Meli Mel's Book Reviews

I love chatting about books, eye candy, book boyfriends. I also really love reviewing books and meeting new people. To contact me, message me on Goodreads. bit.ly/16L4zof

Exquisite (Exquisite Series)

Exquisite (Exquisite Series) - Ella Frank image
4 JUICY PEACH STARS

Dr. Lena O'Donnell has been living her life safely for the past nine years since her sister died in a car accident. She is tormented by an unbearable guilt and sorrow since she was driving when it happened. She has a fortress built around herself for self preservation and is purposely a raging b*tch to keep people from getting too close. That is until she meets Mason Langley, who is determined to break those walls down.

I was really feeling for Lena because the events that took place that resulted in her sister's death was beyond her control yet she still felt guilty. She was guarding her heart tightly from everyone so she would never feel that crushing loss again. So from the beginning I was rooting for Mason, to help her come out of her shell and finally LIVE.

I really got into this story from the start because they did not fall all over each other the instant that they met. In fact they pretty much disliked and annoyed the living hell out of each other, despite their mutual attraction. I was kind of surprised Mason would "manipulate" Lena into their first date, considering how prickly she was. Once she was finally allowing herself to live and be herself I found I really liked her. She was funny, intelligent, and very kindhearted.

Mason was the owner and chef of the restaurant 'Exquisite', who was known for being a womanizer. He was very charming with his dimpled smile, witty, very easy going and stubborn. He knew something about Lena was different from any other woman he had ever met. Mason didn't give up until he was able to crack her shell and finally revealed the real beautiful her. No matter how much she pushed him away.

I loved seeing the characters have a connection that felt real. Unfortunately after Mason 'saves' Lena, the table turns with the death of Mason's mom. Now Lena has to save Mason from his self destructive grief. I did wince at some things that were said towards the end by an angry Mason but I guess it was understandable considering the circumstances. I was very glad at how much Lena grew, because of that, she was able to not give up on Mason when now he was pushing her away. Their journey was a long one and quite emotional toward the end but their HEA ending was a really satisfying one.

The sex scenes were very steamy. Especially the no contact bathroom scene. The only thing I thought was weird was his kink with Lena's hair. Otherwise STEAMY!

Overall I thought it was a great sexy read and would reccommend it. Looking forward to Shelly's book.

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Favourite Quote:
“My dad once told me that one day I’d meet someone who drives me so crazy I want to strangle her and yet never would because I can’t bear for her to be gone. Well, that’s when I’ll know I’ve met a woman worth keeping.”
Divide & Conquer - Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban *Finished Buddy Re-read with Amanda and Melissa on March 3/13*


After getting closer and having a semblance of a relationship from their experience in the cruise, they wanted to try for real. Well now months later it seems their work related obligations is getting in the way. Especially when a string of robberies is related to a series of bombings that seem to be directed at Ty and Zane, and the people of the city think the police are lacking at their duties.

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I can't say enough how much I LOVE LOVE Ty and Zane, pretty much addicted. I want nothing more then for them to be completely honest with each other and finally have a relationship without holding back.

I said it about the last book but this is the best one so far. The suspense in this one really grabbed me, especially when Ty couldn't find Zane. My heart was pounding. Then there was the never-ending banter between them that never seizes to make me laugh, it's so Hilarious! Even when it's in the form of texting :) AHH and I was SO sad about the Bronco :'( , poor Ty.

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Zane did frustrate me in this one more. He just has to analyze and over think everything. He just couldn't admit to himself that he loves Ty. When he FINALLY did tell Ty and I was freaking glowing with happiness :D

The sex between Ty and Zane was EXPLOSIVE!! The door sex, the make-up Sex, the quiet sex... FREAKING HOT AND BEAUTIFUL!! TY showed his jealous side and how possessive he can get, LOVED IT.

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Ty had to deal with coming out to his recon buddies. I felt for Ty especially after Owen's reaction. But I was not expecting Nick's. I kind of feel bad for Nick and hope he finds someone.

The ending had me FREAKING out. WHY DID IT END LIKE THAT?? What did that mean??? WILL THEY GET THEIR HEA?? Abigail Roux has left me WANTING MORE of Ty and Zane.

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Ty Grady
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Zane Garrett
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Grounded (Up In The Air, #3) - R.K. Lilley I think I fell in love with Mr. James 'Beautiful' Cavendish. It took me til the third book because he was too intense for me. I did like him I just didn't LOVE him before. He was his sexy mercurial Alpha self but we got to see a more sides of him which I enjoyed. I was swooning so many times, he just says the most perfect things and showed Bianca with actions as well. I was completely melting at one part in the book he was so damn romantic.

