, revulsion and more anger from reading this. All I kept screaming was HOW COULD HE FREAKING DO THIS TO HER, THAT @!%^$^*&!! I did a lot at screaming at my poor Kobo. We will both be needing a lot of therapy after this.

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life. Define yourself. -- Harvey Fierstein

That ending was really mind blowing! I've got to say, I give props to Aleatha Romig for being able to evoke so many emotions from me. I can't wait to read the next one, but I will be definitely taking a break for awhile. I was just left completely drained! I like the change that we see in Claire in the end. She is finally independent and getting stronger. Is it bad that I am kind of happy that she may be a little evil now? I am so excited to see how Claire will come back to get revenge! Mwahahahaha!

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

****4.5 Heartbreakingly Beautiful Stars****

"When you look at me like that, I--" Jesse shuddered. "--I'd almost risk anything."
Trip gave in and pressed his lips to Jesse's palm. "Go, before I do something stupid and kiss you."

Jesse Reagan's life hasn't been exactly easy. He is a closeted gay living in a small town with his sister Joclyn and her five year old son Jeremy. His best friend's --Eric Cantrell-- brother --Trip Cantrell-- comes back to town after leaving their small town as soon as he graduated. Jesse has always had a big crush on him and now finds his feelings for Trip rekindling but he's not sure Trip feels the same way.

Trip is also a closeted gay, who has come back to his roots after living an unsatisfying life in the city. He feels like something is missing but he doesn't know exactly what it is. When he sees Jesse, the attraction for his younger brother's best friend is intense. He doesn't know for sure if Jesse may be interested in men but Trip is willing to find out.

When things seem to be finally going well in Jesse's life now that Trip is in it, they recieve another blow. Joclyn once again has cancer. Jesse doesn't think he can handle a relationship and risk being discovered as well as take care of his sister and her son. But then they find out that someone has been keeping a secret.



A Beautiful Lie was truly a wonderful story. When I read the blurb I thought I would get a sweet story with a bit of heart ache about two guys falling in love but I didn't expect what I got. Yes, it was sweet but it was also so heartbreaking, and very steamy! I was able to connect with the characters from the start and didn't want to put it down. There were also some twists in the plot that made it very entertaining.

"I think Jesse's probably the most amazing guy I've ever known... I'd probably fall more in love with him than I already am."

Jesse was an overall great guy. He was supportive and caring to those that are important to him. He had to deal with a lot at his young age, with taking caring of his sick sister and helping raise her son, but he never complained about having those responsibilites. I thought he really deserved to find his own happiness and I was so happy he found it with Trip. It was so sad to see him find out the truth and I totally understood why he would be so angry.

"Jess, I'll be here as long as you want me."
Jesse eased backward and sat on the bed. "Good, because I've never wanted you more than I do tonight."

Trip I really loved! He was the one most affected by the lie and I liked the way he dealt with it. He was strong, loving and a really big person for being able to forgive. I felt it was so unfair all that was kept from him. I also didn't like how Jocelyn acted towards him when it wasn't even his fault. I don't think he deserved it. I loved watching him fall in love with Jesse, though, it was really beautiful!

Eric was the "never going to grow up" best friend. He was super funny and a very laid-back guy. He never really had a family growing up and felt alone once Trip left town. So now, the only family he knows is Jesse, Joclyn and Jeremy and he would do anything to protect them. I really liked him from the start but I did become annoyed with him a little bit because he was turning really selfish. I know he was just really confused about all the emotions he had kept hidden for so long and I ended up really liking him once I knew why.

Jocelyn I felt bad for because of how her life seemed to be surrounded by tragedy, but I didn't like the way she seemed to manipulate everyone. I thought she was brave and tough for pretty much raising herself and her brother Jesse. I don't know how she could do it. She was the one keeping a big secret from everyone and I don't like that she kept that from everyone for so long. I just didn't understand her judgement and anger towards Trip. I think she should have let people make their own decisions. Still, I found her to be a good character.



Overall, it was an amazing m/m read. It was really high in the steam department and the story was really fantastic. I definitely recommend all those m/m readers give this a try.

****3.75 Stars****




I know so many people absolutely loved this book, but I unfortunately was not one of them.

I loved Beautiful Disaster! I loved the story and the characters-- especially Travis Maddox. I usually really enjoy reading the male POV of a book and Walking Disaster was not the exception. I loved getting into Travis' head and understanding him better. But... I felt like some parts were a bit too rushed and not described well enough.



It started really great. I really loved the Prologue, it was painful to read , but then the rest of the book was just okay. There were moments where I had difficulty connecting with him 100% because it felt more like I was being told what was happening or what he was feeling rather than me actually being able to experience it. So I was a bit bummed out about that.