I also enjoyed the growth in Bianca. She was always resisting the relationship not wanting to commit nor give her heart completely. So awesome to see her finally to allow more in her heart besides Stephan. Oh god, the part with her father had my heart pounding. It was scaring me, I didn't know how it would end.

Stephan is the BESTEST BEST FRIEND EVER. I wish he was my best friend. It was so touching seeing how close and strong Stephan and Bianca's friendship was and how they truly loved each other. I am so happy he got a HEA with Javier, he really deserved it. Oh and there were parts in his POV which I loved.
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The sex was HOT for sure. Although I didn't like some scenes too much. I just felt like James was sometimes too rough. The earning of the 'Red Wings' part, It was uhh...and just woah...yeah left me speechless. I am pretty sure I was blushing.
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The Epilogue was AMA-FREAKING-ZING. It did not dissapoint at all. I was so happy I couldn't hold back my smile.
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Now I am highly anticipating Tristan and Danika's story, I hope it is as good as Bianca's and James' :D I wonder if Lana and Akira, and Damien and Jessa will get one too?
Hot Ticket - Olivia Cunning I think this is probably the BEST book of the series so far.

It was not your typical story of boy meets girl, boy and girl can't keep their hands off each other, boy and girl fight, boy and girl make up. There was never a separation period that involved Jace and Aggie disagreeing. I liked how Jace's story interlaces with Sed and Jessica's story. We finally know where Jace was when Trey was in the hospital. This story starts from when they all go to a strip club for Brian's Bachelor party.

I didn't know I would but I fell in love with Jace. He was sweet, quiet, shy, yet quite strong, defiant, and passionate. His excessive blushing was freaking adorable. He was always the quiet one of the group that never craved the lime light. All he wanted to do was play music which he was passionate about. The reason he decided on becoming a musician was really heart warming for me. Jace has a tragic past and demons to get over that have been tormenting him. His story was really heart breaking. I really wanted to hug him SO bad, even though he'd probably like being whipped more :/

I really loved Aggie (aka Mistress V). She was not annoying, immature, or stupid. Aggie was a dominatrix and stripper who gave Jace the bite of pain he needed. Aggie knew there was more to him behind that wall he built than what he showed. Her upbringing was also not the best which is why she was not interested in a relationship with Jace or any man. She just lives in the now and tries not to plan the future but she can't seem to stay away from Jace. She becomes Jace's only support system and never gives up on him. They both give each other what they need in order to move on.

There was some hilarious banter between band members in this book, especially from Eric. And of course the sex scenes were HOT HOT HOT like the previous books. There were also parts where I kind of felt bad for Trey pining for Brian. So I wonder what his book will be about.

I am looking forward to reading Eric's story. He was quite endearing even though I disliked him before for being such an asshole to Jace. But now I am intrigued by him even though he is still an annoying horn dog LOL. The bromance between Jace and Eric was just awesome *smiles*.

Oh yeah and Jon the ex bassist... FREAKING DOUCHEBAG!

JACE
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AGGIE

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Lover Reborn - J R Ward AHHH... I FREAKING LOVED IT!!

I have to admit I wasn't sure how I was going to feel with Tohr moving on, But it was freaking Awesome. I am so glad the story was told over a long span of time so he didn't just move on from Wellsie so quickly. I DID want him to move on, I mean I was hurting for him for his grief and hated him being self-destructive. I am so happy that he ended up with No'one/Autumn, I really liked her. They both had to move on and grow in their own ways and did so with help from each other. I did get freaking pissed at Tohr sometimes for being a JERK. But he redeemed himself in the end.

Lassiter, the fallen angel, played a bigger role in this book. I had already liked him from the previous books but Damn if I didn't LOVE him in this one. Lassiter was freaking Hilarious and just Awesome! I'm really hoping he gets a book.

John Matthew and Xhex where having problems seeing eye to eye. I was totally feeling for them and where their relationship was headed. But it did get better for them in the end. I also enjoyed Xhex and No'one/Autumn forming a relationship as mother and daughter. Makes me so Happy :)

Xcor from the Band of Bastards and Layla? I'm hoping the B.O.B. turn good. I mean when fighting Lessers the more the merrier, true. I want Layla to be happy so I wonder if something will occur between them.

The ending had me in a panic for a moment there. It was a WTF moment I just could NOT believe was happening. How much more did Tohr have to suffer! I was freaking tearing up. There was a happily ever after though. Now I can't wait for the next installment. I WANT ME SOME QUAY!! :D
Dark Soul Vol. 5 - Aleksandr Voinov 4.5 Stars ***Review for Complete Series***

WOW this was REALLY good.


Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.

Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.

I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.

This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.

The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
Dark Soul Vol. 4 - Aleksandr Voinov 4.5 Stars ***Review for Complete Series***

WOW this was REALLY good.


Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.

Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.

I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.

This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.

The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
Dark Soul Vol. 3 - Aleksandr Voinov 4.5 Stars ***Review for Complete Series***

WOW this was REALLY good.


Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.

Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.

I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.

This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.

The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
Dark Soul Vol. 2 (Dark Soul, #2) - Aleksandr Voinov 4.5 Stars ***Review for Complete Series***

WOW this was REALLY good.


Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.

Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.

I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.

This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.

The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
Dark Soul Vol. 1 - Aleksandr Voinov 4.5 Stars ***Review for Complete Series***

WOW this was REALLY good.


Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.

Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.

I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.

This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.

The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
Dark Soul: The Complete Collection - Aleksandr Voinov 4.5 Stars

WOW this was REALLY good.

Stefano is a mafia boss who is having a turf war with the Russians. He needs help and Silvio Spadaro is a hired hitman sent to him to help him with that problem. Stefano finds himself desiring Silvio even though he is happily married and loves his wife Donata. But going against his urges becomes too difficult and he doesn't want to let Silvio or Donata go.

Once I started I seriously couldn't put it down. I found myself utterly intrigued by the attraction between Stefano and Silvio as well as them as individuals. Silvio was a hired assassin who was freaking scary for sure but also pulled at my heart strings for his vulnerability, sometimes his childlike behaviour (e.g. puppy *melts*), his lack of emotion and wanting to belong.

I enjoyed watching Stefano change throughout the book. I found he felt real to me in the way he questioned his sexuality and not being ready to act on it. I also loved how loving a person he was and how he handled the situation with his wife. I loved Donata, she was a great character as well. Stefano's acceptance of Silvio was REALLY heart warming.

This story was dark and there were some disturbing parts (e.g. incest) that is definitely not for everyone. But I have to say it was written in such a way that even though what was happening was wrong it never overwhelmed me. Everything that occured was written in a respectful way.

The ending was just PERFECT by staying true to the characters and not making it sappy. Aleksandr Voinov did a wonderful job writing this story. I LOVED IT!! I wish there was more!
Provoked (Dark Protectors, #5) - Rebecca Zanetti And so it continues...

It has been about six years since Jase Kayrs has been kidnapped by the Demons. Kane Kayrs has found a demon destroyer and may be his only hope in finding and saving Jase. Amber Freebird is a vegan pacifist and completely oblivious to Kane's world. When they are together they can't help the attraction between them, but Amber is afraid Kane is a loon when he reveals he is a vampire.

I have been putting off this book and then I realized I had it so I finally read it. I was excited to read Kane's book because from the previous books he seemed sweet even though he was kind of stoic.

Kane has always been the smart one with his zillion degrees in a drawer somewhere as well as the rock to the Kayrs brothers'. He would do anything for his family to make sure they are safe and protected. He has always been ruled by logic and thinks everything has to have an explanation and evidence or it isn't real. This is why he doesn't believe "love" exists. Then he meets Amber Freebird and starts to feel possesive and a whirl of feelings he has never felt before. He finds himself confused as to what that means.

Amber was the opposite to Kane. She believes in fate, love, no war, no testing on animals, and is vegan. She is strong when she needs to be and true to her beliefs. She kicked ass without compromising her pacifist status so I really liked her because of that. She was really caring and kind of mischievous. I liked the fact that she doesn't settle for less than she thinks she deserves or lets Kane push her around.

I was really heart broken at all that Jase Kayrs had endured during that time. I really felt for all of them and how guilty the brothers felt for not being able to find him.

I loved the epilogue. I have been waiting to read Janie's book since it started and she was a child. Janie Kayrs is now 20 years old and seems to be up to something involving Zane and Kalin. I can't freaking wait for that book! I have a feeling Rebecca Zanetti will not let me down and it will be Amazing. I want MORE! Now to wait for the next one.
Hearts and Llamas (Chocolate Lovers, #3.5) - Tara Sivec I can never get enough! I loved the Chocolate lovers series because I loved all of all the characters in it. They are all so funny in their own way and this short didn't disappoint. Valentine's Day has never been more entertaining. Can't wait to read Gavin's book.