There were still the few times where I was actually able to connect and my heart was breaking for him. Seriously, it was shatterd and in pain, I deperately wanted to console him. I hadn't realize how much he was truly hurting and suffering for Abby. So I am so glad I got to see that. I didn't like however, how annoying and mean Abby seemed to be in this book. It made me wonder how Travis could fall in love with her, if this was how she was being portrayed. I remember really liking Abby in the first book. So, I'm not sure why she was really b*tchy in this one when I know she isn't like that.

I really loved Shepley and America. I wanted to know more about what happened with them in the epilogue but they didn't show up in it. I loved seeing Travis interact with his family and how supportive they were with each other.



Just because I didn't love this book, does not mean that I no longer love Travis. Even though he behaved like a d-bag at times, Travis will always have a spot in my heart. I really liked the Epilogue, it was great to see where they ended up and it left me needing more. I don't think you should this book right after Beautiful Disaster, because you will be reading pretty much the same story, so wait some time before you do. I think you should read the first one for sure, though, because the story is told in a much more interesting way and with more details.



Overall, I don't regret reading it, but I guess I was just expecting more of a in depth view of Travis. I needed more. I still think you should give this book a try because it might end up being better for you. I recommend this book to all of those Travis fans out there that just can't get enough of him.

I haven't read a historical romance in quite a long time. Really... I think it has been close to a year. I don't know why I stopped, but then I decided I wanted to go back to it. I am so glad I picked Never Seduce a Scot, because I loved it!


The Montgomerys and Armstrongs are enemy clans that blame each other for the death of their loved ones. As time passed, their hatred and thirst for revenge grew, but the king was not willing to let them feud any longer. He decides that Eveline Armstrong and Graeme Montgomery must marry in hopes that the war between them ends. They have no choice but to obey the King's orders.

Eveline Armstrong is the only daughter of Tavis Armstrong, cheiftan of the Armstrong clan. She suffered an accident years before that resulted in Eveline never speaking again. Everyone thinks she is touched and daft but the truth is, she has lost her hearing and doesn't mind what people are saying about her. This is because at the time of her accident, she was set to marry Ian McHugh, a man that had everyone believing he was a very good man when he was not. Many times he came to Eveline and spoke of all the ways she would suffer once they were married. So Eveline pretended to be what people called her in order to get out of the marriage.



Eveline was such a great character. She knew that she wouldn't be able to get out of her marriage with Graeme like she did with Ian, but she would do it for her family. When she arrives at the Montgomery keep, she is hated instantly because of who she is. There are glares everywhere she looks and obscene words said to her, but she is determined to find a place in the Montgomery clan and to be accepted. The women of the clan were the worst towards her and I loved that she never lost that goodness inside, even when they were downright cruel to her. She did show her anger but she never became vengeful towards them. It was at those times that she showed how strong of a woman she really was. She was also an intelligent and sweet person.

But neither of them had been given a choice in the matter and in Eveline's mind it was better to make the best of a bad situation. She liked Graeme. The more time she spent in his presence, the more she grew to like and even respect the man he was.
He'd been kind to her and he'd shown her understanding. Any man who could do that with the daughter of his most hated enemy was not an evil man.

***************

"I do not regret having to marry you," she said gravely.
"I do not regret our marriage either, Eveline."

Graeme Montgomery is the chieftan of his clan. He has had nothing but hatred for the Armstrongs since he blames them for the death of his father. He can't believe that he has to marry Tavis's crazy daughter. When he sees Eveline for the first time, he is struck by her beauty and finds that he can't blame her for the sins of her kin. He later sees the intelligence in her eyes when he speaks to her for the first time and starts to realize that the rumours may not be true. He is determined to protect and to care for her as she deserves. He slowly starts to fall for her and is disapponted and angry that his clan is treating Eveline so badly and that he can't control it.

"Why do you stare at me so?"
"Because you're the most beautiful woman I've ever had the pleasure of looking upon."

*****************

He wanted her wholly to himself. By his side. In his bed every night. In his arms... She was a ray of sunshine on the dreariest of days. She filled a hole he hadn't even thought occupied his heart.
He couldn't let her go.

Graeme was a super swoony highlander. If I ever had to have an arranged marriage, I would want it to be with Graeme *sigh*. He was a fair, kind, caring, and protective man. I really loved seeing them fall in love and not caring about which clan they came from. The pacing was just perfect, and all of the moments they shared were truly heart warming, that it actually had me melting. It was really beautiful!