For You (The 'Burg Series)

For You - Kristen Ashley 3.5 Stars

Lieutenant Alexander Colton and February Owens were high school sweethearts. Feb broke up with Colt without an explanation. Years later, Feb is beaten by her husband Pete and Colt is there to teach him a lesson. But soon after that Feb runs away. Fifteen years later she returns to help out with the family bar. Everyone wants them to be together because they were meant to be. Colt wants in but Feb has put a huge wedge between them. Then Feb finds a body and more start showing up along with a note claiming it is all for her. Colt is there to protect Feb and the attraction between them has never faded.

This was a crazy book mostly because of the psycotic killer. The man was freaking cray-cray. All events revolving the killer were exciting but also quite disturbing. I just couldn't stop reading because of the suspense. I just wish it would have sped up a bit to the good parts because some parts were dragged on. I was also left wanting to know more about the killer after the climax.

The characters Colt and Feb had suffered alot of injustices in their lives. Learning about their history and how their split came to be was really heart breaking. I loved that they got the opportunity of a second chance after twenty years of separation. They freaking deserved it! I also very much enjoyed the rest of the characters and how close they were. There was a Happily Ever After that had me smiling in the end. It was a good read overall.
Fish & Chips  - Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux *Finished Buddy Re-read with Melissa and Amanda on March 1/13*


Keeps getting better and better *sighs*

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Zane and Ty are back on the job after what happened on the mountain in the last book. They must go on a Caribbean cruise and usurp an openly gay married couple named Corbin (Zane) and Del (Ty) Porter, who are part of a smuggling ring. Things don't go as planned with someone trying to kill them and get difficult when they cannot locate their back up.

I could probably read about Ty and Zane all day and not get bored of those two. With each book I love Ty and Zane more. It was just TO entertaining to watch them be comfortable with each other in public because they could. Ty was funny as always and affectionate with Zane, LOVED IT. Zane had to be alpha and possesive of Ty which I also LOVED. Their relationship has definitely grown in this book because they finally moved on from being friends with benefits to 'more'.

I was in a happy haze throughout the book because they couldn't stay away from each other. They kissed alot, hugged alot, touched alot, amongst other things...(which was freaking HOT). They were also learning about each other more. Their trust is growing and solidifying. They were just TOO freaking adorable and still love their banter. I was grinning like an idiot in the ending it was so sweet. Can't wait to read the next because I can't get enough of Ty and Zane.

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Zane
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TY

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The Reluctant Dom - Tymber Dalton,  Lesli Richardson Oh My Gah...THIS BOOK REALLY HAD ME BAWLING. *sniff*

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Seth and Kaden have known each other since birth. They always had a strong bond with one another, more than best friends or family. Seth thought he knew everything about Kaden's life until Kaden reveals he is dying of pancreatic cancer and wants Seth to takeover as his wife's (Leah) Dom when he passes. Seth never knew about Kaden's bdsm lifestyle and doesn't think he can be a Master. But after Kaden reavels to Seth the reason's for Leah needing him, Seth finds himself not being able to refuse.

This was not a traditional love story. Its a story about love, a love that is so deep it has no boundaries. Their relationship isn't conventional but it was just so right and felt perfect. You also get a better understanding to the different bdsm lifestyles. The book was in Seth's POV, so you were able to go along with him and feel his inner turmoil with the predicament in which he finds himself in. It was so hard to fight the tears for me as time progressed and I watched Seth suffer looking as Kaden's health worsened. I was really sobbing, my heart really hurt for all of them. I ended up liking all the characters so much and getting use to seeing how much they belonged together that the loss literally felt real.

The story really wasn't at all about the kink but how it was used for emotional release, which is explained in the book. After finally being able to show their love for each other, they had to learn how to grieve and still stay intact. Watching Seth and Leah both trying to cope was also heart wrenching. The ending was very beautiful though and just Loved how much the characters grew from their experience. Kaden really won my heart though, he was dying yet was probably the strongest and most selfless character, he truly was a rock for them. This wasn't just a crying book there were sweet moments and a few that made me laugh. It was WONDERFULLY well written and I HIGHLY recommend it.