"I love you, Eveline," he whispered, though he knew she could not hear him. "Somehow, I'll make you hear me and you'll know that I love you as fiercly as it's possible for a man to love a woman."

I loved the story, the main characters were very lovable, and even the secondary characters were great. The plot was also very interesting and never had me feeling bored. Now, I can't wait to dive into Bowen's story! If you are looking for a good highlander book, I really recommend this one!

OMG!! I CAN'T BELIEVE MY EYES! THE SEQUEL!?!









I CAN'T WAIT!! *Bounces up and down!*

***5 "I Love You Will!" Stars***




This book picks up where the last one ended. Layken and Will are spending their honeymoon loving each other and reminiscing about all the bumps they hit on their journey to be together. But this time, it's in Will's POV.

"Layken Cooper, I love you. I've loved you since the second I laid eyes on you and I haven't stopped loving you for a second since."
-- Will

I didn't think it could be possible, but it was done. I LOVE WILL COOPER MORE THAN BEFORE!! You are simply the best! ♥

"You want to know my sweet?" I ask her.
She nods.
I kiss her on the forehead. "You. Always you."

I finally understand what was going on in Will's mind in Slammed. There were moments where he was driving me crazy because he kept giving mixed signals, but now that I understand, I think he was so Swoony, Sweet, and Perfect! I really enjoyed how it went back and forth from present to past. It actually worked really well without it becoming annoying.

"...But then...
Then this girl...
Holy hell, this girl...
This girl smiled at me.
A look that cut straight to my core and pierced through my heart like a million of Cupid's arrows...
Straight...
Into...
My heart" -- Will

You get to learn about how he lost his parents and how he felt in that moment. How he dealt with his sudden responsibilies. You also get some insight on how his relationship with Vaughn, the ex girlfriend, was like and how she broke up with him. I desperately wanted to hug him here! I mean he just lost his parents! Come on... who does that!?! You get to see the talks he had with Julia, Layken's mom. He truly respected her and wanted what was best for Layken and her family. It was really great to be able to see that.

A boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, and undeniably in love with.
In love with?
That's what she said.
In love with. As in present tense.
She loves me.

The epilogue was just so amazing! I loved it! Just so freaking beautiful! You will fall in love with Will Cooper more than you ever thought possible. A perfect ending to the series. I definitely recommend you read this, especially to all those Slammed fans out there!

~Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review~




***4 Sweet First Love Stars***




After Tuesday is a story about a girl named Ruby. She is a seventeen year old girl, who pretty much lives alone. Sure, her father resides in the same house as her, but it's like he isn't even there. He is a walking zombie consumed by his addiction, while Ruby has to watch and at times be a parent to him. She justs wants to turn eighteen so that she can finally move on with her life.



One summer, Ruby becomes friends with Lexi. Ruby isn't one to have friends because she doesn't want nor trust anyone to know about her life. Then, she meets Brent, the hottest guy at school. He had never noticed and now he seems to be very interested in her. Brent likes Ruby and he wants to know everything about her but he can tell she is holding something back. She doesn't want to be hurt like she is by her dad, but she can't stop what she is feeling for Brent so she gives as much of herself as she can.



I loved the story. It was very sweet to see Ruby and Brent's relationship grow. It was like experiencing your own first love all over again. Ruby's life wasn't easy but she still held herself tall and tried to give herself a better life without having much support at home. She became strong and independent because of that. When her father was passed out from his addiction, Ruby was there to pick him up and take him home. She was such a great teenage character.

Something's happening, and it's beyond my control. I feel different around him. When I'm with Brent, I feel a sense of comfort, and when he isn't around, I feel nerves and longing. I want to be with him. I want to see him.

Brent I loved! He was really sweet and caring to Ruby. He wanted to get to know her completely and wanted to support her in any way that he could. He showed her what love could be like. I thought he was also a wonderful character and quite mature as well. You get to see them both grow and learn together and it was realistic to me in the way that they handled situations. In the end they are just teenagers and still have a lot to learn about life.



I very much enjoyed the story and the characters. I really liked Lexi too. She was such a great best friend who never turned her back on Ruby. The timing of all the things that happened, I think were just right. It was a very well written YA book that had love, friendship and heartbreak. I definitely recommend all you YA lovers out there to give this a read. A big Thank you to Renee Ericson, for allowing me to read your book.

***5 Brilliant Stars***




Skybound takes place during World War II. Felix is an aircraft mechanic, who has secretly admired Baldur Vogt -- a flying ace.

If the world ends tomorrow, how will I go? Without ever having risked anything, or having done the one thing I can't stop thinking about?

***************

I want to learn his body, find every pleasure it’s hiding. All this reverence and simple awe I feel when I touch him, feel his breath brush my skin. Whatever he calls this, it feels so very precious to me.

***************
We race towards something so amazing and precious it strikes me dumb with its immenseness. I lose every sense of myself, every thought, there's just emotion and utter fulfillment.

The writing was stunning and amazing!! I can't say enough about the writing! I don't even think I can even write a proper review for this. I absolutely loved it! The story was told in Felx's POV. It was a really short read but it was written so well, that I felt so many emotions during its short length. I teared up! The descriptions of everything going in World War II had me melancholic, but seeing them being able to love when they were caught in the middle of it all, was beautiful. It was just brilliant and beautifully well done by Aleksandr Voinov.

***4.5 Stars***

"Why are you looking at me?" --Evie
"Because I like your face." --Leo

Evie met Leo when they were children in foster care. When they felt like they were completely alone, they had each other. They started out as friends but soon their love started to grow. Leo is getting adopted and moving away soon. Leo promises to reunite with Evie when she turns eighteen and make the life they have dreamt of building together. Evie promises to wait for him for those four years it takes to be together again. But Evie never hears from him again. He never wrote to her like he promised and when she turns eighteen, he never came back for her.

"I'm going to kiss you now, Evie, and when I do, it's going to mean that you're mine. I don't care how far away from each other we are. You. Are. Mine. I'll wait for you. And I want you to wait for me. Promise me you'll save yourself for me." --Leo

Eight years later, she is working two jobs and lives in a small apartment by herself. She has made good friends and is doing well for herself. Suddenly she notices that a man is stalking her. She finally decides to confront him. The stalker, Jake, reveals that Leo is dead and sent him to make sure she was okay. Evie is hurt that Leo has died but also that he never came to look for her before his death. Jake doesn't seem to want to stay away from her and she is attracted to him, but she knows that he is keeping something from her. That still didn't stop Evie from taking a chance and getting into a relationship with Jake.

"I knew it'd be like this with us," he says smiling bigger.
"You did, did you?"
"Yup. Knew it the first time I kissed you."
I smile at him and lean up to kiss his lips gently.

I really loved this book! I admired Evie for how she didn't end up being a stereotype and failing to live on her own after she was thrown out of the system. She worked two jobs, as a server and a hotel maid, to pay her bills and wasn't ashamed of it. There were a few things that still bothered me, though, like how fast she seemed to be falling for Jake. I just thought they jumped into a sexual relationship to quick when she was saving herself for Leo. I know he was dead but she didn't feel any guilt or gave it any thought, while I felt like she was slightly betraying him. But I did love how caring and sweet she was, like how she made cookies for her neighbours and the bed time stories she would tell her friend's little daughter.

I point at his shirt. "World's Greatest what? I ask, trying to rein in my laughter.
"Oh, this?" he asks, pointing to his chest. "It's all inclusive. World's Greatest Guy, World's Greatest Lover, World's Greatest Cook," he motions to my pasta when he says the last part. "You name it I'm the greatest."

****************

"You're mine now, Evie. Say it," he whispers.
My hand stills and I look him in the eyes. "I'm yours, Jake," I whisper back.

Jake was a total alpha and I loved it! He has just become the owner of the family business because his father has passed away from a blood clot that resulted from a heart attack. I really liked him from the start but I didn't really trust him 100%. I knew from when Evie noticed some of the odd ways he was acting, that he was hiding something. He seemed to really care about Evie but then I couldn't help but feel suspicious of him. He was keeping a secret and he wanted to find a way to finally tell Evie his truth.

And in the end, I had jumped. And the other side was just as glorious as her eyes had promised.

It was a very well written and beautiful story. There were a few moments that Jake reminded me of a Kristen Ashley hero, which was not a bad thing, I really enjoyed it. I loved Evie's friends, they were so great and supportive towards her. I was so sad to read what had ended up happening to Leo after he was adopted. I can't even imagine him going through all that but now I understand why he never came back for Evie. The HEA ending was really beautiful and just really heartwarming. I can not wait to read Leo's book. I am really excited!

***4 Sexy Man-Eating Stars***





"I've been building a dream."

Dr. Shelly Monroe has had it with dating men who only use her. So, she broke it off with her boyfriend, who was only interested in her money, and decided to date men that are successful in their careers. Joshua Daniels has always dated women that were sexy as sin but after his ex used him for money and cheated on him, he decides to only date women that are sweet and calm. When these two meet to be part of Lena and Mason's wedding, the attraction is instant and they are exactly what they swore they would never date. They both know it's dangerous so they are determined to not get involved with each other.





"You're making it so easy to fall for you, Josh," she whispered.
His arms tightened around her as he replied softly, "Is that such a bad thing, Georgia?"
Shelly placed a palm on his chest and felt his heart beating strong. "I'm not sure yet," she told him.

Shelly "Man-Eater" Monroe, aka Georgia, was intelligent, confident, feisty and knows exactly whats she wants and isn't afraid to show it. I really loved Shelly, even though there were some parts where I got a bit pissed off at her and I wished she would see reason, but I still really liked her. She wasn't perfect and had suffered because of her parent's relationship but hid it behind her 'brave face'. She wanted someone who wasn't looking to be taken care of by her, but someone responsible and independent. Shelly is Lena's best friend and Maid of Honor. When she sees Josh all she can think is that he is absolutely Delicious. She wants him and fighting the attraction proves to be difficult. So, she suggest they make a deal, to sleep together with no strings attatched.





"I'm so lost in you, Georgia. I don't even know where you end, and I begin. You feel so f*cking amazing. I want to stay here forever," he professed softly.

Josh "Delicious" Daniels, is sexy and charming. He is the owner of a construction company and quite successful at what he does. He is ready to settle down, build a home, and start a family, but he seems to be choosing the wrong kind of women. Josh is Mason's old best friend and has just returned to Chicago. He is hired by Mason to do some renovation on his restaurant, Exquisite. When he sees Shelly, he knows that she will eat him alive and burn him to a crisp. He is attracted to her stunning beauty but also to her intelligence. There is no way he can say no to her when she proposes they have a deal. Soon, he finds he wants more, he justs needs to make her see that he can be the right man for her.




"You have a body that’s made to pound a woman into her bed. So, I’m really hoping you can live up to that."

The sexual tension between these two was through the roof. It was really high in steam. The relationship doesn't really start to build until Shelly asks Josh to accompany her to Georgia to visit her family. They both realize that they weren't exactly what they were expecting. Josh meets "Georgia", another side to Shelly where she is carefree, relaxed, and sweet. Shelly sees Josh and didn't think anyone could really care about her or look at her the way he does. I really fell in love with both of them. I wanted them to be together as a couple because they were just perfect for each other. Shelly came to some conclusions and pretty much ran away from him before things got too serious. There was a long separtion time, but I felt it was necessary in order for Shelly to grow. It never really bothered me, except that I was anxious for these two to get back together. They have both fallen for each other. Now time will tell if they will reunite because they are meant to be or never see each other again and move on.


"Why can't you hurry up and decide what you want? It's killing me not having you with me," he growled




"How can you not see how good we'd be together and how much I would love you?"

The ending was so beautiful! I loved it! I was smiling so much and I didn't want it to end. The epilogue was amazing as well. I loved the writing, the characters, and the story. It was different from the first book, Exquisite, and I think that is why I really liked it so much, It wasn't similar. The next book seems to be totally different as well. Now, I am anxiously awaiting to read Rachel and Cole's book. I am really intrigued by these two. I can't wait!

~Arc Provided by Author in Exchange For an Honest Review~


****3.5 Stars****




Maggie Sanders is now running her mother's bookstore, after being honorably discharged from they army for her leg injury. One day, she notices a book and it intrigues her. She opens it only to learn that it is in Latin and she can't read it. Frustrated, she pushes the book aside and accidentally cuts her finger and her blood falls onto the open book. Without knowing it, she has just summoned King Arthur.

King Arthur has been imprisioned on Avalon with his wife Gwen, Lancelot, and his men for an undefined long period of time. He was standing in his room when all of a sudden, he finds himself being pulled towards his wall length mirror. Everytime that he has been summoned, he had to kill or almost died. He has been wanting a change from his mundane everyday life but he doesn't know if this was exactly what he had in mind.

Maggie doesn't know what just happened. One moment, she was standing in her bookstore, everything in order, and the next everything is in utter chaos and there is a large muscular naked man just lying there. Arthur wants to know why she summoned him and Maggie just thinks he is an escapee from the loony bin. But then, Merlyn shows up asking if she would please take care of Arthur while he figures out what happened. She agrees and soon they find themselves falling for each other.

"Good start. You're Arthur. Now, what do you want? Why are you here and why are you naked?"
"To be honest, I don't know why I'm here. I am naked because that is how I always arrive, never really questioned why."

****************

He worked very hard, treated her with respect, and he was amazingly good looking. She could come to like this man, which instantly made him dangerous.

I thought it was a good twist on a classic. The sex scenes were really steamy and entertaining because Arthur had no idea about what acts were done in the twenty first century. I enjoyed the character's reactions to each other. There were some funny moments as well. The only thing I can say is, I wish it was longer. Overall, it was a good short read!